A virgin peak largely because of its religious significance, the most astounding trait of this peak is the miraculous impression of “OM” ॐ naturally formed with the deposition of snow against the black background of the mountain.
When the sun is setting, the mountain is said to cast a shadow, which has a striking resemblance to religious symbol of Swastika, which is considered as an auspicious sign amongst the Hindus.
Om Parvat marks the tri-junction point where borders of Tibet, Nepal and India meet and this Himalayan peak is breathtakingly beautiful.
About the Om Parvat Trek:
Om Parvat trek is about mystery and a certain aspect of mythology, the enthusiasm to complete the trek reaches new heights. This place is considered to be one of the oldest abodes of Lord Shiva. Related to the legend of Ravana, the peak is considered sacred by many, and the Om Parvat trek leads to an astounding view of the giant and the miraculous impression of “OM” naturally formed with the deposition of snow against the black background of the mountain. Located in the snowy Himalayas of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, the Adi Kailash Om Parvat trek from Kathgodam, passing through many small towns and villages to finally arrive at the magnificent view of the Om Parvat. Rising to an altitude of 14816 ft, this peak is also referred to by several other names such as Adi Kailash, Chota Kailash, Baba Kailash, and Jonglingkong.
Quick Facts about Om Parvat Trek:
Duration of the Om Parvat Trek: 13D/12N
Maximum Altitude: 18,270 ft
Om Parvat Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
Total Om Parvat Trekking Distance: 86km
Temperature: Day (12°C to 15°C); Night (-2°C to 5°C)
Best time to go for Adi Kailash Om Parvat trek: April to June & September to October
ATM: Kathgodam
Start Point/End Point: Kathgodam
How to reach Kathgodam:
By Train:
The Kathgodam station is one of the main stations in the district and it is an old station. It has good connectivity to many places and these include Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah.
From Delhi take the Ranikhet Express (5014) Dep. Delhi at 10:40 pm arrival Kathgodam at 5:30 am (Overnight Journey) or the Uttar sampark Kranti (5035) Dep. Delhi at 4:00pm arrival Kathgodam at 10:40pm (6 hrs.40min.Journey).From Dehardun take the Doon Express (4120) Dep. Dehardun at 10:30 pm arrival Kathgodam at 7:10 pm (8hrs.journey).
By Flight:
The nearest airport to Kathgodam is the Pantnagar Airport located at a distance of 32kms from Kathgodam. The airport is connected with Delhi by 4 round flights per week. Taxis are easily available from the Airport to Kathgodam.
By Bus:
Regular buses start from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station to Kathgodam. Buses that go to Nainital stops at Haldwani which is a twin town of Kathgodham (8 hrs. Journey). Usually, buses drop you at the Haldwani bus station. From there you have to come to Kathgodham Railway Station which is 4km away. Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick up you from Kathgodham Railway Station We would suggest you take only government buses from ISBT Anand Vihar.
Kathgodam at 7:10 pm (8hrs. journey).
Om Parvat Trek Inclusions:
1. Accommodation – You will be staying in a tent/guest house for the Adi Kailash Om Parvat trek.
2. Meals – (Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner). We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
3. Camping charges – All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.
4. Trekking equipment – High-quality tents and sleeping bags in all the camps. Sleeping bags can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC.
5. Safety equipment – First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc. will be with guide/trek leader and at the campsite as well to deal with emergencies.
6. Expert trek Leaders – All our trek leaders are at least qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering and first aid course.
7. Expert Trek support team – The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.
8. Transfers- Transportation from Kathgodam to & fro during the trek included
Available Group Departures:
April: 3, 10, 17, 24
May: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
June: 5, 12, 19, 26
September: 4, 11, 18, 25
October: 2, 9, 16, 23
[Note: If you are a group of 4 or more people then the dates can be customized]
Since Adi Kailash Om Parvat trek falls into the category of moderate Himalayan treks, rigorous fitness levels is demanded. Begin by jogging 5 km every day to increase your stamina and cardiovascular endurance. Also include a regime of doing 3 sets of squats with 15 reps on a regular basis to improve knee strength. Yoga asanas and stretching will also help to avoid muscle cramps during the trek.
Buy good quality, preferably water-resistant trekking shoes with high ankle support and decent grip. Please do not carry sports shoes as they are not built to endure the Himalayan terrain, and have poor grip which can cause fatal slips.
Yes, the trek is absolutely safe for female solo travellers, as we prioritise the safety of our female trekkers above all. The accommodations are separate for male and women trekkers, and our trek leaders are helpful and supportive.
For Om Parvat trekking make sure you have -
- Weather appropriate clothes which also include a raincoat as well as warm clothes, waterproof jackets and innerwear. It can rain anytime in the mountains and it is best to be prepared.
- Appropriate shoes - Wear shoes with a good grip as well as comfortable ones.
- Trekking pole or walking stick - this will help you maintain your gait and support you while climbing the slopes.
- Water bottles - carry a good quality water bottle and refill your drinking water at the rest stops as this is more environment-friendly.
- Personal medications - Pack a first aid kit with emergency medicines and antiseptics or bandaids for minor issues like headaches, body pain, small cuts and bruises, etc. Also, carry your prescribed medications with you.
- Carry flashlight - Carry a good flashlight as well as extra batteries with you on the trek to Om Parvat.
- Personal toiletries - Pack personal toiletries such as sanitizers, soaps, napkins, towels, toothbrush, vaseline, cream or lotion, sunglasses etc.
- Camera - Carry a camera to capture the scenic vistas as well as extra memory cards and batteries or power banks.
- Original ID proofs
Here is the list of best Uttarakhand treks that you can book from Thrillophilia: