Highlights

Ascend and descend via the Pachnai routeEasiest route of the Harishchandragad
Visit the mighty & attractive Kokankada
Experience the sunset from the Kokankada
Camping at HarishchandragadStay in a tent on sharing basis
Taramati peak summitOne of the highest peaks in Maharashtra
Mesmerizing sunrise from the Taramati peakOne of the best panoramic views of the prominent Sahyadri mountains
Explore the HarishchandragadHarishchandreshwar temple, Kedareshwar & Ganesh caves, Saptatirtha Pushkarni and other ancient ramparts
Trek for allRecommended for beginners with good fitness

Key Info.

Kalsubai-Harishchandragad

Wildlife Sanctuary

Pachnai

Base Village

Winter, Summer

Best Season

4,695

Max. Altitude (Ft.)

Daily 4 hrs.

Walking (approx.): Total 10 km.

Easy

Activity Grade

EnduranceMedium: 6/10

Outdoor Grading

Harishchandragad is a hill fort situated on the border of three districts of Pune, Ahmednagar and Thane in Maharashtra. This fort is located in Harishchandragad-Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary. This is the most challenging trek in the Western Ghats. Harishchandragad fort can be visited all year round and is known for its size and spectacular ‘Kokankada’ – the cliff overlooking the Konkan belt has been a popular choice for adventure lovers and trekkers for many years.

Harishchandragad is a very ancient fort, dating back to the 6th century. There are caves all over the fort, which are believed to have been carved in the 11th century. The various temples and carvings in the caves indicate that the fort dates back to medieval times as it is associated with Shaivism, Shakti or Naath. Later this fort came under the control of the Mughals. And till 1747 the Marathas took possession of it.

Parikrama RouteApprox. 13 km.

The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references for Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in the 6th century, during the rule of the Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves, idols of Lord Vishnu were carved. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya.

Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), used to meditate here in the 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions on the fort and those existing in the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.

Must visit these places on the Harishchandragad

/Read blog

Major attraction of the Harishchandragad
Kokankada
Caves that tell you the story of 04 eras
Kedareshwar Caves
Sacred water tanks
Saptatirtha Pushkarni
Holy place from 12th Century
Harishchandreshwar Temple
One of the highest peak of Maharashtra: 4,695 ft.
Taramati Peak

Day Wise

Itinerary

Day 0Overnight Travel (6 hrs.)

23:30
Please reach your pickup point and mark your attendance. We will travel by private bus to base camp or the starting point of the trek.

Day 1Trek via Pachnai Route & Camping

We arrive at the base of the Harishchandragad i.e. Pachnai village. Get a quick freshen-up at a local’s house.
Today we are going to climb the Harishchandragad via the Pachnai route. It is one of the easiest paths to the top.

Harishchandragad is 3 km away from Pachnai. This is the easiest route to reach Harishchandragad. It might be the most straightforward route but it’s very scenic. Since it does not take out your breath, you are more appreciative of your surroundings. While we descend in the daylight and clear sky, time appears to be at a standstill. Those who are photographers can get magnificent landscapes on this route.

We will witness the beautiful sunset from Kokankada. End your day with delicious local food and sleep in a tent.

Day 1: Highlights

• Altitude Gain / Loss (ft.): ⇑ 1,500 ft.; ⇓ 0 ft.
• Walk (approx.): 3 hrs., 5 km.
• Accommodation: Stay in a Tent
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2Taramati Peak Summit & Descend to Pachnai

Early in the morning, we will summit Taramati Peak for the first ray of the Sun.
We will climb Taramati Peak to see the first rays of the morning sun. After seeing the entire fort, we will go down to the base village. (Pachanai village)

Start the journey back to Pune with very pleasant memories and non-biodegradable garbage.

Reach Pune and it’s time to say goodbye to your travel companion. Let’s keep in touch via phone / social media and meet again on another memorable trip.

SEE YOU SOON! 😊

Day 1: Highlights

• Altitude Gain / Loss (ft.): ⇑ 750 ft.; ⇓ 2,500 ft.
• Walk (approx.): 4 hrs., 5 km.
• Meals: Breakfast

Ex. Pune

Travel Details

Departure

Fri, 20 Jan’23 - 23:00 Hrs.

Travel by

Private Bus

Non AC, Highback Seats

Bus Starting From

McDonald's, J.M. Road

Deccan Gymkhana, Pune-04

Bus Route

Pick-up Points

Deccan > Aundh > Nashik Phata > Sangamner > Rajur > Pachnai (Base)

23:00 – Deccan
23:15 – Aundh
23:30 – Nashik Phata

Important Note

Please arrive at your pickup point 15 minutes early so as not to be late.

Arrival

Sun, 22 Jan’23 - 22:00 Hrs.

Bus Ends At

Deccan Gymkhana, Pune-04

Important Note

We can arrive 1 hour early / late; According to traffic conditions.
Your drop point will be the same as the pick-up point.

Inclusion

Transport from/to PuneBy Tempo Travellers or Mini Buses or big buses depending on the respective tour group size.
Entry PermitsKalsubai - Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary
Stay in Tent3 or 4 Person Sharing
2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 DinnerServed veg. meals only.
Common First Aid KitWell stocked medicines
An Experienced Trek LeadsCertified Mountaineers

Exclusion

Any kind of personal expenses.Anything specifically not mentioned in the ‘tour price includes’ column

Important Links

Upcoming Departures

Explore a new destination & discover yourself!

Raigad Fort – One Day Trek
From₹ 2,200₹ 2,000
1 Day/1 Night
Availability : Thu, 15 Jun’23
Min Age : 07-60 yrs.
Max People : 10-20 max.
Rajmachi Fort – Monsoon Spl. Trek
From₹ 1,500₹ 1,350
One Day
Availability : Jul, Aug, Sep'23
Min Age : 13-55 yrs.
Max People : 10-30 max.
Train Bookings Started
Dudhsagar Falls – Jungle Trek
From₹ 3,500₹ 3,000
Availability : Jul, Aug, Sep'23
Min Age : 7-55 yrs.
Max People : 40
(9 Reviews)
Everest Base Camp Trek
From₹ 85,000₹ 82,000
16 Days/15 Nights
Availability : April 8-23, 2023
Min Age : 15+ yrs.
Max People : 1-14
Kedarkantha Peak – The Best Winter Trek
From₹ 12,500₹ 9,500
6 Days/ 5 Nights
Availability : Dec'23 to Feb'24
Min Age : 13+ yrs.
Max People : 20

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Harishchandragad – Easy Trek via Pachnai, Camping

Harishchandragad – Easy Trek via Pachnai, Camping

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Highlights

Key Info.

Kalsubai-Harishchandragad

Pachnai

Winter, Summer

4,695

Daily 4 hrs.

Easy

Parikrama RouteApprox. 13 km.

Must visit these places on the Harishchandragad

Itinerary

Day 0Overnight Travel (6 hrs.)

Day 1Trek via Pachnai Route & Camping

Day 2Taramati Peak Summit & Descend to Pachnai

Travel Details

Fri, 20 Jan’23 - 23:00 Hrs.

Private Bus

McDonald's, J.M. Road

Sun, 22 Jan’23 - 22:00 Hrs.

Deccan Gymkhana, Pune-04

Inclusion

Exclusion

Important Links

Explore a new destination & discover yourself!

Raigad Fort – One Day Trek

Rajmachi Fort – Monsoon Spl. Trek

Dudhsagar Falls – Jungle Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek

Kedarkantha Peak – The Best Winter Trek

Adventure Travel

Harishchandragad – Easy Trek via Pachnai, Camping