Travers Nepal
0
Travers Nepal

Evening Aarati and Cremation at Pashupatinath Temple: A Spiritual Experience

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Book Now, Pay Later
Evening Aarati and Cremation at Pashupatinath Temple - Travers Nepal
Days
1
Save
US$ 10
Limited offer
From US$ 60
US$ 50
  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Book Now, Pay Later
Book Now
Plan My Trip
Share
Print
Max. elevation
1440 m / 4724 ft
Group size
Upto 10
Level
Beginner
Transportation
As per outline itinerary
Best season
Every Day
Starts at / Ends at
Your staying Hotel in Kathmandu / Your staying Hotel in Kathmandu
Accommodation
Optional
Meals
Optional
Trip route
Your staying Hotel in Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple - Hotel

Highlights

  • Sacred Maha Aarati – Experience the powerful evening prayer to Lord Shiva with lamps, chants, and bells.
  • Cremation Rituals (Arya Ghat) – Witness Hindu last rites on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.
  • Best Time to Visit – 5 PM to 7 PM for Aarati and cremation ceremonies.
  • Spiritual Significance – Learn why Pashupatinath is a key site for Moksha (liberation).
  • Guided Tours Available – Book expert-led tours for deeper cultural insights.
  • Skip-the-Line Entry – Pre-book tickets for a smooth visit.
  • Photography Tips – Respectful ways to capture the rituals.
  • Nearby Attractions – Combine your visit with Boudhanath Stupa & other holy sites.

Overview

Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, is a spiritual hub in Kathmandu, Nepal. Every evening, the temple comes alive with the mesmerizingMaha Aarati ceremony, while the nearby cremation ghats (Arya Ghat) perform the last rites for the departed. This unique blend of devotion and mortality offers a profound experience for visitors.  

If you're planning to visit Pashupatinath Temple, booking a guided tourensures you witness these rituals with deep cultural understanding. Read on to learn more about the evening Aarati and cremation customs at Pashupatinath.  
 

Why Attend the Evening Aarati at Pashupatinath Temple?

TheMaha Aaratiat Pashupatinath is a grand evening prayer dedicated to Lord Shiva. Held on the banks of the Bagmati River, this ritual involves:  
  • Chanting of Vedic hymns and devotional songs  
  • Offering of lamps (diyas) to Lord Shiva  
  • Synchronized ringing of bells and blowing of conch shells  
  • A powerful spiritual atmosphere that captivates devotees  
The Aarati takes place around 6 PM (time may vary seasonally), and witnessing it is believed to bring blessings and inner peace.  



Understanding the Cremation Rituals at Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath is also one of the most important **cremation sites** for Hindus. The Arya Ghat, located beside the temple, is where open-air cremations take place. Key aspects include:  
  • Belief in Moksha (liberation):Hindus consider dying and being cremated at Pashupatinath a path to salvation.  
  • Sacred Bagmati River:The ashes are immersed in the river, believed to purify the soul.  
  • Respectful Observation:Visitors can watch the ceremonies from a distance, maintaining decorum.  


Best Time to Visit & How to Book Your Tour  

Evening Time (5 PM - 7 PM):Best for Aarati and observing cremation rituals.  
Guided Tours: Booking a knowledgeable guide helps you understand the rituals deeply.  
Entry Fees:Foreign visitors require a ticket (NPR 1000 for SAARC, NPR 1500 for others).  


How to Book Your Pashupatinath Temple Visit?  

✅Online Booking: Secure your spot in advance for hassle-free entry.  
✅ Private Guided Tours:Get insights into rituals from expert guides.  
✅ Combined Packages: Include visits to nearby holy sites like Boudhanath Stupa.  

  

Why Book with Us?  

✔ Expert Guides– Learn the spiritual significance of each ritual.  
✔ Respectful Experience – Observe ceremonies with proper etiquette.  
✔Convenient Access – Skip the line with pre-booked tickets.  

  

Final Thoughts

Experiencing theevening Aarati and cremation rituals at Pashupatinath Temple is a deeply moving encounter with life, death, and spirituality. Whether you're a devotee or a cultural traveler, this sacred site leaves a lasting impression.  

Book your Pashupatinath Temple tour todayand immerse yourself in one of Nepal’s most profound spiritual experiences! 

Important Note

1. Dress Modestly – As a sacred Hindu site, visitors should wear respectful clothing (covered shoulders and knees).

2. Photography Rules –
  • Allowed (from a distance) for Aarati.
  • Strictly Prohibited near cremation ghats (Arya Ghat).
3. Silence & Respect – Maintain a quiet, solemn demeanor, especially near funeral rites.

4. Foreign Visitor Fees –
  • SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000
  • Other Foreigners: NPR 1500
5. Best Viewing Spot –The temple’s eastern terrace offers the clearest view of Aarati.

