The Girnar Ropeway lifts visitors from Bhavnath Taleti near Junagadh to Ambaji Temple on Mount Girnar. Its operator lists adults at ₹699 and hours of 7 AM to 5 PM.
This guide covers prices, booking, timings, closures, the steps after the ride and travel to Junagadh. Moreover, it shows each figure where sources disagree, so you can check before paying.
Key Takeaways
- The official Udan Khatola site lists ₹699 for adults and ₹350 for children from 90 to 110 cm.
- Other guides quote ₹700 return and ₹400 one-way, so confirm the fare when you book.
- Official hours are 7 AM to 5 PM. Wind and maintenance can close the ropeway.
- Reviewers report queues of one hour or more on busy days.
- The ride ends near Ambaji Temple, and the Jain temples and Dattatreya Peak need more climbing.
What Is the Girnar Ropeway?
The Girnar Ropeway is a passenger gondola in Junagadh, Gujarat. Usha Breco Limited owns and operates it under the brand name Udan Khatola.
Narendra Modi inaugurated it on 24 October 2020, according to Wikipedia. Construction finished on 17 October 2020. The lower station sits at Bhavnath Taleti, the upper at Ambaji Temple.
Wikipedia calls it a mono-cable detachable gondola made by Doppelmayr and Garaventa. The system uses nine support towers, and the project cost ₹130 crore.
Many guides call it “Asia’s longest ropeway”. Wikipedia’s body text does not make that claim, and we found no official proof, so we do not repeat it as fact.
Why Visitors Use It
The alternative is the stone staircase. TripSaffron says walking to Amba Mata takes 3 to 4 hours. The full 9,999-step climb to Dattatreya Peak takes 5 to 7 hours.
Therefore, the ropeway suits elderly visitors, families with children and anyone with limited time. Reviewers on Tripadvisor say it saves climbing thousands of steps.
Girnar Ropeway Ticket Price
Prices differ between the operator and other websites. The official Udan Khatola page lists the figures below, and says all tickets include GST.
| Official ticket (Udan Khatola) | Price |
| Normal ticket, adult (above 110 cm) | ₹699 |
| Normal child ticket (90 to 110 cm) | ₹350 |
| Gujarat Ropeways combined ticket, adult (above 110 cm) | ₹974 |
| Gujarat Ropeways combined child ticket (90 to 110 cm) | ₹499 |
| Personal cabin (maximum 8 passengers) | ₹5,600 |
| Special glass-bottom cabin (maximum 6 passengers) | ₹4,200 |
| Waiting lounge access (lower station only) | ₹800 |
The combined ticket covers a round trip and stays valid for 90 days. It also covers the Pavagadh and Ambaji ropeways, according to the official page.
The official page does not list one-way, return, senior or foreigner prices. It also gives no cancellation or refund policy, so ask before you book.
Girnar Ropeway Ticket Price: Where Sources Disagree
| Source | Adult price quoted |
| Udan Khatola (official) | ₹699 |
| Travanya, Japji Travel, TripSaffron | About ₹700 return, ₹400 one-way |
| Travanya (with GST) | ₹826 return |
| MapRoute | ₹630 for two-way, ₹400 reported by relatives |
| Tripadvisor reviewers | ₹630 (Mar 2024), ₹700 (Dec 2024) |
The differences may reflect price changes over time and GST. We use the official ₹699 as the baseline, but the booking page shows the live price.
Child rules also differ. The official page uses height (90 to 110 cm), while other guides say ages 5 to 10 pay ₹350 and children under 5 ride free.
Travanya adds concessions for divyang visitors and defence personnel with ID. It also says tickets are non-refundable, valid only on the purchase date, and needed until the journey ends.
Girnar Ropeway Online Booking
You can book through the operator’s site, Udan Khatola. The page offers a “Book Tickets” option and describes fast, hassle-free booking.
Travanya describes the process in simple terms. First, choose a date and time slot. Next, click “Book Now” and pay online to receive your confirmation.
Girnar Ropeway Ticket Booking: Steps
- Open the Udan Khatola Girnar page.
- Select “Book Tickets”.
- Choose your date and time slot.
- Select adult, child or combined tickets.
- Pay online and save the confirmation.
MapRoute says online slots are hourly, and early 7 to 8 AM slots fill fastest. TripSaffron recommends online booking for weekends and festivals, including Mahashivratri and the Lili Parikrama.
Booking Problems Reported by Visitors
Tripadvisor reviewers report that international credit cards did not work for online booking in 2024 and 2025. They advise carrying cash.
One 2024 reviewer called the booking site “clunky”. The same reviewer said walk-in visitors boarded ahead of their timed slots.
