How to Reach Govindghat from Haridwar

As Govindghat is situated deep in the Himalayas, it does not have its own railway station or airport. Therefore, road travel is the primary and only practical way to reach Govindghat.

1. By Road (Primary and Only Direct Way)

Traveling by road is the most common and often the only direct method to reach Govindghat from Haridwar. The route is highly scenic, passing through charming towns and offering dramatic views of rivers, valleys, and ascending mountains.

Journey Time: A direct road journey typically takes 9 to 12 hours, depending on the mode of transport, road conditions (which can be winding and vary, especially during monsoons or after landslides), and traffic. It’s advisable to start early in the morning to complete the journey during daylight hours.

Routes: The most common and direct route is via NH7. This highway connects Haridwar to Rishikesh, and then continues through Devprayag (where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga), Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath, and finally to Govindghat. The road conditions are generally good on the national highway sections, but mountain roads require careful driving.

a. By Bus (Economical, but Often Indirect)

While there are no direct, single buses from Haridwar specifically to Govindghat, you can use bus services to reach a major hub like Joshimath and then arrange onward travel.

Journey Plan:

Haridwar to Joshimath: Take a bus from the main Haridwar Bus Stand towards Joshimath. Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) operates regular buses on this route. The bus journey to Joshimath can take around 8 to 10 hours.
Joshimath to Govindghat: Govindghat is approximately 20-22 kilometers from Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can easily hire a local taxi or shared jeep to reach Govindghat. Shared jeeps are often available, but you might need to wait for them to fill up.

Ticket Price Estimates: Bus fares from Haridwar to Joshimath typically range from ₹600 to ₹1,000 per person. The shared taxi/jeep fare from Joshimath to Govindghat would be an additional ₹50-₹150 per person.

Pros: Very economical for the major part of the journey.

Cons: No direct bus service all the way to Govindghat, requiring a change of vehicle and potentially waiting time. The long journey can be tiring, and comfort levels may vary depending on the bus type.

Tips: Start very early in the morning (e.g., 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM) from Haridwar to catch the first buses heading towards Joshimath. This ensures you reach Joshimath with enough daylight to find onward transport to Govindghat. During peak pilgrimage season (May-June and September-October), buses can be crowded, so it’s wise to arrive early.

b. By Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Convenient)

Hiring a private taxi or cab is the most comfortable and convenient option for reaching Govindghat directly from Haridwar. This is especially recommended for families, groups, or those carrying significant luggage.

Pros: Door-to-door service, privacy, the freedom to stop for breaks or photos at scenic viewpoints, and generally faster travel time than buses. HillZet Taxi guarantees on-time pickups and drop-offs for the airport (and similar reliability can be expected for long-distance cab services), which is crucial for such a long journey.

Cons: Significantly more expensive than bus travel.

Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Govindghat can cost anywhere from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 or more, depending on the car type (sedan, SUV, etc.) and the service provider. Always confirm all charges, including tolls and driver allowance, upfront before starting the journey.

Tips: You can find local taxi stands near Haridwar Railway Station or major ghats. Many travel agencies in Haridwar specialize in Himalayan tours and can arrange reliable taxis. For long distances, choose a comfortable vehicle and an experienced driver familiar with mountain roads. Starting this journey very early in the morning (e.g., 5-6 AM) is crucial to reach Govindghat before nightfall, as driving on mountain roads after dark can be challenging and less safe.

2. By Train (No Direct Train)

Govindghat does not have its own railway station due to its remote mountainous location.

Nearest Railway Station: The nearest major railway station to Govindghat is Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH), which is about 270-280 kilometers away, or Haridwar Junction (HW) itself, a major railhead connecting to various Indian cities.

How it works: You would take a train from your origin to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From either of these stations, you would then need to switch to road transport (bus or taxi) to complete your journey to Govindghat, following the routes mentioned in the “By Road” section.

3. By Air (No Direct Flight)

Govindghat does not have its own airport.

Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is approximately 290-300 kilometers from Govindghat.

How it works: You can fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun from major Indian cities. From the airport, you would then need to hire a private taxi or take a bus (usually via Rishikesh/Haridwar/Joshimath) to reach Govindghat. While this option saves time on long-distance travel to Uttarakhand, it still requires a significant road journey through the hills.

For your journey from Haridwar to Govindghat, road travel is the only practical option. Depending on your budget and comfort preferences, you can choose between a combination of buses and shared taxis for an economical trip or a private taxi for a more comfortable and flexible experience. Always be mindful of the long travel time, road conditions, and the importance of starting your journey early in the day when traveling in the mountains.

How to Reach Govindghat from Haridwar

Distance Between Haridwar and Govindghat