The highlight of this trip is the beautiful hillside where Lahiri Mahasaya is said to have first met Mahavatar Babaji 150 years ago in the autumn of 1861, and which contains the cave where Lahiri spent a previous incarnation. Babaji gave Lahiri Kriya Yoga initiation on this spot, thus launching its spread around the world.
This quiet area of Kumaon has a strong spiritual vibration and also offers saints, ashrams, and stunning Himalayan views. We’ll visit Swami Paramananda, a joyful 120-year-old saint; the Kainchi Ashram, with tangible vibrations of Neem Karoli Baba; and the ashram of his disciple Mauni Ma. For those with busy schedules, this trip offers a deep pilgrimage experience in just 3 days and 4 nights from Delhi. We’ll spend 2 nights in Ranikhet, and 2 nights on the train.
Schedule
Thursday 10 November
10:40 pm
Ranikhet Express train leaves Old Delhi Station
Friday 11 November 5:20 am
4:00-4:30 pm
Train arrives Kathgodam
Drive by bus 1 hour to Naukuchiyatal
Chanting and meditation at ashram of Mauni Ma, a direct disciple of Neem Karoli Baba
Breakfast overlooking lake
Proceed to Ranikhet, stopping at Kainchi for meditation at Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
Check into hotel
Dinner and satsang at hotel
Saturday 12 November
8:30 am
10:30
12:00-3:30 pm
5:00
Breakfast
at hotel
Bus to Babaji's Cave
Start walking to cave
Babaji's Cave, meditation, and free time
Drive back to Ranikhet Dinner at hotel
Sunday 13 November
6:30 pm
8:40
Chanting and meditation at hotel
Breakfast
Drive down hill, again stopping at Kainchi for meditation at Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
Dinner at Relax Inn, Kathgodam
Ranikhet Express leaves Kathgodam
Monday 14 November 4:00 am
Train arrives Old Delhi Station
Physical Fitness for This Trip
The central activity will be visiting Babaji's Cave,
at an elevation of about 2,000 metres (6,560 feet). This requires a
walk of 1 to 1 1/2 hours each way for a healthy person. Those who need a jeep can take one for the 1st part of this walk.
However,
everyone must walk the last part on a rough path, steep and arduous in places,
for 40–60 minutes each way. You can take this path as slowly as you
wish. You might also want to bring a walking stick to assist in this climb.
Accommodations, Meals, and
Transportation
Train will be overnight 2-tier air-conditioned Ranikhet
Express. All other transportation will be by 27-passenger bus(es). We'll stay in the 3-star Woodsvilla Resort
in Ranikhet, with high Himalaya views.
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Programme Fees
Double occupancy including train: Rs. 16,000 per person.
Single occupancy (private room) including train: Rs. 18,000 per person.
Double occupancy without train: Rs. 14,700 per person.
Single occupancy (private room) without train: Rs. 16,700 per person.
Please note: If you do not have a roommate, we will try to
connect you with another single pilgrim of the same sex. If a
roommate cannot be found, you will need to pay for single occupancy.
If you snore, we ask you to room with someone you know well, or
pay for single occupancy.
The programme fee includes train Delhi-Kathgodam-Delhi; all group transportation; lodging; 2 meals a day; mineral water; and hotel tips.
Not included in the fee are most lunches, snacks, and beverages; medical insurance or medical care should you need it; donations at ashrams; and personal hotel expenses such as laundry, telephone, or Internet.
Payments
Completed application form and 1st payment of Rs. 5,000 due by 10 August in order to purchase train tickets in time. Payments by cheque or bank draft payable to "Ananda Sangha", or in person in Gurgaon by cash. Your participation is confirmed only when we approve your application and receive deposit. Balance of the fee is due by 10 October. In case of cancellation, Rs. 1,000 of fee is non-refundable. Cancellation close to date of departure may incur additional costs.
Preparation for Pilgrimage
Weather? What to pack? What to wear?
We'll help you through all these questions and more by e-mail, with letters on preparation and answers to any individual questions.
"Truly life-changing, like no other trip I've ever taken. This pilgrimage surpassed my expectations in terms of blessed fellowship, destinations, accommodations, activities, food—everything." —P. H., North Carolina, USA
"Since the pilgrimage I've felt a new lightness of being—a new lease on life, spiritually. Meditation is easier and more enjoyable. Time flies when I meditate. When I hear a chant, I find myself immersed completely in it—I feel I could sing all day!" —J. T., New Delhi
"Meditating in ancient caves is fantastic and really helps deepen the meditation practice. Now, I'm looking forward to the next pilgrimage!" —S. G., Gurgaon
Tour Leaders
This pilgrimage will be led by Keshava
and Daya Taylor of Ananda Sangha India. They will be assisted full-time
by a guide from Discover Tours, the Indian tour operator that has guided
Ananda pilgrimages for 20 years.
