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Varanasi pilgrimage destination, the sacred Ghats of the Ganges at sunrise
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Varanasi Pilgrimage Tours

Hinduism's holiest city, where the Ganges runs between ancient stone Ghats and pilgrims have come to pray, bathe, and die for three thousand years.

Why it made the cut: I verified this tour in March 2024. The operator maintains high safety standards and local guide quality.

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Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, older than Rome, older than Jerusalem, older than most of the world's religions in their current form. For Hindus, it is Kashi: the city of light, the place where Shiva first danced, the destination of every Hindu's final pilgrimage. To die in Varanasi, beside the Ganges, is believed to break the cycle of rebirth.

That is the weight of the place. And it is not metaphor, it is visible in every direction. The Ghats run for seven kilometers along the western bank of the Ganges: 84 stone steps, each with its own name, its own history, its own rituals. At Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening, the Ganga Aarti ceremony draws hundreds of pilgrims and visitors. At Manikarnika Ghat, the pyres burn through the night. Between these two poles, celebration and death, is the entire range of human devotional life. Buddhist pilgrims may also want to visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.

For first-time visitors, Varanasi can be overwhelming. The city is dense, loud, and intense. But approached with the right guide, someone who can explain what you are seeing, who can navigate the Ghats, who knows when to be quiet and when to push through, it becomes one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

We tell you what is included and what is not. You make the booking. Viator handles the rest.

Written by Nadia Osman, who has been visiting Varanasi since 2017 and has led spiritual travel programs across South Asia. Last reviewed May 2026.

Varanasi Tours

Each tour is operated by a licensed local operator and bookable through Viator. We have been to these places ourselves. These are the tours we would take.

Ganges sunrise boat tour in Varanasi, pilgrims on the sacred Ghats at dawn

Ganges Sunrise Boat Tour — Varanasi Ghats at Dawn

Watch the morning puja from the river as the sun comes up over the Ghats. This is the quietest, most contemplative time on the Ganges, before the heat, before the crowds. Includes pickup from your hotel, boat fees, and a guide who can explain each Ghat as you pass it.

2–3 Hours Small Group
From ~$22 per person
✓ Listed on Viator ✓ Editor reviewed, May 2026
Why this made the cut: I verified this tour in person. The operator maintains high safety standards and quality local guides. How I test every tour →
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Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Evening Ganga Aarti Ceremony — Dashashwamedh Ghat

The daily Aarti is one of the most visually extraordinary rituals in Hinduism, five priests in gold-threaded robes, seven-layer brass lamps, Sanskrit chants echoing across the river at sunset. This evening experience includes a front-row position on the Ghat, a guide to explain each element of the ceremony, and time to walk the evening Ghats afterward.

Evening Cultural
From ~$12 per person
✓ Listed on Viator ✓ Editor reviewed, May 2026
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Private guide tour of Varanasi, temples, Ghats, and old city lanes

Full-Day Private Guide — Temples, Ghats & Old City

A licensed local guide for a full day in Varanasi, the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, the narrow lanes of the old city, the Banaras Hindu University campus, and the Ramnagar Fort across the river. Private vehicle, flexible itinerary, and a guide who was born and raised in the city.

Full Day Private Guide
From ~$24 per person
✓ Listed on Viator ✓ Editor reviewed, May 2026
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Sarnath day tour from Varanasi - Dhamek Stupa and ancient Buddhist archaeological site

Sarnath Day Tour — Where the Buddha First Preached

Thirty kilometers from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Siddhartha Gautama gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum make this one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage days in the world. Half-day or full-day options.

Half Day Buddhist Pilgrimage
From ~$22 per person
✓ Listed on Viator ✓ Editor reviewed, May 2026
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India Pilgrimage Cluster

Varanasi is the first pillar of Faith Pilgrimage's India cluster, alongside Bodh Gaya and the Golden Temple in Amritsar. These three sites form the core spiritual geography of India across three religions.

Bodh Gaya

The site where Siddhartha became the Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site on earth, drawing monks from every tradition worldwide. The drive from Varanasi takes 5–6 hours.

Visit Bodh Gaya →

Golden Temple, Amritsar

The spiritual heart of Sikhism. The Harmandir Sahib is open to all, serves tens of thousands of free meals daily, and is one of the most welcoming sacred spaces in the world.

Visit Golden Temple →

Common Questions about Varanasi

What is the best to visit Varanasi?

October to March (winter) is the most comfortable time for pilgrimage, temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C, and the Ghats are less crowded. November and December offer the Dev Deepawali festival, when the ghats are lit with thousands of oil lamps. April to June are extremely hot (40°C+). The monsoon season (July–September) brings flooding to low-lying ghats and travel disruptions.

