Where else can one find divinity literally in the air and the mysterious mountains telling their tales? No, it is none other than Adi Kailash. Also known as “Chhota Kailash,” this holy peak in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand is, in fact, not only a trekking destination but a replica of Mt. Kailash in Tibet.
For those of us hooked on the great power of the Himalayas, no other place than Adi Kailash can provide such a high level of spiritual energy. The road to the border has been made better so this so far unthinkable pilgrimage is now within the reach of those who want to have an unforgettable experience of their souls.
The Inner Line Gate
Since Adi Kailash is located at the very border of the Indo-Tibetan border, you cannot just spontaneously go there. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a must. This is not an ordinary document; it is your pass to a highly sensitive and protected area.
Where and How to Get Your Permit in 2025
While the permit issuance process has been made easier, it still demands the applicant’s patience. The permits are generally given out at the SDM Office in Dharchula. Your requirements are as follows:
- Government ID: Aadhaar Card or Passport.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: A medical doctor must issue it (this is a necessity for bringing proof that you are fit enough for high-altitude)
- Police Verification: You can obtain this from your local police station or at Dharchula.
- Photos: Don’t forget to bring 4-5 passport size photographs.
Pro Tip: A great number of registered tour operators will take care of your permit application and so, you don’t have to waste a whole day standing in government queues.
The Trail
The trip is a kind of a transformation from the green Kumaon hills to a high-altitude rocky desert covered with glaciers. The majority of people choose to start the expedition from Kathgodam which is the door to the Kumaon area.
The 6-8 Day Standard Circuit
- A drive through oak and pine forests from Kathgodam to Pithoragarh.
- Dharchula: This is where you get your permits and get acclimatized to the altitude.
- Gunji/Nabi Village: You will be crossing the beautiful Chiyalekh meadows. Here is where the air becomes thinner, and the views get sharper.
- Jolingkong & Adi Kailash: The last leg of the journey. By the BRO, you can almost drive all the way to the base from where it takes about 2 4 km of walking to reach the sacred Parvati Sarovar.
The road is quite rough – imagine local Boleros bouncing over glacial streams – but the thrill is just part of the whole experience.
Spiritual Highlights
The mountain can be seen as the main character, but equally, the story of the Vyas Valley and its spiritual treasures could be taken right off the Puranas.
Om Parvat: The Nature's Miracle
One of the sights on the way to Adi Kailash will certainly be Om Parvat. The “ॐ” (Om) symbol is naturally formed by the perfect snow settling in the cracks of the black mountain. When one is standing at the Nabhidhang viewpoint and sees that mark of white against the blue sky, it is a moment that even the most experienced traveler cannot help but be humbled by.
Parvati Sarovar & Gauri Kund
Parvati Sarovar is right at the foot of the Adi Kailash. It is so calm that it becomes the perfect glass reflecting the peak. Gauri Kund is not far from the place where worshippers immerse themselves in the icy water to cleanse their inner self. A profound silence here makes you almost automatically go into meditation.
When to Make Your Trip
You can’t go without considering the timing. You have two periods:
- From May to June: The climate is friendly, the flowers of rhododendron decorate nature, and there is no fresh snow on the path.
- From September to October: The air after the monsoon is so clear that you get the most amazing views of Om Parvat and Adi Kailash.
Stay away from July and August if you value your safety because the Pithoragarh roads are known to be severely affected by landslides during the monsoon.
An Expedition for the Inner Being
It is not just placing a tick on a list of destinations that Adi Kailash is about. The warmth of people in Nabi village, the view of the Kali river murmur accompanying you, and the internal change that occurs when you face a mountain that has been revered for thousands of years are what it actually is.
