Why pilgrims come here
For Jains, Girnar is where Bhagwan Neminath attained nirvana, and its marble temples are among the most sacred in the faith. For Hindus, the mountain is home to Amba Mata and Guru Dattatreya, and Bhavnath at its foot is a centre for sadhus.
The traditional climb is a long stone stairway of thousands of steps. Since 2020, a ropeway has made the Ambaji peak accessible to elders and families.
Darshan & aarti tips
- The ropeway runs from the Bhavnath area to the Ambaji peak; it may pause in strong winds and has long queues on weekends.
- Climbing on foot is best started before dawn to avoid the heat; carry water.
- The Lili Parikrama in the month of Kartik and the Bhavnath Mahashivratri fair draw very large crowds, and traffic is regulated.
- Dattatreya peak is beyond the ropeway's top station and needs a further climb.
Timings change. Temple timings vary with seasons and festivals. Always confirm the day's darshan and aarti schedule with the temple's official sources before you travel. We'll plan your departure around it.
Also visit
- Bhavnath MahadevThe temple at the foot of Girnar, centre of the Mahashivratri fair.
- Damodar KundA sacred tank on the way up to Girnar.
- Jain temples of GirnarIncluding the Neminath temple, on the mountain.
- Uparkot FortAncient fort and stepwells in Junagadh.
- Ashoka's Rock EdictsOn the road to Girnar.
- Sasan GirAbout 60 km away.
Suggested yatra plan from Rajkot
- Day tripLeave Rajkot early, ropeway to the Ambaji peak, darshan, then Bhavnath, Damodar Kund and Uparkot before returning in the evening.
For the drive, stops and vehicle options, see the Rajkot to Junagadh taxi guide.
Travelling with elders
Most of our pilgrimage journeys include parents or grandparents, so we plan for their comfort first.
- Rest and meal stops planned for elders
- Drop points close to temple entrances where allowed
- Plans built around darshan and aarti timings
- Patient drivers who help with luggage