
Sailing and Camping on the Ganges
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sailing and Camping on the Ganges worth booking?
Sailing and Camping on the Ganges is a 48-hour experience in Varanasi, India, from $410 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (7)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $410 per person
This is a wonderful trip, a kind of soft adventure. The clients shall be satisfied with the whole experience exclusive boat with boatman & kitchen crew, company of migratory birds and playful sight of Gangetic Dolphins. Sailing down the Ganges - in a wooden country boat is a leisurely trip with lots of fun. This is the most colorful and interesting stretch of this legendary river. Beautiful landscape, simple country-side, people religiously flocking the river banks and old temples. Lose yourself in the spiritual romance of the legendary Ganges. Sail on this journey of a lifetime, bask in the bliss of epiphany and make friends with your inner self. Greet the morning sun with a salutation yoga pose, wave past frolicking kids, and unravel the locals’ chatter along the river bank. Lounge in your boat and let the gentle breeze caress you to snooze, only to be woken by an intoxicating aroma permeating the air. Look out for exciting bird life and dolphins - only if you're lucky!
What you get
About this experience
This is a wonderful trip, a kind of soft adventure. The clients shall be satisfied with the whole experience exclusive boat with boatman & kitchen crew, company of migratory birds and playful sight of Gangetic Dolphins. Sailing down the Ganges - in a wooden country boat is a leisurely trip with lots of fun. This is the most colorful and interesting stretch of this legendary river. Beautiful landscape, simple country-side, people religiously flocking the river banks and old temples. Lose yourself in the spiritual romance of the legendary Ganges. Sail on this journey of a lifetime, bask in the bliss of epiphany and make friends with your inner self. Greet the morning sun with a salutation yoga pose, wave past frolicking kids, and unravel the locals’ chatter along the river bank. Lounge in your boat and let the gentle breeze caress you to snooze, only to be woken by an intoxicating aroma permeating the air. Look out for exciting bird life and dolphins - only if you're lucky!
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Not included
- Any extra expenses like tipping, or personal expenses.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Varanasi
We do coordinate with travellers as per their arrival schedule.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 120 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We do coordinate with travellers as per their arrival schedule.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- hi, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tourrnival Jourrneys
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Sailing and Camping on the Ganges. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A disappointing experience
We booked a two day, one night camping sail down the Ganges and were very disappointed to discover that the boat provided was not a sailing boat at all — it had neither mast nor sail. This felt misleading, as the experience was described and marketed specifically as a sailing trip. We even asked the operator when we would sail and he said when there was wind - this was a complete lie! We were also led to expect certain activities, including visiting a local village school and watching fishermen bring in their catch. Neither of these experiences happened. It left us feeling that the reality did not match the description we had been given. The five boatmen who accompanied us, including the cook, were absolutely brilliant — kind, capable and hardworking throughout. Our disappointment is not with them, but with how the trip itself was represented. We were told we would arrive at Assi Ghat in Varanasi at around 2:30pm on the second day. In fact, we arrived at 10:45am, after being hurried through an early lunch and strongly encouraged to tip the crew before disembarking. The rushed ending added to our sense of being managed rather than hosted. Lastly the accommodation tent and latrine were pretty old and could do with a bit of an upgrade. Sadly, we feel let down and think it’s important that future travellers understand what the trip actually involves. It is priced at a fairly premium rate so should be much better. On that basis, I’m afraid we can’t recommend it.
Response from the operator: Sorry to hear that you didn't enjoyed our trip and we will certainly try to improve as per your valuable feedback.
via Tripadvisor
Sailing on the Ganges
This was a memorable trip on the Ganges above Varanasi. It was comfortable, interesting and very relaxing. The food was good and the views spectacular as was the wildlife
Response from the operator: Explorer, Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience on TripAdvisor! Your feedback means the world to us, and we’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our Sailing program. At Tourrnival Jourrneys, we aim to create memorable experiences, and knowing that we could do that for you is incredibly rewarding. We look forward to the opportunity to host you again soon on another adventure. Best regards, Tourrnival Jourrneys Pvt. Ltd.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome experience on the Ganges
The men who crewed the boat, set up our camp including making our beds, cooked amazing food and generally tended to our every need were courteous, respectful and couldn’t do enough to help to ensure an amazing and unique experience. I loved the experience and would recommend to anyone…. The boys rowed for hours with four tourists and all our luggage aboard … an awesome effort Thank you again so much
Response from the operator: Dear Explorer, Thank you for sharing your positive experience on TripAdvisor! Your feedback means the world to us. We're thrilled you enjoyed our Sailing and Camping Tour. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Best regards, Tourrnival Jourrneys Pvt. Ltd.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience that I’ll never forget
Amazing trip. Only spoilt a little by the fog. The effort that the guys on the boats put in to make us comfortable was incredible. They rowed like crazy, made us food, put up tents and smiled at us constantly. Unfortunately, The unusual weather spoilt it a little as the banks of the Ganges weren’t always visible clearly and it was a little cold. Would do it again!
Response from the operator: Dear Explorer, Thank you for sharing your positive experience on TripAdvisor! Your feedback means the world to us. We're thrilled you enjoyed our Sailing and Camping Tour. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Best regards, Tourrnival Jourrneys Pvt. Ltd.
via Tripadvisor
Good times on the Ganges
I joined this trip as part of an Explore Small tour and had a fantastic experience. The company looked after us so well, setting up camp, cooking delicious food and taking us on the most wonderful sail. All done with a smile 😊. Would definitely recommend as a brilliant highlight of our Indian adventure.
Response from the operator: Dear Explorer, Thank you for sharing your positive experience on TripAdvisor! Your feedback means the world to us. We're thrilled you enjoyed our Sailing and Camping Tour. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Best regards, Tourrnival Jourrneys Pvt. Ltd.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $410 to $38,000
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tourrnival Jourrneys, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.9.
See everything Tourrnival Jourrneys runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sailing and Camping on the Ganges: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Varanasi.
How much does Sailing and Camping on the Ganges cost?
+
Prices start at $410 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 Sailing and Camping on the Ganges take?
+
Plan for about 48 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 Sailing and Camping on the Ganges worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Varanasi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sailing and Camping on the Ganges?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Sailing and Camping on the Ganges suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sailing and Camping on the Ganges?
+
Around 2 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?
+
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 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sailing and Camping on the Ganges start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Sailing and Camping on the Ganges?
+
Included: Lunch; Dinner; and Breakfast. Not included: Any extra expenses like tipping, or personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Sailing and Camping on the Ganges include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Varanasi. Be ready about 120 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Sailing and Camping on the Ganges offered in?
+
It is offered in Hindi and 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 Sailing and Camping on the Ganges?
+
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 Sailing and Camping on the Ganges wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Sailing and Camping on the Ganges if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Sailing and Camping on the Ganges?
+
Across 7 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Sailing and Camping on the Ganges.
Pick your date




