What to Wear in Haridwar

Dress for the ghat

Everyone at Har Ki Pauri is barefoot on the steps, so wear sandals or slip-ons you can take off in seconds. Leave them at the shoe stands near the ghat and remember where. Cover your shoulders and knees. A kurta with loose trousers, a long skirt or a salwar suit works for women; a kurta or a plain shirt with full-length trousers works for men. Shorts and sleeveless tops draw stares here and may be turned away at the temples.

If you plan to bathe

Many visitors take a dip at Brahmakund. Most people go in wearing their clothes. Women usually bathe in a salwar suit or a saree. Bring a full change of clothes and a thin towel, and use the changing cubicles along the ghat. Light cotton dries fastest. Pale fabrics turn see-through when wet, so darker colours are the practical choice.

By season

From November to February, mornings and evenings are cool, and the riverside can feel chilly during the aarti. A shawl or a light jacket over a kurta is enough for most days. October and March are warm. From April to June the heat is fierce, often over 40 °C, so wear loose, light cotton, a hat and sunglasses, and carry water. In the monsoon, from July to September, pack quick-dry clothes, a compact umbrella and sandals with a good grip. The ghat steps get slippery.

For the hill temples

The cable cars to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi need no special kit. If you walk up, wear shoes with a grip and carry a bottle of water. Shoes come off at the top, so choose ones that are easy to remove. Keep a small bag with a zip, as monkeys on both hills grab loose items.

Colours

White, cream, saffron and yellow suit the town and look good against the river in photos. Many pilgrims wear saffron. Wearing it is not disrespectful, but a simple outfit is always the safe choice at shrines.