Spiritual · Nainital, Kumaon
An early visit to Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba on the Shipra stream, 17 km from Nainital. Its Hanuman temple was consecrated on 15 June 1964. Going early on a weekday lets you see the temples and riverside calmly, before the crowds and traffic that now fill weekends.
Photo: 25 Cents FC · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsThe ashram takes its name from the two sharp hairpin bends on the road, which locals say look like scissors, kainchi in Hindi. It lies on the Nainital–Almora road beyond Bhowali, about 45 minutes from Nainital. Neem Karoli Baba chose the site in the early 1960s, and the Hanuman idol was installed on 15 June 1964, the date now marked by a large mela every year.
Western followers made it known abroad in the 1960s and 1970s, and in recent years visitor numbers have risen sharply; the state government reported about 2.4 million visitors in 2024. On weekends and holidays, police often stop private cars at parking areas and run shuttles. On a weekday morning outside June, you can still walk the temple courtyards and sit by the river without a queue.
Dress modestly, follow instructions on phones and photography, and do not bring food offerings from outside unless allowed. Prasad is distributed inside. The road continues to Almora, so many travellers visit on the way rather than as a separate trip. Avoid 15 June unless you are coming for the mela, and check current status before you travel.
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Questions
Before you book
How far is Kainchi Dham from Nainital?
About 17 km, roughly 45 minutes by road via Bhowali on the Nainital–Almora route. Shared taxis run from Nainital and Bhowali. On busy days police may make you park outside and use shuttles, which adds time.
When is the Kainchi Dham mela?
The foundation-day mela is held every year on 15 June, marking the consecration of the Hanuman temple in 1964. It draws very large crowds, with road diversions on the Bhowali–Almora road for days around it. Check current status before you travel.
Can I take photos at Kainchi Dham?
Photography rules have tightened as visitor numbers have grown, and phones may be restricted in parts of the ashram. Follow the notices and volunteers at the gate. In any case, avoid photographing people at prayer.