Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti
Varanasi, India

Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti

Outty Ranking 45 3.3 · 3 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $100
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Outty Ranking

45/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.3/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti worth booking?

Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti is a 8-hour experience in Varanasi, India, from $100 per person. It scores 45 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
45 / 100
Rating
3.3/5 (3)
Duration
8 hours
From
$100 per person

Believed to be one of world’s oldest living cities, Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. Located on the banks of Ganges River, the city boasts of its 5000-year-old history. Explore Varanasi in the company of an expert local guide and capture its many colors. Visit Sarnath, the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first lecture after attaining enlightenment and learn about Buddhism and its teaching in Sarnath Archeological Museum. Participate in the highly choreographed evening prayer ceremony at the Daswamedha Ghat and get an insight into Hinduism.

What you get

    About this experience

    Believed to be one of world’s oldest living cities, Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. Located on the banks of Ganges River, the city boasts of its 5000-year-old history. Explore Varanasi in the company of an expert local guide and capture its many colors. Visit Sarnath, the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first lecture after attaining enlightenment and learn about Buddhism and its teaching in Sarnath Archeological Museum. Participate in the highly choreographed evening prayer ceremony at the Daswamedha Ghat and get an insight into Hinduism.

    What's included

    Included

    • Evening Ganga aarti
    • Professional guide
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Varanasi
    • Transport by private vehicle

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Boat ride
    • Food and drinks, unless specified
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sarnath

      Get picked up from your centrally located hotel in Varanasi at 10am. Meet your local guide and proceed on an extraordinary expedition around the city. Drive to Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is believed that Buddha traveled to Sarnath to meet his five companions - Koudanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama and Asvajiya and with whom he shared his new found knowledge. Your guide will tell you about the significance of various places in the holy city of Sarnath as you proceed first to visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, built originally in the 4th century during the Gupta Dynasty. Visit the Dhamekha Stupa, located at a deer park, believed to have been constructed by King Ashoka in 249bce.

      70 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Dhamek Stupa

      Proceed to visit the significant ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa, the exact spot that contained the bones of Buddha before it was destroyed by Jagat Singh in 1794. Catch a glimpse of the great Ashoka pillar and explore Buddhism in a unique archeological museum built to commemorate the culture and religion. Listen as your guide narrates the legends and stories about Buddhism and proceed to Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple. This exquisite temple was built by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society and is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the city.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Dasaswamedh Ghat

      Catch a glimpse of the standing Buddha statue and drive back to Varanasi. As the evening arrives, the city will begin its preparations for the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a highly choreographed ritual preformed on the Daswamedha Ghat, celebrating the existence of River Ganges. Burning lamps, flowers and scented sticks fill the ambiance with peace. Experience this age-old tradition as your local guide tells you all about Hindu mythology. As the ceremony ends, you will be dropped back to your hotel.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    GeTS Holidays

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

    Photos

    Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti, photo 2Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti, photo 3Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti, photo 4Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti, photo 5Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti, photo 6Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    ridingstrevor · March 2018

    We enjoyed this tour although we cut...

    <p>We enjoyed this tour although we cut short the evening Ganga Arti ceremony as we had previously seen this on another Viator tour. The trip to Sarnath, although very interesting, could have been conducted at a slower pace with probably more time spent in the museum.</p>

    via Viator

    Asha_L · March 2017

    Our tour guide spoke no English...

    <p>Our tour guide spoke no English <br/> He dumped us at a museum and suggested that we just read the signs for information. <br/> There was a massive mix up over pick up times. And we almost missed the Aarti. <br/> Very dissapointed.</p>

    via Viator

    Duane M · November 2016

    I had a great tour of Sarnath with...

    <p>I had a great tour of Sarnath with my guide. He was very kind and knowledgeable. I also got to see some interesting places in Varanasi and a great morning boat tour on the Ganges. Thank you!!</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $100 to $176
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by GeTS Holidays, who run 26 experiences we rank across 14 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.7.

    See everything GeTS Holidays runs

    Why this scores 45

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)76
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)15
    Value for money (12% weight)47
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)24
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Varanasi.

    How much does Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti cost?

    +

    Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Varanasi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti take?

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    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Varanasi is not rushed.

    Is Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 45 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Varanasi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Varanasi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Varanasi and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Varanasi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Varanasi?

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    On Outty we rank every Varanasi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour), The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi - How to Spend 13 Hours - Private Guided Tour, A Journey of A lifetime. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Varanasi?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Varanasi?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti?

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    Included: Evening Ganga aarti; Professional guide; Hotel pickup and drop-off in Varanasi; and Transport by private vehicle. Not included: Lunch; Boat ride; Food and drinks, unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 76 listed pickup locations in and around Varanasi. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Varanasi. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti?

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    Across 3 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti.

    Pick your date