Once a year, lakhs of devotees walk a 36 km forest circuit around Mount Girnar. Called the Lili (green) Parikrama, it begins and ends at Bhavnath Taleti — the very place where Triloknath Ashram stands. With the 2026 festival only weeks away, here is what to know.
What is the Girnar Lili Parikrama?
Parikrama means walking around a sacred place as an act of devotion, and “lili” means green, referring to the forested route. The tradition is regarded as ancient — believed by devotees to have been first walked by Lord Krishna and the Pandavas — and it is compared to the Govardhan parikrama of Vraj. Many pilgrims believe the Navnath and other divine presences are felt on the mountain during these days.
Dates for 2026
The Parikrama is held in the Hindu month of Kartik, from Kartik Sud Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima — five days of the festival. In 2026 this falls in the third and fourth week of November, with Ekadashi expected around 20 November and Purnima around 24 November. Exact timings are announced locally and can shift by a day, so confirm with the temple committee or the ashram office before you travel.
The 36 km route
The circuit starts at the Dudheshwar temple at Bhavnath Taleti and passes through dense reserve forest and a mountain pass known as Intwa ni Ghodi. The usual halts and distances are:
| Leg | Approx. distance |
|---|---|
| Bhavnath Taleti to Zina Bava ni Madhi (night halt near Hasnapur dam) | 12 km |
| Zina Bava ni Madhi to Malvela | 8 km |
| Malvela to Bordevi | 8 km |
| Bordevi back to Bhavnath Taleti | 8 km |
The walk is done in stages, with night halts at the camps along the way. Many pilgrims complete it over about three days, and the festival ends at Bhavnath with a ceremonial bath at Mrigi Kund and worship at the Bhavnath Mahadev temple.
Food and facilities on the route
Volunteer groups and trusts run free food stalls and rest points along the route, which is part of what makes the Parikrama a community occasion people of all backgrounds share. Facilities are basic and the forest is wild, so go prepared and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
How to prepare
- Fitness: 36 km over rough forest trail is demanding; walk regularly in the weeks before.
- Footwear: well-worn, comfortable shoes with grip; carry a spare pair of socks.
- Carry light: a small bag with a water bottle, snacks, torch, a thin blanket or shawl and basic first-aid.
- Clothing: modest, comfortable clothes; November nights and early mornings are cool.
- Elders and children: consider doing only a part of the circuit and have a plan to be picked up.
- Respect the forest: avoid plastic and litter, and keep to the marked route.
Where to stay for the Parikrama
Because the circuit starts and ends at Bhavnath Taleti, staying here means you begin close to the starting gate and have a bed ready when you return tired. Rooms in Junagadh and around Girnar fill early during Parikrama week, so book well ahead. Triloknath Ashram offers five room categories — see rooms and tariff — and you can check availability on +91 63961 95527 or by enquiry.
Also read our Girnar pilgrimage guide and how to reach Bhavnath Taleti.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Girnar Lili Parikrama in 2026?
It is held from Kartik Sud Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima. In 2026 that is expected around 20 to 24 November; confirm exact timings locally.
How long is the Girnar Parikrama route?
The Lili Parikrama circuit around Girnar is about 36 km, with halts at Zina Bava ni Madhi, Malvela and Bordevi before returning to Bhavnath Taleti.
Where does the Girnar Parikrama start?
It starts at the Dudheshwar temple at Bhavnath Taleti, at the foot of Girnar, and ends back at Bhavnath.
How many days does the Girnar Parikrama take?
The festival lasts five days, and most pilgrims walk the 36 km route over about three days with night halts.
Where should I stay for the Girnar Parikrama?
Staying at Bhavnath Taleti puts you at the start and finish of the route. Book early, as rooms near Girnar fill up during Parikrama week.