• This yatra to Om Parvat and Adi Kailash was not just a journey through the Himalayas-it was a journey inward, into stillness and surrender. Get first-hand experience of yatra.

Our Group did the Kailash Mansrovar Yatra in 2019. You can read about our Divine Experience Here This yatra was from October 3 to 11, 2025.

This yatra to Om Parvat and Adi Kailash was not just a journey through the Himalayas — it was a journey inward, into stillness and surrender. Every challenge felt like a quiet test of faith, every darshan a reminder of grace. For those who feel the call, the path will always open.

Introduction

Some journeys are planned whilst others simply happen.

When our small travel group began dreaming of the Adi Kailash Yatra earlier this year, little did we know that we were responding to such a call — one that echoed softly from the mountains themselves. 

This was not my first tryst with Kailash. Having undertaken two yatras before to Mount Kailash, I knew that no two pilgrimages are ever the same. Each time, the outer landscape mirrors an inner unfolding. This journey — from Kainchi Dham to the snow-laden Adi Kailash — was no exception. 

It was a tapestry of devotion, laughter, discomfort, grace, and above all, surrender.

The Call of the Mountains

“Somewhere between the earth and sky, the Himalayas whisper truths that words can never hold.” 

The idea of the Adi Kailash Yatra took shape soon after our group returned from a wonderful Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj. When the name “Adi Kailash” was mentioned, my heart stirred instantly. Mahadev’s call felt unmistakable. 

Our little band of travellers had already shared many journeys together — seekers from different cities and spiritual traditions, yet united by one name: Shiva. 

There was a rare sense of comfort and purpose among us, the kind that only shared devotion brings. It is what a friend calls Group Energy.

When Plans Find Their People 

Over a long, laughter-filled lunch at Shireen’s house in May, the plan began to take form. While most preferred early October, I hesitated — a dear German friend, Irina, was visiting after several years. But the universe had its own plans. Irina joyfully decided to join us, and when we found ourselves one short of twelve, my friend Supriya instantly agreed to come along. 

With Sudhir, Sucharita, and Manjushree deftly handling the logistics, we were ready by early October. We had engaged the services of Temple Tours for transport and lodging boarding. On the third of October we flew into Pantnagar, where three Innovas awaited — sturdy chariots for what lay ahead. 

Kainchi Dham – The Blessing Begins 

“Every yatra begins long before the first step is taken — in the heart’s quiet preparation.” 

Our first destination was Kainchi Dham. On the way, we stopped at The Mud House Café — a cozy place overlooking the Himalayas. A simple chai break soon turned into a long, joyful meal as we soaked in the view. 

Later that evening, we reached Shri Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram — a long-cherished wish of mine. Though we missed the aarti, we had darshan and prasad, and promised to return at dawn. 

The next morning began with our group’s ritual: an exuberant dance to the Shiv Tandav Stotram followed by a serene meditation led by Shireen. It was pure joy — movement, surrender, silence. 

At the temple, I carried handmade chocolates as prasad. When I passed them to Shireen to offer at Baba’s shrine, the priest looked both puzzled and amused- perhaps his first chocolate offering! Love, I believe, is prasad enough. 

Later, at Kakrighat Hanuman temple, we meditated under ancient banyan trees beside the flowing river. The peace was tangible-like being gently held by something vast and invisible.

Kasar Devi – Magnetism of the Divine 

“Some places do not ask you to believe. They simply make you believe.” 

By noon, we reached Mohan’s Resort near Kasar Devi, gazing out over endless mountain ranges. The pull of these heights is impossible to describe — the heart wants to linger forever. 

Kasar Devi, one of the Shaktipeeths, sits on a rare geomagnetic field anomaly — a natural vortex of energy, akin to Machu Picchu or Stonehenge. Science aside, what one feels there is unmistakable tranquillity. 

A hundred steps led to Devi’s beautiful shrine; another fifty to an ancient Shiva temple above. As the sun sank behind the peaks, the valley turned gold. It was too beautiful to leave-some of us returned the next morning, unable to stay away. 

