The starting point of the longer of the two pilgrim foot paths up to Tirumala — a stepped trail of 3,550 steps that climbs 600 metres over 11 km of switchbacks through the forested Eastern Ghats. Most pilgrims complete the climb in 4–6 hours; some do it barefoot, some carrying small children.
A small temple stands at the foot of the path; pilgrims tie cloth strips to a tree here and worship before starting the climb. The path is well maintained, fully covered to provide shade, lit at night, and patrolled by police. Refreshment stalls and free TTD water stations are placed every kilometre or so. Day-packs only; no large luggage. Walking pilgrims register at Alipiri to receive a token that secures a dedicated darshan queue when they arrive at the temple.