How many ghats are there in Varanasi?

Varanasi has 84 ghats running along the west bank of the Ganga, stretching roughly 6.5 km from Assi Ghat in the south to Raj Ghat in the north. Most pilgrims focus on a handful — Dashashwamedh for the evening Ganga Aarti, Assi for the Subah-e-Banaras morning programme, Manikarnika as the cremation ghat, and Panchganga at the confluence of five sacred rivers.

Which ghat is the Ganga Aarti performed at in Varanasi?

The main Ganga Aarti is performed every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat, beginning around 6:45 PM in summer and 6:00 PM in winter and lasting about 45 minutes. It is free to watch from the ghat steps, though positions fill 45 minutes to an hour ahead. Booking seating on a boat gives an unobstructed view of the ceremony.

What is the best time to visit the ghats of Varanasi?

The ghats have two distinct moments — sunrise, best seen from a boat rowing north from Assi Ghat, and the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh. October to March is the most comfortable season. During the monsoon the Ganga rises, the lower steps go underwater and boat rides may be suspended.

Which ghats should you visit in Ayodhya?

Ram Ki Paidi on the Saryu is the principal ghat, where the evening Saryu Aarti is performed and where lakhs of lamps are lit during Deepotsav. Guptar Ghat, downstream and much quieter, is believed to be where Lord Ram took Jal Samadhi.

Can you take photographs at Manikarnika Ghat?

No. Manikarnika is an active cremation ground and photography of the cremations is not permitted, out of respect for grieving families. Visit quietly with a guide who can explain what you are seeing. Photography elsewhere along the ghats is generally fine.

Ghats of Varanasi & Ayodhya — Ganga Aarti, Saryu Aarti & Sacred Ghats Guide 2026

Sacred Ghats of Varanasi & Ayodhya

In short: Varanasi has 84 ghats along roughly 6.5 km of the Ganga, while Ayodhya’s ghats line the Saryu. The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi are the two ceremonies most pilgrims plan their day around. Below are the six ghats worth knowing, what each is for, and when to go.

Ghats of Varanasi (Kashi) on the Ganga

The west bank of the Ganga at Kashi carries 84 ghats. These four are the ones that shape a visitor's day — one for the evening aarti, one for sunrise, one for moksha, and one at the confluence of five rivers.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Varanasi

Varanasi's Most Sacred Ghat — Ganga Aarti

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous ghat in Varanasi and the spiritual heart of Kashi. Every evening, trained priests perform the iconic Ganga Aarti with large brass lamps, incense and Vedic chants — an experience that draws thousands of pilgrims daily. Lord Brahma is said to have performed a 10-horse (Dasha Ashwamedha) yagya here, giving the ghat its sacred name.

Known for: Iconic Ganga Aarti every evening at sunset

Best for: Ganga Aarti, Boat Ride, Photography

Read the full Dashashwamedh Ghat guide

Manikarnika Ghat

Varanasi

Varanasi's Moksha Ghat — Eternal Cremation Site

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation sites in the world, believed to grant moksha (liberation) to all who are cremated here. The fires at Manikarnika have been burning continuously for thousands of years. It is said that Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of the dying, granting them final liberation. A deeply humbling and spiritually profound experience for every pilgrim visiting Varanasi.

Known for: Oldest continuously burning cremation site in the world

Best for: Spiritual Contemplation, Moksha Understanding

Assi Ghat

Varanasi

Sunrise Yoga, Bhajans & Sacred Morning Rituals

Assi Ghat marks the southern boundary of Varanasi and is one of the most vibrant and culturally alive ghats in Kashi. Every morning, the ghat comes alive with classical yoga sessions, devotional bhajans, pandits performing rituals and local boat rides. The famous Subah-e-Banaras (Morning of Banaras) programme draws poets, musicians and spiritual seekers to Assi Ghat at sunrise — an authentic slice of eternal Varanasi.

Known for: Subah-e-Banaras — Morning of Banaras programme

Best for: Sunrise Rituals, Yoga, Boat Rides, Culture

Panchganga Ghat

Varanasi

Confluence of Five Sacred Rivers in Kashi

Panchganga Ghat is believed to be the meeting point of five sacred rivers — Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana and Dhutapapa. Perched above is the magnificent Alamgir Mosque and the ancient Bindu Madhav Temple. The ghat holds deep significance in the Kashi Khanda and is a must-visit for pilgrims seeking the complete spiritual experience of Varanasi's sacred geography.

