Return from Khati – The Road Beckons Again

After wrapping up the Pindari Glacier trek, we returned to Khati—muddy shoes, tired legs, and hearts full. A hot meal, warm smiles at the homestay, and one short nap later, our minds turned to the next adventure: Adi Kailash. We were about to trade trekking poles for winding mountain roads—and the thrill of the unknown.

Shortcut to Dharchula – Off-Map Magic

“Google won’t show you this shortcut,” our homestay host smiled. The route he gave us snaked through Kharlake → Chetabagar → Gauchar → Didihat → Ogla → Dharchula—a hidden artery of Uttarakhand’s terrain. We followed it, and what we got in return were cliffside roads, river glimpses, and stretches of untouched serenity.

Dharchula – Mountains Under Moonlight

We reached Hotel Nanak just after sunset. The host welcomed us like family, and the food felt like home. Outside, beneath a sky spilt with stars, a local travel agent arranged our permits—₹800, Aadhaar, car number, photographs—all sorted before morning. Bureaucracy had never felt so peaceful.

Landslides, Hairpins & High Spirits

We packed veggies for Rahul’s friend in Nabi Gaon and began our ascent. Soon, a landslide paused our journey. While waiting, mist curled into stories across the cliffs. Later, we climbed through the legendary 36 Band — hairpin after hairpin, each turn unfolding a new layer of the valley's majesty.

Welcome to Nabi Gaon – A Hidden World

Nabi felt timeless — quiet, soulful, and untouched. We flew the drone near the river, ate local food and sour achar, and listened to tales about Nepal’s old trade routes. That night, I slept like the valley had cradled me into stillness.

Morning Chai & Drive to Adi Kailash Base

We woke up to chai steam and scenery that felt cinematic. Waterfalls whispered down cliffs and clouds drifted like ancient prayers. As we drank in the moment, the mountain stood silent in the mist — less like rock, more like spirit. After breakfast, we started toward the base. BRO roads curved dramatically through steep ridges. By noon, we reached the base — a quiet plateau wrapped in reverence.

Trek to Gaurikund – Where Silence Worships

A short trek of 2–3 km brought us to Gaurikund. Mist floated between pines. Shiva and Parvati’s idols stood quietly. We prayed, filled bottles with holy water, and looked up at Adi Kailash — tall, eternal, humbling.

Parvati Sarovar – Lake of Stillness

Further ahead, Parvati Sarovar shimmered beside a small temple. We received prasad, took a few stills, and just stood there — surrounded by silence that felt ancient. The lake didn’t just reflect the sky — it reflected something in us.

Back to Nabi – Goodbye with Grace

We returned to Nabi for one last night. A simple dinner, a walk through fogged fields, and memories swirling quietly inside. The next morning, mist followed us as we descended — like the valley itself was saying farewell.

Travel Tips for Adi Kailash Journey

• Best Time: May to October (avoid peak monsoon).
• Permits: ₹800 per person. Carry Aadhaar, car details, and passport-sized photo.
• Fuel: Last fuel station at Dharchula—fill up!
• Road Conditions: Landslides possible. Prefer SUVs and skilled drivers.
• Network: Limited beyond Dharchula. Inform family beforehand.
• Packing: Rain gear, warm clothes, basic meds, dry snacks, and mental calm.
• Stay: Homestays in Nabi & Dharchula. Simple, local, soulful.
• Respect: Dress modestly, be mindful. You’re walking through sacredness.

Closing Reflection

Some journeys are driven by curiosity. Others by silence. This one—Pindari to Adi Kailash—was driven by something else entirely: a longing to understand. Not just the terrain, but ourselves. If you're craving something raw, spiritual, and soul-stretching—this road is waiting.

📸 Follow the Journey

Check out the full cinematic vlog on YouTube, and let’s connect on Instagram for behind-the-scenes reels and trek stories!

• YouTube: @trekkingtale
• Instagram: @nn1_maverick