Adi Kailash vs Kailash Mansarovar: Which Pilgrimage is Right for You?

Kailash Mansarovar

Written by Arun Kumar

April 22, 2025

The Abode of Snow Himalayan Range comprises some of the most worshipped and mystique peaks in the world. Out of them Mount Kailash and Adi Kailash are most important in Hindu as well buddhist traditions. 

In this article, we will delve into the different aspects of  adi kailash vs kailash mansarovar as respective sites for pilgrimage against what is considered spiritual in nature by devotees and trekkers alike.

What is the difference between Kailash and Adi Kailash?

Adi Kailash vs Kailash Mansarovar – the nearness of both these destinations also ushers in hills lovers and pilgrims to be choosy.

1. Mount Kailash

  • Location: Mount Kailash, located inside the Tibet Autonomous Region of China It is a part of the greater Transhimalaya mountain range.
  • Importance –Mount Kailash is a holy mountain, sacred to Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hindu mythology, it is considered to be the residence of Lord Shiva.
  • Bortom Peak Elevation: 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) of physical characteristics : The peak itself sits at 6338 m(21778 ft ) and has a singular pyramid shape with the four faces.

2. Adi Kailash:

  • Area: Adi Kailash, otherwise called Chhota (little) Kailash is situated in the Pithoragarh area of Uttarakhand. The border to you its the Indo-Tibetan Tribune.
  • Importance: Just Like Kailash, Adi kailash has religious importance. It is a clone or birthplace of Mount Kailash.
  • Height: Adi Kailash is 5,945 meters above sea level (19,505 feet) thus it looks similar to Mount Kailsh in shape but appears small.

As per Hindu myths, equal importance of spirituality is given when you compare Adi Kailash vs Kailash Mansarovar. Adi Kailash vs Kailash Mansarovar : It purely depends upon your taste of location, mythology and handling stress from trek.

What are the 5 types of Kailash?

1. Mount Kailash (Kailash Parvat)

Among the four peaks of Mt. Kailasha is one amongst it), which has been known and revered since times immemorial by Bon, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jain for its mythical status as a holy mountain hence serves as an ultimate pilgrimage destination.

2. Adi Kailash

It is situated in Uttarakhand, India and known to be a counterpart or original Mount Kailash

3. Kinnaur Kailash

The sacred peak-Kinnaur Kialsh is situated in Kinnaue district, Himachal Pradesh, India and serves as a significant elemnt of “Shiva Reincarnate or Avtaar” for both Hindus and Buddhists

4. Manimahesh Kailash

Located in Himachal Pradesh, India is most famous for the Mani Mahesh Lake and also pilgrimage of manii mahesht during Janam Holi.

5. Shikhar Kailash

Another peak which is highly esteemed by the pilgrims but less celebrated among other people, like Nanda Devi it too lies in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand- Shikhar Kailash.

Kailash Mansarovar

Why is Adi Kailash famous?

Adi Kailash has spiritual value, natural beauty as well the experience that comes with visiting it for a pilgrimage. The original Kailash is said to be it and this place has some myths of Hindu Religion. 

The journey to Adi Kailash takes you around verdant valleys, high passes and charming villages making it a spellbinding experience for all the nature lovers while being an adventurous one.

Adi Kailash Trek

For the trek in Himalayas, Adi Kailash is a must-do – Tough Trail through Beautiful Terrains! It starts from Dharchula in Uttarakhand and involves a mix of forests, alpine meadows, rocky paths. The trek also gives a chance to witness the magnificence of Om Parvat (a snow mountain), with an obvious sign of “Om”, that holds deep religious importance for Hindus.

What is the height of Adi Kailash?

Adi Kailash is located at an elevation of 5,945 m (19,505 feet) While it may not stand quite as high up in the sky as Mount Kailash, its presence is just equally majestic and awe-inspiring.

Adi Kailash to Kailash Mansarovar distance

Adi Kailash is located about 200 kilometers from place of pilgrimage i.e. Kailash Manasarovar which covers the distance on motorable road upto Lipu Lek. Now come with mystical short distances travelled by sadhus and journalists to take a darshan in gratis where workship have been founded for millennia. 

