Most Thrilling Trek To Highest Peak Of Maharashtra

Most Thrilling Trek To Highest Peak Of Maharashtra

ABOUT KALSUBAI

As we have heard Mount Everest name as one of the highest peak of the world, likewise there are highest peaks in every country and every states. Kalsubai is one of those name appears in the list of highest Mountain from Maharashtra state of Indian region. Yes, Kalsubai is the name of Mountain from Maharashtra India. A Mountain positioned in Sahyadri range of western ghats in Maharashtra, situated on the height of 5400 feet from Sea level is Kalsubai. This is something which has attracted most of traveler's. The beauty of this Mountain will put you in thought, How this Mountain would have come in picture? Why It is named as Kalsubai? This is something that excites and increases curiosity in the heart of travelers.

HISTORY OF KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

When I visited first time to this place, I realized this is something I had heard in the geography book. Whatever heard in book, and it gives the same glimpse as in book. After conversation with some of the villagers about this Mountain, They uttered, a women name Kalsubai was punished by villagers and forced to leave village. After that the women climbed Mountain and started leaving on top of Mountain and later she dead there, the locals built a temple in her memory on the peak’s summit. The hill is named Kalsubai after her.

HOW TO REACH KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

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

BY AIR.

Nearest airport is Mumbai's International airport which is 190 km from Bari village.

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

BY ROAD

There is direct connectivity of road to reach Bari village from major cities like Mumbai, Nashik and Pune which is further well connected to other states of India.

Bari village is 190 km from Mumbai, 80 km from Nashik and 180 km from Pune.

There are regular buses available that runs between cities for Ghoti in Nashik region.

From there one can take another bus going towards Bhandardara.

BY TRAIN

Nearest railway station is Kasara and Igatpuri which is well connected from Nashik and Mumbai.

From railway station there are buses and taxi service available to reach Bhandardara. Bari village is few km before Bhandardara.

If you miss the bus, then reach to Ghoti which is 12 km from Igatpuri. From there share taxis are available.

It is one of the cheapest way to reach. Bus frequency is very less for Bhandardara Bari village.

Taxis will charge you around 800 INR

Preferable travel mode is own vehicle

TREK TO KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

ENTRANCE OF KALSUBAI TREK FROM BASE VILLAGE

I started trek along with my friend. After getting complete history from villagers, we started ascending towards our destination. It was so cold at that time, but as we walked, our body started generating heat. From base village the glimpse of Kalsubai Mountains looks so tempting. The route is simple and clear from base village that passes crossing through small temple of Kalsubai. All trekkers will take blessings of deity in temple and starts the trek. It is so beautiful to see the village covered with lush greeneries. Thing that excite trekkers to trek is such a huge crowd heading towards the height. Once we crossed the distance of first 30 min, we saw some shades where we gave some rest to our dehydrated body. There are some huts available which sells some food along the way. In monsoon this is one of those place where all trekkers head with their big group to reach summit of this trek. 

SMALL HUT WHICH BECAME RESTING PLACE

There are small water streams on the way that leaves you in jungle trail. Ascend through jungle has another new experience of this trail. After another break of 20 minute we moved ahead through vast path and guess what? This route lead us to one iron ladder which was steep ascend. It was so dangerous path of whole trek. I had never came across such a shaky ladder to climb, but still it is another new exposure.
nowadays this also known as Kalsubai ladder. 

YES, THIS IS IRON LADDER

Yes, one mistake and you are down from ladder. Climbing the ladder was close to 80 degree ascend. If you have phobia of height then must take care of it while ascending. To reach at summit, ladder is the only way to move towards the top.

After another 30 minute walk and we reached at summit. It was almost 3 hours hike from base to peak covering distance of 6 km ascend. There is small temple on top along with little space that can accommodate around 100 peoples. Reaching on summit was recovering my lost energy as the view of nearby Mountain was enchanting. Kalsubai peak gives astonishing view of Bhandardara holiday village including Mountain Ratangad, Harishchandra fort, Alang, Malang and Kulang. The view is simply breathe taking. One can relax here for sometime.

SUMMIT POINT OF KALSUBAI

TEMPLE KALSUBAI

The most interesting part of the trail was those small girls age between 8-10 years was moving ahead of us to reach the peak point. I spent around 2 hours at top and started return journey to the base village. As you all know descend to every trek is so easy due to gravity. We reached at the base village and had delicious lunch at one of the home from base village.

Villagers are so kind to greet the guests. With this cherish memories we ended our trek. 

THESE GIRLS BECOME INSPIRATION FOR ALL

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

On occasion of Navratri, its festive atmosphere as many people come to worship at the summit and fair is organised during the ninth day of 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 to August is ideal time to enjoy foggy climate.

September to October, one can witness variety of different flowers on route.

November to May is the one who wants to feel the view of Milky Way. The best part of doing this trek in night is the view of sunrise where sun paints the surrounding sky and it attracts your eyes.

October to November temperature falls below 10 degree.

WHERE TO STAY IF VISITING KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN 

As the Mountain falls under the region of Bhandardara, It is one of the holiday village where Camping is allowed at Shendi village Bhandardara which is 15 km from Bari village.

You can pitch own tent at base village of trek point, camping on peak is restricted.

One has to take help of locals to get camping stuff on rent.

There are hotels and resorts available at Bhandardara which is 15 km from Bari village. Cost varies as per deluxe room to normal economic room. 

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

TIPS FOR YOU BEFORE VISITING KALSUBAI MOUNTAIN

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