Pilgrimage to Babaji's Cave
April 9 - April 12
“‘Lahiri, you have come!’
The saint addressed me affectionately in Hindi.
‘Rest here in this cave. It was I who called you.’
“I entered a neat little grotto which contained several woolen blankets and a few kamandulus (begging bowls).
“‘Lahiri, do you remember that seat?’
The yogi pointed to a folded blanket in one corner."
We are transported in time and space through this beautiful account of the divine meeting between Mahavatar Babaji & Lahiri Mahasaya by Paramhansa Yogananda in the book Autobiography of a Yogi.
This pilgrimage offers you the opportunity to meditate in this sacred cave and draw the blessings of Babaji.
We’ll chant and share spiritual stories on our bus trips. We’ll spend three nights near Ranikhet at a secluded resort with high mountain views. The pilgrimage will be led by Amit and Anandita from Ananda Sangha Pune.
Please apply as soon as possible, as we expect this trip to fill up quickly.
PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY
Thursday, 9 April | |
8:00 am | Flight from Pune to Pantnagar (Indigo 6E 2418 & 7324) |
2:25 pm | Land at Pantnagar Airport |
3:00 pm | Start from Pantnagar Airport toward Ranikhet |
5:30 pm | Visit Neem Karoli Baba ashram |
7:00 pm | Check in at Ranikhet. |
Evening sadhana followed by dinner. | |
Friday, 10 April | |
7:00 am | Breakfast |
8:00 am | Bus to Babaji’s cave |
10:00 am | Start walking to the cave |
11:30 am to 3:30 pm – Babaji’s cave meditation and silence | |
4:30 pm | Drive back to Ranikhet |
7:30 pm | Dinner at the hotel |
Saturday, 11 April – Retreat Day | |
This retreat day at our resort includes meditation, yoga, presentations, guided introspection, group sharing, and nature awareness. | |
Sunday, 12 April | |
6:00 am | Start from Ranikhet Pantnagar Airport |
11:00 | Reach Pantnagar Airport |
2:45 pm | Return flight to Pune (Indigo 6E 7325 & 2623) |
Transportation:
Reaching Pantnagar:
Please book your own flight tickets Pune to and from Pantnagar. As of January 18th, the round-trip fare is Rs 17,000 from Pune. If you are certain about attending the pilgrimage, we suggest booking your ticket early to avoid potential price increases.
Those who are travelling from outside of Pune
You can choose to fly to New Delhi and take a train to Kathgodam from there. From New Delhi there is also a flight to Pantnagar.
Irrespective of your choice, you are expected to be at Pantnagar at 2:30 pm on 9th April 2026.
Pantnagar to Ranikhet: We will travel by a 27-passenger bus from Pantnagar to Ranikhet.
Accommodation:
We’ll stay at a country resort named Woodvilla, located near Ranikhet, offering stunning high mountain views.
(View from our resort in Ranikhet)
Physical Fitness for this Trip IMPORTANT
The main highlight will be a visit to Babaji’s Cave, located at an elevation of about 2,000 metres. Reaching the cave requires an uphill climb of around 40 minutes each way for a healthy person.
This is an established rough path of dirt and rock. It can be quite steep in places, at an angle of up to 40 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 easily climb stairs or walk on uneven ground.
Pilgrimage Cost (Estimates)
Double Occupancy (Two Twin beds or Double Bed) – 23,000
Single Occupancy – 32,000
Included in the Cost
The programme fee includes the group transportation to Babaji cave from Pantnagar (to and fro), lodging, hotel tips and meals as listed below:
|
Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
||
|
Thursday, 9 April |
On your own |
Yes |
||
|
Friday, 10 April |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Saturday, 11 April |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Not included in the fee are two lunches on Thursday and Sunday, snacks, and beverages; medical insurance or medical care should you need it; donations at ashrams; and personal hotel expenses. The pilgrimage begins at Pantnagar airport on 9 April and ends at Pantnagar airport on 12 April.
Bank Details
Account Name – Ananda Sangha Pune
Bank – Axis Bank
Branch – Bavdhan
Account No – 913010028222293
Account Type – CURRENT
IFSC Code – UTIB0001918
