Pune’s proximity to the Sahyadris make it an excellent base for a quick trek into the hills to satiate your adventure cravings without having to travel all the way to the Himalayas. The Sahyadris offer a number of trails with varying difficult levels and terrain to cater to almost people of all age groups and fitness levels, making it an attractive destination.
In this article, we look at the top hikes and treks near Pune that can be completed in a short span of time, making them the perfect choice for your long weekends!
DIY One Day Hikes
1. Sinhagad Fort
Distance from Pune: 30 kms
Starting Point: Donje Gaon
Time: 3 hours
Altitude: 1316 M
Located very close to Pune, Sinhagad is the top choice for a day trek. Unlike other forts around Pune, Sinhagad still remains intact and well taken care of. The fort was built as a natural barrier to protect against enemies and has witnessed a number of battles.
It would take approximately 1.5 hours to reach the top from the base at Donje Gaon. The trail starts from the tar road and takes you to a parking lot after which the second section of the trail starts. This part is steep and the constant ascent to the top can be mildly challenging. The views from the top of the fort are magical and make it absolutely worth your effort. The best time for the trek is during monsoon and winters when the temperatures are cool to make the climb comfortable. Be wary of your step during monsoon and the water can make the trail slippery.
Given its proximity to Pune, Sinhagad can get extremely crowded during weekends, even causing traffic congestion.
2. Torna Fort
Distance from Pune: 50 kms
Starting Point: Velhe
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 1402 M
Also known as Prachandgad, Torna Fort is one the biggest and also the highest hill fort around Pune. The fort is of great historical importance given that both the Marathas and the Mughals held the fortress under them. Torna has also seen the battle between the Mughals and the Marathas after which the fort was renamed as Futulgaib by Aurangazeb. Given its historical importance, Torna has so much to offer on the top and one can spend ample time glancing through history.
The Torna Fort trek can be classified as a moderate level trek given the steep sections that require you to navigate the trail carefully. The trail starts at Velhe village and takes you through plateaus, flower beds, temples and water cisterns, making it an exciting trek.
3. Rajgad
Distance from Pune: 65 kms
Starting Point: Gunjavane Village
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 1400 M
The Rajgad Fort trek is said to be the most beautiful and picturesque trekking route in Maharashtra. The top of the trail offers panoramic views of the Sahyadris with green sprawling valleys as far as the eye can see. Similar to Torna Fort, Rajgad also is a place of historical importance given that it was the base and capital for Chattrapati Shivaji for 26 years. The fort was also built beautifully to signify the importance of the place.
The trail takes you through Padmavathi Machi, Suvela Machi, Sanjeevani Machi and then finally to Balekilla which is the top of the fort. Machi refers to the fortified walls of the fortress and each one of them is an architectural marvel. This is a moderate level trek and is accessible to those of you with average fitness and not too much trekking experience. There are steep sections on the trail and can be challenging at times.
4. Andharban
Distance from Pune: 71 kms
Starting Point: Pimpri
Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 658 M
Unlike any other trail in the Sahyadris, the Andharban trek takes you through dense forest cover and is a magical experience for trekkers. The trail is mostly a descent through the forest alongside numerous streams and waterfalls that make the experience rejuvenating. It takes you all the way down to the waters of Bhira Dam.
Views of Devkund waterfall and Tamhini Ghat are visible during the trail and the route is even more scenic during monsoon. The trek is an easy one and can be attempted by beginners and experienced trekkers alike. If you are someone who enjoys the flora and fauna of a region, this trek is just for you given the density of birds and animals in the forest.
5. Lohagad Fort
Distance from Pune: 68 kms
Starting Point: Lohagad Wadi
Time: 2-3 hours
Altitude: 1033 M
Lohagad Fort is a beginner friendly trek close to Pune and is packed with history and natural beauty. From the Chalukyas to the Mughals, a range of different dynasties occupied the fort which still stands tall today.
Close to 300 steps take you to the top and the views of the lush green vegetation with low lying clouds and mist during the monsoon is nothing short of magical. Be mindful of your step during the monsoon as the steps get slippery and can causes injuries if not cautious.
6. Visapur Fort
Distance from Pune: 57 kms
Starting Point: Bhaje
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 1083 M
Another fort close to Pune with rich history and striking views of the Sahyadris, Visapur is a delightful trail. The path is predominantly rocky and through dense forests and ranks high on both the beauty and adventure quotient.
The trek can be tricky during monsoon with the continuous flow of water on the rocks. However, it also is the most beautiful season to attempt the trek. The vegetation is lush green and the hint of mist makes you wonder if you have stepped into another dimension!
