Adi Kailash, also called Chota Kailash or Little Kailash is the best religious spot among many pilgrims. It is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Adi Kailash is the second highest peak among the group of five peaks in the Himalayas. This journey gives the greatest experience with an amazing view, spiritual atmosphere, and a divine connection.
According to Hindu Mythology, Adi Kailash is the place where Lord Shiva once lived and meditated. It includes multiple famous destinations such as Om Parvat, Gauri Kund, Parvati Valley and many more. Pilgrims from all over the world visit here to seek positivity for their soul and to refresh their minds.
Location
Chota Kailash is located in the lap of the Himalayas, near Om Parvat, situated in the Uttarakhand (Pithoragarh district) and stands at an high altitude of 5,945 meters approximately above the sea level.
- Check Out: Adi Kailash Yatra by Helicopter
History
Multiple historical stories related to Adi Kailash attract many devotees. In this history, it is said that Lord Shiva tested the dedication of goddess Parvati at this site. Goddess Parvati fell deeply in love with Lord Shiva and decided to marry him, although Lord Shiva was not ready for marriage because he concentrated on his spiritual targets.
Lord Shiva decided to give some difficult tasks and asked goddess Parvati to complete them and she finished all the tests easily, for this reason Lord Shiva impressed and married her.
Another story of Adi Kailash is that Lord Shiva performed the powerful dance which is called Tandava to show his divine form to Sage Ashtavakra.
According to many devotees, the demon king Ravana, a follower of Lord Shiva meditated at Adi Kailash for a long time.
For these special historical reasons, Adi Kailash is popular and holds important spiritual value to attract many pilgrims from all over the world.
Significance to visit Adi Kailash
There are many significances to visit Adi Kailash:
- As many devotees believe, visiting Adi Kailash brings self-enlightenment and gives powerful energy that can change negative thoughts into positive mindset.
- Many tourists prefer to go to Adi Kailash because they believe that visiting this holy place washes away their sins.
- The mountains of Adi Kailash are considered famous for their geographical significance because some mountaineers have reported that the peak changes positions as they get closer to it, which attracts visitors.
- The Adi Kailash trek is moderate, it is neither easy nor too difficult. Both experienced trekkers and beginners can enjoy this spiritual trekking adventure.
Adi Kailash Yatra Circuit
Dharchula (Pithoragarh) is the starting point, from where you will proceed to Gunji. On the way to Gunji, the journey follows Sharda River. Near Gunji, the path divides into two separate routes. One direction leads to Om Parvat, Lipulekh Pass, and Kailash Mansarovar, while the other direction moves to Kuti valley, Adi Kailash, and the Gunji-Lampiya Dhura Pass.
The Adi Kailash Yatra circuit includes three significant holy destinations:
Om Parvat
Om Parvat is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It is famous for its natural rock formation that appears like the holy symbol ‘Om’ and it is an important symbol in Hinduism. The height of Om Parvat is 5,590 meters above sea level.
It is a holy destination for travelers, as it is believed to be connected to Lord Shiva, the major God of Hinduism. Om Parvat represents Shiva’s power and kindness, it is a place where pilgrims can experience Mahadev’s blessings and presence.
Parvati Lake
Parvati Sarovar is considered a holy lake situated at a height of 4,497 meters above sea level, close to the peak of Adi Kailash. There is a shrine of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati located on the shore of the lake. Many devotees visit and pray at the shrine.
Parvati Sarovar is also popular for its crystal-clear water and spiritual significance among tourists.
Gauri Kund
Gauri Kund is situated at the base of Adi Kailash at an elevation of 5600 meters approximately. The interesting fact is that Gauri Kund is the second highest lake in the world and it is famous for its hot water springs.
Devotees believe that Goddess Parvati meditated in Gaurikund for a long time to win over Lord Shiva as her husband.
Panch Kailash Yatra
The Panch Kailash Yatra includes five holy destinations:
- Mount Kailash (In Tibet)
- Adi Kailash (In Uttarakhand)
- Kinnaur Kailash (Himachal Pradesh)
- Manimahesh Kailash (Himachal Pradesh)
- Shrikhand Kailash (Himachal Pradesh)
Many devotees from all over the world visit these Kailash peaks to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Panch Yatra is believed to give spiritual liberation, bliss, and salvation.
