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Kumaon Permits & Altitude Safety
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Inner Line Permit, Darma, Milam and Pindari rules, and how to stay safe at height. Every fact is marked by how sure we are.
Last checked: October 2026. Permit rules in border areas change often and with little notice. We mark each fact by how sure we are. Always confirm with the issuing office before you travel.
Confirmed official or several reliable sources Reported, verify one news report Ask locally sources differ or unclear
Adi Kailash & Om Parvat
Gunji, Kuti, Jolingkong, Nabhidhang, Old Lipulekh viewpoint · PithoragarhHighest point4,500 m at Jolingkong
- Permit
- Confirmed
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required. - Where
- Confirmed
SDM office, Dharchula. Plan to visit in person. - Medical
- Confirmed
A medical fitness certificate is required. Get it from a registered doctor before you leave home. - Other papers
- Ask locally
Carry Aadhaar or another photo ID, passport-size photos, and copies of everything. Travellers also report an affidavit and police verification. Ask the SDM office what applies to you. - Online
- Ask locally
Officials have said online applications are possible, but we have not found an official portal yet. Use only a .gov.in or .uk.gov.in site, and never pay an agent who promises a “fast ILP”. - Fee and age
- Ask locally
Reported fees and age limits differ between sources (most mention 70 as the upper age). Confirm at Dharchula. - Season
- Confirmed
The 2026 yatra opened on 1 May. In 2025, permits were paused from early July to mid-September because of landslides, so expect a monsoon pause. - Kailash view
- Confirmed
Since September 2024, the Kailash peak can be seen from the Old Lipulekh viewpoint in Indian territory, after a short walk from the vehicle point. - Foreigners
- Ask locally
Foreign nationals face different rules. Ask the SDM office before planning.
Darma Valley & Panchachuli Base Camp
Dugtu, Dantu, Sela, Baling · PithoragarhHighest point3,600 m at Panchachuli base
- Permit
- Ask locally
Sources disagree on whether an ILP is needed. ITBP posts at Sela and Baling are reported to register trekkers. Ask at SDM Dharchula and carry ID.
Milam Glacier
Johar valley, from Munsiyari · PithoragarhHighest point3,400 m at Milam village
- Permit
- Reported, verify
News reports say the ILP requirement for Milam was removed in October 2023. Carry photo ID and register at check posts if asked. Confirm with SDM Munsiyari.
Pindari, Kafni & Sunderdhunga
From Loharkhet and Khati · BageshwarHighest point3,660 m at Pindari zero point
- ILP
- Confirmed
These glaciers are not in the inner-line zone, so no ILP is needed. - Forest entry
- Ask locally
Trek operators report forest entry charges, with a higher rate for foreigners. Confirm with the Bageshwar Forest Division before you go. - Coming rules
- Reported, verify
Draft Uttarakhand trekking rules (January 2026) would ask trekkers for insurance and a medical certificate. They are not final yet.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh
Run by the Ministry of External AffairsHighest pointOver 5,000 m in Tibet
- How
- Confirmed
Apply online at kmy.gov.in. Pilgrims are chosen by a computerised draw. - 2026
- Confirmed
The yatra runs June to August. Applications closed on 19 May and the draw was held on 21 May 2026. - Who can go
- Ask locally
Open to Indian citizens only. Check age, fitness and passport rules on kmy.gov.in.
Altitude safety · ऊँचाई पर सावधानी
Above about 2,500 m, the air has less oxygen. Anyone can get altitude sickness, including fit young people. It is preventable if you go up slowly.
Go up slowly
- Break the drive: Haldwani to Dharchula is a long day; stay a night.
- For Adi Kailash, spend a night at Gunji (about 3,200 m) before going higher.
- Above 3,000 m, try to sleep no more than 300–500 m higher each night.
Look after your body
- Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Eat light, warm food and rest on arrival.
- If you have heart, lung or blood pressure problems, see a doctor before the trip, and ask about altitude medicine.
Know the early signs
- Headache, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep, unusual tiredness.
- Stop going higher. Rest where you are until you feel normal.
Check the road before you set off: Kumaon road status today · best months for each route