Ultimate Guide to Om Parvat

Om Parvat

Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra are a pilgrimage to the sacred mountains located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. Perched at an altitude of 5500 metres above sea level, Om Parvat is a holy mountain associated with the great Lord Shiva. It is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites for Shaivites associated with the Adi Kailash Yatra. This mountain is considered sacred and is very popular because of its natural rock formation in the shape of “Om” or “ॐ”. Snow falls on the peak of the mountain, making the shape of Om clearly visible. Some devotees confuse Om Parvat with the Adi Kailash Parvat, but they are not the same. Our Om Parvat travel guide will explain the significance of Om Parvat and provide comprehensive details on how to reach it and start the Om Parvat Yatra.

Location of Om Parvat

The first question that comes while planning for Om Parvat Yatra is about its location. Om Parvat is located in the Himalayan region of Dharchula Tehsil, Pithoragarh District, Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. This also shares some of its border with Nepal and Tibet. Hence, a few permits are required to embark on Om Parvat Yatra. This sacred mountain falls on the Government of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. But the sign of “ॐ” is only visible from India.

Significance of Om Parvat—Om-Shaped Mountain

Om Parvat is one of the top pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. It is renowned for its natural rock formation of the “Om” symbol by snow deposits. Om is a sacred symbol, sound, and the greatest of all Mantras associated with Lord Shiva. Devotees embark on a pilgrimage to this sacred place to seek the Almighty’s blessings. According to mythology, there are a total of eight mountains like Om Parvat that exist, but only one to date has been discovered.

Best Time to Visit Om Parvat

To know the best time to visit Om Parvat, you should first know about the time of the year when the yatra begins. The Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra start in mid-May and end in October. So, the best time to embark on Om Parvat Yatra is from mid-May to June and from September to mid-October.

Summer Season (mid-May to June): This is the time when the Yatra begins and is perfect to embark on the pilgrimage tour. With clear skies and pleasant weather, the Yatra becomes easier for trekkers and devotees.

Monsoon Season (July to August): It is not advised to travel to any hilly areas during the monsoon season. The region experiences heavy rainfall during the season, which may cause landslides. The trek is already difficult and can become even more arduous during the rainy season. Hence, avoid planning your Om Parvat Yatra from July to August.

Post Monsoon (September to mid-October): The weather is quite pleasant and clear from September to mid-October. In late October, the chances of snowfall increase, which may disrupt your travel plan. Hence, you should plan your trip from September to mid-October.

How to Reach

Here are the different travel options you can choose to reach Om Parvat:

By Road: Om Parvat is located in the Dharchula Tehsil in the Pithoragarh District. And, Dharchula is well-connected to nearby cities by road. From Delhi, you can take a bus or book a cab to reach Dharchula, which may take 20-24 hours.

By Train: Tanakpur Railway Station (TPU) is the nearest railway station to Om Parvat. It is located in Tanakpur, Uttarakhand. Trains from Delhi, Bareilly, Jalandhar, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Rewari, Sitapur, and Gonda are available to Tanakpur Railway Station. From Tanakpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dharchula, which is about 218 km away and takes around 7-8 hours by road.

By Air: The nearest airport to Om Parvat is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). Flights to Pantnagar from Dehradun are available. From Pantnagar, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Dharchula.

Top Attractions of Om Parvat Yatra

Embarking on the Om Parvat Yatra is not just a journey; it’s a spiritual experience like no other. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Om Parvat is famous for the natural snow formation that resembles the sacred “Om” symbol. This divine site attracts pilgrims, trekkers, and nature lovers seeking peace and adventure in equal measure. Along the way, travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas, a serene environment, and ancient temples that add depth to the journey. Every stop on the Om Parvat Yatra carries its own charm and significance, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all who visit. Here are the top attractions of Om Parvat Yatra that you must visit:

Om Parvat

Om Parvat is the holy Om-shaped Mountain located on the Indo-Nepal-Tibet border. It holds utmost spiritual importance for Hindus and other religions in India. This mountain, on its peak, naturally takes the shape of OM when it snows. Pilgrims during their Adi Kailash Yatra must have Om Parvat darshan. Om Parvat is clearly visible from its base Nabhidhang.

Adi Kailash

Adi Kailash, also known as Chhota Kailash, is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. People visit Om Parvat and Adi Kailash together as a part of the Adi Kailash Yatra. This is considered the earthly abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Since it is a replica of the revered Mount Kailash, Adi Kailash is called Chhota Kailash.

Shesh Naag Parvat

Another top attraction of Om Parvat Yatra is the Shesh Naag Parvat. It is located on the way between Nabhidhang and Gunji in Uttarakhand. En route to Om Parvat, you have darshan of Shesh Naag Parvat, which is a distinctive mountain in the shape of a snake, resembling the king of snakes, Shesh Naag. Hence, it is a significant sight for devotees or pilgrims.

Ved Vyas Gufa

Located at Kala Pani, this Gufa is named after Maharishi Ved Vyas. He dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha here. Ved Vyas Gufa is located approximately 22 km from Om Parvat, and it takes around 2 hours to reach here. The journey to Ved Vyas Gufa and Om Parvat is a common part of the Adi Kailash Yatra.

Kala Pani

Kala Pani is a significant pilgrimage site in the Pithoragarh District. Pilgrims during their Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra visit Kala Pani. Located on the route of Gunji and Om Parvat, it is the source of the Mahakali River. Visit the Kali Mata Temple located on its premises. 

Parvati Sarovar

Located on the foothills of Adi Kailash, Parvati Sarovar is one of the top attractions of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra. This is the holy lake of Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims take a holy dip here, believing it will cleanse their sins and purify their souls.

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