Pashupatinath Aarati Tour

Q: Is there an entrance fee to attend the Aarati?

Yes. Foreign nationals except Indian and SAARC citizens must pay an entrance fee to attend the Aarati. The fee is NPR 1,000 for most foreign nationals. Indian nationals can enter free of cost.

Q: Can non-Hindus attend the evening Aarati?

Yes, non-Hindus are welcome to attend the Sandhya Aarati. The ceremony is performed on the Bagmati Riverbank, outside the main temple courtyard, so people of all faiths can join. But non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main Pashupatinath Temple complex, where the main Shiva Lingam is located.

Q: What is the spiritual significance of the Pashupatinath Aarati?

The evening Aarati is a powerful form of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva and the sacred Bagmati River. It symbolizes purification, the removal of negativity, and the victory of light knowledge over darkness ignorance, creating a deeply uplifting spiritual experience.

Q: What exactly happens during the Aarati ritual?

At the Aarati ritual, priests perform synchronized rituals with large oil lamps deepaks/diyas, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras, rhythmic blowing of conch shells, and devotional singing. Further, musicians play traditional musical instruments during the Bhajans.

Q: What is the significance of the Bagmati River at Pashupatinath?

The Bagmati River is considered sacred, much like the Ganges. There is the Aaryaghat cremation grounds on its bank, reflecting the Hindu philosophy of life, death, and rebirth. During the Aarati, you can often witness these rituals from a respectful distance.

Q: Is there a specific dress code for attending the Aarati?

Yes, As the site is highly sacred, you need to dress modestly. Wear clothes that cover the shoulders, chest, and knees to show proper respect.

Q: Is photography allowed during the Aarati?

Yes, photography is allowed during the Aarati. So, take as many photos and videos as you want to keep it as a memory. But note that photography of cremation rituals or grieving families at Arya Ghat is strictly prohibited out of respect for the deceased and their relatives.

Q: Are there any customs or rituals visitors can participate in?

Yes, Visitors often join in by clapping to the Bhajans, chanting along, offering small butter lamps diyas to the river, or making small monetary offerings as a gesture of devotion

Q: Is it safe to visit the Pashupatinath temple area in the evening?

Generally, it is safe to visit the Pashupatinath temple area in the evening. The area is well-guarded, and hundreds of devotees gather during the Aarati. However, like any crowded place, visitors should remain mindful of their belongings.

Q: What is the best day of the week to attend the Aarati?

The Aarati is performed daily, but Mondays hold special significance for Lord Shiva. On Monday, the crowd is larger, the energy is stronger, and the spiritual atmosphere is especially vibrant.

Destination

Nepal

Max. Altitude

1,300m

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

All seasons

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Start / End

Thamel to Thamel

Meals

N/A

Travel Duration

3 Hours

What could be a better way to end your day than taking part in Pashupatinath Sandhya Aarati when in Kathmandu? It’s such a peaceful evening ritual on the banks of the Bagmati River that connects you to Lord Shiva and makes you forget about all the chaos that’s happening in your life. Hundreds of devotees gather at the riverbank to experience this divine moment after 6:00 PM.

As dusk falls, the only things that fill the air around the temple are the chants of priests, the fragrant smoke of incense, and the glow of hundreds of flickering oil lamps. The evening Aarati is such a magical spectacle where fire, sound, and faith blend into one mesmerizing experience. Even if you don’t know the words of the bhajans, you’ll feel the vibrations in your heart. You might find yourself swaying, clapping, and joining the chorus of “Har Har Mahadev!” as the music and chanting flow through you. Each rotation of the flaming lamps lights up the river, the faces of devotees, and your own spirit. You feel deeply connected to God, to the moment, and to every soul around you. The energy is so intense, yet so peaceful, that it gives you goosebumps.

No. of Persons	Price per Person
1 – 1	$45
2 – 2	$30
3 – 5	$25
6 – 20	$20

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Major Highlights of Pashupatinath Aarati Tour

Explore Pashupatinath temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major spiritual center of Kathmandu.
Watch Evening Aarati on the bank of the Bagmati River.
See the open cremation ghats and understand how Hindus view life, death, and liberation.
Visit important spots inside the temple, including Mukhalinga, Guhyeshwari Temple, and Aaryaghat.
Meet sadhus, gurus, and babas, learn about their way of life, and receive blessings if you wish.
Take part in the evening Aarati dedicated to Lord Shiva, filled with chanting, music, and a calming spiritual atmosphere.

Pashupatinath Aarati Tour at a Glance

Distance, walking time and high point for each day
Day	Itinerary	Distance / Time	Altitude
01	Pashupati Sandhya Aaratiroad transfer	12 km3 hrs	—
Totals		0.0 km0 hrs	0 m

Reviews from our Guests

From travellers who walked this exact itinerary.

