Have you ever thought why only the five peaks have been referred to as Kailashas when the world is abundant with so many mountains?

Well, in addition to Mount Kailash, four more holy peaks are equally believed to be sacred and are one of the significant Hindu spiritual sites. If you are planning to go for Panch Kailash darshan anytime soon, this blog is packed with everything you need to learn; from how to reach to the best time to visit and more. 

Read on to learn more about the Panch Kailash mountains before beginning your yatra. 

About Panch Kailash Mountains

The five Kailash peaks are: Kailash Mansarovar, Adi Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev, Kinnaur Kailash, and Manimahesh Kailash, each being the abode of Mahadev and revered pilgrimage sites popular among the devotees of Lord Shiva. These peaks are intertwined with unparalleled beauty, and devotion, with several folktales connected to their existence. One can find many temples of Lord Shiva closer to these holy peaks. At its core, each step of the Panch Kailash Yatra is a journey towards experiencing profound spirituality. 

5 Kailash Mountains & Everything You Need to Know About Them

Read further about the names of 5 Kailash mountains dedicated to Lord Shiva, along with the best time to visit Panch Kailash, how to reach Panch Kailash, the duration of the visit, its geographical aspects, and others: 

Kailash Mansarovar 

Did you know that Mount Kailash is one of the world’s most difficult mountains to climb? Here’s why.

Mount Kailash is one of the five sacred Kailashas and the world’s most sacred peaks, situated in the Kailash range of Tibet, an autonomous region of China. The mountain is sacred for four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon while also being a sacred pilgrimage site for the adherents of each of these religions.

Hindus believe it to be the home of Lord Shiva (the God of destruction and generous to his devotees at the same time, within Trimurti), and that’s why Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus. Millions of pilgrims perform Kailash Mansarovar parikrama or Kora during the yatra, believed to liberate one from the human lifecycle and bring good luck in their lives. 

Location: Nagari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of China 

Altitude: 6638 m

How to reach: There are two routes to Kailash: either you can go via the Ministry of External Affairs via Nathu La Pass or Lipulekh Pass, or you can choose private travel agencies offering helicopter and overland routes starting from Lucknow (India) or Kathmandu (Nepal). 

1. By Air: There are helicopter routes for the Yatra, and the journey starts from Lucknow or Kathmandu. 

• Lucknow route: It is operational via flight, by helicopter, and by bus. The heli route by Lucknow is 11 days longer and begins in Lucknow via Nepalgunj up to Mansarovar Lake and Darchen, followed by a 2-day parikrama and then back to Lucknow.

• Kathmandu route: The Kathmandu route is an 11-day longer route starting from Kathmandu and going to Nepalgunj, then to Darchen and Purang, followed by the parikrama.

2. By Road: The overland route starts from Kathmandu by bus via Kyirong, Mansarovar Lake, and Darchen to Yamdwar, followed by Mount Kailash Parikrama, which is a 14-day-long yatra.

Best time to visit: May and June, September and October 

Duration of Yatra: 6-7 days (without parikrama) and 10-14 days (with parikrama)

Nearby attractions: Lake Mansarovar, Yam Dwar, Gauri Kund, Rakshas Tal, Ashtapad, Nandi Parvat, Shivasthal, Saptarishi Caves, and more. 

Adi Kailash 

Located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Adi Kailash is one of the most sacred peaks out of the five divine peaks of Lord Shiva; famed for its tranquil landscape and its close resemblance with Mount Kailash, located in Tibet. Millions of Lord Shiva devotees flock to Pithoragarh for the darshan of this peak, which is also popularly known as ‘Shiva Kailash, ’ ‘Baba Kailash, ’ ‘Jolingkong Peak, ’ and ‘Chhota Kailash. Unfold Gauri Kund (Jolingkong Lake) and Parvati Tal glacial near the base of this holy peak during Adi Kailash yatra. While trekking, you can find Parvati Sarovar, located near the Adi Kailash mountain along with a temple of Lord Shiva located close to its shoreline. Kathgodam- the starting point for the Adi Kailash Yatra. 

Legends have to say, that Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married at the Adi Kailash peak. As per another folktale, Lord Shiva performed Tandava, giving darshan to the sage Ashtavakara. It is also believed that the Pandava brothers from the great epic of Mahabharata visited Adi Kailash before the Kurukshetra War.

Location: Pithoragrah, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 5,945 m

How to reach:

1. By air: Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Pithoragarh, situated at a distance of 301 km from Dharchula. You’ll need to hire a taxi from Dharchula to reach Adi Kailash. 

2. By road: You can catch direct buses from ISBT Anand Vihar up to Kathgodam and Haldwani and you need to hire a taxi or cab up to Dharchula. And from Dharchula again, hire a taxi or cab to reach Adi Kailash.  

3. By train: If you’re travelling by train, Tanakpur, Kathgodam, and Haldwani are the closest railway stations to start your Adi Kailash Yatra.

Nearby attractions: Om Parvat, Gauri Kund, Parvati Sarovar, Shiva Parvati Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Jageshwar Dham, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Bhimtal, Ved Vyas Cave, Kuti Village

Best time to visit: Mid-May to June and September to mid-October

Duration of Yatra: 7-8 days 

Shrikhand Mahadev

Popularly known as Shikhar Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev is the third peak amongst the group of Panch Kailashas, situated in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The peak is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. You can find a massive 75-feet-tall Swayambhu Shiv Linga at the peaks of the mountain. The trek to this holy peak is believed to be the most challenging pilgrimage with Jaun Village being the starting point of the trek. Trekking for Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is popular amongst adventure travellers and devotees of Lord Shiva. 