6. Avoid Touching Offerings – Do not interfere with rituals or sacred items.

7. Guides Recommended – Hiring a licensed guide ensures cultural sensitivity and deeper understanding.

8. Respect the Sanctity – Pashupatinath is not just a tourist site but an active place of worship and mourning.

Trip Itinerary

4:30 PM - Hotel Pickup (Optional Add-on)

  • Convenient pickup from your Kathmandu hotel (if selected)
  • Short drive to Pashupatinath (15-20 mins from Thamel)


5:00 PM - Temple Arrival & Introduction

  • Meet your expert local guide
  • Briefing on temple etiquette & rituals
  • Exploration of outer temple complex


5:30 PM - Evening Aarati Preparation

  • Witness priests preparing the sacred lamps
  • Learn about the significance of Maha Aarati
  • Secure best viewing position on eastern terrace


6:00 PM - Sacred Maha Aarati Ceremony

  • 45-minute mesmerizing ritual with:
  • Chanting of Vedic hymns
  • Synchronized lamp offerings
  • Conch shell blowing & bell ringing
  • Photography opportunities (flash prohibited)


6:45 PM - Cremation Ghats Observation

  • Respectful viewing of Arya Ghat rituals from designated area
  • Explanation of Hindu death traditions
  • Q&A session with your guide


7:15 PM - Bagmati River & Temple Walk

  • Short stroll along sacred riverbanks
  • Visit to other important shrines within complex
  • Final spiritual insights from your guide


7:30 PM - Tour Conclusion & Return

  • Drop-off at original meeting point
  • Recommendations for nearby dinner venues


Key Timing Notes:

  • Total Duration: 3 hours (approx)
  • Aarati Timing: Varies seasonally (confirm at booking)


Experience Enhancements (Add-ons):

  • Private VIP seating for Aarati
  • Professional photography service
  • Combined tour with Boudhanath Stupa

Max. altitude

1,440 m / 4,724 ft.

Accommodation

Optional

Meals

Optional
Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
Plan My Trip

Includes

  • Entry Fees (SAARC/NON-SAARC tickets as applicable)
  • Expert Local Guide (English/Hindi speaking)
  • Evening Aarati Viewing (Best vantage point access)
  • Cultural Insights (Explanation of rituals & traditions)
  • Small Group Experience (Max 8-10 people for better interaction)
  • Bagmati River Rituals Overview (Respectful observation of cremation ghats)

Doesn't Include

  • Personal Offerings/Puja Materials (Buy separately if participating)
  • Hotel Pickup/Drop-off (Available as add-on)
  • Meals/Drinks (Nearby cafes available)
  • Camera Fees (If professional equipment used)
  • Tips for Guides (Optional but appreciated)
Why Book with Us?
  • Excellent customer service. Our travel experts are ready to help you 24/7.
  • Best price guaranteed.
  • No credit card or booking fees.
  • 100% financial protection.
  • Environmentally-friendly tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is renowned for:

  • The grand Maha Aarati ceremony held every evening.
  • Cremation rituals at Arya Ghat, a significant site for Hindu last rites.
  • Its spiritual and cultural importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  1. For Aarati:Evening (around 6 PM, timings may vary seasonally).
  2. For fewer crowds: Early morning or weekdays.
  3. Festivals: Maha Shivaratri (Feb/Mar) and Teej (Aug/Sep) attract massive pilgrim gatherings.

Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple sanctum but can explore the outer complex, witness the Aarati, and observe cremation rituals from designated areas.

Entry fee:

  • SAARC nationals: NPR 1000
  • Other foreigners: NPR 1500

  • Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Avoid leather items (considered impure in temple premises).
  • Remove shoes before entering restricted areas.

It is permitted in most outer areas but strictly prohibited near cremation ghats and the main temple.

Always ask for permission before photographing rituals or people.

The evening Aarati ceremony typically runs for 30–45 minutes, featuring chanting, lamp offerings, and devotional music.

Yes, but maintain a respectful distance from the grieving families. Do not take photos/videos of the pyres or mourners.

Yes, but it’s advisable to:

  • Visit during daylight or guided tours.
  • Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Follow local customs and temple rules.

Yes, booking a guided tour is recommended to:

  1. Understand rituals deeply.
  2. Navigate the complex respectfully.
  3. Combine visits with nearby sites like Boudhanath Stupa.

Read more FAQs

Similar Trips

Kathmandu City Tour
Kathmandu
Difficulty:Easy
Best selling
Tours in Nepal
(2 reviews)
Kathmandu City Tour - 1 day
FromUS$ 80
US$50Save US$ 30
Explore
Everest Scenic Flight
Nepal
Difficulty:Easy
Best selling
Flight Tour in Nepal
(2 reviews)
Everest Scenic Flight - 1 day
FromUS$ 250
US$220Save US$ 30
Explore
Chandragiri Cable Car Tour
Nepal
Difficulty:Easy
Best selling
Tours in Nepal
(8 reviews)
Chandragiri Cable Car Tour - 1 day
FromUS$ 100
US$85Save US$ 15
Explore
Jamacho Hike
Kathmandu
Difficulty:Easy
Demanding
Hiking in Nepal
(5 reviews)
Jamacho Hike - 1 day
FromUS$ 80
US$50Save US$ 30
Explore

Join our Newsletter

Sign up to stay updated with latest offers, recent events and more news.
Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal