Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu for 2026: Timings

Perched on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath Temple is far more than a religious structure; it is a vibrant epicenter of faith, culture, and the profound Hindu philosophy of life, death, and rebirth. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his compassionate form as Pashupati, the “Lord of All Animals,” this temple is revered as one of the most sacred Shiva shrines globally and is considered the head among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Its ancient roots trace back to at least the 5th century, with the current magnificent pagoda-style structure dating from the 17th century . As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple complex spans over 264 hectares, encompassing hundreds of smaller shrines, ashrams, and the iconic cremation ghats .

For millions of pilgrims and spiritual seekers, a visit to Pashupatinath is a journey to witness the soul of Nepal and experience a divine power that has endured for millennia. The inner sanctum houses a unique, five-faced Shiva Linga, considered to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), accessible only to Hindu devotees .

Sringeri Sharada Peetham 2026: Pooja Timing & Booking Cost

Table of Contents

Essential Overview for Planning Your 2026 Visit

Detail Category	Information for 2026
Primary Deity	Lord Shiva as Pashupatinath (Five-faced Linga)
Location	Eastern Kathmandu, on the banks of the Bagmati River, Nepal
Status	UNESCO World Heritage Site; Holiest Hindu temple in Nepal
Major Festivals	Maha Shivaratri (Feb/March), Teej (Aug/Sept), Bala Chaturdashi
Best Time to Visit	September to November (post-monsoon clarity) & February to March (for festivals; book months ahead)
Official Website	Nepal Tourism Board – Pashupatinath Page (For authoritative visitor info)

Daily Darshan Timings and Ritual Schedule

The temple follows a precise daily schedule, with the main sanctum open for Hindu devotees during specific windows. The complex itself has broader visiting hours.

Time	Activity / Ritual	Details & Access
4:00 AM	Temple Opens	West gate opens. Early morning is ideal for spiritual atmosphere .
4:30 AM	Morning Aarti & Puja Begins	Sacred rituals commence inside the main temple.
4:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Morning Darshan	Main temple open for Hindu devotees only .
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Abhishek Puja	The main ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga with sacred substances.
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Main Temple Closed	The inner sanctum is closed. The outer complex remains accessible.
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM	Evening Darshan	Main temple reopens for Hindu devotees .
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Sandhya Aarti (Evening Aarti)	A major public ritual on the Bagmati ghats with lamps, chants, and music. A must-see .
9:00 PM	Temple Complex Closes	Visitors are requested to depart.

Sevas, Darshans, and Price Offerings (Puja Costs)

Entry to the temple complex has a fee structure, while participation in special rituals (sevas) involves separate costs. The prices below are approximate and based on information for Indian pilgrims; costs may vary slightly.

Service / Offering	Approximate Cost (2026)	Key Details & Timing
Temple Complex Entry	Free for Nepalese & Indians . NPR 1,000 (~₹625) for other foreign nationals .	Covers access to outer complex, ghats, and viewing terraces. Main inner sanctum is for Hindus only.
General Darshan	Included in entry.	Join the queue during open darshan hours. Long waits expected during festivals.
Panchamrit Puja	NPR 2,100 – 2,500 (₹1,313 – 1,563)	Basic ritual bath with five sacred items (milk, honey, etc.). Performed 9:30 AM-12:00 PM .
Rudrabhishek	Higher tier cost.	A more elaborate and powerful Vedic fire ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Special Aartis & Offerings	Varies based on scale.	Can include offerings of flowers, Bilva leaves, clothes, or jewelry.
Puja Booking	At SBI counter opposite main gate or online.	Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak festival seasons.

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple

The temple is very accessible from central Kathmandu and the international airport.

By Air: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the main gateway. The temple is only about 5 km (a 15-20 minute drive) from the airport .
Local Transport in Kathmandu: From the city center (Thamel), you can take a taxi (15-20 mins, NPR 300-500), a local bus from the Gaushala area, or a ride-sharing service.
By Land from India: Popular border crossings include Sunauli-Bhairahawa (near Gorakhpur) and Raxaul-Birgunj (near Patna). From these borders, buses or private vehicles connect to Kathmandu in 8-10 hours.

How to Book Darshan and Puja Tickets

The process for darshan and rituals is straightforward but has important distinctions.

