Shiva Trails - Om Parvat, Adi Kailash

Travel Time: ~5.5 hours (approx. 160 km)
Begin your journey from Pantnagar airport, heading towards the serene hill town of Mukteshwar. This quaint village is known for the Mukteshwar Dham, a 350-year-old Shiva temple perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and peaceful forests that set the tone for the spiritual journey ahead.

Travel Time: ~9 hours (approx. 275 km)
Drive along winding mountain roads to reach Dharchula, a picturesque town on the banks of the Kali River, bordering Nepal. Visit the Kali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, where devotees seek strength and protection. Then, enjoy the view from the Dharchula Viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of the Mahakali River and lush valleys that straddle India and Nepal.

Travel Time: ~6–7 hours (depending on route and weather)
Embark on a rugged journey through high-altitude terrain, forested trails, and narrow mountain roads to reach Gunji or Nabi village — your gateway to the sacred mountains. Located at over 9,000 ft, these remote Himalayan hamlets offer basic lodging, raw beauty, and spiritual solitude. Acclimatize and rest in preparation for the divine darshans ahead.

Head out early to visit Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash), considered the earthly abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Set beside Parvati Sarovar, this majestic snow-capped peak mirrors the divine form of Mount Kailash in Tibet. The stillness of the lake, the surrounding meadows, and the spiritual aura make this an unforgettable sacred encounter.

Today, journey towards the miraculous Om Parvat, where snow naturally forms a clear ‘ॐ’ symbol on the mountain — a phenomenon revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Visible from the Lipulekh Pass route, this sight is a moment of divine connection for many pilgrims, who consider it a blessing even to witness from afar.

Travel Time: ~8 hours (approx. 235 km)
Descend from the high-altitude terrain to the serene hill town of Chaukori, famous for its panoramic views of the Panchachuli peaks and unspoiled nature. The peaceful vibe and tea gardens here offer the perfect contrast to the intense spiritual experience of the past few days.

Travel Time: ~4.5 hours (approx. 110 km)
En route to Jageshwar, visit the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple, a mystical underground cave shrine believed to house 33 crore deities. Then arrive at Jageshwar, home to over 100 ancient temples dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva. The Jageshwar Dham Temple Complex, set in a cedar forest, is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas by some beliefs and is an archeological and spiritual treasure.

Travel Time: ~3.5 hours (approx. 100 km)
Head to Bhimtal, a tranquil lake town near Nainital. En route, stop at Kainchi Dham, a revered ashram founded by Neem Karoli Baba — the spiritual master followed by Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. The energy here is transformative, and the temple attracts thousands of seekers every year.

Travel Time: ~2 hours (approx. 60 km)
Conclude your sacred Himalayan journey with a relaxed drive back to Pantnagar, carrying with you blessings from the mighty mountains, mystical peaks, and centuries-old temples of Uttarakhand.