What is special about Assi Ghat?
Assi Ghat marks the southern end of Varanasi's main riverfront, where the small Assi stream meets the Ganga. It has a dawn programme of aarti, music and yoga and an evening aarti, and is a popular starting point for boat rides. With its cafés and calmer pace, it is a favourite base for longer stays.
Assi Ghat
- Location
- Southern end of the riverfront, near BHU, Varanasi
- From Kashi Vishwanath
- About 4 km (approximate)
On this page
Significance
What to see
- Dawn programme — a morning programme of aarti, classical music and yoga is held at Assi; check the current timing locally.
- Evening aarti — a smaller, more relaxed alternative to Dashashwamedh.
- Tulsi Ghat next door, associated with Goswami Tulsidas.
Best time to visit
Dawn and dusk. Assi is a good starting point for a sunrise boat ride north along all the ghats.
Nearby temples
Sankat Mochan, the Durga Temple and the BHU campus are a short ride away.
Photography
Dawn light at Assi is beautiful; be discreet with people doing yoga or rituals.
How to reach
By auto, e-rickshaw or cab — about 4 km from Kashi Vishwanath. Or walk the ghats from Dashashwamedh in the dry season (about 3 km).
Etiquette on the ghats
- Dress modestly and remove shoes where others do, near shrines and bathing areas.
- Ask before photographing people, especially those bathing or performing rites.
- Don't photograph cremations.
- Decline persistent offers politely; agree boat fares before boarding.
- Keep the river clean — no plastic or litter.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a morning aarti at Assi Ghat?
Yes, a dawn programme with aarti, music and yoga is held at Assi. Confirm the current time locally.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Ghats in Varanasi (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
Related guides
- Ganga AartiGanga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: when it starts, how long it lasts, where to watch from (steps or boat), the morning aarti at Assi, monsoon changes and tips.
- Kedar GhatKedar Ghat guide: the Kedareshwar Shiva temple, the tradition linking it with Kedarnath, its South Indian pilgrim community, colourful steps and how to visit.
- Sankat MochanSankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi: its association with Goswami Tulsidas, the annual music festival, what to expect and how to combine it with nearby temples.
- 2-Day ItineraryA two-day Varanasi itinerary: Kashi Vishwanath and the old-city temples on day one; a sunrise boat, Assi, Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund and BHU on day two.
- Best GhatsThe best ghats to visit in Varanasi and what makes each special — from Dashashwamedh and Assi to Manikarnika, Kedar, Man Mandir, Chet Singh and Panchganga.
- Dashashwamedh GhatDashashwamedh Ghat guide: the tradition behind its name, its history, the evening Ganga Aarti, the best time to visit, boat rides, photography and how to reach it.