Cremation Ghats, Kathmandu

The Cremation Ghats are located along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, and form one of the most solemn and important parts of the temple complex. Used for Hindu funeral rites for hundreds of years, they are regarded as the most significant cremation ghats in Kathmandu. According to local belief, a Hindu cremated at Pashupatinath is granted liberation from the cycle of rebirth or direct passage to heaven, rather than being bound to another earthly reincarnation.

Funerals for Nepali citizens usually take place on the southern side of the temple complex. The body is first cleansed with sacred Bagmati water, wrapped in a shroud, and laid out on the riverbank before being placed on one of the numerous stone platforms used for open cremation. These are split between Arya Ghat and Bhasmeshwar Ghat. To locate the former, walk to the northernmost end of the riverfront pathway directly below the main temple exit to find highly elevated stone platforms historically reserved for royalty. On the contrary, Bhasmeshvar Ghat are set south of the main footbridge and you'll recognize them as the long row of low-set public stone platforms lining the water's edge. The cremation is carried out on a wooden pyre and typically lasts around three to four hours.

Visitors are allowed to sit by the river and respectfully observe the last rites as they are performed. Although the experience can be emotional, it offers a rare insight into religious life in Nepal. From the opposite bank, non-Hindu visitors can watch the ceremonies without intruding on the families' grief. Cross the central stone footbridge to the eastern bank of the river and ascend the stone steps of the Pandra Shivalaya, where a uniform row of fifteen identical domed stone Shiva shrines offers a direct view of the cremation platforms across the water.