Top 10 Monsoon Treks Around Mumbai and Pune – Budget Treks and How to Get There
Summer has bid adieu and monsoon is just right around the corner, bringing the right season for exploring the rain kissed mountains and trails, the perfect season for treks. Trekking isn’t just about walking through gigantic trails or navigating through pathways, it’s about enjoying the journey whilst providing you with a sense of accomplishment. Mumbai and Pune are surrounded by a myriad of trails that offer you the best treks with views, making it one of the top things to do in Monsoon.
Home to the enchanting Sahyadri ranges, treks around Mumbai and Pune feature breathtaking panoramic views coupled with mist laden weather. These treks can range from easy to difficult along with certain trails that can be extended for two day treks. In today’s blog we’ll explore some of the best trek spots in Maharashtra that’ll go from pocket friendly to trials that will break your sweat. Some of these are located in nearby hill stations like Lonavala and Karjat, where one can extend their trip and have a refreshing stay at the villas by StayVista. Make sure to read till the end as we have a bonus surprise for our readers.
Trek Essentials
Before we dive right into the trekking ranges, make sure to pack these essentials in your backpack before heading out.
- Stay Hydrated – Although it is monsoon and one will be drenched in rain, water is essential as these treks are bound to tire you. Make sure to carry plenty of water for your trek.
- Rain Gear – A no brainer when trekking, wear good quality moisture-wicking clothes and carry a waterproof backpack and raincoat to keep you and things safe.
- Carry maps – Although you’ll have guides to help you during your trek. In case you’re the adventurous one who likes to trek alone, make sure to download the area map or have a physical map handy.
- Food – Although some of these treks have plenty of local food options, we recommend you to pack your own food as there might not be availability of food in some areas.
- Cover your devices – Wrap your electronic devices and headphones in a plastic wrap as they might get damaged in the rain.
- For your personal safety, do have your emergency contact stored incase of any misadventure.
Asava Fort, Boisar
Easily accessible from Mumbai through a local from the western line, Asava fort in Boisar is another most sought after trek. The fort stands in the majestic hills of Sahyadri range. The trek commences with a trail that winds through picturesque villages and verdant fields, gradually leading to the foothills of Asava Fort. It is an easy monsoon trek near Mumbai for beginners who have little to no experience in trekking and want to get a headstart to it.
Quick Guide to Asava Fort, Boisar –
Price – Rs. 800
Difficulty – Easy/Beginner
How to reach – 114 kms from Mumbai and 238kms from Pune, the nearest station is the Boisar railway station.
Vikatgad – Peb Fort
Located in the vicinity of Neral, the Vikatgad-Peb fort is one of the most sought after treks in Mumbai. This is a budget trek near Mumbai and has an easy level of difficulty, perfect for beginners. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and novice trekkers, this trek offers both ease and picturesque beauty. The trail commences with a dense forest teeming with lush vegetation. However, fret not, as a delightful pathway meanders through the woods, leading directly to the fort from the hill’s base.
Quick Guide to Vikatgad – Peb Fort –
Price – Rs. 900
Difficulty – Easy/Beginner
How to reach – 53 kms from Mumbai, 132 kms from Pune, Nearest railway station are Karjat or Neral station and then a bus to the base camp.
Prabalmachi Trek
Located at the foothills of Prabalgad Fort, Prabalmachi is a quaint trek that captivates trekkers with its serene ambiance and breathtaking views. As the trek is of moderate level it is quite easily accessible to the newcomers as the trek is a bit well laid out. The path reveals breathtaking panoramic views of the hills and valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see, adorned in a rich tapestry of vibrant green foliage. The atmosphere becomes increasingly invigorating, and the sights become increasingly mesmerizing at every step forward. If you’re in the mood for more adventure, do venture out on a trek to Prabalgad Fort.
Quick Guide to Prabalmachi Trek –
Price – Rs. 1000
Difficulty – Moderate
How to reach – 50 kms from Mumbai and 120 kms from Pune. Easily accessible through the road to the base camp.
Prabalmachi is also perfect for watching fireflies at night, in case you’re planning a stay nearby, do check out these villas by Stayvista.
Rajmachi Trek
Rajmachi Fort houses several caves that provide trekkers with an opportunity to spend the night in their shelter. In the pre-monsoon season, the forest surrounding the fort comes alive with the enchanting glow of fireflies during the night. Additionally, in the monsoon, you can embark on a trek to Kondhane Caves, where you can witness the mesmerizing beauty of caves and waterfalls. Strategically positioned overlooking Borghat, a crucial trade route, Rajmachi Fort enjoys an ideal location. One can extend it into a two day trek and camp nearby, one will be dazzled by the fireflies of Rajmachi at night.
