Parasnath Hill, known to Jains as Shikharji or Sammed Shikhar, rises to about 1,365 m in Giridih district and is the highest point in Jharkhand. Jain tradition holds that twenty of the twenty-four tirthankaras attained liberation here, including Parshvanatha, after whom the hill is named. Both the Digambara and Shwetambara traditions regard it as their foremost pilgrimage place, and it draws visitors all year round.
The visit is organised around one long day. From Madhuban at the foot of the hill, pilgrims set out in the small hours on a paved track and walk about 27 km: roughly 9 km up, 9 km around the ridge past the tonks (small shrines holding footprints of the tirthankaras and disciples) and 9 km down. The summit tonk of Parshvanatha is the high point. Many older pilgrims go by doli, a seat carried by porters, and many families take the walk slowly with a rest day on either side.
This is not a sightseeing destination in the usual sense, and it is worth planning as a pilgrimage. Madhuban's dharamshalas and vegetarian kitchens are the base; the hill itself has no meal facilities, so you carry your own food. The hill is also sacred to Santal communities, who know it as Marang Buru, and conduct rules are currently a matter of public debate and court orders, so go as a careful guest and check current notices locally.
For family and senior travellers, the key decisions are timing and support: choose November to February, book a dharamshala early, arrange a doli the day before if anyone needs it, and decide in advance where the group will turn back.
Before you plan
Parasnath (Shikharji) at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is cool and dryNovember to February is cool and dry; October and March are workable. April to September is hot or very wet.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 nights in Madhuban2 to 3 nights in Madhuban, with the climb on the middle day
- Airport
- DeogharDeoghar (DGH) about 107 km, roughly 3 hours by road; Ranchi (IXR) about 180 km, around 4.5 hours; Durgapur (RDP) about 4 hours
- Railway station
- ParasnathParasnath (PNME) at Isri on the Grand Chord line; sources put Madhuban anywhere from about 10 to 25 km away, so confirm locally
- Getting around
- Taxis and shared vehicles from the…Taxis and shared vehicles from the station to Madhuban; on the hill you walk or hire a doli on the paved track
- Daily budget
- Dharamshala stays and bhojanshala…Dharamshala stays and bhojanshala meals are inexpensive; rates are not published, so ask each kothi office. Add doli charges if needed.
- Senior comfort
- Demanding on the hillDemanding on the hill (about 27 km on steps), but manageable by doli with rest days; Madhuban itself is flat and easy
- Language
- Hindi is widely usedHindi is widely used; Santali and other local languages are spoken in nearby villages; English is limited
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Parasnath (Shikharji): January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Parasnath (Shikharji) itinerary
One good day
1 day in Parasnath
Arrive in Madhuban the evening before if you can. Pray at the Bhomiyaji temple before the walk, leave between 3 and 4 am and climb to Gautam Swami's tonk at the central junction. Visit the nearer tonks, rest, eat the food you carried, and return the same day. Most visitors on a single day see only part of the circuit, and families with elders often go by doli. The full 27 km circuit takes about 12 hours for a fit adult.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Parasnath
Reach Madhuban by afternoon, check into a dharamshala and visit the Bhomiyaji temple and the town's other temples. Arrange a doli for anyone who needs one, pack food, water, torch and stick, and sleep early.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Parasnath
Arrive, settle in, and visit the temples of Madhuban at an easy pace, including the Bhomiyaji temple and the Jain museum. Arrange your doli and eat a simple early dinner at the dharamshala bhojanshala.
Day-by-day plan →
