The highest peak in Maharashtra, Kalsubai’s top is at a height of 1646 M offering panoramic views of the Sahyadris. Known as one of the most popular one day treks in the region, the Kalsubai trek offers so much to both nature and adventure enthusiasts. From waterfalls to forts and even a temple on the peak, Kalsubai makes for an attractive weekend getaway.
The Kalsubai Devi temple on the peak is thronged by devotees from surrounding villages who consider it divine and seek blessings, making the trail marginally more crowded than other ones you would find in the region. However, the beauty of the trail more than compensates and keeps surprising you at every turn of the mountain!
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Kalsubai Peak trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Kalsubai Peak Trail
The Kalsubai trail starts from Bari village and takes you through forests, fields and grasslands before leading you to the magnificent views that are visible from the peak.
You start by walking through a straight road that cuts through the village and leads to the hills. It takes you through beautiful farms and fields with small streams cutting through during the monsoon. As the settlements end, a path deviating to the right will take you a little deeper into the farmlands. You can see a number of different crops being cultivated here and the lush green colour of the fields takes over the scenery during monsoon. A few steep ascents are encountered on this section so keep yourself prepared and fully charged!
The trail now gradually inclines and the terrain changes with a rocky path and a steady tree cover over you. The first section of ascent leads to a small shrine where you can stop for a quick rest stop. You can see the peak of Kalsubai from here; it appears like it’s a stone’s throw away. The trail from here is a continuous ascent with clear markings and a rocky path.
About an hour from here, you will reach the first set of ladder steps, which are a unique part of the Kalsubai trail. After the steps, the trails ascends before flattening out into small patches of grasslands. The trail is similar after every set of ladder steps and there are four sets of the steps. The steps are set up over areas of steep rock surface to make the climb more accessible to everyone. They can be tricky to climb during the monsoon as they are slippery so ensure you have a good grip before taking a step forward.
You will find yourself at a ridge of sorts after the third set of steps and there is one last set of steps before you reach the peak. This section between the ridge and the peak is prone to strong winds. The last set of ladder steps is extremely steep and can be challenging to climb but a hefty reward awaits at the peak. Panoramic views of the Sahyadris, nearby forts and villages in the distance make for a striking landscape.
Take a break, relax and soak in the grandeur of the landscape that surrounds you. Start your descent with enough time to reach Bari before dusk. Be extra cautious on the stairs on your way down!
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trek
1. Views of the Sahyadris and Nearby Hill Forts
The top of Kalsubai opens into grand views of the Sahyadris and surrounding hill forts such as Harishchandragad, Ratangad, and Aloba among others. The sight of the lush green valleys and hills is truly rewarding and also relaxing after that challenging climb up the ladder steps!
2. The Iron Ladder Steps
Although a challenging aspect of the climb, these steps are also what make the trail exciting and unique. Placed over nearly 90 degree rock surfaces, the ladder steps will have your adrenaline pumping for sure!
3. Kalsubai Temple
The Kalsubai Devi shrine on the top is considered holy by the residents of the nearby villages and is frequented by them to offer prayers and seek blessings. Even if you are not a believer, the temple holds an interesting story for you to listen to!
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trek
1. The Crowds
In addition to the people visiting the Kalsubai shrine, the trail also sees a lot of trekking and adventure enthusiasts during the monsoon. This could make it difficult to navigate the narrow sections of the trail. It is important to take your time and tread carefully on these sections.
2. The Ladder Sections
The ladder steps are narrow, steep and not well maintained. The third and fourth set of steps are particularly steep, making the climb challenging. It becomes even more difficult during monsoon when the steps are slippery and there are people trying to ascend and descend at the same time.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Kalsubai Peak is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale making it a perfect adventure for those wanting to get introduced to the outdoors.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do Kalsubai Peak Trek
In contrast to most other treks in the region, Kalsubai can be done throughout the year with each season offering something different. The monsoon months from July to September offer lush green landscapes but also attract a higher number of people. September and October see the blooming of flowers in the grasslands with clear views of the surrounding forts from the top. Kalsubai is also open for night trekking (yes you read that right!) and the best months for this are from November to April. The months of May and June bring in the dramatic cloud formations that make for striking views from the top.
How to Reach the Base
Bari is easily accessible by road from both Pune and Mumbai. You can travel by your own vehicle or via public transport.
If you are travelling from Mumbai, catch a local train towards Kasara from the Dadar station. Get down at Kasar and get a shared cab to Bari. You can also catch an express train to Igatpuri and get a shared cab to Bari.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalsubai
1. Is there cellular network connectivity on the trail?
Network on this trail is patchy. You can get a few bars of Airtel in the initial parts.
2. Do I require any permits for this trail?
While you do not need any permits from the Forest Department, the Sarpanch of Bari village has to be informed before starting your trek.
3. Are there food stalls on the trail?
A few food stalls have been set up by villagers on the trail. If you are looking for full meals, Bari village residents offer food and accommodation to trekkers.
4. Can this trail be attempted by beginners?
Kalsubai can definitely be attempted by beginners provided they are extremely cautious in navigating the narrow and steep sections of the trail.
5. How long does it take to complete the trail?
The entire trail from Bari to Bari takes 6-7 hours to complete.
6. Can I hike to Kalsubai at night?
Yes! The trail is open to trekkers at night as well. Ensure you carry torches and be wary of your ascent and descent on the ladder steps.
That’s all about the Kalsubai Peak trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to the Sahyadris, please feel free to reach out to our team.
