Kasar Devi (Almora) – Village on the Magnetic Field Belt

Where is Kasar Devi Located?

Kasar Devi lies just 8–10 km uphill from Almora town, in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The village sits at a height of about 2,100 metres above sea level, offering stunning views of the Hawalbagh valley, snowy peaks of Nanda Devi, and even parts of Nepal.

The surroundings are full of pine, rhododendron, and deodar trees. The air is clean, the mind feels clear, and the energy is different from usual mountain spots.

What is a Magnetic Field Belt?

The Earth is surrounded by invisible layers of magnetic energy known as the Van Allen Radiation Belts. These belts protect our planet from harmful solar winds and cosmic rays. Some places on Earth lie exactly under the flow of this high-energy magnetic belt.

Kasar Devi is one such rare place. Other similar magnetic zones are found in Machu Picchu (Peru) and Stonehenge (UK). Scientists from NASA and other research institutes have shown interest in this zone because of its unique electromagnetic frequency and peaceful effect on human brain activity.

This makes Kasar Devi a natural place for deep meditation, mental healing, and spiritual connection.

If you are interested in this topic and want to explore more about Magnetic Field Belt. You can read this full article of howstuffworks.com.

Why Is This Magnetic Field Important?

• It improves focus and calms the nervous system

• Helps in reducing stress and anxiety

• It enhances meditation and deep thinking

• Scientists study such belts to understand Earth’s energy zones and even effects on space travel and communication

In short, this magnetic belt protects the Earth and also balances the body and mind when you are in its zone.

More About Kasar Devi Temple

The heart of the village is the Kasar Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kasar—a local form of Durga Mata.

This temple is believed to be built around 2nd century CE. The idol of the goddess is self-manifested (swayambhu). It is placed in a rock-cut natural cave. The energy inside the temple is very powerful. Devotees say that just sitting silently here gives deep inner peace.

There is also a sacred dhuni (holy fire) beside the shrine. The ash of this dhuni is believed to have healing effects, and people often take it home. Behind the temple is a meditation cave where Swami Vivekananda meditated in the late 1800s.

Even the official Almora District Tourism Department lists Kasar Devi as a key spiritual and magnetic energy site. You can read more from the Uttarakhand Govt. page here:
👉 Kasar Devi – Almora Official Website

Crank’s Ridge – The Hippie Hill

Just a short walk ahead from the Kasar Devi temple is the legendary Crank’s Ridge, also known as Hippie Hill.

This place became famous in the 1960s and 70s when hippies, artists, authors, spiritual seekers, and even scientists started living here. Many came for self-discovery, yoga, meditation, art, and silence.

Famous people who visited this place include:

• Bob Dylan (musician)

• Cat Stevens (singer)

• Timothy Leary (American psychologist)

• Sunyata Baba (Danish mystic)

• Lama Anagarika Govinda (Tibetan Buddhist)

• W.Y. Evans-Wentz (author of The Tibetan Book of the Dead)

Even today, many foreigners live for months in Crank’s Ridge. The place is silent, full of forest, and perfect for writing, thinking, or healing.

How to Reach Crank’s Ridge / Hippie Hill

• From Almora, reach Kasar Devi village by cab or auto

• From the Kasar Devi temple, take the forest trail going uphill. Walk for about 10-15 minutes

• On the way, you’ll see small signs or rock paintings. That’s Crank’s Ridge

• No entry fee, no crowd, just pure Himalayan peace

The spot has no loud shops or tourist spots. Just peace, pine trees, and power.

Where to Stay in Kasar Devi

The village has become a slow travel destination. You will find many small guesthouses, homestays, and eco-cafes. Some offer yoga, vegan food, and spiritual retreats.

Popular stay options include:

• Zee Hostel – Backpacker style stay with shared dorms

• Dolma’s Inn – Peaceful family-run guesthouse

• The Birdcage Kasar – Café with mountain view rooms

• Anuttara Guesthouse – Perfect for long stays and writers

• Local homestays – Kumaoni families offering food + room

Budget per night:

• ₹600–₹1,200: budget dorm/room

• ₹1,500–₹2,500: mid-range couple room

• ₹3,000+ for luxury/yoga retreats

Meals are mostly available at local cafés – pahadi thali, continental breakfast, herbal tea, wood-fired pizza, and more.

What Can You Do in Kasar Devi?

✅ Meditate at the temple
✅ Trek to Crank’s Ridge
✅ Sit in silence in the pine forest
✅ Watch snow peaks at sunrise/sunset
✅ Buy handmade woollens & local crafts
✅ Try local Kumaoni food
✅ Meet artists, writers, and yogis
✅ Do star-gazing at night

How to Reach Kasar Devi?

By Road:
From Almora, it’s just 8 km by taxi or local jeep. Roads are well-maintained.

By Rail:
Nearest railway station – Kathgodam (90 km). You get taxis or buses to Almora easily.

By Air:
Nearest airport – Pantnagar (125 km). Flights from Delhi, then 3–4 hour drive to Almora.

From Almora, you can take:

• Shared jeep – ₹30 to ₹50

• Private taxi – ₹300 to ₹500

• Or trek through the forest trail

Conclusion

Kasar Devi is a village of magic, mystery, and mountains. It’s a place where science meets spirituality. A calm Himalayan village that sits under one of Earth’s strongest magnetic belts. That’s why saints, seekers, artists, and even scientists have been pulled here for decades.

If you are looking for silence, connection, healing, or just a beautiful slow trip – Kasar Devi welcomes you. And once you visit, this village becomes part of your soul.

Also Read

• Trekking to Satopanth Tal – A Himalayan Spiritual Trek

• Planning your first Himalayan trek? Read this checklist

You can also explore more on Himalayan treks like Darma Valley, Adi Kailash, and others on my website mohitbangari.com, where I share full guides, routes, permit tips and cultural info.

Do you know about Ramman festival of Salud-Dungra village? It’s one of the intangible world cultural heritage of India in UNESCO. You can read a detailed article on this topic here.