Parasnath, the highest peak in the state of Jharkhand, stands at an impressive 4,479 feet above sea level. It’s not only a paradise for hikers but also a sacred pilgrimage site for Jains. The mountain is believed to be the place where Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, attained enlightenment. Hiking in Parasnath Hills is the best way to enjoy the views of the hills from the top.
Best Time for Hiking in Parasnath Hills
The months of October through March are the finest for visiting Parasnath Hills. Average temperatures throughout these months range from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius, making for nice weather. Additionally, there is less rain this season, making it a more pleasant time to go.
Summertime, from April through June, may be hot and muggy, with highs of up to 40 degrees Celsius. In addition to being a rainy time to travel, the monsoon season (July to September) is also very damp.
It is recommended to ascend Parasnath Hill in the early morning hours if you intend to do so. Avoid the heat of the day since the climb is strenuous and might be exhausting.
Parasnath Hill Hiking Itinerary
Here is a possible hiking itinerary for Parasnath Hills:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Madhuban, the town at the foot of the hills.
- Check into your hotel/guesthouse.
Relax and have lunch.
In the afternoon, start your hike to the top of Parasnath Hill. The total distance of the hike is about 27 kilometers, with 9 kilometers uphill, 9 kilometers downhill, and 9 kilometers visiting all the temples on top of the mountain. - You can start your hike from Madhuban or from Nimiaghat. The latter is the shorter route, but it is also steeper.
- The hike takes about 6-8 hours to complete.
On the way, you will pass by several Jain temples, including the Chaumukha Jain Temple, the Parshvanath Temple, and the Neminath Temple. - At the top of the hill, you will find the highest Jain temple in the world, the Sammed Shikharji Temple
- Spend some time exploring the temple and enjoying the views from the top of the hill.
In the evening, return to Madhuban.
Day 2:
- The other Jain temples in Madhuban are worth a visit.
- Enjoy a leisurely meal.
- Return to Ranchi in the afternoon by cab or bus.
- You can adjust this schedule to suit your own requirements and interests; it is only a suggestion. You may also take a cab or bus to the top of Parasnath Hill if you don’t feel like taking on a strenuous climb.
Pricing and Packages for Hiking
Here are some pricing and packages for hiking in Parasnath hills :
Self-guided walk: If you’re an experienced hiker, you can visit the Parasnath Hills on your own. The cost will vary based on your own outlays for things like travel, hotel, food, and entry fees.
Trek with a guide: If you’d prefer to embark on a trek with a guide, several travel firms provide packages. These deals generally cost between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 5,000 per person and come with hotel, meals, transportation, and a guide.
Here are some sample packages:
Package: This two-day, one-night deal includes lodging in a guesthouse, all meals, transportation from Ranchi to Madhuban, and a hiking guide. Each person pays about Rs. 2,500.
Package: 3-day, 2-night, which covers everything from the 2-day package plus an extra day for visiting Madhuban’s other Jain temples. Each person pays about Rs. 3,500.
Nearby Attraction of Parasnath Hill
Here are some of the nearby attractions of Parasnath Hill:
Khandoli Park: In Madhuban, the town at the base of the hills, there is a lovely park called Khandoli Park. It is a well-liked location for picnics and relaxation.
Usri Falls: About 15 km away from Parasnath Hill lies the Usri Falls, a collection of waterfalls. They are a well-liked hiking and swimming location.
Jharkhand Dham: This is a collection of Jain temples in Madhuban. Numerous Jain temples, notably the Parshvanath Temple and the Chaumukha Jain Temple, are located there.
Hari Har Dham: The Hindu temple complex known as Hari Har Dham is situated in Madhuban. There are various Hindu temples there, including the Shiv Mandir and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Jain Museum: This is a museum dedicated to Jainism. It is located in Madhuban and houses a collection of Jain sculptures, artifacts, and manuscripts.
How to Reach Parasnath Hills
There are several ways to reach Parasnath Hills. Here are the most popular options:
By train:
The peak is roughly 16 miles from Parasnath Junction, the closest railway station. Regular trains run from significant cities including Ranchi, Delhi, and Kolkata. You may take a cab or a bus from Parasnath Junction to Madhuban, which serves as the starting point for the journey to Parasnath Hills.
By bus:
There are direct buses to Madhuban from well-known cities like Kolkata, Ranchi, and Patna. You may take a cab or rickshaw from Madhuban to the trek’s beginning location.
By car:
If you’re driving, you can depart from Ranchi on the NH19 highway or depart from Patna on the NH31 highway. Between Patna and Ranchi, it is around 280 kilometers and 165 km, respectively.
By air:
Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, which is 150 km away from Parasnath Hills, is the closest airport. You may take a cab or bus to Madhuban from the airport.
The journey to Parasnath Hills may be started once you get at Madhuban. It takes 3 to 4 hours to finish the 9-kilometre-long journey. The final two km of the hike are steep, but the sights are worth it.
Leave a Reply