Gunji To Adi kailash Distance: The Best Tourism Village in India

Tucked away in the far northern frontier of Uttarakhand, close to the Indo-Tibet and Indo-Nepal borders, Gunji Village Uttarakhand is one of the most remote, culturally rich, and spiritually significant villages in India. Perched high in the Himalayas, Gunji is not just a settlement—it is the gateway to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Declared among the best tourism villages of India, Gunji offers a rare blend of borderland history, Himalayan resilience, spiritual energy, and untouched natural beauty.

Gunji to Adi Kailash Distance

The Gunji to Adi Kailash distance is relatively short but incredibly scenic, passing through some of the most sacred and remote Himalayan landscapes in Uttarakhand.

• Gunji to Adi Kailash (Jolingkong): ~20–22 km

• Travel time: 2–3 hours (by road + short walk)

• Route: Gunji → Kuti/Nabi → Jolingkong (Adi Kailash base)

• Highest point reached: ~4,700 meters

Most of the journey from Gunji Village Uttarakhand to Adi Kailash is now motorable, thanks to newly developed border roads. A short walk is required near Jolingkong and Parvati Sarovar, where the sacred Adi Kailash peak comes into full view.

Key Highlights on the Gunji to Adi Kailash Route

• Views of Kuti Village (linked to Kunti from the Mahabharata)

• Glacial streams and alpine valleys

• First clear दर्शन of Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash)

• Parvati Sarovar, reflecting the snow-clad peak

Because Gunji is the main base village, pilgrims usually stay overnight here before heading to Adi Kailash early in the morning for the best visibility and weather conditions.

👉 Good to know:
The same route from Gunji also connects to Om Parvat, making Gunji the most important halt for the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra.

Gunji Uttarakhand – Location & Height

• District: Pithoragarh district

• Region: Kumaon Himalayas

• Gunji Uttarakhand height: ~3,500 meters (11,483 ft)

• Nearest town: Dharchula

Gunji lies along the Sharda (Kali) River valley, surrounded by towering snow peaks and strategic mountain passes leading toward Tibet.

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Getting There: How to Reach Gunji Village

Before visiting Gunji Village Uttarakhand, travelers must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) due to its sensitive border location.

Inner Line Permit for Gunji

• Issued by the SDM Office, Dharchula

• Required documents:

  • Government ID proof

  • Medical/health certificate

  • Character certificate

Once the permit is approved, the journey begins from Dharchula, which is well-connected by road from Pithoragarh, Haldwani, and Tanakpur.

Dharchula to Gunji Village Journey

The Dharchula to Gunji route runs along the western bank of the Sharda River, offering dramatic views of deep gorges, waterfalls, and snow-clad ridges.

From Gunji:

• North route: Kailash–Mansarovar

• West route: Adi Kailash & Om Parvat

Newly built roads have significantly improved accessibility, reducing travel time for pilgrims and tourists.

Life in Gunji Village Uttarakhand

Gunji is home to around 335 residents, whose lives revolve around seasonal migration, agriculture, and pilgrimage support.

Seasonal Migration

• Winter: Most families migrate to Dharchula due to extreme cold (up to –20°C)

• Summer: Families return with livestock once snow melts

Farming & Livelihood

Residents cultivate:

• Buckwheat

• Rajma (kidney beans)

• Peas

Harvest occurs in October, after which families descend with animals to lower altitudes—an age-old Himalayan tradition reflecting deep harmony with nature.

Homestay in Gunji Uttarakhand

Despite its remoteness, homestay in Gunji Uttarakhand is comfortable and pilgrim-friendly.

Accommodation Options

• Local village homestays (basic but warm hospitality)

• Shared rooms & home-cooked meals

• Ideal for pilgrims heading to Adi Kailash & Om Parvat

For better facilities, travelers often stay overnight in Dharchula before proceeding to Gunji.

What to Explore in Gunji Village

Gunji plays a crucial administrative and spiritual role in the region.

Key Facilities in Gunji

• ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) Camp

• SSB Camp

• Customs Office

• Intelligence Bureau (IB) Office

• Temporary State Bank of India branch

• Post Office

These facilities serve locals as well as thousands of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar, Adi Kailash, and Om Parvat Yatra.

Gunji – Base for Adi Kailash & Om Parvat

• Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash / Jyolingkong)

• Om Parvat (ॐ snow formation mountain)

• Old Lipulekh Pass & Kalapani

Nearby attractions include:

• Kuti Village (linked to Kunti, mother of Pandavas)

• Kalapani (source of River Kali)

• Chaundans, Darma & Bryans valleys

4-Day Pilgrimage Itinerary via Gunji (Helicopter Option)

Day 1: Pithoragarh → Gunji (Helicopter)

• Road transfer to helipad

• Helicopter ride to Gunji

• Overnight homestay in Gunji Uttarakhand

• Meals included

Day 2: Adi Kailash Darshan

• Drive to Jolingkong & Parvati Sarovar

• Full-day sightseeing

• Return & overnight in Gunji

Day 3: Om Parvat & Old Lipulekh Pass

• Day trip to Om Parvat (Nabhidang)

• Visit Old Lipulekh Pass

• Overnight stay in Gunji

Day 4: Gunji → Pithoragarh (Helicopter)

• Return helicopter ride

• Tour concludes

✔️ Experience Adi Kailash and Om Parvat entirely from Indian soil

Adi Kailash & Om Parvat: Sacred Mountains of Lord Shiva

Adi Kailash is believed to be a replica of Mount Kailash, where Lord Shiva meditated. Pilgrims believe completing the yatra cleanses karma and brings spiritual liberation.

A powerful legend says Ravana performed intense penance at Adi Kailash, after which Shiva blessed him with immense strength.

Nearby Om Parvat is the only mountain in the world where the ॐ symbol appears naturally in snow, a divine phenomenon that draws devotees from across the globe.

Conclusion: Why Gunji Village Uttarakhand Is Special

Gunji Village Uttarakhand is more than a stopover—it is a living Himalayan heritage site where faith, borders, nature, and resilience intersect. From seasonal migration to sacred yatras, from border security to spiritual silence, Gunji offers an experience unlike anywhere else in India.

If you seek an offbeat destination, spiritual depth, and raw Himalayan beauty, Gunji is truly one of the best tourism villages in India.

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