Day 1 of 7 · Fri 13 Nov 2026
Delhi → Pithoragarh
Flag-off in Delhi, out across the Terai and up through Champawat into the Kumaon hills.
- Distance
- 520 km
- Odometer 0 → 520
- Highest
- 1,645 m
- Pithoragarh
- Night
- Pithoragarh
- 1,645 m
4x4 ExpeditionNo. 01 · Delhi to Delhi · 1,572 km
Led by Neerja, Yash and Stuti
Expedition 01A 4x4 road trip from Delhi to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, Lipulekh and the Darma valley.
- Dates
- 13 to 19 Nov
- 2026 · Fri to Thu
- Duration
- 7 days
- 6 nights on the road
- Distance
- 1,572 km
- Delhi to Delhi
- Highest
- 4,500 m
- Jolingkong, for sure
- Lipulekh
- 5,099 m
- If the road opens
- From
- ₹35,000
- Per person, GST included
Led by Neerja Rao, Yash Parshwal and Stuti Rawat, with Naval, our certified guide, and our founder, Vinay Verma.
01 / 14 · Brand · people · proof
Run by the valley
A premium convoy, run from Pithoragarh: certainty on every kilometre, and the valley's own people driving, guiding, hosting and feeding it.
Adi Kailash Explore · The company
More trails.More stories.
One route, owned completely: Pithoragarh to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat and the valleys around them. Premium, to us, means certainty.
- Permits filed for you
- Rooms held by name
- A mechanic in the convoy
- A 4x4 in front and behind
- Travellers
- 1,000+
- guided on these roads
- On the road
- 10+
- years on the Kumaon roads
- Home
- 3
- valleys: Vyas, Darma, Johar
- The convoy
- 12
- cars, and no more
Run by the valley · Who drives, guides, hosts and feeds you
- PithoragarhOur baseThe company's home, and the first night of the road.
- DharchulaLocal driversAbove it, the district's own 4x4s and hill-licensed drivers.
- KumaonOur guidesCertified, from our own team: Hindi, English, Kumaoni.
- DarmaA Rung homeThe valley's night is a homestay with a Rung family.
- On the roadThe dhabasLunch at the road's own kitchens, run by people along it.
- AlwaysBy consentA person appears in our pictures only with written consent.
- A label is a claim.Heights measured, prices fixed, and Lipulekh only if the road opens.
- Measure, then say.Every kilometre on this page was driven or measured first.
- The mountain sets the terms.Weather, permits and the road decide the day. We say so.
02 / 14 · A screen a day
Day by day
Seven days as the roadbook gives them: where each goes, how far and how high, where you sleep, and what you see on the way. Scroll, and the days change.
Day 2 of 7 · Sat 14 Nov 2026
Pithoragarh → Gunji
Down to the Kali at Jauljibi, then up its gorge past Dharchula and Tawaghat to the high villages.
- Distance
- 174 km
- Odometer 520 → 694
- Highest
- 3,200 m
- Nabi / Gunji
- Night
- Nabi or Gunji
- 3,200 m
Day 3 of 7 · Sun 15 Nov 2026
Gunji → Adi Kailash → Gunji
Through Kuti to the end of the road at Jolingkong, face to face with Adi Kailash, and back down for the night.
- Distance
- 69 km
- Odometer 694 → 763
- Highest
- ~4,500 m
- Jolingkong
- Night
- Nabi or Gunji
- 3,200 m
Day 4 of 7 · Mon 16 Nov 2026
Gunji → Lipulekh → Darma
The longest day: Om Parvat on the way up to Lipulekh, the whole valley back down, and across into the Darma valley.
- Distance
- 174 km
- Odometer 763 → 937
- Highest
- 5,099 m
- Lipulekh Pass, if open
- Night
- Darma valley
- ~3,150 m
Day 5 of 7 · Tue 17 Nov 2026
Darma → Pithoragarh
Down the Dhauli to the Kali and back along it to Pithoragarh.
