Adi Kailash is one of the last great road journeys in the Indian Himalaya. A border road now climbs the Vyas valley in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, past Gunji to the foot of Adi Kailash (also called Chhota Kailash) at Jolingkong, and to the viewpoint for Om Parvat near Nabhidhang. Until a few years ago this was a trek of several days. Today you can ride it on a motorcycle, but it is still remote, high and tightly controlled.
This guide covers everything you need to plan an Adi Kailash bike trip in 2027: the route, how many days you need, what it costs, the Inner Line Permit, the best months and what the riding is really like. Each section links to a detailed article if you want to go deeper.
Adi Kailash bike trip at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | Vyas valley, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand — close to the borders with Tibet (China) and Nepal |
| Gateway town | Dharchula, where the Inner Line Permit is issued |
| Highlights | Adi Kailash and Parvati Kund at Jolingkong, Om Parvat from Nabhidhang, the villages of Gunji, Nabi and Kuti |
| Highest riding point | Around 4,500 m near Jolingkong |
| Days needed | 9–10 days from Rishikesh, 11–12 days from Delhi |
| Permit | Inner Line Permit from SDM Dharchula — for Indian citizens |
| Best months | May–June, and late September–October (the road is often closed in the monsoon) |
| Riding level | Challenging: steep mountain roads, broken tarmac, gravel, water crossings and high altitude |
Where are Adi Kailash and Om Parvat?
Both sit at the top of the Vyas valley, the valley of the Kali river that forms India's border with Nepal. Adi Kailash (about 5,945 m) rises above Jolingkong, beside the sacred lake of Parvati Kund and the small Shiva temple at Jolingkong. Om Parvat (about 6,191 m) stands near Kalapani; from the viewpoint at Nabhidhang, the snow on its face forms the shape of "ॐ".
The two are reached on separate branches of the same road from Gunji, so most itineraries spend two nights in the Gunji–Nabi area and visit one each day.
The Adi Kailash bike route
Every route to Adi Kailash funnels through Dharchula and then follows the Kali river north. A common loop from Rishikesh looks like this — it is the route of our own Adi Kailash & Om Parvat bike trip:
| Day | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Rishikesh | — |
| 2 | Rishikesh to Gwaldam | 240 km |
| 3 | Gwaldam to Munsiyari | 170 km |
| 4 | Munsiyari to Gunji / Nabi village (via Dharchula) | 180 km |
| 5 | Gunji to Adi Kailash and back | 70 km |
| 6 | Nabi to Om Parvat, then down to Dharchula | 160 km |
| 7 | Dharchula to Kasar Devi, Almora | 220 km |
| 8 | Almora to Jim Corbett | 120 km |
| 9 | Jim Corbett to Rishikesh | 260 km |
| 10 | Departure | — |
That is roughly 1,400 km of riding in eight riding days. Going up through Munsiyari and coming down through Almora means you see two different sides of Kumaon instead of riding the same road twice.
Coming from Delhi? Add about a day each way. The usual approach is Delhi – Haldwani/Kathgodam – Almora or Champawat – Pithoragarh – Dharchula.
What the road is like
- Rishikesh to Dharchula: good to fair mountain highways, many bends, some landslide zones.
- Dharchula to Gunji: the road follows the Kali gorge past Tawaghat, Malpa, Budhi and Chhiyalekh. Expect narrow sections, loose gravel, broken tarmac, waterfalls across the road and construction work.
- Gunji to Jolingkong and to Nabhidhang: high, exposed roads above 3,500 m, with cold mornings, thin air and stretches of gravel.
Road work by the Border Roads Organisation is ongoing, so conditions change from season to season — sometimes better, sometimes with fresh diversions. It is a ride for confident riders, not for a first Himalayan trip.
How many days do you need?
Plan 9 to 10 days from Rishikesh or 11 to 12 days from Delhi. You could do it faster, but we don't recommend it:
- The permit process at Dharchula can take time.
- You gain a lot of height in one day between Dharchula (around 900 m) and Gunji (around 3,200 m), so a slower plan is kinder to your body.
- Landslides can close the road for hours. A spare half-day saves the trip.
