Girnar is a cluster of five peaks near Junagadh, home to hundreds of Jain and Hindu temples and reached by a stone stairway of about 9,999 steps. Hindus, Jains and Nath yogis all hold it sacred. This guide explains the climb stage by stage so you can plan your day.
Girnar at a glance
Girnar is among the oldest hill ranges in India and one of Gujarat’s most important pilgrimage sites. Its five principal peaks are associated with Gorakhnath, Amba Mata (Ambaji), Dattatreya, Kalka and Oghad (Anusuya). The base, Girnar Taleti, is where the stairway begins; the highest point of the range, the Gorakhnath peak, rises to about 1,117 metres, the highest in Gujarat.
The climb, stage by stage
Step counts vary a little between sources, but this is the usual sequence of the ascent:
| Stage | Approx. steps | What you will find |
|---|---|---|
| Base — Bhavnath Taleti | 0 | Bhavnath Mahadev temple, Mrigi Kund, Damodar Kund nearby |
| Jain temple complex | about 4,000 to 4,500 | Neminath temple (12th century), Mallinath temples, domed Jain shrines |
| Amba Mata (Ambaji) temple | about 5,000 | First Hindu peak; the ropeway ends here |
| Gorakhnath peak | about 2,000 more | Highest point of Girnar; shrine linked to Guru Gorakhnath’s sadhana |
| Kamandal Kund | descend about 1,000 | Sacred pool on the way to the last peak |
| Dattatreya peak | final 999 steps | Shrine with the padukas (sacred footprints) of Guru Dattatreya |
How long does the climb take?
Plan for a full day. Reaching the Jain temples and Amba Mata is a long morning’s walk for most people; going on to the Gorakhnath and Dattatreya peaks and returning adds many more hours. Fit trekkers go faster, while elders and children often stop at the Jain temples or Ambaji.
When to start
Most pilgrims begin between 4 and 5 a.m. to climb in the cool of the morning and to reach the upper temples for sunrise and early darshan. Some set out around midnight. Many temples on the hill close for a break in the middle of the day, so an early start also helps you see them open. Opening hours change, so confirm locally.
Girnar ropeway
A ropeway runs from the base to the Amba Mata temple, covering roughly the first 5,000 steps in a few minutes. Slots can be booked online and operating hours change with season and weather, so check before you go. Beyond Ambaji, the climb to the Gorakhnath and Dattatreya peaks is on foot. For those who cannot walk, traditional doli (palanquin) bearers are available at the base for a fee.
Best time to visit
- November to February — cool and clear; the best season for the climb.
- Kartik (October–November) — the Girnar Lili Parikrama circuit; see our Lili Parikrama guide.
- Maha Shivratri — the Bhavnath Mela; see the Bhavnath Mela guide.
- Avoid the monsoon (June–September) when steps are slippery, and the peak summer months of April and May when the heat is severe.
What to carry
- Plenty of drinking water and light snacks such as fruit, nuts or glucose
- Comfortable closed shoes or sandals with grip, and a cap or scarf
- A phone torch or small torch for a pre-dawn start
- A light layer — the summit can be breezy and cool in winter
- Any regular medicines, and cash or UPI for tea stalls and doli services
- Modest clothing suitable for temples; footwear is removed at shrines
Staying at the foot of Girnar
Staying at Bhavnath Taleti lets you sleep close to the starting point and set out before dawn without a transfer from town. Triloknath Ashram is right here, in the Nath tradition of Guru Gorakhnath, whose own peak is on this climb. See our room categories or call +91 63961 95527 to check availability.
New to the Nath connection? Read Guru Gorakhnath: Life, Teachings & the Nath Sampradaya.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there to climb Girnar?
About 9,999 steps lead to the last peak, Dattatreya. Amba Mata temple is roughly 5,000 steps up and the Gorakhnath peak is about 2,000 steps beyond it.
What is the best time to climb Girnar?
November to February is the best season. Avoid the monsoon when the steps are slippery and the hot months of April and May.
When should I start the Girnar climb?
Most pilgrims start between 4 and 5 a.m. to avoid the heat and see the temples open; some start around midnight.
Is there a ropeway on Girnar?
Yes. A ropeway runs from the base to the Amba Mata temple, saving roughly the first 5,000 steps. Check timings and book a slot in advance.
Where is Guru Gorakhnath’s temple on Girnar?
The Gorakhnath shrine sits on the highest peak of the Girnar range at about 1,117 metres, reached after the Amba Mata temple.