A Sacred Himalayan Pilgrimage to Adi Kailash (6191m) and Om Parvat Near India-China Border
Adi Kailash Yatra (also known as Chota Kailash or Mini Kailash) is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage to Adi Kailash peak (6191m) and the famous Om Parvat in Pithoragarh district, near the India-China border. The yatra is considered equivalent in spiritual merit to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and attracts pilgrims seeking blessings of Lord Shiva.
The pilgrimage route starts from Dharchula and passes through breathtaking high-altitude terrain, remote villages like Gunji and Naabhi, and the iconic Om Parvat — a mountain whose snow naturally forms the shape of the sacred Sanskrit symbol "Om." The yatra covers about 150 km over 10–12 days, passing through Jolingkong Lake (a high-altitude sacred lake at the base of Adi Kailash). Pithoragarh is the main base for all arrangements and the starting point for most Adi Kailash packages.
May to June and September to October. The route is closed in winter (November to April) due to heavy snowfall.
Nearest railway: Kathgodam (196 km). Taxi to Pithoragarh.
Bus to Pithoragarh; then bus/taxi to Dharchula for yatra start.
Pithoragarh is the base (196 km from Kathgodam). Yatra route starts from Dharchula (92 km from Pithoragarh).