As per the legends, a demon named Bhasmasur was blessed with a boon by Lord Shiva and he can turn anyone into ashes. Once he tried to reduce Shiva to ashes. To protect himself, Lord Shiva took shelter at Shrikhand Parvat. Later, Lord Vishnu took the Mohini Avatar to save Shiva, and he started manipulating the demon with his smart moves, provoking Bhasmasur to use the same power on himself. As soon as Bhasmasur kept his hand on his head, he was reduced to ashes. 

Location: Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh 

Altitude: 5227 m

How to reach: 

1. By air: Chandigarh Airport is the closest flight way to Shrikhand Mahadev. You can fly to Chandigarh and hire a taxi/bus to reach Jaon Village- the starting point for trekking up to Shrikhand Mahadev. 

2. By train: You can opt either for Chandigarh railway station or Kalka railway station (the nearest to Jaon Village, the base camp for Shrikhand Mahadev via trekking route). Hire a bus/taxi up to Jaon Village from Chandigarh railway station, followed by trekking up to the mountain.

3. By road: There are several options for buses from Delhi to Chandigarh route. Hire a cab to reach Jaon village, followed by trekking up to Shrikhand Mahadev.

Nearby attractions: Rampur, Shimla, Kullu, Kufri, Kasauli 

Best time to visit: June to September 

Duration of visit: 6-8 days 

Kinnaur Kailash 

Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh within the Himalayan range, the Kinnaur Kailash is also an abode of Mahadev and Maa Parvati, like the other four sacred Kailashas, held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. Situated close to the Indo-Tibetan border, the Kinner Kailash mountain range houses a 75-feet tall Shiva Lingam that changes its colour frequently and looks like a trident (Trishul). Kinnaur Kailash stands tall amidst the breathtaking landscape that completely captivates onlookers, with the holy river Sutlej flowing through the Kinnaur valley. The peak is closely located to Parvati Kund, a pond believed to have been created by Maa Parvati. Having said that, Kinnaur Kailash Yatra is quite challenging, and not everyone can easily reach there due to its difficult treks. 

Location: Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh 

Altitude: 6050 m

How to reach:

1. By air: Chandigarh Airport is the closest airport to Kinnaur Kailash. From Chandigarh Airport, you can hire a taxi to Tangling. The trek for Kinnaur Kailash starts from the Tangling Village. 

2. By train: Shimla railway station and Kalka railway station are the nearest stations to Kinnaur. From Kalka railway station, you’ll take a taxi from Kalka to Tangling, followed by trekking up to Kinnaur Kailash.

3. By road: Delhi to Shimla Volvo buses are available that drop you off at Shimla. Hire a local taxi from Shimla up to Tangling Village, from where you’ll start trekking up to Kinnaur Kailash.

Nearby attractions: Chitkul, Kamru Fort, Rupin Pass, Kalpa, Baspa River, Nako, Sangla

Best time to visit: May, June, September, and October 

Duration of Yatra: 6 days 

Manimahesh Kailash

The word Manimahesh translates into ‘Jewel into the crown of Mahesh,’ and this peak is popularly known as ‘Chamba Kailash. Situated in Bharmour, Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Manimahesh Kailash is surrounded by an enchanting landscape, standing tall over the Manimahesh Lake. Manimahesh Kailash is also the celestial abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the rock formation, a Shiv Linga that remains snow-laden, especially during winters. Pilgrims usually visit Bharmani Mata Temple, located 4 km away from Bharmour, before beginning the Manimahesh Yatra. No climbing activity has been successful at this peak till today as this peak is Lord Shiva’s place.

As per the legend, the origin of Manimahesh Kailash is said to come into existence after the marriage of Lord Shiva, and Maa Parvati, worshipped as Mata Girija. Lord Shiva also performed penance at this peak, Manimahesh Yatra is regarded as one of the highly revered pilgrimages for Hindus. 

Location: Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh 

Altitude: 5,653 m

How to reach:

1. By air: Pathankot Airport is the nearest to Manimahesh Kailash. Hire a taxi to Bharmour, from where you have two options; You can start trekking from here or choose helicopter services that drop you off at Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, experience darshan of Manimahesh Kailash.

2. By road: You get Volvo buses from Delhi up to Pathankot. Hire a taxi up to Bharmour, and you can either trek or go via helicopter from here.

3. By rail: Pathankot railway station (PTKC) is the closest means of rail transportation, located at a distance of 130 km from Chamba. The train goes up to Pathankot, from where you’ll get the bus, dropping you off at Bharmour. From Bharmour, you can go trekking or via helicopter up to Gaurikund for the darshan of Manimahesh Kailash.

Nearby attractions: Chaurasi Temple (Bharmour), Bharmani Mata Temple, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Triund Hill

Best time to visit: August and September and May to June 

Duration of Yatra: 6-10 days (depending on your route/package)

The journey to the Panch Kailash peaks is a test of time and devotion, as the yatra is filled with rugged terrains and hilly regions that make it even more challenging. However, devotees from around the country and the world visit these five sacred pilgrimage places of Lord Shiva. If you, too, are planning your Panch Kailash Yatra, we’re here to help you! Check out our Panch Kailash Yatra packages for further information on the itinerary and popular routes to reach there.  

Ready to begin your Panch Kailash Yatra? Get in touch with our travel experts at +91-8510007751.