Adi Kailash & Om Parvat, with a local Bade Bhaiya by your side

Summit ≈ 5,945 m · Darshan point Jolingkong ≈ 4,500 m

Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash)

Its shape closely resembles Mount Kailash in Tibet, which is why pilgrims call it the "first" or "little" Kailash and revere it as Lord Shiva's home on the Indian side of the border. At its foot lies Parvati Sarovar, a still lake where the peak reflects on calm mornings.

• Parvati Sarovar and the small Shiv–Parvati temple on its bank
• Gauri Kund, a glacial pool reached by a short walk
• Views of Pandav Parvat and the old Kuti village on the way

Summit ≈ 6,191 m · Viewpoint Nabhidhang ≈ 4,100 m

Om Parvat

Seen from Nabhidhang, the snow settles on this peak's dark rock face in a shape that reads as the sacred syllable ॐ. It sits close to the Lipulekh Pass on the old Kailash–Mansarovar route, and the marking is clearest after fresh snowfall.

• Kalapani, the source of the Kali river, with its Kali Mata temple
• Vyas Gufa, the cave linked to Maharishi Ved Vyas
• Clear views on most mornings in the season; clouds build by afternoon

≈ 2,734 m · Chaudans valley

Narayan Ashram

A peaceful ashram on a forested ridge above Tawaghat, started in 1936 by Narayan Swami after his own Kailash–Mansarovar yatra. It has a temple, a silent meditation hall, the Swami's samadhi and flower gardens and apple orchards, with wide views over the Kali valley. We stay here on the last night, on the way back from the Darma valley.

Base camp ≈ 3,960 m · Darma valley

Panchachuli & Darma Valley

Panchachuli means "five stoves": five snow peaks where, in local belief, the Pandavs cooked their last meal before heading to heaven. From Dugtu village in the remote Darma valley, a gentle walk of about 4 km along the river takes you to the base camp, right beneath the peaks.

Photos taken on our own yatra. The ॐ marking on Om Parvat shows most clearly once the heavy spring snow starts to melt.

1. DAY1

   Pithoragarh → Dharchula

   ≈ 92 km3.5–4 h915 m

   Pickup in Pithoragarh in the morning. Drive past Ogla and Askot, then down to Jauljibi where the Gori and Kali rivers meet. In Dharchula we complete the medical check and Inner Line Permit paperwork together. Evening walk to the Kali river bridge facing Nepal.

   Stay: Hotel, Dharchula · Dinner

2. DAY2

   Dharchula → Gunji

   ≈ 80 km5–6 h3,200 m

   The most scenic drive of the trip. The road climbs through the Kali gorge via Tawaghat, Malpa and Budhi, then opens onto the Chhiyalekh meadow with the first big Himalayan views. Past Garbyang village we reach Gunji. Rest early and drink plenty of water.

   Stay: Homestay, Gunji / Napalchu · Breakfast, dinner

3. DAY3

   Adi Kailash darshan

   ≈ 36 km each way1.5–2 h4,500 m

   Early start up the Kuti valley to Jolingkong. Darshan of Adi Kailash at Parvati Sarovar, puja at the Shiv–Parvati temple, and an optional short walk to Gauri Kund for those feeling strong. Back to Gunji by afternoon.

   Stay: Homestay, Gunji / Napalchu · Breakfast, dinner

4. DAY4

   Om Parvat darshan

   ≈ 20 km each way1–1.5 h4,100 m

   Drive toward the Lipulekh side via Kalapani, where the Kali river begins, with a stop at the Kali Mata temple and Vyas Gufa. At Nabhidhang, view the ॐ marking on Om Parvat. Afternoon free in Gunji to rest or explore the village.

   Stay: Homestay, Gunji / Napalchu · Breakfast, dinner

5. DAY5

   Gunji → Darma Valley

   ≈ 115 km6–7 h3,050 m

   A long but beautiful drive. Down the Kali valley to Tawaghat, then up along the Dhauliganga river via Sobla into the remote Darma valley. Reach Dugtu village by evening, with the five Panchachuli peaks rising right above it.

   Stay: Homestay, Dugtu · Breakfast, dinner

6. DAY6

   Panchachuli base camp → Narayan Ashram

   ≈ 8 km walk≈ 65 km drive3,960 m

   Early start for the walk to Panchachuli base camp along the Yuli stream and back (about 4–5 hours, optional for those who prefer to rest). After lunch, drive out of the Darma valley and up the forest road to Narayan Ashram in time for the evening aarti.

   Stay: Narayan Ashram guest rooms (or nearby homestay) · Breakfast, dinner

7. DAY7

   Narayan Ashram → Pithoragarh

   ≈ 125 km5–6 h1,645 m

   Morning visit to the ashram temple, the Swami's samadhi and the gardens. Then drive down via Tawaghat, Dharchula and Jauljibi to Pithoragarh. Drop at the bus stand, Naini Saini airport or your hotel by evening. Yatra complete. Har Har Mahadev!

   Includes: Breakfast