Updated 3 November 2026
- Expected dates: Kartik Sud Ekadashi to Purnima, around 20–24 November 2026 — confirm locally
- 36 km through reserve forest, starting and ending at Bhavnath Taleti
- Four halts: 12 km, then three of 8 km each, finishing at Bhavnath
- In 2025 the public walk was cancelled after rain damaged the route — watch the announcements
For five days each November the forest around Girnar opens to walkers, and lakhs of people circle the mountain on foot. This year’s Lili Parikrama is only weeks away, and the 2025 cancellation is a reminder to plan with a fallback.
When it falls
The Lili (“green”) Parikrama is held from Kartik Sud Ekadashi, the Dev Uthani Ekadashi, to Kartik Purnima, Dev Diwali. For 2026 that is expected to mean roughly 20 to 24 November. Exact days can shift: in 2024 the walk was shortened by a day because two lunar days coincided, and it ran from 12 to 15 November.
The walk traditionally begins at midnight on Ekadashi, after the flag is hoisted at the Bhavnath temple, with a ceremonial shot fired into the sky. The district administration and the saints’ committees announce the timing, so confirm locally before travelling.
The route and its halts
The circuit starts at the Dudheshwar temple at Bhavnath Taleti and runs through reserve forest, which is normally closed to the public and opens only for these few days. Early on, walkers cross a steep mountain pass called Intwa ni Ghodi.
| Leg | Approx. distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bhavnath Taleti to Zina Bava ni Madhi | 12 km | First halt, near the Hasnapur dam; the Atmeshwar Mahadev temple lies along this stretch |
| Zina Bava ni Madhi to Malvela | 8 km | Second major halt |
| Malvela to Bordevi | 8 km | The temple of Bordevi is the last big stop |
| Bordevi back to Bhavnath | 8 km | The walk ends at the Bhavnath temple |
Water points such as Kala Ghuno and Tataniyo Ghuno are reported to hold water through the year, and the route passes ashrams, shrines and Jain derasars.
What happened in 2025
Last year the public Parikrama was called off. Unseasonal rain left the 36 km route muddy and damaged, and the administration closed it to devotees. Saints performed a symbolic circuit instead, while pilgrims already in Junagadh could still pray at the Girnar and Bhavnath temples.
The lesson is simple: follow the official announcements in the days before you travel, and keep a plan for the temples if the forest route is closed.
Food, water and help on the way
Volunteer groups and trusts run annakshetras (free community kitchens) and parabs (water stalls) along the route, and temples and ashrams near Bhavnath Taleti arrange lodging and medical help in the festival days. Facilities are basic and the forest is wild, so carry your own supplies and follow instructions from officials.
How to prepare
- Walk first. 36 km of rough forest trail is a lot; build up with regular long walks in the weeks before.
- Shoes and socks. Broken-in, grippy shoes and a spare pair of socks matter more than anything else you pack.
- A light bag. Water, dry snacks, a torch, a thin shawl, basic first-aid and any regular medicines.
- Cool nights. November mornings and nights are chilly; dress in layers.
- Respect the forest. Carry out plastic, stay on the path and keep noise down.
Walking part of it
Not everyone does the full circuit. Some pilgrims shorten the walk by climbing directly from Bhavnath toward the Dattatreya shrine. Elders and small children may prefer a short stretch with a pick-up arranged. The plan for climbing with elders and children has more ideas for mixed-age groups.
A bed at the start and finish
The Parikrama begins and ends at Bhavnath Taleti, where Triloknath Ashram stands, so a room here means a short walk to the start and a bed waiting after 36 km. Rooms around Junagadh fill early in festival week; ring +91 96274 27283 as soon as your dates are firm, and see the rooms.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Girnar Lili Parikrama in 2026?
Expected from Kartik Sud Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima, around 20 to 24 November 2026. Confirm the exact days with the local administration.
Where does the Parikrama start?
At the Dudheshwar temple at Bhavnath Taleti, and it ends back at Bhavnath.
How long is the route?
About 36 km, usually walked over about three days with halts.
Was it held in 2025?
No. The public walk was cancelled after rain damaged the route; only saints made a symbolic circuit.
Where should I stay?
At Bhavnath Taleti, since the walk starts and ends there; book early for festival week.
More from the notebook
Planning a stay near Girnar?
Ring the office for rooms and dates at Bhavnath Taleti.
+91 96274 27283