Find peace on this 5-day spiritual journey along India’s Ganges, with yoga, temple visits, and boat rides in Varanasi. Small groups (8–12) stay in ashrams or hotels, guided by local gurus. The Ganga Aarti ceremony’s magic—gives ya goosebumps every time!
5 Days, India, $1,299
Region: Northern India
The Ganges River, India’s holiest waterway, flows through Varanasi’s sacred ghats, where pilgrims, sadhus, and rituals create a timeless spiritual pulse. At ~250 feet elevation, it’s warm year-round (65–90°F), with humid summers and mild winters. Varanasi’s chaotic charm—think bustling lanes and temple bells—blends with the Ganges’ serene flow. Those ghats have seen centuries of devotion, ain’t that wild?
Important Notes
Visas: Indian e-visa required for most nationalities; apply online at least 4 days in advance (~$25–$60).
Dress Code: Wear modest clothing (cover shoulders, knees) for temples and ghats; women may need a scarf for temple entry.
Health: Bring hand sanitizer, bottled water, and consider vaccinations (e.g., typhoid); consult a doctor.
Fitness: Light walking (1–2 miles/day) on uneven ghats; yoga is beginner-friendly.
Culture: Respect local customs (e.g., no photography at cremation ghats, remove shoes in temples).
Accommodation: 4 nights in ashram/hotel (double occupancy).
Meals: Daily breakfast, 2 dinners.
Transport: Transfers to/from Varanasi.
Activities: Yoga sessions, Ganges boat rides, tours of Varanasi, Sarnath, Allahabad.
Entrance Fees: All site entries.
Support: 24/7 local guide, River106 trip manager.
International flights to/from Varanasi.
Indian visa (required).
Travel insurance (recommended).
Tips for guides ($5–8/day suggested).
Single room supplement ($200 extra).
Day 1: Arrive in Varanasi
Morning: Land at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi, or arrive via train at Varanasi Junction. River106 arranges a transfer to your ashram or hotel (e.g., near Assi Ghat). Check in and relax in your simple, clean room.
Afternoon: Meet your guide for a welcome briefing about Varanasi’s spiritual significance. Take a short walk to nearby ghats (river steps), soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Lunch on your own (try a local eatery for kachori).
Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a stunning ritual with lamps, chants, and bells. Dinner at the ashram/hotel (dal, rice, veggie curry).
Overnight: Varanasi
Day 2: Ganges Sunrise & Temples
Morning: Wake early for a sunrise yoga session (1 hour, beginner-friendly) by the Ganges, led by a local instructor. Board a traditional wooden boat for a sunrise ride along the ghats, watching pilgrims bathe and pray. Return for breakfast (poori, chai).
Afternoon: Guided tour of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of India’s holiest Shiva shrines (note: non-Hindus view from outside). Visit nearby Annapurna Temple and Vishalakshi Temple. Lunch on your own (try a thali at a nearby restaurant).
Evening: Free time to explore Varanasi’s bustling lanes or relax at the ashram. Dinner at the ashram/hotel (roti, paneer masala). Optional evening meditation session.
Overnight: Varanasi
Day 3: Sarnath Exploration
Morning: Breakfast (idli, sambar), then depart for Sarnath (10 km, 30-minute drive), where Buddha gave his first sermon. Guided tour of the Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum (ancient Buddhist artifacts), and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
Afternoon: Return to Varanasi for lunch on your own (try lassi at a local shop). Free afternoon to visit more ghats (e.g., Manikarnika, a cremation site) or shop for silk sarees in the old city.
Evening: Join an onboard cultural talk about Buddhism and the Ganges’ role in spirituality. Dinner at the ashram/hotel (biryani, raita).
Overnight: Varanasi
Day 4: Allahabad Day Trip
Morning: Early breakfast (paratha, curd), then drive to Allahabad (120 km, ~3 hours). Visit the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Take a short boat ride to the confluence point.
Afternoon: Guided tour of Allahabad Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, and Anand Bhavan, a historic museum tied to India’s independence. Lunch at a local restaurant (included, vegetarian thali). Return to Varanasi by late afternoon.
Evening: Free evening to reflect or stroll the ghats. Farewell dinner at the ashram/hotel (tandoori veggies, naan).
Overnight: Varanasi
Day 5: Departure
Morning: Breakfast (dosa, chutney), then free time for an optional visit to Ramnagar Fort across the Ganges (15-minute auto-rickshaw ride, extra cost). Check out by 10 AM.
Afternoon: River106 arranges a transfer to Varanasi airport or railway station. Depart with a heart full of spiritual vibes. Safe travels!
Overnight: None
February 10–14, 2026
October 20–24, 2026
December 15–19, 2026