Maharashtra is well-known for its stunning mountain scenery. Kalsubai Peak, located in Maharashtra, is the ideal location for trekkers. This wonderful destination for you to visit is located in the western ghats of the Sahyadri area and is also known as Maharashtra's Everest. You should go here to have a taste of the exhilarating experience of trekking to Maharashtra's highest mountain. Because of its surreal beauty and idyllic surroundings, this walk will leave an indelible impression on you. This location also has some very unique and magnificent flora and animals. In this article, our experts will provide you with all the Kalsubai trek details - Kalsubai trek km, Kalsubai trek difficulty level, Kalsubai trek height, Kalsubai trek location, Kalsubai night trek, Kalsubai trek in winter, and much more. Scroll through to know more about this awesome adventure.

Introduction

In the Sahyadri area, Kalsubai Peak is a famous trip. With a height of 5,400 feet, it is Maharashtra's tallest mountain and is conveniently accessible from both Mumbai and Pune. The walk passes through a stunning variety of natural settings, including waterfalls, woodlands, meadows, and medieval forts.

Visitors from local communities go to the Kalsubai Temple at the peak's summit throughout the year. They have come to seek Kalsubai Devi's blessings. Kalsubai, a young village girl, is said to have lived in the mountains. She treated locals and animals at that period and assisted in community activities. She went to the peak one day and never came back. So, in her honour, a tiny temple was built on the slope near her house, and the larger Kalsubai temple was constructed on the top.

Many prominent forts, such as Alang, Madan, and Kulang, may be seen from the Kalsubai hike. The hikes up to these summits are strenuous. On a clear day, you can see Harihargad, Harishchandragad, and Ratangad, as well as other forts in the area. For extra adventure, many experienced hikers combine these trips. The Kalsubai trek is a popular night hike as well. Trekkers come here for the spectacular morning views!

  • Location: Igatpuri, Maharashtra
  • Duration: 4 Hours (One way)
  • Trek Height: 1645.8 meters
  • Trek Height In Feet: 5400 Feet
  • Trek Km Distance: 5.5 km (One way)
  • Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate

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Best Time To Go On Kalsubai Trek

The trail is available all year, with a varied environment for each season. So, pick the optimum time based on what you want to see and do.

The monsoon season lasts from July through September. You will be able to enjoy beautiful green landscapes and stroll in the rain. Despite the monsoon season being the busiest, the path may get quite congested, with up to 3000 people on the trail at any given time. Due to the slushy trail, it becomes extremely slippery and dangerous. It's also quite difficult to gain clear views during this time, so it's better to avoid it.

The blossoming months are September and October. The neighbouring peaks and forts may be seen well during the fall months. You will be able to wander across meadows with a wide diversity of flowers. The same flowers that can be seen on the Kaas plateau may also be found here. On the iron ladders, snake enthusiasts can glimpse several unusual species.

The greatest time to go on a night trek is from November to April, when the weather is warm enough to see the stunning dawn from the peak. Carry a light jacket because it might get chilly.

The pre-monsoon months are May and June. The clouds create intriguing patterns, and keep an eye out for fireflies!

How To Get To Kalsubai Trek?

By road - Mumbai to Bari

  • The town of Bari, which is the starting point for the journey, is around 150 kilometres from Mumbai and takes 2-3 hours to arrive. Hence, taking the road rather than the rail is strongly advised from a convenience standpoint.
  • From Mumbai to Kalsubai, the best route is Mumbai > Kalyan > Ghatgar > Bhandardara > Bari.

By road - Pune to Bari

  • Bari village is 180 kilometres from Pune and takes about 4-5 hours to visit.
  • Pune > Sangamner > Rajur > Bhandardara > Bari is the best route from Pune to Kalsubai.

By public transport - 

  • The closest stations to Bari village are Kasara and Igatpuri. Kasara is 50 kilometres from Bari, whereas Igatpuri is about 30 kilometres.
  • From CST to Igatpuri, one can catch the Mahanagri Express, Nandigram Express, Kolkata Mail, or Howrah Mail train, or a local train to Kasara.
  • Private automobiles and buses run routinely from Igatpuri and Kasara Station to Bhandardara, Pune, and Akole, all of which stop at Bari. Buses leave Igatpuri Station as early as 5 a.m.

Kalsubai Trek Difficulty Level

Although it is a difficult journey, there are steps that go to the peak's summit. The in excellent condition metal ladder has been installed in uneven sections that may be difficult to climb. As a result, it is quite accessible to first-time hikers.

