Each November, lakhs of pilgrims walk 36 km through forest around Girnar. The Lili Parikrama begins and ends at Bhavnath Taleti, beside Triloknath Ashram — and this year’s festival is close.
In this guide
About the Parikrama
A parikrama is a devotional walk around a sacred site, and “lili” refers to the green forest the path runs through. The custom is regarded as ancient; devotees believe Lord Krishna and the Pandavas were the first to walk it, and it is often likened to the Govardhan parikrama of Vraj. Many pilgrims feel the presence of the Navnath and other divine beings on the mountain during these days.
Dates for 2026
The Parikrama is held in the Hindu month of Kartik, running from Kartik Sud Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima — five festival days. For 2026 that means the third and fourth weeks of November, with Ekadashi expected around 20 November and Purnima around 24 November. Exact times are announced locally and may move by a day, so check with the temple committee or the ashram office before you travel.
The route in legs
The circuit begins at the Dudheshwar temple at Bhavnath Taleti and winds through dense reserve forest, including a mountain pass called Intwa ni Ghodi. Typical halts and legs:
| Leg | Approx. distance |
|---|---|
| Bhavnath Taleti to Zina Bava ni Madhi (night halt near Hasnapur dam) | 12 km |
| Zina Bava ni Madhi to Malvela | 8 km |
| Malvela to Bordevi | 8 km |
| Bordevi back to Bhavnath Taleti | 8 km |
The walk is taken in stages with overnight stops at the camps. Many pilgrims finish in about three days, and the festival closes at Bhavnath with a ritual bath at Mrigi Kund and worship at the Bhavnath Mahadev temple.
Food and help on the way
Volunteer groups and trusts set up free food stalls and rest points along the route, which is much of why the Parikrama feels like a shared community occasion for people of every background. Facilities are basic and the forest is wild, so arrive prepared and follow instructions from the local authorities.
How to prepare
- Stamina: 36 km over a rough forest trail is a lot; walk regularly in the weeks leading up.
- Shoes: broken-in and comfortable with good grip, plus a spare pair of socks.
- Bag: keep it light — water bottle, snacks, torch, a thin blanket or shawl and basic first-aid.
- Clothes: modest and comfortable; November nights and mornings are cool.
- Elders and children: think about walking only part of the circuit and arrange a pick-up.
- The forest: avoid plastic and litter and stay on the marked path.
Sleeping at the start and finish
Because the circuit starts and ends at Bhavnath Taleti, a room here puts you near the starting gate and gives you a bed waiting after a tiring walk. Rooms around Junagadh and Girnar fill early that week, so book well in advance. Triloknath Ashram keeps five room categories — see rooms and rates — and you can check availability on +91 96274 27283 or through an enquiry.
You may also like our Girnar climb guide and the page on getting to Bhavnath Taleti.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Lili Parikrama?
From Kartik Sud Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima — expected around 20 to 24 November 2026; check exact timings locally.
How long is the circuit?
About 36 km, passing Zina Bava ni Madhi, Malvela and Bordevi before returning to Bhavnath Taleti.
Where do pilgrims start walking?
From the Dudheshwar temple at Bhavnath Taleti, at Girnar’s foot; it finishes back at Bhavnath.
How many days should I allow?
The festival spans five days; most walkers complete the 36 km in about three days, halting overnight.
Where is the best base for it?
At Bhavnath Taleti, since the circuit begins and ends there; reserve early, as rooms around Girnar fill that week.