Known for: Confluence of 5 sacred rivers — deeply sacred for pilgrims

Best for: Holy Dip, Temple Darshan, River Confluence

Ghats of Ayodhya on the Saryu River

Ayodhya's ghats line the Saryu, the river woven through the Ramayana from Lord Ram's birth to his final departure. Two matter most to pilgrims.

Ram Ghat — Ram Ki Paidi

Ayodhya

Lord Ram's Sacred Saryu River Ghat — Evening Aarti

Ram Ki Paidi (Ram Ghat) is the most revered ghat on the banks of the holy Saryu River in Ayodhya. It is said that Lord Ram himself bathed here and the ghat has been a sacred pilgrimage site for millennia. Every evening, a grand Saryu Aarti is performed here in the same tradition as Varanasi's Ganga Aarti — with diyas, conch shells and Vedic hymns. The ghat is especially magnificent during Deepotsav when thousands of lamps illuminate the Saryu.

Known for: Grand Saryu River evening aarti — Ayodhya's Ganga Aarti

Best for: Evening Aarti, Holy Dip, Deepotsav Festival

Read the full Ram Ghat — Ram Ki Paidi guide

Guptar Ghat

Ayodhya

Sacred Ghat Where Lord Ram Took Jal Samadhi

Guptar Ghat holds one of the most profound sacred histories in Ayodhya — it is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Ram took Jal Samadhi (water liberation), departing from the earthly realm along with his entire kingdom. The ghat is lined with ancient temples including the Guptarji Mandir and Chakraharji Temple. Pilgrims come here for holy dip in the Saryu and to offer prayers at this deeply emotional and spiritually charged site.

Known for: Where Lord Ram took Jal Samadhi — Ayodhya's most sacred farewell site

Best for: Holy Dip, Temple Darshan, Deep Spiritual Experience

Read the full Guptar Ghat guide

How Do You Plan a Day Around the Ghats?

When Is the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat?

Around 6:45 PM in summer and 6:00 PM in winter, lasting roughly 45 minutes. It is free from the steps, but good positions go 45 minutes to an hour beforehand. Boat seating gives the clearest view — see the full Ganga Aarti timings guide.

What Time Should You Take the Sunrise Boat Ride?

Board about 30 minutes before sunrise and row north from Assi Ghat past Dashashwamedh towards Manikarnika. That hour gives the best light on the ghats and the calmest water. Booking ahead costs less than negotiating at the waterline at dawn — our Varanasi taxi service gets you to the right ghat in time.

What Time Is the Saryu Aarti in Ayodhya?

The Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi is performed at dusk — roughly 6:45 PM in summer and 5:30 PM in winter. It is the natural close to a day that starts with Hanuman Garhi and Ram Lalla darshan. Check the full darshan timings before you go.

How Should You Behave at Manikarnika Ghat?

Manikarnika is an active cremation ground, not a sight. Photography of the cremations is not permitted, and anyone offering a paid “viewing” from a nearby building is running a well-known scam. Visit quietly, ideally with a guide who can explain what you are seeing and why it matters.

Which Tour Packages Cover the Ghats?

Every Varanasi tour package includes the evening Ganga Aarti, and two-day and longer itineraries add the sunrise boat ride. On the Ayodhya side, our Ayodhya packages close each day at the Saryu Aarti.

Sacred Ghats of Varanasi & Ayodhya

Ghats of Varanasi (Kashi) on the Ganga

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat

Assi Ghat

Panchganga Ghat

Ghats of Ayodhya on the Saryu River

Ram Ghat — Ram Ki Paidi

Guptar Ghat

How Do You Plan a Day Around the Ghats?

When Is the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat?

What Time Should You Take the Sunrise Boat Ride?

What Time Is the Saryu Aarti in Ayodhya?

How Should You Behave at Manikarnika Ghat?

Which Tour Packages Cover the Ghats?

Plan your ghats around the two aartis