One of the Most Sacred Himalayan Peaks Where Snow Permanently Forms the Shape of the OM Symbol
Om Parvat is one of the most sacred peaks in the Himalayas, standing at 5945 metres in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand near the border with Tibet and Nepal. The peak derives its divine name from the remarkable natural phenomenon where permanent snow on the mountain face forms the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol OM (ॐ) — clearly visible from the Nabhidhang viewpoint on the Adi Kailash yatra route. This extraordinary sight draws Hindu pilgrims and trekkers from across India who consider viewing Om Parvat a deeply auspicious and spiritually transformative experience.
Om Parvat is visible from the Nabhidhang camp on the Adi Kailash / Chota Kailash pilgrimage route, which starts from Dharchula. The trek to the viewpoint typically takes 3–4 days from Dharchula via Gunji and Nabhidhang. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for this route as it passes through sensitive border areas. The peak lies within the Kumaon Himalayas and the surrounding landscape of glaciers, high-altitude meadows and dramatic mountain vistas makes the journey itself a profound experience.
May to June and September to October for the yatra season. The OM symbol in snow is best visible in October–November on clear days. Route is closed in winter (December–April).
Nearest railway: Tanakpur (151 km to Dharchula). Trek via Gunji to Nabhidhang.
Bus/taxi to Dharchula; shared jeep to Gunji; trek to Nabhidhang viewpoint.
Dharchula (94 km from Pithoragarh) is the base; jeep to Gunji (60 km).