KMVN to start Adi Kailash trek and village homestays

ArpitaChakrabarty | TNN
Almora: This new year, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) is all set to start the Adi Kailash trek which would go all around the mountain, to explore it from all sides.
For the first time since its inception, KMVN will conduct this trek around the Adi Kailash, which is situated in the Dharchula district of west Nepal and in Pithoragarh district.Trekkers would go through the Darma and Byans valleys, Sin La pass, from where Panchchuli East is seen clearly. Till now pilgrims could only enjoy a sight of the Adi Kailash from a distance.
KMVN is also organizing homestays in the villages around Adi Kailash. This would not only generate employment for the local youth but also promote the local culture and traditions. Tourists will also have an opportunity to taste the local cuisine.
Hindus consider Adi Kailash to be holy, as the snow deposition on the peak looks like the sacred sign ‘Om’. The mountain looks similar to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Near Adi Kailash lies the Jonglingkong Lake, which is considered as sacred as the Manasarovar Lake.
DS Garbyal, the managing director of KMVN said, “We were not able to increase the number of trekkers and pilgrims to Adi Kailash and Kailash-Manasarovar. So we are beginning a new trek route to Adi Kailash. This would be a different route and comprise homestays in the villages on this route. For this we have been training local youths in Mussourie and Haldwani.”
Starting from June, batches of 15 will be able to participate in this yatra till October. There will be homestays in Gunji, Napalchu Navi and Kutti villages offering tourists to be a part of tradition and culture in these remote mountains. Kutti is the last village on this trek route.
The village is apparently named after Kunti of Mahabharata. The village has the Pandava fort, salt mines and houses with beautiful engravings on their doors and windows. The structures have been elegantly maintained by the Bhotiyas. “This 12-day trek through the Himalayan villages will be an enriching experience for trekkers and pilgrims,” added Garbyal.
From this year, KMVN is also starting treks to Panchchuli Mountains and Milam glacier. All the treks are being organized on a PPP model where the local youth can work as guides and in arranging homestays in their villages. “The cost of the trip is currently being considered. We would make sure it would be a comfortable journey and easy on the pocket,” added Garbyal.