Mount Kalsubai Trek In Maharashtra
Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra and the Western Ghats. It belongs to Sahyadri Range. It is 1,646m high. It is Mecca of all the keen climbers and trekkers. This peak is of great historical significance as it served as a tower to watch enemies during Maratha rule. an experience like that of walking on the clouds.
Season to trek Mount Kalsubai
It is from September to February.
Location of Mount Kalsubai
It is located in Igatpuri region, in the border between Nasik and Ahmadnagar districts.
Trekking Mount Kalsubai in Maharashtra
- Bari-Kalsubai-Bari
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Level: Moderate
From behind the only bus stop in Bari, a footpath goes west and joins a road leading to Bari village. Beyond the first section of the village, a path cuts and ascends up a spur into the forest. As you tread on, the path enters a courtyard of a temple. Here you will see some fascinating pillars of stone or lamp posts and carved Nandi bulls in the courtyard. The trees around the temple call you to relax before making another start of your climb. From here, the trail is steeper and iron ladders have been installed at 3 points to facilitate your trek.
Tread behind the temple and ascend west to another stretch. Iron ladders are fixed at 2 points and some railings where the path is unstable. Kalsubai's trademark is a series of false summits. About half a kilometer from the top, there is a small well. From here, the top is clearly visible and an iron ladder will take you to the top. A short climb up the rock face brings you to the top. Here you see a temple dedicated to Devi Kalsubai.
The vista from the top rewards all your treading till here. On your right, you see the huge expansion of Arthur Hill Lake below the top, backwaters of Bhandardara Dam is also worth watching. To the south, you can see Ghanchakkar, Katrabai Khind, Ratangad Fort and Khutta Pinnacle. To the west, Alang Fort, Madangad and Kulang are seen. Turn around to the north-east in order to see the inviting waters of Beal Lake, Aundha, Bitangad and Patta.
As you retrace your steps, slope down to Bari village, the way, you came up. You have to be careful because the scree makes the path slippery and there is danger of getting a bad sprain in ankle or even a torn ligament.
Trekking Options
- If you are interested in a long route, drop to Bhandardara Dam. Follow a path to south. It will take a minimum time of 4 hours and can be more than that.
- Your trek can have an easier extension if you walk along the road from Bari to Warangushi and then to Bhandardara, where you can spend the night. Or you can take a left turn and follow the Rajaur Road till Randha Falls.
- You can also descend 10 kms from the other side of the hill and reach Udhavne village. From here, you have to trek 15-16 km to Bhandardara Dam.
Mount Kalsubai trek in Maharashtra is trekking in the highest peak in Maharashtra and Western Ghats. Though it is the highest but it is not the toughest. If you are fit enough for a trek, this trek will not give you a tough time; rather you will enjoy its ease. Wonderful waters and fantastic forts add the enthusiasm to your trek.