Adi Kailash: The Sacred Abode of Shiva

Adi Kailash also known as Shiva Kailash, Chota Kailash, Baba Kailash or Jonglingkong Peak, is a mountain located in the Himalayan mountain range in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. Gauri Kund (Jolingkong Lake) and Parvati Tal glacial lakes are at the base of the Adi Parvat.

The Adi Kailash or Chota Kailash is located in a different direction, near Sin La pass and near Brahma Parvat, the base camp of Adi Kailash is 17 km from the Kutti village at sacred Jolingkong Lake with Lord Shiva temple and Om Parvat can be viewed in route to the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from the last camp below Lipulekh Pass at Nabhidhang India-China border post protected by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police also has Public Works Department guest house on the Indian side. Many trekkers to Adi Kailash often make a diversion to view Om Parvat. Om Parvat is located near Nabhi Dhang camp on Mount Kailash-Lake Manasarovar yatra route .

Adi Kailash and Limpiyadhura Pass are both located northwest of Gunji. The Lipulekh Pass, Old Lipulekh Peak, and Om Parvat are located northeast of Gunji. Adi Kailash base camp, near the Hindu Shiva temple on the banks of sacred Jolingkong Lake (Gauri Kund), is located 17 km northwest of Kuthi (Kuti) village in Kuthi Yankti Valley. The homestay accommodation is available in the villages along the route in Gunji, Napalachchu, Nabhi, Juli Kong and Kuti. 

The Adi Kailash and the Om Parvat are not one and the same.

Panch Kailash or Five Kailash:

"Panch Kailash", literally - the Five Kailashas, is the collective name for the group of five sacred mountain peaks in Hinduism, which are at separate locations in Himalayas; each of which has Kailash in its name. 

• The most sacred of all is the Mount Kailash in Tibet. 
• The second most sacred is the Adi Kailash in Uttarakhand, India.
• Third Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash (aka Shikhar Kailash)
• Fourth Kinnaur Kailash (aka Kinner Kailash)
• Fifth Manimahesh Kailash (aka Chamba Kailash)

Mythological Significance:

Adi Kailash is believed to be a replica of Mount Kailash, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu scriptures, it is one of the most sacred places where Lord Shiva and Parvati reside, blessing devotees who undertake the pilgrimage. It is also associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, who are believed to have visited the region during their exile.

Location and Geography:

Adi Kailash is nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 6,191 meters (20,312 feet). The region is part of the Kailash Sacred Landscape, which extends into Nepal and Tibet. The trek to Adi Kailash takes you through the rugged terrains of the Dharchula, Gunji, and Kuti villages, offering glimpses of the Indo-Tibetan culture.

Trek to Adi Kailash:

The Adi Kailash Yatra Circuit begins by going up the Darma Valley and then going to Kuthi Yankti Valley (India) via the Sin La pass to join the Mount Kailash-Lake Manasarovar Tibetan pilgrimage route down the Sharda River. Motoroable Route to Adi Kailash is via Gunji. While approaching Gunji from Dharcula and the rest of India, the route along the western bank of Sharda River (also called Mahakali River) at Gunji forks into two separate motorable routes, one goes north to Kailash-Mansarovar and another to the west to Adi Kailash. In July 2020, India also opened a newly constructed road in this area from Gunji to Limpiyadhura Pass which has reduced the trek time to Adi Kailash to two hours. Earlier in May 2020, India had inaugurated a new 80 km long road from Dharchula via Gunji to Lipulekh Pass on India-China border to the Kailash-Manasarovar.

Many travelers who go Adi Kailash darshan, choose to reverse direction till Gunji where they can join the Om Parvat and Mount Kailash-Lake Manasarovar Tibetan pilgrimage route along the Sharda River (Kali River). Kailash-Mansarovar, Adi Kailash, and Om Parvat are sacred to Hindus 

The journey to Adi Kailash is not just a pilgrimage but an exhilarating trekking experience. Here’s what the trek entails:

Starting Point:

• The trek begins from Dharchula, a small town in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

• Dharchula is accessible by road from Kathgodam and Tanakpur, the nearest railway stations.

Trek Route:

• Dharchula → Gunji (3,200m) → Kuti (3,600m) → Jolingkong (4,570m) → Adi Kailash Base Camp

• The total trek distance is approximately 70-80 km and takes 8-10 days to complete.

  

Highlights of the Trek:

1. Om Parvat: A mystical mountain where naturally occurring snow forms the shape of ‘Om’ – a significant symbol in Hinduism.

2. Parvati Sarovar: A serene lake near Adi Kailash, believed to be the bathing place of Goddess Parvati.

3. Rugged Himalayan Terrain: The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, and remote monasteries.

4. Ancient Temples: The region is dotted with old Shiva temples, where pilgrims offer prayers before reaching the main shrine.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to undertake the Adi Kailash Yatra is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes are accessible. Monsoons (July-August) should be avoided due to landslides and difficult trail conditions.

Travel Tips:

• Physical Fitness: The trek involves high-altitude trekking, so physical endurance and acclimatization are crucial.

• Permits: Since the trek passes through a restricted zone near the Indo-Tibetan border, permits from local authorities are mandatory.

• Essential Gear: Warm clothing, trekking shoes, first-aid kits, and essential supplies should be carried.

• Guides & Porters: Hiring experienced guides is advisable for a safe and enriching journey 

 In Brief:

Adi Kailash is not just a mountain; it is a spiritual haven where nature and divinity come together. Whether you are a devotee seeking blessings or an adventurer exploring the untouched landscapes, Adi Kailash promises an unforgettable experience. The trek may be challenging, but the spiritual energy and mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas make it a journey worth undertaking.