DIY Weekend Treks
1. Kalsubai Peak
Distance from Pune: 180 kms
Starting Point: Bari Village
Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 1646 M
Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra and the trek to the top is also one of the most famous ones in the Sahyadris. Apart from the panoramic views, the trail offers waterfalls, forests, grasslands, forts and even a temple at the peak! The temple is considered divine and people from nearby villages frequent it to offer their prayers.
A number of forts can be seen on the way to the peak and the views from the top offer endless views of the Sahyadris and their grand landscape. The trek involves climbing through flat lands, farms, and even narrow iron ladders which make the trail challenging and exciting at the same time. This is a moderate trek but can be challenging on the steeper parts.
2. Sindola Fort Trek
Distance from Pune: 112 kms
Starting Point: Karanjale Village
Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 1121 M
One of the lesser known treks in Maharashtra, Sindola Fort offers bird’s eye views of Malshej Ghat and the surrounding regions. The trail through the top is paved with rock cut steps that make the climb exciting and the top showcases the beauty of the Sahyadris. The ridge walk on this trail is the best thing about the trek with views of the Pimpalgaon Joga dam on the right and views of other small Sahyadri peaks on the left. The walk itself is so beautiful that it will leave you wanting to stay there forever!
The trail is an easy one and can be attempted by beginners. The most challenging part of the trail is the last section leading to the peak with the rock cut steps. This section becomes slippery during the monsoon and is a challenge to navigate your way especially if you are not equipped.
3. Kothaligad Trek
Distance from Pune: 125 kms
Starting Point: Ambivali
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 619 M
Located in Karjat, the Kothaligad trek is a part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The peak of the trek offers panoramic views of the sanctuary along with the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail takes you to the top of Peth plateau from where one can witness the reverse waterfall phenomenon.
On clear days the views of the surrounding peaks are even better. The trek is an easy one and is accessible to people with no prior experience as well. The trail is open throughout the year and makes for the perfect weekend getaway from Pune or even Mumbai!
4. Kalavantin Durg
Distance from Pune: 123 kms
Starting Point: Thakurwadi
Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 672 M
Misconceived as a treacherous trail, Kalavantin Durg is quite popular among the adventure junkies. The final push to the pinnacle on top is definitely challenging but is also equally thrilling!
Located in Raigad district, the trek takes you through changing terrains and thick vegetation, offering bird’s eye views of the surroundings. This trek can be done in any season although the trail offers something different during each season.
5. Bhimashankar Trek
Distance from Pune: 123 kms
Starting Point: Khandas
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 929 M
Located in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, this trail is a nature lover’s paradise. The trail takes through dense forests with rich flora and fauna. It also ranks high on the adventure quotient with a bunch of stream crossings and rock climbing that make it extremely exciting!
One of the unique aspects of this trail is the Gupt Bhimashankar, which is one of the twelve jyotirlingas. It is located under a rock in the middle of a stream. This trail definitely makes for one of the best weekend getaways from Pune!
DIY Long Treks
1. Harihar Fort
Distance from Pune: 255 kms
Starting Point: Nirgudpada Village
Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 1120 M
While the trail itself is not too long, Harihar fort is located at a distance of 255 kms from Pune, making it a long journey. The fort is built on a triangular rock by the Yadava dynasty and the stairs to the top are inclined at almost 80 degrees! While the views from the climb are magical, it can be daunting to look back at the steps you have just climbed.
This trail becomes extremely tricky to climb in the monsoons given the slippery nature of the rock steps. However, it is also the best time to do the trek for lush green views of the Sahyadris.
2. Harishchandragad
Distance from Pune: 165 kms
Starting Point: Khireshwar, Pachnai, Belpada
Time: Anywhere between 6 hours to 2 days
Altitude: 1424 M
This is the most challenging trek in the Sahyadri hill range. Located in Malshej Ghat, this ancient fort is home to the Harishchandra temple and a number of caves that add to the adventure quotient of the trek.
The interesting part of this trail is that you can reach the top through three different trails. Each one of them lead you to the top but vary in terms of difficulty, number of hours and views offered. The trail from Pachnai takes 3 hours to reach the top, the trail from Khireshwar takes approximately 5 hours and the trail from Belpada takes close to two days to complete the entire route.
If you are in for an adventure to visit the historical temple and fort on the top of Harishchandragad, this trail makes for the perfect choice!
While the Sahyadris are home to a number of trails, these are our top picks for DIY treks near Pune! Should you have any more queries before you plan you next adventure in the Sahyadris, please feel free to reach out to our team.