They are at the heart of two different important pilgrimages which is separated by a thousand kilometres on foot, because they belong to different countries. While the adventure in Adi Kailash vs Kailash Mansarovar treks is starkly evident, we are also drawn to the natural beauty that surrounds us on both these journeys.

Adi Kailash Yatra

The Adi Kailash Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by countless followers each year. This yatra consists of trekking through very difficult terrains, visiting temples and places that are referred to as the most sacred ones in Hindu scriptures besides amidst serene beauty of Himalayas. 

The route usually has halts at locations such as Narayan Ashram, Om Parvat and Parvati Lake which increases the spiritual & scenic depth to a whole new level.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is an ancient pilgrimage and widely considered as one of the most pious places by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Bonpos. Pilgrimagers move out to the holy Mount Kailash and also the Lk Mansarovar, considered taking pleasure in transcendental know-how as well redemption. The yatra covers a tough trek or hazardous road journey in the rough terrains of Tibet, often facing worst weather outside.

Kailash Mansarovar

Adi Kailash Route Map

The route to Adi Kailash usually commences from Dharchula, a small town in Uttarakhand. The journey to the base camp at Narayan Ashram is made from Dharchula by trekkers enroute Tawaghat. After reaching Badrinath, the journey passes through different high-altitude areas via several peaks such as Om Parvat and also sights like Parvati Lake to finally reach their last stop – Adi Kailash

Adi Kailash Trek: An Unforgettable Himalayan Adventure

Where is the Adi Kailash mountain located?

Adi Kailash is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. One of the Kumaon Himalayas, it is situated near Indo-Tibetan border. One can reach the mountain by a trek that starts from Dharchula, passing through some of the exquisite and untouched regions of Himalayas.

Adi kailash om parvat

Om Parvat is a different holy peak which stands near Adi Kailash. It is world-renowned for the natural occurrence of snow in the form of the Hindu symbol ‘Om’ on its surface. It is considered divine to witness Om Parvat and then pilgrims, trekkers come every year in number. It is mostly covered in the Adi Kailash Yatra as it enhances the spiritual opulence of your trip.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ’):-s

1. What are the 5 Kailash?

There are 5 Kailash,Kailash Manimahesh, Adi Kaialsh Kinnaur kaiLAsh, Shikhar kalish.

2. How tall is the Adi Kailash?

Adi Kailash has an altitude of 5,945 metres. 

3. What is Adi Kailash Yatra?

Adi Kailash yatra – A Journey of a devoutly called devotee to pray blessings for themselves. Before the adventure ends, go trekking on some pretty hard terrains while passing sacred place as well like Om Parvat or Lake of Paravati.

4. What do you know about Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a popular pilgrimage in what religions that includes travel to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar both located in Tibet. 

5: Which valley is part of the Adi Kailash mountain?

Adi Kailash, is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand in India near the Indo-Tibetan border.

6. What is Adi Kailash yatra map? 

The normal route to Adi Kailash starts from Dharchula in Uttarakhand and covers Tawaghat, Narayan Ashram, high-altitude passes before the final target.

7. Which river started from holy Madmaheswar near to the one of Panch Prayag?

Om Parvat, this sacred peak is near Adi Kailash topped with the distinctive snow formation as if showing om.

Conclusion

Adi Kailash along with being a pilgrimage site is also considered as one of the toughest treks. Tibet serves as the ultimate destination for religious pilgrimage, home to Mount Kailash that is revered in many religions alike. While both of treks Adi Kailash vs Kailash Mansarovar offers varied landscapes and challenges catering to the interest of different types of adventurers.

“Adi kailasha” which offers an immersive spiritual and scenic experience same like Mt.Kailesh but without moving out of India! The treks to these holy sites are difficult yet gratifying, lead you through the most beautiful and secluded areas of Himalaya. Be it for the quest of spiritual realization or to embark on an adventure in midst of nature, Adi Kailash & Mount kailasin both provides a culturally and natural rich experience.

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