Bhimashankar Trek via Ganesh Ghat — The Classic Khandas Route
The Bhimashankar Trek via Ganesh Ghat is one of the most loved monsoon trails in the Sahyadris — a moderate-to-difficult climb through dense forest to the Bhimashankar plateau, home to one of India's twelve Jyotirlingas. Starting from the base village of Khandas near Karjat, the Ganesh Ghat route is the longer and more gradual of the two classic trails (the other being the steeper, ladder-lined Shidi Ghat), winding past a Ganesh temple, thick jungle, streams, and waterfalls before reaching the top.
Set inside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the trail is alive with birds, butterflies, and — if you're lucky — the Shekru, the Indian Giant Squirrel and Maharashtra's state animal. It's a trek for those who want a proper Sahyadri challenge paired with deep forest and a sense of arrival at a sacred site.
- Trek route: Khandas to Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat
- Base village: Khandas (via Karjat)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (good endurance needed)
- Trek distance: About 13 km round trip
- Duration: Roughly 4 to 5 hours ascent, 4 hours descent
- Trek height: Around 3,250 feet
- Best season: Monsoon (June to September)
- Nearest railway station: Karjat (Neral is the listed pickup point)
Please note: This trek does not include temple darshan. The queue to enter the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga often runs to several hours, which would not fit within the trek and return-train schedule. You will reach the temple area, but going inside for darshan isn't feasible on this itinerary. If darshan is your main goal, we recommend a dedicated temple visit.
The Legend of Bhimashankar
Bhimashankar is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and draws crowds of devotees, especially through the month of Shravan. Legend holds that Lord Shiva took the Bhima form atop the Sahyadri hills to slay the demon Tripurasura, and the sweat from that battle gave rise to the Bhimarathi (Bhima) River — which originates here and flows southeast to merge with the Krishna. The temple is a graceful 18th-century shrine, its shikhara built by Nana Phadnavis, blending old and newer architecture.
Bhimashankar Trek Details
- Trek route: Khandas to Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat (return by the same or Shidi Ghat route)
- Base village: Khandas
- Region: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pune district, Maharashtra
- Trek height: Around 3,250 feet
- Trek distance: About 13 km round trip
- Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours ascent, 4 hours descent (depending on fitness)
- Difficulty grade: Moderate to Difficult
- Endurance needed: Good — this is a long, demanding trek
- Best time to visit: Monsoon (June to September)
- Nearest railway station: Karjat (Neral pickup point)
- Distance from Mumbai: ~195 km
- Distance from Pune: ~110 km
- Distance from Lonavala: ~38 km
- Cost: ₹1,399 per person
The Two Routes to Bhimashankar from Khandas
From Khandas, two classic trails lead up to Bhimashankar. About 2 km from the village, a bridge marks the split:
Ganesh Ghat (this trek) — The route to the right. The longer but easier and safer of the two, it passes a Ganesh temple within the first hour and climbs gradually through forest to the Bhimashankar plateau and the small Hanuman Tal pond. Roughly 4 to 5 hours up.
Shidi Ghat (ladder route) — The route to the left. Shorter but steeper and more challenging, especially in the monsoon, with iron ladders fixed on the steepest sections. The two routes merge near the top.
Here's the rewritten itinerary — train schedule preserved, the darshan line corrected to match your no-darshan policy, and the note added.
Bhimashankar Trek via Ganesh Ghat — Itinerary
Day Zero — Friday Night Departure (CSMT to Karjat slow train)
Catch the CSMT–Karjat slow train and board at your nearest station:
- 12:24 AM — CSMT
- 12:32 AM — Byculla
- 12:42 AM — Dadar
- 12:52 AM — Kurla
- 01:18 AM — Thane
- 01:42 AM — Dombivli
- 01:52 AM — Kalyan
- 02:45 AM — Karjat
Day One — Trek Day
- 03:00 AM — Arrive at Karjat and move towards the base village by local vehicle.
- 04:00 AM — Reach Khandas, the base village.
- 04:30 AM — Breakfast at the base.
- 05:30 AM — Begin the trek towards Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat, climbing through dense forest, streams, and waterfalls.
- 11:00 AM — Reach the Bhimashankar temple area. Take a break to rest and refuel. (Darshan inside the temple is not included — see the note below.)
- 12:30 PM — Lunch.
- 01:30 PM — Begin the return trek to Khandas via Ganesh Ghat.
- 06:30 PM — Reach Khandas village and start the return journey towards Karjat by local vehicle.
- 07:30 PM — Approximate arrival at Karjat for your onward train home.
Important note: Temple darshan inside the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is not included in this trek. The queue to enter often runs to several hours, which would not fit within the trek and return-journey schedule. You will reach the temple area and see the shrine and its surroundings, but entering for darshan is not possible on this itinerary. If darshan is your main goal, we recommend a dedicated Bhimashankar temple visit instead.
