TREKS NEAR NASHIK: TOP PLACES TO VISIT NEAR NASHIK

Last Updated on July 20, 2024 by asoulwindow

Amazing Treks Around Nashik

Nashik is an interesting city for all those who love mountains and mountaineering. Nashik is often overlooked due to the nearby great cities of Pune and Mumbai. But you must try some treks here whether or not you are into mountaineering. These are some of the best places to visit near Nashik. Nashik is surrounded by beautiful mountains of Sataputa and Satmala mountain ranges. Their beauty is intensified in the monsoons, which is the best time for trekking near Nashik. Many Treks near Nashik lead up to some ancient forts so you will also get to visit fort near Nashik during trekking. Let’s look beyond places to visit in Nashik. These places also make for amazing weekend getaways from Mumbai. A trek near Mumbai is always a satisfying experience. These treks thus easily qualify as the perfect weekend getaways near Mumbai.

Following is a list of major treks near Nashik, with difficulty level, distances and other important information which will be your perfect guide. These Nashik tourist places will leave you with fond memories.

KALSUBAI PEAK – TOP MAHARASHTRA TREK

The highest peak in Maharashtra and one of the most breathtaking trek in the Sahyadri is Kalsubai. Kalsubai trek is located just 60 km away from Nashik which means that it takes around 1-2 hour drive through the ghats to reach Kalsubai from Nashik. The views from the top are astounding. But the hike to the top requires a moderate level of stamina and expertise in climbing. You can see Harshchandragad and the wildlife sanctuary all around from the top. On another side is the shining river – which is the backwaters of Bhandardara Dam or Bhandardara Lake. It is best to start the trek early in the morning at 4 am or 5 a.m. so that, you can watch the sunrise from the top of the fort and Kalsubai shikhar.  You must visit this fort near Nashik. Kalsubai trek is the most popular places to visit near Nashik. How is the Kalsubai trek difficulty level, many ask. Well, despite its height it is a moderate level trek.

Related Article: Treks near Pune and Mumbai.

SALHER FORT TREK – PLACES TO VISIT NEAR NASHIK

Salher is the second highest peak in Maharashtra after Kalsubai. Salher Fort Trek takes you to the highest fort in Maharashtra. Needless to say the trek up to the top of Salher Fort will require a minimum level of skill and expertise and stamina. Salher fort is 2-3 hours away from Nashik. The distance from Nashik to this fort near Nashik called Salher Fort is 109 km. According to the mythological story Lord Parshuram– an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, did his extreme meditation at Salher fort. It is said that he won the earth and then gave it back. 

SALOTA FORT TREK – TREKS NEAR NASHIK

This fort is located very close to Salher Fort. It lies in the Nashik district and it is 110 km away from Nashik. The climb gets a bit tricky due to the rocky patches along the way. From the top, you can see Salher Fort nearby. No separate history is known about Salota Fort. There are three doors which lead to the Salota Fort. The climb to this fort near Nashik is really strenuous. Salher trek or Salher Fort Trek is also quite popular.

MULHER FORT – FORT NEAR NASHIK

In the same region is another fort Mulher. It is 123 km away from Nashik and it will be a 3 hours drive to the base village of Mulher. You have to first reach the Mulhermachi here. From this point there are three forts around – Mulher Fort, Hargad Fort, and Mora Fort. If you start early you can do all these forts in a day. There are no hotels at Mulher village. The locals may or may not provide homestays. Do tick off this one of the best places to visit near Nashik.

HARGAD FORT – WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM MUMBAI

After Mulher Fort, you can attempt to climb the Hargad Fort which is one of the best places to visit near Nashik. This fort is 116 km away from Nashik. The trek up to the fort is the most scenic in monsoon. The valleys and mountains around are green. You can watch a lot of waterfalls too. But the rocky patches do get slippery while doing this trek in the monsoon. Salher and Salota forts are also visible from the top, apart from Mora Fort, Mulher Fort and Nhavigad Fort.

MORA FORT – TREK NEAR MUMBAI

Mora Fort is near Hargad Fort in Nashik district. It is 116 km from Nashik and if you are driving almost 3 hours drive. It is a fort trio of – Mulher, Hargad and Mora Fort. For all of them, the base village is Mulher village. All these forts were maintained by Shivaji Maharaj to keep an eye on the important routes of Surat – Burhanpur. There is no drinking water on the top so it is advisable to carry your water. Looking for best places to visit near Nashik? Look no further!

