Gunji to Om Parvat - A Roadtrip to the holy mountains!

Amit Pahuja
May 18
7 min read

Roadtrip from Gunji to Om Parvat – Off-Road Adventures and Divine Encounters

– Episode 3

Nestled deep within the pristine Himalayas, our expedition from Gunji to Om Parvat was nothing short of an adventurous odyssey. Starting early morning around 6am from the base camp, we set out with a sense of anticipation, eager to explore the sacred and scenic terrains en route to one of the most revered peaks, Om Parvat. The camp guys told us that the breakfast would only be ready by 8am and that was too late to start the journey as we had a long way to go.. so we skipped the breakfast and started our journey.

The Sacred "Om Parvat" Om Namah Shivaay!

It is believed that one can see the whole family of Shiva on this mountain. In the center you see "OM" and on the right side of the mountain, you see Ganpati bhagwan.

Route Details: Gunji -> Om Parvat - Gunji -> Dharchulla (Time taken - 4-5 hrs)

First stop was the check post around 1km from the camp at Gunji. It took really long time around 40-45 mins to show the permit and move forward. This is where everybody has to show the permits and there was a long queue of the taxi guys and then the police guys had to check each of the ID's and then the papers so it took long. After we cleared the check post we started our further journey. The road from here was totally off-road with mud and gravel and rocky terrain. Thankfully, our sturdy SUV with good ground clearance handled the terrain with ease, but it was a reminder that this journey demands respect and preparation. We took it easy as we were not in a rush and didn't wanted to get caught in the rush of taxi guys. We enjoyed the journey, took multiple photo stops as the place was beautiful.

Waiting at the check-post for permit checks..

Nestled in a serene landscape, this small camping spot (for locals) lies at the base of majestic snowy mountains. The tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views create a picturesque setting that feels like a scene from a fairytale.

The journey to the nearby heavenly valleys is filled with enchanting sights, where nature's beauty is on full display. As you travel through winding paths and lush meadows, the anticipation of reaching the valleys adds to the adventure.

Majestic green mountains with patches of snow under a cloud-dappled sky.

Towering mountain peaks stand beneath a vivid blue sky, with a vast glacier nestled among them, forming a stunning natural display.

River views

Mesmerising River views

Selfie time at the River

बर्फीली चोटियों से उतरती, नदिया की धारा,कलकल बहती, संग लाती खुशियों का सहारा।पर्वतों की गोद में, सदा अटल बहती पथिक,जीवन के संग्राम में, बनती जीवन की झाँकी।

Time for Coffee Break. We always carry hot water in a Thermos and Coffee Sachets for on the go Coffee! This keeps us energised and also gives us a reason to break the journey into experiences.. such as stopping by the river for a coffee :)

Beautiful valleys

Coffee Time :)

Road to Om Parvat.. all through the road is like this with gravel and rocks..

Enroute Stop at Kali Nadi Mata Temple

Our journey included a meaningful pause at the serene Kali Nadi Mata Temple, en route to Om Parvat. The calmness of the temple and the gentle flowing river nearby offered a spiritual respite amidst the rugged landscape. It was a soothing experience, connecting us further with the divine and the nature that surrounds us. The temple is built very long ago and has a vibe. Even though its a small temple, a lot of pilgrims including local population come here. It wasn't very crowded like some of the other commercial temples now a days so had a good vibe. Inside the temple, there are a few idols of the holy Kali Nadi Mata, so we took the blessings and continued further. The temple compound also has a Army run canteen and they serve some light snacks. As we were hungry now, we thought to fill our tummies here before continuing further.

The main temple

The main temple

The main temple

The main temple

Fish pond at the main temple complex

Canteen run by the army folks..

Canteen..

The main temple complex..

Scenic Beauty and Adventure

As we drove through this untamed terrain, the breathtaking vistas kept us captivated. The mountains towering around us seemed to whisper ancient secrets, while the crisp mountain air invigorated our senses. The landscape showcased a mix of wildflower-covered meadows, steep slopes, and remote hamlets, each offering a unique photo opportunity. Several times, we slowed down to capture the stunning scenery, realizing that each snapshot was a testament to earth’s raw beauty.

Om Parvat was just an hour away from here, and we moved forward with reverence and gratitude in our hearts. As we approached the sacred mountain, the divine presence filled us with a sense of peace and bliss. When we first glimpsed Om Parvat, it was nothing short of miraculous — nature’s sacred "OM" carved by glaciers, a divine symbol that has been worshipped and revered for ages.

Seeing this breathtakingly beautiful sight with our own eyes was an extraordinary blessing. We felt enveloped in divine grace, humbled by the sacred energy emanating from the mountain. We paused here to offer our prayers, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and the divine consciousness that pervades this holy place. With hearts full of gratitude, we took a few pooja offerings, captured divine blessings in our souls, and paid our respects.