Inner Line Permit: the short version
The Vyas valley beyond Dharchula is a protected border area, so every visitor needs an Inner Line Permit (ILP) issued by the SDM office in Dharchula. In recent seasons you could pre-register online, but verification still happens in Dharchula.
You will usually need:
- A government photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID or passport) and passport-size photos
- A medical fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor
- A police verification certificate (recent), or as accepted by the SDM office at the time
- On a motorcycle: your driving licence, RC, insurance and PUC, because posts along the road check riders and vehicles
Foreign nationals: the Inner Line Permit is issued to Indian citizens. Foreigners are currently restricted from this area, including Lipulekh Pass, so this is an Indian-riders-only journey for now.
Rules on rented bikes, medical certificates and vehicle papers are where most riders get caught out. We explain all of it in Inner Line Permit for Adi Kailash on a motorcycle.
How much does an Adi Kailash bike trip cost?
It depends on whose bike you ride and who organises the trip. As a guide:
- Your own motorcycle, self-planned: fuel for about 1,400 km, stays, food, permit and medical costs — the cheapest option, but you handle everything.
- Guided tour with your own bike: our trip starts at ₹35,000 per rider plus 5% GST, with stays, breakfast and dinner, ride leader, support vehicle and permit assistance included.
- Guided tour on a company motorcycle: ₹55,000 per rider plus 5% GST for a Himalayan 450, with fuel included.
Remember to carry enough cash: ATMs are scarce beyond Dharchula and digital payments are unreliable. The full comparison, with every cost broken down, is in Adi Kailash bike trip cost: full breakdown.
When to go: best months for 2027
The road to Adi Kailash is open in two windows:
- May to June — the season opens; cold mornings, snow on the high slopes, busiest time for permits.
- Late September to October — after the monsoon; clear skies and the best mountain views, colder at Jolingkong.
July and August are the monsoon months. In 2026 the authorities stopped issuing permits from 2 July because of landslide risk, and the second phase restarted only in late September after a washed-out bridge was rebuilt. The 2027 dates have not been announced yet, so watch for news in April. More detail in Adi Kailash opening dates and best month to ride.
Altitude and health
You will sleep around 3,200 m at Gunji or Nabi and ride above 4,000 m. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, however fit.
- Ride up gradually — avoid rushing from the plains to Gunji in one go.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on the way up.
- Tell your ride leader at once about headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness. Going down is the cure.
- Speak to your doctor before booking if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure problems — you will need a medical certificate anyway.
What to pack
- Full riding gear: helmet, armoured jacket and pants, gloves and riding boots
- Warm layers and thermal inners — mornings near Jolingkong can be below freezing even in June
- Waterproof jacket and pants, and spare gloves
- Sunscreen, lip balm and good sunglasses
- Personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit
- Cash for the whole stay beyond Dharchula, and copies of every document
Ride it with Great Indian Rides
Our 10-day Adi Kailash & Om Parvat bike trip starts and ends in Rishikesh and runs through Gwaldam, Munsiyari, Gunji, Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, Almora and Jim Corbett. A ride leader and marshal, a mechanic and a support vehicle with your luggage, a first-aid kit and an oxygen cylinder travel with the group, and we help with the Inner Line Permit. See all dates on the departure calendar, or plan a private trip for your own group.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride my own bike to Adi Kailash?
Yes. Privately registered motorcycles ridden by their owners are allowed with a valid Inner Line Permit and complete vehicle papers. Carry your RC, insurance, PUC and driving licence.
Is the road to Adi Kailash fully tarred?
No. Large parts are tarred, but there are long stretches of broken road, gravel and construction, especially between Dharchula and Gunji, plus water crossings after rain or snow-melt.
Can foreigners do the Adi Kailash bike trip?
Not at the moment. The Inner Line Permit is issued to Indian citizens, and foreign nationals are currently restricted from this border area, including Lipulekh Pass.
How many days do I need for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat?
About 9–10 days from Rishikesh or 11–12 days from Delhi, including travel to Dharchula and back and a little spare time for weather.
Is Adi Kailash suitable for a first Himalayan ride?
We don't recommend it. You should be comfortable on steep, narrow and loose roads and fit enough for long days at altitude. An easier Himalayan ride first is a good preparation.