All About Om Parvat

OM Parvat, Uttarakhand is a revered mountain that blends both spiritual and natural splendour together. The uniquely "OM" shaped mountain has been a source of wonder and mystery throughout history. It is considered one of the important temple/pilgrimage spots in India. So today let's explore the mystery of Om Parvat

What is Om Parvat?

Om Parvat is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It is widely known for its distinct appearance, featuring a natural formation resembling the sacred Hindu symbol "OM" on its southwest face. It is at an elevation of 5,590 m which comes around 18,340 ft.

Part of the Kailash mount range, Om Parvat is one of the sacred mountain peaks that are closely associated with lord Shiva and his legendary feats. It is considered one of his abodes and a top Shiva temple/pilgrimage spot.

Is Om Parvat Real?

Yes, Om Parvat is real and this is a question that we come across often. The OM appearance of the peak is naturally formed due to its snow deposition pattern.

Which is the lake near Om Parvat?

Jonglingkong Lake, better known as Manasarovar Lake to Indians is located very near to Om Parvat. It is also called as Mapam Yumtso and the lake is fed by rivers from the Kailash glaciers.

Which are the Three Kailash Parvats?

Kailash Manasarovar (Tibet), Adi Kailash (Uttarakhand) and Kinnaur Kailash (Himachal Pradesh) are the three Kailash parvats. Many confuse Kailash Mount with Om Parvat but they are different.

What is Om?

Om or Aum is a sacred symbol, sound or syllable that is core to Hinduism and its subsets. Known as the primordial sound, is considered the essence of the absolute or the supreme power. It is also called Omkara and Pranava.

How to go to Om Parvat?

Om Parvat and Mount Kailash are situated on the Indo-Chinese border and is often laden with thick snowfall as well as troublesome weather most of the time. You can reach Om Parvat from Kathgodam or Pantnagar Airport and travel through Almora, Pithoragarh, Dharchula to reach Gunji by road. At Gunji the road divides into a fork which it divides into two roads one to Mount Kailash & the other to Mount Om.

Which is the best time to visit Om Parvat?

The best time to visit Om Parvat is during

• Mid May to June end

• Mid September to October end

Cultural and Local Insights on OM Parvat

The villages surrounding OM Parvat are inhabited by indigenous communities with rich cultural traditions. The mount and the Manasarovar lake are highly sacred for 4 major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism & Bon religions.

Conservation Efforts

With increasing interest in OM Parvat as a pilgrimage and trekking destination, there is a growing need for responsible tourism and environmental conservation. Local and government initiatives aim to preserve the fragile ecosystem and maintain the sanctity of the region. Visitors are encouraged to follow sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of this sacred mountain.

Whether you are a trekking enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or someone fascinated by the mysteries of the Himalayas, OM Parvat stands as an embodiment of the sacred and the sublime.