Pantnagar Airport, located in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, is the nearest functional airport for travelers heading toward the sacred Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash). While the airport is a relatively small domestic hub, it plays an important role for those who wish to reduce travel time by skipping the long road journey from Delhi. From Pantnagar Airport, devotees and adventure seekers can hire taxis or pre-arranged cabs to undertake the long, scenic, and spiritually rewarding journey towards Dharchula, Gunji, and eventually Adi Kailash. This guide explains how to travel via taxi from Pantnagar Airport to Adi Kailash, covering details of routes, distances, halts, and practical considerations.
Geographical Overview
The total distance from Pantnagar Airport to Adi Kailash is approximately 450 to 500 kilometers, depending on the route and road conditions. The journey passes through Haldwani, Almora, Pithoragarh, Dharchula, and Gunji before reaching the trek region around Nabidhang and Jolingkong. Since no direct taxis or roads go all the way to Adi Kailash, the journey combines long taxi rides with short local jeep rides and an additional trekking portion near the base.
Step-by-Step Route Details
Pantnagar Airport to Haldwani
After landing at Pantnagar, taxis are available outside the airport for Haldwani, the nearest large town in Kumaon. The distance between Pantnagar Airport and Haldwani is just 25 kilometers, which takes around 45 minutes by taxi. It is advisable to stock up on essentials here before driving deep into the mountains.
Haldwani to Pithoragarh
From Haldwani, the taxi journey continues toward Pithoragarh via Almora or Lohaghat route. The approximate distance is 220 kilometers, taking 7 to 8 hours of hilly driving. The road passes through scenic valleys, pine forests, and several mid-hill villages. Pithoragarh is the cultural and administrative center of the region and acts as an important rest halt for food and overnight stays.
Pithoragarh to Dharchula
The next section covers about 95 to 100 kilometers from Pithoragarh to Dharchula. As the roads become narrower and more rugged, the travel time increases to around 5 to 6 hours. Dharchula lies on the banks of river Kali and serves as the base camp for Kailash Mansarovar and Adi Kailash yatras. Inner Line Permits required for Adi Kailash are issued here, making it a mandatory stop on the journey.
Dharchula to Gunji
From Dharchula, taxis or local jeeps take travelers ahead towards Gunji, a small Himalayan settlement about 80 kilometers away. The path follows the Kali River and crosses places such as Budhi and Garbyang. Given the terrain conditions, many travelers prefer sturdy jeeps for this stretch. Travel operators offering Pantnagar to Adi Kailash travel packages often include these local transfers.
Gunji to Nabidhang and Jolingkong
Gunji is a checkpoint and acclimatization halt. From here, the road continues toward Nabidhang (famous for the Om Parvat darshan) and then up to Jolingkong. This stretch is not always accessible by taxis, so special jeeps or trekking options are required. Jolingkong is the last base from where pilgrims trek a short distance to Adi Kailash.
Trek to Adi Kailash
The final few kilometers from Jolingkong to Adi Kailash are covered by trekking. The path takes pilgrims close to Parvati Sarovar and onto the divine viewpoint of Adi Kailash. The trek is short but spiritually significant, and most devotees consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Permits and Requirements
Since Adi Kailash lies near the Indo-Tibetan border, Inner Line Permits (ILP) are compulsory. These are issued mainly in Dharchula by local administrative offices. Valid ID proof, medical fitness certificates, and passport-sized photographs are required. Most tour operators handling Pantnagar to Adi Kailash travel packages assist travelers in obtaining these permits.
Best Time to Travel
The best months to undertake this journey are from May to mid-October, excluding July and August when monsoons bring landslides and waterlogging. May-June and September-October guarantee clearer mountain views, better road access, and safer conditions for both taxis and treks.
Why Travel by Taxi from Pantnagar
Compared to traveling from Delhi, starting from Pantnagar Airport reduces almost 300 kilometers of road distance, saving up to one day of travel. Taxis allow personalized travel, flexible halts, and comfort, especially for families or elderly pilgrims. SUVs and MUVs such as Innova or Bolero are recommended, as they handle hill terrain better.
Pantnagar to Adi Kailash Travel Package Options
Several operators provide Pantnagar to Adi Kailash travel packages by including airport pickup, taxi services, accommodations at halts such as Pithoragarh and Dharchula, local jeep transfers, permits, and guided trekking support. Depending on the package, these can be customized for small groups, pilgrims, or solo travelers. A complete package ensures smooth logistics, safety, and comfort—making the demanding spiritual journey more accessible to modern travelers.
Conclusion
Embarking on a taxi journey from Pantnagar Airport to Adi Kailash allows travelers to combine religious devotion with Himalayan adventure. With the right planning, permits, and proper taxi arrangements, this route offers a smooth alternative for those wishing to shorten travel time from Delhi. Pilgrims opting for a Pantnagar to Adi Kailash travel package gain the benefits of professional coordination, thus focusing more on the sacred experience of darshan rather than logistical concerns. For spiritual seekers, this journey through the majestic Kumaon valleys to the revered Adi Kailash remains deeply memorable and divine.