How to Reach Adi Kailash –Delhi, Dehradun & Haldwani | Complete Travel Guide

Introduction

Retired deep in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Adi Kailash — popularly called Chhota Kailash is one of the most sacred passage destinations in India. girdled by snow- clad peaks, peaceful denes , and mythological significance, this holy mountain is frequently considered the replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet. It’s believed to be the residence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which makes it a dream destination for addicts and spiritual campaigners.

But Adi Kailash is n’t only about faith; it’s also about stirring geographies, remote Himalayan townlets, and the thrilling trip that leads you there. Since the mountain lies near to the Indo- Tibet border, reaching it requires careful planning. Whether you start from Delhi, Dehradun, or Haldwani, the routes combine road, rail, and occasionally air trip before eventually reaching Dharchula, the base camp of the Adi Kailash Yatra.

How To Reach Adi Kailash from Delhi

By Road

motorcars from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT connect directly to Haldwani, Almora, and Pithoragarh. Overnight motorcars to Haldwani are the most accessible choice, saving both time and energy. From Haldwani or Pithoragarh, trippers can continue their trip by hacks or participated jeeps towards Dharchula, which serves as the starting point of the yatra.

• Distance: About 650 km
• Travel Duration: 18–20 hours (including halts)
• Route: Delhi → Haldwani → Almora → Didihat → Dharchula → Gunji → Adi Kailash

From Dharchula onwards, private vehicles are n’t allowed on the high- altitude roads leading to Gunji and Jyolingkong. Only 4 × 4 vehicles arranged by KMVN( Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) or stint drivers can take you forward.

By Train

Delhi has direct trains to Kathgodam and Haldwani, including the Kathgodam Shatabdi and Ranikhet Express. The train trip is comfortable and dependable, making it a favored option for numerous trippers . From Kathgodam or Haldwani, you can hire taxicabs or take participated vehicles to Pithoragarh and Dharchula.

The nearest railway stations to Adi Kailash are:

• Kathgodam Railway Station – around 510 km away
• Tanakpur Railway Station – around 450 km away

From either station, you’ll need to hire a taxi or board a bus towards Dharchula, the gateway to Adi Kailash.

By Air

The fastest way is to take a flight from Delhi to Pantnagar Airport( about 330 km from Dharchula). After wharf, you can travel by hack or machine via Haldwani and Pithoragarh to reach Dharchula. While flying saves time, the final stretch is still completed by road.

• Nearest field : Pantnagar Airport (approx. 480 km away)
• Alternately, Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh also has limited indigenous connectivity, substantially from Dehradun and Pantnagar

 From both airfields, you can hire a hack or take participated jeeps to Dharchula, and from there continue the trip in designated 4 × 4 vehicles towards Gunji and Adi Kailash.

How To Reach Adi Kailash from Dehradun

By Road

Avelers can take buses from Dehradun ISBT to Haldwani or Kathgodam and then continue their journey by road via Pithoragarh to Dharchula. This is the most economical choice for pilgrims.

• Distance: Around 500 km
• Travel Time: 15–16 hours
• Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Gwaldam → Bageshwar → Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Gunji → Adi Kailash

From Dharchula onwards, the journey is permitted only in KMVN-operated or tour-operator-arranged 4×4 vehicles, as the roads to Gunji and Jyolingkong are rough and restricted.

By Train

The nearest railway stations for Dehradun travelers are also Kathgodam and Tanakpur. You’ll have to reach these stations by bus/taxi first and then continue towards Pithoragarh and Dharchula.

• Kathgodam Railway Station (approx. 510 km away)
• Tanakpur Railway Station (approx. 450 km away)

From either point, you’ll need to continue the rest of the journey by road towards Dharchula.

By Air

Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport offers domestic flights from major cities. From there, you can either take a connecting flight to Pantnagar or travel directly by road to Pithoragarh and then Dharchula.

How to Reach Adi Kailash from Haldwani

By Road

haldwani is one of the most accessible gateways to Adi Kailash. From then, motorcars and participated jeeps regularly operate towards Pithoragarh and Dharchula.

• Distance: About 420 km
• Travel Time: 12–13 hours
• Route: Haldwani → Almora → Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Gunji → Adi Kailash

Regular buses and taxis are available from Haldwani to Pithoragarh and Dharchula. Beyond Dharchula, the journey requires switching to a government-approved 4×4 vehicle.

By Train

Haldwani itself has a small road station, but utmost trippers prefer Kathgodam Railway Station, located just 5 km down. From there, hacks and motorcars are fluently available to Pithoragarh and Dharchula.

By Air

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (around 275 km from Haldwani). From Pantnagar, the onward journey continues by road through Pithoragarh and Dharchula before heading towards Adi Kailash in 4×4 vehicles.

Conclusion

The trip to Adi Kailash is n’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about passing the godly substance of the Himalayas. From Delhi, Dehradun, or Haldwani, the routes may vary, but the ultimate price is the same — a chance to witness the holy residence of Lord Shiva. Whether you choose the comfort of a train, the affordability of a machine, or the speed of an aeroplane , each route takes you through stirring geographies and culturally rich municipalities.

For addicts, Adi Kailash is further than a passage it is a spiritual awakening. And for trippers , it’s a rare chance to explore an untouched paradise that combines faith, adventure, and natural beauty. As you step closer to Dharchula and begin the sacred yatra, flash back that this trip is as important about the inner tone as it’s about the majestic mountains.

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