Adi Kailash, also known as Chhota Kailash, is a sacred mountain located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the Indo-Tibetan border. Adi Kailash bears resemblance to Mount Kailash, the legendary abode of Lord Shiva. Unlike the original Mount Kailash in Tibet, Adi Kailash yatra from Delhi is accessible to pilgrims within Indian territory, making it a spiritual alternative for those who cannot travel to Tibet.
Adi Kailash is not just a destination—it’s a calling.
Dharchula is the gateway for the Adi Kailash Yatra. Dharchula is the last city that you will see in this journey. After that, you will only see small villages, homestays, and complete isolation from the real world.
Before leaving from Dharchula, you will be issued an Inner Line Permit for the Adi Kailash Yatra by the SDM of Dharchula. This permit is required because you will be traveling along the Indo-Tibet border during the yatra.
How to Get a Permit for Adi Kailash Yatra from Delhi
You can get your permit from Dharchula. Below are the basic required documents for the permit:
i. Aadhar Card
ii. Passport size Photo
iii. Phone number
iv. Medical Certificate
v. Police Verification
Based on these three documents, you will get your permit ready at a minimal cost of ₹1400 to ₹1500, depending on the season. TravelSifar arranges permits at a minimal cost. One important thing to know before heading to Dharchula:
If you are going through any travel agent or reference, then you will get your permit ready on the same day you start your journey from Dharchula.
But if you plan to go there and apply for the permit on your own, you will waste one valuable day. It usually takes a whole day to complete the police verification and get the SDM’s signature on the permit.
So, it’s better to have these things ready in advance through your travel partner. TravelSifar –One of the best Travel Agency in Uttrakhand usually handles everything from their side. They will ask for your Aadhar Card and Photo in advance, and then you’re good to go. The very next day, when you start your journey from Dharchula, your permit will be ready and in your hand.
Day Wise Adi Kailash Route Map From Delhi, Pithoragarh/ Dharchula
Day 1: Delhi to Pithoragarh
Distance: 475 km
Duration: 12–14 hours (Cab/Taxi)
Start your journey early from Delhi and enjoy a long and unforgettable journey to Pithoragarh. Scenic views, River, Nature and many more.
Day 2: Pithoragarh to Dharchula (Optional)
Distance: 90 km
Duration: Around 3 hours (Cab/Taxi)
People are always eager to explore new cities—especially those located near historical national borders. Dharchula is one such place that offers a unique experience of border culture and scenic beauty and you can explore this place on Day2.
Alternatively, you can also explore Pithoragarh City on the same day and then depart for Dharchula after lunch. The journey from Pithoragarh to Dharchula takes approximately 3 hours.
If you’re short on time, you can even continue your journey the same day to reach Gunji or Nabi Village. This will help you save one day in your overall travel plan. However, you will need to halt in Dharchula for a while to collect your permits.
If you’re traveling through a tour operator like TravelSifar, they will ask for your documents a day in advance and have your permit ready by the next day. On the other hand, if you plan to apply for the permit on your own, you might end up losing a valuable day. The process typically takes an entire day, as it involves police verification and obtaining the SDM’s signature on the permit.
Day 3: Dharchula to Naabi / Gunji Village
Distance: 90 km
Duration: Around 5 hours (Cab/Taxi) Depends on Road Condition.
Stay a night at Nabi Village (3200 meters from sea level). This helps your body adjust to the high altitude and prevents AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Now you are aware Dharchula is the last major city in this route and now you get only Villages in our Day 3 journey.
In Between Spots From Dharchula to Naabi Village Journey –
Dharchula To Tawaghat ( 18 km )
From Dharchula, drive to Tawaghat. This is the point where the road splits – one side goes to Darma Valley and Panchachuli (left), and the other goes to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat (right).
Note: After Tawaghat, there are no shops for the next 27 km until a small village called Gaskoo (8 km from Tawaghat). So, pack food and water in advance!
It’s not fixed how many times you will ask for Permit checks but below two are mandate locations where usually Permit checks take place.
First Permit Check: Chiyalekh (Chiyalake)
Distance from Dharchula: 65 km
At Chiyalekh, your permit and vehicle details will be checked.
Related Blog: Adventure & Spiritual Aspect of Adi Kailash Yatra
Second Checkpoint: Garbyang
After this checkpoint, the road continues toward Gunji village which is near to 10KM from here. This part of the journey gets tough – the road is narrow and bumpy.
Meeting Point – Routes Split Again
Before you reach Gunji or Nabi village, you’ll come across a junction: On your route.
- Left side → Adi Kailash (via Nabi village)
- Right side → Om Parvat (via Gunji village)
Both villages are close to each other (only 2 km apart), and you can stay in either.
Tip: Leave early from Dharchula to reach Gunji or Nabi by daylight, especially because of rough roads.
Day 4: Nabi to Adi Kailash
Distance: 36 km
Duration: 2+ hours (depends on road conditions)
- After 18 km, you’ll reach Kuti Village – a historic place believed to be linked with the Pandavas and named after Kunti (Kuti = Kunti).
- From Kuti, drive 18 km more to reach Jolingkong, the last stop before Adi Kailash.
- Road Note: After Kuti, it’s complete off-road driving. Expect water crossings like Ganesh Naala. This part is bumpy and adventurous!
Related Read: Adi Kailash Yatra – The Hidden Abode Of Lord Shiva in Pithoragarh Uttarakhand
Final Stop: Jolingkong
Altitude: 4500 meters
Jolingkong is the base for Adi Kailash darshan. Due to the high altitude, some people may feel symptoms of AMS. Luckily, there are medical camps and army support at this point. That’s why staying a night in Gunji or Nabi is important before heading here.
Darshan And Treks around Adi Kailash
After reaching Jyolikong, your journey continues with short, beautiful treks:
1. Parvati Kund
Trek Distance: 1.5 km from Jyolikong
After getting off your vehicle at Jolingkong, walk for around 1.5 km to reach Parvati Kund. Here, you’ll find:
- Parvati Mata Temple
- Parvati Sarovar (holy lake)
2. Bheem Ki Kheti
Trek Distance: 500 meters from Parvati Kund
If you walk another 500 meters from Parvati Kund, you’ll come to Bheem Ki Kheti – a place where rice grows naturally at 14,000 feet! According to local stories, Bhima from the Pandavas grew rice here during their exile. Even today, rice grows and ripens here on its own every year without any human help. It’s truly a mysterious and spiritual place.
3. Gaurikund
Trek Distance: 2 km from Bheem Ki Kheti
Keep walking 2 more kilometers to reach Gaurikund, the final and most divine stop of the Adi Kailash Yatra. Located right below Adi Kailash, this is where spirituality reaches its peak. Due to high altitude and unpredictable weather, not everyone can reach Gaurikund. But those who do say it’s a magical and unforgettable experience.
Bonus Info:
1. The route to Om Parvat and even Mount Kailash darshan (from a distance) is nearby via Gunji.
2. Panchachuli and Darma Valley are also accessible via different routes from the same region near to Tawaghat.
Har Har Mahadev🙏
Adi Kailash Yatra is more than just a road trip – it’s a spiritual and scenic adventure. The journey is long and tough at times, but the reward is truly divine. Take your time, respect the mountains, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
With Travel Sifar’s support, your journey to Adi Kailash can be a smooth and enriching experience. Travel Sifar provides all the necessary facilities to ensure your journey is comfortable and hassle-free. Our batches are Open from May 2025 till June 2025. We will take care of all the legal requirements also like Medical checkup and Permits.
Let’s have a great journey together !!
