Kashi winter yatra
The ghats, Ganga aarti and Kashi Vishwanath.
Overview
One of the oldest living cities in the world. Kashi is best met slowly: at sunrise on the ghats, at dusk with the Ganga aarti, and in between with someone who knows the lanes. Your Journey Manager travels with the group throughout, with local hosts, and licensed guides where needed, at each place.
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrival in Varanasi
- Reach Varanasi by air or rail. Your Journey Manager meets you at the airport or station and takes you to your stay.
- Check in and rest.
- Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, viewed from a spot arranged in advance.
- A quiet walk along the ghat with your host.
- Day 2
Sunrise and the temples
- Sunrise boat ride past the ghats, seated.
- Kashi Vishwanath darshan. Phones are restricted in the inner zone, so we arrange storage first.
- Annapurna and Vishalakshi temples as time allows.
- Day 3
Old Kashi
- Kal Bhairav Temple and a walk through the old lanes with a local storyteller.
- Afternoon rest, then Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
- Day 4
Sarnath
- Dhamek Stupa and the deer park, with an optional visit to the museum.
- A slower afternoon at the ghats.
- Day 5
A slow morning, then home
- Breakfast and time for prasad and shopping.
- Transfer to Varanasi for your onward journey.
Indicative itinerary. Timings depend on darshan slots, weather and traffic, and your Journey Manager adjusts the plan on the day.
Price sheet
Pricing confirmed on enquiry. Here is exactly what that covers.
Included
- Ground transport from the meeting point, with verified drivers
- A StayNaut Journey Manager throughout
- Local hosts at each place and, where needed, a licensed guide
- 4 nights in stays we have visited and checked, with breakfast
- A daily WhatsApp update to a family contact, if you wish
Paid at official counters
- Only where a temple or monument itself charges for entry, an aarti seat or a special-entry ticket
- Shown to you in advance, charged at cost, with a receipt
Optional extras
- Photography session with a vetted photographer
- Wheelchair or other assistance
- Puja through a vetted pujari at published rates
- Single-room supplement
Not included
- Flights or train tickets to the meeting point (we can help you book)
- Meals not shown in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, donations and shopping
We do not sell “VIP darshan”. If anyone offers it to you on this journey, tell your Journey Manager.
Pace
Standard: longer days with more walking, sometimes in narrow, crowded lanes. Assistance can be arranged if you tell us when you book.
Places you will visit
Good to know
- Kashi’s lanes are narrow and busy. If someone in your group finds walking hard, tell us when you book so we can plan assistance.
- Dress modestly, and carry a light shawl or stole.
- Wear comfortable footwear that is easy to remove. Shoes are left outside temples.
- Carry a photo ID and any regular medicines.
- Some temples do not allow phones, cameras or bags inside. We tell you which ones before you go and arrange safe storage.
- Rules, timings and queues change around festivals and during VIP visits. Your Journey Manager checks on the day and adjusts the plan.
Changes and cancellations
Plans can change. Our cancellation and refund terms are on one page in plain language, and we tell you before you pay what applies to your dates. Read the terms.