When I saw photos of the temples at Mount Girnar I knew I wanted to see them. I had no clue what I was about to embark on, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. Mount Girnar is 3,600 feet tall. Imagine climbing the height of the Sears tower… two and a half times and then climbing back down on rock steps built in 1128 AD. My calves felt like concrete for the next 4 days. However,  I would do it again in a heartbeat. It’s incredibly beautiful and the climb up is just as amazing as reaching the top. From monks to monkeys you see it all on Mount Girnar.

Beauitful Climber

Monkeys on Mount Girnar

Seeing monkeys in person is a little different then at the local city zoo.  The are a lot bigger when you are 3 feet away. You become very aware that they aren’t as cute and cuddly as we all hoped as kids.  In fact they are kinda scary.  You never know what they are going to do next.  At one point I got to close and my friend Kapil quickly warned me that my camera could end up at the bottom of Mount Girnar if the monkey decided that’s where it should be.

Mount Girnar Escalator

Ok so I know the title of the image is a joke but still this was incredible.  The elderly and disabled pay men to carry them up the entire mountain.  Worst job ever in my opinion.  Evidentally they make some good cash though.  $100 USD to carry you up and down Mount Girnar.  About half way up that wasn’t sounding too expensive or like too bad of an idea.  These men have a large wooden pole that goes across their shoulders and then is holding a pillow swing.  The person sits on this the entire way up.  They only stop here and there all while never allowing the person to touch the ground.

Tomatoes on Mount Girnar

This lady was awesome.  She was very interested in the fact that I was from America and kept saying it over and over again.  Just one word.  America! I would laugh and then she would laugh and then once again, America!  She shared her tomatoes with me which were amazing.  Just like every type of Indian food I have had so far they take a normal food, add spices, and make it even better.  She also thought me saying “Thank You” was hilarious.  This image is not staged, this is her actually laughing after I told her thank you for letting me take the first photo of her.

Mount Girnar Food Stand

On the climb up there are food stands that serve everything from candy, chips, lemon juice and fruit.  It seems that the businesses on Mount Girnar have had a lesson in supply and demand because the higher up the mountain the more expensive the snacks and water get.  Smart huh?

Mount Girnar Temple

Mount Girnar Temples

Once you reach the top you will realize how much it was worth every second of the climb.  The temples are absolutely beautiful.  Just keep in mind you can not take your camera inside the temple, or even take photos inside the wall of temples.  So if you have a friend with you take turns going in and out without your camera.  Turns out they allowed photos inside the temple up until last year because of terrorism.  Thanks a lot terrorism, way to ruin something for all of us again.

Kapil and I on Mount Girnar

After reaching the top there was no way I wasn’t getting a photo of myself at the top.  Maybe just to prove that I did it or maybe because I wasn’t sure I would survive the climb down.

Mount Girnar Holy Cow

I took this photo because I thought it was a great composition and just a cool photograph to have.  After I got back and started editing I realized something.  This cow is about 3,600 feet high.  He isn’t coming down.  Therefor he must just live in this temple area.  If you look at his face it kinda looks like he is smiling, I guess he likes it up there.

Headed Down Mount Girnar

If ever in the South West region of India I highly suggest making a trip to Mount Girnar.  You won’t regret it.  You can leave from here and head down to Gir National Park or the beach community of Diu.  Mount Girnar is located in the state of Gujarat.