These are individual reports, not official statements. Therefore, check the current payment options and slot rules on the booking page.
Contact Details
The official page lists a toll-free number, 1800-202-4050, and an email, customercare@ushabreco.com. MapRoute also lists +91 99099 25070 from Google Maps.
The ropeway address is Girnar Udankhatola, Near Sudarshan Talav, Bhavnath Taleti, Junagadh 362004. Another guide lists different numbers, so use the official ones.
Girnar Ropeway Timings
The official page lists 7 AM to 5 PM. It does not name any closed days, so check the booking page for your date.
| Source | Timings |
| Udan Khatola (official) | 7 AM to 5 PM |
| Travanya, Japji Travel | 8 AM to 5 PM |
| TripSaffron | About 7 AM to 4 PM |
| MapRoute | 7 AM to 5 PM, and elsewhere “till sunset” |
Travanya says that if you miss the last ride at 5 PM, you must walk back down to base camp. Therefore, plan your return well before closing time.
Departures run every few minutes, according to MapRoute. Tripadvisor reviewers add that operating hours depend on the weather, so allow extra time.
Girnar Ropeway Closures: Wind and Maintenance
The ropeway can close at short notice. Check the operator’s channels before you travel to Junagadh, especially during the windy winter months.
| Date | Reason | Source |
| 17 Feb 2025 | Service halted temporarily by strong winds | Desh Gujarat (headline) |
| 28 Jan 2026 | Closed indefinitely as a precaution after high winds | GSTV |
| 2 to 10 Jun 2026 | Annual technical maintenance, reopened 11 June | Garvi Gujarat |
GSTV said operators closed the ropeway on 28 January 2026 because of unusually high winds. Some pilgrims reached the counter and went back.
Garvi Gujarat reported that the operator shuts the ropeway for annual maintenance, covering inspections, repairs and safety checks. The 2026 closure ran nine days.
One Tripadvisor reviewer reported an afternoon closure in October 2024 without announcement. They said about 200 people, including elderly visitors and children, were stranded at the top.
The reviewer said palanquin operators charged “exorbitant” amounts to carry people down. This is a single report, but it shows why you should plan your return early.
Girnar Ropeway Facts: Length, Duration and Capacity
Several figures conflict between sources. The table below shows each figure and who reported it, so you can compare them.
| Detail | Figures reported |
| Length | 2,320 m (official ride length, Wikipedia body), 2,126.4 m (official about section, Wikipedia infobox) |
| Vertical height | 900 m (lowest 168 m, highest 1,066 m per Wikipedia) |
| Ride duration | 7.43 minutes (Wikipedia), 9 minutes (official), about 15 minutes (a reviewer) |
| Stations | Bhavnath Taleti (lower), Ambaji Temple (upper) |
| Towers | Nine |
| Cabins | 25 carriers of 8 passengers each (Wikipedia) |
| Capacity | Up to 1,000 passengers per hour by design, about 800 in practice, roughly 8,000 a day |
Travanya says 25 carriers of 8 passengers carry 192 people, but 25 multiplied by 8 gives 200. We use Wikipedia’s carrier and passenger numbers and skip the total.
Japji Travel gives 850 m in one place and 900 m in another. We use 900 m, since the official page and Wikipedia agree.
What to Expect at the Top
The ropeway drops visitors near the Ambaji Temple. According to MapRoute, Amba temple is a few minutes’ walk from the upper station.
MapRoute says the Jain temple complex lies about 1,000 steps below Amba, a 10 to 15 minute descent. The Sehsavan Jain temples sit on a separate, longer route.
Dattatreya Peak and the Neminath spot are about 7,000 more steps up from Amba, MapRoute says. It describes the path as partly flat.
Step counts vary widely. One reviewer says the ropeway saves about 10,000 steps, while another mentions about 5,000 steps after the drop. We cannot verify any of them.
| Source | Step claim |
| TripSaffron, Travanya | 9,999 steps for the full climb |
| MapRoute | Ropeway covers a little over 3,000 steps |
| Tripadvisor reviewer | About 5,000 steps after the ropeway |
Families with young children may prefer to ride only to Amba Mata, TripSaffron says. In our view, that is a sensible plan for most visitors.
Views and Experience
Reviewers praise the views of Mount Girnar, the Neminath Jain temple complex and the surrounding forest. They call the ride smooth, safe and well maintained.
One reviewer recommended a clear day for the best views. Weather also affects the trek, according to Travanya, so check the forecast before you leave.
Rules and What to Carry
Tripadvisor reviewers report that plastic bottles and single-use bags are not allowed. They advise carrying water in a steel bottle or flask.
Bags are allowed. A light security check takes place before boarding, according to the same reviewers, so keep your bag easy to open.
