Harishchandragad trek is a challenging Trek in Maharastra located 1424m above sea level near Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra's Sahyadri range and boasts a cat fort dating from the sixth-century Kalachuri Dynasty of Kalachuri Dynasty of Kalachuri Dynasty of Kalachuri Dynasty dating from six century. The mountain offers diverse mythology and history including dinu idols providing thrills, spectacular sights, historical significance making this Trek popular with Trekking alike - some trails allow all-day trek while others require overnight stays requiring equipment for camping equipment for camping equipment for maximum efficiency.
Harishchandragad trek route
Starting out from Pachnai is the easiest and ideal for beginners in trekking, needing only basic or no prior experiences to reach the peak. From there, Trekking trips can continue uphill towards its summit. Khireshwar trek is considered moderately difficult and is recommended to those with prior trekking experience as well as those who are physically fit and healthy. Experienced trekkers may find the trek that begins at Belpada one of the more difficult, necessitating equipment such as carabiners and ropes for climbing purposes.
Trek from Pachnai Village
Pachnai Village provides the easiest path, generally taking between 2 to 3 hours to traverse and clearly marked with signboards and handrails to help navigate its gradual inclines and handrails to Harishchandragad summit. After approximately an hour's climb up you will reach an enormous rock face; after which a gentle ascent leads you onto an isolated plateau before further half-hour climbing will bring visitors to Harishchandra Temple where stunning panoramic views await visitors before returning back down fort areas or simply relax after an adventure Trek! The Reshwar route branches off into two directions - Rajmarg and Tolar Khind. While Rajmarg contains some challenging parts that may not be appropriate for novice trekkers without prior knowledge; Tolar Khind's trail can still present challenges; nevertheless, it has generally considered moderate Trek and popular among Trekking.
Trek from Khireshwar village
Tolar Khind provides breathtaking vistas from the Sahyadris and typically takes around five hours for climb. Starting in Khireshwar village and following Pimpalgaon dam for five kilometres, signs will indicate where your journey starts after passing it. After passing it you will enter plain landscape with rice paddies before entering forest environment where rolling hills add excitement as part of the experience. An unexpected right-hand turn can transport visitors into another realm, filled with the sounds and scents of birdsong, river waves rushing by gently, lush forests with earthy odors from moist soil and earthy scents of woods. As you ascend through the forest, terrain can become increasingly challenging; beware slippery gravel paths or narrow pathways; sturdy Trekking shoes and trekking poles will significantly enhance safety during challenging Treks like Tolar Khind. After approximately 1.5 hours' worth of trek, you will arrive at an inviting tea house located near its entry point - enjoy! After Tolar Khind, the trail will lead you up a 70-degree sloped rocky face that requires an arduous ascent. Poles and chains were put in place to assist in this task but take note that exposed to sunlight these poles can quickly become scorching hot; for your own safety it is recommended that you tackle this section early so as to avoid intense sunlight exposure causing extreme heat exposure. After about one hour of climbing, you will reach an unbroken expanse of land marking the end of this arduous section! Now there are two paths in front of you; one leads through dense forest while the second on your right leads you toward the seven hills summit. Forest Trail provides an easy approach, taking approximately an hour to reach Harishchandra Temple while level path can get there within three hours. On top, you will find numerous campsites and stalls; make sure to take full advantage of them to explore this amazing region. To experience an unforgettable view, visit Konkan Kada; it is just 30 minutes’ walk from the temple and offers incredible sunset views! Make sure to pack all necessary camping equipment, as you will need to sleep near the top on this Trek. Camp out at Fort Mount Washington and have fun around its campfire!
