How does the Kashi pilgrimage planner work?
Choose how many days you have, who is travelling, your interests, your temple focus and whether you prefer early mornings or evenings. The planner arranges stops written by our editors into a day-by-day suggestion. It is informational only, not an official itinerary, and it cannot book anything.
Your suggested itinerary
A suggested plan by our editors, not an official schedule. Times are approximate; check current temple timings and conditions on the day.
Day 1 — Kashi Vishwanath and the evening aarti
2:30–4:00 AM
Mangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath
Only with a ticket booked in advance on the official portal. Reach the entry gate well before the start time.
6:00–9:00 AM
Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Morning queues are usually shorter than midday. Leave phone and bags in the lockers before joining the line.
After darshan
A short walk in the lanes beside Vishwanath; tradition pairs the two visits.
Late morning
The guardian deity of Kashi. About 2 km from Vishwanath — take an e-rickshaw through Maidagin.
From about 5:30 PM (seasonal)
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Arrive 45–60 minutes early for a place on the steps, or watch from a boat.
Day 2 — Temples of south Kashi and the river
Sunrise
Sunrise boat ride along the ghats
Agree the route and fare before boarding. Wear the life jacket offered.
Dawn
A dawn programme of aarti, music and yoga is held at Assi Ghat; check locally for the current schedule.
Morning
Associated in tradition with Goswami Tulsidas. Security rules are strict; carry as little as possible.
Late morning
An 18th-century temple beside a large tank, a short ride from Sankat Mochan.
Late afternoon
Manikarnika and the northern ghats
Observe quietly and respectfully; photography of cremations is not appropriate.
- Check current temple timings and any festival-day changes on the official portal before you go.
- Mangala Aarti needs a ticket booked in advance on the official portal and places are limited.
This planner arranges suggestions written by our editors. It is informational only, is not an official temple itinerary and cannot book anything.
How the planner decides
- Early mornings add Mangala Aarti (for able travellers who book it), a sunrise boat and morning darshan.
- Evenings move darshan to the afternoon and add the Sapta Rishi Aarti.
- Temple focus adds the traditional circuit — Kal Bhairav, Sankat Mochan, Durga Temple — or further shrines.
- Senior citizens and families get rest in the afternoon and fewer long walks.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Rituals and daily schedule (opens in a new tab)
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust — Official temple 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
- ItinerariesSuggested Varanasi itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days, plus plans for pilgrims, families, spiritual seekers and Jyotirlinga journeys — and a planner to build your own.
- Kashi Pilgrimage GuideA practical Kashi pilgrimage guide: the traditional sequence of Ganga snan, Vishwanath, Annapurna and Kal Bhairav, key rituals, how long to stay and how to plan.
- Temple TimingsCheck the latest Kashi Vishwanath Temple timings, darshan schedule, aarti timings and practical tips for planning your visit to Varanasi.
- Pilgrimage ChecklistA printable, downloadable Kashi pilgrimage checklist: what to prepare before leaving home, what to check before entering the temple, and what to do after darshan.
- Jyotirlinga TripHow to plan a Jyotirlinga yatra: grouping the 12 Jyotirlingas into practical regional circuits, seasons to consider, and where Kashi Vishwanath fits.
- Kashi Pilgrimage ItineraryA two-day Kashi pilgrimage itinerary following the traditional sequence: Ganga snan, Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna, Kal Bhairav, Vishalakshi and the key shrines of Kashi.