Highlights

Ascend via the Tolar Khind routeOne Day Moderate Trek
Descend via Pachnai easy route
Visit the mighty & attractive Kokankada
Explore the HarishchandragadHarishchandreshwar temple, Kedareshwar & Ganesh caves, Saptatirtha Pushkarni and other ancient ramparts
A thrilling and exciting climb to the topThe views gained as a reward for our effort
One of the best panoramic views of the prominent Sahyadri mountains
Trek for allRecommended for beginners with good fitness

Key Info.

Malshej Ghat Region

Pune District

Khireshwar

Base Village

Winter

Best Season

4,695

Max. Altitude (Ft.)

9 hrs., 11 km.

Walking (approx.)

Easy +

Activity Grade

EnduranceMedium: 6.5/10

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 0Night Travelling

22:30
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 1Harishchandragad Trek

01:45
We arrive at the base of the Harishchandragad i.e. Khireshwar village. Our field experts will provide pre-trek information and instructions to all participants.

02:00 – 06:30
Now we start the trek to the Harishchandragad via the Tolar Khind route. We need to ascend approximately 1,650 ft.
It takes about four and a half hours to reach the summit from the base.

06:30 – 07:30
For trekkers, this is a simple mountain to climb. An easy but steep route leads to Taramati Peak.
You can enjoy the sunrise from Taramati Peak.

07:30 – 11:00
Explore the Harishchandragad

• Visit the wonder of Harishchandragad i.e. “Kokankada”
• Harishchandreshwar Temple
• Kedareshwar & other groups of caves

11:00 – 12:30
Let’s have a meal together. Served hot and tasty vegetarian food.

12:30 – 15:00
Now we start descending to the Pachnai village. It’s an easy route to reach the base village.

15:00 – 21:00
Start the journey back to Pune with very pleasant memories and non-biodegradable garbage.
We are going to have tea on the way. Resume the rest of the journey.

21:00
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.): ⇑ 1,650 ft.; ⇓ 1,650 ft.
• Walk (approx.): 9 hrs., 11 km.
• Accommodation: N/A
• Meals: Breakfast, Meal after the Trek, Evening Tea

Ex. Pune

Travel Details

Departure

Sat, 03 Dec’22, 22:30 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 > Narayangaon > Otur > Khireshwar (Base)

22:30 – Deccan
22:45 – Aundh
22:59 – Nashik Phata

Important Note

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

Arrival

Sun, 04 Dec’22, 21:00 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.
A Breakfast, Lunch, Evening TeaServed 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

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Harishchandragad Trek – via Tolar Khind