From Kalsubai To Taibaila, Test Your Strength And Stamina On These Toughest Treks In Maharashtra!

Maharashtra has many wonderful treks scattered all over the state thanks to the Sahyadri range. From easy, medium to hard there is a mixed bag of options depending on your stamina and strength. But for the mighty, who love staring challenge in the eye and conquering great feats, we have enlisted a few of the toughest treks in all of Maharashtra. Hai dum?

Tailbaila Fort

Tailbaila Fort
This lesser-known fort in Mulshi is nothing short of a climbers paradise. Located 94 km away from Pune, Tailbaila Fort is a favourite for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies. The reason why this fort trek is part of one of the hardest treks in Maharashtra is that it is 3,322 feet above sea level and the rocky facade is what makes this one a challenge. This trek also combines rappelling in a few parts so, make sure you conduct this trek with a professional. Your inner monkey and start climbing!
Base Village: Tailbaila Village
Distance From Pune: 94 km
Distance From Mumbai: 114 km

Kalavantin Durg

Kalavantin Durg
Located just two and a half hours away from Pune, Kalavantin Durg stands tall at 2,300 feet above sea level and promises the most magnificent views! Legend has it that the fort was constructed to honour Queen Kalavantin in the 15th century. What makes this trek challenging is the rugged terrain, stone steps and no support railings makes this already steep trek even more difficult. As strenuous as the climb is, the descent is no piece of cake either. The terrain is steep and the tricky gradient makes the climb down a little more difficult. Make sure you invest in a good pair of shoes and preferably go with an experienced trekker, this is not fit for a novice.
Base Village: Thakurwadi Village
Distance From Pune: 135 km
Distance From Mumbai: 48 km

Kalsubai Fort 

Kalsubai
Why go all the way to Nepal to summit Everest, when there’s one right here in Maharashtra? Located in Igatpuri and standing tall at 5,400 feet makes Kalsubai, the Everest of Maharashtra. Not only is it the highest peak in Maharashtra, but it is also the highest point in the entire Sahyadri Range. The trek is medium intensity which can be completed by novice trekkers too (it might take a while) but the climbs are steep and luckily there are stone steps that will make the climb easier. If you’re visiting during the monsoons, you’ll get a feeling of floating in the clouds. On a clear day, you can see the Bhandardara Dam, Arthur Lake and the green expanse of the range. Post your trek, a quick drive to Bhandardara Dam isn't a bad idea!
Base Village: Bari Village
Distance From Pune: 179 km
Distance From Mumbai: 153 km 

Alang Madan Kulang

Alang Madan Kulang
The Alang – Madan – Kulang or also known as Alangad, Madangad and Kulang in Nashik district are popular amongst people who love their difficult terrain. The terrain, height and not so easy routes all add up to the difficulty level of this trek. The top of the Madan Fort has a huge plateau on top of the fort filled with blowing yellow flowers, whereas, Kulang Fort has patches of rock-cut out as steps and you can take refuge in one of the caves on the fort. It takes roughly six hours to reach the top. Phew! A little experience of rock climbing is a must! We all know that daar ke aage jeet hai!
Base Village: Ambewadi - Kulangwadi
Distance From Pune: 241 Km
Distance From Mumbai: 140 km

Harihar Trek

Harihar trek
One of the most enthralling treks in Igatpuri, Harihar Trek is part of the Tryambak range in Nashik. The reason why this trek is so challenging is that the edges of the fort are almost vertical. There are stone steps that have been carved out of the rock, but it is at an 80-degree angle and there are notches carved in it that help to keep your fingers while climbing up. . Warning. Do not look down while climbing! It can take anywhere from two and a half hours to reach the top and an hour and a half to descend. You can see many forts and peaks such as Bhaskargad or Basgad, Anjaneri Fort, Brahmagiri and Utwad Fort from the top.
Base village: Nirgudpada Village
Distance From Pune: 253 km
Distance From Mumbai: 190 km

Dhak Bahiri Caves Trek 

Dhak Bahiri Caves
This unique cave fort, in Jambahavali region, will really put your trekking skills to the test. Perched at 2,700 feet, a trek to Dhak Bahiri Caves is a surprise on every step due to its changing terrains from grasslands to plateau walk to dense forest and ending with semi-technical vertical rock patch. We bet you need nerves of steel for this. Enjoy your trek with panoramic views of the vast land. The reason why Dhak Bahiri has been alluring trekkers for ages is that the mountains here are a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure and mythological wonders. The ancient Lord Bahiri temple on the top of the hill is a must-visit for anyone who holds an interest in ancient architecture and mythology. You can also camp on top under the stars and they will seem so close. One can easily spot Rajmachi Fort, Visapur Fort, Manikgad and Karnala from the top.
Base Village: Jambhiwali Village
Distance From Pune: 113 km
Distance From Mumbai: 75 km 

Inputs from Aprajita Vidyarthi 

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