Panch Kailash Opening Date 2026 — Season Dates, Permits & Guide

1. Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash) — Dharchula, Uttarakhand

Adi Kailash — also known as Chhota Kailash — opened for the 2026 yatra season on 1 May 2026. The season has been extremely busy this year with all accommodation fully booked at Napalchu, Gunji, Nabi and Kuti villages during summer holidays (as reported by our team who were on the route in May 2026).

The yatra route runs from Dharchula through Tawaghat, Napalchu, Gunji and Nabi to Jolingkong — the sacred base camp at the foot of the Adi Kailash peak. The Parvati Sarovar glacial lake at Jolingkong is one of the most spiritually powerful sites on the entire route.

2. Om Parvat — Nabidhang, Uttarakhand

Om Parvat is the sacred mountain where the natural ॐ (Om) symbol appears in snow on the mountain face at 6,191m. The darshan point at Nabidhang provides a clear view of the Om symbol — best seen early morning when snow is bright and sky clear.

Om Parvat is typically visited as part of the Adi Kailash yatra — both can be done in the same trip from Dharchula. The Om Parvat darshan route is fully operational for the 2026 season.

3. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra — Tibet (China)

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra involves crossing into Tibet (China) and requires approval from both the Government of India (Ministry of External Affairs) and the Chinese government. The MEA announced the 2026 yatra with 1,000 pilgrims selected across 20 batches. Registration and selection is done through the MEA — Yatra Kailash assists with logistics for the Lipulekh route from Dharchula.

4. Shrikhand Mahadev — Himachal Pradesh

Shrikhand Mahadev in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most challenging of the Panch Kailash — a high-altitude trek to a natural Shiva lingam at 5,155m. The yatra typically opens in July after the worst of the snow clears and closes by late August or September before monsoon conditions worsen.

5. Kinnaur Kailash — Himachal Pradesh

Kinnaur Kailash features a magnificent 79-foot natural Shiva lingam that changes colour through the day. The yatra typically opens in June or July once snow on the trail clears sufficiently for safe passage.

Best Time to Visit Panch Kailash — 2026 Summary

Do All Five in One Season?

Doing all five Panch Kailash in one season is possible but ambitious. A practical combined itinerary:

• May–June: Adi Kailash + Om Parvat from Dharchula (8 days)
• June–July: Kinnaur Kailash, Himachal Pradesh (5 days)
• July: Shrikhand Mahadev, Himachal Pradesh (5 days)
• June–September: Kailash Mansarovar (subject to MEA selection)

For Adi Kailash and Om Parvat — which are in Uttarakhand and accessible from Dharchula — Yatra Kailash is your ideal local operator. We handle ILP permits, accommodation, transport and guides.