Om Parvat

The Om Parvat, also known as ॐ Parvat, is one of the most mysterious peaks in the Himalayas. Rising to an altitude of around 6,191 meters, it lies near the India-Nepal border in the Darchula district of western Nepal. 

The mountain is famous for the natural formation of the holy symbol “ॐ” (Om) on its surface, created by the pattern of snow over dark rock. This rare  mark makes Om Parvat one of the most important landmarks for devotees of Lord Shiva and followers of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The word Om (Aum) is the most holy sound in Hinduism. It represents the vibration of the universe. Seeing the Om symbol naturally formed on a mountain is considered a blessing on its own. 

The Om Parvat stands near the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and Tibet close to the route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Although it does not fall directly on the traditional Kailash route, people often include it in their itinerary for darshan. The holy peak can be best seen from the Indian side, especially from Nabhi Dhang and Nabidang, near the Lipulekh Pass, which lies at an altitude of about 5,200 meters.

There is often confusion between Om Parvat and Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash) which is another mountain located about 17–19 kilometers away in the Kutti Valley of Uttarakhand, India.Both hold immense importance, but they are distinct peaks. 

The Om symbol, which appears naturally when snow settles on the black surface of the mountain, is visible only during certain times of the year.While being here, one is surely going to witness the Parvati Muhar that is a mountain incorporating a pass with the same recognition i.e. the name.

According to local belief, the darshan of Om Parvat completes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.From the Indian side, especially near Lipulekh, the symbol is visible clearly on a bright day.

A popular saying among pilgrims goes,

“Kailash ke bina Om nahi, aur Om ke bina Kailash nahi.”

Lesser-Known Facts about Om Parvat

• The Om formation changes slightly with snowfall and melting, yet its shape remains visible through most of the year.

• Om Parvat is also known locally as Baba Kailash, Jonglingkong  or Chhota Kailash.

• The region around Om Parvat is part of the Kumaon Himalayas, one of the most remote and untouched mountain ranges in India.

Reaching Om Parvat is not easy. Yet thousands of pilgrims take on this challenge every year which is purely driven by faith. The moment they see the divine “ॐ” shining on the mountain, fatigue disappears.