1-Day Varanasi and Sarnath Tour with Ganges Sunrise and Aarti

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Enjoy a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River
• 02 Explore Varanasi's Old City, ancient temples, and vibrant bazaars
• 03 Visit Sarnath, including Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, and monastery ruins
• 04 Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi and Sarnath on this immersive one-day tour. Begin with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing morning rituals and sunrise over the ghats. Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi's Old City, its ancient temples, vibrant markets, and the historic Banaras Hindu University. In Sarnath, discover the site of Buddha's first sermon, the Ashoka Pillar, and Dhamek Stupa, before concluding your day with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Harishchandra Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Varanasi, Sarnath

Languages English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Varanasi Sunrise, Sacred Sites, and Sarnath Discovery

• Hotel pickup from your accommodation in Varanasi.

• Enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Harishchandra Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat.

• Breakfast at your own expense.

• Stroll through Varanasi's Old City, exploring its narrow lanes, ancient temples, and vibrant bazaars.

• Visit Banaras Hindu University and view Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple).

• Explore Monkey Temple (Durga Temple) and Bharat Mata Temple.

• Take a lunch break at your own expense.

• Drive to Sarnath and explore Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, and ancient monastery ruins.

• Tea break.

• Witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

• Return to your hotel or drop-off at a designated location.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Personalized full-day excursion
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Guide
• Mineral water
• Monument entry fees

What's Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Tips for your driver and guide
• Kashi Vishwanath donations

What to bring

• Passport & ID

Know before you go

• Tour starts at 05:30.

• Please note that lunch is not included.

• Entry to Kashi Vishwanath does not include any charges; the client must pay separately.

• The boat ride depends on the water flow of the River Ganga. You will not be able to ride a boat in case of flood.

• Guide and driver tips are not included in the package.

• The morning boat ride is subject to weather conditions.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Tour start

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.