Climb guide
Girnar 9,999 steps: a first-timer's guide to the climb
Mount Girnar is the highest point in Gujarat, and its stone staircase of 9,999 steps is one of the great pilgrimage climbs of India. Around 866 Hindu and Jain temples are spread across its five summits, which is why the climb is as much a spiritual journey as a physical one.
Milestones on the way up
- Start (Girnar Taleti): The steps begin near the Damodar temple and Damodar Kund. Narsinh Mehta is said to have bathed here and composed many of his morning hymns.
- About 4,000 steps: A plateau with the Jain temple complex, with shrines from the 12th to 16th centuries and the site associated with Lord Neminath.
- About 5,000 steps: The Ambaji Mata temple, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas.
- Beyond Ambaji: Another 2,000 or so steps lead to the Gorakhnath peak, the highest point of Girnar. A descent and a final climb of around 999 steps bring you to the Guru Dattatreya shrine.
Tips for a comfortable climb
- Start well before sunrise. Many pilgrims set off between 2 and 4 am to avoid the heat.
- Carry water, a light snack, a head torch and a small bag. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
- Pace yourself. Short, regular rests are better than long breaks.
- If you cannot manage the full climb, palanquin (doli) bearers and the ropeway are available for the first half.
Stay at the base. Sleeping at Girnar Taleti means you walk to the first step instead of travelling from town in the dark. See our rooms and dormitory.
Planning
Girnar ropeway: what to know before you go
The Girnar ropeway is one of the longest in India and has made the mountain accessible to people who cannot climb thousands of steps. It was opened in 2020 and runs for roughly 2.1 to 2.3 km.
Where it goes
The lower station is near Bhavnath Taleti at the base of Girnar. The cabins carry you to the Ambaji Mata temple, which would otherwise be about 5,000 steps up. The ride takes around nine minutes in enclosed cabins and offers wide views over Junagadh and the hills.
What it does not cover
The ropeway stops at Ambaji. The Gorakhnath peak and the Dattatreya shrine lie beyond it and still need a walk of roughly 5,000 more steps.
Practical points
- Book through the official operator, Udan Khatola, and check current timings and fares before you travel.
- The ropeway can close in strong winds or heavy rain, so keep your schedule flexible.
- It is ideal for elderly pilgrims, families with young children and anyone short on time.
Our Dham is close to the ropeway base, which makes the start of your day short and simple.
Festival
Girnar Lili Parikrama: the sacred circumambulation
Every year, in the Hindu month of Kartik (usually November), lakhs of devotees walk around the base of Mount Girnar. This pilgrimage is known as the Lili Parikrama, "lili" meaning green, because it takes place just after the monsoon when the forest is lush.
The route
The circuit covers roughly 36 to 38 km through forest paths and starts at Bhavnath Taleti. Pilgrims pass shrines and rest points along the way. It is often compared with the Govardhan parikrama in Braj.
Planning your stay
Junagadh fills up quickly in the days around the Parikrama. Book your room or dormitory weeks ahead, and arrive a day early to rest before the walk.
- Carry light bags, water and comfortable footwear.
- Expect crowds and plan transport in advance.
- Maha Shivratri, with its fair at Bhavnath, is the other major festival of Girnar.
Groups of pilgrims can use our seven-bed dormitory hall at Rs 2,000 per night.
History
Narsinh Mehta and Junagadh: the poet-saint's city
Narsinh Mehta (c. 1410 to 1480s) is remembered as the adikavi, the first poet, of Gujarati literature. Born in Talaja near Bhavnagar, he moved to Junagadh and spent most of his life there as a devotee of Lord Krishna.
His life in brief
Tradition says that after harsh words from his sister-in-law he spent seven days in prayer at a Shiva temple, and was shown a vision of Krishna's divine play. From then on, his life was devoted to song. He composed over 750 padas, and his bhajan Vaishnav Jan To became a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi.
Places to visit in Junagadh
- Narsinh Mehta Choro: The site where he is said to have held bhajans and discourses, with a small temple and museum.
- Damodar Kund: The sacred pond at the start of the Girnar steps where he is said to have bathed.
- Narsinh Mehta Lake: A large, almost circular lake named in his honour.
- Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University: The state university in Junagadh named after him.
The Dham carries his name as a reminder of the humility and hospitality he stood for.
Sightseeing
Places to visit in Junagadh besides Girnar
Junagadh is an old city with layers of history. If you have an extra day beyond the Girnar climb, these places are worth your time.
- Uparkot Fort: An ancient hill fort, believed to date back to the 4th century BCE, with step-wells and rock-cut caves.
- Ashoka's rock edicts: Inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE carved on a boulder near the foot of Girnar.
- Mahabat Maqbara: The richly decorated mausoleum of the Nawabs of Junagadh, famed for its spiral minarets.
- Darbar Hall Museum: The former royal court, now a museum of the Nawabi era.
- Sakkarbaug Zoo: One of India's oldest zoos, known for Asiatic lions.
- Sasan Gir: The last home of the Asiatic lion, around 60 km from the city.
Most of the city sights are within a short auto-rickshaw ride of each other, and Girnar Taleti is about 5 km from the centre.
Planning
Best time to visit Girnar and Junagadh
Girnar can be visited all year, but the experience changes a lot with the weather.
October to February: the best season
Winter days are mild and dry, which makes the long climb far more comfortable. This is also the season of the Lili Parikrama in November.
March to June: hot
Temperatures climb steeply. If you visit, start the climb in the middle of the night and finish before mid-morning.
July to September: monsoon
The hills turn green and beautiful, but the steps can be slippery and the ropeway may stop during strong wind or heavy rain.
Visiting in November? Book your room early. The days around the Parikrama are the busiest of the year.
