Sarnath and the Old Markets

Buddhist Sarnath in the morning calm, the noise and colour of Chowk in the afternoon.

Duration: About 8 hours, with lunch break
Starts: Morning to late afternoon, not on Fridays
Group: Private: only you and the people you travel with
Language: English, Hindi or Japanese
Pickup: From your hotel

Highlights

Dhamek Stupa, the monastery ruins and the Sarnath Museum
Lunch break of your choice
The flower, spice and brass markets of the old city
Two faces of Varanasi in one day

What you will do

A day of contrasts. In the morning Shiva drives you to Sarnath, quiet and green, where the Buddha first taught. After lunch you are back in the old city, in the flower and spice markets of Chowk and the brass workshops of Thatheri Bazaar.

This day combines

Sarnath, Where the Buddha First Taught4 to 5 hours, by car
Hidden Alleys and Markets of the Old City3 hours

How the time goes

MorningPickup and drive to Sarnath
Late morningStupas, ruins and museum
LunchBreak, Shiva suggests where to eat
AfternoonChowk markets and Thatheri Bazaar
Late afternoonBack to your hotel

Meeting point

Shiva picks you up at your hotel or guesthouse in Varanasi. Staying near the ghats, where cars cannot go? He meets you at the nearest landmark.

Good to know

The Sarnath Museum is closed on Fridays.
Leave space in your bag if you like to buy spices.

Best for

Second or third day in Varanasi, history and market lovers.

Meals and tips

Meals are never included, unless the page says so. Shiva can suggest where to eat, and you pay at the stall or restaurant.

Tips are optional. If a tip is useful, Shiva tells you where, how, when and how much, and only then. Nothing else is extra: everything not listed above is included in the price.