Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Ceremony · 1.5 hoursArrive an hour early. Keep belongings close — it is very crowded.
Holy city · Uttarakhand
One of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism and where the Ganges leaves the mountains for the plains. The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri each evening is the reason to come — hundreds of lamps set on the water, crowds packed onto the ghats, and an intensity that Rishikesh's gentler ceremony does not match. Arrive an hour early for any view at all. Haridwar is a strictly vegetarian and dry city, and it is a pilgrimage town rather than a tourist one, which shapes everything from the hotels to the food. One night is usually right, generally paired with Rishikesh 25 km up the road.
What to see
Arrive an hour early. Keep belongings close — it is very crowded.
Ropeway or a steep climb. Views over the city and the river.
The other hilltop temple, across the river. Quieter than Mansa Devi.
Dawn. Quieter than the evening and, for many, more moving.
Durations
Haridwar works well as a 1–2 night stay. Tell us your dates and party and we'll price a tailored itinerary.
Good to know
Haridwar is the pilgrimage city and its aarti is larger and more intense. Rishikesh is gentler, has the adventure sports and is easier for a first visit. They are 25 km apart and many people do both.
Yes, strictly, and alcohol is prohibited. This is a holy city and both rules are taken seriously.
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View guide →Plan it properly
We price the real configuration rather than an average — exact adults, children and rooms — and come back within one working day.