Girnar Hills

Girnar Hills, near Junagadh, is one of Gujarat's most significant pilgrimage destinations, its summit reached by climbing nearly 10,000 stone steps past a series of ancient Jain and Hindu temples along the way. The climb, while demanding, is undertaken by thousands of pilgrims, particularly during religious festivals, making the ascent as much a communal spiritual experience as a physical challenge.

Ashoka's rock edicts, inscribed at the base of the hills over two thousand years ago, add a significant historical layer to the site's religious importance, and the views from the upper reaches of the climb — across the surrounding Saurashtra plains and toward Gir forest in the distance — reward those who complete the full ascent.

Girnar has been a significant pilgrimage site for well over two thousand years, with Emperor Ashoka's edicts at its base dating to the 3rd century BCE, making it one of the oldest continuously significant sacred sites in Gujarat.

Near Junagadh, about 100km from Rajkot.