- Distance
- 159 km
- Odometer 937 → 1,096
- Highest
- ~3,150 m
- Darma valley
- Night
- Pithoragarh
- 1,645 m
Day 6 of 7 · Wed 18 Nov 2026
Pithoragarh → Bhimtal
West along the ridges to Almora, and down through Bhowali to the lake at Bhimtal.
- Distance
- 175 km
- Odometer 1,096 → 1,271
- Highest
- 1,645 m
- Pithoragarh
- Night
- Bhimtal
- ~1,350 m
Day 7 of 7 · Thu 19 Nov 2026
Bhimtal → Delhi
Down to Haldwani and across the plains, home to Delhi.
- Distance
- 301 km
- Odometer 1,271 → 1,572
- Highest
- ~1,350 m
- Bhimtal
- Home
- Delhi
- The flag comes home
03 / 14 · 1,572 km · 7 days
The route
The whole loop on one map, from Delhi to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat and Darma and home. Tap a day to fly to its road.
All The whole loop · 1,572 km · 7 days
04 / 14 · 221 m to 5,099 m
The climb
From 221 metres in Delhi to 4,500 at Jolingkong, and 5,099 at Lipulekh when its road opens, drawn to scale. Above the 4,000 m snow line it turns blue.
Each day's highest point
- D01Pithoragarh1,645 m
- D02Gunji3,200 m
- D03Jolingkong~4,500 m
- D04Lipulekh5,099 m
- D05Darma~3,150 m
- D06Pithoragarh1,645 m
- D07Bhimtal~1,350 m
Heights at the stops, from Wikidata and the 90 m elevation model where nothing is published (a ~ marks those), joined by straight lines: the road between two stops rises and falls more than the chart shows. Distances from the route map, measured on OpenStreetMap.
05 / 14 · 9 sights · 8 more on the road
What you see
The mountains, lakes, temples and villages the road passes, day by day: Adi Kailash and Om Parvat, Kalapani, Darma under Panchachuli, and the lake where the convoy says goodbye.
Day 3Adi KailashThe second of the Panch Kailash, seen from Jolingkong, ~4,500 m.
Day 3Parvati SarovarThe lake at the foot of the mountain, and its temple.
Day 3Gauri KundBelow Adi Kailash, on the way to Jolingkong.
Day 3Kuti village & Pandav FortThe last village of the Kuti valley, ~3,820 m.
Day 4Om ParvatSnow gathered in the rock in the shape of ॐ, seen from Nabhidhang.
Day 4Kalapani & Vyas GufaThe Kali Mandir at ~3,600 m, Vyas Gufa on the cliff opposite.
Days 4 and 5Darma & PanchachuliRung villages under five peaks, and a homestay for the night.
Days 2 and 5Dharchula, on the KaliThe border town, 908 m, Nepal across the river.
Day 6BhimtalThe lake and its island: the farewell night.
Also on the road · 8 more
- Lipulekh PassDay 45,099 m: the view of Mount Kailash, when the authorities permit it.
- Nag ParvatDay 4On the drive up to Nabhidhang.
- Pandav ParvatDay 3On the way to Jolingkong.
- Bheem ki KhetiDay 3On the way to Jolingkong.
- Manokamna Temple, NabiDay 3On the way back, ~3,290 m.
- Hanuman ParvatDay 4On the road below Kalapani.
- JauljibiDays 2 and 5Where the Gori river meets the Kali.
- AlmoraDay 6Kumaon's old capital, on its ridge.
06 / 14 · Stay · food · support
What's included
Where you sleep each night and in what kind of room, what you eat, and everything that rides with the convoy.
