India · Walking Tours

4-Hour Walking Tour of Varanasi Old Quarter with Sacred Ghats

4 Hours Round trip from Varanasi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the ancient Dashashwamedh Ghat and learn about its fascinating legends
  • 02 Stroll through the colourful Viswanath Gali and experience the vibrant atmosphere
  • 03 Visit the sacred Lord Viswanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple
  • 04 Witness the traditional flower market bustling with a variety of vibrant flowers
  • 05 Discover the historic Nepali Temple built by the King of Nepal in the 19th century
  • 06 Observe the solemn rituals at Manikarnika Ghat, the prominent cremation ground

Embark on a 4-hour guided walking tour of Varanasi's northern old quarter with a licensed tourist guide and local expert. Explore serpentine alleyways, traditional ashrams, bustling markets, and iconic temples such as the Golden Temple, while witnessing pilgrim rituals and visiting the sacred Manikarnika Ghat. This in-depth experience immerses you in Varanasi's rich cultural, spiritual, and historical heritage and reveals the city's timeless charm and significance.

For thousands of years, Varanasi has been the religious and cultural centre of India and is considered one of the oldest cities in the world, as well as one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus of every denomination.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Varanasi
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Introduction to Varanasi's Sacred Old Quarter

  • After meeting you at the agreed time and known meeting place, your guide will lead you through the old part of the city, sharing valuable insights and information throughout the walk. During this unique excursion, you will cover some of the city's top attractions and experiences. For thousands of years, Varanasi has been the religious and cultural centre of India and is considered one of the oldest cities in the world, as well as one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus of every denomination. Religious practices of various faiths are an integral part of everyday life here, and religion in India is deeply public, with many traditions expressed through pomp, vitality, and underlying spiritual depth.
2
Day 02

Dashashwamedh Ghat and Its Sacred Legends

  • After meeting your guide, your tour begins at the important Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River, located close to the Vishwanath Temple, and it is probably the most spectacular ghat in the city. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: according to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva; according to another, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses here during the Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna.
3
Day 03

Walk Through the Colourful Viswanath Gali

  • Spend about 20 minutes walking and wandering through one of the most colourful, ancient, and fascinating alleyways in Varanasi. This prominent network of narrow lanes is where the main temple of Lord Shiva is located and offers a vivid glimpse into the atmosphere of the old city.
4
Day 04

Explore the Traditional Flower Market

  • Spend around 20 minutes exploring and taking pictures at Varanasi's old flower market. The holy city of temples is also known for this vibrant market, where flowers of all varieties are brought in from nearby villages. Enjoy watching the traditional business and daily rhythm of the old flower market in Varanasi.
5
Day 05

Visit the Historic Nepali Temple

  • Admire the blissful and serene atmosphere of this beautiful old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main deity of the holy city. Shree Samrajeswar Pashupati Nath Temple, also known as the Nepali Temple, was built by the King of Nepal in the 19th century AD.
6
Day 06

See the Sacred Lord Viswanath Temple

  • Visit Lord Viswanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. It is the main temple dedicated to the city's principal deity, Lord Shiva, revered as the Master of the Universe.
7
Day 07

Manikarnika Ghat, the Grand Cremation Ground

  • Visit Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most prominent ghats in Varanasi. It is the oldest and largest cremation ground established on the banks of the holy River Ganga.
8
Day 08

Reverence at the Holy Ganges River

  • Encounter the holy Ganga, regarded in the Hindu faith as Mother Ganga and revered as one of the holiest rivers in the world.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Viswanath Gali

Where this trip takes you

Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Viswanath Gali

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Varanasi 1 city · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • An English-speaking licensed tourist guide and local expert
  • A break for rest and refreshment
  • Mineral bottled water
  • Indian masala tea and snacks
  • Indian yogurt drink (lassi)

What's Not Included

  • Transport and any means of conveyance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and donations
  • Any kind of entrance fee

What to bring

  • Good walking shoes.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Clothing according to the local climate and customs.
  • Scarves.
  • Medicines, if you are on treatment recommended by a doctor.

Know before you go

  • Meeting time: 10:30 AM.
  • Meeting point: Saint Thomas Church.
  • Girjaghar Crossing, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
St. Thomas Church, Girja Ghar, Ramapura Luxa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Tour start
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 hours finish where they began, in Varanasi.

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