Kainchi Dham is the ashram and Hanuman temple of the saint Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), in a narrow green valley on the Shipra river in Nainital district. It sits on the Nainital-Almora road, about 9 km from Bhowali and 17-20 km from Nainital. The name comes from two sharp hairpin bends on the road that cross like the blades of scissors (kainchi).
The ashram is small and simple: a row of colourful temples to Hanuman, Lakshmi-Narayan, Durga, Shiva and other deities, and the temple of Maharaj-ji himself, beside the river. Yet it has become one of the most visited places in Uttarakhand, with lakhs of devotees every year from India and around the world.
The story of Kainchi Dham
Neem Karoli Baba was a wandering saint and devotee of Hanuman, known for his simple ways, love of feeding people and many stories of miracles told by his followers. In 1962 he chose this quiet spot by the Shipra with a local devotee, and on 15 June 1964 the Hanuman idol was consecrated. That day is still celebrated as the ashram's foundation day with a huge bhandara.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Western seekers such as Ram Dass came here, and through their books Maharaj-ji became known around the world. Later visitors are said to include Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Maharaj-ji left his body on 10 September 1973; his ashes were placed at Kainchi, and his temple and murti followed in the 1970s.
Why go to Kainchi Dham
Neem Karoli Baba's ashram
Sit quietly where Maharaj-ji lived and taught, and visit his temple and murti.
A calm river valley
The temples stand beside the Shipra river among pine-covered hills.
Simple devotion
Hanuman Chalisa, prasad and quiet prayer, without fuss.
What you will see
Hanuman temple
The first temple of the ashram, consecrated on 15 June 1964.
Maharaj-ji's temple
The shrine with the murti of Neem Karoli Baba, where devotees sit in silence.
Other temples
Shrines of Lakshmi-Narayan, Vaishno Devi, Shiva and others along the river.
Shipra riverside
The small bridge and riverbank beside the ashram.
Distances from Kainchi Dham
Before you go
- Entry is free; there is no ticket for darshan.
- The ashram is generally open from morning to evening; timings can change with the season and on festival days.
- Dress modestly; remove shoes before the temples.
- Photos and phone use are not welcome inside the temples; follow the sevadars' instructions.
- Parking on the highway is limited; on busy days use the parking points and walk or take a shuttle.
- Overnight stay at the ashram is not open to the public; stay in Bhowali, Bhimtal or Nainital.
Kainchi Dham FAQs
How far is Kainchi Dham from Nainital?
About 17-20 km by road via Bhowali, roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Why is it called Kainchi Dham?
Kainchi means scissors. Two sharp hairpin bends on the road near the ashram cross like the blades of scissors.
When is the Kainchi Dham mela?
On 15 June every year, the foundation day of the ashram. Special traffic rules apply for a few days around it.
Can I stay at Kainchi Dham ashram?
The ashram does not offer public overnight stays. Most visitors stay in Bhowali, Bhimtal or Nainital.
Is there any entry fee at Kainchi Dham?
No. Darshan is free for everyone.
