Harihar Fort Trek

Please read our Harihar Fort Trek Blog 

Are you an adventurer who loves trekking? Completing a trek can be a life-changing experience that leaves you with unforgettable memories. To commemorate your achievement, TreksandTrails provides e-certificates to all participants who successfully complete their trek. These e-certificates include your name, the name of the trek you completed, the date of completion, and a digital signature from TreksandTrails. They are a perfect way to showcase your accomplishment to the world and share your trekking journey with your loved ones. By receiving an e-certificate from TreksandTrails, you can proudly display your achievement on your social media platforms and inspire others to embark on their own adventures.  

Here are some FAQs about our e-certificates:

Q: What is an e-certificate for trekkers and hikers?

A: An e-certificate is a digital certificate awarded to participants upon completion of a trek or hike. It serves as proof of participation and achievement.

Q: How do I receive an e-certificate from TreksandTrails?

A: Upon completion of your trek or hike with TreksandTrails, you will be sent an email with a link to your e-certificate. You can download it from the link and save it on your device or share it on social media platforms.

Q: Can I share my e-certificate on social media platforms?

A: Yes, you can share your e-certificate on all social media platforms. The e-certificate is designed to be easily shareable, so you can show off your achievement to your friends and family.

Eligibility Criteria for a Trekking Certificate:

To be eligible for a trekking certificate, individuals must demonstrate adherence to safety rules, teamwork, and cooperation.

Participants must achieve the following requirements for earning a trekking certificate: completion of the trek; physical fitness; teamwork and cooperation; knowledge of safety rules; environmental awareness; a positive attitude; great attendance; and punctuality. We appreciate their commitment to the sport of trekking and acknowledge their achievements.

1. Are trekking shoes compulsory for Harihar Fort in Nashik?

Yes, trekking shoes provide waterproofing and excellent grip and help you confidently hike. Nashik Harihar fort's difficulty level is high; the steps can be slippery at Harihar fort trek near Nashik during monsoon and post-rainy season. It would be best if you wore hiking shoes for this trek. 

Sahyadri forts and mountains differ from the Himalayas, and the rocks on these mountains are highly slippery during rainy seasons. Famous trekking shoes won't work. We have tried all shoe brands, from Indian to Overseas hiking shoe companies, but all fail to provide proper grip. Campus or Action trekking is the first choice for Nashik fort trekkers. You will be seen all of them wearing the same shoes during trekking in the Sahyadris. 

2. Best time to visit Harihar fort, Nashik?

During the rainy season and winter, June to February would be the best time to visit Harihar Trek Nashik. During the rainy season, the trekking in Nashik forts are usually banned due to weekend overcrowding, except thousands of tourists along with trekkers on the fort. 

In the past, trekkers have been stuck at the Harihar Sahyadri fort for six hours as there were too many tourists on the rock-cut steps path, and it took six hours for thousands of visitors to descend the fort.  

We have already listed the Maharashtra Fort treks in our blogs to be avoided during the rainy season due to overcrowding. Local authorities are planning to introduce permits for some Sahyadri Fort treks. 

3. Do you offer Harihar Fort Camping, or is camping allowed in Harihargad?

The forest department does not permit Harihar Fort Nashik Camping due to wild animals in the Jungle near the Sahyadri Fort. It is very famous for leopard sightings during the rainy season.  

You can camp at Igatpuri or Vaitarna or Nashik and proceed for the Nashik treks in the morning. Trekking places in Nashik are home to many beautiful and serene mountain ranges that offer galore camping and trekking opportunities! Harihar Nashik fort is regularly listed in the dangerous forts in Maharashtra due to overcrowding on the weekend. 

4. Can you tell me about Harihar Fort Nashik's weather?

During summer, the Harihargad region is sweltering and humid. During the rainy season, the Trimbakeshwar and Nashik district receives heavy rainfall. The Harihargad Maharashtra weather will be foggy, low visibility, and pleasant to trek during the rainy season. During the winter months, from November to February, the weather will be nice till late morning. It is advisable to avoid trekking during the summer months. 

Trekking in Nashik is popular during the rainy season and winter season. You can combine Bhaskargad Fort Trek or Brahmagiri Parvat with this trek or Anjaneri Fort Nashik.

The rock-cut steps of Bhaskargad are just as beautiful as the steps of heaven. This fort is very old, like several other forts in Maharashtra. The most interesting parts of this fort are the rock-cut stepping stones along hill face and the stone-cut water tanks.