Quick Guide to Rajmachi Trek –
Price – Rs. 1000
Difficulty – Moderate
How to reach – 168 kms from Pune and 310 kms from Mumbai. One can go to Lonavala and take a road or bus trip to the Udhwadi Base camp.
Katraj – Singhad Trek
One of the most unique and challenging treks, this one will test your strengths. The trek begins at Katraj, where you’ll be greeted by a trail that winds its way through lush greenery and rugged terrain. The trek to Singhad Fort is not for the faint-hearted, as it presents a challenging and steep ascent. As you reach the summit of Singhad Fort, a sense of accomplishment and awe washes over you. The fort stands proudly, overlooking the vast expanse of the city below.
Quick Guide to Katraj – Singhad Trek –
Price – Rs. 699
Difficulty – Challenging
How to reach- Just a 30 min drive from pune and 150 km from Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Pune and bus stop is Swargate bus stand.
Experience Based Treks
As it’s monsoon, we have a surprise for you, here’s a list of rich experience filled treks that one can take during the monsoon season.
Waterfall Treks
Who doesn’t love waterfalls during the monsoon? The cascading waterfalls and its lush greenery are a treat for monsoon lovers. One of the best ways to chase the monsoon is by a trek through the mesmerising waterfalls that transcend you into a mystic realm. Here are some beautiful waterfall treks that we recommend.
Bhivpuri Waterfalls
This is an aquatic jewel that is located in the backdrop of Karjat’s Valley. As you trek up, the views become increasingly magnificent, with glimpses of the stunning Western Ghats. Offering an unparalleled experience, this is considered as one of the best treks from pune. A mixture of easy and moderate difficulty, this is one of the must do things in the monsoon.
Quick Guide to Bhivpuri Waterfalls –
Price – Rs. 500
Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
How to reach – 80 kms from Mumbai and 116 kms from Pune, Bhivpuri is easily accessible through a train to Bhivpuri station. Once reached, one can take an auto from the station to the base camp.
Devkund Waterfalls
Traversing through dense forests that are enveloped in misty clouds is what a trek to Devkund Waterfalls looks like. Set at an altitude of 2,000 ft with a total time of 1.5 hours to complete the trek, Devkund falls is the best trail for monsoon trekking in Mumbai. The base camp is located at Bhira dam with signs & directions with a well laid path, making it part of the famous treks in Maharashtra.
Quick Guide to Devkund Waterfalls –
Price – Rs. 799
Difficulty – Easy
How to reach – 120 kms from Mumbai and 98 kms from Pune. The closest railway station is Khopoli. One has to take a bus from Khopoli to Bhira Village which is the base camp. Please note that the last bus is scheduled at 18:40.
Naneghat
Known as one of the best one day treks near Mumbai, Naneghat reverse waterfall trek is filled with adventure amidst nature. Deeply embedded in Maharashtra’s history, the Naneghat pass was used as an ancient trade route. Starting from the Vaishakare base camp, a trek through this trail allows one to explore the remnants of this historic route. Although it is an easy trek in monsoon, the ending involves a climb to the hilltop.
Quick Guide to Naneghat –
Price – Rs. 1399
Difficulty – Moderate
How to reach – 160 kms from Mumbai and 123 kms from Pune. Catch a train to Kalyan station. From the bus stop beside the station, hop on a bus to Junnar which is near the base camp. Alternatively, one can also go through the road.
Night Treks
With the guidance of the mystical stars and the shimmering moon, night treks in monsoon are the perfect way to explore Maharashtra’s monsoon. Explore the silhouette of mountains and everchanging nightscapes with these night treks around Mumbai and Pune.
Raireshwar Fort
Situated in the Bhor taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, Raireshwar Fort presents an ideal opportunity for a one-day hike in the scenic Western Sahyadri Ranges. Rising 4505 feet above sea level, this historical fortress, known as Raireshwar Killa, offers a relatively easy trekking experience. The base village of Korle serves as the starting point for the ascent.
Quick Guide to Raireshwar Fort –
Price – Rs. 800
Difficulty – Easy
How to reach – 80 kms from Pune and 225 kms from Mumbai. Take a bus to Korle which is the base camp of the trek. The nearest railway station is Satara, which has plenty of buses running to the base camp.
Kalsubai Trek
Known as one of the best night treks from Mumbai, Kalsubai is situated in the Kalsubai mountain range. Situated at a challenging altitude of 5400 feet, this trail involves a trek through Maharashtra’s tallest peak. A test of stamina and endurance, this trek is not for the faint of heart. With a completion time of 3.5 hours, this is a challenging trek that will test your patience. As the trek is located nearby Nashik, one can check out these villas near Nashik.
Quick Guide to Kalsubai Trek –
Price – Rs. 999
Difficulty – Challenging
How to reach – 156 kms from Mumbai and 83 kms from Pune, Take a train to Igatpuri and then a bus to the Bhaari Village base camp.
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