1- Mount Kailash
Kailash Mansarovar is one of the most famous pilgrimages among the Panch Kailash Yatra. It is located in the western part of Tibet, which is an Autonomous region of China. According to Indian mythology, there is a way to heaven and those who visit this holy place are freed from sin. Apart from this, there is also a holy lake called Mansarovar Lake.
- Suggested Tour: Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Aerial Darshan
2- Adi Kailash
Adi Kailash is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is also known as Chota Kailash. Many devotees believe that Lord Shiva once meditated and practiced Yoga at this sacred peak, which is why he was named as Adi Yogi.
3- Kinnaur Kailash
Kinnaur Kailash is in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the place where Lord Shiva met Goddess Parvati. According to the Hindu people, Lord Shiva organized the meeting of Hindu Gods at Kinnaur Kailash every winter. An interesting fact of the Shiv Ling at Kinnaur Kailash is that its color changes many times, before sunrise it is white, yellow after sunrise, then turns red in sunset and becomes black at night.
4- Manimahesh Kailash
Manimahesh Kailash is located in the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh. People believed that Manimahesh Kailash was created by Lord Shiva when he married Goddess Parvati. There is a rock on the mountains that looks like a Shiva Linga. It is also believed that Mahadev meditated here for 100 years.
5- Shrikhand Kailash
Shrikhand Kailash trekking is the most difficult among the Panch Yatra. It is in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The most fascinating thing is that the size of Shrikhand Mahadev Shivling is 75 feet tall. Apart from this, there are also multiple caves to explore.
How to Reach Adi Kailash from Delhi
(Distance from Delhi to Adi Kailash 386 km)
- Delhi – Kathgodam: Start your journey from Delhi by train or car directly to Kathgodam.
- Kathgodam – Pithoragarh: Take a cab from Kathgodam to Pithoragarh which hardly takes 5 hours 30 minutes.
- Pithoragarh – Dharchula: Start this journey by car from Pithoragarh to Dharchula which is only 100 kilometers and takes approximately 3 hours.
Suggested Tour: Adi-Kailash Om Parvat Yatra Tour Package from Delhi
Route Map
Kathgodam — Pithoragarh — Dharchula — Gunji / Napalchu — Jolingkong (Adi Kailash Parvat) — Gunji / Napalchu — Nabidhang (Om Parvat) — Nabi / Gunji / Budhi — Dharchula — Didihat / Chaukori — Bhimtal / Kathgodam.
Best Time to Visit Adi Kailash
- The best and safest time to visit Adi Kailash is the summer season from May to June because in warm weather, the climate is favorable and suitable for trekking. Tourists can enjoy amazing landscapes, clear sky, and colorful flowers which are even more perfect for photography.
- Even though there is no chance of landslides in the summer season, passengers should still make sure to travel safely.
- In the summer, the condition of the road becomes easier to travel and melting ice reduces the risk of slipping.
Travel Tips
- Skincare: On high altitudes, the chances of dry skin and direct sun rays is possible. Make sure to carry essential skincare products before going to high altitudes.
- Permits: Adi Kailash is considered the second highest mountain among the five peaks and it is close to the border of Nepal and Tibet. Therefore, permits are mandatory to travel to such high altitude places.
- Footwear: To climb mountains properly, it is best to wear waterproof boots, warm slippers, and camp shoes are also advisable.
- Medical kit: Never forget to bring the medical items because they are not easily available in mountain areas. So always carry such things for emergencies.
- Make plans: It is important to decide where to stay and what things you need to pack before going to hill stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: Question: Which trekking destination is the toughest among the Panch Kailash Yatra?
Answer: Shrikhand Kailash trekking is the toughest trekking spot among the Panch Kailash Yatra. Those who prefer climbing challenges can go for this trek.
Q-2: Question: Suggest the best route to reach Adi Kailash?
Answer: The best and easiest way to reach Adi Kailash is a road trip from Pithoragarh to Dharchula and it also saves time.
Q-3: Question: How much minimum time required to cover the Adi Kailash tour properly?
Answer: The minimum time required to properly explore Adi Kailash is 8 days.
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