We have all seen those videos of people going for their Delhi to Adi Kailash Bike Ride, experiencing spirituality the way it should be. Before you start getting lost in all the jumble of information available, let us take you through the travelogue of Arpit Pahuja, a biker & creator on Explurger, who has recently completed the Delhi to Adi Kailash Bike Ride on his Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. This blog takes you through all the details you’ll need to embark on this expedition. Afterall, most of travel is just your spirit!
Delhi to Adi Kailash Bike Ride: Complete Itinerary, Budget Guide, Essentials to Carry & Pro Tips
What to Expect in This Blog:
- Complete 8-day Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride itinerary, also covering Delhi to Om Parvat
- Permit, fuel, and road condition updates
- Tips, gear checklist, and FAQs for bikers
- Places to visit near Adi Kailash, Om Parvat and en route side quests.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Adi Kailash?
It’s from May to June and September to October. Roads are open, temperatures are moderate, and the risk of landslides is relatively low. Avoid visiting Adi Kailash from Delhi during the monsoon or late October as roads often get blocked due to snow.
All About Adi Kailash and Why It Attracts Bikers: Mythology and More
Adi Kailash, also known as Chhota Kailash, is one of the Panch Kailash and holds deep spiritual importance in Hinduism. Located in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, it is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva, Mata Parvati, Ganpati, and Kartikeya. According to legends, Ravana worshipped here and was blessed with 20 arms and 10 heads by Lord Shiva. The Pandavas are also believed to have meditated here with Sage Vyasa.
The mountain stands at 5,945 meters (19,505 ft) and is surrounded by sacred spots like Parvati Sarovar (Gauri Kund), Brahma Parvat, Annapurna Parvat, and Naag-Naagin Parvat. Pilgrims believe that the Adi Kailash Yatra helps cleanse karmic baggage and bring spiritual clarity.
Many confuse Adi Kailash with Om Parvat, but they are not the same.
- Adi Kailash is a sacred peak and considered a symbolic replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet.
- Om Parvat, on the other hand, is a separate peak (5,590 meters) where a natural snow formation creates the shape of ‘ॐ’ on the rock face. It is located near Nabhi Dhang and is usually included in the yatra route if the weather permits.
The Delhi to Adi Kailash distance is around 1,600 km round-trip, depending on the route. The ride tests your skill and endurance while rewarding you with pristine Himalayan views, hidden villages, and rare sightings of Om Parvat.
The bike ride to Adi Kailash isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s the thrill of navigating off-road patches, the calm of secluded valleys, and the sense of accomplishment that make this trip so rewarding. Add in the cultural richness and the fact that there’s little to no network post-Dharchula (except Jio, which covers till Gunji), and you’ve got the perfect digital detox ride.
Also Read: Bhagwan Rawat’s expedition to the World’s Most Dangerous Road- The Sach Pass!
Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride is something every rider must embark on at least once in their lives, to see the scenery change, to experience spiritual peace and to tick it off their bucket list, too!
Delhi to Adi Kailash Bike Ride Itinerary (8 Days). Delhi to Adi Kailash distance is approximately 1,600 km round-trip, but there are variations, like…
Day 1: Delhi to Pithoragarh (450–500 km)
- New Route for Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride: Delhi → Rudrapur → Tanakpur → Lohaghat → Pithoragarh.
- Old/ Alternate Route for Adi Kailash from Delhi: Delhi → Nainital → Almora → Pithoragarh (adds a day, more scenic).
- Stay Options: Lohaghat (quieter) or Pithoragarh (larger town).
- Highlights: Lush greenery, smooth highways till Tanakpur, hilly roads post Lohaghat. Delhi to Adi Kailash by road starts mellow and builds up to rugged charm.
- Local Attractions: Chandak Hill, Kapileshwar Mahadev Cave Temple, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary.
Day 2: Pithoragarh to Dharchula (95 km)
- Collect the Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the SDM office in Dharchula.
- Top Attractions: Kali River, Dhauliganga Dam, India-Nepal Hanging Bridge, Narayan Ashram.
- Stay at Dharchula and prep for the climb ahead. This town marks the last petrol station for the Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride. Explore the Indo-Nepal culture and try some local cuisine.
Day 3: Dharchula to Gunji (75–85 km)
- Elevation increases from 3,080 ft to 10,500 ft
- Road Conditions: Mixed, tar, gravel, off-road
- No internet beyond Dharchula
- Must-Visit En Route: Malpa, Tawaghat, Chialekh & Garbyang Villages
- Views of Panchachuli Peaks, Om Parvat, Api Range
- Gunji is your base for both Adi Kailash and Om Parvat rides. It’s a high-altitude army-controlled area, so follow protocols and respect local customs.
Day 4: Gunji to Adi Kailash & Back (60–70 km round trip)
- ILP Checkpoints: 3–4
- Altitude: 15,420 ft
- Top Spots: Parvati Kund, Gauri Kund, Nabi Village, Hanging glaciers & waterfalls
- The route is off-road heaven, with narrow cliff-hugging paths, shaky bridges, and dramatic backdrops. Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride reaches its spiritual and visual climax here.
