Rajgad Trek
Rajgad Trek
| Region: | Gunjavane Village, Maharashtra |
| Duration: | 1-2 Day |
| Trek grade: | Easy to moderate |
| Maximum altitude: | 4,415 ft |
| Best Time for Treks: | October – March |
The Rajgad Trek offers beautiful views of the capital city and surrounding hills. The journey can be completed in either one or two days, depending on your availability and personal preferences. Avoid trekking in the rainy season to get the best view of the starry sky. Visit the Rajgad Fort between October and February for a beautiful and memorable trip. You can check the status of the moon online before you go. The best day without the moon will allow you to see the stars clearly, making it worth the effort.
It is best to trek in winter when it is cool and clear. The scenery is stunning, but it can be treacherous and rocky. During monsoon season, the paths can be slippery.
Pali Village is the starting point for the trek. This is a beautiful, short trail that will take you to some of the most breathtaking places on Earth. The route will take you through a muddy field to reach the top of a ridge with wildflowers. You will also pass through a forest and get a waterfall. The trail ends in Suvela. The last stage of the journey takes approximately five miles and starts at the mountain’s base.
This fort is a historical landmark. This trek is popular for intermediate trekkers. The fort sits at over 1400m above sea level and is rich in natural vegetation. You will find many attractions and beautiful scenery. It is a difficult but rewarding trek. You’ll find many ancient sites while you’re hiking through the forest.
The views of the Sahyadri Ranges are also available. There are some steep ascents, but not all. The Rajgad Fort is also visible from the top. The trail can be walked back on the same day. There are no public transport services available after 4 p.m. You will need to be patient and not rush.
For those looking for a quick hike, the Rajgad Trek offers a great choice.
You must visit Rajgad Fort in just one day. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are small temples and caves here. The village is well-equipped for hiking and has a good infrastructure. The city’s stunning scenery will be your reward.
Rajgad Fort’s design and architecture was personally oversaw by Shivaji Maharaj. The fort is also famous for its great architecture.
The fort has long watchpoints, also called Machis, constructed in the shape of a snake. These watchpoints were made using double fortified walls, which is quite interesting.
You will also find houses, temples, small lakes, and other evidence of the rich Marathas’ history.
You can enjoy spectacular views from the top of the fort in all seasons. Many forts can be seen, including Sinhagad and Raigad, Sinhagad, Torna, and Lingana.
The sunrise from the fort is a beautiful sight to see.
There is a hole naturally formed on the Suvela Machi. This hole is known as Nedhe Marathi, which means hole. This hole is so large that it can be seen from both the plateau and distant locations like Sinhagad fort.
Rajgad Trek Detailed Trail Information
You can reach the picturesque Suvela Machi lake by trekking to Gunjavane Village, Maharashtra. This lake, also known as the Nedhe Marathi, can be seen from the top of the Gunjavane village. There are many routes in Rajgad, so it is a great hike for those who enjoy the post-monsoon.
Gunjavane Village is the starting point of the trail. This small village has only a few hotels. A five-minute drive from Gunjavane Village is the Suvela Garden Hotel. You will start your trek to the Plateau’s top from there. The trek takes approximately 20 minutes and finishes at Chor Darwaza, one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. The trail begins with a large muddy field.
Gunjavane village is the starting point for the most popular route. It takes approximately two hours to trek to the Plateau from the mountain’s base. The climb is steep, but you will be rewarded with a stunning view. It is a short walk to reach the Plateau. The trail starts in a wide, muddy field. It will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach the ridge’s summit.
A 20-minute hike from Gunjavane is the most popular route to reach the Plateau. There are several direct routes to Swargate so that you can take a train or bus there. You can then take a bus or taxi to Gunjavane Village. You can also take the train from Pune to Swargate.
The fort at Pune has located on the edge of a steep plateau to the south of the city. The most striking features of the fort are:
- Its Triangular shape.
- Chor Darwaza at the southern tip.
- The evocative view it commands over Saswad.
The Purandar-Vajragad Fort towers over the town from behind the fort. This is a great spot for historians and tourists alike.
The Balekilla Trail, free of steps and guardrails, leads to the fort. It takes two to three hours to trek up Chor Darwaza. To complete this hike, you must be fit. The 5-km trek can be completed in 45 minutes for a full-day trip. The Pali Darwaza route is a great choice for those with no hiking experience.
It takes approximately 2 and 1/2 hours to climb up to the fort. Then, a trail will take you to the top. Although the trek to Chor Darwaza can be done on flat terrain, it is a steep climb that requires physical fitness. To climb the steep incline and descend, you need sturdy hiking boots and trekking shoes. You will need endurance and stamina for the climb, as there are no railings at the fort.
Rajgad is a fascinating place to learn about Indian history. This hill fort, once called Murumdev, can be found in Pune, Maharashtra. For 26 years this was capital of the Maratha Empire. It was then moved to Raigad Fort. It is now a popular tourist spot that will make your vacation memorable.
Children love to climb up the Rajgad Fort for a stunning view of the Sahyadris. It is possible to spend about an hour at the fort before you begin the trek down to the valley. Trekkers should wear sturdy trekking shoes. It is a beautiful place with stunning views of the Sahyadris and the city.
Rajgad has many historical sites. For a long period, the fort was home to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It also witnessed important historical events. At the fort in 1665 The Treaty of Purandar was signed. There are three machis, water fountains, and ashrams.
Rajgad is a great spot to take in the views of the town and the surrounding area. The fort is named after Murumdevi Killa, located on a high cliff. In the fort is a statue of Shivaji and his pet dog. The statue was reinstalled in the temple after it was renovated in 2012. Rajgad is a fascinating place to visit. It offers a glimpse into the past.
If you’re in the area, this fort is worth a visit. It was the capital of the Maratha. The fort served as a strategic spot for the town in the future. Built on a hill, the fort was surrounded by hills. You can see many buildings throughout the fort. Its location on a hill made it the ideal spot for a picnic.
Rajgad’s main attraction is the fort. It is the largest and oldest Maratha fort in Mumbai and one of the most stunning forts in the area. The fort has two entrances. The fort’s upper level is fortified by a wall made of wrought iron and has a sandstone base.
For those who love history, the fort is a must-see. It is popular with both couples and families. The fort’s base can be reached by hiking. You will find the ruins of two palaces at the top of this fort. Also, a small temple can be located there. You can stay in the fort free of charge, so don’t worry about it.
How to Reach For Rajgad Trek
Pune is the best place to go if you’re traveling from Mumbai. Many buses and trains run from Mumbai to Pune. Take a bus to Swargate, Pune. Take a bus to Gunjavane village from here. You can start the trek from the trail that leads to the Suvela Hotel.
You have many options for reaching Gunjavane village.
Take a bus to Velhe, and get off at Margasani. You can also get shared taxis to Gunjavane village from this point.
There are direct buses from Pune to Gunjavane village. Seasonally, the frequency of buses can vary.
You can also take a bus to Satara/Kolhapur or Bangalore. Reach Nasrapur. Many local taxis and autos take you to Gunjavane village from here.
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
Important Guidelines
Special Casual Leave (SCL) for Government Employees
Government employees joining our trekking expeditions can avail of Special Casual Leave (SCL) under the following conditions:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- SCL is available exclusively to Indian government employees.
- Applicable only for treks conducted within India.
- Leave Details:
- As per Pay Commission rules, government employees are entitled to up to 30 days of SCL in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions.
- Treks must be organized by a registered organization, such as Trekup India, recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
- Application Process:
- You need to apply for leave at least 20 days before the trek departure date.
- How to Apply: The following details are required to apply for IMF certification through the IMF.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Your booked trek date.
- The trek name.
- Aadhar Card
- Designation
- Office Address
- Additional Fee of Rs. 250/ per person will be applicable.
- Note: It might take 20-25 days to receive a certificate from the IMF, subject to their approval.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Documentation Support:
- Trekup India will provide the necessary documents to facilitate your SCL application.
Age-Based Requirements for Junior Trekkers
- A parent or guardian must accompany trekkers below 15 years of age.
- Trekkers Aged 15 to 18 or above Years: Can trek solo but require a Disclaimer Form signed by a parent or guardian. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking by MBBS Doctor
- Trekkers Aged above 18 Years: Require a Disclaimer Form self-signed. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking, Signed with an MBBS Doctor stamp.
Medical Fitness Required for Trek
If you’re planning a trek, you must ensure that your health parameters meet the fitness requirements for physical exertion at high altitudes or rugged terrains. Below are guidelines for each of the parameters mentioned:
1. Pulse Rate (Heart Rate at Rest):
- Normal: 60 to 100 (bpm) beats per minute.
- Required Fitness: Physically fit person may have a resting heart rate closer to 50 bpm, which shows that he have good cardiovascular efficiency.
2. Blood Pressure (BP):
- Required BP: 120/80 mmHg. A Bolood Pressure within this Range ensures adequate oxygen delivery to muscles and organs during physical exertion, especially at high altitudes.
- Your specified blood pressure (BP) Range—Systolic: 100–140 mmHg and Diastolic: 70–90 mmHg—is appropriate and generally considered safe for trekking activities.
- Acceptable Range: <140/90 mmHg for trekking. Elevated BP could increase risks during strenuous activity or at high altitudes.
Recommendations:
- Pre-Trek Checkup: Monitor your BP multiple times & ensure that it should be normal.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration affect BP, so maintain proper fluid intake during your trek.
- Avoid Alcohol & Excess Salt: These can destabilize BP, especially at altitude.
- BP Monitor: If you have a history of BP issues, regularly check your BP during the trek. Our Trek Leaders are equipped with a BP machine.
3. Respiratory Rate at Rest:
- Required Rate: 12–20 breaths per minute.
4. Diabetes Mellitus:
- Acceptable: Well-controlled blood sugar levels (HbA1c <7% or fasting blood glucose <126 mg/dL).
- Fitness Requirement: Carry quick glucose sources and monitor regularly during the trek.
5. Bronchial Asthma:
- Acceptable: Only when your doctors allow it & you have to submit an MBBS doctor NOC that you can undergo this trek.
- Fitness Requirement: Bring prescribed inhalers/medications and consult your doctor about high-altitude risks.
6. Heart Problems:
- Acceptable: Individuals without recent cardiac events (e.g., heart attack within the past 2 years).
- Fitness Requirement: Clearance from an MBBS Doctor (cardiologist) is required.
7. Hypertension:
- Acceptable: Controlled hypertension (BP <140/90 mmHg) with no recent complications like hypertensive crisis.
8. Pacemaker Implant:
- Generally not recommended for high-altitude treks.
9. Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Required BMI: 18 – 26 kg/m² for a good trekking fitness.
- Overweight or underweight individuals may face additional strain on joints or fatigue.
Additional Recommendations:
- High Altitude Acclimatization: For treks above 10,000 feet, ensure have some acclimatization Trekup India have designed Itinary of this trek accordingly to it but its not granted that this itinary works fine with acclimatization. For more information, click here.
- Fitness Level: Regular aerobic and strength training exercises before the trek are essential. For more information, click here.
- Medical Clearance: Consult a healthcare professional (MBBS Doctor) to assess your suitability before coming on this trek.
Would you like assistance preparing for your trek or calculating specific health metrics? Call Your Trek Co-Ordinator