Visual Diary
The Yatra in Pictures
Sacred Himalayan Expedition · Two Departure Options · Max 12 Participants
Adi Kailash — also revered as Chota Kailash — is a sacred peak in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, strikingly similar in form to the great Mount Kailash of Tibet. It carries immense spiritual weight for pilgrims who seek the divine without the arduous cross-border journey. Rising alongside it in spiritual significance is Om Parvat — a snow-clad peak whose natural snowfield forms the sacred Om symbol (ॐ), visible with the naked eye from the Nabhidhang viewpoint.
This is not two separate journeys. Adi Kailash and Om Parvat share the same route, the same sacred valley, the same soul. Both destinations are woven into a single expedition — a pilgrimage through pine forests, ancient Bhotiya villages, high-altitude meadows, and glacial silence.
ItsHimalayas offers this expedition in two packages tailored to your starting point: Delhi ↔ Delhi (7 days) or Kathgodam ↔ Kathgodam (5 days). Same mountains. Same experience. Choose what suits you.
Snow naturally forms the sacred Om (ॐ) on this peak — visible with the naked eye from Nabhidhang
The sacred glacial lake at 4800m mirrors the divine Adi Kailash peak in absolute silence
Journey through one of Kumaon's most dramatic river valleys carved over millennia
Visit the 1000-year-old Shiva temple at the base of Adi Kailash, a living pilgrimage site
Pass through remote Gunji and Nabi — among the last inhabited high-altitude Bhotiya settlements
Spot Himalayan Monal, snow leopard tracks, Himalayan blue sheep & rare alpine flora
Sunrise on snow peaks, pristine gorges, prayer flags — every turn is a frame worth keeping
Zero light pollution at altitude — the Milky Way in its full, staggering glory above you
Select your departure package below to see the detailed day-by-day plan.
Depart Delhi by overnight train or road to Kathgodam / Haldwani — the gateway to the Kumaon Himalayas. The train journey is scenic and comfortable; recommended trains include the Ranikhet Express or Kathgodam Express. Arrive late evening, check-in at guesthouse.
Stay: Guesthouse in Haldwani / Kathgodam | Meals: Dinner
Early morning departure for the long but spectacular drive to Dharchula (~11–12 hours, 420km). The route passes through Almora — a charming hill town famous for the Nanda Devi temple and Chitai Golu Devta temple — where we stop for breakfast and a short walk through the bazaar. Continue to Pithoragarh, the "Mini Kashmir" of Uttarakhand, where the Pithoragarh Fort offers sweeping valley views. From here the road snakes along the Kali river gorge all the way to Dharchula, the last major town before the restricted zone. The drive from Pithoragarh onwards is dramatic — sheer cliffs, turquoise river, Nepal visible on the opposite bank.
En Route Visits: Nanda Devi Temple (Almora) · Chitai Golu Devta Temple · Pithoragarh Fort Viewpoint · Kali River Gorge
Stay: Guesthouse in Dharchula | Meals: All meals
After inner line permit verification at the Dharchula checkpoint, we drive into the restricted zone toward Gunji (~90km, 4–5 hours). The landscape transforms dramatically — the road narrows to a single lane clinging to cliff faces above the roaring Kali river. Stop at Sobla village, famous for its Kali temple and brilliant views of the Nepal Himalaya across the gorge. Continue through remote Sirkha — a Bhotiya village with traditional flat-roofed stone houses. Arrive Gunji, your first real high-altitude stop at 3320m. Meet the warm Bhotiya community; evening briefing on the upcoming trek.
En Route Visits: Dharchula ITBP Check Post · Sobla Kali Temple · Sirkha Bhotiya Village · Kali River Valley
Stay: Guesthouse in Gunji (3320m) | Meals: All meals
The crown jewel of the journey. Wake at 4:30 AM for an early start — the morning light on snow peaks is otherworldly. Drive/trek from Gunji to Nabi village, then begin the ascent toward Jolingkong and the sacred Parvati Sarovar (Om Lake) at 4800m. The trail climbs through moraine fields, glacial streams, and breathtaking alpine meadows. At Jolingkong, the ancient Adi Parvati temple stands beside the still, mirror-like Om Lake — with the full, majestic face of Adi Kailash reflected in the water. This is the moment. Puja at the temple, time for meditation and photography. Return to Gunji/Nabi by evening.
