Sarnath, Where the Buddha First Taught

Highlights

• The Dhamek Stupa and the ruins of the old monasteries
• The Lion Capital of Ashoka in the Sarnath Museum
• Temples built by Buddhist countries from across Asia
• A calm contrast to the intensity of the ghats

What you will do

About ten kilometres from the city, Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first teaching. We walk around the Dhamek Stupa and the monastery ruins, see the Lion Capital of Ashoka in the museum, and visit the temples built by Buddhist communities from across Asia.

How the time goes

1. StartPickup at your hotel, drive to Sarnath
2. +40 minDhamek Stupa and monastery ruins
3. +2 hSarnath Museum
4. +3 hBuddhist temples
5. +4 h 30Back 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.

Best for

History lovers, families, anyone who needs a calmer half day.

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.