Can non-Hindus visit the ghats and temples in Varanasi?

Non-Hindus can visit most ghats freely, but entry into certain temples, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is restricted to Hindus only. The ghats themselves are public spaces and open to all. Evening Aarti at Dasashwamedh Ghat is open to observers of any background. Dress modestly and remove shoes before approaching temples.

Is it safe to swim in the Ganges?

Swimming in the Ganges is strongly discouraged. The river has strong currents, unpredictable depth changes near the ghats, and a high drowning risk even for experienced swimmers. Pollution levels (industrial and civic) are also a health concern for any direct water contact. Pilgrims who wish to take a boat ride can do so from designated launch points with certified operators.

What is the Ganga Aarti and can I attend?

The Ganga Aarti is a nightly fire ceremony at Dasashwamedh Ghat, performed by temple priests using large brass lamps, fire, chanting, and music. It runs for approximately 45 minutes and starts at sunset ( 7pm in winter, later in summer). Attendance is free and open to all. Arrive 30–45 minutes early to secure a place at the ghat, it becomes very crowded. Photography is permitted but avoid using flash near the priests. For a full comparison of morning vs evening Aarti ceremonies, see our Ganga Aarti guide.

Is Varanasi safe for solo female travelers?

Solo female travelers should exercise caution, near the narrow alleyways of the Old City and after dark. Harassment is not uncommon in crowded areas. Recommendations: travel with a guide or in a group, dress conservatively (covered shoulders and knees), avoid isolated areas at night, and consider booking accommodation near the main ghats rather than in the inner Old City. Many women travel to Varanasi safely each year with appropriate preparation.

Can I photograph the cremation ghats?

Photographing or filming at Manikarnika and other cremation ghats is culturally sensitive and generally prohibited. Hindu tradition considers photography of the burning funeral pyre and cremation process disrespectful. This restriction is enforced by local authorities and ghati workers, attempting to photograph here can result in conflict or police involvement. Photography of the ghats themselves (from the river or from a respectful distance) is fine. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, sadhus (ascetics) and local residents.

Is Varanasi suitable for elderly or mobility-impaired pilgrims?

Varanasi is physically demanding. Most ghats require descending long flights of uneven stone steps, and the Old City is dense, crowded, and not wheelchair-accessible. For elderly pilgrims or those with mobility concerns, the practical approach is: stay at a hotel with elevator access and reliable transport (Taj Ganges or BrijRama Palace are common choices), hire a private car with a driver for the duration, and prioritize boat-based experiences of the ghats, sunrise boat rides and the evening Aarti can both be enjoyed without climbing steps. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (redeveloped temple approach) has ramps and accessible pathways. A reliable local guide is the single most useful resource for adapting the city to specific mobility needs. Pilgrims who have had knee or hip surgery should consult their doctor before traveling.

How do I get from Varanasi Airport (VNS) to the ghats?

Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is about 25km from the Old City and main ghats. By taxi or auto-rickshaw, expect 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Ola) are available. Pre-arranged hotel transfers are reliable. There is no direct train from the airport, the nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantonment), about 5km from the ghats. Internal transport within the Old City is mostly on foot or by cycle-rickshaw.

Pilgrim's Guide to Varanasi

Everything you need to know before you go. No sign-up required.

📍 Getting There

Varanasi Airport (VNS) has daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Trains from Delhi take 10–12 hours. We recommend flying in and spending at least two full days in the city.

👕 Dress Code

Modest dress for all Ghats and temples: shoulders and knees covered. Women should carry a scarf. The Ghats are not nudist or beach environments, they are sacred spaces.

🏨 Where to Stay

Stay near the Ghats on the old city side, ideally between Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat. The Taj Ganges is the top luxury option. Budget pilgrims stay in the dharamshalas near the river.

♿ Accessibility

Varanasi is not an easy destination for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The ghats are reached by long flights of steep, uneven stone steps (often 80+ steps), and the Old City alleyways are narrow, crowded, and frequently cobblestoned. Most hotels on the river side do not have elevators. Pilgrims with mobility concerns should consider staying at one of the larger hotels away from the Old City (Taj Ganges, BrijRama Palace) and hiring a private car for transport, with boat tours as the primary way to experience the ghats. Morning Aarti viewing from a boat is fully accessible. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (newer section) has ramps and accessible pathways, which makes temple access easier than in the old lanes.

Read the full Varanasi Pilgrim's Guide →

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