Harishchandragad Trek and Camping 2024 | Mumbai and Pune

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.

Q1: Is there permission required to complete this Trek?

A1: NO, there's no permission required. You can plan it with treks and trails as solo or through a group. The fort is located inside Kalsubai Harishchandragad wildlife sanctuary; sometimes, the local forest office imposes entry fees and timings. 

Q2: Can one camp on Harishchandragad Fort? 

A1: Yes, absolutely, camping is allowed there; be mindful that it can be crowded as many trekkers are camping there. Harishchandragad night stay should be inside tents as there are many snakes, scorpions on the plateau. Harishchandragad camping contact number is 8828004949. Harishchandragad stay options include Dhabas, Mudhouse, Tents, Caves; these options are available for trekkers. 

Q3: Are there enough eating outlets and facilities for drinking water on the way to the Trek?

A3: The Answer is Yes. There are ample options of restaurants and small eating joints at the base. Moreover, throughout the Trek, you will have small outlets selling snacks and Tea/Coffee, and even mineral water. If you are comfortable, you may also fill up your bottles from the stream water that flows along your way. So be assured that food and water won't be an issue at all.

Q4: Can everyone do Harishchandragad Trek?

A4: Yes, that's the best part of this Trek. If you are a beginner, take the route through Pachnai Village. If you are a moderate level trekker and have done a few treks, take the Khireshwar route. If you are a Pro Trekker, take the Belpada Village route. Hence it's open to every kind of trekker and provides equal scenic views whichever route you choose.

Q5: Is there any recommended time to start the Harishchandragad Trek?

A5: It completely depends upon how you plan your Trek. If you are someone who wishes to camp overnight and completes the Trek in 2 days, then reach the base village early in the morning and make sure you reach the top before Sunset to soak into the beauty of the surrounding. Pitch a tent for the night and lay under the stars to experience their beauty. Start the descend the next day post breakfast, halting and exploring the route with ease.

If you wish to complete the Trek in a day, then reach the base village before Sunset a day before and start trekking so that you can reach the top by afternoon next day and can start the descent the same day so that you reach back base village by late evening and home by late night.

Here are a few Emergency Contact Numbers:

Hospitals: The nearest hospital is Prathamika Arogya Kendra Madh.

Police Station: Located 20 km away from the starting point, the Junnar Police Station is considered the nearest one.

ERSS: For any other emergency, the toll-free Pan India Emergency Response Support System – 112

The ATMs and the Mobile Network:

ATMs: From Kalyan, Murbad is the place to find the ATMs, precautionary carry around INR 1500-2000 in Cash. From Pune, the Bank of Maharashtra is the nearest ATM on the way.

Mobile Network is good all along the highway. The only issue you may face is at the base village. Once you reach the top of Harishchandragad and the Taramati Peak, you will receive a good mobile signal.

Recommendation for Places after completing the Harishchandragad Trek:

The Pimpalgaon Joga Dam: Built on the Pushpavato River, it provides water to the Junnar, Alephata, Narayangaon, and Otur.

It's a great place to pitch a tent for an overnight experience.

The Naneghat Reverse Waterfall: The strong winds blow away the water in the opposite direction. It appears as if the waterfall is happening in the reverse direction, denying the gravitational force.

The Amrutheshwara Temple: Built by King Jhanj, this Shiva Temple is 1200 years old. Carved out of red and black stones, it has an auspicious significance among the villagers. Due to its sheer beautiful surroundings, the area around the temple is also known as the Kashmir of Maharashtra.

Other Forts around the Harishchandragad Fort: Jivdhan, Bhairavgad, Sindola, and Hadsar Fort. Each has its historical significance and a story to it. If you have ample time, you may choose to stay back in some hotel and explore these before heading back home.

Harishchandragad Trek 2024 | Harishchandragad Fort from Mumbai /Pune

A trek to Harishchandragad Fort, a favourite destination from Mumbai and Pune. A part of Kalsubai Harishchandragad wildlife sanctuary. Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district of India. Its history is linked with that of Malshej Ghat, Kothale village and it has played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region. Harishchandragad Fort Trek left an indelible mark on my heart at the very first moment my eyes met and feasted on the views from the fort. 

Harishchandragad trek from Pune distance via the Khireshwar village is 125 kilometers. It takes four hours to reach Harishchandragad Fort from the Khireshwar village route. Harishchandragad night trek from Pune from the Khireshwar village is popular during the winter and summer seasons.

How do I get to Harishchandragad Sahyadri Fort Trek?

