Trek to Gupt Bhimashankar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country!
Located amidst the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bhimashankar trek is for those of you who love nature and wish to be surrounded by all elements of it. Taking you to a maximum altitude of 929 M, this trail is packed with adventure. From stream crossings to rock climbing, you get to do everything on this trek. The trek even takes you to Gupt Bhimashankar which is one of twelve jyotirlingas in the country. It is located under a rock in the middle of a stream which makes it all the more fascinating!
(Best Treks From Mumbai)
Bhimashankar trail starts from the village of Khandas which is located 130 kms away from Pune and 90 kms away from Mumbai. The trek can be completed in one day and is accessible to beginners.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Bhimashankar trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Bhimashankar Trail
Khandas is the base for the Bhimashankar trek. The trek can be done via two routes, Shidi Ghat and Ganesh Ghat. The route via Shidi Ghat is more suitable for experienced trekkers whereas Ganesh Ghat is accessible to beginners.
After crossing Khandas villages, in about 500 m you will arrive at a bridge near a T-junction. The road to the left will take you to the Shidi Ghat trail and the road to the right will take you to the trail via Ganesh Ghat.
Shidi Ghat
Take this route if you have prior trekking experience. The initial section is an easy walk with forests and small hills around you. The forest is lush green in colour from the downpours of the monsoon season. Around 20 minutes into this trail, you will arrive at a stream crossing. It is an exciting part of the trail but be wary of the force of water during peak monsoons.
Once you cross the stream, the trail gradually ascends for close to 45 minutes until you arrive at the first ladder. The climb up the ladder is not too easy nor too difficult. A little after the first ladder, you arrive at the second one. Climb up these ladders slowly and steadily. The metal can be slippery with the water from the rains.
At the end of the second ladder, you will spot a cave where you can rest for some time. Take a moment to enjoy the views of the valley below. You will see the dense forest cover and the hills around you that make for an excellent scenery.
A little beyond this cave starts the third ladder. Similar to the first two, ensure you climb the ladder with caution to avoid injuries. After the climb up this ladder, you will arrive at the rock section of this trail. This part of the trail can be tricky as it involves climbing up a steep rock with significant incline. Climb on all fours to ensure better grip and balance. While it is not mandatory, rope could come in handy in climbing this bit. The rocks can be slippery during monsoon and it is important to tread with caution.
Once you climb the rock, you have arrived at the halfway point. The trail here merges with the one coming from Ganesh Ghat. You can find a few shops here that sell snacks and beverages. Take a break here and munch on some food before moving ahead.
Ganesh Ghat
If you are trekking via Ganesh Ghat, the trail is much easier to navigate. The initial section after the T-junction takes you through dense forest and lush green vegetation all around you. It is a gradual ascent for 1 hour through this terrain before you arrive at a meadow. Enjoy the views of the surrounding hills with the low lying clouds and mist enhancing the beauty of the landscape.
Stroll through this meadow for another 30 minutes until the trail takes you into dense forest cover. This terrain continues until the trail meets at the halfway point with the Shidi Ghat trail.
From here, the route to the top is common. The trail is a steep ascent through thick forest for close to an hour after which you reach the Bhimashankar temple on the top. Explore the temple and enjoy the views of the valley and surrounding hills from here.
Trail to Gupt Bhimashankar
The trail to Gupt Bhimashankar begins to the right of the temple on the top. You will find a pathway along the stream behind the temple. The directions are clearly demarcated with arrows as the trail enters the forest again. After 1 km on this trail, the trail diverges. Both the trails from here lead to Gupt Bhimashankar. Witness the presence of one of the 12 jyotirlingas here and offer your prayers if you wish before returning.
Descent
The way back is the same route till the halfway point. From here, the route splits and is well marked so there is little chance of losing your way. You will pass a few huts after which you need to take the trail on your left. This trail will take you through jungles and meadows before you arrive at a tar road. A 500 metre walk on this tar road will take you to the T-junction where you started the trek. You will find shared jeeps and autos here to head back to Karjat or Neral.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Nature Lover’s Paradise
The Bhimashankar trek is a trek through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail is full of natural beauty with stream crossings, dense forests and small waterfalls cascading down the hills around you. It is difficult to not be mesmerised by the views on this trail. The forests are also home to a variety of birds.
2. Gupt Bhimashankar
Bhimashankar trek is a gateway to Gupt Bhimashankar which is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country. What makes this one even more exciting is that the jyotirlinga is present under a rock in the middle of a stream!
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trail
1. Ascent on Ladders via Shidi Ghat
If you are climbing via Shidi Ghat, the climb up the ladders can be tricky. Navigate the ladders with caution as they can be slippery during monsoon.
2. Climbing Up the Rock Face via Shidi Ghat
The climb up the rock face after the third ladder can be difficult if you are not familiar with rock climbing or bouldering. Climb on all fours to ensure maximum grip and support.
3. Steep Ascent to the Top
The final ascent to the top where the Bhimashankar temple rests is steep and can be slightly challenging. Remember to climb in a slow and steady manner to avoid exhaustion.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Bhimashankar trek is a level 2 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
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 this Trek
The best time to do this trek is during the monsoon when the vegetation and forest cover is lush green in colour. Monsoon is also when you can find small waterfalls cascading down the hills around you which makes for a wonderful scenery. The trek can also be done in other seasons but you will be met with varying vegetation and colours in the landscape.
How to Reach the Base
You can reach Khandas by a private vehicle or via public transport.
From Mumbai: If you are reaching by public transport, take a local train to Karjat or any train towards Pune. Get down at Neral or Karjat. The train takes around 2 hours. From Neral, you can take a shared auto to Kashele. From here, you can either take a bus or another shared auto to reach Khandas. Neral is 29 kms from Khandas. If you get down at Karjat, you can take a bus or private jeep or auto to Khandas. Bus timings are erratic so it is advisable to strike a good deal with a private jeep or auto. Karjat is 30 kms away from Khandas.
From Pune: Board a train towards Mumbai and get down at Neral or Karjat. The journey is 2 hours long. From Neral, you can take a shared auto to Kashele. From here, you can either take a bus or another shared auto to reach Khandas. Neral is 29 kms from Khandas. If you get down at Karjat, you can take a bus or private jeep or auto to Khandas. Bus timings are erratic so it is advisable to strike a good deal with a private jeep or auto. Karjat is 30 kms away from Khandas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bhimashankar Trek
1. Is there network connectivity on the trek?
You can find a few bars of signal from Airtel throughout the trail.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
You will find hotels and restaurants in Khandas village. You can pack food from here before you start the trek. There are also a few shops at the halfway point and near the temple from where you can buy some snacks. It is advisable to carry your own food and water to last the entire trail.
3. Do I need a permit for this trek?
Trekkers do not require any permits for this trek.
4. Are there any stay options near the trail?
You can find accommodation in Khandas village and also near the Bhimashankar temple. The locals can help you plan your stay.
5. How long does the trek take?
Bhimashankar trek can be completed in one day and takes 7-8 hours to return back to the T-junction.
6. Is this trek for beginners?
If you are someone with an active lifestyle and good fitness, you can attempt this trek via Ganesh Ghat route. If not, this trek is not suitable for someone with a sedentary lifestyle and no prior trekking experience.
That’s all about the Bhimashankar 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.
