1 day
Govardhan Parikrama — same day
The 21 km parikrama of Giriraj Ji in a single day — walked, part-walked or by car, with the vehicle alongside you the whole way.
Day by day
Day 1
Around the hill
Start before sunrise so the road is still cool underfoot — most people who walk it barefoot regret a late start. Danghati Temple first for sankalp, then the circuit: Mukharbind, Manasi Ganga, Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, and Kusum Sarovar. The car shadows you the whole way, so you can stop, ride a stretch and get out again without anyone making a fuss. Back by early afternoon, or later if you are taking it slowly.
What’s included
- Pick-up and drop at your hotel in Mathura or Vrindavan
- The vehicle alongside you for the whole parikrama
- All toll, parking and driver allowance
- Drinking water in the car
- Someone who knows the route and the stopping points
What’s not
- Meals
- Donations at the temples
- Accommodation
- Anything not listed under what's included
Honestly, before you book
- The full circuit is 21 km and takes most people five to seven hours on foot, longer if you stop. There is no shame in doing part of it by car — plenty of devotees do, and Giriraj Ji is not counting.
- Barefoot is traditional and the road is rough in places. Start before sunrise, carry water, and tell us if you want the car closer than usual.
- Ekadashi, Guru Purnima and Govardhan Puja bring very large crowds. Beautiful, but not the day for a first parikrama with elders.
Questions we get asked
- How long does the Govardhan parikrama take?
- Five to seven hours walking at a steady pace for the full 21 km, longer with stops. By car it is about two hours including darshan.
- Can we do part of it on foot and the rest by car?
- Yes, and many people do. The car stays alongside you the whole way, so you decide as you go rather than committing in advance.