Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham at 1,400 m in a narrow gorge of the Kosi river, 17 km from Nainital, is the principal ashram and samadhi of Neem Karoli Baba (1900–1973), one of India's most beloved saints. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Julia Roberts, and Steve Wozniak have all visited. His two most famous Western disciples, Ram Dass and Krishna Das, spread his teachings globally. The ashram holds a powerful, peaceful energy that attracts thousands from India and worldwide.

Places to See
• Kainchi Dham Ashram (Neem Karoli Baba's principal ashram and samadhi)
• Hanuman Temple (central shrine — Baba was a devoted Hanuman worshipper)
• Kosi River (the ashram sits directly on the banks)
• Annual Bhandara (massive free feast — 15 June and 25 October, draws hundreds of thousands)
• Bhumiadhar Ashram (15 km below Nainital, another Baba site)

Best Time
Year-round. June 15 and October 25 (annual Bhandaras — extraordinary energy but very crowded). March–June and September–November for peaceful visits. Strict visiting hours — confirm before visiting.

How to Reach
Road: Nainital → Kainchi Dham (17 km, ~30 min taxi). Kathgodam → Kainchi Dham (35 km, ~1.5 hrs). Delhi → Kainchi via Kathgodam (~280 km, ~6 hrs).

Things to Do
• Hanuman Temple darshan
• Sit in the ashram compound and meditate at Baba's samadhi
• Attend the annual Bhandara (June 15 or October 25)
• Walk along the Kosi river
• Read Ram Dass's “Be Here Now” as preparation

Tips
Strict ashram rules: no mobile phones inside the main compound, no photography at the samadhi, conservative dress mandatory. The Bhandara (June 15 and Oct 25) is profoundly moving. The ashram closes midday (1–3 PM) — plan around these hours.

The best time to visit Kainchi Dham depends on the experience you seek.