Trek from Belpada
Harishchandragad from Belpada follows Nalichi Vaat, an exceptionally difficult trail ideal for experienced climbers. With steep and rocky rock formations as well as inclines of up to 80 degrees, this trek usually lasts approximately nine hours from Belpada; therefore, it is wise to start early to ensure a safe and successful ascent. The journey begins near the summit of Belpada near its village and starts from there via a small path that begins from village. Travelers then move through forested areas for 30 minutes until reaching bed of stream where a rough trail starts ascending it - treacherously littered with large rocks and boulders making navigation tricky; be mindful not to step on unstable rocks that may cause harm - before finally coming across an almost waterfall-like feature as your final source of water along route. After passing by the waterfall, the route becomes increasingly steeper as you follow a rock section for 1.5 hours. At the beginning of the gorge, another 30-minute Trek brings you back uphill towards its entrance in the valley. A Trek to Nali Gorge begins with an uphill climb along a rocky slope, taking roughly 25 minutes before arriving at an elongated rock wall with carabiners and ropes for scaling. After successfully traversing this challenging gorge, you will emerge onto an expansive lush plateau which marks the starting point for pushing through thick foliage to reach Konkan Kada - a truly magnificent site! Camping overnight stays are possible here and meals can be purchased from local food sellers. Start your day right by climbing to Taramati Peak to watch sunrise, where ancient caves and temples await. From there, descend Tolar Khind pass into Khireshwar for lunch at Khireshwar Temple.
Highligts of the trek
Trek to Harishchandragad Peak with Old Temples and Caves on top
At Harishchandragad, visitors will discover an ancient treasure: caves and temples waiting to be explored. These hidden gems provide a fascinating peek into the past while inviting guests to discover their fascinating stories. Caves adorned with 11th century depictions of Lord Vishnu can provide hours of entertainment, while temples carefully cut out from rock showcase an artistry from an earlier era. Sunset in Konkan Kada offers an amazing panorama from its cliffs that overlooks both Sahyadri valleys and Konkan Kada itself, Konkan region. Konkan Kada scenic area provides the ideal location to watch this mesmerising spectacle; watch as its colours fill the sky with vibrant orange, yellow and pink hues against a stunning green Sahyadri hills backdrop; relax as the sun slowly sets behind Harishchandragad hill range! Enjoy an unforgettable momentous moment as you watch as its spectacular show ends! Naneghat Mountain, located on Maharashtra's Western coast, provides stunning panoramic views over Naneghat Valley below. Sunrise provides particularly magnificent scenery.
Challenges on the trek
Pachnai offers an easy, enjoyable Trek for Trekking. However, the challenging trails between Khireshwar and Belpada may present additional difficulties, as their narrow width and loose stones exacerbate any climb. A pair of sturdy Trekking boots as well as trekking pole could provide needed balance support on steep sections. Harishchandragad Trekking Trail stands out among local treks for its length. Both routes between Khireshwar and Belpada require at least two days to traverse, meaning you must come prepared with all necessary camping gear for overnight stays in the mountains. Be sure to pack carefully so as to take only essentials that will ensure an enjoyable stay!
Trek during monsoon
Monsoon season trails can become treacherous when wet; pay special attention to your feet when taking steps forward and ensure they are in safe hands when taking every step forward.
Best time for Harishchandragad trek
A trek between August and January offers ideal trekking conditions due to the pleasant temperatures brought on by monsoon season and winter months; during these times of year, you are most comfortable trekking, while summer heat from January-July might make the experience difficult and uncomfortable.
How to reach
From Pune, take the bus to Alephata and then an express bus towards Kalyan; disembark at Khubi Phata Belpada Trail then transfer to Sawarne by bus. If starting in Pachnai instead, travel via bus towards Mumbai or Nashik before getting off at Ghoti village where you will need to find another bus which will bring you directly back home; all-in all this journey typically lasts around five hours.
From Mumbai, taking an express train that runs to Kalyan before switching onto a bus travelling towards Alephata via Malshej Ghat and Alephata will bring you directly into Alephata via Malshej Ghat, connecting two cities: Khireshwar and Belpada respectively. You should get off at Khubi Phata station if your destination is Khireshwar; otherwise use local train until Kasara, arrange an excursion by jeep towards Rajur and finally hop aboard an overnight bus for Pachnai.
If you plan to stay the night at one of the three village bases, there are various lodging options available to you.
