Girnar : Check your stamina

'Girnar' located in Junagadh area is range of mountain which is very important for people following Hindu as well as Jain religion. This mountain range has highest peak in state of Gujrat. The mountain region is around 5 km from Junagadh city. 

                                                 Girnar mountain range 
The steps begin at Domdar Kund, near the Damodar and Baldvji temples. As you start climbing you will find many stalls on the way selling mineral water and eatable items. The steps are uneven and after every thousand steps there is indicator on the step in yellow mark showing step count. 

Girnar has basically five peaks namely Ambaji, Gorakhnath, Guru Dattatraya, Oghad Ansuya and Kalka. First halt is at Dataar hills where Shrine of Jamiyalshah Dataar exists where Hindus and Muslims share their faith which lies at around 3500 steps. As you start climbing you will see amazing nature, beautiful hills and difficult pathway full with devotees climbing up.

Once you cross it there are group of Jain temples which lies at around 4500 steps. There are almost 5 temples which were established by Jain Tirthankars. 

                                             Jain Temples at Girnar 

After it, at 5000 steps comes Amba Mata Temple which is dedicated to goddess Amba. It is believed that this temple was built in 12th century.  Mostly many people return back their journey from this place as it's really tiring if you are not regular trekker and I was one of them. From here you will get nice view of Gorakhanath Peak and lord Dattatraya temple.

Gorakhanath Peak which lies at around 6000 steps. This is highest point in Gujarat state which lies at 3650 feet from sea level.  After climbing 2000 steps downwards and again that 2000 steps upwards  there is temple dedicated Lord Dattatreya where his footprints/padukas exists. This temple lies at around 10000 steps. Finally the Devi Kalika peak which is very difficult to go there is no way to go there.

Though people may decide to go up at hefty price on palakhis carried by someone else, the real experience of Girnar is to be found in walking and climbing it on your foot. You may not climb all 10, 000 steps but reaching till Amba mata temple will energize you.