Known as one of the most challenging treks in the Sahyadris, Harishchandragad has something to offer to people with varying interests and fitness levels! It is located close to Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra at an altitude of 1424 M. The fort itself is said to be ancient, with its origins tracing back to the 6th century during the rule of Kalachuri dynasty. The caves at the top with idols of Lord Vishnu are said to have been carved around the 11th century, adding to the mythological experience of the place. Harishchandragad is packed with history, adventure and scenic views of the Sahyadris that make it a popular choice among trekking enthusiasts. With multiple routes taking you to the top, one can even choose a trail of their choice. Depending on which trail you choose, the trek can be completed in a day or 2 days. You will need to carry camping equipment if you are taking the trail that requires you to stay the night.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Harishchandragad trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Harishchandragad Trail
The interesting thing about Harishchandragad is that it can be reached via 3 different routes. The 3 trails start from different base villages, Khireshwar, Pachnai and Belpada.
The trail from Pachnai is the easiest and is suitable for beginners with minimal or no trekking experience. It is also the quickest way to the top.
The trail from Khireshwar is moderately difficult and is suitable for those with some trekking experience. It can be attempted by beginners with good fitness levels.
The trail from Belpada is the most challenging one and is only suitable for experienced trekkers. The route also requires you to carry climbing equipment like ropes and carabiners.
The Trail from Pachnai
The easiest out of the three routes, the trail from Pachnai takes around 2 hours to complete and is clearly demarcated. You will find signboards to the top of Harishchandragad at Pachnai village which will lead you to the trail. The trail is fairly simple with gradual ascents and railings to support your climb. An hour’s climb takes you to a gigantic rock wall after which a gradual climb takes you to a plateau. A half an hour gradual climb from here will take you to the Harishchandra temple. Relax here and spend time exploring the remaining parts of the fort. The striking views from the top make for a nice spot to unwind after your climb.
The Trail from Khireshwar
The Khireshwar route itself splits into 2 trails. One via Rajmarg and one via Tolar Khind. The route through Rajmarg has a few challenging sections and is not suitable for beginners without any trekking experience. Tolar Khind, although difficult in some parts, is a moderate trail and also the most popular one.
The trail via Tolar Khind is beautiful with panoramic views of the Sahyadris and takes around 5 hours to reach the top. It starts at Khireshwar village and takes you along the Pimpalgaon dam for around 5 kms. Upon crossing the dam, you will find signboards indicating the starting point of the trek. The trail is flat with paddy fields around from the village to the point where the forest starts. You are surrounded by hills around you and it makes for an exciting walk.
A right turn to enter the forest will dramatically change the environment and landscape with chirping birds, gushing streams and the scent of the jungle with a hint of damp earth. The trail starts to get steep as you trek through the forest. Some parts are narrow and slippery with loose gravel that make the climb challenging so watch where you step and ensure you have the best grip possible. Trekking shoes and a trekking pole play a crucial role in making your climb more comfortable. A little around 1.5 hours into this trail, you will reach a small tea shop, which marks the beginning of Tolar Khind.
The trail from Tolar Khind takes you to a massive patch of rock inclined at 70 degrees which you need to climb past. While there are chains and poles in place to support your climb, they tend to heat up once the sun is up and shining. It is advisable to complete this patch before it gets too hot. This rock patch takes about an hour to complete after which you will reach a plateau.
The trail from here splits into 2 different routes. The one ahead of you goes through thick forests and the one on your right takes you to the top through the seven hills. The straight trail through the forest takes you to the top in an hour and the trail on the right will take around 3 hours (predominantly flat trail) before you reach the Harishchandra temple.
On the top, you can find stalls and camping grounds. Make sure you explore the caves and temples on the top! The best spot for watching the sunset is Konkan Kada. It is another 30 minutes from the temple and the views from here are absolutely stunning!
Remember that this trail requires you to stay the night on top so ensure you carry your camping equipment to suit your needs. Spend the night camping on the fort and enjoy a good campfire!
The Trail from Belpada
The trail from Belpada takes you through Nalichi Vaat, which is the most challenging way to Harishchandragad. The route is only for experienced trekkers with rock patches inclined at 80 degrees! The trail from Belpada to the top takes around 9 hours and it is advisable that you start very early in the morning.
The trail starts from behind Belpada, near the base of the mountain. A narrow trail from the village will take you to the base. A half an hour walk from here will take you through a forest cover and lead you to the stream bed. The rocky trail starts here, taking you upwards through the stream bed. The trail is full of boulders and massive rocks, making it tricky to navigate. Be careful not to set your foot on loose rocks which could result in serious injuries. A 30 minute walk on this trail takes you to a waterfall of sorts which will be your last water source on the route.
The trail inclines even more after the waterfall and you keep going on the rocky patch for the next 1.5 hours. You then reach the mouth of the gorge and another half hour climb from here will take you to the start of the gorge.
The route from the gorge (Nali) is a steep uphill climb over loose rocks. A 25 minute climb will take you to a rock face which can be climbed with the help of rope and carabiners. This part of the trail takes close to 2 hours to complete. Upon completion of the gorge climb, you will find yourself in a grass plain which is the base for the final part of the climb. The final climb takes your through thick vegetation all the way to Konkan Kada.
You can camp here for the night and food can be arranged from the nearest food stalls.
Wake up in the morning to explore Taramati Peak, caves and temples on the top before you make your way down via Tolar Khind to Khireshwar.
Highlights of the Trek
1. Temples and Caves on the top of Harishchandragad
The top of Harishchandragad is home to a number of temples and caves. The structures are said to be ancient and are extremely interesting to explore to learn their history.The caves with idols of Lord Vishnu date back to the 11th century and are an exciting experience for those of you who enjoy mythology. The temples are carved out of rock and the craftsmanship is glorious.
2. Sunset at Konkan Kada
The Konkan Kada is a cliff overlooking the Sahyadri valleys and the Konkan region. This is the best spot to watch the sunset with hues of yellow, orange and pink transforming the sky into nothing short of a colorful painting in the backdrop of the lush green Sahyadri hills. Grab a cup of tea and watch the sun fade away, there is no better way to spend the evening at Harishchandragad.
3. Views from Taramati Peak
This is the fourth highest peak in Maharashtra and overlooks the Naneghat region. The panoramic views of the valleys below are striking, particularly during sunrise!
Challenges
1. Steep Sections
While the route from Pachnai is fairly simple and has ample support for trekkers, the steeper sections on the routes from Khireshwar and Belpada are challenging. The path is narrow and loose rocks make the climb tricky. A good pair of trekking shoes and a trekking pole help in maintaining your balance and also give your ankles the much needed support on the steeper sections.
2. Duration
Compared to other treks in the region, Harishchandragad is longer and both the routes from Khireshwar and Belpada require at least two days to complete the trail. This means you have to be prepared for overnight camping on the top and have to carry all your camping gear that you might need. Remember to pack light but efficiently so that you have everything that you will need for the night.
3. Trekking in Monsoon
The rocky sections of the trail become slippery during the monsoon and increase your risk of injuries. Watch where you place your foot and ensure you have a solid grip before you take a step forward!
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Harishchandragad is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale which means it is a perfect trek for beginners to get a taste of 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 the Harishchandragad Trek
The best time to embark on this trail is during the monsoon and winters. August to January make for the best months with ideal conditions for this trek. The summer months are extremely hot and dry which can make it cumbersome to complete the trail.
How to Reach the Base
All the three base villages can be reached from Mumbai and Pune by road if you have a personal vehicle.
If you wish to resort to public transport the following information will be helpful:
From Pune: Catch a bus to Alephata. From Alephata take a bus towards Kalyan and get off at Khubi Phata for Khireshwar. If you wish to do the trail from Belpada you can get off at Sawarne. If Pachnai is your base village then catch a bus to Mumbai or Nashik and get off at Ghoti village. From here you have to catch another bus to Pachnai. The travel time to all the base villages is around 5 hours.
From Mumbai: Catch the local train to Kalyan. From Kalyan, take the bus to Alephata via Malshej Ghat. Both Khireshwar and Belpada can be reached on the same bus. Get off at Khubi Phata for Khireshwar. If you are going to Pachnai, catch the local train to Kasara. From here you will have to get a jeep to Rajur and then a bus to Pachnai.
There are a number of stay options at all the three base villages if you wish to stay a night.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there network and connectivity during the trek?
The base villages have patchy network and you most probably will be out of reach. However, the top of Harishchandragad and Taramati Peak have good connectivity with almost all cellular networks.
2. Are there any food stalls on the trail?
There are a number of hotels in the base villages along with small stalls on the trails. The top, Harishchandragad, has restaurants and food stalls that cater to trekkers.
3. Is this trail for beginners?
The trail from Pachnai can be attempted by beginners but the other two routes from Khireshwar and Belpada require prior trekking experience.
4. How long does the trek take?
Depending on which route you take, the trek can take anywhere from 4 hours to 2 days to complete. The route from Pachnai takes 2 hours to reach the top. The Khireshwar trail takes 5 hours to reach the top and the Belpada trail takes 9 hours to reach the top.
5. What is an ideal time to start the trek?
This depends on which route you are taking and whether you wish to camp the night on the top. However, it is always best to start trekking early in the morning to avoid the harsh heat from the sun.
That’s all about the Harishchandragad 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.
