Panch Kailash Yatra

Panch Kailash Names

Everyone knows about Kailash Parvat- main adobe of Lord Shiva is, situated in Himachal valleys. But do you know about other 4 important Kailash that lies in India and together form Panch Kailash. Now let us go deep into the details of each of these Panch Kailash names, Location and Panch Kailash images to understand the spiritual significance, stories related to them, best time to visit, how to reach along with many other related things.

1. Shri Kailash Mansarovar

• Location: Tibet Autonomous Region, China
• Height: 6,638 meters (21,778 feet)
• Minimum Days for Yatra: 10 Days without Parikrama

Kailash Manasarovar is the most famous of the Panch Kailash peaks. Located in the farthest corner of Tibet, it is considered the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The pyramid shape of the mountain adds to its mystique. Pilgrims circumambulate the mountain, a 52 km trek called the Kora, which is believed to wash away sins and give spiritual enlightenment.

Near Mount Kailash lies Lake Mansarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The lake water is believed to have purifying properties and a dip in the lake is said to absolve all sins. The combination of the sacred mountain and the holy lake makes Kailash Manasarovar a spiritual hub.

How to Reach Kailash Mansarovar:

By Air: First go to the nearest airport Ngari Gunsa Airport in Tibet and from there you can hire a vehicle to reach the base camp of the Kailash trek, Darchen

By Road: you can also come via Lipulekh Pass or Nathu La Pass from India but these routes require special permits and arrangements.

Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar:

May to September is the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar. At this time the weather is mild and the routes are open. You can also take part in the Saga Dawa festival celebrated by Tibetan Buddhism.

2. Adi Kailash

• Location: Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, India
• Height: 5,945 meters (19,505 feet)
• Minimum Days for Yatra: 7 Days

Adi Kailash or Chhota Kailash is considered as the original Kailash. It is like Kailash but more accessible to the pilgrims. Located near Pithoragarh is the serene Kumaon region, Adi Kailash is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, Parvati Lake and Om Parvat, a mountain with a natural Om symbol formed by snow.

Adi Kailash trek is challenging, it is a total of around 80 Km trek that will take minimum of 7-8 days depending on the weather condition and your own pace. After completing your trek, you will be blessed with the divine energy and a sense of calmness within yourself.

How to Reach Adi Kailash:

By Air: First you reach the nearest airport Pantnagar in Uttarakhand. From there you can travel by road till the Dharchula as it is the starting point of the trek.

By Road: Adi Kailash Yatra package is one of the most important treks in Uttarakhand Tour Packages. Dharchula is well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand. From Dharchula, a combination of trek and vehicle journey will take you to Adi Kailash.

Best Time to Visit Adi Kailash:

May to June and September to October is best time to visit Adi Kailash when the weather is pleasant and the trekking routes are open. This time also offers clear views of the surrounding peaks and landscapes. Book Adi Kailash Tour Package from Delhi with all-inclusive facilities of meal, tourist vehicle, stay options and transfers.

3. Kinnaur Kailash

• Location: Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, India
• Height: 6,050 meters (19,850 feet)
• Minimum Days for Yatra: 6 Days

Kinnaur Kailash lies in the heart of Himachal Pradesh. This mountain peak is popular for its mystical energy and the Shiva Lingam stone on top of it. This rock can be seen from a distance and changes its color with the sun, it looks divine. Kinnaur Kailash is associated with many legends, including those of Lord Shiva and the Pandavas of Mahabharata.

The trek to Kinner Kailash is tough, with steep climbs and rough terrain. But the sight of the Shiva Lingam and the views of the valleys around is worth every step. Pilgrims say it’s a test of faith and endurance and at the end you feel a sense of achievement and clarity of mind.

How to Reach Kinnaur Kailash:

By Air: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport. From Shimla you can hire a vehicle to reach Reckong Peo, the base for the Kinnaur Kailash trek.

By Road: Reckong Peo is well connected by road to major towns of Himachal Pradesh. The trek to Kinnaur Kailash starts from Kalpa, a short drive from Reckong Peo.

Best Time to Visit Kinnaur Kailash:

June to September is the best time to visit Kinnaur Kailash this is the time when weather is favourable for trekking and views at its best. Explore Himachal Tour Packages to explore these 3 important adobes of Lord Shiv in Himachal.

4. Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash

• Location: Kullu district, Himachal, India
• Height: 5,227 meters (17,150 feet)
• Minimum Days for Yatra: 8 Days

Shrikhand Mahadev kailash is amongst the toughest pilgrimages in India. Where the holy abode of Lord Shiva holds a sacred 75 feet Shivling. You can start this yatra from the Jaun village in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges from the Parvati valley. To reach the base camp, you have to drive from Shimla towards Rampur and cross the Satluj river to enter the Nirmand region of the Kullu district and drive till Jaon Village. The most amazing fact about this Shiva adobe is that even during heavy snowfall, the Shivalinga remain free of snow.

Even though it is one of the toughest pilgrimages to trek with 35 kms long trek route, every year thousands of Hindu Pilgrims as well as other spiritual seekers from all across the world to trek this difficult trek without sigh and any complaint. But it is advisable to do the trekking only if you have some prior experience of trekking in high altitude and if you are medically fit.

How to Reach Shrikhand Kailash:

By Air: To reach at the base camp the nearest airport is Shimla from there you can take a hired taxi to reach Jaun village.

By Road: After reaching Shimla you have to take a cab or bus till Rampur and from there you will reach Jaun village via Nirmand but remember that the last 8 Km route is almost an unmetalled road.

Best Time to Visit Shrikhand Kailash:

The best time to visit Shikhar Kailash is between June and September because in the other months it is possible that you will not get permission from the government to trek.

5. Manimahesh Kailash

• Location: Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India
• Height: 5,653 meters (18,547 feet)
• Minimum Days for Yatra: 4 Days

Located in the Chamba district, Manimahesh Kailash is famous for the Manimahesh Lake at its base. The lake is believed to be created by Lord Shiva and is a very sacred place. Pilgrims make the tough trek to the lake during the annual Manimahesh Yatra which starts from the day of Krishna Janmashtami and ends on the day of Radha Ashtami.

The reflection of Manimahesh Kailash in the lake is amazing. The name of the mountain means "jewel of Shiva" and reflects its divine and pure beauty. The trek to Manimahesh Kailash is physically tough and spiritually uplifting and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

How to Reach Manimahesh Kailash:

By Air: To reach the base camp of the trek at Hadsar you have to get down at the nearest airport Gaggal airport in Kangra and from there you can travel by road with car rental.

By Road: If you are travelling from Delhi, you can drive via NH44 and NH154 to reach Hadsar while passing through Chandigarh, Pathankot, and Chamba and even the Hadsar is well connected with the other major cities of Himachal Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit Manimahesh Kailash:

May and June or from September to October are the best times to visit Manimahesh Kailash. This period is the time for experiencing the Manimahesh Kailash Yatra that is held annually.

Preparation for Panch Kailash Darshan

Panch Kailash yatra is one of the most important religious tour packages in India. You can include Panch Kailash darshan in your bucket list when planning a Trip to India.

Physical Fitness and Preparation

• The treks are physically challenging and require good cardio, strength and flexibility. To prepare, do jogging, swimming, cycling and strength training.
• For cardio, aim to be able to jog 4km in 20 minutes before the trek. Gradually build up to this by starting slow and increasing your pace over time. Strength training should be on your leg muscles through squats and core with planks and crunches.
• Flexibility is also important so stretch your major muscle groups like hamstrings, quadriceps and shoulders. This will help you to handle the strain of carrying a backpack.

Acclimatization and Gear

• Trekking at high altitude poses the risk of altitude sickness so gradual acclimatization, hydration and proper rest is key. Invest in good trekking gear like sturdy boots, layered clothing and waterproof equipment.
• Must haves to bring are first aid kit, energy bars and hydration packs. Make sure you have all necessary permits and documents, especially for Tibet and consider getting travel insurance.

Packing List

• Trekking shoes with good grip
• 40-60L backpack with rain cover
• 2-3 warm layers, 2 trek pants, 2 collared shirts
• Sunglasses, sun cap, gloves, balaclava
• 2 pairs of socks (including wool)
• Headlamp, trekking pole
• 20L daypack, toiletries, cutlery, 2 water bottles
• Plastic bags for organization and wet clothes

Conclusion

The Panch Kailash Yatra package is more than a Pilgrimage Trip it is a journey that bridges the physical and spiritual world. Each of the Panch Kailash peaks has its own significance and offers the pilgrim a chance to connect with ancient traditions and the divine. Whether you are drawn by the spiritual aspect, the treks, or the Himalayas themselves, the Panch Kailash Yatra will touch your soul deeply. Going on this yatra means entering a world where the sacred and the sublime merge, where every step takes you closer to the divine and where the journey itself is the path to self-discovery and spiritual awakening.