Nepal · Religious & Spiritual

1-Day Pashupatinath Temple Visit with Evening Ganga Aarati

1 Day Round trip from 44621 Pashupati Nath Road Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See the beautiful two-story, gold-covered main temple from the Bagmati River side
02 Watch the evening Ganga Aarati with fire, music, and singing by the river
03 Meet and observe the Sadhus, the holy men who have given up worldly life
04 Witness the open-air cremation rituals at Arya Ghat, a strong reminder of life and death
05 Explore the UNESCO-listed temple area with its many smaller shrines and statues

Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu place in Nepal, honoring Lord Shiva as Pashupati, the "Lord of all Animals." Set beside the calm Bagmati River, this very old temple complex includes many temples, ashrams, statues, and inscriptions, with the main temple known for its gold-covered two-story roof and fine wooden carvings that reflect Nepal's special building style. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Pashupatinath is both a sacred pilgrimage site and a cultural hub where the spiritual heart of the region is felt through incense, sandalwood, holy songs, and temple bells. What makes a visit here special is its powerful reflection on life and death, from the presence of Sadhus to the open-air cremations at Arya Ghat.

What makes a visit here special is its powerful reflection on life and death, from the presence of Sadhus to the open-air cremations at Arya Ghat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Kathmandu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Pashupatinath Temple Visit and Evening Aarati

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

Look Around and Watch

Get to the main gate. This is the best time to look around, as there are fewer people. You will see people bringing gifts and doing morning prayers. You cannot go into the main temple, but you can feel the mood from outside. Walk along the west side to see the many smaller shrines and the daily religious activity. This is also a good time to get a guide, who can tell you about the history and meaning of what you see.

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM):

Go Deeper and See Nearby Areas

Cross the footbridge to the east side of the Bagmati River. From here, you get the classic view of the main temple. This is also the best place for taking photos with respect. Spend time seeing the Pandra Shivalaya (15 Shrines), the Ram Temple, and the Gorakhnath Temple. You might also walk into the Mrigasthali Deer Park, a wooded hill where stories say Lord Shiva once walked as a golden deer.

Evening (5:00 PM - 7:30 PM):

The Ganga Aarati Ceremony

This is the spiritual high point of your Pashupatinath trip. As night comes, go to the riverbanks across from the main temple. Find a spot on the stone steps early, as it gets very full. The Aarati starts around 6:00 PM. It is a charming event in which priests perform a planned ritual with big oil lamps, incense, and singing. It is all for the Bagmati River and Lord Shiva. The energy is strong and very moving.

The route