The Adi Kailash Parikrama Ultra Marathon 2025 is not just a race — it’s a divine run in the lap of the Sacred Himalayas of India. This first-ever high-altitude ultra marathon will take place around the holy Adi Kailash Parikrama route, between 10,300 to 15,000 feet above sea level. The event is scheduled for 2nd November 2025, in the serene and spiritual region of Gunji–Jolingkong, nestled in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand.
When we see the doli of Maa Nanda Devi moving during a yatra, the villagers say with devotion, “Maa is going, Maa is coming.” For them, the doli is not just wood and cloth – it is the goddess herself. Interestingly, in Tibet and nearby regions like Lahaul-Spiti, there is something very similar. It is called the Lha rten.
Resemblance of Tibetan Lha Rten with Nanda Devi’s Doli – A Shared Himalayan Tradition Read More »
The Maa Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is one of the biggest and most sacred pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. It takes place once in 12 years and covers a long journey from Nauti village in Chamoli to the remote high-altitude lake of Homkund, near Roopkund. On this divine yatra, the doli of Maa Nanda Devi travels through many villages, halts at several sacred places, and joins with other yatras on the way. Among these halts, Nandkesari holds a very special place, both spiritually and culturally.
Nandkesari – An Important Halt in Maa Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra Read More »
Nanda Devi Mahotsav, also called Nanda Devi Mela, is the biggest cultural fair of Almora in Kumaon. It happens every year around Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami, also known as Nandashtami. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Nanda and Sunanda, who are worshipped as Kul-Devis of Kumaon. The heart of this celebration is the Nanda Devi Temple in Almora town. The festival normally runs for five to seven days. During this time rituals, fairs, folk music, jagar singing and processions take place. Thousands of devotees and tourists join to take blessings of the Goddess.
Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi, the land of gods. Every valley, every village here has its own local deity. Among them, one of the most important and respected is Bhumiyal Devta, also known as Kshetrapal Devta. The word Bhumiyal itself means the protector of land. People believe these deities guard the fields, forests, animals, and the lives of villagers.
Bhumiyal Devta – The Guardian Deities of Uttarakhand Villages Read More »
Uttarakhand is called Devbhoomi because every mountain, river, and village here has a divine presence. Along with the great temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Nanda Devi, people also worship many Lok Devtas. These local gods are protectors, guides, and sometimes strict judges. They are worshipped in villages, fairs, and temples. Their presence is felt in songs, jagars, and folk tales. Let’s know about 10 important Lok Devtas of Uttarakhand and their temples.
Panch Kedar are the five holy temples of Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. These temples are very sacred for Hindus. Every year thousands of devotees and trekkers visit them. The Panch Kedar yatra is not only a religious journey but also a path of self-purification and forgiveness.
Panch Kedar – A Deep Spiritual Journey into the Five Abodes of Lord Shiva Read More »
Rudranath is one of the Panch Kedar temples, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his face form (mukha swarup). The temple is set in a natural rock cave at 3,600 m altitude, surrounded by alpine meadows and dense forests. The journey itself is an experience of silence, devotion, and pure Himalayan beauty. Unlike Kedarnath or Tungnath, here you walk through long ridges and high bugyals before reaching the shrine.
Rudranath Temple – A Complete Travel & Trekking Guide Read More »
In Hindu tradition, Kailash is known as the divine abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Most people know only about Mount Kailash in Tibet, but there are actually five sacred Kailash peaks, collectively called Panch Kailash. These are Mount Kailash (Tibet), Adi Kailash (Uttarakhand), Kinnaur Kailash (Himachal Pradesh), Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash (Himachal Pradesh), and Manimahesh Kailash (Himachal Pradesh).
Panch Kailash – A Complete Guide to the Abodes of Lord Shiva Read More »
Kinnaur Kailash, also called Kinner Kailash, is one of the most sacred mountain peaks of the Himalayas. It is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, very close to the Indo-Tibet border. The holy peak stands tall at an altitude of 6,050 metres above sea level, while the famous Kinnaur Shivling (the vertical rock pillar worshipped as Lord Shiva) rises at around 4,800 metres.
