The Famous Hilltop Ridge Near Kasar Devi with a Unique Geomagnetic Anomaly, Sacred to Spiritual Seekers
Crank's Ridge is the informal name for the Kasar Devi ridge near Almora, Uttarakhand — a hilltop area famous for its unique Van Allen Belt geomagnetic anomaly. Scientists have noted that this ridge, along with a few other locations in the world (including Machu Picchu in Peru and Stonehenge in England), sits on a concentrated band of the Earth's Van Allen radiation belt, creating a natural zone of heightened electromagnetic energy that many believe is conducive to meditation and spiritual awakening.
The ridge earned the nickname "Crank's Ridge" in the 1960s and 70s when it became a gathering point for unconventional Western intellectuals, artists and spiritual seekers. Notable visitors included Swami Vivekananda (who meditated here), Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, George Harrison of the Beatles, Timothy Leary and many others. The area has a long-standing reputation as a place of deep stillness and spiritual energy, and it continues to attract meditators, yoga practitioners and those on a spiritual quest from around the world.
Year-round for meditation and spiritual visits. October to March for the clearest mountain views and cool, crisp air ideal for meditation. Sunrise and early morning are the most peaceful times.
Nearest railway: Kathgodam (99 km). Taxi to Almora then Kasar Devi.
Bus to Almora; local taxi 8 km to Kasar Devi / Crank's Ridge.
8 km from Almora, 7 km from Binsar. Taxi easily available.