Harishchandragad Trek

Harishchandragad Trek

Maharashtra 2 Days

Easy

0 KM

MAX 15

MAX ALTITUDE

1422 mts.


2500 + 5% GST

Kasara to Kasara

Add Ons

Available Batches

Brief Description

Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. There are many routes to hike up to the fort. The most common ones are from Khireshwar, Belpada and Pachnai (which is also the easiest approach) . The views from the Taramati peak, which is the highest point on the fort are awe-inspiring If you are lucky enough you may even stop a Leopard in the forest that lies beyond this peak. Considered as one of the most beautiful trails, Harishchandragad is one of the most famous hill forts in the Western Ghats. With a massive cliff overlooking the Konkan side, the views are breathtaking and a gem for adventurists and nature lovers. Harishchandragad Trek is a perfect weekend trek for those in Mumbai and Pune who wish to venture into the world of hiking. Stay on this page for more information on the Harishchandragad Trek - FAQs, Itinerary, Facts, Inclusion and exclusion.



Itinerary

localtion
Day 1

Pachnai Village to Kokankada

Arrive at Kasara Railway Station by 8am. Our vehicles will pick you up and drive to Pachnai which will take about 5 hours. Arrive at Pachnai by 1pm and have lunch. We will start the trek by 2pm and reach Kokankada by 5pm and break for tea. Settle in camp and have dinner. Overnight in tents.


localtion
Day 2

Kokankada to Harishchandragad to Pachnai Village. Drive to Kasara railway station

We will have tea & breakfast and depart by 7:30am. Its a 2 hours easy hike to the top. Then we will explore the caves, Harishchandragad temple and Kedareshwar Shivling. After having some refreshments we will head back by 12pm. We will reach Pachnai by 2pm and have lunch. Our vehicles will pick you up and drop you at Kasara railway station by 8pm.



Frequently Asked Questions

Pick your question

Eligibility: Experience required

This trek can be done by beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The overall this trail is easy to cover with a few challenges and zig-zag paths.

Eligibility: Fitness benchmark

There is no requirement of extreme fitness training for this trek. If you have basic physical fitness and knowledge of trekking you must undertake this trek.

Eligibility: Requisite Skills

Basic mountain mannerisms. Basics of knowledge of mountain ascending and descending techniques.

About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?

Harishchandragad Trek

Harishchandragad is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This region is known for its scenic beauty and historical importance. The ancient fort from the medieval period represents the great history of this place. If you are an adventure buff and love history, then this trek should be on your bucket list. With more than one approach to the fort, the Harishchandragad trek is one of the most challenging treks in Maharashtra. With the unparalleled beauty of western ghats, the trek is ideal for both beginners and advanced trekkers alike.

Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?

This trek can be done all around the year. But the monsoon season of July - September is when the scenery comes to life and makes it stunningly beautiful. The trek can be best enjoyed between the months of October to March when the temperature will be much cooler.

Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?

By Road: You can reach Pachnai Village by taking a local train from Mumbai to Kasara and a short cab ride after that. From Pune you can directly reach by car in a few hours.

Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?

The cellular network is available in several patches of the trek.

Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?

The main attraction here is the Konkan Kada which offers a spectacular view of Konkan. you will also visit the Temple of Harishchandreshwar, Kedareshwar Cave, Ganesh Gufa, Saptatirtha, Kedareshwar, and Taramatipeak.

About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?

Harishchandragad Trek

Anyone who is new to the trekking and wants to venture into the experience should begin with this trek. Harishchandragad trek is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune. There are multiple ways to trek up to the Harishchandragad fort. With abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery, the Harishchandragad Trek with the Taramati Peak is awe-inspiring.

Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?

Anyone who is new to the trekking and wants to venture into the experience could begin with Harishchandragad trek. This trek is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune. The Western Ghats hosts some of the most spectacular hikes with stunning scenery. The Harishchandragad trek gives you a glimpse into the history and also throws some mesmerizing vistas at you.

Eligibility: Experience required

Since it is a beginner’s trek, you need no special prior experience. Although one is required to have mental preparedness and stamina before he begins the trek. Running exercise is recommended.

Eligibility: Fitness benchmark

1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.

Best Season:

The best season to do the Harishchandragad trek would be from the beginning of monsoons in mid-June to end of winters, which is around the end of Feb. However, the trek and views of the surroundings are especially beautiful during monsoons, which is when this trek is most popular.

Packing List: What to pack

It is essential to pack a backpack with rain cover, waterproof shoes, trekking poles (optional), food and snacks, water bottles

Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?

The base of the trek Pachnai Village is easily accessible from Mumbai or Pune.

Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?

Intermittent cellular network during the trek.

Packing List: What to pack



Click here for text packing list.

Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?

Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?

Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?

The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?

Accommodation on trek days is in tents on a twin sharing basis.

Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?

We use four-season Gipfel tents and sleeping bags. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward, provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.

Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?

Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.

Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?

There will be no snow on this trek.

Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?

Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.

Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?

You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack

Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?

There ill be no snow on this trek.

Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?

Monsoon season will see a significant amount of rainfall with temperatures ranging from 30 to 20 degree celsius. Winter months will be much cooler with temperatures dropping down to as low as 10 to 15 degrees at night.

Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?

No, there is no option to offload your backpack.

Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?

A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.

Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?

No, trekking pole is not necessary.

Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?

It is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last-minute buying.

Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?

Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.

Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?

Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.

Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?

You will be picked up and dropped at Kasara Railway Station

Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?

Expect to reach Kasara Railway Station by evening.

Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?

There are no mandatory documents required for this trek.


Why Bikat

Learning Experience
  • We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
  • We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
  • To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
  • These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs

Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.

  • Currently we have three levels:
  • Basic Membership
  • Summiteer Membership
  • Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
  • Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
  • Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
  • On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
  • Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
  • Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
  • Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
  • Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
  • We follow a rolling campsite model.
  • We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety

For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.

  • To ensure this:
  • Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
  • The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
  • Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
  • Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.

Reviews


What's Included

Whats Included

  • Meals during Trek
  • Forest Permits/Camping Charges , if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
  • Safety Equipment
  • Trek guide, cook, helpers.
  • Services of a Trek Leader
  • Accommodation during the trek (Tents/Guesthouses)
  • Transportation from Kasara Village and back to the same

Whats Not Included?

  • Meals during road journeys
  • Cost of any kind of travel insurance
  • Any expense of personal nature
  • Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
  • Portage of personal rucksacks

Cancellation Policy

Cash Refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction

Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50% deduction

Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund

Voucher Refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction

Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund

Please note
  • Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
  • This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

Blog Posts

How to Choose the perfect pair of Trekking Shoes?

Sarthak Madan 21 May 2021

<p><span style="color: #000000;">Your choice of trekking shoes can make your trek a blissful or blister-full experience based on how well it fits you. A good pair of trekking shoes is the most essential piece of equipment you will use while hiking.&n

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Certifications

Ministry of Tourism
Indian Mountaineering Foundation