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Kasar Devi (Almora)

Kasar Devi (Almora)

village · Uttarakhand

Kasar Devi is a ridge-top village near Almora in the Kumaon Himalayas, long famous as a counterculture and spiritual retreat with sweeping Himalayan views.

State
Uttarakhand
Type
Village
Best season
Summer
Things to do
2+

Kasar Devi is a ridge-top village near Almora in the Kumaon Himalayas, long famous as a counterculture and spiritual retreat with sweeping Himalayan views. Once home to artists and seekers on the hippie trail, today it has become a quiet workation and slow-travel base known for its cafes, the famous 'Crank's Ridge', and an unusual geomagnetic phenomenon. The village looks out at Trishul and Nanda Devi, pine forests, and a cluster of cosy cafes and homestays. Its mellow, creative atmosphere makes it a favourite among writers, remote workers and travellers seeking calm over crowds.

When to go

March to June and September to November offer clear views and pleasant weather. Winters are cold and crisp with distant snow.

Why visit

The ridge above Almora was called Crank's Ridge in the sixties: Ginsberg, Timothy Leary and Lama Govinda all spent time up here and some of the houses they used still stand. Come for the skyline and the quiet, not for anything to do.

Cultural notes

Kasar Devi's ancient hilltop temple drew visitors from Swami Vivekananda to Beat-era artists, giving the ridge a lasting bohemian, spiritual reputation in the Kumaon hills.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Pantnagar (125 km). Nearest rail: Kathgodam (90 km). Cabs and buses run to Almora, then a short drive up to the Kasar Devi ridge.

3 days in Kasar Devi (Almora)

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Kasar Devi TempleDay 1

Day 1

Kasar Devi Temple

An ancient hilltop temple set in a zone known locally for an unusual geomagnetic field.

Crank's Ridge

Day 1

Crank's Ridge

The famous viewpoint ridge above Kasar Devi, lined with cafes and known for sweeping Himalayan panoramas.

Day 1

Sunset over the Himalayan wall

Sunset over the Himalayan wall

Day 2

Day 2

Lala Bazaar's copper shops

Lala Bazaar's copper shops

Day 2

Bright End Corner

Bright End Corner

Day 2

Chitai Golu Devta bell temple

Chitai Golu Devta bell temple

Day 3

Day 3

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary drive

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary drive

Day 3

Zero Point panorama

Zero Point panorama

Day 3

Oak-forest walks

Oak-forest walks

Kasar Devi (Almora) guide & itineraries

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