Subhasish Chakraborty
Folks from across the world come to the Himalayas in search of peace and enlightenment. For, practising Yoga and meditating amid the idyllic and majestic surrounds of this ancient range can be a very purifying experience. The Uttarakhand Himalayas, a hub of meditation since time immemorial, has emerged as contemporary India’s most preferred destination for practitioners of Yoga. The concentration of oxygen here is high, and paired with the easy availability of carbon-neutral sites, this stretch of the Himalayas extends an invitation that is irresistible—to indulge in a rejuvenating and spiritually liberating journey of body, mind and soul.
A-listers & the Fab 4
If Uttarakhand is the land of Yoga, then Rishekesh is the world’s Yoga capital. And from ancient times, mystics and yogis have been drawn to the Uttarakhand Himalayas. In fact, Kasar Devi, a veritable spiritual hub, has attracted not just the saints or rishis of yore, but also the great men and women of our times. Indeed, among those who have spent quality time in this hilltop village in search of spiritual solace is an A-list of personalities—Bob Dylan, D.H. Lawerence, George Harrison, Allen Ginsburg, Uma Thurman, Sunyata aka Alfred Soresen, Steve Jobs, etc.
Not many are aware that an exclusive spiritual retreat in Rishikesh was the very place where iconic British band The Beatles stayed. Way back in 1968, John, Paul, George and Ringo came this way to experiment with ancient Indian spiritual practices like Transcendental Meditation. What is now known as the Beatles Ashram was originally established by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960s, and the foursome was mesmerised by the Maharishi’s spiritual quest and his chosen path.
Their visit in February 1968 was a defining moment—epochal even—for spiritual India, and for the West’s perception of the ancient Sanatani Dharma tradition of Hinduism, and their embrace of its ethos. Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr came with their wives, and the whole of India, particularly the media and the paparazzi, went berserk after news of their arrival was officially released.
Once the band settled down at the Maharishi’s ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas, and began taking lessons from him, they dived deep into their spiritual realms. And the typical ashram life, simple and imbued with nature, inspired them to compose some of their best songs, many of which found their way onto The Beatles double album, also known as the ‘White Album’.
Finding a place, to find themselves
There must be a reason why the great swamis, and Hollywood celebrities and tech wizards, chose the Uttarakhand Himalayas—over any other place—to immerse themselves in meditation and Yoga. Perhaps, these hassled souls were tempted by a ‘combo package’ that included 100% pure high-altitude oxygen, carbon-neutral environs, and the blessings of the ancient saints.
To explore the rarefied beauty of the Uttarakhand Himalayas, and the region’s meditative treks and trails, the quaint hill station of Almora, popularly referred to as Kumaon’s ‘Cultural Capital,’ makes for an ideal base. Beautifully perched at an altitude of 1,642m, Almora offers a view of the Himalayan peaks that, I must confess, is jaw-dropping and profoundly moving.
Kasar Devi
I would give Kasar Devi a 5-star rating—if you are in search of true bliss, and seeking enrichment for the soul, this is the place. Just 9km from Almora, Kasar Devi boasts a Himalayan panorama that is breathtaking. Besides, the entire area at the top of the hill, including the temple, comes under the influence of the massive radiation zone called the Van Allen Belt, the cosmic energy from which is supposed to bring healing and calm. This, indeed, is why many come here to pray and meditate. And there are only two other places that are sited within a similar geomagnetic field: Machu Picchu in Peru, and Stonehenge in England.
Pindari Glacier Trek
This is a moderately difficult trek, and meant for experienced trekkers. You need to be reasonably fit as the trail advances through thick forest, and one has to cross swiftly flowing Himalayan streams and negotiate rocky crests. Located all of 3,660m above sea level, the awe-inspiring sight of Pindari Glacier at Zero Point has left trekkers from across the world spellbound. You can cover the distance from Almora to Kharkiya in a 4x4, and the rest of the trail by foot. The stretch from Khati to Dwali is particularly challenging, as the terrain is steep and the topography changes dramatically. However, all your trekker’s fatigue vanishes once you set up camp and relax in the backdrop of magnificent Pindari.
Dunagiri Trek
One of India’s most hallowed Yoga and meditation hubs, and the preferred place for practicing Kriya Yoga as initiated by the ancient Rishi, His Holiness Mahavatar Babaji, centuries back. The meditation chamber, a cave, is tucked away in the village of Kukuchina. Here, seekers engage in deep meditation and Kriya Yoga. Incidentally, it was Swami Paramahansa Yogananda who first introduced the world to Babaji (believed to be around 2,000 years old, presuming that he is alive) through his Autobiography of a Yogi.
This Yoga system has caught the attention of many souls in search of attaining an elevated spiritual plane. And the trek to Dunagiri, as well as the time you spend there in contemplation, can turn out to be a life-changing moment. Here, in the lap of the Himalayas, India’s ancient wisdom and Kriya Yoga techniques will lead you onto the path of peace. It is among the country’s best off-grid spiritual experiences, and one to savour.
