How to Reach Adi Kailash? Routes & Distance Explained!
Adi Kailash is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva located in the Pithoragarh district of state Uttarakhand. Also known as Chhota Kailash, it is part of the Adi Kailash Yatra circuit and is usually visited along with Om Parvat.
Reaching Adi Kailash requires a 7-8 days journey involving road travel through mountain terrain, with Dharchula and Gunji acting as key transit points.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH)
- Nearest Bus Station: Kathgodam / Haldwar
- Last Motorable Village: Gunji
How to Reach Adi Kailash from Delhi?
Delhi is the most common starting point for travellers coming from outside Uttarakhand and for those planning the full Delhi to Adi Kailash Yatra.
Travel Route:
Delhi → Kathgodam / Haldwani → Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Jolingkong (Adi Kailash) → Gunji → Nabhidhang (Om Parvat) → Gunji → Dharchula → Pithoragarh → Kathgodam / Haldwani → Delhi
This route is widely used for organised tours and follows the official Adi Kailash Yatra route map.
By Train:
Delhi has direct trains to Kathgodam and Haldwani, including overnight options. This is the most comfortable and reliable way to begin the journey. From Kathgodam or Haldwani, travel continues by road via Pithoragarh and Dharchula.
By Air:
You can fly from Delhi to Pantnagar or Dehradun. From either airport, the onward journey is entirely by road through Pithoragarh to Dharchula.
By Road:
Road travel from Delhi is possible but time-consuming. The Delhi to Adi Kailash distance is approximately 650–700 km, covered in stages due to mountain drive.
How to Reach Adi Kailash from Dehradun?
Dehradun is a suitable starting point for travellers who prefer flying closer to the hills or are already in Garhwal.
Travel Route:
Dehradun → Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Gunji → Jolingkong (Adi Kailash) → Gunji → Nabhidhang (Om Parvat) → Gunji → Dharchula → Pithoragarh → Dehradun
By Road
The Dehradun to Adi Kailash distance is around 500 km, covered in stages through Pithoragarh and Dharchula. Road travel is scenic but slow due to hilly terrains.
By Air
Dehradun has air connectivity to major cities, but there are no flights beyond Dehradun toward Adi Kailash. All onward travel must be done by road.
By Train
Dehradun has a railway station, but most travellers still prefer travelling to Kathgodam for easier road connectivity into the Kumaon region.
How to Reach Adi Kailash from Kathgodam
Kathgodam is the main rail gateway to Kumaon and the most practical starting point for the Adi Kailash Yatra Uttarakhand.
Travel Route:
Kathgodam → Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Gunji → Jolingkong (Adi Kailash) → Gunji → Nabhidhang (Om Parvat) → Gunji → Dharchula → Pithoragarh → Kathgodam
By Road
This is the most recommended route. From Kathgodam, drive to Pithoragarh, then to Dharchula and Gunji. From Gunji, vehicles take pilgrims close to Adi Kailash, followed by short walks. The road to Adi Kailash is well-defined but passes through high-altitude terrain.
By Air
There is no airport at Kathgodam. The nearest airport remains Dehradun, which is not on the Kumaon side.
By Train
Kathgodam is itself the final rail point. Beyond this, travel is only possible by road.
Also Check Our Adi Kailash Yatra Package Starting From Kathgodam!
Distance From Major Points
- Delhi to Adi Kailash distance: ~700–750 km
- Dehradun to Adi Kailash distance: ~430–450 km
- Adi Kailash to Om Parvat distance: ~15–20 km
- Kathgodam to Adi Kailash distance: ~430–450 km
4 Things You Should Know before Planning Adi Kailash Yatra
- Inner Line Permit is mandatory beyond Dharchula
- Weather can affect travel time and route accessibility
- Mobile network is limited beyond Dharchula
- The Adi Kailash Yatra circuit operates only during May, June, September and October.
Lastly, Is Adi Kailash a Trek or Road Journey?
The Adi Kailash Yatra is primarily a road-based journey with short walks near the main pilgrimage sites. While it is often referred to as an Adi Kailash trek, it does not involve long walks or trekking. This is why the yatra is suitable for first-time pilgrims with basic fitness.
