I have started my journey from ahmedabad by train (somnath express which leaves at 10 and reaches junagadh by 04:10 am).
Before the journey itself I have packed my bag with 3 bananas and a pack of sweet amla candy for refreshments as I didn't want to waste time in the morning.
Just got into the train and just had a good sleep.
The train reached on time at Junagadh, from station I have taken an autoricshaw and the ride cost me Rs. 100 little did I know at that time that there was share autos to girnar taleti also 😅 but I guess I was in a hurry to start the climb.
Reached at taleti and I saw men selling bamboo sticks and I purchased it as I know it would become a great help in the journey .
Started the climb and believe me it was no piece of cake, (before starting the climb I stocked up 2 bottles of water) I had to stop like every 10 min to catch my breathe and even during the December cold I was sweating like anything, the amlas where a great help as they where almost like an instant boost of energy almost like spinach for Popeye😁.
Even before dawn there where a lot of people climbing the steps.
After reaching a certain height you could see the junagadh city in lights and believe me it was way better than what my phone could capture.
In the journey you can see engravings on stones letting you know how much steps you have climbed and at some point you will definitely think oh god I still got a long way to go.
At around 6:30 am I have reached almost half the journey and that place was filled with unique looking temples, I found my self a place and quickly had my refreshments (bananas and water😍) and after having refreshments I quickly continued the climb as I didn't want to miss the view at top as sun has risen.
After the half way I didn't know was It the urge to reach the top fast to see the place or the climb was begining to feel more easy.
at around 8 I have reached the top and there where a lot of people that reached a lot sooner than me but most where interested in temples as it was a pilgrimage but not me I just want to know what it's like to feel after the 9999 steps and what's waiting me at the end.
As I reach almost the end of the journey I was in a big hurry as the view was just fantastic and fastly taken a couple of pics and rushed to the end and man the steps where worth the climb I almost never felt this kind of calmness by just simply viewing the sunrays touching the earth.
The clouds the feel the chilling wind just made me sit at the edge and I just felt the moment for some time. After taking a couple of snaps, I just spend some time simply watching the clouds moving away and making way for the sun to shine bright.
After having a good time I started climbing down, feeling good about my decision to visit girnar and I felt more refreshed and happy more than ever after the journey.
I also kept the bamboo stick as a souvenir of the journey.
Best tip for girnar climb always start early in the morning, if possible, stay at junagadh in saturday and start the climb at 2 or 3 am in sunday morning you will get to see the sun rise which can be a pretty sight. Winter season will be the best time to visit girnar in my personal opinion although you may get to see lush greenery In the rainy season.
I have also visited a second time along with friend through the newly started ropeway (which is also Asia's longest) and man this time the girnar hills where filled with fog. I am also sharing pics of that journey here,
