Kalsubai Peak Trek, Maharashtra

Description

Kalsubai Trek Without Transportation : 899 + 5%GST
Kalsubai Trek from Mumbai : 1199 + 5% GST
Kalsubai Trek from Pune : 1350 + 5% GST

Kalsubai Trek is the highest mountain in the range of Western Ghats in Maharashtra, India with an altitude precisely 1,646 meters/5,400 ft above the sea level. It is famous for trekking and people from cities like Mumbai and Pune visit this place often, because the location is comparatively easier to approach and the beautiful scenic view is unmatchable.

Trekking Information:

Location: Kalsubai mountain is in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, 150 k in from Mumbai and 120 k in from Pune on the Mumbai-Agra highway.

Difficulty: The kalsubai trek is marked moderate to difficult, mainly because the paths becomes steep and rocky at the final stages of the ascent.

Best Time to Visit: The best time for trekking to Kalsubai peak should be during the months of Oct-March as the season’s climate is more favourable for trekking as well as the weather is cool and clear.

Trek Route For Kalsubai Trek:

The kalsubai trek maps usually begin at the village known as Bari, which lies in trekker friendly area where one may reach by road.
The first segment of the trail entails crossing farms, and perhaps some climbing of stone stairs.
As you continue on the hike the terrain starts to get rather steep with some parts featuring rock out cropping and a sharply winding path.
Depending on the trail’s gradient, there are Ilons metal ladders along the trail to assist climbers incline some part of the trail.
At the slopes before the peak, there is a small temple of Lord Kalsubai which in turn, is worshipped by many trekkers.
The trial till the summit of the fort provides spectacular vantage point of Sahyadri mountain ranges and the surrounding forts.

Duration: It is possible to take between 3 and 5 hours to complete the trek and reach the summit depending with the hiker’s fitness level and his/her ability to pace themselves. It usually takes 2 to 3 hours to make the entire descent.

Things to Carry:

Sufficient amount of water which should be at least 2-3 liters for a person.
Snacks and energy bars
Proper shoes preferably trekking shoes with a proper grip for the terrain.
Headgear such as a hat and or a pair of sunglasses that is used as a protection from the sun.
Operators wore lightweight clothing, depending on the season/framework.
Basic first aid kit
Trekking pole (optional but would be very handy)

Safety Tips:

It is advisable to start early in the morning to reduce on the time spent trekking during the hot daylight as well as get to witness the sunset from the peak.
Succeeding in hiking requires that you go in groups or in the company of a guide in case you are new in the region.
Always ensure to check the weather because it changed within a short time especially in the Western Ghats area.
Do NOT drop litter, respect the environment in which the event will take place. Take all your litter home with you.

Other Attractions:

Bhandardara Lake: Nearest tourist place which is famous for natural beauty and calm atmosphere.
Ratangad Fort and Harishchandragad Fort: The other trekking activities in the same area.
Kalsubai trek is best for experienced trekkers besides, those who want to sharpen skills and have a thrilling experience observing the picturesque beauty of Maharashtra’s steep terrains.

How to Reach Kalsubai Trek Base (Bari Village):

From Mumbai:

By Road:

Head for NH-3 the Mumbai-Nashik Highway passing through Igatpuri.
On arriving at Igatpuri move further on the Ghoti, and then get on the Bari Village Road.
The direct distance between the two destinations is around 150 kilometers, and in worse or better traffic conditions, it may take approximately 3- 4 hours’ drive on the road.
From Pune:

By Road:

Proceed on the Pune-Nashik Highway (NH-50) up to Narayangaon and then further on to Alephata.
Proceed to Alephata and then join the road leading to Otur and then proceed to Bari Village.
The approximate road distance between Pune to Bari is almost 180 Kms and usually takes around 4 to 5 hours to travel.

By Train:

The nearest Railway Station to Bari Village is the Igatpuri Railway Station.
Auto-rickshaw or taxi can be hired from Igatpuri to reach Bari Village, it will take around 40 kilometers to reach there.
Travelling to Igatpuri can be easily done from Mumbai, Pune and other prominent cities of the Maharashtra by train.

By Bus:

Small state transport buses originate from Mumbai, Pune and Nashik for Igatpuri.
Initially you have to reach Igatpuri as it is nearest station and from there, you can easily get local transport like buses or else take private cars/taxis and reach Bari Village.

Note: One should particularly be very careful with the timetables of the local buses and the availability of the various means of transport in the area one intends to visit.