Location: Akole Taluka / Igatpuri / Ahmednagar
Distance from Pune: 175 km
Distance from Mumbai: 160 km
Trekking Duration: 1 day
Trekking Length: 3 hours to the summit
Starting point: Bari Goan is the base village
Best season: Monsoon / Winter
Difficulty: Moderate / Medium (not for first time trekkers as the way up takes about 3 hrs).
Height: 1646 mt (5400 feet) above sea level.
What to see at the fort:
- Kalsubai temple at the summit
- Highest peak in Maharashtra
- View of nearby forts
- Being the highest peak it commands beautiful views of surrounding
- Get a feel of the clouds touching the mountains
A brief history:
Kalsubai, according to local legend, was the name of a tormented daughter-in-law who ran away to the top of a hill to escape harassment from her in-laws. She is believed to have disappeared here and the locals built a temple in her memory on the peak’s summit. The hill is named Kalsubai after her.
Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra and is one of the most enjoyable treks. The route to the top is well marked and many trekkers and pilgrims visit to reach the peak which has a small temple of Kalsubai. During monsoon the peak is like being in heaven and is covered with fog and has strong winds blowing. But the best time to visit is during September just after monsoon when there are thousands of wild flowers blooming everywhere and the climate is just perfect for a trek.
Kalsubai trek has three ladders which have been installed by locals to make the trekking route till Mount Kalsubai easy. When trekkers reach the carved steps and later ladder from Bari Village you would have covered 1/3rd of the trek. After all the ladders are over 2/3rd of the trek is over. After a decent walk on plateau you will reach the final ladder till Kalsubai summit. Trekking Kalsubai peak takes about 3 hours and can be very tiring hence carry enough food and water. Trekkers can also take a night trek in winter and enjoy the sunrise at Kalsubai.
Camping info:
Camping in and around Kalsubai is possible and campers can bring in their own tents and rations for the night. However the best option for camping would be by the Arthur Lake near Bhandardara. Bari the base village is less than half an hour from Bhandardara with the rugged Sahyadri hills providing the perfect backdrop for the tranquil lake.
How to reach:
From Mumbai ->
It takes about 3 hours to reach Kalsubai from Mumbai by road. Hence it is advisable to take the road route rather than the train from convenience point of view.
If you’re planning to make an overnight journey then plan your stay at Bhandardara which is about 20 km from the base village of Bari. Nature enthusiasts can also camp at the banks of Bhandardara Lake.
Best route from Mumbai to Kalsubai: Mumbai –> Kalyan –> Asangao –> Sakurli –> Ghatgar –> Bhandardara –> Bari –> Kalsubai.
Alternate route: Mumbai –> Kalyan –> Asangaon –> Khardi –> Igatpuri –> Ghoti –> Bari –> Kalsubai.
From Pune – >
Pune -> Nasik Phata -> Narayangao -> Otur -> Bhramanwada -> Kotul -> Rajur -> Bhandardara – >Bari -> Kalsubai
There are several S.T(State Transport) buses plying between Pune and Bhandardara. From Bhandardara trekkers can hire local transport and reach Bari the base village for the Kalsubai trek.
For bookings for a Monsoon Trek to Kalsubai Peak PLEASE CLICK HERE
Caution: The roads and trails leading to the fort are quite slippery during Monsoon so be careful while venturing on a trek.For more information read: Precautions to be taken during Monsoon trekking.