Girnar Jain Temple Yatra | Neminath Tirth Tour from Ahmedabad

Q: How many steps are there in Girnar Jain Temple?

Girnar has approximately 9,999 to 10,000+ steps to reach the highest Jain temple dedicated to Lord Neminath. Most pilgrims take 4-6 hours for the upward journey.

Q: Is Girnar trek difficult for senior citizens?

Girnar is more challenging than Palitana due to its steeper terrain and greater number of steps. However, senior citizens can manage with adequate breaks. Doli (palanquin) services are available.

Q: Can I book Girnar tour from Ahmedabad?

Yes. Adinath Travels offers dedicated Girnar Jain Yatra cab and tempo traveller services from Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. One-day and overnight packages available. Call +91 8287485590.

About the Temple

Girnar Jain Temple – Neminath Tirth, Junagadh

Standing tall amidst the wild Girnar range near Junagadh, the Girnar Jain Temple is one of the most breathtaking pilgrimage destinations in all of India. Tucked into rocky peaks that have witnessed countless centuries of devotion, this is where the 22nd Jain Tirthankara — Lord Neminath — attained liberation (moksha). Simply putting one foot on the first of those ten thousand stone steps is, for a Jain devotee, an act of profound faith.

Unlike many pilgrimage sites that have grown busy and urban, Girnar retains its raw, untamed spiritual atmosphere. The thick forest on the lower slopes, the dramatic granite boulders higher up, and the ever-changing mist that rolls across the peaks all conspire to make you feel that you have stepped outside ordinary time. By the time you reach the first major Jain temple at Malvela, the world below has quietly fallen away.

🕉️

Pillar Page Connection

Girnar is one of the most sacred destinations included in the Jain Tirth Yatra in Gujarat circuit. Explore all 20 sacred Jain sites across Gujarat and plan a comprehensive pilgrimage.

View All 20 Jain Tirth in Gujarat

Yatra At a Glance

Difficulty Level	Challenging
Total Steps	~9,999 to 10,000+
Ascent Time	4–6 hours (one way)
Descent Time	2.5–3.5 hours
Senior Friendly	Yes (Doli available)
Doli (Palanquin)	₹2,500–₹4,000 round trip
Overnight Stay	Allowed in Junagadh town
Temple Opens	6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Nearest City	Junagadh (4 km)

The Jain temples at Girnar are spread across multiple peaks, with the Neminath temple at the highest accessible point (around 3,600 feet / 1,100 metres above sea level). Dedicated to Lord Neminath — a prince who renounced the world on his wedding day out of compassion for the animals meant to be slaughtered for the feast — the main temple is a masterpiece of medieval Jain craftsmanship, featuring richly carved marble panels, silver-worked doors, and an idol of rare beauty and serenity.

Trek Guide

Girnar Jain Temple Steps & Complete Climbing Guide

The Girnar climb is one of the most spiritually charged hikes in India. Here is your milestone-by-milestone breakdown so you know exactly what to expect on the Jain temple route.

1

Jetpur Gate — The Starting Point

Step 0 Base Altitude ~100m ⏱ 5:00–6:00 AM Recommended Start

The journey begins at the Jetpur Gate near Junagadh. Buy a small energy snack from the vendors, deposit your footwear at the stalls (if climbing barefoot), collect your cane walking stick, and offer a prayer at the small shrine near the gate. The first hundred steps are wide and easy — a gentle invitation before the mountain reveals its true character.

2

The Lower Forest Zone (Steps 1–2,500)

Steps 1–2,500 Difficulty: Easy–Moderate ⏱ ~1.5 hrs

The first stretch winds through dense tropical forest where peacocks call from the trees and the air smells of damp stone and wild flowers. The steps here are broad and well-maintained. Numerous tea stalls and water points keep you refreshed. This section passes the famous Amba Mata Temple where many pilgrims pause to pray.

3

Malvela — First Jain Temple Cluster (Steps ~2,500–4,500)

Steps ~2,500–4,500 Difficulty: Moderate ⏱ ~1 hr

Malvela is the heart of the Jain pilgrimage at Girnar. Here you will find a magnificent cluster of beautifully carved temples dedicated to Lord Neminath and other Tirthankaras. The white marble architecture contrasts brilliantly with the raw granite of the surrounding peaks. Take time for darshan here — this is what thousands of Jain pilgrims from Ahmedabad, Sabarmati and across Gujarat come for. Rest, pray, and absorb the sacred atmosphere.