Key Experience: Parvati Sarovar (Om Lake) · Adi Kailash peak views · Adi Parvati Temple puja · Glacial moraine walk
Stay: Guesthouse in Gunji / Nabi (3320m) | Meals: All meals
Before leaving the mountains, we make the pilgrimage to Nabhidhang — the sacred high-altitude viewpoint from which Om Parvat reveals itself fully. The snowfield on the peak naturally forms the symbol of Om (ॐ), visible with the naked eye, often described by visitors as a life-changing sight. Morning drive/short trek to Nabhidhang, time for darshan and photography, then descent to Dharchula by road. Team dinner in Dharchula to celebrate the completion of the sacred circuit.
Key Experience: Om Parvat natural Om symbol · Nabhidhang viewpoint · Clear sky darshan
Stay: Guesthouse in Dharchula | Meals: All meals
Early departure from Dharchula. Drive back along the Kali river valley — the same road, but somehow different now. Stop at Askot Wildlife Sanctuary where Himalayan musk deer, langurs and a wide variety of high-altitude birds are frequently spotted. Arrive Haldwani / Kathgodam by evening. Overnight at guesthouse.
En Route: Askot Wildlife Sanctuary · Kali River Valley views
Stay: Guesthouse in Haldwani | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning drop to Kathgodam railway station or Haldwani bus stand. Board your train/bus to Delhi. Tour concludes with completion certificates for all participants. We look forward to welcoming you back to the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast
Early pickup from Kathgodam railway station or Haldwani bus stand. Begin the long, scenic drive to Dharchula (~11–12 hours, 420km). The route passes through Almora — a charming Kumaoni hill town — where we stop for breakfast at the famous Nanda Devi temple and walk through the copper bazaar. Continue to Pithoragarh, the "Mini Kashmir" of Uttarakhand — the Pithoragarh Fort viewpoint gives sweeping valley views of the Soar valley. From Pithoragarh, the road descends dramatically along the Kali river gorge, with Nepal visible on the opposite bank all the way to Dharchula.
En Route Visits: Nanda Devi Temple (Almora) · Chitai Golu Devta Temple · Pithoragarh Fort Viewpoint · Kali River Gorge Drive
Stay: Guesthouse in Dharchula | Meals: All meals
After inner line permit verification at the Dharchula ITBP checkpoint, we enter the restricted zone and drive toward Gunji (~90km, 4–5 hours). The landscape turns dramatic — a single-lane road on cliff faces above the Kali river. Stop at Sobla's Kali temple, notable for its position on the confluence of mountain streams. Pass through remote Sirkha, a classic Bhotiya village with traditional flat-roofed stone houses and prayer flags. Arrive Gunji by afternoon — your first high-altitude village at 3320m. Evening walk and trek briefing.
En Route Visits: Dharchula Check Post · Sobla Kali Temple · Sirkha Bhotiya Village
Stay: Guesthouse in Gunji (3320m) | Meals: All meals
The sacred heart of the expedition. 4:30 AM wake-up for an early start. Drive or trek from Gunji to Nabi village, then ascend toward Jolingkong and the Parvati Sarovar (Om Lake) at 4800m. The route passes through high moraine fields, glacial streams, and an eerie, beautiful silence broken only by prayer flags and wind. At Jolingkong, the ancient Adi Parvati temple stands at the edge of the still, mirror-like Om Lake — Adi Kailash peak reflected in its waters. This moment is why people come. Puja at the temple, open time for meditation, darshan, and photography. Return to Gunji / Nabi by evening.
Key Experience: Parvati Sarovar (Om Lake) · Adi Kailash peak views · Adi Parvati Temple puja · Moraine walk at 4800m
Stay: Guesthouse in Gunji / Nabi | Meals: All meals
The second pilgrimage of the journey — Om Parvat. Drive/trek to Nabhidhang, the elevated viewpoint from which Om Parvat reveals its sacred snowfield in the shape of Om (ॐ). Clear mornings are the best time; the symbol is visible to the naked eye and has moved every visitor who has stood here. After darshan and photography, we begin the descent back toward Dharchula. Team celebration dinner in Dharchula to mark the completion of both sacred peaks.
Key Experience: Om Parvat natural Om symbol · Nabhidhang altitude viewpoint · Final darshan & celebration
Stay: Guesthouse in Dharchula | Meals: All meals
Early departure from Dharchula. Drive back along the Kali river valley. Stop at Askot Wildlife Sanctuary — ideal for spotting Himalayan musk deer, langurs, and high-altitude birds. Arrive Kathgodam railway station or Haldwani bus stand by evening. Tour concludes with completion certificates for all participants.
En Route: Askot Wildlife Sanctuary · Kali River valley
Meals: Breakfast
All-inclusive pricing — accommodation, meals, permits, guide & transport.
Only 12 participants per batch. Next departures: May 2025, June 2025, September 2025.