Fair
Shikharji (Parasnath Hill) in April
Jharkhand, India
April tests your commitment to Shikharji. The 27km trail bakes in Jharkhand heat, the forest offers partial shade, and the summit asks: how much does this pilgrimage mean to you?
The April story
Only for the fit and the faithful. Carry 3+ litres of water. Start before dawn.
Why April scores 3/5
Weather
Hot — challenging trek
Roads & Access
self drive: Any car to Madhuban. Trek only beyond.. road condition: NH good. Last 5km to Madhuban narrow but paved.. public transport: Train to Parasnath (Howrah-Delhi mainline). Shared autos to Madhuban.. from nearest city: Ranchi→Shikharji: 180km 4hrs. Parasnath station→Madhuban: 15km 30min.. last km difficulty: moderate — 27km trek to summit
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: SDRF Jharkhand. helpline: Jharkhand Tourism: 0651-2400073. ambulance: 108 (limited in area). police station: Madhuban. nearest hospital: Parasnath Primary Health Centre (15km). Giridih District Hospital 60km.
Network
VI: No, JIO: Yes, BSNL: No, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Signal at Madhuban. Patchy on trek. No signal at summit.
Kids
Not ideal for kids —
Elevation
1,350m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓fit-pilgrims
- ✓dedicated-trekkers
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗casual-visitors
- ✗elderly
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5/5 | Peak pilgrimage — cool trek weather, clear summit views |
| February | 5/5 | Excellent — comfortable trek, clear skies |
| March | 4/5 | Good — warming, still trekable |
| Aprilviewing | 3/5 | Hot — challenging trek |
| May | 2/5 | Hot — trek not recommended |
| June | 2/5 | Pre-monsoon — dangerous conditions |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon — trail dangerous |
| August | 2/5 | Peak monsoon — trail closed effectively |
| September | 3/5 | Monsoon easing — trail recovering |
| October | 4/5 | Post-monsoon — trail reopens properly, green summit |
| November | 5/5 | Peak — perfect trek weather, clear summits |
| December | 5/5 | Peak — winter pilgrimage, summit frost |
Practical Details
How to reach
Ranchi→Shikharji: 180km 4hrs. Parasnath station→Madhuban: 15km 30min.. Roads: NH good. Last 5km to Madhuban narrow but paved.. Self-drive: Any car to Madhuban. Trek only beyond.. Public transport: Train to Parasnath (Howrah-Delhi mainline). Shared autos to Madhuban.. Last stretch: moderate — 27km trek to summit
Elevation
1,350m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
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