Varanasi 4-Day Crafts and Spirituality Journey

This four-day programme is about the trades and traditions of the old city as well as the river. It is run by Local Narratives, and each day is built around a hands-on session with a craftsperson, a teacher or a boatman rather than a sightseeing route.

Day 1 is arrival and an evening heritage walk with students from Banaras Hindu University through Assi Ghat, hidden temples, Lolark Kund and Tulsi Dham, followed by the evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat. On Day 2 you take part in a wooden toy-making session with artisans in Khojwan, learning carving, lac work, painting and finishing, and take your toy home. In the afternoon you visit Banarasi saree weavers in Madanpura to see the looms and meet the artisans, with a chance to shop if you like. Day 3 starts in a historic akhada, where you watch pehlwans train and try basic wrestling techniques, and ends with a late-evening Shakti and feminine energy walk through the Devi Mandir, the Karvat Mandir and Manikarnika Ghat, concluding with the Sandhya Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. On Day 4 you join local boat builders at the ghats to learn how wooden boats are built, then take a boat ride on the Ganga with a local boatman.

The listing is clear about the activities but not about the practical package. Its list of inclusions names the sessions above, and it ends with meals, accommodation and transportation to and from Varanasi, which read as extras. The listing does not state a group size. Ask the operator before you book what is covered, how you reach each session and whether the activities run for a private group.

There is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks. The activities are not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Alcohol, drugs and nudity are not allowed. The programme is booked through GetYourGuide with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

It suits travellers with several days in Varanasi who want to learn from the people who work in the city, and who are comfortable organising their own accommodation and transport.