Entry Tickets: Purchase these at the ticket counter at the temple entrance. Have your passport ready for foreign national fee verification.
Special Puja / Seva Tickets: To perform a specific ritual like Abhishek, you can book at the State Bank of India (SBI) counter located opposite the temple’s main gate. Some services may also offer online booking options.
Important Access Rules: Remember, only devotees of the Hindu faith are permitted to enter the main temple building and inner sanctum to view the Shiva Linga . Non-Hindu visitors can respectfully observe the complex, rituals, and architecture from the terraces across the Bagmati River.

Nearby Attractions to Visit

The area around Pashupatinath is rich with other cultural and spiritual sites.

Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world. It is a very peaceful place with many monasteries around it.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): An ancient temple on a hill with great views of Kathmandu. You can see many monkeys and prayer wheels there.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: A historic royal palace square with old temples and buildings showing Newari architecture. It is in the heart of the old city.
Guhyeshwari Temple: A very important Shakti Peeth temple located near Pashupatinath. It is dedicated to the goddess and is also restricted to Hindu devotees.

Important Instructions for Visitors

Respecting local customs is paramount for a meaningful and respectful visit.

Strict Dress Code: Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Long pants and full-sleeve shirts are recommended for everyone .
Prohibited Items: Leather items (belts, wallets, bags) and footwear are forbidden inside the temple complex and must be left outside. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main temple areas.
Sacred Space Etiquette: Always remove shoes before entering any shrine or sacred space. Walk around temples and stupas in a clockwise direction. Do not point your feet at altars or holy objects.
At the Cremation Ghats: Observe the funeral pyres from a respectful distance in silence. Do not take photographs of the grieving families or the ceremonies.
General Conduct: Use your right hand for giving, receiving, or eating. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. A polite “Namaste” with folded hands is the customary greeting.

Accommodation Options for Pilgrims and Travelers

A range of accommodations exists near the temple, from simple lodges to comfortable hotels, catering to both pilgrims and tourists.

Accommodation Type	Suggested Area / Features	Ideal For
Pilgrim Lodges & Basic Hotels	Directly in Gaushala/Gopashwari area, steps from the temple. Simple, affordable, focused on utility.	Devotees on a budget, those wanting to attend very early morning rituals.
Comfortable Mid-Range Hotels	Areas like Gaushala or Boudha. Offer modern amenities (Wi-Fi, attached bath, restaurant), short walk or taxi to temple.	Families, travelers seeking balance of comfort, convenience, and culture.
Boutique & Heritage Hotels	Thamel (15-20 min drive) or Boudha. Higher comfort, character, and service levels.	Travelers prioritizing comfort and style, willing to commute to the temple.

Dos and Don’ts at the Temple

Dos	Don’ts
Do dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.	Don’t wear leather (belts, shoes) or carry a camera into the main temple.
Do remove your footwear before entering any shrine or sacred area.	Don’t attempt to enter the main sanctum if you are not a Hindu.
Do observe rituals and cremations from a respectful, quiet distance.	Don’t take photographs of people, especially sadhus, without explicit permission.
Do use your right hand for greetings and handling offerings.	Don’t point with your finger; use an open palm or your chin to gesture.
Do greet locals and priests with a polite “Namaste” and folded hands.	Don’t touch religious artifacts or interfere with ongoing pujas.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Temple

Can non-Hindus enter the main Pashupatinath Temple?
No. Entry into the main temple building and inner sanctum housing the Shiva Linga is strictly reserved for followers of the Hindu faith. However, non-Hindus can fully explore the vast outer complex, observe the famous evening Aarti, and view the main temple from the terraces across the Bagmati River.

What is the most important festival at Pashupatinath?
Maha Shivaratri (usually in February or March) is the grandest celebration . It attracts over a million devotees, including thousands of Sadhus (ascetic holy men) from Nepal and India, who engage in all-night vigils, meditation, and special ceremonies .

Why is the Bagmati River so important here?
The Bagmati is considered a holy river, a tributary of the Ganges. Its banks within the temple complex are used for traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies (ghats). Witnessing these rites offers a direct and poignant insight into the Hindu cycle of life, death, and rebirth .

Are there any specific rules for photography?
Yes. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the main temple complex. You may take pictures of the exterior from the opposite bank, but always ask for permission before photographing people, especially Sadhus, as some may expect a small donation .

What is the best time of day for a spiritual experience?
Early morning (between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM) is highly recommended. The atmosphere is serene, you can witness the morning rituals, and it’s less crowded than later in the day, allowing for a more contemplative visit.