Situated in the beautiful hills of Bhaktapur, Nepal, the Pilot Baba Ashram is a unique blend of spirituality and nature. The ashram, located about 6 kilometers south of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, has received sizable interest and visitation from pilgrims and nature lovers. Whether you are looking for spirituality, taking a peaceful hike in nature, or a memorable life story, you will receive it all at Pilot Baba Ashram.
The Story of Pilot Baba
Pilot Baba, born Wing Commander Kapil Singh, was an Indian Air Force pilot who served during the 1962 Indo-China war. During a mission, his jet lost control, and he was presumed lost. However, he later claimed that a spiritual guru, Hari Baba, guided him safely through this experience. Following this moment, he decided that he would leave behind his military career altogether and become a monk to carry out spiritual teachings. He even took the name Pilot Baba and began teaching and meditating.
In 1974, Pilot Baba received Vedic education from a Nepali saint named Hari Giri in Trikhandi, a location in the Makawanpur district. Throughout his life Pilot Baba established ashrams in other areas of India and Nepal, with the Bhaktapur ashram being one of the more significant ashrams.
Reaching the Ashram: A Journey through Nature
The trek to Pilot Baba Ashram starts at the Suryabinayak Temple which is approximately 4.5 kilometers from Bhaktapur Durbar Square. At this point, there is a clearly marked trail that leads hikers into forests for a peaceful escape from city life. This is a dream trail with trees such as rhododendron and sal. Along the trek, sounds of streams can often be heard .
The hike is moderately easy as it consists of a 650-meter elevation gain, making it accessible for many people. While trekking, views of the Kathmandu Valley will appear, and if you are lucky, there may be some peaks of Mount Everest that are visible on clear days.
The Ashram premises
As you arrive at the ashram, you can enter a large stone-paved courtyard. In the center is the Somnath Temple, a two-storied Shikhara-style structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple offers a unique ambiance and peaceful design.
Inside the ashram, there is a large meditation hall for visitors, and there is also a Sanskrit school associated with the ashram that teaches Vedic Hinduism while preserving centuries of ancient teachings .
Spiritual Practices and Teachings
The core of Pilot Baba Ashram revolves around meditation and yogic practices and the ashram provides a space for those looking to grow spiritually and find inner peace. Visitors have the ability to take part in meditation, yoga classes, and spiritual discourses, all in an effort to connect more deeply with oneself and the universe.
Pilot Baba’s teachings speak to the themes of self-realization, discipline, and devotion. His life story is inspiring for many, and it shows the power of spirituality and the adventure of seeking the truth within.
The Surrounding Area: Ghyampe Danda and More
Once visitors have completed their experience at the book and meditation ashram, there are many options for extending the visit. One popular extension to the ashram experience would be to hike to Ghyampe Danda, a hill with panoramic views of the landscape surrounding the ashram. The hike to Ghyampe Danda is easy enough and would allow visitors to experience additional aspects of the beauty of nature found in this area .
Tips for visitors
- Entry Fees for Visitors: A nominal fee of NPR 10 is collected as an entry fee for visiting the ashram that is used for the maintenance of the premises .
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the ashram is during the cooler months, from October to March. In the months just prior to the monsoon season, visitors will most likely avoid heavy rainfall and find clear skies .
- What to Bring: The recommended items to bring for the hike are comfortable walking shoes, a hat or sunglasses to protect from the sun, and a water bottle.
- Exhibiting Proper Conduct: Being a spiritual site, visitors are expected to show respect, modest appropriate attire, and to not speak loudly when at visits .
Legacy of Pilot Baba
Although Pilot Baba died in August 2021 at 86 years of age, thousands continue to be impacted by his legacy. The teachings of meditation, self-discipline, and nurturing inner peace will continue to take center stage in events conducted in the ashram. The Pilot Baba Ashram reflects a culmination of Pilot Baba’s lifetime of work for people internally and externally with the spirit of the ashram collectively supporting a person’s spiritual growth and endeavoring to understand themselves with sincerity.
Conclusion
Pilot Baba Ashram in Bhaktapur offers so much more than a destination; it exposes its travelers to the essence of spiritual tradition and heritage present in Nepal. Although people visit the ashram for a variety of reasons: a seasoned trekker with experience at altitude; someone seeking spiritual fulfillment, or someone seeking an escape from a difficult season in their life; the ashram hosts a retreat that promotes peace for body, mind, and spirit. Going to Pilot Baba Ashram is much more than about getting from one place to another; it’s about going on a personal journey to find and discover something wonderful about oneself and experiencing peace.
