Kainchi Dham
A serene mountain ashram in the Kumaon hills, and one of the most beloved temples in Uttarakhand. Stay with us in Bhimtal and reach it before the morning crowds — quiet darshan, then breakfast on your balcony.
A secluded temple in the Kumaon hills
Set along a stream where the road folds back on itself — kainchi means scissors — the ashram was established by Neem Karoli Baba, with the first temple inaugurated in June 1964. A Hanuman temple was raised over the platform where earlier saints had performed their yagyas.
After Maharajji left his body in 1973, his devotees built his temple here; his murti was consecrated on 15 June 1976 — the date still marked each year by an enormous bhandara. The temple drew seekers from around the world, among them Ram Dass, and remains, in the words of its devotees, a place every follower should visit at least once.
Hundreds visit daily in season. The ashram sits high and cold, and stays closed for much of the winter — plan for the warmer months.
What to know before you go
Getting there
About 20 km via Bhowali — roughly a 45-minute drive on hill roads. Park free at Blessed Aura; we're glad to arrange a local cab for the round trip.
Timings & aarti
Open through the day in season, with morning and evening aarti. Early mornings are the calmest — leave after a quick chai and be back for breakfast.
Best time to visit
Spring through autumn (roughly April–November). The ashram is very cold and closed for much of winter. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Temple etiquette
Dress modestly and remove footwear before the shrines. Photography is restricted inside — follow the ashram's signs, keep phones quiet, and move gently.
Pratishtha Divas & Bhandara
The temple's founding day draws enormous crowds and special traffic arrangements. Beautiful, but intense — book your room with us early if you're travelling for it.
An overnight in the hills
A gentle default itinerary — every leg can be shaped around your train times, your pace, and how much you'd like to see.
Pickup & drop points
Tell us your arrival and we'll meet you there. Transfers are by private car on comfortable hill roads.
{{ p.detail }}
In your package
Kept separate
Choose your party size
Whole-package rates for the overnight pilgrimage — one night, taxes included. Indicative — we confirm the final quote against your dates and train times.
Longer stays, extra rooms, and add-on trips to Nainital, Sattal or Mukteshwar are easy to arrange — just ask.
Before you come
{{ q.q }}
{{ q.a }}
Other places worth the drive
Make Blessed Aura your base
Wake to mist over the hills, take darshan before the crowds, and come home to breakfast on your balcony.