Crank’s Ridge Kasar Devi, Almora: The Powerful Hippie Hill of Uttarakhand

Perched high above the Almora valley lies Crank’s Ridge Kasar Devi, one of the most mysterious and magnetically charged places in the Himalayas. Known worldwide as Hippie Hill, this ridge has attracted legendary poets, thinkers, yogis, musicians, and mystics for over a century.

From Bob Dylan, Allen Ginsberg, D.H. Lawrence, and Timothy Leary, to the timeless saints like Neem Karoli Baba, Anandamayi Ma, and Swami Vivekananda, Crank’s Ridge continues to mesmerize seekers from around the world.

🌄 Why Crank’s Ridge Kasar Devi is So Powerful

Crank’s Ridge is believed to lie within a rare geomagnetic zone—the same Van Allen Belt gap found in Machu Picchu and Stonehenge. Many visitors claim that meditation here feels effortless, thoughts become lighter, and intuition sharpens.

For centuries, spiritual seekers, artists, and philosophers have come here to experience:

• Heightened creativity

• Mental clarity

• Deep inner silence

• Intense spiritual energy

This is why Crank’s Ridge remains an iconic destination for transformation and introspection.

🕉️ The Kasar Devi Temple – Heart of Hippie Hill

At the center of this energetic ridge stands the ancient Kasar Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kasar Devi, a form of Durga.

✨ Key Highlights:

• Dates back to 2nd century CE

• Built by early Kassite settlers (from West Asia)

• Overlooks snow-covered Himalayan ranges from Panchachuli to Nanda Devi

• Hosts the grand Kartik Poornima Fair every November–December

Walking up to this temple feels like stepping into a living spiritual vortex.

Start your journey at the Uday Shankar Academy in secluded Falsima village where the famous dance maestro Uday Shankar crafted a unique dance form blending Indian classical dance with Kumaoni Ramlila. His experiments here, from 1936 to 1942, garnered him worldwide acclaim and attracted talents like Guru Dutt, Zohra Segal, and  Ravi Shankar.

Suggested Read: Things to see in Almora: Must visit attractions 

🌿 Crank’s Ridge: A Magnet for Artists, Mystics & Thinkers

Spiritual Masters Who Visited

• Swami Vivekananda meditated here in the late 19th century

• Lama Anagarika Govinda established a Buddhist monastery nearby

• Neem Karoli Baba and Anandamayi Ma frequented these slopes

Writers & Musicians Drawn Here

• Bob Dylan

• Cat Stevens

• Allen Ginsberg

• Gary Snyder

• D.H. Lawrence, who stayed here while recovering from illness

George Harrison of The Beatles called these hills “life divine.”

Crank’s Ridge was also part of the 1960s–70s Hippie Trail, becoming a global hub for alternative living and psychedelic exploration.

🧭 Where is Crank’s Ridge Kasar Devi?

Located 8 km from Almora, Uttarakhand, Crank’s Ridge sits at about 2,100 meters altitude.

A short hike from Kasar Devi village takes you to the spectacular ridge overlooking Himalayan ranges and terraced valleys.

🌲 Falsima Village Trek – Uday Shankar’s Creative Retreat

Begin your Kasar Devi journey at Uday Shankar Academy, tucked away in Falsima village.
Between 1936–1942, Uday Shankar developed his world-famous dance style here, blending:

• Indian classical

• Folk traditions

• Kumaoni Ramlila

The academy attracted legends such as:

• Zohra Segal

• Guru Dutt

• Pandit Ravi Shankar

From Falsima, trek to Simtola Eco Park, and onwards toward Crank’s Ridge through pine forests, homesteads, and panoramic viewpoints.

🌞 Top Things to Do at Crank’s Ridge Kasar Devi

1. Walk the Pine Trails

Crank’s Ridge offers some of the most serene forest walks in Kumaon.
Perfect for:

• Quiet reflection

• Photography

• Birdwatching

• Himalayan views

2. Meditate at the Power Spots

Thanks to its geomagnetic field, the ridge is ideal for meditation, breathwork, or simply sitting in stillness.

3. Visit Kasar Devi Temple

The temple complex includes:

• Rock shelters

• Cave shrines

• Ancient stone carvings

The Akhand Jyoti, an eternal flame, symbolizes the temple’s ancient spiritual heritage.

4. Explore Spiritual Heritage Sites

• Sunyata Baba’s Meditation Cave

• Historic Hippie-era cottages

• Artists’ retreats

5. Watch Sunrise & Sunset

The ridge offers some of the best sunrise and sunset views in Uttarakhand. Golden Himalayan peaks, clear skies, and crisp breeze create unforgettable moments.

6. Attend the Kartik Poornima Fair

A vibrant celebration of music, rituals, and Kumaoni culture.

7. Enjoy Cafés & Homestays

Charming cafés serve:

• Organic meals

• Herbal teas

• Pahadi snacks

• Soulful music

Perfect for slow travel and creative introspection.

Suggested Read: Almora to Binsar: Explore on the way attractions 

🕍 Drikung Kagyu Monastery – A Tibetan Jewel on the Ridge

Just 1 km below the temple sits the Drikung Kagyu Monastery, founded by Lama Anagarika Govinda and his wife Li Gotami in the 1940s.

This monastery became a spiritual magnet for:

• Tibetan Buddhist scholars

• Meditation practitioners

• Robert Thurman (father of Uma Thurman)

• The young Uma Thurman, who received her name here

The monastery’s peaceful gardens, stupas, and meditation halls make it a must-visit.

Suggested Read: Mahavatar Babaji Cave: Mystical space in the Himalayas

✨ How to Reach Crank’s Ridge Kasar Devi

By Air:

• Pantnagar Airport (124 km)
  Taxi services available from the airport to Almora.

By Train:

• Kathgodam Railway Station (nearest)
  Regular trains from Delhi.
  Taxi to Kasar Devi takes 4 hours.

By Road:

• Smooth drive from Haldwani, Almora, Binsar, Ranikhet, and Nainital.

Once you reach Kasar Devi village, a short forested walk brings you to Crank’s Ridge.

🏡 Where to Stay in Kasar Devi (2025 Recommendations)

Top accommodations include:

• Mohan’s Binsar Retreat

• The Mudhouses

• Rudra Himalayan Retreat

• Ghughuti Homestay

• Kasar Jungle Resort

• Kasar Himalayan Heights

• Ganga Homestay

Choose from cozy cottages, mountain-view rooms, or eco-friendly huts.

🍲 Food & Local Delights

Don’t miss:

• Pahadi chai

• Bhatt ki dal

• Madua roti

• Aloo Ke Gutke

• Pahadi chicken

• Famous Almora sweets: Bal Mithai & Singori

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Crank’s Ridge

• October – March: Clear skies, best views

• April – June: Pleasant weather, excellent for hiking

• Monsoon: Lush greenery but slippery trails

• Winter: Cold nights; occasional snowfall in December–January

🌟 Conclusion

Crank’s Ridge Kasar Devi is more than a tourist attraction—it’s a portal of creativity, spirituality, and introspection. Whether you come seeking silence, inspiration, healing, or Himalayan scenery, this ridge offers an unforgettable experience.

Walk its pine trails. Meditate under its magnetic sky. Explore its temples and monasteries.
And like the legends before you, discover your own moment of awakening on this powerful Himalayan ridge.