Nestled amid the lush Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, Neem Karoli Baba Ashram (Kainchi Dham) is a serene retreat just 38 km from Nainital. Founded by the revered mystic Shri Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), the ashram attracts thousands of devotees—including celebrities such as Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma—seeking Hanuman darshan, kirtan, and inner stillness.
Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Quick Facts & Location
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State / District | Uttarakhand, Nainital |
| Altitude | ≈ 1400 m |
| Nearest Town | Bhowali (8 km) |
| Google Maps | Kainchi Dham, Neem Karoli Baba Ashram |
1. Ashram & Temple Timings (2025)
| Day | Opening | Closing | Special Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:45 AM | 8 PM | — |
| Tuesday | 6:45 AM | 9 PM | Evening kirtan till 9 PM |
| Wed – Sun | 6:45 AM | 8 PM | — |
Winter note: The ashram shuts for several weeks each year when temperatures drop sharply. Check updates before travelling.
Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Aarti & Daily Rituals
| Ceremony | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti (Darshan Hall) | 6:45 AM |
| Morning Aarti (Mandir) | 7 AM |
| Evening Aarti (Darshan Hall) | 6:45 PM |
| Evening Aarti (Mandir) | 7 PM |
| Tuesday Night Kirtan | 7 PM – 9 PM |
Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Prasad & Meals
| Service | Days | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Public Lunch | Tue / Fri / Sat / Sun | 12:30 PM |
| Public Dinner | Tuesday | After kirtan |
| Chai (daily) | 7 AM & 4 PM* | *Mon/Wed/Thu: 7 AM & 11 AM |
2. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Annual Highlights
- 15 June — Pratishtha Divas
The consecration anniversary of Hanuman ji draws one of the largest gatherings. Free bhandara (community feast) is served all day. - Hanuman Jayanti & Navratri
Special bhajan sessions, extra Aarti rounds, and extended temple hours.
3. Staying at the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram (What You Should Know)
Currently no online room booking is available. All stay requests must be made in writing or by phone to the trust office. Check the official site for announcements.
Typical Accommodation Types
| Option | Facilities | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Private Room | Basic bed & attached washroom | Donation basis |
| Dormitory | Shared bunks, common washroom | Donation basis |
| Cottage (limited) | Simple family unit | Donation basis |
General Guidelines
- Advance request is mandatory (ideally 4-6 weeks).
- Strict discipline: Silence during meditation hours, no outside food, and modest dress code.
- Participation expected: Residents attend morning/evening Aarti and seva (voluntary service).
4. Step-by-Step Room Request Process
- Visit the official website:
https://shreekainchimandirtrust.org/. - Navigate to Accommodation (or check latest Announcement banner).
- Download / fill the stay request form.
- Email the form to inquiry@shreekainchimandir.org or send by post.
- Await confirmation email/SMS. Bring a government-issued ID on arrival.
Tip: In peak season (May–June, Sept–Oct) rooms fill quickly. Nearby guesthouses in Bhowali and Nainital are good fallback options.
5. Contact Information
| Trust Name | Shri Kainchi Hanuman Mandir & Ashram Trust |
| Address | Kainchi Dham, P.O. Kainchi, Nainital 263132, Uttarakhand |
| inquiry@shreekainchimandir.org | |
| Website | https://shreekainchimandirtrust.org/ |
6. Travel Tips
- Best months: March – June & September – November (pleasant weather).
- Route: Kathgodam Railway Stn → Bhowali → Kainchi (taxis/cabs available).
- Dress code: Comfortable cottons in summer; layered woollens in winter.
- Mobile connectivity: Limited; keep emergency numbers handy.
7.Practical Tips for Pilgrims & Seva Opportunities
Before setting out, confirm the latest schedule on the ashram’s official site or by phone; mountain weather can shift quickly and festival days often come with revised timings. Bring modest, layered clothing, carry a small amount of cash for offerings, and pack a refillable water bottle—filtered drinking water is available on the premises. Those interested in volunteering should email the caretakers at least two weeks in advance so they can match your skills with ongoing seva projects in the kitchen, garden, or temple upkeep.
While you’re at Kainchi Dham, remember that quiet service is regarded as a form of devotion. Whether you are wiping down floors, distributing prasad, or tending a sapling, each simple task is an act of worship equal to hours of meditation. Pause at dawn to watch sunlight stream over the cedar-covered valley, and let the evening kirtan echo through the gorge—experiences that embody Maharaj-ji’s teaching of sub ek (“we are all one”).
Finally, if the ashram touches your heart, stay connected when you return home. Join the email list for monthly updates, attend the livestreamed daily aarti, or support the Puja Dukan by ordering incense, malas, or Maharaj-ji photos online. Every chant, prayer and act of generosity helps keep Kainchi Dham’s doors open for future pilgrims seeking Hanuman-ji’s grace and Neem Karoli Baba’s boundless love.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Is online booking open for 2025?
As of June 2025, the trust has paused online reservations. Always verify via the official email/website for the latest status.
Can I volunteer at the ashram?
Yes. Mention your interest in seva when submitting the stay request. Duties include kitchen assistance, cleaning, or garden work.
Are phones allowed inside the temple?
Phones must remain switched off (or on silent) inside the main mandir. Photography is strictly prohibited in Darshan Hall.