Culture
Pashupatinath Evening Aarti: A Respectful Visitor's Guide
Fire, bells and chanting on the banks of the Bagmati: what happens at the evening aarti at Pashupatinath, where visitors can watch, and how to be respectful at the cremation ghats.
By Shiva GiriPublished 4 min read
Photo: Bijay Chaurasia (opens Wikimedia Commons in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), via Wikimedia Commons
Pashupatinath is Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Each evening at dusk, priests perform the aarti — a ceremony of lamps, bells, chanting and music — and it is one of the most moving things to see in Kathmandu.
Where visitors can watch
Only Hindus may enter the main temple. Visitors watch the temple complex and the ceremony from the riverbanks and the terraces on the eastern side of the river.
The cremation ghats
Along the river you will see open-air cremations. These are funerals of real families. Watch quietly from a distance and don't photograph mourners.
Tips
- Arrive before sunset to find a place to sit.
- Foreign visitors buy an entry ticket for the temple area.
- Dress modestly and keep valuables close in the crowd.
- A guide helps you understand the rituals and the sadhus you'll meet.
Getting there
We arrange a car from Sacred Trails and back after the ceremony. Pashupatinath is also part of our guided Kathmandu City Tour.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Hindus attend the aarti at Pashupatinath?
Yes, visitors can watch the evening aarti from the riverbanks and terraces, though only Hindus may enter the main temple.
What time is the Pashupatinath aarti?
It's held every evening around dusk, so the time changes with the season. Arrive before sunset.