How to Reach Harishchandragad by Train. The nearest railway station to Harishchandragad fort is Igatpuri Train Station at a distance of 41 km away from Harishchandragad Fort. However, to arrive here, you need to take a train from Kalyan Mumbai. Please wear good trekking shoes for Harischandragad Trek. 

Which season is best for Harishchandragad?

In Malshej ghat, Harishchandragad Fort is a prominent sightseeing attraction and the best months (or season) to visit there coincides with that of the destination itself - Aug, Sep are considered the best time to visit Harishchandragad fort. Ancient water tanks look most beautiful post-monsoon period. There are many Harishchandragad trek routes that are open during different seasons. 

Khireshwar Temple

Khireshwar Temple is a wonderful historic structure with a variety of creative pieces on display. Carvings can be found on the temple's ceiling. The 1.5-meter long sculpture of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping posture, popularly known as "Sheshshayi Vishnu" in Marathi, is the primary feature of the carvings here. It is extremely rare, and as a result, it is quite valuable. There are several legends about this artwork. Near the temple, there are caverns.

Because it is tied to Mahadeva as a totem of tribes Mahadev Koli, the carvings on the temples of Nageshwar in Khireshwar village, the Harishchandreshwar temple, and the cave of Kedareshwar suggest that the fort dates from the medieval period. 

How can I reach Harishchandragad from Mumbai? Harishchandragad route information?

How to reach Harishchandragad from Mumbai

1. Catch a local going towards Kalyan (on Central Line). ...
2. The ST depot is just beside the station on the west side. ...
3. Ask the ST conductor for a ticket of Khubi Phata. ...
4. Get down at Khubi Phata and start walking on the 6 km long dam that just starts beside the road.

Harishchandragad, a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is one of the most challenging treks in the Western Ghats. Harishchandragad is one of the trekker's paradise with simultaneous rappelling, camping, rock climbing and valley crossing with steep slopes and is considered to be the difficult treks in all of Sahyadri Fort.

Harishchandragad fort trek, a part of Kalsubai Harishchandragad wildlife sanctuary, is 210 km NE of Mumbai and 170 Km South of Pune.4,691 feet above sea-level, with ruined fortifications and ancient caves tracing back to the Microlithic age, Harishchandragad fort is a perfect trekking destination in the Sahyadris.

Haishchandragad Fort offers an amazing trek amidst Sahyadri Mountains. Various trek routes to reach atop fort displays the splendid beauty of nature. In the Harischandragad trek by Pachnai route, discover the captivating beauty of an ancient fort & the clear night skies. Be a shutterbug and join the moonlight trek. Harishchandragad is no stranger to the trek lovers of Mumbai. In the last decade, new routes have been discovered. Get set for an adrenaline rush as you trek to the beautiful hill fort of Harishchandragad. Located in the Ahmednagar area, this fort is a popular trekking destination.

Harishchandragad Trek - The crown of Maharashtra

Situated in Ahmednagar In the lap of Malshej Ghat, this Western Ghats trek offers you some whimsical views that are mesmerizing and, at the same time challenging to conquer. Rising to the height of 4670 feet, this abode to the ancient fort of Harishchandragad dates back to the 6th century under the Kalchuri Dynasty. Believed that the caves that you trek upon were carved in the 11th century.

This magical Trek has multiple ways of reaching the top, and its believed each Harishchandragad trek route offers a glimpse of the diverse culture of the glorious past. The Harishchandra Temple, the Kedareshwar cave, and the Saptatheertha Pushkarni are great examples of the beautiful architecture and diversity the era held. Harishchandragad Kokankada is a natural wonder of Maharashtra. 

Let's delve deeper into this challenging yet beautiful Trek and conquer it with all heart.

What the Trek has to offer :

The Konkan Kada: The Konkan Kada – a cliff that overlooks the Konkan region.Mesmerizing you with its concave structure, you get to experience many natural phenomena such as broken spectres, vertical cloud bursts, etc. The clouds near the cliff appear as if they have been sucked in by the pitfalls and thrown out vertically, creating an illusion of having a vertical cloud burst. The dewdrop creates a spectacular view when the sunrise gives birth to a circular rainbow, and you feel as you have levitated to the magical land full of natural beauty. Trust us, and it's a soulful experience for the eyes to capture.

The Sun God doesn't deprive you of another beautiful experience of Sunset that leaves the valley in its awe by merging with the horizon to rise again another day.

In case your question is not listed above, you can email us at highfive@treksandtrails.org

Whatsapp 8828004949 ( Monday to Saturday, 11.30 am to 7.00 pm only )