The area is protected inside the limits of the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. The walk starts at Bari, which is the starting point. A tiny temple may be seen 15 minutes from the start of the walking path. People who are unable to ascend to the summit seek the deity's blessings at the Kalsubai shrine. There are pockets of shade at regular intervals where you may rest and enjoy the air that blows through the mountain road. However, as the blazing heat tends to dehydrate and fatigue hikers on what is a long walk path to the top, consider doing a night trek (particularly in the summer) or starting the journey as early as possible in the morning. Fortunately, several little kiosks along the road provide buttermilk and lemon juice, leaving one feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

It is possible to camp at the summit, and it is a really nice experience. You can bring your own tents and pitch them in a good location on the top if you're planning an overnight stay. You’ll typically see groups of tents at and around the top during peak seasons.

However, it should be noted that there are no restrooms or toilets at the summit of the mountain. There is a bathroom in the base village if you want to freshen up.

The nights at the top of the mountain may be extremely cool, so bringing a jacket or blanket to cover yourself in warmth is highly recommended. While the temperature fluctuates from 35°C to 28°C during the day, it may drop to as low as 12°C to 15°C at night.

Important Things To Carry On The Kalsubai Trek

Because the Kalsubai trip may be lengthy and difficult, it's important to be prepared and bring the appropriate equipment. On the other hand, overpacking might result in a hefty burden on your shoulders, which can be counterproductive. So pick your stuff carefully and make it as light and portable as possible. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Backpack: A size of 20-45 litres would be ideal. Check for a sturdy carrying method with plenty of cushioning and, ideally, a chest strap. You should be able to pack your tent and sleeping bag inside this as well. Even a decent quality daypack/school bag will be enough for a day hike.
  • Shoes: Many individuals are observed trekking in floaters and other vehicles. This will considerably increase the risk of sliding, especially during the rainy season. Basic hiking or (trail) running shoes are highly recommended.
  • Camera: For photographing stunning settings, a point-and-shoot camera with decent zoom or a 360* camera is ideal, as are binoculars.
  • 2 litres water bottle per person
  • Sweatshirt (During winters)
  • Torch/Headlamp (for night treks)
  • Dry Snacks like biscuits, wafers, or nutty bars
  • Cap/Sunglasses
  • Raincoat/Poncho (During Monsoons)
  • Power Banks for charging electronic devices
  • Hiking pole, especially if you have weak knees

If you are camping, you will also additionally need the following:

  • A camping kit 
  • Tent (waterproof for monsoons)
  • Sleeping bags
  • Tent light/lantern
  • Pee buddy for women

Things To Do At The Kalsubai Peak

  • Kalsubai temple: The Kalsubai temple attracts a large number of worshipers. It is a highly auspicious temple, and people come here to seek Kalsubai Devi's blessings. On top of the Kalsubai peak, this temple may be found.
  • Kalsubai Trek: Kalsubai provides a tough and fascinating hiking experience. The Kalsubai walk is popular among travellers because of its abundance of natural and scenic beauty. Because of the fascinating and interesting trip experience, it is a favourite trekking destination.
  • Walk in the grasslands: Near Kalsubai is a settlement called Bari village, which boasts the most stunning lush green grassland. This location is ideal for a relaxing and enjoyable stroll with your loved ones. It is the section of the walk that is, without a doubt, the most enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to expect at the summit of Kalsubai Peak?

Expect to see panoramic views of the area, including mountains, rich flora, and lovely water bodies, when you approach the peak of Kalsubai. These vistas will help you forget about the arduous walk. Take in the stunning vistas of the Bhandardara backwaters and neighbouring hills, including the forts of Harishchandragad, Ratangad, Harihargad, and Alang-Madan-Kulang. A temple devoted to the local god, Kalsubai, can also be seen atop the hill. The temple priest leads the prayer every Tuesday and Thursday, attracting throngs of worshippers.

2. What should you go for among the two: Kalsubai day trek or Kalsubai night trek?

Trekking may be done during the day or at night. If you go on a day hike, try to get at the summit around nightfall, when the sun sets behind the lush mountains, producing a wonderfully gorgeous panorama - it's a sight to see! If you're planning a night hike, try to be at the summit before sunrise to witness the sunrise majestically behind the mountains as the valley below is blanketed in mist.

The Bottom Line

Blooming green fields, rugged terrains, and high-altitude woods characterise the route to the Kalsubai summit. The holy Kalsubai temple on top of the summit, and the hypnotic views from the peak combined with the beautiful dawn at the Kalsubai mountain make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Following the end of the journey, you will be treated to delicious food in a local's home. Nothing compares to the sensation of scaling Maharashtra's tallest hill. The adrenaline rush is at an all-time high when climbing and at the summit. Moreover, the picturesque trail provides excellent landscape photography opportunities! 


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