If you need a break from your hectic schedule, Trekking in Maharashtra is the best way to spend quality time with family and friends. Trekking near Nashik options provides an all-inclusive package for trekkers, including food, accommodation and expert trek guides. You can also opt for customized packages for groups. It is known as the most dangerous fort in India in many popular posts and stories.   

5. What is Nashik to Harihar fort Trimbakeshwar distance?

Nashik to Harihar fort distance by road is 42 kilometers. Harihar Gad Nashik or Harsha gad is a popular and overcrowded trek near Nashik. It will take one hour and fifteen minutes to cover this distance. Harihar Nashik Killa to Trimbakeshwar is 13 kilometers. Brahmagiri Parvat can be combined with Harihar gad Harsha gad trekking. 

6. Why is Harihar fort Nashik banned in the rainy season?

Many Harihar fort accidents have taken place during the monsoon season due to overcrowding. To avoid more Harihar fort accidents and keep trekkers safe, the forest department and collector office ban the trek during the monsoon season. Harihar fort Nashik images have been made available in the photo gallery.  

The climb up the nearly vertical staircase that leads to the top of the Harihar Sahyadri gad is the most exciting part of the Harihar Sahyadri Killa trek. These tiny stairs were chiselled out of the rocks. As you climb up, the carved-in notches keep your fingers in place.

If you're afraid of heights, keep your gaze forward while climbing. Looking back at the stairs you just climbed is terrifying. The panorama behind you, though, is stunning!

7. Can you share where is Harihar fort location in Maharashtra?    

Harihar fort location or Harshagad or Harihargad is a fort in Maharashtra's Nashik district, 40 kilometers from the city, 48 kilometers from Igatpuri, Harihar fort to Trimbakeshwar is 13 kilometers and 40 kilometers from Ghoti. It is a significant fort in Nashik's region, established to watch the Gonda Ghat commerce route. It draws a high number of trekkers and tourists because of its unique rock-cut steps.

8. How to register for the Harihar fort trek from Mumbai?

Mumbai to Harihar Fort Nashik distance 190 kilometers it takes five hours to complete this journey. Harihar fort height in feet is 3676 feet above sea level. Harihar trekking distance is 3.5 kilometers one way it will take you three hours to cover this distance. You can click on the book now button to register for the Harihar fort from the Mumbai trek. Please click on the enquire now button and fill the form with your question if you have any queries.    

9. Which is the Nearest Railway Station to Harihar Fort Nashik?

Harihar Gad Nashik is located 60 kilometers from Kasara Railway Station and Nashik Railway Station. It is cheaper to reach Kasara Railway Station from Mumbai at Rs 60 return ticket.

Pro Tip for Maharashtra trekking: Kasara Railway station is a popular destination for hiring a taxi to reach trailheads for Nashik fort treks.   

10. Are Harihar fort and Harihareshwar tours or Harihareshwar forts the same? 

We often get a customer asking whether Harihar Fort and Harihareshwar town are not the same places. 

Harihar Fort is near Nashik Fort, a hill fort famous among Nashik trekkers and Maharashtra trekkers. Harihar Gad is renowned for its rock-cut steps, one of Maharashtra's wonders. 

Harihareshwar is a coastal tourist destination near Dapoli and Shirvardhan. On the opposite creek, you can see the famous coastal fort of Bankot, also known as Himmatgad or Bankot Fort or Bankot Killa. Harihareshwar is famous for temples, beaches, food and natural stone formation near the beach. Harihareshwar Fort is not available in this town.  

11. How to reach Kalyan to Nashik? 

Kalyan is within the distance of Nashik, 140 Kms by road, and it will take three hours to cover this distance. Few trains connect Nashik to Kalyan; it is best to take a train to Kasara railway station on the central railway. You will get a sharing taxi from outside the station, waiting for the local trains to arrive with customers who travel to Nashik. These taxis usually charge under Rs 100 per person for the ride. 

Nashik Killa trekkers prefer using the Kasara Railway Station and boarding a jeep from here to their favourite trekking destinations near Nashik. 

You can also pre-book a local taxi for trekking near Nashik. They will drop you at the trailhead and pick you up after your Nashik killa trek ends and on the agreed return journey time.    

12: What is the Nashik to Ramshej fort distance?   

Ramshej Killa is located 16 kilometers away from Nashik city. It will take you around 45 minutes to cover this distance. 

13: Is Harihar Killa the most dangerous fort in Maharashtra?   

Harihar Fort trek route is well marked from the trailhead, and many good options for guides and homestays are available at the base village. The fort is in decent shape; many organizations voluntarily maintain all the forts routes, water tanks, doors, and rock climbing holds in Maharashtra. 

