✦ Uttarakhand
Adi Kailash
The 'original Kailash' — a 6,191 m peak in Pithoragarh's Kumaun region. Reachable from India, no foreign permits required.
Adi Kailash — also called Chhota Kailash — is the 6,191 m peak in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district that shares Mount Kailash’s distinctive four-faceted pyramid form. For pilgrims unable to undertake the Tibet-based Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Adi Kailash provides a meaningful Indian alternative requiring no foreign permits.
The road approach was upgraded significantly in 2020 with the Lipulekh road push, making the Gunji-Kuti-Adi Kailash route reachable by SUV (previously a multi-day trek). The Om Parvat (visible from Nabhidhang viewpoint) is typically combined with Adi Kailash for a single 7-9 day Kumaun pilgrimage circuit.
This is a high-altitude trip requiring Inner Line Permits and basic acclimatisation — we run it April-October only.
Highlights
Things to see and do
- Adi Kailash darshan (Chhota Kailash)
- Parvati Tal (sacred lake)
- Gunji village (last permanent settlement)
- Kuti village (final base)
- Often combined with Om Parvat
Map
Where it is
Tour Packages Featuring Adi Kailash
Plan a trip here
Also in Uttarakhand