Where you sleep · Six nights
Classic rooms, shared · breakfast and dinner every night
- Night 1PithoragarhHotelFri 13 Nov1,645 m
- Night 2Nabi or GunjiGuest house or homestaySat 14 Nov3,200 m
- Night 3Nabi or GunjiGuest house or homestaySun 15 Nov3,200 m
- Night 4Darma valleyHomestay with a Rung familyMon 16 Nov~3,150 m
- Night 5PithoragarhHotelTue 17 Nov1,645 m
- Night 6BhimtalHotel by the lakeWed 18 Nov~1,350 m
Darma: first light from the balcony
Nabi: an A-frame room
Pithoragarh: a hotel room
Darma: a shared wooden room
Gunji: a homestay room
- Six nights, held by nameClassic rooms, shared, booked in your name before the flag drops.
- Breakfast and dinnerEvery day where you stay; lunch on the road is yours, at the dhabas.
- Permits, filed for youThe Inner Line and Lipulekh permits, filed for you, with the fees paid.
- Lead and sweep 4x4sTwo local 4x4s with hill-licensed drivers, one in front, one behind.
- A certified guideFrom our Kumaon team, with you every day in Hindi, English or Kumaoni.
- A mechanic on the roadTravels with the convoy, for anything a car needs on the way.
- First aidA first-aid kit rides with the convoy, every day from Delhi to Delhi.
- Led from the frontNeerja Rao, Yash Parshwal and Stuti Rawat lead the convoy; the founder rides along.
07 / 14 · Who rides with you
The crew
Neerja Rao, Yash Parshwal and Stuti Rawat lead the convoy, with Naval, our certified guide, and the founder riding along.
Lead 01Trip leaderNeerja RaoFilms the drive from behind the wheel: a black Thar, an open road and a playlist turned up loud. From Gurugram, her reels turn everyday drives into small films about cars, travel and the songs that carry a journey.
Instagram @drivewithneerjaYouTube @drivewithneerja
Lead 02Trip leaderYash ParshwalSpiti, Leh and Manali this year, with Mussoorie and Udaipur in between. On camera, the life of the big SUV, from a new car's first garland to the long mountain drive, with one reel past five million views.
Instagram @yashh_parshwalYouTube @yashparshwal9516
Lead 03Trip leaderStuti RawatFinds the mountain places most people drive past: Niti and Lahaul, Ladakh in winter, the Kuari pass on foot, and the Darma valley, where the convoy spends a night. Her itineraries and guides help travellers find the hidden corners of the hills.
Instagram @pahadan_on_roadYouTube @pahadan_on_road
- Guide · Certified guideNavalOur official certified guide, from our Kumaon team, speaking Hindi, English and Kumaoni.
- Base · FounderVinay VermaFounder of Adi Kailash Explore. Rides with the convoy: the company is his, and so is every promise on this page.
Follow the build-up on Instagram: @drivewithneerja, @yashh_parshwal, @pahadan_on_road and @adikailashexplore
08 / 14 · Scroll to rollOur lead cinematographer
Behind the lens
09 / 14 · 12 cars · lead · sweep
The convoy
12 cars and no more: a local 4x4 in front, another behind, your cars in between, with a guide, a mechanic and a first-aid kit riding along.
- SweepA local 4x4, last on the roadHill-licensed driver. No car is left behind.
- Your cars · 12 at most12 cars in the convoy, no moreYours or ours in between: bring your own 4x4, drive ours, or take a seat.
- LeadA local 4x4, first on the roadHill-licensed driver, setting the pace.
10 / 14 · Photographs · renders · tap to open
In pictures
The road and the convoy: our own photographs, and renders of the convoy in its colours. Tap a picture to open it.
11 / 14 · Per person · GST included
Prices
Bring your own 4x4, drive one of ours, or take a seat and let the mountain drivers drive. The same road, the same rooms, the same crew.
Way A · Bring your machine
Your own 4x4
₹35,000
per person · GST included
Drive your own machine in the convoy, with our lead and sweep vehicles, guide and mechanic around you.
What you get
- Your place in the convoy, in your own car
- Your car's papers checked by our team a week before the flag drops in Delhi
Good to know
- Above Dharchula a private car needs the SDM's ruling in writing: we apply with your papers, and you have the answer before you pay the balance.