One reviewer said trekking poles were confiscated before the ride and returned on the way down. A paid locker service operates in the courtyard.
Reviewers also report overpriced bottled water at the top and little water near the temples. Therefore, carry enough water in an allowed bottle.
These tips are our general advice, not official guidance:
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
- Carry a hat, sunscreen and any medicines.
- Dress modestly for the temples.
- Keep your ticket until the journey ends.
- Carry some cash in case cards fail.
Best Time to Visit Girnar Ropeway
Sources suggest the cooler months. Travanya says November to February, while TripSaffron says October to February. Both ranges overlap from November to February.
Festival times bring the biggest crowds. TripSaffron names Mahashivratri in February and the Girnar Lili Parikrama in November as the busiest periods of the year.
One claim from TripSaffron says the Lili Parikrama draws “well over a lakh” visitors. It cites no source, so treat the number with caution.
Our Girnar Parikrama guide covers the route, dates and permits. Pilgrims should book ropeway slots early, since the ropeway does not serve the forest circuit itself.
Weekdays and early mornings are quieter, according to MapRoute and TripSaffron. Starting before dawn helps you catch an early slot and avoid midday heat.
Tripadvisor reviewers report waits of up to one hour in January 2025. They report one to two hours per leg during rush hours and public holidays.
| Visitor type | Our suggestion |
| Pilgrims | Book an early weekday slot |
| Families | Ride to Amba Mata only |
| Festival visitors | Book online well ahead |
For festival ideas elsewhere, see our guide to places to celebrate Maha Shivratri across India.
How to Reach the Girnar Ropeway
Travanya places the ropeway about 5 km from Junagadh city. Most visitors arrive by road, either by car, taxi or bus from the city.
| From | Distance |
| Junagadh | About 5 km |
| Rajkot | About 100 km |
| Ahmedabad | About 320 km by road (TripSaffron), 5 to 6 hours |
By Air
Travanya lists Keshod Airport at about 40 km, Rajkot at about 100 km and Ahmedabad at about 330 km. MapRoute suggests flying into Rajkot.
From Rajkot, MapRoute suggests a taxi, bus or train to Junagadh. Self-driving is also an option, and it suggests this route for most travellers.
By Road from Ahmedabad
TripSaffron says to book your ropeway slot before leaving Ahmedabad. It also warns against attempting the full climb on the same afternoon as a long drive.
Visiting Rajkot first? Read our guide to places to visit in Rajkot.
Where to Stay Near Girnar
MapRoute suggests staying in Junagadh for comfort. It says Bhavnath Taleti offers a closer spiritual experience, but dharamshalas may be hard to get without prebooking.
Book accommodation early for festival seasons, according to Travanya. We have not verified hotel names, rates or ratings for this article.
For more Saurashtra ideas, see our guide to beaches near Dwarka.
Food and Facilities
MapRoute suggests dhabas near Bhavnath Taleti and restaurants in Junagadh. Lockers are available in the courtyard, according to a Tripadvisor reviewer.
We could not confirm food stalls or restaurants near the upper station. Check for open stalls before you climb, and carry snacks.
Is the Girnar Ropeway Worth It?
Most reviewers praise the views and the smooth ride. Complaints focus on queues, payment problems and prices at the top.
| Pros | Cons |
| Saves thousands of steps | Queues of up to 1 to 2 hours |
| Smooth, well-maintained ride | Closures for wind and maintenance |
| Good views of Girnar | Card issues reported by some visitors |
The Tripadvisor reviews we read run from February 2023 to March 2025. Conditions may have changed since then, so check recent feedback.
In our view, the ropeway is worth it for elderly visitors, families and pilgrims short of time. Fit trekkers may prefer the staircase.
History of the Girnar Ropeway
Wikipedia says Gujarat Tourism first proposed the project in 1983. The Government of India granted permission in 1995, after years of planning and review.
Palanquin-bearers opposed the project and went to court. The case ended after the company agreed to compensate them, according to the same Wikipedia page.
Environmental concerns halted work in 1999, and it resumed in 2002. Clearance came in 2016, and a public interest litigation over endangered vultures was dismissed in 2020.
Work restarted in September 2018 after earlier halts. COVID-19 delayed the opening, and trial runs took place in September 2020.
Travanya cites an 1893 proposal for the ropeway. We found no support for this, so we do not repeat it.
Final Thoughts on the Girnar Ropeway
The Girnar Ropeway saves a long climb and gives good views of Mount Girnar. Book a morning slot, carry cash as a backup and check for closures.
Confirm prices, hours and rules on the Udan Khatola page before you travel. We will update this guide when the operator publishes new details.
