Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
Om Parvat
Om Parvat rises in the Himalaya within Pithoragarh district. Seen from a distance, its rock and snow pattern takes the shape of the sacred syllable Om. The Shiva Purana holds that Om existed before creation of the universe.
Old scriptures and folk belief speak of eight natural Om marks hidden across the world; Om Parvat is the one open to view, and Nabhidhang is the spot to see it from. Hindus and Buddhists both treat the peak as sacred and as Shiva's abode.
The peak also sits on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the pilgrimage that ends at Tibet's Kailash peak and the Mansarovar lake. On the Indian side of that route, the Nabhidhang camp, at roughly 5,900 metres, gives the view.
Distances are approximate. Hill roads and weather change, so ask us about current conditions before you set out. See all places to go