RATANGAD FORT OR NHAVIGAD FORT

Nhavigad Fort is also called as Ratangad Fort. Also spelt as Ratangarh Fort, the base village for the trek is Patalwadi. From Nashik to Ratangad Fort or Ratangarh Fort, the distance is 83 km. There is no water at the top so carry your water bottles. The climb here is a steady uphill and difficult climb. The hill has no rocks or trees where you could hold on. The only way to the top is from the rock-cut steps. In the monsoon, the route is quite slippery and dangerous. It is best to hire a local guide from Patalwadi village to reach the top. Enjoy the views from one of the top places to visit near Nashik.

MANGI TUNGI FORT – BEST TREKS NEAR NASHIK

Mangi Tungi Fort is 125 km from Nashik. It is a set of two pinnacles atop a high raised plateau. The entire set up is peculiar shaped. The western summit is called Mangi and the eastern summit is called Tungi. There are several Hindu and Jain temples at the top of Mangi-Tungi Fort. The place is a real sacred spot among the people in Maharashtra. There are seven old temples on Mangi and five old temples on Tungi. There are steps all the way to the top of Mangi Tungi Fort.

KAVNAI FORT – PLACES TO VISIT NEAR NASHIK

Kavnai Fort is a small fort near the base village Kavanai. It is 43 km away from Nashik. There is a pond atop the fort. The fort was built by the Moguls and later captured by the Peshwas. The fort is near Igatpuri. The trek up the Kavnai Fort is really good, and at the last stage, are some rock-cut steps. There is also a ladder available which can be used. The majestic stone gate and a pond are the only structures atop the Kavnai fort as of today.

ANJANERI FORT TREK – FORT NEAR NASHIK

Anjaneri fort trek is located near the Trimbak region of Nashik. It is just 30 km from Nashik city. Anjaneri Fort is said to be the birthplace of the Hindu mythological character from Ramayana called – Hanuman Ji. The fort is named after Hanuman Ji’s mother Anjani. 108 Jain caves have been found here. You can see these during Anjaneri trek. They are said to be from the 11th or 12 century. Anjaneri fort trek is one of the must do treks near Nashik. Anjaneri trek is one of the most popular weekend destinations, giving it the top slot in places to visit near Nashik.

LAST WORD ON TREKS NEAR NASHIK

There are many charming treks near Nashik. These are of great historical importance as you will end up visiting many forts during the trek. If you are looking for a trek near Mumbai, then these fort treks qualify. These make for memorable weekend getaways from Mumbai thanks to their proximity to Nashik, Pune and Mumbai. Do not miss these places to visit near Nashik.

Monsoon Treks around Nasik and Mumbai

Off late, the discerning traveler has started to get out of his/her comfort zone and choose offbeat destinations. What’s more? Travelers these days even choosing not so popular weather conditions over high season. However, more and more people are taking up trekking in monsoon, especially in the geographically blessed Sahyadris in Maharashtra. Not many brave to trek during monsoon, fearing rains will spoil their plans. However, I feel it doesn’t rain all day in most of the places and one can still travel in monsoon. In fact, the fun of traveling in monsoon is double. Not only is the weather therapeutic but the monsoon foods, bonfires, the water sports etc make it all the more fun. Such excursions are best enjoyed with close friends and family.

It is one thing to trek in the majestic Sahyadris in the dry season but it’s a different ballgame altogether to indulge in a monsoon trek through the verdant and misty hills of Maharashtra. Of course, it’s a ‘limited period offer’. Come July, August and September and the hills of Maharashtra display their split personality unabashedly.

The dry brown shrubs give way to greenery all around. The hot clear skies turn cool, breezy and mist laden, the nondescript dry streams metamorphosize into monstrous waterfalls and the clouds are your constant companion. There is joie de vivre in the air and you should definitely be a part of it! In my seven years in Maharashtra, I have been to some of the most scenic treks. Here is the list of hand picked trails (suitable for monsoon) for you based upon my personal experience.

Disclaimer: I have personally attempted monsoon treks only in Naneghat (July) and Bhimashankar (August). Rest of the below mentioned treks I have done in dry season. However, I have verified with experts and they have confirmed that below treks are monsoon friendly.

LOHAGARH TREK

Level: Very Easy

Duration: 1 day

It is one of the easiest treks I have attempted ever. Barring a few patches when you have to climb the steep stairs, it’s mostly a cakewalk. The panoramic view from the fort on the top is breathtaking. The highlight of the trek is Vinchu-Kata (scorpion’s sting). It looks like a scorpion’s sting and hence the name. The trek passes through charming little villages. Wave to the villagers en route, or better still break a bread with them. Check out the ancient but well preserved Bhaje caves nearby.

