Varanasi Private Tour with Licensed Local Guide

4.9 (17 reviews) Varanasi, India
Duration3h - 5h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Discover the spiritual heart of India with a government-licensed local guide in Varanasi. This private guided experience lets you explore the city’s sacred ghats, ancient temples, vibrant alleys, and spiritual traditions with expert local insight.

Your guide will share fascinating stories about the history, rituals, culture, and daily life of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, making your visit more meaningful.

Guests can choose one of the following experiences for approximately 3 hours:

✅ Morning River Tour with optional sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and visit to the famous ghats

✅ Old City Walking Tour through narrow lanes, temples, and traditional markets

✅ Sarnath Tour, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon

✅ Evening Ganga Aarti Tour to witness the spiritual ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat

✅ Private guide service only

❌ Transportation, boat ride, entrance fees, and personal expenses are not included.

What's included

  • English speaking Guide
  • Guide in other language [French/ German, Spanish/ Italian] on demand and availability
  • Transport, Boat ride, Entrance Fee, Tips
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle [If needed] at $:10/ Per person Extra Direct Payment
  • Sarnath Entrance
  • Chair for Evening Ganga Aarti

What to expect

  1. Ganges River
    3h
    Morning boat ride at the dawn followed by Vishwnath Dham: Boating in the Ganges during the sun rise in Varanasi is main attraction. We can observe here the Hindu’s way of life on the bank of the river Ganges (Ghats).
    Varanasi presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi liberates soul from human body to the ultimate. It is the Ganga Ghats of Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins.
    There are number of temples on the bank of the Ganga River in Varanasi. It is at the Ganga Ghats where we see life and death together. There are numbers of Ghat alongside Ganga in Varanasi. Some of the prominent and popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat &Kedar Ghat
  2. Sarnath
    2h
    Sarnath: Sarnath in Varanasi, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places.
    There are many Buddhist monuments and edifices at Sarnath. Some of the important Buddhist monuments at Sarnath are the Dhamekha stupa, the Dharmarajika stupa & the Chaukhandi stupa and monasteries and temples of different schools of Buddhism from Japan, China, Thailand, Burma and others. The Indian Buddhist society called Mahabodhi Society maintains a park around the Buddha temple. The Mahabodhi Temple within the park has a tooth relic of the Buddha.
    There is also a vast expanse of ancient ruins at Sarnath. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most precious ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. The Lion Capital of Ashoka pillar at Sarnath is the National emblem of India, which is displayed in the archaeological museum in Sarnath.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

For Morning Boat Tour, Evening Ganga Aarti Tour and Old City Walking Tour.

Meeting point

Assi Ghat Parking: For Morning Boat Tour, Boat Tour and Walking Tour.

Meeting point

Ticket counter of Sarnath Museum: For Sarnath Tour only.

Meeting point

At the gate of Hotel Ganges Grand: For Morning Boat Tour, Evening Ganga Aarti Tour and Old City Walking Tour.

End point

For Morning Boat Tour, Evening Ganga Aarti Tour and Old City Walking Tour.

End point

Assi Ghat Parking: For Morning Boat Tour, Boat Tour and Walking Tour.

End point

Ticket counter of Sarnath Museum: For Sarnath Tour only.

End point

At the gate of Hotel Ganges Grand: For Morning Boat Tour, Evening Ganga Aarti Tour and Old City Walking Tour.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (17)
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