4

Steep Middle Section (Steps 4,500–7,000)

Steps ~4,500–7,000 Difficulty: Challenging ⏱ ~1.5 hrs

This is where Girnar tests your determination. The steps become steeper, narrower, and more irregular. The forest thins and you begin to feel the altitude. Take it slowly, breathe steadily, and pause at every rest ledge. The views behind you — of Junagadh city spread out below and the plains extending to the horizon — are extraordinary and provide perfect motivation to keep moving upward.

5

Gorakhnath & Summit Peaks (Steps 7,000–10,000+)

Steps 7,000–10,000+ Difficulty: Very Challenging ⏱ ~1.5 hrs

The final stretch passes the Gorakhnath Peak (the highest at ~1,100m) and continues to the Dattatreya and Kalika temples on separate peaks. The air is cool, the silence profound, and the 360-degree views of the Saurashtra landscape are absolutely breathtaking. Most Jain pilgrims whose priority is Neminath Tirth darshan complete their climb at Malvela and return; hardy trekkers push on to all peaks.

6

The Descent — Return with Grace

2.5–3.5 hrs ⚠ Knees — Take It Slow

The descent is significantly easier in terms of effort but can be taxing on the knees. Use your walking stick, take small steps, and do not rush. Most pilgrims reach the base between 2:00–4:00 PM, leaving time for a meal in Junagadh before the drive back to Ahmedabad or Sabarmati with Adinath Travels.

🎒 Trekker's Checklist

Start no later than 6:00 AM

Carry 2+ litres of water

Wear light cotton clothing

Rent a bamboo stick at base

Carry dry snacks & glucose

Wear non-leather footwear

No alcohol or non-veg food

Carry basic first aid

Phone fully charged + powerbank

Book Cab Now

When to Visit

Best Time to Visit Girnar Jain Temple

Timing your Girnar Yatra right makes the difference between a blissful pilgrimage and an exhausting ordeal. Here's a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan.

❄️

Jan

Perfect — Cool & crisp

❄️

Feb

Ideal weather

🌤️

Mar

Still pleasant

🔥

Apr

Getting hot

🌡️

May

Very hot — Avoid

🌡️

Jun

Peak heat + monsoon start

🌧️

Jul

Monsoon — slippery steps

🌧️

Aug

Lush but wet

🌦️

Sep

Post-monsoon, green

🍃

Oct

Excellent — post rains

🌟

Nov

Best month overall

❄️

Dec

Clear skies, cool air

💡

Pro Tip from Adinath Travels

Plan your Girnar Yatra between November and February for the ideal combination of comfortable temperatures (12–28°C), clear mountain views, and manageable crowds. Avoid the Shivratri period (February–March) if you prefer a peaceful visit — the entire mountain draws lakhs of pilgrims during this festival. Book your cab early for peak-season dates.

Travel Information

Ahmedabad to Girnar Distance & Travel Options

All the practical travel information you need for planning your Girnar Jain pilgrimage from Ahmedabad or Sabarmati.

From	Distance	Drive Time	Route via	Recommended Departure
Sabarmati / Jawahar Chowk	~327 km	5–6 hrs	NH947 via Gondal	4:30–5:00 AM
Ahmedabad (City)	~335 km	5.5–6 hrs	NH947 via Rajkot	4:30–5:00 AM
Gandhinagar	~355 km	6 hrs	NH947 via Rajkot	4:00–4:30 AM
Rajkot	~106 km	2–2.5 hrs	Via Junagadh Hwy	5:30–6:00 AM
Palitana (Combined Tour)	~200 km from Palitana	3.5–4 hrs	Via Bhavnagar–Junagadh	Day 2 of 2-day tour

Route Map — Sabarmati to Girnar

Key waypoints on the drive from Ahmedabad

📍 Sabarmati / Ahmedabad

~85 km · NH8

🏙 Rajkot

~106 km

🌿 Junagadh

~4 km

🏔 Girnar Base

🛣 Highway
NH947 (Ahmedabad–Rajkot–Junagadh) — well-maintained 4-lane highway

🏨 Stay Options
Hotels & dharamshalas available in Junagadh for overnight stays

🍱 Food Stops
Rajkot has excellent vegetarian restaurants — perfect midway break

Tour Packages

Girnar Jain Temple Tour Package from Sabarmati & Ahmedabad

Transparent, all-inclusive pricing. No surprises. Just a blessed journey to Neminath Tirth and back, in complete comfort.

