Varanasi temples and ghats walking tour with Ganga Aarti

Walk the ghats at dawn, stand in the temples at ceremony time, watch the Ganga Aarti at dusk

A guided walking tour of Varanasi's temples and ghats that moves through the old city on foot, visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple), Durga Temple, and Sankat Mochan Temple (Monkey Temple), then follows the Ganges from the cremation sites to the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat. The tour includes a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French; tea, water and lassi; and tuk-tuk transport between major stops. The route covers five to seven hours and is suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Varanasi city and temple tour

• Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple ceremonies
• See Durga Temple ceremonies
• Attend Sankat Mochan (Monkey) Temple kirtan
• Explore Banaras Hindu University and New Vishwanath Temple
• Walk Old City from Harishchandra to Manikanika Ghat
• Try sweets and lassi at Blue Lassi
• Watch Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat

The experience

Varanasi's old city unfolds on foot, starting at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (the oldest and most sacred shrine to Shiva, also called the Golden Temple), where you'll watch the morning ceremonies. From there the walk moves through the narrow lanes toward the Ganges, passing through the market where locals buy flowers and incense, stopping at Blue Lassi to drink the famous yogurt drink and taste local sweets. The guide navigates the tight streets and explains what you're seeing as you move.

The tour visits three major temples: Durga Temple near Durgakund, where you'll see rituals in progress; Sankat Mochan Temple (also called the Monkey Temple), which is especially active on Tuesdays and Saturdays when kirtan chanting happens; and the New Vishwanath Temple at Banaras Hindu University, one of India's oldest institutions. Between stops, a tuk-tuk carries the group to save time and energy, so the walking stays focused on the temple interiors and the old city itself.

The route then moves to the ghats along the Ganges: the stone steps where the city meets the river. You'll walk from Harishchandra Ghat to Manikanika Ghat, where cremations take place in full view. This is not a detached observation. You're standing at the water's edge watching the ritual unfold. The day ends at Assi Ghat at sunset for the Ganga Aarti, a daily ceremony of fire and chanting held in honor of the river, performed at both sunrise and sunset. An optional boat ride after the tour costs extra and is not included in the price.

What’s included

• Tea, a water bottle and lassi.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• tuk-tuk transport between major stops.
• entry to all temples and the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
• and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 10 years): free · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Recorre La India

Is this one for you?The five to seven hour pace means you're walking and standing for much of the day, with tuk-tuk breaks between temples. Book this if you're comfortable on your feet and want to move through the old city itself rather than view it from a vehicle. The tour follows the operator's schedule, which is what keeps the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the exact moment it happens each evening.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (2 to 10 years): free; Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Ganga Aarti ceremony I'll see at the end of the tour?

The Ganga Aarti is a daily ritual held at sunrise and sunset at Assi Ghat, where priests perform a ceremony of fire, bells and chanting in honor of the Ganges River. It's held every day and is considered one of Varanasi's most significant spiritual moments.

Will I see cremations on the Ganges during this tour?

Yes. The tour walks along the ghats from Harishchandra to Manikanika, where cremations take place as part of Hindu funeral rites. You'll see this ritual as part of the day's route along the river.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour is five to seven hours and covers the old city on foot, though a tuk-tuk transports the group between major temple stops. You'll walk through the narrow lanes of the old city, the temple interiors, and along the ghats, but the walking is broken up by the vehicle rides and time spent inside temples.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a live guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian or French; tea, a water bottle and lassi; all fees and taxes; and tuk-tuk transport between stops. An optional sunset boat ride costs extra and is not included.

What are the Monkey Temple and Golden Temple?

The Golden Temple is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the oldest and most sacred shrine to Shiva in Varanasi. The Monkey Temple is Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Hanuman, which is especially active on Tuesdays and Saturdays when kirtan chanting takes place.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Yes, pickup is included in the tour price. A guide will collect you from your accommodation and return you after the Ganga Aarti ceremony at dusk.