Harihar Fort Nashik is not the most dangerous trek as the rock climbing holds are deep, and the space between the steps and the width of the steps is perfect. Most exposed sections have enough grips and safe passage space for trekkers to navigate the fort safely. 

Harihar has recently got the tag of the most dangerous fort in Maharashtra due to overcrowding at the rock-cut climb section, which is very dangerous. At weekends thousands of tourists can be seen climbing and descending the fort through these steps simultaneously. 

This creates a hazardous situation; avoiding this trek during the weekend in the rainy season is best. You can find many images and videos that have gone viral, leading to bans and permits. Still, the crowd doesn't thin at the famous Nashik Fort. You can find many posts on social media tagging Harihar as one of the most dangerous fort in India.

14. Anjaneri Waterfall or Anjarneri Reverse Waterfall? 

The Sahyadri killa is one of the most excellent spots to visit when it rains since it looks gorgeous and has a unique hue. Additionally a fantastic location for hiking; it is also a sacred location because it is where Lord Hanuman was born.

This is also where you may begin your hiking training. The trail is well marked, with many small Dhabas at the starting and end points of the trek for refreshment. You can see many Anjaneri Waterfall while hiking the fort during the rainy season. 

On the back side of Anjneri Hill is a stunning reverse waterfall that is one of a kind and particularly attractive when it rains. From the top of the slope, where the water will fly 30 feet over you, you may even enjoy them.

Pro Nashik Trekker Tip: Cameras other than your mobile camera are not allowed on this fort. The forest guard will check your bags for any camera and request you to keep them in your vehicle. Photography is prohibited at Anjarneri Fort as it has endemic wildflowers which are endangered.

When is the Best Season to do the Harihar Fort Trek

It is most satisfying to visit Harihar Gad from May end to February as this will allow you to see the incredible panoramic views from the fort covered in dense green.

During monsoon season, the Harihar Fort Trek is regularly banned due to large crowds on the weekend. The rainy season is also the best time to get amazing views of the Sahyadri forts. The surrounding area's hills and forts are just peeking above the clouds. The rice fields are verdant green, the green grass on the plateau swaying and dancing with the winds. The views of the rock-cut steps from the Maha Darwaja are out of this planet during the rainy season.

The winter trek to Harihar Killa in Nashik is much safer. The trekking route has fewer trekkers on the slope and offers a fantastic night sky to observe the moon, stars, constellations, and other celestial objects. You will get views of the famous peaks, forts, and lakes in the vicinity. During summer, night treks are recommended as the daily weather is very hot and humid, and the jungle is prone to forest fires. Please watch our Harihar fort video with more than 1.5 million views.

Nashik Fort Trek is the ultimate spot to be when you are in the midst of a monsoon season. The beautiful weather and the fantastic landscapes make it a perfect getaway for your vacation. Also, great adventure activities can be enjoyed while at the Nashik forts. Let us know if you need any help with booking our package deals.

Which are the challenging segments on the Harihar Fort Nashik Trek

The iconic rock-cut steps that head to the pinnacle of Harihar fort trek are the most challenging section. During the monsoon season, both the staircases before and after Mahadarvaja might be slick. Would you please wear good trekking shoes for this trek? 

Climbing the Harihar Killa steps is more difficult due to the moss development in the rainy season. When securing your foot, it is best to use extreme caution. Always maintain three-point contact and face the mountain while descending. There is also a difficult-to-navigate narrow traverse. That section should be crossed with caution. It will be exposed on your left-hand side. Keep to your right while walking here.

From its base village, Harihar Garh appears to be rectangular. It is built on a triangular prism of rock. Its three faces and two edges are vertical at 90 degrees. The third edge towards the west is inclined at an angle of 75 degrees. A one-meter wide rocky staircase with niches in it is carved out for ascending and descending the fort.

Watch our video of Harihar fort Nashik click on the below image.

There are 117 steps in all. After you climb the first rocky staircase main entrance, we walk below an overhang with a sheer drop. Again one has to climb a set of steep stairs with niches, then pass thru a staircase inside the rock-like Peth Fort or Kothaligad Fort and then reach the top of the Fort. The view from the top is excellent. After climbing these steps, we get up to the entrance door. The Fort has got a tapering plateau with a raised level in the middle. There is a small temple of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva on the plateau. A small pond is there in front of this temple. Water from this pond can be used for drinking.

Making headway from here, we come across a palace having two rooms in it. 10 to 12 persons can be accommodated in this palace. One of the vertical drops of the Fort facing the Nirgudpada village is called 'Scottish Kada', perhaps because it was climbed for the first time in November 1986 by Doug Scott, the legendary Himalayan mountaineer & took him two days to do the climb. This cliff is about 170 meters in height.

