Updated 3 November 2026
- Decide your goal first: Jain temples, Ambaji, or the peaks
- The ropeway covers about the first 5,000 steps in roughly 7.5 minutes
- Doli (palanquin) bearers are available at the base for a fee
- Sleep at Bhavnath Taleti the night before and start early
Girnar is a mountain for everyone’s devotion but not everyone’s knees. With a clear goal and the right help, a family of mixed ages can still share the darshan.
Start with a goal, not a number
Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine steps is a headline, not a requirement. Decide together which of these you will aim for:
- The Jain temples — roughly 3,800 steps; a long morning walk with an open temple to rest in.
- The Amba Mata temple — around 5,000 steps, or a short ride on the ropeway.
- The Gorakhnath peak — about 2,000 more steps, demanding even for fit adults.
- Dattatreya — the very top; a full-day effort for strong walkers only.
Let the ropeway do the first half
For elders, the ropeway removes the steepest, most tiring stretch. Book a slot, arrive early, and buy return tickets if anyone might want to come down by cabin. Children under 5 are reported to ride free.
Doli as a second option
Traditional doli bearers carry pilgrims up and down in a chair. Ask the agreed fare before you sit, and decide on the destination — Jain temples or Ambaji — at the start.
Pace, rest and midday
- Begin between 4 and 5 a.m. so the hardest steps happen in cool air.
- Rest every 15–20 minutes; sit properly instead of standing at the rail.
- Use the Neminath temple on the Jain plateau as a main rest stop — it stays open when many shrines close from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Be down, or resting in the shade, by the hottest part of the day.
What to carry
- Water and something salty and sweet — nuts, fruit, glucose
- Regular medicines and a note of any conditions
- Sturdy footwear for everyone, including children
- A cap, a light layer, and a torch for the dark start
Know when to stop
Anyone with heart, blood-pressure or joint problems should talk to their doctor before a long climb. Turning back is not a failure; in this tradition, the intention of the pilgrimage counts as much as the summit.
The night before
Sleeping at Bhavnath Taleti saves a hard transfer in the dark and a rushed start. Triloknath Ashram has a Family Suite Room for groups; ask the office about ground-floor options for elders when you call +91 96274 27283. See the rooms.
Frequently asked questions
Can elderly people visit Girnar?
Yes, by choosing a shorter goal and using the ropeway or doli instead of climbing every step.
Is there a way to avoid the steps?
The ropeway skips about the first 5,000 steps. Above Ambaji the route continues on foot.
Is Girnar suitable for small children?
Many families go with children. Children under 5 are reported to ride the ropeway free, but keep the goal modest and the day cool.
More from the notebook
Planning a stay near Girnar?
Ring the office for rooms and dates at Bhavnath Taleti.
+91 96274 27283