Sedan

Swift Dzire · Etios · Amaze

Starting from ^₹5,500

One Day · Round Trip

Comfortable 4-seater AC car
Pickup from Ahmedabad / Sabarmati
~650 km round trip covered
Fuel, toll & driver included
Experienced, route-familiar driver
Best for couples or 3–4 people

Call to Book

Custom Multi-Tirth Package

Combine Girnar with Palitana + Shankheshwar in a 2–3 day Jain Tirth circuit starting from Ahmedabad or Sabarmati. Multi-day packages are available at special group rates. Call or WhatsApp us to plan your customised yatra.

Day Plan

One-Day Girnar Yatra Itinerary from Ahmedabad

This time-tested itinerary is used by hundreds of Adinath Travels pilgrims from Ahmedabad and Sabarmati every year.

4:30AM

Pickup from Sabarmati / Ahmedabad

Your Adinath Travels vehicle arrives at your doorstep in Sabarmati, Jawahar Chowk or anywhere in Ahmedabad. The early start ensures you beat traffic and arrive at Girnar when the morning is still cool and crisp — the best climbing conditions.

7:00AM

Tea Break — Rajkot or En Route Dhaba

Midway stop for tea, light breakfast, and a short stretch. Rajkot's famous vegetarian snacks make for an excellent pre-climb fuel-up. Fresh poha, jalebi, and kadhi are available at good dhabas along the route.

10:00AM

Arrival at Girnar Base, Junagadh

Reach the Jetpur Gate base of Girnar Hill. Collect your walking stick, deposit footwear if climbing barefoot, buy water and snacks, and offer your opening prayer. Your driver will wait for you and can guide you on where to find the trek supplies.

10:30AM

Begin the Sacred Climb

Start your ascent, enjoying the forested lower sections and the gradual elevation gain. Take frequent breaks, hydrate regularly, and chant devotional prayers. The journey itself is the meditation — every step is an act of surrender to Lord Neminath.

1:30PM

Darshan at Malvela Jain Temple Complex

Arrive at the sacred Malvela temple cluster for your darshan of Lord Neminath. Spend time in prayer, soak in the spiritual atmosphere, and marvel at the carved marble architecture that has stood for centuries. This is the spiritual culmination of your yatra.

3:00PM

Begin Descent

Start your return climb downward at a measured pace. Take it steady on the knees. Stop at the Amba Mata temple for blessings on the way down. The descent through the forest, with the late afternoon light filtering through the canopy, is an experience in itself.

5:30PM

Base + Quick Junagadh Visit (Optional)

Rest your legs, freshen up, and optionally visit Junagadh's famous Uparkot Fort or the Mahabat Maqbara before departure. Many pilgrims grab a warm vegetarian meal at one of Junagadh's excellent Gujarati thali restaurants.

6:30PM

Departure for Ahmedabad / Sabarmati

Your Adinath Travels driver departs from Junagadh for the return journey. With a planned tea stop at Rajkot, you arrive back in Ahmedabad or Sabarmati by approximately 12:00–1:00 AM, having completed a full and blessed yatra.

Smart Planning

Palitana vs Girnar Jain Temple — Which Yatra Should You Choose?

Both are sacred Jain pilgrimage sites, but they offer very different experiences. Here's a practical comparison to help you plan smarter.

Feature	⛰ Girnar (Neminath Tirth)	🏛 Palitana (Shatrunjaya)
Location	Junagadh, Saurashtra	Bhavnagar, Saurashtra
Distance from Ahmedabad	~327 km (5–6 hrs)	~215 km (4–5 hrs)
Steps / Climb	~10,000 steps	~3,750 steps
Difficulty	Challenging	Moderate
Main Tirthankara	Lord Neminath (22nd)	Lord Adinath (1st)
No. of Temples	Multiple (spread across peaks)	863 temples (one hill)
Overnight on Hill	Allowed (in Junagadh)	Strictly prohibited
Doli / Palanquin	✅ Available	✅ Available
Best for	Adventurous pilgrims, trekkers	Families, first-time pilgrims
Combine With	Somnath, Dwarka, Gir	Shankheshwar, Mahudi, Talaja
Starting Price (from Ahmedabad)	₹5,500 (Sedan)	₹4,500 (Sedan)

🏆

Our Recommendation

If you are visiting Gujarat for the first time or travelling with elderly family members, start with Palitana. If you are physically fit and seeking a more immersive, adventurous pilgrimage that combines stunning natural landscape with Jain spirituality, Girnar is an extraordinary and deeply moving experience. Many devoted pilgrims from Ahmedabad and Sabarmati do both over a 2-day tour — call us to plan.