The itinerary is indicative and timings may shift with weather, train delays, traffic, and group pace. The trek leader's decisions on the day are final and made in the interest of group safety.
Please Note
- If you book the wrong date or batch and need to change it within 3 days of departure, a transfer charge of ₹200 per person applies.
- This is a moderate-to-difficult trek that requires good endurance and stamina. Please wear trekking shoes with a strong grip and carry enough water.
- Travel is on Friday night, with the trek on Saturday early morning — be prepared for a long day on limited sleep.
Bhimashankar Jungle
Bhimashankar
Trek to Bhimashankar
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhimashankar Ladder
Ladder of Bhimashankar
What is included in the tour
- Karjat to Karjat travel by private local vehicle.
- 1 veg breakfast and 1 veg lunch
- Treks and Trails expertise charges
What is NOT included in the tour
- Entry fee for foreign nationals
- Train Tickets
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
- Any kind of personal expenses (camera charges, etc.)
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
- Any medical / Emergency evacuations if require
- 2/3 liters of water
- Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on the trek
- Good Torch must with an extra battery
- Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars
- Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets
- Proper backpack (No sling or Jolas)
- Rains are expected, so pack your bags accordingly to save them from getting wet
- Double pack your valuables/phones in plastic bags
- Rainwear / Poncho / Waterproof jacket etc. if you don’t want to get wet
- Sun Cap and Sunscreen
- Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
- Identity Proof
- Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles
Treks and Trails Event Rules
- Kindly carry one Identity proof, at least for the trek with your address.
- We all are going for an adventurous and exciting trekking expedition; please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR.
- The leader's decision will be final, and all the members should abide by it.
- We do not destroy or dirty the archaeological, historical monuments, natural habitat on the trek.
- Swimming is not allowed in the lake or water tank on the forts. Locals use that water for drinking.
- Putting your feet in water tanks or on the canon is not allowed on our treks.
- Any addiction is strictly prohibited, e.g. drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco anyone caught doing it will have to exit the trek without a refund and travel back on own expense.
- People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.
- Please do not carry or wear any valuables, ornaments, jewellery, etc. If carried, then we Do Not take any liability for the same.
- Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking, or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events, you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner.
- We should strictly follow the code of conduct to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.
- Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.
- Bluetooth speaker not allowed inside the homestay or camping tents.
- Drinking/smoking,/eating is not allowed inside the tents.
- If you damage the tent, break the tent poles, you will have to pay us for the whole new tent on MRP.
- If you are late for the bus pickup and are not reachable on the phone during your bus pickup, the trek leader will leave without you, and we will provide no refund.
- Please check things to carry and wear trekking shoes on our treks.
Cancellation Policy
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If the event gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only.
- If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.
- Refunds won't be issued if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns or a personal medical emergency.
- Your booking cannot be shifted to another date if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns, or a personal medical emergency.
- If your area is prone to flooding, traveling from a flooded area, heavy traffic, heavy rains, missing the train, or any other reason, if you cannot attend the event, we won't issue a refund or shift you to another date.
- Management won't be held responsible if you are stuck due to heavy rains, traffic jams, personal emergencies or floods during the event.
- If you are bringing kids, please understand the possibility of getting stuck or delayed. You might have to stay back due to heavy rains, floods, bus breakdowns, and rush at the trekking destination. We won't be able to refund or shift you to another date. You will have to wait it out till the weather clears.
- Due to bad weather, floods, sudden changes in government rules, and overcrowding at the destination trek, the organizer has the right to change the trekking destination.
- During the trek , due to any circumstances seen or unseen trek leader has the right to cancel the trek for safety reason. No refund shall be issued.
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Best Time to Visit the Bhimashankar Trek
The monsoon (June to September) is the best time for the Bhimashankar trek, when the forest is at its greenest, the streams and waterfalls are in full flow, and the Sahyadris are wrapped in mist. The trek can be done in other seasons too — the trail keeps its calm, rustic charm year-round — but the monsoon is when it truly comes alive. Do note that the route is at its most slippery and demanding in heavy rain, so good trekking shoes and basic fitness matter most during these months.
Nearby Attractions
- Gupt Bhimashankar — a hidden, water-sculpted Shiva linga beneath a waterfall, about 3–4 km from the main temple; a quietly spiritual spot reached via the Sakshi Vinayak temple.
- Shidi Ghat (ladder route) — the steeper, more adventurous alternative trail to Bhimashankar, with iron ladders on the rock sections.
- Ahupe Ghat — a scenic green plateau around 20–25 km away, known for its valley views.
- Peth Fort (Kothaligad) — an easy fort trek roughly 25–30 km away, with rewarding views.
- Hatkeshwar Temple — an ancient temple about 30–35 km away, notable for its architecture and history.