- Bonus Stop: Kuti Village, known for its cultural significance.
Day 5: Gunji to Om Parvat & Back (45–50 km round trip)
- Altitude: As you cover your ride from Delhi to Om Parvat, the elevation will reach 15,090 ft.
- ILP Checkpoints: 3–4
- Attractions: Om Parvat Darshan Point, Kalapani Temple & Army Canteen, Hanuman Parvat, Ved Vyas Gufa, Sheshnag View, Nabhidhang Valley.
- Om Parvat bike ride is raw and rugged, ideal for thrill seekers. Lipulekh Pass (now closed to tourists) lies near here and is of strategic importance.
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Pro Tip for Riders: Gunji to Om Parvat road is under construction and will be completed by 2026, probably, and so off-roading opportunities on this trail will be limited.
Day 6: Gunji to Munsiyari (170–190 km)
- Refuel at Dharchula
- Munsiyari is a stunning hill town overlooking the Panchachuli range.
- Top Attractions in Munsiyari: Birthi Falls, Khaliya Top, Tribal Heritage Museum, Maheshwari Kund, etc.
- A biker’s paradise with winding roads and snow views, great for a post-ride breather.
Day 7: Munsiyari to Almora (190 km)
- Route: Munsiyari → Chaukori → Bageshwar → Almora.
- Top Attractions near Almora: Kasar Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, Jageshwar Temple Complex, Deer Park, etc.
- Recharge in Almora’s cool mountain air before heading home.
Day 8: Almora to Delhi (370–400 km)
Wrap up the Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride with a smooth downhill cruise through the Kumaon hills.
Things to Carry for Delhi to Adi Kailash Bike Ride/Yatra
Documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License
- Bike RC
- PUC Certificate
- Insurance
- ILP (from Dharchula SDM)
Essential Gear:
- First Aid Kit
- ORS, basic meds
- Offline Maps, Power Bank
- Snacks, Reusable Bottle
Bike Toolkit:
- Tyre Puncture Kit
- Air Inflator Pump
- Chain Lube, Clutch & Brake Cables
Riding Gear:
- Waterproof Riding Jacket & Pants
- Gum Boots/Waterproof Riding Boots
- Gloves, Thermals, Rain Liners
Tips & Tricks for Riders Planning for Adi Kailash Roadtrip
- Fuel Up: No petrol pumps beyond Dharchula, carry extra fuel
- Offline Maps: Save Google Maps and routes offline
- Permits: Carry multiple photocopies for multiple ILP checkpoints
- Acclimatization: Stay hydrated and ascend slowly to avoid AMS
- Connectivity: Network dies post-Dharchula. Share your itinerary with family in advance
- Weather: Mornings are clearer for riding; avoid late evening rides
Why Should a Traveller Seek Adi Kailash Bike Ride?
If you’re a part of India’s growing Bikers’ Tribe, the Adi Kailash bike ride from Delhi should be on your bucket list. Not just for its adrenaline-pumping off-roads and high-altitude passes, but for the rare fusion of nature, culture, and spiritual energy it offers.
What makes Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride even better? Logging the journey on Explurger, India’s leading travel social app. Whether you’re marking an Explurge-in from Gunji or leaving a Pin Message near Parvati Kund, you’re not just riding, you’re inspiring.
Join the world’s biggest community of riders and explorers on the Explurger App: Social Media App for Explorers and Travel Addicts.
Conclusion…
The Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride is not your average road trip, it’s a high-altitude blend of spirituality, myth, nature, and motorcycling. Starting from Delhi and climbing into the Himalayas, the route cuts through remote villages, sacred lakes, and snow-lined ridges.
So plan it, prep right, and ride smart. And when you’re done, don’t forget to Explurge-in and share your route. Because stories like these deserve more than a reel, they deserve a travel legacy. Who knows? The next blog might be about your journey!
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FAQ’S About Delhi to Adi Kailash Bike Ride
2. What is the new route of Adi Kailash?
The new route now takes you via Rudrapur–Tanakpur–Pithoragarh–Dharchula (NH-9), then reaches Gunji, from where off-road stretches lead to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
3. Is Adi Kailash Trek difficult?
The trekking portion is minimal now, but riding there involves a high-altitude, off-road biking experience.
4. Is there a motorable road to Adi Kailash?
Yes, the entire terrain is motorable.
5. Do we need a permit for Adi Kailash?
Yes, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory and you can get it from Dharchula SDM Office.
6. Which village is closest to Adi Kailash?
Gunji, Kuti and Nabi Village are closest.
7. How many days are required to visit Adi Kailash?
8 days is ideal for the full Delhi to Adi Kailash bike ride.
8. Has anyone climbed Adi Kailash?
No, it's a sacred peak and climbing is prohibited. Attempts have been made before but the expeditions always leave the last few meters untouched out of respect.
9. How much does an Adi Kailash bike ride from Delhi cost?
It can range from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, depending on your travel style. Higher CC bikes consume more fuel, and stay options can vary from budget guesthouses to premium stays. A budget traveler can complete the ride in under ₹15,000 with proper planning.