Meditation in the Cave of Vivekananda

While a few walked down Hippie Hill, some of us climbed back up in search of Sucharita — and stumbled upon a narrow cave said to be where Swami Vivekananda meditated. The crevice barely held two people, but Shobha and I slipped in and sat silently for half an hour. 

The stillness was profound. The air was thick with presence. When I emerged, my eyes brimmed with tears I could not explain.

Jageshwar – Whispers of the Ancient World

“In silence, even stone speaks.” 

On the way to Jageshwar, we stopped at Chitai Golu temple — its trees hung heavy with bells and handwritten petitions from devotees. I bought a small brass bell for my Ganesha at home. 

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The nearby Lakhudiyar Caves, with their prehistoric paintings of humans and animals, carried echoes from millennia past. Standing there, I felt the quiet continuity of devotion — from early man to us, all reaching toward something greater. 

Jageshwar itself was breathtaking — a valley of deodars cradling 124 temples, some over 2,500 years old. That evening’s aarti shimmered with devotion. 

5 Jageshwar Mandir.

The next morning’s Rudra Abhishek was deeply moving. We performed puja in small groups before visiting the main shrines — Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya, Kedareshwar, Batuk Bhairav. The air felt alive. At the Jataganga stream below, we built small cairns of stones — humble symbols of surrender. 

A Himachali cap caught my eye that day. It stayed on my head all the way to Pithoragarh.

A Pause at the Heartfulness Ashram

We reached Pithoragarh’s Pine Resort by evening. Supriya and I, both long time Heartfulness practitioners, visited the local ashram with Shireen, Shoba and Dilip. The simplicity and warmth of the meditation there felt like a gentle grounding before the adventure ahead. 

The Real Yatra Begins

“Every pilgrimage tests your body, only to reveal the strength of your spirit." 

Gurna Devi Mandir, ahead of Pithoragarh, is where all stop and take Mata blessings. 

The next morning began with blessings at Gurna Mata Mandir — a ritual of protection before entering rougher terrain. The road to Dharchula was arduous. We had to change vehicles and had three Sumos waiting for us. By the time we arrived, I was battling a stubborn stomach ailment. 

U see River Kali at Dharchula.  

Foreigners are not permitted beyond that point, so Irina stayed back at Narayan Ashram while we continued with our guide Vinod and a fearless driver. The road all but disappeared at times, with the Kali river flowing below separating India and Nepal and landslides ahead.

Narayan Ashram overview. Pic by Snehal Shah. 

That night at Nepalchu Homestay, freezing and unwell, I clung to faith — and Supriya’s stock of Lomotil! 

Om Parvat – The Sacred Symbol Reveals Itself 

The next morning dawned grey and uncertain. The army had reportedly closed the route, but we decided to try anyway. After offering prayers at Manokamaneshwar Mahadev temple where I literally pleaded into Nandi’s ear for a darshan, we headed toward Kali Temple on the way to Om Parvat.

This temple is dedicated to Ma whilst another to Shri Hanumanji. The priest showed us the origin of the river Kalinadi. He asked us to wait for a couple of hours before proceeding to Om Parvat. I found the atmosphere very serene and while the others decided to visit the canteen and a shop run by the Maratha regiment, Sanjeev and I stayed back to meditate.

After we reached the canteen called Mumbai Chowpatti we were regaled with how they had tucked into samosas and bread pakodas and chai in the cold. They had also shopped to their hearts content. I was avoiding food at any cost and so did not miss out much. We could see Vyas Gufa in the distance and soon we were on our way to see

Om Parvat and the Sheshnag Parvat. - by 12 noon

As our driver played the bhajan “Bhole tera naam japun,” something shifted inside me — tears flowed freely. When the clouds parted, the sight that met us was otherworldly: the perfect “ॐ” etched in snow on the face of the mountain. 

The air was electric with grace. Even Sheshnag Parvat, briefly hidden, revealed himself. We stood there in awe — full, speechless, grateful. That evening, as we returned, hope quietly replaced exhaustion. 

Adi Kailash – The Moment of Kripa 

“Sometimes faith walks ahead of reason-and the mountains part in response.” 

