About Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri, meaning the steps of the Lord, is the most sacred ghat in Haridwar, the point where the Ganges emerges from the mountains onto the plains. A footprint of Vishnu is said to be set in a stone wall here, and drops of the nectar of immortality are believed to have fallen at this spot, making Haridwar one of the four Kumbh Mela cities.
Each evening thousands gather on the steps and the clock tower island for the Ganga Aarti, as priests swing great brass lamps and pilgrims float leaf boats filled with flowers and candles onto the fast current. Safety chains line the ghat because the water is swift and cold. Rishikesh, the yoga town with its suspension bridges and ashrams, lies about 25 kilometers upstream.
What to see
- Evening Ganga Aarti with floating diyas
- Brahmakund bathing area
- Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi hilltop temples by ropeway
- Clock tower island across the ghat
- Day trip to Rishikesh ashrams
Visiting Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar: practical guide
- Best time
- October to April
- Hours
- Open at all times; aarti around sunset
- Entry
- Free
- Dress code
- Modest clothing; bring a change if bathing
- Nearest airport
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), 35 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Arrive an hour before aarti for a good spot
- Hold the chains when bathing in the strong current
- Politely decline unofficial donation collectors
Festivals and special days
- Kumbh Mela
- Kanwar Yatra
- Ganga Dussehra
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Hinduism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and legs covered.
- Some temples, such as Puri Jagannath, admit only Hindus; respect posted signs.
- Ask before photographing shrines, rituals or cremation grounds.
- Use your right hand to accept prasad, the blessed food offering.
- Avoid bringing leather items or meat into temple grounds.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar?
Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar is in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India, Asia. GPS coordinates: 29.9560, 78.1710. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), 35 km.
What is the best time to visit Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar?
October to April
Is there an entry fee for Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar?
Free Opening hours: Open at all times; aarti around sunset
What should I wear when visiting Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar?
Modest clothing; bring a change if bathing
Which religion is Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar sacred to?
Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar is sacred to Hinduism. Active place of worship.
