Jivdhan

There are two ways to climb Jivdhan. The Chor darwaza and the Ghatghar route. Both are interesting routes, but the Ghatghar route has one hour of additional walking on the plateau which can be very painful especially if you are returning this way. There are very impressive views of the Ahupe/Dhakoba region, and also Varlya (of Naneghat). Bhairavgad, and Harishchandragad are also seen. The entire hike is quite long but quite pleasant and worthwhile.

Chor Darwaza

This is an impressive route which traverses the face of the mountain, and climbs up the huge crack visible from Naneghat (marked by an arrow in the photo on the pictures page). One small non-exposed rock patch.
From the top of Naneghat, walk straight towards the pinnacle of Jivdhan. Along the way, there are occasional arrows on the rocks to help you along. Near the base of Jivdhan, there are bamboo thickets (see the photograph) which are penetrated at one point (pretty much in front of you) by a faint trail. In the jungle further on, the trail becomes better, and climbs to pretty much the base of the pinnacle at which point there are rock-hewn steps which traverse the mountain to the crack. This part is very mildly exposed. In the crack (no exposure here at all) there is one small rock patch which needs to be climbed (not difficult). The route exits on the top of the mountain through a hole in the ground which was a doorway. This hole can be found on the top ( in case you choose to descend this way) by walking around the side closest to Naneghat.
Total time from Naneghat: about two and a half hours.

Ghatghar route

This fairly interesting route is longer than the other and involves walking upto Ghatghar village (one hour) on the plateau. As such it is better if you ascend Jivdhan this way and descend via the other route. From ghatghar village continue walking along the side of the mountain till you are pretty much below the steps descending from the top (these are visible from the ground). At this point you must head into the jungle towards the steps pretty much straight. The trail is quite visible but not well marked although there are the occasional arrows. At the top one meets steps coming down from the gateway by another crack.
There is no cover on the top, but there are two water tanks, with good drinking water (after you chlorinate them, I guess). The best place for resting is one of the two gateways -- the Cave with ashes is terribly dirty.
For some pictures, click here