Adi Kailash
Situated at an altitude of @ 6,100 metres, Adi Kailash also referred to as Chota Kailash is in a way a replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet.
It is situated in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand within a proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border in the calmness of the tranquil Kumaon Himalayas. Adi Kailash is a popular pilgrimage of the Hindu devotees. One can catch a glimpse of the emerald Parvati lake and the Gauri Kund adorned at the very foot of Chota Kailash.
The love for hiking and spirituality often attracts the tourists to enjoy the splendour of Mount Adi Kailash which features wildflowers, undulating bugyals, cascading waterfalls, and the thick woodlands that can engulf the wanderers in its gloom. The path passes through the awe-inspiring Darma, Bryans and Chaundans Valley. One can admire the grandeur of the snowy Annapurna peak, the bubbling Kali River and the Narayan Ashram. Devotees get to explore the tiny Kuti village named after ‘Kunti’, the mother of Pandavas.
At the very foot of Chotta Kailash is Gauri Kund reflecting its entire expanse. Yet another water body close by is called Parvati Sarovar. A temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati is there at the shoreline. Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, Chotta Kailash served as the most revered substitute of Mount Kailash.
OM Parvat
From Gunji the Kailash Mansarovar route branches off to Kalapani from where the Kali river originates. Onwards from here is Navidhang (3987m), Lipu pass is only 9 kms from here. From Navidhang, the "Om Parvat", the miracle of nature is clearly visible. Snow lies on this mountain in the shape of a perpetual "OM", the primordial sound. All other slopes may be bare but this inscription in the snow is everlasting and as one observes it, one gets the feeling that the mountain itself is Lord Shiva incarnate.