Free Walking Tour Exploring the Varanasi Ghats & Old City
Free walking tour
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Departure point
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Destination
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, India
Old City & Ghats, Varanasi, India
1N (Participation Duration)
Walking (Transportation)
English, French, Spanish, Chinese (Language)
Number of participants 0/25
0 booked
Tour description
Experience the spiritual heart of India on a free walking tour of Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Alongside a local guide, you will walk along the sacred ghats leading down to the Ganges River, witness age-old rituals of prayer, cremation, and bathing, and immerse yourself in the maze of narrow alleyways of the Old City, packed with temples, shrines, and shops. Learn about Hinduism, the cycle of life and death, and the famous evening Ganga Aarti ceremony with its sacred fire and chanting. Pick up helpful local tips on kachori, lassi, and the best sunrise views from a boat. Free to join — at the end of the tour, simply tip your guide based on what you feel the experience was worth. Please be respectful and refrain from taking photos at the cremation ghats.
Meeting point:
View on map
Dashashwamedh Ghat, near the main entrance
Look for your guide holding a yellow "FREE WALKING TOUR" sign. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure. No deposit required.
Detailed itinerary
Stop 1 – Meet at the bustling Dashashwamedh Ghat by the Ganges River.
Stop 2 – Walk along the sacred ghats by the riverbank.
Stop 3 – Respectfully observe the Manikarnika Ghat cremation grounds.
Stop 4 – The maze of narrow alleyways (galis) in the Old City, filled with temples and shops.
Stop 5 – The area surrounding Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Stop 6 – A spot to watch the evening Ganga Aarti fire ceremony.
Final Stop – Conclude with recommendations for kachori, lassi, and the best sunrise viewpoints on a boat ride (please refrain from taking photos at the cremation ghats).
Stop 2 – Walk along the sacred ghats by the riverbank.
Stop 3 – Respectfully observe the Manikarnika Ghat cremation grounds.
Stop 4 – The maze of narrow alleyways (galis) in the Old City, filled with temples and shops.
Stop 5 – The area surrounding Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Stop 6 – A spot to watch the evening Ganga Aarti fire ceremony.
Final Stop – Conclude with recommendations for kachori, lassi, and the best sunrise viewpoints on a boat ride (please refrain from taking photos at the cremation ghats).
Tour price includes
• Professional local guide (languages as listed above, subject to availability)
• Approximately 3-hour guided walking tour
• Commentary on history, local culture, and hidden gems
• Insider tips on food, cafés, and what to see next
• Small, friendly group with plenty of photo stops
• Approximately 3-hour guided walking tour
• Commentary on history, local culture, and hidden gems
• Insider tips on food, cafés, and what to see next
• Small, friendly group with plenty of photo stops
Tour price excludes
• Food and drinks\n• Hotel pickup and drop-off\n• Public transportation and entrance fees to monuments or museums\n• Gratuities / tips for the guide (this is a tip-based tour)\n• Personal expenses
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation anytime — this is a tip-based free walking tour, so there is never a cancellation fee. Please message your guide in advance if your plans change. The tour runs rain or shine; in bad weather, the guide may adjust the route for greater comfort.
Other notes
Daily departures with multiple start times. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and dress appropriately for the weather. Suitable for all ages.
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Weekly on CN,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7
Month10,2026
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CN
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Month11,2026
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Month12,2026
T2
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T7
CN
Month01,2027
T2
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T7
CN
Month02,2027
T2
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T4
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T6
T7
CN
Month03,2027
T2
T3
T4
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T6
T7
CN
Month04,2027
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
CN
17
18
19
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22
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