Delhi to Adi Kailash: A Step-by-Step Route Guide
February 24, 2025The journey to Adi Kailash is a unique and spiritual adventure, one that allows pilgrims to step into the heart of the Himalayan mountains, breathing in the purity of nature and the profound serenity of this sacred land. Adi Kailash, often referred to as a lesser-known counterpart to the more famous Mount Kailash, is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. This pilgrimage is a testament to both devotion and the inner quest for spiritual enlightenment. In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step route from Delhi to Adi Kailash, providing an in-depth perspective on what awaits travelers, pilgrims, and tourists embarking on this extraordinary journey.
The Journey Begins: Departure from Delhi
The journey to Adi Kailash begins in Delhi, the bustling capital city of India. Pilgrims often begin their adventure with a sense of reverence and excitement, knowing that their destination is a place of great spiritual importance. The initial phase of the trip is mostly through roadways, with various travel options available to make the journey comfortable and seamless.
Most travelers opt to board a train or bus from Delhi to the town of Tanakpur, which serves as one of the nearest access points to Adi Kailash. Train services are available from New Delhi Railway Station to Tanakpur, a town located in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on the type of train chosen and the specific route.
For those who prefer to travel by road, buses and private taxis are available from Delhi to Tanakpur. The distance between Delhi and Tanakpur is about 450 kilometers, and the drive usually takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic conditions and road quality. The route is scenic, and travelers can catch glimpses of the natural beauty that is characteristic of Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain.
The Road to Tanakpur
As you journey out of Delhi, the first stretch of the road takes you through the bustling outskirts and the highway leading to the state of Uttar Pradesh. From there, you cross into Uttarakhand, where the road begins to wind through the picturesque hills of the Kumaon region. The air grows fresher as you get closer to your destination, and the greenery becomes denser. This part of the journey may be long, but the changing landscapes offer a unique perspective on the natural beauty of northern India.
For pilgrims, this part of the trip is also a time for reflection and preparation. The road may not be the most comfortable for everyone, but the anticipation of reaching Adi Kailash—a revered site in the spiritual world—keeps the journey worthwhile. Upon arrival at Tanakpur, many pilgrims take a moment to rest and recharge before proceeding further.
Tanakpur to Pithoragarh
Once you reach Tanakpur, the next leg of the journey takes you deeper into the hills. Pithoragarh, a scenic town in the Kumaon region, serves as an important stopover for pilgrims heading to Adi Kailash. The distance from Tanakpur to Pithoragarh is around 70 kilometers, and the road that leads there is narrow and winding. The journey offers travelers a unique opportunity to witness the raw beauty of the region, with vast valleys, rivers, and dense forests accompanying the ride.
Pithoragarh is a good place to take a break, rest, and prepare for the more rugged part of the journey that lies ahead. Many pilgrims also make it a point to visit local temples or take a brief walk around the town to absorb the serene surroundings.
Pithoragarh to Dharchula
From Pithoragarh, the journey continues towards Dharchula, a small town located near the Indo-Nepal border. Dharchula is approximately 90 kilometers from Pithoragarh, and the route gets even more challenging as the road climbs higher into the mountains. The winding roads are often steep and narrow, but they offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
As you climb, the altitude begins to increase, and the air becomes thinner, reminding travelers of the physical demands of the journey. The remote, rugged beauty of the hills in this region is a sight to behold, and many pilgrims feel the weight of spirituality and divinity as they make their way to this remote town.
Dharchula itself is a quaint town with humble surroundings, offering an ideal place to stop and prepare for the next stretch of the journey. Many pilgrims opt to stay here for a night to acclimatize to the altitude and rest before embarking on the final leg of their journey to Adi Kailash.
Dharchula to Gunji: The Trek Begins
From Dharchula, the real adventure begins as pilgrims set out on foot for the trek to Gunji. This part of the journey is particularly exciting as it combines spirituality with an immersive experience of the Himalayan landscape. The trek to Gunji is around 12 kilometers, but it is an arduous climb that requires physical fitness, stamina, and mental determination.
The trail to Gunji is marked by a series of rocky paths, dense forests, and streams, with each step taking pilgrims closer to their spiritual goal. Along the way, travelers may pass small villages where locals offer refreshments, blessings, and a glimpse of the traditional culture of the region.
Gunji is a beautiful village nestled in the hills, offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding peaks. Pilgrims often choose to stay in basic accommodations here, as they prepare for the final leg of their journey to Adi Kailash.
Gunji to Adi Kailash: Reaching the Sacred Site
From Gunji, the trek continues towards the ultimate destination—Adi Kailash. This final stretch of the journey is the most demanding, as the altitude increases further, and the terrain becomes even more rugged. The path to Adi Kailash is not for the faint-hearted, as the journey involves traversing steep and narrow paths, high-altitude ridges, and occasionally, snow-capped peaks.
Pilgrims often take their time on this section of the trek, stopping for short breaks to catch their breath and absorb the breathtaking scenery. The sense of achievement and reverence grows stronger with each step, as travelers feel closer to their spiritual destination.
Finally, after days of grueling trekking, pilgrims reach Adi Kailash, the sacred site that has been revered for centuries. Adi Kailash is not only a beautiful physical location but also a deeply spiritual space for reflection, meditation, and connection with the divine. The site is characterized by its serene beauty, with the majestic Himalayan peaks serving as a backdrop to the holy landscape.
Upon reaching Adi Kailash, pilgrims often spend time in quiet contemplation, performing rituals, and paying homage to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have meditated at this site long ago. The sacred lake near Adi Kailash, known as the “Parvati Sarovar,” adds an additional layer of divinity to the surroundings, with its crystal-clear waters mirroring the grandeur of the mountains above.
Return Journey: Retracing the Steps
After experiencing the spiritual fulfillment of reaching Adi Kailash, pilgrims begin their return journey, retracing their steps back to Delhi. The route remains the same, but the journey back offers a chance to reflect on the experiences gained and the spiritual growth achieved during the pilgrimage.
While the return journey is physically demanding, the satisfaction of having visited one of the holiest places in the region brings a sense of peace and fulfillment to pilgrims.
Suggested Reading: The Best Train & Bus Routes to Reach Adi Kailash from Various Indian Cities
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey from Delhi to Adi Kailash is not just about reaching a destination—it is a spiritual quest, an inner journey that transforms every pilgrim who steps onto this sacred land. From the hustle and bustle of Delhi to the serene heights of the Himalayan peaks, this yatra is a path of devotion, determination, and discovery. Each step along the route is a step towards inner peace, spiritual enlightenment, and a deeper connection with the divine.
For those who seek not only a physical journey but also a soulful one, the Adi Kailash Yatra is an experience that remains etched in the heart for a lifetime. Whether you’re a pilgrim, a devotee, or simply a curious traveler, the journey to Adi Kailash is an adventure that will forever change you.
If you’re planning to embark on this sacred journey, the team at Adi Kailash Yatra is here to assist you, ensuring that your pilgrimage is both comfortable and spiritually enriching. Let your journey to Adi Kailash begin today.