April 23: Amid the serene peaks of Himalayas lies the Adi Kailash an alternate and as sacred as Kailash Mansarovar. For those unaware, Adi Kailash is second home of Lord Shiva and his family and is also one of the five Kailash’s that have been mentioned in Hindu mythology. Situated in the Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, the Adi Kailash has been one of the most sacred pilgrimages for the Hindu devotees.
Till last year the devotees used to undertake Adi Kailash Yatra via trekking, but this year the Lord Shiva’s abode in accessible through a four-wheeler and can be accessed between June to October. To make this journey and experience more memorable, the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) has partnered with Trip to Temples to take care of the travel needs of the pilgrims. Under the partnership, Trip to Temples have exclusive access to KMVN rest houses and kitchens for a pleasant experience.
Mythological Significance
The Adi Kailash Yatra has reference in several texts across holy Hindu scriptures like Mahabharata, Ramayana and Brihat Purana and according to it it was the first stop of the wedding procession when Lord Shankar was on way to marry Goddess Parvati. The place is so close to him that he lived here from time to time with Goddess Parvati and the latter’s bathing place – Parvati Sarovar is a testimony too.
It is also believed that Ravana meditated to seek blessings of Lord Shiva at Adi Kailash and was rewarded with the strength of 20 arms and 10 heads/brains. According to Hindu scriptures it is believed that the cosmic energy in the area can transform a person too.
Om Parvat is the sole mountain amongst the eight mountain ranges that has been discovered. Om Parvat holds sacred importance among the devotees of Lord Shiva as the miraculous impression of ‘Om’ symbol can be seen. Many people from all over the world visit Om Parvat only to see it with their own eyes.
For details: https://www.triptotemples.com/adi-kailash/ex-kathgodam-adi-kailash-and-om-parvat
The Preparation
To undertake Adi Kailash Yatra, you must be in the group of 9 to 77 years. Fill in the registration form, attach your photos, a valid identity proof, passport copy or police verification report and a medical certificate from an MBBS doctor along with the payment receipt and email it to [email protected]. The document submission should be done at least a month prior to date of travel.
The Trip to Temples provides several options to tourists to choose from for the yatra based on their group size, pocket and preference which includes customization of package. One can travel to Kathgodam/Haldwani via flight, train or road depending upon individual preferences and from there on the Trip to Temples will overtake all the travel, boarding and lodging needs. The travel to Dharchula will be via tempo traveller or a car but after Dharchula, Bolero will be used due to high altitudes and difficult terrain.
For the travel you would be required to carry cotton pants or jeans, socks (Cotton and Woollen), toilet paper soap & wet napkins, raincoat (Light Weight), mobile and camera belt Pouch woollens, tracksuit, hot water bottle, rucksack with Cover for Luggage, Dehydration Salt (Electrolytes), Cough Syrup, Band Aid, Pain killer, mosquito repellent cream, trekking shoes, Paracetamol/Crocin Tablets, torch and Volini Spray.
For details: https://www.triptotemples.com/adi-kailash/ex-kathgodam-adi-kailash-and-om-parvat
The Journey
The 8-day journey will entail visit to 18 places – Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, Gauri Kund, Parvati Sarovar, Shiv Parvati Temple, Neeb Karoli Baba Ashram, Kainchi Dham, Chitai Golu Devta Temples, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Jageshwar Dham, Bhimtal, Ved Vyas Cave, Kunti Parvat, Brahma Parvat, Sheshnag Parvat, Pandava Fort, Kuti village, Parvati Mukut, Pandav Parvat, Kali Mandir, Kalapani and Nabi Homestay Experience.
The package charges include yatra inner line permit, certified guides and cooks, train ticket (3AC/CC) bus ticket in Ex-Delhi package, yatra transportation by 4-wheeler or tempo traveller, vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), travel insurance and 6 nights at KMVN rest houses and one home stay. At these high altitudes there will be no mobile network and in case of emergency, the company will use special walkie talkie arranged with the support of KMVN.
For details: https://www.triptotemples.com/adi-kailash/ex-kathgodam-adi-kailash-and-om-parvat
The Experience
Travelling to Adi Kailash involves driving through high-altitude roads and an optional trek of 3 km. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (KMVN) has been solely leading the Adi Kailash Yatra since its inception. Team knows its complexities and has expertise to handle any adversities. Whereas Trip to Temples is India’s highly rated travel company in terms of customer and travel experience in religious tourism. The KMVN and Trip to Temples have collaborated to make Adi Kailash yatra a safe and hassle-free journey with the best comforts. The KMVN is the local authority in Kumaon region with best infrastructure in terms of guest houses, kitchens, etc across the religious circuit. During the journey, you will be accompanied by trained and certified tour managers taking care of all needs.
The other operators who will be organizing the yatra will be doing it for the first time and will be making local or inferior arrangements. After Dharchula, where Bolero is used, we will be using 1 Bolero for 4-5 persons whereas many companies fill 8-10 persons in 1 Bolero. Remember that sitting in back seats (we use it for luggage) is extremely discomfortable on that road.
The Trip to Temples is committed to a great experience for religious tourism in India and ensures best of facilities as per the destination logistics. Come and immerse in divinity with Trip to Temple’s Adi Kailash Yatra.
For details: https://www.triptotemples.com/adi-kailash/ex-kathgodam-adi-kailash-and-om-parvat
