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Trekking in the Himalayan region is cool but trekking on the Western Ghat is exotic. Adventurers from all across the globe have been visiting the Western Ghats as they are said to be older than the Himalayas and is a Heritage site with one of the richest biological diversity in the world. Many of the rare species are found only in the Western Ghats in the world which is the major tourist puller factor. For avid trekkers who love to visit off-beat and unique trekking sites, the Kalsubai peak is a must-do trek for them. This trek is a treat for nature enthusiasts and tranquility seekers and is a perfect one-day short trek. Being a one-day trek it can be done on the weekends or as an excursion to get refreshed from daily life hassles. For city dwellers of Maharashtra and Pune city, Kalsubai is a favorite destination, let’s see what kalsubai Trek is all about
Kalsubai peak
Kalsubai peak is the highest peak in the Sahyadris of Western Ghat perched at an altitude of 5,400 ft and hence it is often referred to as the ‘Mount Everest of Maharashtra’. The peak got its name from a girl who is said to have lost around the peak according to the local stories the girl was employed by a local family to do the household chores but when she was abused, she ran away and got lost in the hills and since then the peak was named after her and a temple was also built in her memory as the locals considered her very sacred and the reason behind the blessings around the hill. Due to this, the kalsubai is popular among both adventurous and devotees.
Kalsubai trek
On the trek difficulty level, kalsubai Trek is ranked as an easy to moderate trek. The total trekking distance is around 5.5 km one-way and can be easily complete 4to5 hours at a decent trekking speed. Around the trail of this trek, one can find many arrangements that have been made to ensure the comfort of the trekkers, however, the easiness of this trek still depends on the route chosen.
Two routes for the Kalsubai trek are available, one being the most famous and the easiest that starts at Bari Village and another is the Indore route which is relatively challenging and tougher. For beginners, devotees, and someone with a family, the Bari Village route is suitable while experienced trekkers and adrenaline rush seekers can go with the Indore route to reach the Top.
The 5.5 long trail of this trek will take you through the rocky patches, steep slopes, astonishing views of the paddy fields. On those spots where it might get difficult to move further, there are steel railings, ladders, and chains to help you out. Along the trail, you will get to explore one of the richest flora and fauna covers of the world. The ranges of Sahyadri at which the Kalsubai trek is placed blooms with lush greenery, forests, some small villages, bright paddy fields, mesmerizing natural landscapes, and concrete jungles with river crossings, this trek indeed an exotic experience. Being a part of the Harishchandragad Wildlife sanctuary, the trail of the Kalsubai trek is blessed with various species of birds, herbivores, carnivores, and reptiles which are especially found in the Western Ghats.The Top of the Kalsubai peak offers panoramic views of the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad Mountain range. If you are interested in exploring the cultural aspects too then you can do this trek on Tuesday and Thursday as evening rituals are being organized at the Kalsubai Temple. You can do this trek anytime around the year except for the months of extreme monsoon as the trail becomes trick and dangerous. For stay, you can camp at the Kalsubai and even choose to trek at night to reach the top early in the morning. There are homestays at the Bari Village that offer some local Marathi food. If you have time in your hands, you can explore the nearby sightseeing destinations like Arthur Lake, Bhandardara Dam, grand Wilson dam, and beautiful waterfalls like Umbrella falls and Randha Falls. A Temple named Amriteshwar is also located near the Kalsubai Trek.
Way to Basecamp of Kalsubai Trek
To reach the Bari Village basecamp one has to travel to Igatpuri on the Mumbai Nashik route. One can easily get buses or cabs from Mumbai city. Bari Village is 150km from Mumbai and roadways considered the best way to get there.
