Harishchandragad Trek
Harishchandragad is one of the best high forts near Mumbai, Maharashtra. Strong fortifications of this fort have multiple entry routes such as the Junnar gate route, Sadhale ghat, Nalichi wat, and Indore Vaat.
The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar in Khireshwar village, in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of Moghuls. The Marathas captured it in 1747. Main attractions on Fort: Sapta Tirta Pushkarini, Kedareshwar Cave, Konkan Kada - Konkan cliff, Taramati peak, Temple of Harishchandreshwar.
Harishchandragad Trek Event Details
- Harishchandragad trek grade difficulty level: medium
- Harishchandragad trek endurance level: medium
- Harishchandragad trek height: 4650 feet approx. above sea level
- Region: Igatpuri, Ahmednagar, Junnar
- Total time required for climbing: 3 hours uphill climb one way.
- Harishchandragad trek distance from Paachnai village: 5 km uphill
- Drive from Pune: 170 km one way.
- Cost: Rs. 1399/- per person
Harishchandragad Trek Event Itinerary
Day Zero
- 08:45 pm - Meet us at McDonald's, Deccan. (https://goo.gl/maps/vDqyKCHanhSMxG1M6)
- 09:00 pm - Move towards base village.
- 09:20 pm - Pick up at New Shivaji nagar bus stop. (https://goo.gl/maps/SfmCVQFKPsGLZtcc7)
- 09:40 pm - Pick up at Nashik Phata. (https://goo.gl/maps/3FkGAuJrKrkip2wj6)
Day One
03:30 am - Reach at base village.
04:00 am - Start ascending.
07:00 am - Reach at top.
Visit Harishchandreshwar temple, Kedareshwar temple, Pushkarani, Caves.
08:00 am - Start trek towards Kokankada.
08:30 am - Reach Kokankada and have a breakfast.
Enjoy your time at Kokankada.
10:00 am - Start descending.
12:30 pm - Reach at base village and have a lunch.
01:30 pm - start return journey towards Pune.
10:00 pm - Approx. arrival at Pune.
How to book?
- Click on the "BOOK NOW" button.
- Select your departure date and click on pay and book button.
- Select your ticket type and quantity. (If you have a coupon code, apply at this stage)
- Fill out your personal details and proceed with reviews & payment.
- Select your payment type (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) and proceed.
- Once your tickets are booked, you will receive confirmation via email. (Please provide valid email id)
- A WhatsApp group link will be sent to your WhatsApp number 8 hours prior to the departure. (Please provide WhatsApp number while booking)
- Event Details and Trek Leaders details will be shared on that WhatsApp group only.
Please Note
- If you wrongly booked for different date or batch. And you want to change date within 3 days of departure, then transfer charges will be applied which will be Rs. 200/- per person.
What is included in the tour
- Travel by private non-Ac vehicle
- 1 veg breakfast and 1 veg lunch
- Forest entry charges
- Trek Leader expertise charges
- E-certificate
What is NOT included in the tour
- Entry fee for foreign nationals
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered.
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- 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 required.
- 2/3 liters of water
- Proper face mask or shield
- Sanitizer
- Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on trek
- Good Torch must with extra battery
- Jacket
- Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars
- Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets
- One Day Backpack 20 to 30 liters
- 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
Cancellation Policy and Charges
- 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.
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.
Event Updates
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Step 2: Ping us your name and email
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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. Can we drive to Pachnai Village - Harishchandragad Trek?
Yes, you can drive to Panchnai village. Please note there is no mobile network in the village. Harishchandragad trek difficulty level from the Pachnai village is medium. It takes two hours to reach the Harishchandragad temple. The trek route is well marked, and barriers are placed at dangerously exposed sections to help hikers avoid any accidents. The road conditions from Ghoti turn till Pachnai village are in bad condition suited for SUV car.
2. Distance from Mumbai to Pachnai village?
Six hours drive from Mumbai - 180 km approx.
3. Distance from Pune to Pachnai Village?
Harishchandragad trek from Pune via the Pachnai route is six hours drive from Pune, 240 km approx.
