Pilgrimage to Babaji’s Cave
And Himalayan Retreat
5-8 October 2018
The highlight of this trip is the beautiful hillside where Lahiri Mahasaya is said to have first met Mahavatar Babaji 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. We willl spend most of a day together on this hillside, taking turns meditating in the cave itself. And we’ll spend one day in retreat at Woodsvilla Resort, with an air of deep peace, and high mountain views.
This quiet area of Kumaon has a strong spiritual vibration and also offers saints, ashrams, and stunning Himalayan views. We’ll visit the Kainchi Ashram, with tangible vibrations of Neem Karoli Baba. We willl chant and share spiritual stories on our bus trips. We’ll spend 3 nights near Ranikhet, at the secluded Woodsvilla Resort.
Pilgrimage will be led by Amit Purohit, Hari Sudhan, and Sumitra Ramji, all acharyas of Ananda Sangha Delhi. Please apply as soon as possible as we expect this trip to fill up quickly.
Schedule
Friday 5 October
6:00 am NDLS-Kathgodam Shatabdi departs New Delhi train station
11:40 am Train arrives Kathgodam
Proceed to Ranikhet, stop at Kainchi for meditation at Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram
4:30 pm Check into hotel
Satsang and dinner at hotel
Saturday 6 October
This retreat day at Woodsvilla Resort includes meditation, yoga, discourses, introspection, and nature awareness. It provides rest from travel, and a spiritual preparation for our visit to Babaji’s cave.
Sunday 7 October
Breakfast
8:00 am Bus to Babaji’s cave
10:00 am Start walking to cave
11:30-3:00 pm Babaji’s Cave, meditation, and free time
4:30 pm Drive back to Ranikhet
Dinner at hotel
Monday 8 October
Chanting and meditation at hotel
Breakfast
Drive down hill
Lunch at restaurant near Kathgodam
3:35 pm Kathgodam-NDLS Shatabdi leaves Kathgodam
9:05 pm Train arrives New Delhi Station
Accommodations, Meals, and Transportation
Train transportation from and to Delhi will be by chair-car Shatabdi. All other transportation will be by 27-passenger buses. We’ll stay in the 3-star Woodsvilla Resort near Ranikhet, with high Himalaya views. Breakfast, dinner, and two lunches are included. Those from other cities can arrive in Delhi on Thursday 4 October, and leave on Tuesday 9 October.
Physical fitness for This Trip
The central activity will be visiting Babaji’s cave, at an elevation of about 2000 metres. This requires a walk which takes 45-60 minutes each way for a healthy person. Those who need it can take a jeep for the first part of this walk. However, everyone must climb the last part which might be 30 minutes uphill for a very fit person. This is an established rough path of dirt and rock. It can be quite steep in places, at an angle up to 45 degrees. In places there are rough steps formed by large rocks. The steps are at uneven heights, some perhaps a foot high. It is definitely a hike or climb, not a casual stroll. If someone is a slow walker or gets winded easily it is no problem. You can take this path as slowly as you wish. The climb would not be possible for someone who cannot climb stairs, or cannot walk on uneven ground.
Programme Fees
Double occupancy including train: Rs. 25,500 per person.
Single occupancy (private room) including train: Rs. 31,800
If you wish double occupancy accommodation and you don’t know another pilgrim, you’ll be assigned a roommate if possible.
The programme fee includes train Delhi-Kathgodam-Delhi, all group transportation, lodging, 2 meals a day for 2 days, and 3 meals for 2 days, and hotel tips.
Not included in the fee are two lunches, snacks, and beverages; medical care should you need it; donations at ashrams; personal hotel expenses. You may also wish to contribute to a tip for our guide.
The pilgrimage begins at New Delhi train station 5 October and ends at New Delhi train station 8 October.
Payments
Completed application form and payment both needed to confirm your space. We ask for full payment at time of application.
“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
“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