Nabi Village sits at approximately 3,200 m (10,500 ft) in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, just 3–4 km beyond Gunji on the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra route.
Locals call it Nabiyal. For most yatris, it is the night halt they remember longest — stone-and-wood Rung (Bhotia) homes, the Kuti Yankti river below, and homestay kitchens serving hot dal-bhat after a rough 4×4 ride from Dharchula. This guide covers the route, permit, costs, weather and safety for 2026.
Quick Answer:
- Best time to visit: May–June and September–mid October
- Location: Nabi Village, Pithoragarh (approx. 3,200 m altitude)
- Distance: About 75 km from Dharchula via Gunji
- Permit required: An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory
- Where to get the permit: SDM Office, Dharchula
- Reason for permit: Nabi Village is located in the restricted Indo–Tibet border zone
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
| Altitude | ~3,200 m (10,500 ft) |
| District | Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand |
| Permit | Inner Line Permit (SDM Dharchula) |
| Best months | May–June, Sep–mid Oct |
| Stay | Homestays only (~₹800–2,500) |
| Network | Limited Jio/BSNL, weather-dependent |
| Last ATM & petrol pump | Dharchula |
| Ideal duration | 5–7 days from Kathgodam |
What Is Nabi Village?
Nabi is one of the last inhabited villages of the Vyas Valley, home to the Rung community whose ancestors ran the old Indo-Tibetan trade route. Vehicles heading from Gunji to Jolingkong pass Nabi and Kuti before the Adi Kailash viewpoint (peak height 5,945 m).
Many yatris now prefer staying here over Gunji — homestays are quieter, the Manokamna Temple is a short evening walk away, and hosts sometimes arrange Rung folk-music evenings in season.
Best Time to Visit Nabi Village
- May–June: Peak yatra season, clear peaks, all homestays open. Book early during this rush.
- September–mid October: Post-monsoon clarity, golden fields, fewer travellers — ideal for photography.
- July–August: The Tawaghat–Budhi stretch is landslide-prone; day-long roadblocks are common.
- November–April: Heavy snow; villagers migrate to winter settlements near Dharchula and the route closes.
Weather by Season
| Period | Day / Night Temp | Condition |
| May–June | 15–18°C / 3–8°C | Clear mornings, afternoon clouds |
| July–Aug | 12–16°C / 5–10°C | Rain, landslides, roadblocks |
| Sep–Oct | 10–15°C / 0–5°C | Crisp, clearest skies |
| Nov–April | Sub-zero nights | Snowbound, village empty |
Weather flips fast — a clear noon can turn to hail by 3 PM. Travellers consistently report that morning drives give the best views, since clouds build after midday.
How to Reach Nabi Village from Dharchula
The standard route: Kathgodam → Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Tawaghat → Budhi → Chiyalekh → Garbyang → Gunji → Nabi. Kathgodam is the nearest railhead and Pantnagar the nearest airport. Plan a two-day road journey with an acclimatisation halt at Pithoragarh or Dharchula.
Distance Chart (Approximate)
| Segment | Distance | Time (approx.) |
| Kathgodam → Pithoragarh | ~190–200 km | 7–8 hrs |
| Pithoragarh → Dharchula | ~95 km | 4 hrs |
| Dharchula → Gunji | ~75 km | 5–7 hrs (off-road) |
| Gunji → Nabi | 3–4 km | 15–20 min |
| Nabi → Jolingkong (Adi Kailash view) | ~30 km | 3–4 hrs |
| Gunji → Nabhidhang (Om Parvat view) | ~22 km | 1–1.5 hrs |
Travel times vary with weather, BRO work and convoy gate timings.
Transport Options
Beyond Dharchula, travel happens in local 4×4 Boleros and Scorpios driven by Rung drivers. Shared seats cost roughly ₹1,500–3,000 and full vehicles ₹9,000–15,000 (higher in peak season). Drivers generally advise leaving Dharchula by 6 AM to clear road gates. Seasonal helicopter services may operate from Pithoragarh, subject to weather, permissions and operator availability — confirm before planning around them.
Inner Line Permit for Nabi Village: Process
- Apply at the SDM office, Dharchula (tour operators handle this for groups).
- Submit Aadhaar or government ID, 2–4 passport photos, and medical fitness documentation as per current administration guidelines.
- Approval usually takes 1–3 working days — up to 5 in peak season, so keep a buffer day.
- Carry multiple copies; the permit is checked at ITBP/SSB posts after Tawaghat.
Permit fees are nominal; total costs vary with medical tests. Foreign nationals, NRIs on foreign passports and OCI holders are currently not permitted under border regulations, and travellers above 70 may need additional clearance. Verify the latest rules with the SDM office.
Altitude Sickness: Know the Signs
At 3,200 m, AMS is the biggest health risk. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness and poor sleep. Hydrate well, avoid alcohol, ascend gradually, and discuss preventive medication with a doctor. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen overnight.