NANEGHAT TREK

Level: Easy

Duration: 1 day

The route was once an ancient trade route which was in extensive use to transport goods arriving at the Junnar which was then a flourishing marketplace. The locals are still found using this pass to reach Konkan. Not only is it easy to reach but is a relatively easy trek, making it ideal for beginners. The final 20 minutes of the trek was something the memories of which we will cherish forever. It’s a simple uphill route on neatly man made rock cut stairs. What makes it out of the ordinary is that during monsoon one gets to traverse it with a gushing waterfall engulfing the legs as one climbs up. The highlight of this trek was the ancient cave, said to be commissioned by a woman ruler Naganika, probably to serve as a resting place for the traders who used this route. Naganika was the wife of Satakarni (180-170 BCE), the third ruler from the Satavahana era. The inscriptions mostly talk about the achievements of the dynasty and thus are a vital source of information for historians. Do check out my detailed blog on Naneghat.

HARIHAR FORT TREK

Level: Easy

Duration: 1 day, 2 day if camping

Though not very tiring, this trek can be tricky in monsoon. The steps can be slippery. What makes it exciting as well as risky is the last stretch of vertical steps which are almost at a 90 degree angle. But the views on top are rewarding. The trekkers can cook their own food and stay in an abandoned cave overnight like I did. We trekked in night under full moon and it was magical. However, during monsoon, a day trek is advised. You will not forget in a lifetime the intensity with which the wind slaps your face as you reach the top. Spend at least 2 days here. While returning, have  a swim in a lake nearby.

RAJMACHI TREK  

Level: Medium

Duration: 2 days

This strenuous trek takes at least two days to complete. We started from Lonavala and ended the trek at Karjat. Expect to see different species of birds, mammals and reptiles en route. We were lucky to see a series of shooting stars during our night trek. The view from the fort is breathtaking. We cooked instant noodles in the open and sourced the water from a cave nearby. Our sleep, the next day, was broken by the sound of many bike enthusiasts revving up their mean machines. This place is popular with bikers for off roading. We ended the trek with a sumptuous lunch at the house of one of the locals.

BHIMASHANKAR TREK

Level: Medium

Duration: 2 days

The difficulty level of this trek is medium. However, it requires you to be in fit shape as the trek is strenuous in patches. I like this trek for the many opportunities of delicious local food one gets to eat while the trek is still on. Look out for makeshift huts selling poha , Jhunka-Bhakhari and fresh lime water. Once the trek is over, binge on the mouth watering pedas fresh from the shops lining the temple. The trek is also memorable for a series of waterfalls one gets to see en route. Keep your eyes open for little surprises en route. Beware of the slippery patches in monsoon.

DHAK BAHIIRI CAVES TREK

Level: Very difficult and risky

Duration: 1 day, 2 days if camping

It is the most dangerous trek I have attempted in Sahyadris and survived to tell the tale. After an easy trek of 2 hours, I reached the point from where there is a steep descent to approach the Dhak Bahiri caves. The task was to reach the cave by crossing the rocks and climbing up. There was an iron rod holding on to which I had to walk on the narrow space below my feet to cross the 1st level on the vertical hill.

There was a clean fall and the inclination was around 70 – 80 degrees throughout. So a slip here and there while negotiating the rock patch and I am no more. After the horizontal trek, next up was a vertical climb and then a rope climb to top it all. The next 2 levels were more risky. No wonder, many people gave up after 1st level. Here I had to go vertical and reach the cave holding on to just a rope and resting our leg on not very trust able and hostile rocks. The climb was getting riskier. However, once I reached the top, the feeling was indescribable.

Caution: Don’t attempt this trek if you are not confident! I would suggest attempt this at the end of monsoon season, when it doesn’t rain much, the rocks are not slippery but the weather is still pleasant.

Things to carry in a monsoon trek in Sahyadris

– A windcheater/raincoat/Poncho and umbrella to brave the rains.

– Mosquito repellents like odomos to fight the mosquito, esp. in monsoons.

– Lots of snacks and lime water to keep energy levels up.

– Camera and plastic covers to protect camera and other electronics from rain

– Walking stick, not much required though.

– Basic first aid kit. Personal medicines, if one is on any medication.

– Sunscreen, caps, goggles if it’s a sunny day.

– Water (around 2 ltrs per person as it is a 3-4 hour trek one side, esp in dry season)

– Spare dry clothes and lots of small and big polythene bags to compartmentalize wet clothes and most importantly to protect your electronics, esp. camera and cellphones.

– Do wear trekking shoes (No chappals or sandals)

– Please avoid wearing gold and other ornaments.

Enjoy the nature’s bounty this monsoon in hills of Maharashtra. If you have any queries, ask me in the comments below.

Note: An abridged version of this article was published in the website Mobo.

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