About this Kumaon Yatra
The "Chhota Kailash" and the natural Om of the Kumaon Himalayas
A remote, deeply spiritual journey into the Kumaon Himalayas near the Indo-Tibet border. Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash) is revered as an earthly form of Mount Kailash, and nearby Om Parvat bears a natural snow formation in the shape of the sacred syllable "Om".
Reached via Dharchula and Gunji on largely motorable roads (with short walks), this 8-day trip needs inner-line permits, which we arrange. Good fitness and acclimatisation are important at these altitudes. Stays, meals, permits and support are handled.
Trip Highlights
A rare Himalayan pilgrimage near the border
Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash) darshan
The natural Om of Om Parvat
The Parvati Kund & Gauri Kund
Remote Kumaon border villages
Inner-line permits arranged
Stays, meals & support included
Trip Gallery
A taste of the journey
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eight days into the Kumaon high country
- Drive from Kathgodam to Dharchula along the Kali river.
- Overnight in Dharchula (permit formalities).
- Scenic mountain drive via Tawaghat and Budi to Gunji.
- Acclimatisation and rest; overnight in Gunji.
- Excursion towards Nabhidhang for the darshan of Om Parvat.
- Return to Gunji; overnight.
- Drive/walk via Kutti valley towards Jolingkong, base of Adi Kailash.
- Overnight near the base.
- Darshan of Adi Kailash and the sacred Parvati Kund lake.
- Return towards Gunji; overnight.
- Drive back down to Dharchula.
- Overnight in Dharchula.
- Long drive back to Kathgodam.
- Overnight in Kathgodam.
- Board your onward train/road transfer from Kathgodam.
- Trip concludes.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- Pick-up & drop at Kathgodam
- 7 nights stay in Dharchula, Gunji & camps
- Daily breakfast & dinner
- All travel by private vehicle
- Trek guide & support where applicable
- Required permits (forest / inner-line as applicable)
- Driver allowance, tolls & parking
- 24x7 on-trip support
- Airfare / train fare (can be added)
- Pony, palki, porter & personal trek gear
- Entry tickets & personal expenses
- Lunches (unless specified)
- GST as applicable
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Things to Carry
Himalayan trekking essentials
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Permits: Forest / eco-development permits apply to areas like the Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi Biosphere, and inner-line permits to Adi Kailash / Om Parvat. We arrange the required permits for you.
Fitness & altitude: These are moderate-to-hard high-altitude treks. Good cardio fitness, some prior trekking and gradual acclimatisation are important; we recommend carrying a doctor''s fitness note.
Best time: The Valley of Flowers is best in the July–September bloom; most other treks are best May–June and September–October, when the passes are clear.
Guided & supported: Treks are guided with a support team and camping where required. Weather can change fast at altitude — carry proper trek shoes, warm layers and rain protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
Adi Kailash, also called Chhota Kailash, is a sacred peak in the Kumaon Himalayas revered as an earthly form of Mount Kailash, with the holy Parvati Kund lake at its base.
Om Parvat bears a natural snow deposit in the shape of the sacred syllable "Om" on its face — a rare natural wonder viewed from Nabhidhang near the border.
Yes — because the route runs close to the Indo-Tibet border, inner-line permits are mandatory. We arrange them, and you must carry original photo ID.
It is largely by road with short walks, but at high altitude (up to ~4,500 m) on rugged mountain roads. Reasonable fitness and proper acclimatisation are important.
From Kathgodam (well connected to Delhi by train), driving into the Kumaon hills via Dharchula and Gunji. We handle transport throughout.
May to October, when the border roads are open and clear of snow. The Om formation on Om Parvat is often clearest earlier in the season with more snow.
It can be, given the road-based access, but the altitude and remote terrain demand reasonable health. Please share any medical conditions before booking so we can advise.
Very — these are among the last Indian villages before Tibet, with limited connectivity and basic stays. That remoteness is part of the yatra's profound appeal.
