The evening Ganga aarti is the moment most people remember from Rishikesh: lamps swung over the river, bells, chanting and hundreds of diyas floating downstream as the light goes. It happens every evening, it’s free, and you can walk to it from our rooms in Tapovan.
What time is the aarti?
The aarti follows sunset, so the time moves with the season: roughly 6 PM in winter and closer to 7 PM in summer. Times change with the date and on festival days, so ask us at reception on the day and we’ll tell you when to leave.
Where to watch it
- Parmarth Niketan (Swarg Ashram side): the best-known aarti, with a large seated crowd on the ghat steps, music and a big fire ceremony facing the Shiva statue in the river.
- Triveni Ghat (near the main town): a bigger, busier and more local aarti on a wide ghat. Good if you want to float a diya yourself.
- Smaller ghats near Laxman Jhula: quieter, shorter ceremonies if you’d rather avoid the crowds.
Tips from the front desk
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early at Parmarth Niketan if you want a seat on the steps.
- Dress modestly and leave your shoes where others leave theirs.
- Keep your phone away for at least part of it. It’s a prayer, not a show.
- Carry a light layer from November to February; it gets cold by the water after dark.
Getting there from Alpine Retreat
Walk down to Laxman Jhula (about 15 minutes), cross the river and follow the riverside path towards Ram Jhula for Parmarth Niketan, or take a shared auto. Coming back late? Our restaurant serves until 11 PM.
Planning your first evening? Read An evening in Tapovan. To see the aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar as well, our Rishikesh & Haridwar Spiritual Escape covers both.