Also Plan

Related Jain Tirth Tours from Ahmedabad

Complete your Jain Tirth Yatra in Gujarat by combining Girnar with these nearby sacred destinations.

Explore All 20 Jain Tirth in Gujarat

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many steps are there in Girnar Jain Temple?

Girnar has approximately 9,999 to over 10,000 steps from the base to the highest Jain temple at Malvela dedicated to Lord Neminath. The exact count varies depending on which peak you climb to. The ascent typically takes 4–6 hours for an average adult and 2.5–3.5 hours for the descent. Multiple rest points with water and light refreshments are available along the route. Doli (palanquin) services are readily available for those who cannot manage the climb.

Is Girnar trek difficult for senior citizens?

Girnar is more challenging than Palitana due to its greater number of steps (~10,000 vs ~3,750) and steeper sections in the upper reaches. However, many senior citizens in good health do manage it successfully with adequate breaks, walking sticks, and pacing themselves. If climbing is not feasible, professional doli (palanquin) porters are available at the base at approximately ₹2,500–₹4,000 for a round trip. We recommend consulting your doctor before attempting the climb if you have knee issues, heart conditions, or are above 70 years of age.

Can I book a Girnar Jain Yatra tour from Ahmedabad?

Yes, absolutely. Adinath Travels specialises in Girnar Jain Yatra cab and tempo traveller services from Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. We offer one-day and overnight packages to suit different pilgrim requirements. Our sedans start from ₹5,500, SUVs from ₹7,500, and tempo travellers for groups from ₹9,500 — all one-day round trip from Ahmedabad or Sabarmati inclusive of fuel, tolls, and driver charges. Call +91 8287485590 or WhatsApp us to confirm your dates and vehicle.

How is Girnar Jain Temple different from Palitana?

Girnar and Palitana are both sacred Jain pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, but they differ significantly in character. Palitana (Shatrunjaya Hill) features 863 marble temples concentrated on one hill with ~3,750 steps and is considered the most sacred Jain site. Girnar has ~10,000 steps spread across multiple peaks with temples at different elevations; it has a wilder, more adventurous character with lush forest cover. Palitana is stricter (no overnight stay, no food on the hill), while Girnar allows overnight stays in Junagadh town. Many pilgrims do both together on a 2-day tour from Ahmedabad with Adinath Travels.

What is the distance from Sabarmati, Ahmedabad to Girnar?

The distance from Sabarmati or Jawahar Chowk, Ahmedabad to Girnar (Junagadh) is approximately 327 kilometres via NH947 through Rajkot. The drive typically takes 5–6 hours one way depending on traffic. We recommend starting at 4:30–5:00 AM from Sabarmati to reach the Girnar base by 10:00–10:30 AM, which gives sufficient daylight for the climb and a comfortable return to Ahmedabad the same night.

Which is the best time of year for Girnar Jain Temple visit?

The best period for Girnar Jain Temple visit is October to March. November to February is considered ideal with pleasant temperatures (12–28°C), clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions. Avoid April to June due to extreme heat that makes the 10,000-step climb extremely dangerous. Monsoon (July–September) brings lush greenery but the steps become slippery and risky. The Shivratri festival in February–March draws enormous crowds if you prefer a quieter pilgrimage.

Are there Jain group tours available from Ahmedabad for Girnar?

Yes, Adinath Travels specialises in Jain group pilgrimage tours from Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. We provide 12, 14, and 17 seater luxury tempo travellers with push-back seats, music systems, and ample storage for group yatras. Group packages are cost-effective and ideal for community organisations, family reunions, or religious societies. We can also coordinate multi-tirth itineraries covering Girnar, Palitana, Shankheshwar, and other Jain Tirth in a single extended journey. Call us at +91 8287485590 for a custom quote.

Girnar Jain Temple Yatra
Neminath Tirth Guide