Start around 7:30 AM at Godowlia, then walk through the pedestrian lanes of Vishwanath Gali to Kashi Vishwanath Temple for darshan from approximately 8:00–10:00 AM. Carry only essentials: phones and small bags may be permitted subject to current security rules, while larger belongings should be left at a reputable locker or your hotel. Allow at least 60–90 minutes for queues, security, and the temple visit; dress modestly and avoid anyone offering “guaranteed” VIP access. The newly developed temple corridor is easiest to appreciate after darshan, when you can pause in its open courtyards before returning toward the bazaar.
Continue on foot to Kachori Gali, only a few minutes away through the dense lanes. Stop at a busy local sweet shop for hot kachori-sabzi followed by jalebi—expect roughly ₹100–250 per person, and choose a place with rapid turnover and freshly prepared food. From there, walk toward Manikarnika Ghat in about 15–20 minutes. This is an active cremation ground, not a sightseeing performance: remain quiet, stay in the public riverside area, do not photograph ceremonies or grieving families, and politely decline unsolicited guides. The walk can be confusing, so keep an offline map available and use a cycle-rickshaw only if the lanes are open to one.
Continue along the riverfront to Dashashwamedh Ghat, allowing about 20–30 minutes on foot from Manikarnika Ghat, with time to pause at the smaller ghats along the way. Spend roughly an hour here, noting the platforms and railings used for the evening ceremony. Around 3:30–4:00 PM, take an auto-rickshaw or app cab from the Godowlia side to Assi Ghat—usually 20–35 minutes depending on traffic, with a fare commonly around ₹150–300 by auto or ₹250–500 by cab. Relax by the Ganges for an hour or so; the atmosphere is generally more spacious than in the central Old City, and the riverside steps are a good place to slow down before the evening crowds. Return toward Dashashwamedh Ghat by about 5:00 PM, as traffic and pedestrian diversions can make the final approach slow.
Arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat around 5:30–6:00 PM for the Ganga Aarti, whose exact start time varies seasonally and with sunset. The main ceremony is generally held around sunset, so confirm the day’s timing locally at your hotel or with the ghat police before setting out. Stand on the steps only in designated areas, or consider a licensed boat viewpoint if available; agree on the full price before boarding, and expect evening boat rates to vary widely. Keep valuables secure in the crowd, leave extra time for the walk back to Godowlia, and use a prepaid taxi or hotel-arranged auto rather than accepting unsolicited transport offers.