Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra: A Full Guide

Adi Kailash Yatra is a trip to a holy place in the Himalayas. It is in Uttarakhand, India. People go there to see Adi Kailash, which looks like Mount Kailash, and Om Parvat, a mountain with snow that forms the shape of “OM”. This yatra is for those who want to pray and see nature. It is near the border with China, so there are rules to follow. The trip goes through high places with nice views of rivers and mountains. Many people join this yatra each year from May to October when the weather is good. In 2025, the yatra starts in April for those with permits. This guide covers all you need to know, like safety, what to pack, and rules.

Route and Itinerary for Adi Kailash Yatra

The route starts from places like Kathgodam or Delhi. It goes through towns like Pithoragarh and Dharchula. From there, you move to higher spots like Gunji and Nabidhang. The full trip is by road and some short walks. Here is a common 6-day plan from Kathgodam. Times can change due to roads or weather.

Day	Route and Details	Distance	Time	Altitude	Key Activities
Day 1	Kathgodam to Pithoragarh	200 km	7-8 hours	5,200 ft	Drive through hills, visit Jageshwar Dham temple. Stay in Pithoragarh.
Day 2	Pithoragarh to Gunji/Nabi via Dharchula	170 km	7-8 hours	10,500 ft	Get permits in Dharchula, see Kali River. Stay in Gunji.
Day 3	Gunji to Nabidhang and back	50 km (round trip)	4-6 hours	14,100 ft	View Om Parvat, take photos of the “OM” shape. Return to Gunji.
Day 4	Gunji to Jolingkong and back	40-50 km (round trip)	4 hours drive + 1-2 hours trek	14,500 ft	See Adi Kailash, trek to Parvati Kund and Gauri Kund. Visit Kuti village.
Day 5	Gunji to Chaukori	180 km	7-8 hours	Lower altitudes	Go down hills, see tea gardens. Stay in Chaukori.
Day 6	Chaukori to Kathgodam via Patal Bhuvaneshwar	230 km	8-9 hours	1,750 ft	Visit cave temple, end trip at Kathgodam.

This plan is for groups. Add extra days if you start from Delhi. The total distance from Delhi is about 1,200 km round trip. Roads can be rough after Dharchula, with some off-road parts. Always check for landslides in rain. Permits are needed from Dharchula.

Is Adi Kailash Yatra Safe?

Yes, Adi Kailash Yatra is safe if you plan well. The area is high, up to 14,500 feet, so altitude sickness can happen. But groups with guides make it safer. Tour companies check health before the trip. You need a fitness certificate to get permits. The roads are near the border, but army checks keep things secure.

For women, older people, and those alone, it is safe. Groups help each other like a family. Tour leaders stay with you. There are medical posts in places like Gunji. Carry pills for headache or nausea. Avoid the trip if you have heart or lung problems. In 2025, rules say age limit is 9 to 70 years. Kids under 9 and people over 70 may not join due to risks. Weather can change fast, so check forecasts. Go in summer for less rain. Tour groups have backup plans for bad weather.

To stay safe:

Drink lots of water.
Walk slow to get used to height.
Eat light food.
Use sun cream and hats.

Many people finish the yatra without issues. Pick a good tour operator for safety.

Are There Any Security Checks During the Yatra?

Yes, there are security checks. The yatra is near the India-China border, so army and police check papers. There are about 10 check posts from Dharchula to Gunji. At each, they look at your Inner Line Permit and ID.

You get the permit in Dharchula on day 2. Bring Aadhaar card, photos, and fitness paper. It takes 15-20 minutes per check. Be patient. Groups go together, so it is easy. No need to worry if papers are right.

These checks keep the area safe. They also record who goes in. Foreigners need extra permits.

Are There Restrictions on Photography?

Yes, there are rules for photos. You can take pictures of mountains, rivers, and temples. But no photos of army bases or check posts. This is for security. Ask guides if unsure.

At Om Parvat and Adi Kailash, photos are fine. Use a good camera for far views. Drones may not be allowed. Follow rules to avoid problems.

What Should I Pack for Adi Kailash Yatra?

Pack smart for the yatra. The place is cold and high, with no shops after Dharchula. Bring warm things, medicine, and papers. Here is a full list in a table.

Category	Items
Clothing	2 pairs thermal inners (top and bottom), 1 fleece sweater, 1 down jacket, waterproof jacket, raincoat, 2 trekking pants, 3-4 full-sleeve shirts, 3-4 pairs woolen socks, woolen cap, sun hat, gloves, muffler, UV sunglasses.
Footwear	Trekking shoes (waterproof, high ankle), sandals for camp.
Trekking Gear	Trekking poles, sleeping bag (for cold), headlamp, water bottles (2-3 liters), power bank, backpack cover, dry bags.
Toiletries	Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towel, tissues, sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen, menstrual products.
Medical Kit	Diamox (for altitude), paracetamol, pain spray, band-aids, antiseptic, ORS, cough pills, personal medicines.
Snacks	Dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates, glucose powder.
Documents	Aadhaar/Voter ID (copies), permit papers, 4-5 photos, fitness certificate, cash, insurance copy, emergency numbers.
Optional	Notebook, camera, trash bag, multi-tool (no sharp), spiritual book.

Tips: Pack light, use bags to sort things. Break in shoes before trip. No new items. Carry cash as no ATMs later.

Is There ATM or Banking Facility Available on the Route?

No, there are few ATMs. You find them in big towns like Pithoragarh or Dharchula. After that, no banks till Gunji or higher. Carry enough cash for food, tips, and extras. About 10,000-15,000 INR per person is good. Cards may not work in small places. BSNL SIM is best for calls, but signal is weak.

Can Yatris Travel Individually or Only with a Group?

You can go alone, but groups are better. The yatra needs permits, and groups handle them. Alone, it is hard with roads and height. Most tours have 30-35 people with a leader. Groups help in emergencies. For safety, join a tour. Individual trips need self-arrange transport and stays, which is tough.

Are Non-Vegetarian Food and Alcohol Allowed During the Yatra?

No, non-veg food and alcohol are not allowed. The yatra is holy, so only veg food is given. Tours serve simple Indian veg meals like rice, dal, veggies. No meat or eggs in camps. Alcohol and smoking are banned as they harm health at high places. They can cause sickness. Drink tea or water. Carry snacks if you need more.

Food is clean and hot. Eat light to avoid tummy issues. Tours handle meals.

What Kind of Clothing is Recommended?

Wear layers for cold and wind. Nights can be below zero. Day time is sunny but cool. Here is a table for clothes.

Type	Recommendations
Base Layer	Thermal tops and bottoms (2 pairs), moisture-wick inners.
Mid Layer	Fleece or wool sweater (1), light padded jacket.
Outer Layer	Waterproof jacket, rain pants, windcheater.
Bottoms	Trek pants (2), track pants, pajamas for sleep.
Accessories	Wool socks (4 pairs), cap, gloves, muffler, sunglasses.

No dress code, but wear comfy things. Cover head and hands for cold. Women can wear salwar or pants. Avoid thin clothes.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Adi Kailash Yatra?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory. But it is a good idea. It covers sickness, lost bags, or cancels. High places have risks like altitude issues or road blocks. Pick insurance for trekking and medical help. Some tours include it, but check. No company covers above certain heights, so read terms. Cost is low, about 500-1000 INR. Get it for peace.

More Tips for Adi Kailash Yatra

Best time is May to October. Avoid winter snow. Cost is 20,000-40,000 INR per person for tours, with stays and food. Book early for 2025. Respect local ways, no litter. See places like Kali temple and Parvati Kund. The yatra gives peace and views.