- Fuel, tolls and parking for your own car are yours, from Delhi and back to Delhi.
Sold out
₹5,000 holds it, on WhatsApp
Way B · Take a seat
Our 4x4 and driver
₹45,000
per person · GST included
Take a seat and let the mountain drivers drive: nothing to steer, everything to see.
What you get
- A seat from Delhi to Pithoragarh and back
- A seat in a local 4x4 with a hill-licensed driver, for Adi Kailash, Om Parvat and Darma
Good to know
- Above Dharchula you ride as the district asks: in a local 4x4 with a hill-licensed driver, the rule every paying passenger rides by.
- No car papers to send, no SDM ruling to wait for, and nothing to drive.
Sold out
₹5,000 holds it, on WhatsApp
Way C · Take the wheel
Our 4x4, you drive
Custom
Based on availability
A 4x4 from us with the wheel in your hands: drive it in the convoy, four travellers to a car.
What you get
- A 4x4 for the week, four travellers to a car
- Your place in the convoy, behind the wheel, with the lead and sweep 4x4s around you
Good to know
- Above Dharchula a self-driven car needs the SDM's ruling in writing: we apply for it, and you have the answer before you pay the balance.
- Whoever takes the wheel brings a driving licence; the papers list comes when you book.
Sold out
₹5,000 holds it, on WhatsApp
12 / 14 · Every seat · not included · booking
In the price
What every seat holds, whichever way you come, what it does not, and how a seat is held.
In every seat · Whichever way you come
- Six nights in Classic rooms, shared
- Breakfast and dinner, every day on the road
- Inner Line and Lipulekh permits, fees paid
- Two local 4x4s, one leading, one sweeping
- A certified guide and a mechanic with you
- A first-aid kit with the convoy
Not in the price
- Lunch on the road
- The Darma valley registration fee
- An extra night if weather closes a road
- Personal expenses
- Message us on WhatsAppTell us the way in you want and how many of you are coming.
- Hold your seat with ₹5,000Paid into the company account, with a receipt the same day.
- We do the paperworkWe send the papers list and file the permits. The balance is due before the flag drops.
13 / 14 · Papers · rules · the cold
Before you go
Four papers to bring, the rules of the high road, and the cold you are dressing for.
Papers · Tick them off as you go
0 / 4 ready
- Rule 1Local 4x4s above DharchulaOn the high roads, paying passengers ride in Dharchula's own 4x4s with hill-licensed drivers, and a private car goes up only with the SDM's ruling in writing.
- Rule 2Off the high road by fourThe SDM advises no driving after 4 pm on the Gunji and Darma roads, which is why day 4, the long one, starts early.
- Rule 3Lipulekh, when the road is openThe pass opens at the authorities' word, on the day. If it is shut, Om Parvat still stands across the valley on the way, and the day runs on to Darma.
- Rule 4The edge of the seasonMid-November is the last of the season: the 2026 permit closing date is not announced yet, and Darma's families begin moving down that week. Every room is held by name.
November · Night low to day high
°C · Normals 1991–2020
Pithoragarh1,645 m8°
19°
Dharchula908 m9°
21°
Gunji3,200 m−5°
7°
Jolingkong~4,500 m−14°
−2°
Mean daily low and high for November, 1991 to 2020 (Open-Meteo archive, ERA5-Land, at each place's height). Gunji sees about 26 frost nights in November and about 3 wet days: cold, mostly dry.
14 / 14 · The company
Who runs it
The company behind the convoy: registered, based in Pithoragarh, and checkable. The founder rides with this one.
- A name
- The founder is named, photographed and signs the letter on the About page.
- An address
- Pitrota, near Thana Kotwali, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand 262501. The office is on the route, not in a city the route never touches.
- A number
- +91 76688 58311, answered by people who have driven the road.
- A register
- Uttarakhand Tourism, NIDHI and MSME (Udyam UDYAM-UK-09-0012927): each mark on this site names the register it sits in.