- Kondheshwar Temple — a peaceful, intricately carved temple around 25–30 km away.
- Nag Phani (Cobra Hood) — a dramatic viewpoint over Peth fort and the valley, near the trek itself.
How to Reach Bhimashankar (Khandas Base Village)
From Mumbai
- By train: Take a local train to Karjat, well connected from Mumbai. From Karjat, hire a local vehicle or shared rickshaw to Khandas village (~30 km), the trek's base.
- By road: Drive to Khandas directly or via Karjat, using your own vehicle, a taxi, or a bus.
From Pune
- By train: There's no direct train to Khandas. Take a train to Karjat, then a local vehicle or shared taxi to Khandas.
- By road: Drive to Khandas via Karjat; the village is roughly 130–140 km from Pune.
Always check current train schedules and road conditions before you set out, especially during the monsoon.
Why Choose Treks and Trails for the Bhimashankar Trek?
- Trusted by over 20,000 trekkers last year, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating
- One trek leader for every 10 trekkers
- A lifetime-valid, tamper-proof e-certificate on completion, easily shareable online
- Adventure insurance included for every trekker and trek leader
- We self-operate all our treks — no outsourcing
- Group discounts available
How to Reach the Base Village (Khandas)
Khandas is the base village for the Ganesh Ghat trek. Take a train from Mumbai or Pune to Karjat railway station, then continue to Khandas (about 30–34 km from Karjat) by ST bus or private rickshaw. About 500 m past Khandas village, you'll reach a small bridge at a T-junction — the road to the left leads to Shidi Ghat, and the road to the right is the Ganesh Ghat walkway. These are the two classic trek routes to Bhimashankar.
The Two Trek Routes to Bhimashankar from Khandas
1. Ganesh Ghat (this trek) The track to the right at the bridge. This is the longer but more gradual route — within an hour you reach a Ganesh temple, and the trail then climbs steadily for around 3 more hours to the Bhimashankar plateau and the small Hanuman Tal pond. The full ascent takes roughly 4 to 5 hours. Best suited to fit trekkers and active beginners.
2. Shidi Ghat (Ladder Route) The track to the left. This is shorter but considerably harder, especially in the monsoon — it's named for the iron ladders fixed on its steepest sections. After the first couple of hours you pass three ladders before the route merges with Ganesh Ghat near the top. There are huts selling food and tea around the midway point. From there it's about another 1.5 hours past a pond to the temple. Recommended only for experienced trekkers.
Many trekkers ascend one route and descend the other to enjoy both trails in a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bhimashankar located? Bhimashankar is in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills in Pune district, Maharashtra, about 50 km northwest of Khed. It's roughly 110 km from Pune and around 195 km from Mumbai by road.
Where does the Ganesh Ghat trek start? From Khandas village, the base for the trek, about 30–34 km from Karjat railway station.
Which railway station is nearest to the Bhimashankar trek? Karjat is the nearest railhead for the Khandas-base trek, with Neral close by as the listed pickup point.
How long and how difficult is the Ganesh Ghat route? About 13 km round trip, with roughly 5 to 6 hours of ascent and 4 hours of descent. It's rated moderate to difficult — the path is gradual but long, and slippery in the monsoon, so good endurance and proper trekking shoes are essential.
What is the height of the Bhimashankar trek? The Bhimashankar plateau sits at around 3,250 feet, surrounded by thick green forest.
What is the best time to do the Bhimashankar trek? The monsoon (June to September) is the best time to trek, when the forest and waterfalls are at their fullest. For a comfortable temple-and-wildlife visit (rather than trekking), the cooler winter months of October to February are ideal.
Is Bhimashankar a Jyotirlinga? Yes — Bhimashankar is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and the source of the Bhima River.
Is temple darshan included in the trek? No. Darshan inside the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is not included, as the queue often runs to several hours and would not fit the trek and return-journey schedule. You reach the temple area, but going inside for darshan isn't feasible on this itinerary.
How far is Bhimashankar from Lonavala and Nashik? About 38 km from Lonavala and roughly 106 km from Nashik by road.
Is Bhimashankar a hill station? It's a temple town and trekking destination set amid the lush Bhimashankar hills in the Sahyadris — popular both as a Jyotirlinga pilgrimage and as a scenic forest getaway.
Is Jain food available? Yes — please mention it in the comments section while booking.
Are toilets and parking available at the base? Basic Indian-style toilets are available at the Khandas base area, and parking is available; a small fee may be payable locally.
Can solo trekkers join? Yes — solo trekkers are warmly welcomed on our guided batches.
Is the trek safe for female trekkers? Yes. Female trekkers are welcomed, we maintain a roughly 6:4 male-to-female ratio per batch, and a female trek leader is assigned whenever available.
