Girnar Parvat & the Great Step Climb
Somnath, Gujarat · nature walk
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹0
Rising abruptly from the plains east of Junagadh, Girnar Parvat is Gujarat's tallest massif and one of India's most storied pilgrim ascents — a granite cluster of peaks whose summits have drawn Jain and Hindu devotees, wandering ascetics and nature-lovers for well over a thousand years. From the base at Girnar Taleti near Bhavnath, a single stone stairway of roughly 9,900 steps (pilgrims traditionally speak of about ten thousand) climbs steeply through forest and bare rock to a chain of sacred summits. It is a demanding day out: most walkers set off well before dawn to beat the heat, and the round trip on foot takes the better part of five to seven hours.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg Gujarati thali houses in Junagadh town
- ✦Bhojanalayas at Girnar Taleti and Bhavnath serving pure-veg Gujarati fare
- ✦Buttermilk (chaas) and thepla stalls along the step route
About
Rising abruptly from the plains east of Junagadh, Girnar Parvat is Gujarat's tallest massif and one of India's most storied pilgrim ascents — a granite cluster of peaks whose summits have drawn Jain and Hindu devotees, wandering ascetics and nature-lovers for well over a thousand years.
- From the base at Girnar Taleti near Bhavnath, a single stone stairway of roughly 9,900 steps (pilgrims traditionally speak of about ten thousand) climbs steeply through forest and bare rock to a chain of sacred summits.
- It is a demanding day out: most walkers set off well before dawn to beat the heat, and the round trip on foot takes the better part of five to seven hours.
- The climb is punctuated by shrines that mark the ascent.
- Roughly midway sits the celebrated Jain temple complex — a walled cluster of marble shrines centred on Neminath, the twenty-second Tirthankara, who is revered as having attained liberation on this mountain; the carved domes and pillared halls are among Gujarat's finest medieval temple architecture.
- Higher up, the trail reaches Amba Mata, a much-loved Devi shrine, then the peak crowned by the Gorakhnath temple — at over a thousand metres the highest point in Gujarat — followed by the Oghad/Kamandal shikhar and, after a final knee-testing descent and re-climb, the Dattatreya summit sacred to the Nath and Datta traditions.
- A modern ropeway now carries less mobile pilgrims part of the way to the Ambaji shrine, though many still choose to walk the entire flight.
- The cool months from November to February are by far the best time; the November full-moon Girnar Parikrama, when thousands circumambulate the hill, is a spectacular but crowded window, and the monsoon leaves the steps slick.
- For food, keep to the pure-vegetarian pilgrim belt.
- Girnar Taleti and nearby Bhavnath have simple bhojanalayas and stalls serving pure-veg Gujarati fare — thali plates, theplas, khichdi, and cups of buttermilk (chaas) that revive tired climbers — while Junagadh town, a short drive away, has several well-regarded pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses.
- Carry water and a few packed snacks for the ascent itself, as options thin out higher on the steps.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
How to Reach: Girnar Taleti (the base of the steps) lies about 5 km east of Junagadh city, which is roughly 90–100 km from Somnath by road (about 2 hours). Junagadh is well connected by train and bus to Rajkot, Ahmedabad and the Saurashtra towns; from Junagadh, autos and taxis run to the Taleti, and a ropeway is available for part of the ascent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps are there on the Girnar climb?
The main stairway has roughly 9,900 stone steps, and pilgrims traditionally round this up to about ten thousand. Reaching the highest summits and back on foot typically takes five to seven hours, so most people start well before dawn.
Is Girnar a Jain or a Hindu pilgrimage?
Both. The mid-mountain marble complex centred on Neminath is one of Jainism's most sacred sites, while higher summits hold the Hindu shrines of Amba Mata, Gorakhnath and Dattatreya. The mountain is revered across traditions, and visitors of all faiths are welcome to climb respectfully.
Is there a ropeway, or do I have to climb the steps?
A modern ropeway carries visitors part of the way up towards the Ambaji shrine, which helps those unable to manage the full flight of steps. Many pilgrims still choose to walk the entire climb; the higher Dattatreya summit is reached only on foot.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Girnar?
Stick to the pure-vegetarian pilgrim belt. Girnar Taleti and Bhavnath have simple bhojanalayas and stalls serving pure-veg Gujarati thalis, theplas and buttermilk, and Junagadh town nearby has several well-regarded pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses. Carry water and packed snacks for the ascent itself.
When is the best time to climb Girnar?
The cool months from November to February are ideal. Avoid the monsoon, when the steps turn slippery, and the peak-summer middays, which are punishingly hot. The November full-moon Girnar Parikrama is memorable but extremely crowded.