Things to Do in Nabi Village
- Walk to the Manokamna Temple, the village’s wish-fulfilling shrine, ideally at sunset.
- Day-drive to Jolingkong for Adi Kailash darshan, Parvati Sarovar and Gauri Kund (ponies usually available in season).
- Drive to Nabhidhang for Om Parvat, stopping at the Kali Temple and Vyas Gufa at Kalapani.
- Photograph terraced fields and traditional stone houses at golden hour.
Homestay Cost, Food & Facilities
There are no hotels in this Himalayan hamlet — only village homestays and community stays, costing approximately ₹800–2,500 per person per night with meals (higher in peak season). KMVN guesthouses at Gunji are the backup option.
Expect simple vegetarian food: dal, rice, roti, seasonal sabzi, Maggi and endless tea. Electricity is erratic, so power banks matter. Washrooms are mostly shared; attached toilets are limited, so book ahead.
Budget Breakdown (Approximate, 2026)
- Full package from Kathgodam (6–8 days): ₹25,000–45,000 per person
- Self-planned with shared 4×4: ₹15,000–22,000
- Homestay per night: ₹800–2,500
- Permit and medical formalities: varies; budget around ₹1,000
Packing List
Layered woollens, down jacket, sturdy shoes, rain poncho, power bank, personal medicines, sunscreen, UV sunglasses, headlamp, ID copies — and enough cash, since the last ATM and petrol pump are at Dharchula. Limited Jio connectivity exists in parts of Nabi and Gunji but varies with weather; inform family before leaving Dharchula.
Tips for Senior Citizens
Prefer September, spend two acclimatisation nights (Dharchula, then Gunji or Nabi), and get cardiac and BP clearance before applying. The long off-road drives are the real challenge, not the walking.
Safety, Photography Rules & Emergencies
- Never photograph army posts, bridges or checkpoints; drones are banned in this border zone.
- The Malpa stretch has serious landslide history — respect driver halts.
- Keep your permit accessible; no replacement is issued mid-route.
- For emergencies, dial 112; ITBP posts and the PHC at Dharchula are the nearest help points.
Mistakes First-Timers Make
Skipping the acclimatisation night, keeping zero buffer days, expecting hotel-style facilities, carrying cards instead of cash, and scheduling darshan drives for cloudy afternoons.
Latest Updates (2026)
BRO road widening between Gunji and Jolingkong continues, and most of the Dharchula–Gunji stretch is now motorable in fair weather. Homestay capacity in Nabi has grown under Uttarakhand’s homestay scheme and the Vibrant Villages Programme.
Key Takeaways
- Nabi Village (Nabiyal) sits at ~3,200 m, 3–4 km from Gunji in the Vyas Valley.
- Visit May–June or September–mid October; skip the monsoon.
- ILP from SDM Dharchula is mandatory; verify current rules.
- Budget approximately ₹25,000–45,000 for a package; carry cash from Dharchula.
FAQs About Nabi Village
Where is Nabi Village located?
In the Vyas Valley, Dharchula tehsil, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand — 3–4 km from Gunji.
What is the best time to visit Nabi Village?
May–June and September to mid-October.
How to reach Nabi Village?
Kathgodam → Pithoragarh → Dharchula, then a permit and a 4×4 drive via Gunji.
What is the Dharchula to Nabi distance?
Approximately 75–78 km; a 5–7 hour off-road drive.
Is a permit required?
Yes, an Inner Line Permit from the SDM office, Dharchula.
What is the Nabi Village homestay cost?
Approximately ₹800–2,500 per person per night with meals.
Can foreigners visit?
No — foreign nationals and OCI holders are currently not permitted in this border zone.
Is there mobile network?
Limited Jio/BSNL connectivity, and it varies with weather.
Is Nabi Village worth visiting?
Yes — for Adi Kailash darshan, Rung culture and crowd-free Himalayan scenery.
What is the altitude of Nabi?
Approximately 3,200 m (10,500 ft).
Where is the last ATM and petrol pump?
Dharchula — carry sufficient cash and fuel from there.
Are drones allowed?
No, drones and photography of army installations are prohibited.
Can senior citizens do this trip?
Yes, with medical clearance and proper acclimatisation.
What food is available?
Simple vegetarian meals — dal, rice, roti, seasonal vegetables, Maggi and tea.
Conclusion
Nabi Village suits pilgrims on the Adi Kailash–Om Parvat circuit, offbeat travellers who prefer homestays over hotels, and photographers chasing untouched Kumaon landscapes. Go in May–June for yatra energy or September for quiet golden valleys. Sort your ILP early, acclimatise well, keep a buffer day, and book before the peak rush — and Nabiyal won’t just be a halt on your route, it will be the reason you return to the Vyas Valley.