The following morning, the sky was cobalt blue, the air crisp. As we neared Kuti village, the road was blanketed with snow. For a while, we waited, unsure if we could proceed. Then, as if on cue, permission came — and we continued toward Jolingkong base camp from Gunji/Nabi village.

And there it was - Adi Kailash, majestic and still.

A dark serpent-like band circled its snowy slopes, uncannily like Mount Kailash.

We walked a kilometer through thick snow to a small temple. I had been fasting for over 24 hours yet felt no hunger, no fatigue — only immense gratitude. When the priest emerged and vigorously applied chandan and turmeric to my forehead, my heart overflowed. Above us, the golden trishul glinted in sunlight, the Adi Kailash radiant behind it. 

It felt as if time, space, and the Self had dissolved into silence. Shiva’s presence was everywhere. 

General information

Adi Kailash is about 15 kms from the village Kuti (name comes from Kunti, mother of the Pandavas). It is situated in the Vyans Valley. Parvati Tal, a sacred lake near Adi Kailash. Adi Kailash is one of the five sacred mountain peaks called Panch Kailash. Close by is Jolingkong Lake. Gunji village is a small scenic village enroute to Adi Kailash. Kalapani is a Shiv Temple near Kali river. Useful Village Gunji is the base for visits for Adi Kailash and Om Pravat.

7 Adi Kailash looks like Mount Kailash.

Homeward Bound 

The journey back was long — snow, slush, winding roads. We paused at a small eatery called Dhami for the most divine paneer parathas and lassi. The view of Panchachuli peaks — the five chulhas lit by the Pandavas — framed the moment perfectly. My stomach had settled as if nothing had happened. 

5 View of Panchachuli peaks from Munsiyari. Pic by Editor.

That night at Tanakpur, with hot showers and cozy rooms, felt like returning to the world. Shireen led a short pranayama session before dinner, and I slept deeply, unaware that a mild earthquake had trembled through the early hours!

Reflections – Lessons from the Mountain 

“Surrender is the surest path — the mountain only reveals itself to those who cease striving.”

Rain. Snow. Landslides. Falling boulders. A car that refused to start.

Freezing temperatures from 3 to -7°C. And, finally — an earthquake. 

Through it all, not one of us complained. Not one was disappointed. We had surrendered, completely.

When surrender is total, Shiva appears.

On my flight back from Pantnagar, I met an elderly lady whose group had extended their stay by three days but had not got darshan of Adi Kailash. She was astonished when I told her we had been blessed with it on the 9^th. She was there a few days before that.  

That moment reaffirmed what I already knew-darshan happens only when the BULAVA comes.

Shiva’s whisper lingers still: “Come to Me, and you will be forever fulfilled.” 

Sat-Chit-Ananda-being, consciousness, bliss is found within. And love-for the Lord, for all beings-is the eternal flow we carry home.

Jai Bhole! Jai Bhole!

Also see albums

1. Golu Devata Mandir and Kasar Devi Mandir Almora

2. Jageshwar Mandir

3. Pithoragarh

4. Dharchula

5. Narayan Ashram

Videos Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra 25 minutes and 11 minutes

Good video of Adi Kailash by Kanchan Naithani 39 minutes. This link gives the program day wise in an easy to understand format. A good guide

Albums of Places we hope to visit soon

1. Mahavatar Babaji Cave

2. BINSAR

3. Dunagiri and Pandukholi

Details of Yatra organised by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. The day-wise schedule is –

1: Kathgodam to Pithoragarh via Jageshwar (196 km – 9 to 10 hours)
2: Pithoragarh to Dharchula (96 km – 4 to 5 hours)
3: Dharchula to Gunji (71 km – 5 to 6 hours)
4: Gunji to Nabidhang and back (44 km - 6 to 7 hours)
5: Gunji to Adi Kailash and back to Budi (86 km - 6 to 7 hours)
6: Budi to Chaukori (159 km – 5 to 6 hours)
7: Chaukori to Almora (165 km – 5 to 16 hours)
8: Almorato Kathgodam (82 km – 3 to 4 hours)

Chaukori is famous for its sunrise and sunset views.