Updated 3 November 2026
- Starts at Bhavnath Taleti — the same base as the stairway
- About 2.3 km (roughly 2,126 m) in around 7.5 minutes
- Lands beside the Ambaji temple, close to 5,000 steps up
- Reported running hours: about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — confirm on the day
The ropeway turns the hardest half of the Girnar climb into a ride that is over before a cup of tea cools. It leaves from Bhavnath Taleti, where the pilgrim’s stairway begins, and lifts you to the Amba Mata temple.
What it is
Marketed as Udan Khatola and run by Usha Breco, the Girnar ropeway opened in October 2020. It is a mono-cable gondola system with eight-seat cabins, supported by nine towers between the lower station at Bhavnath Taleti and the upper station by the Ambaji temple. The tallest tower, about 66 metres, stands near the 1,000th step of the stairway.
On paper it is among the longest passenger ropeways in Asia, at roughly 2.3 km. Reports give a capacity of around 800 passengers an hour, or about 8,000 a day.
Where it takes you — and where it does not
The ride ends at the Amba Mata (Ambaji) temple, an altitude of about 3,660 feet and roughly 5,000 steps above the base. Walking that stretch normally takes around four hours; the cabin does it in under eight minutes.
The ropeway does not go to the Gorakhnath or Dattatreya peaks. From Ambaji, the remaining climb — about 2,000 steps to the Gorakhnath peak, then the long stretch to Dattatreya — is on foot. It also bypasses the Jain temple complex, which sits on a plateau below Ambaji, so many visitors ride up and then walk down past the Jain temples (see our guide to them).
Timings, fares and booking
- Hours: commonly reported as about 8 a.m. (some sources say 8:30) to 5 p.m. If you miss the last ride you must walk down, so build in a margin.
- Booking: slots can be reserved on the official Udan Khatola website. Tickets are valid only on the date of purchase.
- Fares: adult fares have been reported between roughly ₹630 and ₹700, with lower child fares and free travel for children under 5. Fares are revised from time to time, so treat these as a guide and check the official site.
- One-way or return: you can ride one way and walk the other, or buy a return ticket — handy if someone tires at the top.
- Festival days: during the Maha Shivratri fair, online booking has been switched off in the past, with tickets sold only at the counters.
Queues and crowds
With a fixed hourly capacity, weekends, winter holidays and festival weeks mean waiting. The simplest fix is to arrive early: pilgrims who sleep at Bhavnath Taleti can be at the lower station when it opens, ahead of visitors driving in from town.
At the top
Both stations have refreshment stalls and a water refill point. The upper station is a short climb from the Ambaji temple. The breeze at that height is noticeably cooler than in the plains, so carry a light layer in winter. Cabins can be paused for weather or maintenance, so keep the walking route in mind as a fallback.
Who should take it
The ropeway suits older pilgrims, small children, anyone with sore knees, and visitors with one day only. Some devotees choose to climb every step on foot as a vow, and that remains a personal decision. If you are unsure, read our plan for climbing with elders and children.
A bed beside the lower station
Triloknath Ashram stands at Bhavnath Taleti, close to where the ropeway starts. Browse the rooms or call +91 96274 27283 to check availability for your dates.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Girnar ropeway ride take?
Around 7.5 minutes for about 2.3 km, from Bhavnath Taleti to the Ambaji temple.
Where does the ropeway start and end?
It starts at the lower station at Bhavnath Taleti and ends beside the Amba Mata (Ambaji) temple, close to 5,000 steps up.
What are the ropeway timings?
Reported hours are about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ride at 5. Check the day’s timings before you go.
Can I book Girnar ropeway tickets online?
Yes, through the official Udan Khatola website, although online booking has been unavailable during Maha Shivratri fair days.
Does the ropeway go to the Dattatreya peak?
No. It ends at Ambaji; the climb to the Gorakhnath and Dattatreya peaks continues on foot.
More from the notebook
Planning a stay near Girnar?
Ring the office for rooms and dates at Bhavnath Taleti.
+91 96274 27283