One of the seven holy cities, and the Ganga Aarti
One of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism, where the Ganga leaves the mountains for the plains. The evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri is among the most moving rituals in India, with lamps floating on the river as the bells ring. Visit at sunset, and again in the early morning when the ghats are calmer.
Getting around. Har Ki Pauri and the main ghats are walkable from the centre. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws cover the rest. The aarti draws large crowds, so arrive early for a good place.
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Weather and best time to visit
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Best time to visit
November
Clear weather. Kartik Purnima draws large crowds to the ghats.
Best time for Char Dham pilgrimage (shrines open May). Valley of Flowers blooms July–August. Rishikesh rafting from March.
Heavy rain in Garhwal; landslides possible on mountain roads. Valley of Flowers blooms. Avoid high-altitude treks.
Clear views of Himalayan peaks, trekking season for Roopkund and Kedarkantha. Shrines close in October–November.
Auli gets good snowfall for skiing. Rishikesh and Haridwar are pleasant. High passes are snowbound.
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