- 1,000+
- Travellers guided
- 10+
- Years on these roads
- 3
- Valleys we call home
Registered and recognised
Uttarakhand TourismRecognised
MSME, Govt. of IndiaCertified
NIDHI PortalVerified
Questions
Before you ask
Didn’t see your question? Message us: somebody in Pithoragarh will answer, usually the same day.
To Dharchula, yes. Above it the district decides: paying passengers ride in local 4x4s with hill-licensed drivers, and a private car needs the SDM's ruling in writing. We apply for yours with your car's papers a week before the flag drops, and you have the answer in writing before you pay the balance.
About 727 km on this route: 520 km from Delhi to Pithoragarh on day one, 174 km on to Gunji on day two, and the last 33 km to Jolingkong, where the road ends facing Adi Kailash, on day three. The whole loop, home by Om Parvat, the Darma valley and Bhimtal, is 1,572 km.
₹35,000 a person with your own 4x4, ₹45,000 in our 4x4 with a hill-licensed driver, and a custom price, based on availability, if you drive ours, GST included. Every way holds six nights' rooms, breakfast and dinner, the permits with their fees paid, the lead and sweep 4x4s, a guide and a mechanic. ₹5,000 holds a seat.
It is the edge of the season: cold, and one of the driest months up there, about 3 wet days in 30 at Gunji. The 2026 permit closing date is not announced yet, and Darma's families begin moving down that week, which is why the dates are fixed and every room is held by name.
In spirit, yes: a Himalayan road expedition from Delhi, in your own 4x4 or ours, 1,572 km there and back. The road is in Kumaon instead, to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat and the Darma valley on India's border with Tibet and Nepal. An Inner Line Permit keeps the numbers far below Spiti's and Ladakh's; we file it for you.
Lipulekh is a bonus, not a promise: the pass opens at the authorities' word on the day. Om Parvat is on the way up, so you see it either way, and the day runs on down the valley to the Darma villages as planned.
Cold. The 1991 to 2020 normals for November give Gunji a high of about 7 °C and a low of about minus 5 °C, and Jolingkong a low near minus 14 °C. November is one of the driest months up there, about 3 wet days in 30. Pack down, thermals, gloves and a cap.
It is a road expedition, not a trek: the highest you go is Jolingkong at about 4,500 m and Lipulekh at 5,099 m if it opens, both by vehicle: Jolingkong after a night at Gunji, Lipulekh after two. Tell us first about any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition.
Message us on WhatsApp with the way in you want. A seat is held with a ₹5,000 advance, paid into the company account with a receipt the same day, and we send the papers list. The balance follows before the flag drops.
Neerja Rao, Yash Parshwal and Stuti Rawat lead the convoy, with Naval, our certified guide, a mechanic, and Vinay Verma, the founder of Adi Kailash Explore, riding along.
Flag-off · Delhi · Fri 13 Nov 2026
The flag drops13 Nov
In T minus
Seven days, six nights, 1,572 km from Delhi to Delhi, led by Neerja Rao, Yash Parshwal and Stuti Rawat. Questions first? Call us, the people who answer have driven this road.
Three ways in
Per person · GST in
- Six nights in Classic rooms, breakfast and dinner
- The Inner Line and Lipulekh permits, filed and paid
- Lead and sweep 4x4s, a guide and a mechanic
- A first-aid kit with the convoy
Every seat is taken.
Flag-off
Delhi
Fri 13 Nov · 221 m
28.67° N · 77.22° E
Start and finish
Road's end
Jolingkong
Sun 15 Nov · ~4,500 m
30.35° N · 80.65° E
Facing Adi Kailash
More trails · More stories
Pictures: day 1, Mukul.pandey07, CC BY-SA 4.0, edited · day 5 and the route map, Kuldeep vittan, CC BY-SA 4.0, edited · day 6, Unsplash · day 7, Pexels · Gauri Kund, Kcsr.ntl, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors