Om Parvat — Local services in Byash Municipality

I and my senior citizen mother went for this trip through Trip to Temples (ToT). ToT had taken from all kind of documents like Indemnity Bond, Fitness Certificate, Passport / Aadhar Copies etc. before our travel and we were not told that a Fitness Test would be taken on the tour also.

We left from Mumbai on flight a day earlier and reached Pantnagar airport. The next day we joined the group with ToT from Kathgodham and proceeded to Bhimtal where there was wash and change facility available for those who came via train to Kathgodham early morning. The hotel at Bhimtal was very nice and we had breakfast and left for Pithoragarh. On the way we visited Baba Neem Karoli Mandir, Golu Devata Mandir and Jageshwar Dham. We reached our hotel in Pithoragarh late evening (around 7 hours of travel) and left for Dharchula the next day.

Dharchula is about 3 hours drive from Pithoragarh and on reaching the hotel we were informed that a Medical Fitness test is mandatory for persons above 50 years. Since both I and my mother were in this category, we along with several others in our group went to the government hospital in the afternoon. Unfortunately my mother and another lady who was also a senior citizen failed the test (BP was high and ECG was abnormal) and they were not allowed to go further up (as in Adi Kailash & Om Parvat). This was a HUGE disappointment as we went so far and my mother could not go. ToT informed me that my mother and the other lady would be accommodated at KMVN Hotel in Dharchula and would be taken care of. After their assurance, I agreed to proceed with the group for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat the next day. However there was a landslide and roads were completely blocked so we had to wait in the hotel for that day and we left for Gunji the next day in the afternoon. However, we reached Gunji (KMVN) only at 11 p.m. The area upwards Dharchula is all under Military and an Inner Line Permit is required (this is all arranged by ToT).

Next early morning, we left for Om Parvat - weather was clear and beautiful. It takes about 2 hours to reach Om Parvat but roads are really bad. We had such a clear darshan of Om Parvat and spent about 2 hours there and left for Nepalchu where our stay was in a homestay. Enroute, we visited the Kalimata Temple which is very beautiful.

It started raining in the afternoon and there was a landslide enroute to Adi Kailash and we had to delay our departure next day and reached there at around 11 a.m. (4 hours of travel). We were not able to see Adi Kailash mountain as it was completely covered in fog. All of us decided to go to Parvati Mandir (2 kms trek one way). There are horses also available (Rs. 3000/- return journey). We left at around 3 p.m. and our Tour Leader decided to go straight to Dharchula. This was a good decision as there were frequent landslides happening due to rains and if we got stuck then all our plans would have changed.

We went to Chakouri from Dharchula and reached at 3 am. Next day we visited Patal Bhuvaneshwar and proceeded to Bhimtal - The entire trip was exhausting.

Tips: Persons who are having BP / Sugar issues, please do a Medical test before going on this trip. Your BP will generally go high due to constant travelling so make sure that it is in control so that you are allowed to go for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat from Dharchula else its all a waste of money. ToT did not inform this aspect of Medical test being conducted in Dharchula also, else I would have not gone with my mother at all.

The roads are extremely bad and you travel in the 4x4 Bolero. There are landslides anytime anywhere and its just all too risky.

Weather is extremely cold compared to Dharchula so you have to carry clothes accordingly.

All in all - if luck favours you and you are able to see Om Parvat and Adi Kailash then all the pain and discomfort will vanish. There are snow capped mountains all through the journey and will take your breath away.

Be prepared for any changes in the itinerary and you will have to spend more money if...

Om Parvat, also known as Adi Kailash or Chota Kailash, is a significant and sacred mountain for Hindus, located in the Himalayas, near the border of India, Nepal, and Tibet. Its peak reaches an elevation of 5,590 meters (18,340 feet). The name "Om Parvat" comes from the natural formation of the snow on its surface, which strikingly resembles the sacred Hindu symbol "Om" (ॐ). This unique phenomenon, where snow deposits in the shape of this divine syllable against the dark background of the mountain, makes it a highly revered site. Significance and Beliefs: Divine Symbolism: The "Om" symbol is deeply significant in Hinduism, representing the cosmic sound and the essence of ultimate reality. The natural appearance of this symbol on the mountain is seen as a direct manifestation of the divine. Association with Lord Shiva: Like the larger Mount Kailash, Om Parvat is also associated with Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Devotees believe it to be a sacred abode and a place where they can connect with his divine energy. Part of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra: While Om Parvat is a separate peak, it is often included in the pilgrimage circuit that also encompasses the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet. For many devotees, a glimpse of Om Parvat is an essential part of this sacred journey. Spiritual Significance: The serene and majestic presence of Om Parvat inspires deep devotion and reverence. Pilgrims seek blessings, spiritual enlightenment, and inner peace by visiting or viewing this sacred mountain. It is believed that the cosmic energy prevalent in the area can transform individuals. Location and Accessibility: Om Parvat is situated in the Darchula district of Nepal, although it can be viewed from the Indian side in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It lies east of the Nabhi Dhang camp on the traditional route to Kailash Manasarovar via the Lipulekh Pass. Trekkers on the Adi Kailash Yatra often make a point to visit or view Om Parvat. The journey to the region offers breathtaking landscapes and spiritually significant sites. Current Concerns: Recent reports indicate that due to climate change and reduced snowfall, the "Om" formation on the mountain has become less distinct or even disappeared in some years. This is a cause of concern for environmentalists and devotees alike, as it affects the sacred significance and natural wonder of Om Parvat. In essence, Om Parvat is more than just a mountain; it is a powerful symbol of faith and a testament to the intricate beauty of nature, holding a special place in the hearts of...

Om Parvat is considered to be a sacred place for Hindus, as it is believed to be associated with Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Hinduism. Shiva is the destroyer and transformer of evil and ignorance, and the source of all knowledge and wisdom. He is also the patron of yoga and meditation, which are practices that aim to achieve union with the divine. Om Parvat is said to be a manifestation of Shiva’s power and grace, and a place where one can experience his presence and blessings.

Om Parvat is also a part of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage that involves visiting Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet. These are considered to be the most sacred sites in Hinduism, as they are associated with various legends and myths involving Shiva and other gods and goddesses. The pilgrimage is said to be a journey of purification and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Om Parvat can be viewed on the route to the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Nabhidhang camp which is near the Lipulekh Pass that connects...