Ultimate Guide to Gunji Village

Gunji Village

Gunji is a small village located in Uttarakhand, India. This picturesque village is a popular stop on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. It is famous due to its proximity to the borders of Tibet and Nepal, and also Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. Gunji is a beautiful village that offers great authentic experiences to tourists with its homestays, natural beauty, traditional festivals, and opportunities for trekking and nature walks. It beckons tourists with its untouched beauty, hidden in the folds of the majestic Himalaya. Whether embarking on the Adi Kailash Yatra or not, one must visit this breathtakingly beautiful village that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and adventure. It welcomes every nature lover and tourist alike. Here is our comprehensive Gunji Village travel guide with all the essential information on how to reach, when to visit, and what to see. This will help you plan your trip.

About Gunji Village—A Hidden Gem of Uttarakhand

Gunji Village is a quaint village located near the Indo-Nepal-Tibet border in the Pithoragarh District, Uttarakhand, India. This is exactly situated at the east end of the Kuthi Valley, which lies near the confluence of the Kuthi Yankti and Kalapani River. Situated at an altitude of 3500 metres, Gunji is a gateway to some of the breathtaking places in Uttarakhand. It is also a famous stop on the spiritual journey of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. However, visiting this picturesque hamlet is not easy; you will have to be prepared with permits and documents. You will get an Inner Line Permit, issued by the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Dharchula. Once you get the permit, you can begin your journey from Dharchula to reach Gunji.

Top Things to Do in Gunji

Gunji is not only a location, it is a beautiful place that offers a blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty that is rare to find anywhere else in today’s time. This village is beautiful in every way and offers a unique experience to tourists. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, spiritualist, or nature lover, Gunji has something for everyone to enjoy and explore. Here are the top things to do in Gunji Village for an unforgettable trip:

Kuti Village

One of the top attractions and most beautiful places to visit in Gunji is Kuti Village. The village is named after the name of Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. It is believed she had stayed in this village for a long time. Today, this place is no less than a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, trekkers, and mountaineers. Apart from the lush surroundings and pleasant weather, its real beauty lies in the authenticity of this place and its people. The Bhotia tribes are the main residents of this village, who have well-preserved their rich heritage. While admiring the natural surroundings, enjoy the regional food and interact with the locals here.

Adi Kailash Peak

A darshan of Adi Kailash is of great significance in Hinduism. Pilgrims from different parts of the country embark on a sacred Adi Kailash Yatra to get the almighty’s blessings. During your visit to Gunji village, you should not miss the opportunity to have the darshan of Adi Kailash Peak. Adi Kailash Parvat is known as the earthly abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Due to its uncanny resemblance to Mount Kailash, it is called Chhota Kailash. There is a temple at the foothills of the Adi Kailash Parvat, where devotees can worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Gaurikund Lake

Gaurikund Lake is an important part of the sacred pilgrimage to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. it is located at the base of Adi Kailash Mountain. Devotees and tourists can park their vehicles at the Jolingkong. Gaurikund Lake is situated 2 km from there. Tourists have to trek approx. 2 km to reach Gaurikund, which takes around 1 hour. This lake is associated with Devi Parvati, believing she had once meditated here and washed her hair. Bathing is not permitted in Gaurikund Lake, but you can sit beside the lake and do Puja rituals to worship Goddess Parvati and meditate there.

Kali Mandir Kalapani

Nestled in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh District in Uttarakhand, Kali Mandir is located in Kalapani. Pilgrims who embark on the sacred Adi Kailash Yatra must visit this sacred shrine of Maa Kali. This temple is surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains. It is the origin of the mighty Kali River, and the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.  Besides, it is a vital stop for pilgrims on the Adi Kailash Yatra. Devotees seek Mata’s blessings for their journey.

Best Time to Visit

Do you want to know the best time to plan your Gunji tour? Well, Gunji is located in the Himalaya region, so you should consider the weather conditions before planning your trip. This will make your journey smooth and also serve the purpose of your visit. Let’s see the different seasons of the region and what to expect, to know which is the best time to visit Gunji Village:

Summer season (May to June): The summer season is the best time to visit the quaint village of Gunji in Uttarakhand. During the season, the weather remains more pleasant and probably sunny with clear skies. It allows you to explore the place, basking in the beauty of the natural surroundings, and enjoy trekking.  

Monsoon Season (July to August): It is not an ideal time to visit Gunji Village because it receives heavy rainfall that makes the trails slippery and makes trekking challenging. Sometimes the situation gets worse with cloudbursts and landslides.

Autumn Season (September to October): This is also a good time to visit Gunji as the weather remains pleasant with clear skies.

Winter Season (November to April): The Winter season in Gunji from November to April is extremely cold with heavy snowfall, blocking the roads. This makes it difficult for tourists to travel and explore. Also, the Adi Kaialash and Om Parvat Yatra remain closed during this time. hence, most tourists do not embark on the pilgrimage and visit Gunji.

How to Reach

Gunji is a quaint village in the Dharchula District, Uttarakhand. It is a popular stop on the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route as well as the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra. The nearest town to reach Gunji Village is Dharchula, which is located approx. 80 km. Dharchula is well-connected to Delhi and nearby cities in the state by road. You can reach Dharchula by taking a bus or booking a private taxi, from where you can start your journey to Gunji. From Dharchula to Gunji, only government transport is an option as private vehicles are not permitted on the route. Or, tourists can join a trekking expedition to reach Gunji.

Important Tips for Travelers Visiting Gunji

Gunji Village is a part of the sacred pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, so you should know what preparations are needed. Here are some essential tips to help you plan your Gunji trip with family or friends:

  • Permits: Since Gunji Village is located near the Indo-Nepal-Tibet border, it comes under the restricted area. To visit here, you need an Inner Line Permit. You can get the permit from the Pithoragarh district authorities. Get it well in advance to have a smooth Gunji tour.
  • Acclimatization: Gunji is located at a high altitude, which may cause altitude sickness. Hence, you must get acclimatized properly and take necessary precautions to prevent health issues.
  • Carry Light: The journey to Gunji includes trekking through rugged terrains. So, it is sensible to pack light and carry on essentials.
  • Carry Cash: Make sure you have enough cash because there are no ATMs or banks in Gunji. With a poor network connection, you cannot use online payment apps to make payments. So, carry enough cash with you.