4. The number of days required for this event?
We will start the bus journey at night, followed by a Harishchandragad trek on arrival, followed by a return journey by bus from Pachnai. Harishchandragad in monsoon has become a popular trek recently, with road access improvements to the Pachnai village. It takes two hours to reach the caves from the trailhead. The Kokankada is completely covered in Fog sometimes, and the route is blocked due to low visibility.
5. Where can we park our cars?
Base Village at your own risk. There is ample parking available.
6. Is there any parking charge at Harishchandragad Trek, Pachnai Village?
Yes, locals normally ask for a parking fee.
7. Do you provide sleeping bags?
No Sleeping bag. For hygiene reasons, we don't provide sleeping bags.Harishchandragad trek and camping, please carry two bedsheets or your sleeping bag with a camping mat.
8. Is the toilet available on Harishchandragad?
Not available. During the trek, toilets are not available.
9. Do Single travelers females sign up for these events?
We have 60 - 40 % or more Male - Female ratios on our events.
Many Single Travelling Females join our events.
10. Are kids allowed on treks?
Kids below 15 with Parents' supervision only.
11. What type of food will be provided?
Food preference only Veg local home-cooked is available. Abundant crystal clear drinking water is available along the route.
12. Phone connectivity?
Limited phone connectivity is available for most cellular services.
13. Where will we stay at Harishchandragad?
We will not stay at Harishchandragad for this event. We are going for a day trek; we will start early morning and return by lunch at the Pachnai village.
14. Is cash payment or spot payment accepted?
Cash payment is not accepted. Registration against 100% upfront payment only via Gpay / UPI / NEFT / IMPS / Payment Gateway on the spot payment not accepted. We need to book in advance bus/jeep and make other arrangements upfront payment is a must.
15. Will I get bottled water?
Normal well water shall be provided. Pure natural water is available on the trail route.
16. Can I charge my phone?
No electricity. Please carry a power bank if required.
17. How is the weather now?
Summer Temperature Night 13- Day 39°C approx.
18. Can we smoke or drink alcohol?
People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.
19. Can we listen to music on Bluetooth speakers?
Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking, Bluetooth speakers not allowed inside homestay. Kalsubai Harishchandragad wildlife sanctuary forest department doesn't allow speakers inside the forest.
20. How do I make payment?
You can pay online on our website on how to register tabs.
Places to visit on Harishchandragad Trek
1. Harishchandragad Kokan Kada
This interesting cliff faces west and provides views of the surrounding region. The cliff has an overhang, but many times it's been climbed by curious explorers like yourself! Sometimes a circular rainbow can be seen from this point, a rare phenomenon that happens when there is mist in the valley, and you're looking straight at its source, i.e., behind someone. One cool thing to look out for here are vertical cloud bursts: When approaching cliffs or mountain ranges with low-lying clouds above them on windy days, if these clouds get sucked into pockets below, they may shoot vertically upwards more than 50 feet, so keep your eyes peeled for those as well! Harishchandragad Trek in winter is popular among hikers; you get excellent views from the Kokankada.
2. Saptatirtha Pushkarni
On the east side of Harishchandreshwar temple is a beautiful small lake, originally a potable source of drinking water. However, due to recent trekkers who have been throwing their garbage in it and because plastic cannot be destroyed by sunlight, this once-potable water no longer has any drinkability. Locals usually swim here during the monsoon season and winters Making it unusable for drinking. A few years ago, at the Saptatirtha Pushkarni, there were many lakeside idols dedicated to various Gods such as Vishnu. But now, these deities have been moved to nearby caves for protection from the elements and tourists.
3. Kedareshwar Cave
At your right, as you approach Harishchandreshwar temple, there is the huge cave of Kedareshwar, in which a big Shiva Linga stands. It's surrounded by ice-cold waist-deep water. The height from base to top measures five feet, and it can be hard for pilgrims to reach due to the icy cold water. But that doesn't stop them! There are sculptures constructed out in the cave. It is sometimes difficult to reach Kedareshwar cave in the rainy season, as a river flows over the way.
This is the origin of River Mangalganga. There were four pillars erected encompassing the Shiva Linga to maintain the cave. Now only one Pillar is standing. Though four pillars were surrounding the Linga, presently, there is just one Pillar unimpaired. Locals believe the pillars to be representatives of yuga or time, namely, Satya, Treta, Dvapara and the Kali Yuga.
