Maha Shivratri (6 March 2027) and Phalgun Amavasya (8 March) are back-to-back Amrit Snans at the Haridwar Kumbh. Here is how to plan stays, travel and darshan.
If there is one week that will define the Haridwar Kumbh 2027, it is 6 to 8 March 2027. Maha Shivratri on Saturday 6 March and Phalgun Amavasya on Monday 8 March are both Amrit Snans, just two days apart. Expect the largest crowds of the entire Kumbh.
Why this week matters
- Maha Shivratri is the great night of Shiva. Haridwar, the gateway to the Himalaya and to Shiva's abode, is one of the most important places to observe it.
- Two Amrit Snans in three days means the akharas process twice, so many pilgrims plan to stay for both.
- Haridwar is also the starting point for many Kanwar and Shiva pilgrims around this time.
Book stays early
Stays within walking distance of Har Ki Pauri for 5–9 March 2027 will be the first to sell out. Our advice:
- Decide your nights now. Arrive by 5 March and stay until at least 9 March to avoid travelling on snan days.
- Camp or hotel? Camps put you inside the mela atmosphere. Hotels near Har Ki Pauri are easier for seniors. See camp vs hotel in Haridwar.
- Confirm in writing. Get the property name, exact location and cancellation terms, and beware of fake booking offers.
A sample 4-night plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Fri 5 March | Arrive by afternoon, before diversions begin. Evening Ganga Aarti. |
| Sat 6 March | Maha Shivratri Amrit Snan. Pre-dawn walk, snan at a public ghat, rest. Shiva temple darshan in the evening. |
| Sun 7 March | Easy day: Daksheswara Mahadev in Kankhal, or rest at your camp. |
| Mon 8 March | Phalgun Amavasya Amrit Snan. |
| Tue 9 March | Depart once traffic restrictions lift. |
Shiva temples to visit
- Daksheswara Mahadev, Kankhal: the site of King Daksha's yagna.
- Bilkeshwar Mahadev, near Har Ki Pauri.
- Neelkanth Mahadev, beyond Rishikesh. Go on a non-snan day; see our route guide.
Practical tips
- Early March mornings are still cool, so carry a light jacket.
- Mobile networks slow down in big crowds. Agree meeting points in advance.
- Keep the night of 5 March free so you are rested for a 3–4 a.m. start.
Let us plan it
Our Haridwar Kumbh packages can be built around the Maha Shivratri week, with a coordinator for both Amrit Snan mornings. Send us your group size and we will hold options for you.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 20 Oct 2026
