Until 2019 this yatra meant a trek of roughly 250 km from Dharchula. The Border Roads Organisation has since built a motorable road as far as Jolingkong, so today it is largely a road journey with short walks at the sacred sites — which is why travellers in their sixties and seventies now complete it comfortably.
The sacred sites
These are the reason people make the journey — the peaks, lakes and Mahabharata sites around the Jolingkong basin.
Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash)
The peak revered as the Himalayan abode of Lord Shiva, and the reason the yatra exists. Its resemblance to Mount Kailash in Tibet is striking enough that it has been called Chhota Kailash for centuries — the same dark rock, the same snow cap, the same solitary presence above the valley.
For pilgrims unable to make the Kailash Mansarovar journey into Tibet, Adi Kailash has long been the darshan sought instead.
Parvati Sarovar
The lake in which Goddess Parvati is believed to have bathed, lying below Adi Kailash. A temple to Shiva and Parvati stands beside the water, and pooja is performed here — for most pilgrims this, rather than the peak view, is the heart of the yatra.
On a still morning the peak reflects in the lake. It is one of the few remaining walks on the route: short, but the altitude is real, so take it slowly.
Gauri Kund
A second sacred kund at the very foot of Adi Kailash, held to be the place where Goddess Parvati created her son Ganesha. Fewer groups continue this far, which is part of its appeal — it is usually quiet.
Parvati Mukut
Literally “the crown of Parvati” — a rock formation on the summit of the mountain facing Adi Kailash, shaped unmistakably like a crown. Like Pandav Parvat opposite it, the name is held to date from the time of the Mahabharata.
Easy to miss unless someone points it out, which is one of the small advantages of travelling with people who know the valley.
Bhim Ki Kheti
“Bhim’s field” — a stretch of ground on the far side of Parvati Sarovar where, by local tradition, Bhima of the Pandavas sowed wheat. The belief held in the valley is that a wheat crop still comes up from that land each year.
Pandav Parvat
The peak named for the Pandava brothers, standing opposite Parvati Mukut. The clearest view is from the shore of Parvati Sarovar, and together the two summits frame the lake — part of why this basin carries so much of the region’s Mahabharata tradition.
Om Parvat
A peak bearing a natural, permanent formation of snow in the shape of the syllable ॐ. It is not carved, painted or arranged — snow settles in the rock's hollows in that pattern and holds there through the season.
Visibility depends entirely on cloud. September usually gives the clearest mornings; the pattern is at its most defined when snow cover is neither too thin nor too heavy.
Kalapani & the Kali Temple
An ancient temple at the origin of the Kali river, the waterway that gives Kalapani its name and marks the boundary with Nepal for much of its course. Most groups stop here on the way to or from the Om Parvat view point.
Villages and view points along the road
The road itself is part of the yatra — this was an Indo-Tibetan trade route long before it was a pilgrimage road.
Dharchula
The last town before the restricted zone, and where Inner Line Permit formalities are completed. The Kali river runs through it with Nepal on the far bank — you can watch daily life continue on both sides from the bridge.
Chhiyalekh Valley
A meadow and pass that most itineraries pass through without naming. In season it carries wildflowers across the whole slope, and it is the point where the landscape changes character — from forested river gorge to open high country.
Garbyang
A village of old wooden houses looking straight across the valley into Nepal. Garbyang was a prosperous stop on the Tibet trade route, and the architecture still shows it. Parts of the village sit on unstable ground and have slowly subsided over decades, which gives it a particular, slightly haunted atmosphere.
Gunji & Nabi
The base village for both darshans, where the road from Dharchula meets the routes to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. Groups usually spend a night here to acclimatise before going higher. Accommodation is homestays run by Rung community families rather than hotels — simple, warm, and a genuine part of the experience.
Kuti Village
One of the highest inhabited villages in the region, traditionally held to be named after Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, who is said to have passed through here. The village holds the Pandav Fort and the Ved Vyas Cave, where the sage is believed to have meditated.
Whatever you make of the mythology, Kuti is remarkable in its own right — stone houses at the edge of habitable altitude, with the Kuti Yankti river below.
Nabhidhang
The view point for Om Parvat, and the highest point most groups reach on the Om Parvat leg. Cold, exposed and thin-aired — carry layers even in June.
Jolingkong
The end of the motorable road and the base for Adi Kailash darshan. From here it is a two to three kilometre walk to Parvati Sarovar and the temple.
Optional extension — Lipulekh Pass
Lipulekh Pass
Historically a trade crossing into Tibet, and now a view point looking toward Mount Kailash itself. On a clear day this is as close as you can come to Kailash darshan without leaving India.
Access depends on permit and road conditions at the time of travel, which change season to season. We confirm it before every departure, and the rest of the itinerary stays as scheduled either way.
Return leg — Kumaon temples
Longer itineraries use the drive back through Kumaon to take in temples that are significant journeys in their own right.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar
A limestone cave temple reached by a narrow descent underground, holding formations associated with the entire Hindu pantheon.
Jageshwar Dham
Over a hundred stone temples dating from the 7th to 12th centuries, standing together in a deodar forest near Almora.
Kainchi Dham
The ashram of Neem Karoli Baba near Bhowali — quiet, and visited by pilgrims from across the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many places are covered on the yatra?
A standard itinerary covers around sixteen significant places — Dharchula, Chhiyalekh, Garbyang, Gunji, Kuti, Jolingkong, Adi Kailash, Parvati Sarovar, Gauri Kund, Parvati Mukut, Bhim Ki Kheti, Pandav Parvat, Kalapani, Nabhidhang, Om Parvat and the Lipulekh view point. Longer itineraries add Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Jageshwar Dham and Kainchi Dham on the return.
How far is Om Parvat from Gunji?
Om Parvat is viewed from Nabhidhang, roughly 22 km from Gunji. Nabhidhang sits at about 4,340 m.
How far is Adi Kailash from Gunji?
Around 38 km, via Kuti village and Jolingkong. From Jolingkong it is a walk of two to three kilometres to Parvati Sarovar and the Adi Kailash temple.
Is this a trek or a road journey?
Largely a road journey. The BRO has built a motorable road as far as Jolingkong, so the long trek from Dharchula is no longer required. Short walks remain at Parvati Sarovar and some view points.
Do I need a permit to visit these places?
Yes. An Inner Line Permit issued at Dharchula is mandatory beyond Dharchula, and only Indian citizens are eligible. See our Inner Line Permit guide.
What is Kuti village known for?
Kuti is traditionally associated with Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, and holds the Pandav Fort and the Ved Vyas Cave. It is among the highest inhabited villages in the region.
Last updated: August 2026
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