5.0

★★★★★

Tripadvisor52 ReviewsGoogle44 Reviews

★★★★★

I have been to a lot of temples in Asia and this one felt different because nothing is arranged for visitors. Sadhus by the fires, families on the steps, monkeys on the roofs, and the aarati ceremony in the middle of it. Non Hindus cannot enter the main temple but the view from the eastern bank is the better one anyway.

Grant MahoneyApril 2026

★★★★★

We arrived before sunset and got a place on the steps across the river. The lamps come out as it gets dark and the bells and singing start, and the whole ghat turns orange. It is a cremation site as well, which I had not fully understood beforehand, and seeing both things happening at once was moving rather than uncomfortable. Dipesh explained what was happening quietly and without making it a performance.

Shruti DeshpandeNovember 2025 · Guided by Dipesh Sapkota

★★★★★

Pashupatinath Temple was very peaceful. Watching the rituals and the river made me feel calm and reflective. I spent some time just sitting quietly and looking at everything around me. The energy at the temple felt very spiritual, and I could feel why it is so important to many people. Worth the hype!

Verified purchase

Naomi KwanSeptember 2025

★★★★★

Near Patan Durbar Square, we saw locals setting up decorations for a small festival. The bright colors and music made the area feel so lively. Kathmandu Durbar Square had huge palaces, and Boudhanath Stupa offered some calmness. Walking through the festival preparations added a cheerful surprise to the day. I loved the vibe!

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Lucas RomeroSeptember 2025

★★★★★

Shruti DeshpandeNovember 2025 · Guided by Dipesh Sapkota

Read All Traveller Reviews

Pashupatinath Aarati Tour Day By Day Itinerary

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Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact	Details
Time:	5 PM–7 PM
Travel Duration:	3 Hours
Travel Distance:	12KM/ 7.5Miles

Your Pashupatinath Sandhya (Evening) Aarati Tour begins at 5:00 PM. Our guide will meet you in Thamel and then drive you to Pashupatinath Temple in a private vehicle. The drive takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you reach the temple area, you will have some time to walk around the Pashupati temple premises and explore the temple before the Aarati begins. Then, you will join the Evening Aarati, the main highlight of our Pashupatinath Aarati Tour. You will arrive early at the spot to find a good viewing spot near the Bagmati River, as the area fills quickly with hundreds of devotees. People gather on the steps along the riverbank to watch this spiritual and colorful ritual.

Soon, the Aarati starts beside the Bagmati River. It starts with the loud sound of a conch shell (Sankha) and the ringing bells. It is done to invite the divine presence. Priests light large copper lamps filled with ghee and burn incense. Before the formal ceremony starts, the sankalpa (a ritual vow) is performed to seek blessings for good intentions and proper actions. After that, the priests follow a series of traditional steps. They blow the conch shell, wave incense to purify the surroundings, and offer Gokul Dhoop. They move the lamps in circular motions.

Furthermore, throughout the ceremony, musicians play traditional instruments like drums, cymbals, and flutes. They sing hymns praising Lord Shiva. Also, you will see devotees performing Shiv Tandav and chanting “Har Har Mahadev”. The Sandhya Aarati usually lasts for about one hour. When it finishes, you will walk back to the parking area. From there, our driver will take you back to Thamel. Once you reach your destination, your Pashupatinath Aarati Tour with Himalayan 360 formally ends. We hope to serve you again on your next journey. Safe travels and best wishes!

Extra: Aarati timings slightly shift with the season, around 7:00 PM in summer and 6:00 PM in winter. After sunset, all the temple doors are opened for the Aarati and closed again once the ceremony ends.

Pashupatinath Aarati Tour Included/ Excluded

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Transfer

Comfortable private vehicle for the tour as per the Group size and itinerary only

International Airfare

Guide and Entrance fees

English-speaking guide

All entrance fees (NPR.1000/P)

Others

All internal taxes
Company service charges

All the services out of the list from Including services.
Tips for the crew member (it is expected)

Is there an entrance fee to attend the Aarati?

Can non-Hindus attend the evening Aarati?

What is the spiritual significance of the Pashupatinath Aarati?

What exactly happens during the Aarati ritual?

What is the significance of the Bagmati River at Pashupatinath?

Is there a specific dress code for attending the Aarati?

Is photography allowed during the Aarati?

Are there any customs or rituals visitors can participate in?

Is it safe to visit the Pashupatinath temple area in the evening?

What is the best day of the week to attend the Aarati?

Pashupatinath Aarati Tour Information

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

All seasons

Weighing It Against the Alternatives

If you are still deciding, this is how Pashupatinath Aarati Tour sits against the trips people most often weigh it against — on days, distance, difficulty and cost.

This trip compared with the alternatives
Trip	Days / Distance	Difficulty	From
Pashupatinath Aarati Tourthis trip	1 days	Easy	$20
4 UNESCO Heritage Site Day Tour in Kathmandu	1 days	Easy	$32
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour	1 days	Medium	On request
Chandragiri and Monkey Temple Tour	1 days	Easy	$33
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour	1 days	Easy	$1,070

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