Bhatkeadventure

If you want to enjoy an adventurous trekking experience, then India, particularly Pune in Maharashtra, holds some interesting spots. Pune and its nearby areas are becoming more and more popular for its beautiful surroundings, historical forts and striking mountains. Let’s know about 10 best treks in October in India:

Harishchandragad

Difficulty: a little hard

Tips by Trek Organisers Mumbai: The best time to hike here is early winter (October-November), you can also visit during the monsoon, but it’s a little risky. Night camping is recommended.

Kalsubai

Difficulty: Moderate

Any hike to Maharashtra would be incomplete without a visit to the Highest Peak in Maharashtra, Kalsubai. You can reach the Kalsubai trek from Mumbai by the Pune-Kalyan-Igatpuri expressway from Pune to Kalyan, followed by National Highway 3. The hike has 2 different approaches, a difficult approach from Indore village and an easier approach from Bari village. The easier route has ladders for climbing cracks and rocks. While it used to be a gruelling hike, things have gotten a lot easier in recent years. Unlike other treks, Kalsubai has no fort or ruins.

October trekking tips 2021 India by experts: The ideal month to visit is from October to November. The monsoon trekking in Kalsubai is a little riskier, but the summer season, in general, should be avoided as conditions can get quite punitive.

Gorakhgad trek

Difficulty: Moderate

Gorakhgad Fort is an interesting historical place to visit from Mumbai. The 2137 feet high fort allures trekkers from all over the country as it offers good opportunities for rock climbing. Gorakhgad trek routeis just 3 hours away from Mumbai and begins from the temple located on the road- head going from Dehri to Murbad.

Machchndragad and Gorakhgad regions have dense forest cover. The best part is fort is not too big and can be easily explored within a day. As per historical references, the ancient building was used in the Shivaji Maharaj era to patrol nearby areas. The fort got this name from Saint Gorakhnath, who executed his “Sadhana” at this palace.

Sandhan Valley Trek

Difficulty: Slight difficult

Famous for various names like Valley of Shadow or Valley of Suspense, Sandhan Valley is one of the highest valleys in the beautiful location of Sahyadri Western Ghats. Sandhan valley trek from Pune is about 200 feet deep and 1.5 km long. The beautifully carved region of the Valley of Suspense is situated on the western side of the striking Bhandardara region of Samrad village.

Surrounded by the Kulang, Alang and Madan, Sandhan Valley Trek has a steep, narrow rock floor lying between high walled mountain ranges. The width of the Valley is narrow somewhere; that’s why named as Valley of Shadows.

Raimachi Track

Difficulty: Moderate

This is another popular trekking site near Pune, located about 15 km from Lonavala Handala. There are two ways to approach this fort; a 10-15 km hike from Lonavala or an ascent from a village near Karjat. But the route from Karjat is a difficult climb, and the hike from Lonavala is just a long way. Due to its popularity, it is also inundated with people all year round.

Fort Karnala

Difficulty: Moderate

Karnala Fort is located inside the Karnala Bird Sanctuary on the Panvel-Alibaug Highway. It is about 12 km from Panvel. Karnala is a very popular weekend getaway, and the crowds from Mumbai Pune are also overwhelming.

Although Karnala is about 180 km from Pune, it can still be easily visited on a day trip. The trek to the top is only 1.5 – 2 hours.

Lohagad

Difficulty: Moderate

Lohagad, located about 70 km from Pune, near the Pavna dam. Its distance from Lonavala is about 20 km. This fort has a very colourful history and has seen countless battles. But the fortress walls are still intact.

The relatively better condition of the fort, its walls, gates, ramparts, etc., will make you fall in love with this fort.

Kalavantin Durg

Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Organisers Mumbai would recommend this hike for its uniqueness. Kalavantin Durg is part of the Prabalgad Fort near Panvel. This fort is only 500 meters high and impresses with its conical structure. A previously obscure fort, it has gained popularity in recent years through widespread social media coverage.

This fort is located between Matheran and Panvel, two hours from Pune. This short hike can be undertaken throughout the year.

If you’re ready to go the extra mile for adventure and want a serious hiking/trekking experience, then heading a little further from Pune is recommended.

Dhodap or Fort Dhodambe

Difficulty: slightly difficult

Located about 42 km from the city of Nashik (210 km from Pune), Dhodap Fort is a unique trekking experience. It’s a hiking, climbing and rock climbing – all in one. Dhodap is one of Shivaji’s forts, although it is now in a very dilapidated state. Most of the fort lies in ruins. It is also the second-largest fort in Maharashtra. With very narrow rock steps, this path can be exhausting for a beginner.

This trek takes about 3 hours. This hike is best done in early winter (October-November). The location is also good for camping. The fort is replete with numerous tunnels and a couple of temples.

Ratangad

Difficulty: Difficult (especially during monsoons)

By far the best treks in October in India of Sahyadris an expert’s opinion. Located near Bhandardara Hill Station, Ratangad is one of the best hikes in Maharashtra. You can get here either by the Malshey route from Pune or by the Kalyan-Igatpuri route. It is located in a rather remote location compared to the other routes mentioned here. You will need 4 hours to complete this hike.

There are two approaches to the summit, the easiest of the foothills in Ratangad village and the difficult upwind via steps. During monsoons, the stepped route should be avoided as it is quite dangerous. The highlight of this hike is the Nedhe point (the eye of the mountain). Nedhe is a hole in the mountain from where you can see both sides of the summit. This point is the real peak of Ratangad and is quite inaccessible. Night camp is highly recommended.