To reach the revered pilgrimage sites of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat in Uttarakhand, you can easily connect from major cities and towns in the region. The journey to these sacred destinations typically commences at Dharchula, which acts as the gateway to both Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. However, it is essential to plan your route carefully, considering the challenging terrain and limited accessibility, despite being surrounded by picturesque landscapes and immense spiritual significance.
Starting Your Journey: Dharchula as the Gateway
Dharchula serves as a crucial stopover for travelers en route to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. To embark on this pilgrimage, obtaining an Inner Line Permit is mandatory, which can only be issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Dharchula. This permit holds immense significance as it permits the journey across the Indo-Nepal border. Positioned at a distance of approximately 105 kilometers from Adi Kailash and 82 kilometers from Om Parvat, Dharchula becomes an indispensable base for travelers.
Reaching Dharchula: The Nearest Transportation Hubs
Air Travel: The Pantnagar Airport, which is located around 306 kilometers from Dharchula, serves as the closest airport. It is also situated about 34 kilometers away from Kathgodam, a significant destination for pilgrims. From Pantnagar, you have the option to hire a taxi that will take you to either Dharchula or Kathgodam.
Rail Travel: If you choose to travel by train, there are three nearby railway stations to Dharchula. These include Kathgodam (272 km), Tanakpur (238 km), and Lal Kuan (300 km). Among these stations, Kathgodam is considered the most convenient starting point for your journey to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
The Journey from Kathgodam to Dharchula
Kathgodam serves as the ideal starting point for embarking on the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra. The journey from Kathgodam to Dharchula, covering a distance of approximately 272 kilometers, presents breathtaking scenic vistas and takes you past numerous significant Hindu temples. These temples contribute to the cultural and spiritual essence of your pilgrimage experience.
Upon reaching Dharchula, the path to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat becomes more arduous. The road conditions and limited availability of vehicles suitable for the rugged terrain pose challenges. It is advisable to arrange for a locally hired 4×4 vehicle, as it is better equipped to handle the rough roads ahead. Additionally, be aware that the region has poor network connectivity, which may pose risks during emergencies.
Travel Packages and Recommendations
Travel Dukaan provides complete Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra packages, commencing from either Kathgodam or Dharchula. It is advisable to arrive in Kathgodam or Dharchula a day prior to the yatra’s commencement, as the journey commences early in the morning.
Traveling from Major Indian Cities
To reach Dharchula from different cities in India, you have various transportation options.
- From New Delhi: You can fly directly to Pantnagar, which takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from New Delhi to Kathgodam, with travel times ranging from 5 hours and 35 minutes to 7 hours and 35 minutes. Another option is to take a bus from ISBT New Delhi to Almora, Tanakpur, or Kathgodam, and then hire a local cab to Dharchula.
- From Mumbai: You can fly from Mumbai to Pantnagar, which takes around 7 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a train journey to Kathgodam, with travel times ranging from 24 hours and 35 minutes to 26 hours and 35 minutes. If you prefer traveling by road, the distance from Mumbai to Dharchula is approximately 1,800 kilometers, taking around 37 hours.
- From Ahmedabad: Flights from Ahmedabad to Pantnagar take about 6 hours and 15 minutes. Although there are no direct train services, you can take chain trains via Delhi. If you choose to travel by road, the journey covers a distance of 1,500 kilometers and takes about 29 hours.
- From Chennai: Flights from Chennai to Pantnagar take around 8 hours and 50 minutes. Since there are no direct train services, it is recommended to take chain trains via Delhi. If you prefer road travel, the distance from Chennai to Dharchula is approximately 2,449 kilometers, requiring around two days.
- From Hyderabad: Air travel from Hyderabad to Pantnagar takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes. Similar to Chennai, there are no direct train services, so chain trains via Delhi are an option. If you choose to travel by road, the journey covers around 1,865 kilometers and takes about 38 hours.
- From Lucknow: Air travel from Lucknow to Pantnagar takes about 6 hours and 5 minutes. By train, you can take services like the Bagh Express or the Garibrath Express, with the fastest trains taking about 5 hours and 50 minutes. If road travel is preferred, the distance from Lucknow to Dharchula is approximately 542 kilometers, taking around 13 hours.
Conclusion
Embarking on a spiritual journey to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat can be incredibly enriching, but it demands meticulous preparation. Regardless of whether you choose to travel by air, rail, or road, it is vital to carefully plan your route and take into account the difficulties posed by the rugged terrain. By undertaking thorough planning, you can ensure that your pilgrimage to these sacred sites becomes an unforgettable and deeply fulfilling experience.
