Govardhan parikrama: a practical guide

The roughly 21 km walk around Govardhan Hill: when to start, what to carry and where to pause.

Walking around Govardhan Hill is one of the oldest devotional practices in Braj. The full parikrama is roughly 21 km and passes Radha Kund, Shyam Kund and many small shrines and kunds along the way.

When to go

Start early in the morning, especially in the warmer months, so that most of the walk is done before the heat. The cooler months are the most comfortable. Festival days, such as Guru Purnima and Govardhan Puja, bring very large crowds.

How long it takes

Most people on foot take several hours, with stops. Go at your own pace; there is no need to finish in one go, and many pilgrims walk part of the route and ride the rest.

What to carry

• Water, and a light snack.
• Comfortable footwear that is easy to take off at shrines. Some pilgrims walk barefoot; only do this if you are used to it.
• A cap or umbrella for the sun.
• A little cash for offerings, water and rickshaws.

If walking the whole route is too much

E-rickshaws run along much of the route, and a car can drop you at points on the way. Elders often do a short section on foot and the rest by vehicle; that is a perfectly good parikrama.

Please follow local guidance on the day. If you would like a guide for part of the route, we can arrange one.