Nashik Forts are the best place to go for treks. The majestic beauty of this city and its surroundings is what attracts tourists to it. Nashik forts trek is one such attraction that will make you fall in love with this city. Nashik forts are Located on top of a hill, and the forts also have natural caves carved out by the water, making them even more attractive.

How to reach Harihar Fort Nashik Maharashtra?

There are two paths to the Nashik Harihar Fort. Both paths begin in villages that are easily approachable by public transportation or your transportation. The two favorite trailheads for the hike are mentioned below. 

• Harshewadi Village
• Nirgudpada Village via Kotamwadi Villagae   

Using your vehicle to get to the starting position 

Both of the settlements named above have roads that are wide enough to accommodate automobiles.

1. How to reach Harshewadi: Nashik is closer to this village, around 42 kilometers. Nashik Trekkers prefer to begin their climb here. 

• How to reach Nirgudpada: Both Mumbai and Nashik have access to it. Mumbai to Nirgudpada distance is 160 kilometers. Nashik to Nirgudpada distance is 41 kilometers. Pune to Nirgudpada distance is 260 kilometers. 

There is ample parking space available in both the villages. There are many homestays and small dhabas available for trekkers at the trailheads. 

How to get to Harihar Killa's starting point utilizing public transportation systems.

View of Harihar Fort Igatpuri from Kotamwadi

1. Arriving at Nirgudpada or Kotamwadi

You will need to board the train for Kasara Railway station on the Mumbai central railway line. It takes up to two hours and 30 minutes to reach Kasara from CSMT. Once you reach Kasara, you will find many jeep taxis to Harihargad negotiate a good price until the base village. They will drop you and pickup up after you complete the trek. 

Local state transport bus timings are difficult to match with your trek itinerary. You will need to get down at Khodala and look for a local sharing jeep till Kotamwadi or Hire local jeeps till Kotamwadi or Nirgudpada. 

During your return journey finding local sharing jeeps and state transport buses will be a slow process. You might need to hitchhike to the nearest town like Khodala. We recommend hiring a jeep from Kasara Railway Station in groups of 5 to 8 to cut down the transport cost. 

Pro Tip for Trekkers: If you reach Kasara station past 10 pm, it is better to prebook your taxi as the taxi stand will be closed. 

2. Arriving Harshewadi, Trailhead Harihar Fort Maharashtra

If you're coming from Mumbai, take a local train to Nashik. To get to Harshewadi, grab a cab from Nashik. You can also reach Kasara railway station and board a sharing taxi till Nashik.

If you plan to use state transport buses, you will need to get down at Trimbakeshwar and board a sharing jeep or hire a private jeep till Harshewadi. 

Return journey after the Trek Harihar Fort Maharashtra 

Do keep in mind there are few buses till 5 pm only that go till larger towns. In case you are late you can ask locals for a jeep taxi number. You can also spend the night at the homestay or pitch your tent in an open area after permission from the property owner.

Homestay also helps with your transport and will help you negotiate a good price for the jeep taxi.    

Harihar Fort Trek overcrowding incidents? 

You will find many beautiful videos online showing the beauty of the fantastic wonder of Maharashtra Harihar Killa. During monsoon on weekends, thousands of tourists reach the fort and try to summit it simultaneously, creating a dangerous and unpleasant overcrowding situation. 

It is best to avoid the Harihar Fort Trek during the rainy season due to the dangers of overcrowding, which can lead to incidents. Authorities have no way of controlling such massive crowds that are coming on weekends. 

Authorities typically ban the Nashik forts treks once the local newspapers report incidents of overcrowding and social media videos make the situation viral. The local authorities office is planning to issue daily permits for Nashik fort treks, but we have seen this has not been able to control the crowds in the case of Andharban Trek. 

The best situation is to trek at Harihar garh during the weekdays as the crowd numbers drop by 95 %. You can easily make good content and enjoy the hiking experience. 

Trekking in Maharashtra is a year-round activity that delivers the best experience for trekkers. The monsoons make for an ideal season to trek with milder temperatures and better visibility into the forest. 

We offer a wide range of treks in Maharashtra, from easy to complex, depending on your preferences and fitness levels. No matter your choice, you can be sure we will have one for you!  

About Markandya Killa 

Markandya Fort, also known as Markinda Fort, Markanda Fort, or Markandeya Killa in Marathi, is a fort 52 kilometres from Nashik. On the Wani-Kalwan Link Road, the trailhead village is called Mulane. Wani hamlet, which is 5.5 kilometres from Wani, is the closest town. This fort is located across from the revered Saptashringi hill.