How to Plan Your Visit: Pashupatinath Temple Timings Guide
A visit to Pashupatinath Temple is not just a sightseeing experience—it is a deeply spiritual journey. Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, Pashupatinath is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds immense importance for Hindus across the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple complex reflects centuries of faith, rituals, and devotion.
To make your visit peaceful, meaningful, and well-organized, understanding the temple timings, daily rituals, best darshan hours, and visitor guidelines is essential. This complete timings guide will help you plan your visit in the best possible way.
A visit to Pashupatinath Temple is not just a sightseeing
About Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in Nepal, with its origins dating back more than a thousand years. The temple enshrines Lord Shiva in the form of Pashupati, the protector of all living beings. Every year, millions of devotees visit the temple, especially during Maha Shivratri, the Shravan month, and Mondays, which are considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva.
The temple complex includes the main sanctum, numerous smaller shrines, ashrams, ghats for cremation, and viewing areas along the Bagmati River.
Daily Opening and Closing Timings of Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple follows a strict daily schedule based on traditional Vedic rituals.
Temple Opening Time: Around 4:00 AM
Temple Closing Time: Around 9:00 PM
The temple remains open for most of the day, but access to the inner sanctum depends on the ritual schedule. Early morning and evening hours are especially important for devotees.
Timings may slightly vary during festivals, special pujas, or government-declared holidays, so it is always advisable to confirm locally before visiting.
Best Time for Darshan at Pashupatinath Temple
Early Morning Darshan (4:00 AM – 7:00 AM)
The early morning hours are considered the most auspicious for visiting Pashupatinath Temple. During this time, the temple is calm, less crowded, and filled with spiritual energy. Devotees can witness important rituals such as Abhishek Puja, where the Shiva Lingam is bathed with holy water, milk, ghee, and sacred offerings.
If you wish to experience Pashupatinath in its purest devotional form, early morning darshan is highly recommended.
Evening Darshan and Sandhya Aarti (Around 6:00 PM)
The evening Sandhya Aarti is one of the most captivating experiences at Pashupatinath Temple. As oil lamps are lit and priests chant Vedic mantras, the entire temple complex resonates with devotion. The rhythmic sounds of bells, conch shells, and bhajans create a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere.
Even if you are unable to enter the inner sanctum, watching the aarti from the outer areas is a deeply moving experience.
Important Daily Rituals and Timings
While exact timings may vary slightly, the general daily ritual schedule includes:
Morning Abhishek Puja: 4:30 AM – 7:00 AM
General Darshan: Morning to afternoon
Bhog Offering: Late morning
Evening Sandhya Aarti: Around 6:00 PM
Temple Closing: Around 9:00 PM
On special days like Mondays, Pradosh Vrat, Maha Shivratri, Teej, and Shravan Mondays, rituals may take longer due to heavy crowds.
Best Days to Visit Pashupatinath Temple
Mondays: Highly auspicious for Lord Shiva but very crowded
Weekdays (Tuesday–Friday): Less crowded and ideal for peaceful darshan
Festivals: Spiritually powerful but extremely crowded
If you prefer a calm visit, avoid major festivals. If you seek intense spiritual energy, festival days can be very rewarding—but expect long waiting times.
Entry Rules and Visitor Guidelines
Who Can Enter the Main Temple?
Only Hindus are allowed to enter the inner sanctum of Pashupatinath Temple.
Non-Hindu visitors can explore the outer complex, observe rituals from designated areas, and visit nearby shrines.
Dress Code and Behavior
Wear modest, traditional clothing
Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing outfits
Maintain silence and respect during rituals
Photography is restricted in certain areas
Crowd Management and Practical Tips
Visit early morning to avoid long queues
Reach at least 30–45 minutes early for Abhishek or Aarti
Senior citizens should avoid peak festival days
Follow the instructions given by the temple authorities and security staff
Carrying minimal belongings and keeping footwear organized will help make your visit smoother.
Best Season to Visit Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple can be visited throughout the year, but the best months are:
October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for travel
July to August (Shravan): Highly sacred but very crowded
April to June: Warm but manageable
Monsoon months may bring rain, but the temple remains open.
Nearby Attractions to Visit Along with Pashupatinath
While planning your visit, you can also explore:
Guhyeshwari Temple (Shakti Peeth)
Boudhanath Stupa
Budhanilkantha Temple
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Combining these sites makes your spiritual journey more complete.
Final Thoughts
Planning your visit to Pashupatinath Temple around the right timings can transform your experience from a simple visit into a deeply spiritual journey. Whether you choose the peaceful early morning Abhishek or the divine evening aarti, each moment spent at Pashupatinath brings a sense of devotion, reflection, and inner peace.
By understanding the temple timings, rituals, entry rules, and best visiting hours, you can ensure that your visit is smooth, respectful, and spiritually fulfilling. Pashupatinath is not just a temple—it is a living symbol of faith, devotion, and eternal connection with Lord Shiva.
