Most Thrilling Trek To Highest Peak Of Maharashtra

Most Thrilling Trek To The Highest Peak Of Maharashtra

ABOUT KALSUBAI

As we have heard, Mount Everest is named as one of the highest peaks in the world; likewise, there are high peaks in every country and every state. Kalsubai is one of those names that appear on the list of the highest Mountains in the state of Maharashtra, India. Yes, Kalsubai is the name of the mountain in Maharashtra, India. A mountain located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Kalsubai stands at a height of 5400 feet above sea level. This is something that has attracted many travelers. The beauty of this mountain will make you ponder: how did this mountain come to be? Why is it named Kalsubai? This is something that excites and increases curiosity in the hearts of travelers.

HISTORY OF KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

When I visited this place for the first time, I realized it was something I had read about in my geography book. Everything I heard in the book gave me the same glimpse as what I was seeing. After conversing with some of the villagers about this mountain, they mentioned a woman named Kalsubai who was punished by the villagers and forced to leave the village. After that, she climbed the mountain and started living on top of it, but later she died there. The locals built a temple in her memory at the summit, and the hill is named Kalsubai after her.

HOW TO REACH KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

To reach Kalsubai Mountain, one has to reach Bari village, which is the base village of this trek. 

BY AIR.

The nearest airport is Mumbai's International airport, which is 190 km from Bari village.

One can take a local train or bus to reach further to the Bari village.

BY ROAD

There is direct road connectivity to Bari village from major cities like Mumbai, Nashik, and Pune, which are also well connected to other states in India. Bari village is 190 km from Mumbai, 80 km from Nashik, and 180 km from Pune. Regular buses run between the cities and Ghoti in the Nashik region. From there, one can take another bus heading toward Bhandardara.

BY TRAIN

The nearest railway stations are Kasara and Igatpuri, which are well connected to Nashik and Mumbai. From the railway station, there are buses and taxi services available to reach Bhandardara. Bari village is a few kilometers before Bhandardara. If you miss the bus, you can get to Ghoti, which is 12 kilometers from Igatpuri. From there, shared taxis are available. It is one of the cheapest ways to reach Bhandardara. However, the bus frequency to Bhandardara and Bari village is quite low. The taxi fare is around 800 INR. The preferred mode of travel is by personal vehicle.

TREK TO KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

ENTRANCE OF KALSUBAI TREK FROM BASE VILLAGE

I started the trek with my friend. After receiving the full history from the villagers, we began our ascent towards our destination. It was very cold at that time, but as we walked, our bodies started generating heat. From the base village, the glimpse of the Kalsubai Mountains looks so tempting. The route is simple and clear from the base village, crossing through a small temple of Kalsubai. All trekkers take blessings from the deity in the temple before starting the trek. It's beautiful to see the village covered with lush greenery. What excites trekkers is the huge crowd heading toward the heights. Once we crossed the first 30 minutes, we found some shade where we let our dehydrated bodies rest. There are several huts along the way that sell food. During the monsoon, this is one of those places where all trekkers head with their large groups to reach the summit of this trek. 

SMALL HUT WHICH BECAME A RESTING PLACE

There are small streams of water along the jungle trail. Ascending through the jungle offers a unique experience of this path. After another 20-minute break, we moved ahead along a vast route, and guess what? This path led us to an iron ladder that was a steep ascent. It was the most dangerous part of the entire trek. I had never come across such a shaky ladder to climb, but it provided another new experience. Nowadays, this is also known as the Kalsubai ladder. 

YES, THIS IS IRON LADDER

Yes, one mistake and you can fall from the ladder. Climbing the ladder was nearly an 80-degree ascent. If you have a fear of heights, you must take care while ascending. The ladder is the only way to reach the summit and move toward the top.

 

After another 30-minute walk, we reached the summit. It was almost a 3-hour hike from base to peak, covering a distance of 6 km of ascent. There is a small temple at the top, along with a little space that can accommodate around 100 people. Reaching the summit recharged my lost energy as the view of the nearby mountains was enchanting. Kalsubai Peak offers an astonishing view of the Bhandardara holiday village, including Ratangad Mountain, Harishchandra Fort, Alang, Malang, and Kulang. The view is simply breathtaking. One can relax here for a while.

SUMMIT POINT OF KALSUBAI

TEMPLE KALSUBAI

The most interesting part of the trail was the small girls aged between 8 and 10 years who were moving ahead of us to reach the peak. I spent around 2 hours at the top and then started the return journey to the base village. As you all know, the descent on every trek is easy due to gravity. We reached the base village and enjoyed a delicious lunch at one of the homes there. The villagers were very kind to greet the guests. With these cherished memories, we ended our journey trek.

 

THESE GIRLS BECOME INSPIRATION FOR ALL

It is said that traditional Puja is performed by villagers at the peak on every Tuesday and Thursday.

On the occasion of Navratri, it's a festive atmosphere as many people come to worship at the summit, and a fair is organised during the ninth day of the Navratri festival.

" THE BEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN THE WORLD CAN NOT BE SEEN OR EVEN TOUCHED, THEY MUST BE FELT WITH HEART".

BEST TIME TO VISIT KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

June through August is an ideal time to enjoy the foggy climate. From September to October, you can witness a variety of flowers along the route. November through May is for those who want to experience the view of the Milky Way. The best part of trekking at night is witnessing the sunrise when the sun paints the surrounding sky, capturing your attention. From October to November, temperatures drop below 10 degrees.

WHERE TO STAY IF VISITING KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN 

As the mountain lies within the region of Bhandardara, it is one of the holiday villages where camping is allowed at Shendi village, which is 15 km from Bari village. You can pitch your own tent at the base village of the trek point; camping on the peak is restricted. One must seek help from locals to rent camping gear.

 

There are hotels and resorts available in Bhandardara, which is 15 km from Bari village. Costs vary from deluxe rooms to standard economic rooms. 

PLACES TO VISIT AROUND KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

•  As the Kalsubai Mountain lies in the range of Sahyadri, there are other trekking spots like Harishchandra fort, Ratangad fort, Alang, Malang,      and Kulang. 

• Bhandardara lake- One of the famous attractions,      which is 15 km from Bari village. A view of the lake can give a new sensation to your eyes. Ideal place for one who wants to enjoy Boating with a sunset view. Boating charges are 200 INR for 1 hour.
• Amruteshwar Temple- 1000 years 1000-year-old temple, which is made up of black stone, is an attraction of Bhandardara. 
• Sandhan Valley- Asia's second largest valley goes through a rocky patch that gives a glance to visitors. 

TIPS FOR YOU BEFORE VISITING KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

• Carry proper hiking shoes that will support you on mud, dry soil, and rock.
• Keep a small backpack loaded with enough water and an energy bar. At the trek point, some stuff may cost you more.
• Always carry your own camping essentials. (This is for a budget traveler.)
• Do not try to take a selfie while heading up the Iron ladder.
• Do not litter the area.