Article Published On - 25-04-2025
Kalsubai Peak Trek is renowned as the most significant peak in Maharashtra, standing at 1646 meters or 5400 Feet. Found within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalsubai Mountain belongs to the Sahyadri range of mountains. Providing a spectacular panorama, the peak’s raised position is matched by the existence of Bhandardara Dam. To guarantee ease of gain access, procedures have been required to help with the trek, consisting of the setup of railings, chains, and ladders at challenging areas. The trek enables trekkers to experience the charm of waterfalls, forests, meadows, and historic forts. At the summit, the Kalsubai Temple draws visitors from nearby towns looking for true blessings from Kalsubai Devi. The temple is a homage to a girl called Kalsubai, who lived in the mountains and selflessly helped villagers and animals. While traveling, one can see famous forts like Alang, Madan, and Kulang, which use a powerful difficulty to dominate. Additionally, on clear days, trekkers are dealt with amazing views of other surrounding forts such as Harihargad, Harishchandragad, and Ratangad. The appeal of experiencing an incredible sunrise has made the Kalsubai trek a popular option for night treks.
The Kalsubai Monsoon Trek uses a distinct and exciting experience throughout the damp season. The strong winds and foggy environment contribute to the obstacle of climbing Mount Kalsubai. However, regional homeowners’ setup of 3 ladders makes the journey simpler. Upon reaching the sculpted actions and ladder from Bari Village, the first third of the trek is finished. After browsing two-thirds of the trek, trekkers will reach the last ladder, resulting in the summit of Kalsubai. A brief walk throughout the plateau follows, culminating in breathtaking views from the top.
From the peak of Kalsubai Peak, prepare to be awestruck by the sensational scenic views of the marvelous Sahyadris. The famous fort peaks of Alang, Madan, Kulang, Ratangad, and Ajoba are noticeable from this perspective, providing a banquet for the eyes and an exhilarating experience for adventure-seekers. Trekkers frequently integrate numerous treks to magnify the enjoyment and difficulty.
As you trek from Bari village, you’ll start a leisurely journey through stunning fields, farmland, and meadows. This preliminary stretch of the trail uses the most pleasurable and uncomplicated strolling experience, enabling you to take in the natural charm of the environment. The trek emphasizes the enjoyment of scaling large rock faces utilizing four successive iron ladders! This ladder area provides the most significant obstacle for travelers, with trekkers and villagers taking a trip in both instructions. The monsoon season brings an included layer of intricacy to browsing these ladders.
The temple committed to Kalsubai Devi is considered extremely lucky, and various villagers continue to make expeditions to get the true blessings of Kalsubai Devi. The temple stays available throughout the year.
The Kalsubai Peak Trek can be done any time of the year, and each season provides a distinct landscape. Consider your choices when selecting the very best time to go. You can delight in trekking amid lavish plants and heavy rain throughout the monsoon season from July to September.
Nevertheless, this is likewise the busiest time, with around 2000-3000 individuals on the trail, and it can be slippery and dangerous due to the slushy trail. The views need to be clarified, so it is suggested to prevent this season. September and October are the blooming seasons, supplying clear views of the surrounding peaks and forts. You can stroll on meadows decorated with flowers comparable to those discovered in the Kaas plateau. Snake lovers might likewise find uncommon types on the iron ladders.
November to April is perfect for night walking as the weather is ideal for seeing the breathtaking sunrise from the summit. It might get a bit cold, so bring a light coat. The clouds form intriguing patterns in May and June, and watch out for fireflies.
The Kalsubai Peak Trek starts in Bari Village, where you’ll walk through the town and neglect any turns. After leaving the village, you’ll trek through fields and turn right at the end of the huts. Throughout monsoon season, you’ll come across a stream that you’ll be required to cross, and after that, continue through more fields.
The course travels through farmland where different kinds of rice, wheat, and veggies are grown. The trail goes through several homes and dhabas and includes some high climbs. The course turns left and ends up being rockier, shaded by trees. The first climb results in a regional divine being’s temple, a fantastic resting area. The summit shows up; however, it is still 2.5-3 hours away. The trail remains significant and rises, with the tree cover vanishing after half an hour.
From the base village of Bari, your traveling journey starts, and after an hour of hiking, you’ll reach the very first set of iron actions, which might become slippery throughout the monsoon season. Beware while climbing these actions, as they can be relatively high. There are four ladder sections, each followed by a brief, relatively flat trail that might become slushy throughout the monsoon. As you rise, the rock surface area becomes steeper, and the actions are put in locations where rock climbing is hard.As you reach the ridge-like location, you’ve reached the summit. However, a little last climb is left, helped with by steel stairs. This previous climb can be challenging for those with vertigo or moderate vertigo, so take your time and be brave. When you’ve dominated this previous difficulty, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking, scenic views of the surrounding mountain forts and the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad range. Invest a long time taking it all in and taking in the charm of the summit.Your descent will take around 2 to 3 hours, and you’ll follow the same trail and pull back to the base village of Bari. Be conscious of your footing and take your time during the monsoon season. The required trek is worth the unbelievable views and sense of achievement that feature reaching the summit.
To begin the Kalsubai trek, you must reach the Bari Village, which works as the base. Bari Village is a farming village located at an elevation of 2400 ft. It is easily available from both Mumbai and Pune. Whether you drive your lorry or utilize mass transit, you can quickly make your method to the base village. If you bring your automobile, a parking center is available at Bari Village.
To reach the Kalsubai Trek by Taxi from Mumbai, follow these instructions: Start from Dadar and take the NH 160 towards Igatpuri on the Mumbai Nasik route. Continue until you reach Ghoti, and lastly, come to Bari Village. This journey covers a range of 160 km and usually takes around 4 hours.
If you’re preparing to drive to the Kalsubai trek from Pune, you can utilize this link to get instructions on Google Maps. The route takes you from Pune to Sangamner, Rajur, Bhandardara, and Bari village. Start by taking the NH 60 from Agarwal Rd, Kamala Nehru Hospital Rd, and Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, which will combine onto Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai – Pandharpur Rd. Continue NH 60 until you reach MH SH 21 and MH SH 44, which will take you to your location. The journey is around 180 km and needs to take about 5 hours.
If you’re preparing to drive to the Kalsubai trek from Nashik, you can utilize this link to browse the route through Google Maps. The base village, Bari, can be reached by taking the Ghoti – Shirdi Road/Ghoti – Sinnar Road/Nagpur – Aurangabad – Mumbai Highway/Padgha – Shirdi Road, which covers a range of 60 km and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to cover.
Closest train stations:
Although Ghoti is the closest train station, there are more hassle-free alternatives. The more quickly available train stations are:
1. Kasara
2. Igatpuri
To arrive, take a regional train from Dadar Mumbai and head towards Kasara station on the main line. From there, you can take a shared taxi to Bari Village. The expense for the big salami is around Rs 2,600 to Rs 3,000. The cab is shared between 6 to 9 individuals, depending upon the kind of car.
Additionally, by taking an express train from Mumbai’s Dadar Railway, you can go to Igatpuri station and take a shared taxi to Bari Village. The journey from Kasara station roadway to Bari base village takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, covering a range of 51 km.
Operations Manager
Nanda Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality and brings over 16 years of experience in adventure and leisure travel. He has led multiple Himalayan expeditions, contributed to ATOAI, and is trained in first aid by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. A strong supporter of sustainable and ethical tourism, he plays a key role at Trekup India. Write to him at: nanda@trekupindia.com