4. Caves on Harishchandragad
The natural caves that make up the fort are scattered throughout and give refuge to exhausted adventurers. Some of these can be located near dhabas, some far away in forests unexplored by outsiders but known well to locals. The most magnificent cave is situated on a hillside not too close, or far from Saptatirtha Pushkarni at 30 feet deep and with many entrances, so it's easy for anyone who enters time again to find their way back inside after exploring outside.
Earlier trekkers would stay in these caves during the rainy season and winters. With many Dhabas coming up who offer Harishchandragad camping services, very few people now stay in the caves while trekking.
5. Pachnai Village
Pachnai village is located 210 kilometres from Mumbai. The main source of income for villagers is running restaurants at the base village, dhabas along the route, food and camping on the Harishchandragad mountain for trekkers and pilgrims. It is located at an altitude of 2592 feet above sea level. During the monsoon season, the village is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls. Post monsoon rice fields can be seen everywhere. It has a lot of wildlife. Pre-monsoon is famous for fireflies spotting. Though the total road distance is around 210 km, it will easily take 6 to 8 hours to reach the village. The roads leading to the village are in bad shape and constantly under repairs due to damage done by heavy rainfall each year. Spending a day exploring the nearby waterfalls and staying with at local homestays is recommended.
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.
How to trek with kids during a trek?
Trekking with kids can be a fantastic family adventure! Here are some tips to make it a great experience: Choose trails suitable for their age and abilities. Pack plenty of snacks, water, and their favorite treats to keep their energy up. Encourage them to explore and appreciate nature along the way. Take regular breaks for rest and games. Ensure they have comfortable shoes and dress in layers for the changing weather. Embrace the adventure together and create lasting memories. Have fun!
Which trek do you recommend for kids around Mumbai?
For kid-friendly treks near Mumbai, there are several options to choose from. Sondai, Karnala, and Lohagad offer scenic trails with moderate difficulty suitable for children. Prabalmachi, Matheran, and Korigad provide a mix of nature and historical exploration. Jambulmal and One Tree Hill are ideal for shorter treks with beautiful views. Dodhani Village in Matheran is another excellent choice for a family-friendly trek. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience and a chance for kids to connect with nature while enjoying the outdoors.
Kids trek near Mumbai - click here
Is it safe to go on a trek during monsoon in Maharashtra?
Trekking in Maharashtra during the monsoon season can be safe if proper precautions are taken. It is critical to choose well-maintained trails, listen to experienced guides, and stay up to date on weather conditions. Avoid going into unsafe regions or attempting dangerous river crossings. Always prioritise safety and be ready for slippery terrain and unpredictable weather.
How to protect your gadgets in monsoon trek
To protect your gadgets during a monsoon trek, take essential precautions. Invest in waterproof covers or cases for your gadgets and use a dry bag or waterproof pouch to store them when not in use. Ziplock bags can provide additional protection. Place silica gel packs in your bags to absorb moisture. Use umbrellas or rain covers to shield your gadgets from rain. Avoid submerging them in water and consider backing up your data regularly. Carry power banks or extra batteries for backup power. Being cautious will help ensure the safety of your gadgets in wet conditions.
What should I pack for a monsoon trek in Maharashtra?
Pack essential items such as a waterproof backpack, rainproof jacket, quick-drying clothing, extra pairs of socks, trekking shoes with good grip, insect repellent, a waterproof cover for electronic devices, and a first aid kit. Carry enough water and energy snacks as well.
Are leeches a problem during monsoon treks in Maharashtra?
Yes, leeches can be encountered during monsoon treks in Maharashtra, especially in forested areas. To protect yourself, wear long socks, tuck your pants into your socks, and apply insect repellent on your legs. Carry a salt or lime solution to detach leeches if they attach to your skin.
What are some popular monsoon treks in Maharashtra?
Some popular monsoon treks in Maharashtra include Harishchandragad, Rajmachi, Andharban, Kalsubai, Bhimashankar, Tikona Fort, Torna Fort, Ratangad, Naneghat, and Visapur Fort. These treks offer scenic beauty and a unique experience during the monsoon season.
In case your question is not listed above, you can email us at highfive@treksandtrails.org
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