The extra day gives you a proper sunrise boat ride and a full morning at Kashi Vishwanath without rushing straight from darshan to checkout. You also get more breathing room around Manikarnika Ghat and Sarnath, stops that often get cut short on tighter itineraries.

Reaching Dashashwamedh Ghat 45 minutes to an hour before sunset gets you a solid viewing spot. The crowd builds fast as the ceremony gets closer, and the best positions near the front fill up quickly.

Modest clothing works best, covering shoulders and knees, and this applies to both men and women entering Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Comfortable footwear also helps, since you'll remove your shoes before entering and there's some walking on uneven stone around the ghats.

It works well for older travelers, though the ghats involve steps and the crowds during Aarti can get dense. We keep the schedule relaxed and avoid rushing between stops for anyone who needs a slower pace.

October through March brings the most comfortable weather for walking around the ghats and standing through the Aarti. Summers get hot enough that the outdoor stretches of the itinerary feel a lot more tiring.