- Harishchandragad, located in the Western Ghats of India, is a popular destination for camping and trekking enthusiasts. This historic hill fort is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra and offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and thrilling trekking opportunities.
- The trek to Harishchandragad is a memorable experience for adventure seekers. The trail takes you through dense forests, lush valleys, and rocky terrain. There are multiple routes to reach the fort, with the most common one starting from the village of Khireshwar. This trek is known for its steep ascents and descents, which can be challenging but rewarding. It typically takes around 4-6 hours to reach the fort's plateau.
- Harishchandragad is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. As you ascend, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri mountain range, lush greenery, and a variety of flora and fauna. The monsoon season, from June to September, is especially enchanting as the region turns into a lush green paradise with numerous waterfalls.
- The fort itself has historical significance dating back to the 6th century. It played a vital role in the history of Maharashtra, serving as a strategic defense post. The fort also houses an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
- Trekking to Harishchandragad can be physically demanding, so it's essential to be adequately prepared. Ensure you are in good physical shape, travel in a group, and follow safety guidelines. Always inform someone about your trekking plans and expected return time. In case of any emergency, there are local villagers and guides available for assistance
Day 1:
- 09:00 AM: Report at Deccan gymkhana
- 09:30 AM: Pickups from FC Road
- 10:00 AM: Pickup from Nashik Phata
- 02:00 PM: Reach Base Village and Have Lunch.
- 03:00 PM: Gear up, pack your bags and get your Shoes to lace up! Start the trek to Harishchandragad.
- 06:00 PM: Reach Kokankada and enjoy the sunset view from Konkankada.
- 07:00 PM: Reach at our camping Location. tents will be alloted by Trek leaders. Keep your bags and get relaxed.
- 09:00 PM: Prepare for a night under the sky and have Delicious Local cuisine for Dinner, come out, play a few games, share stories make new friends & enjoy the Bonfire Nights.
- 11:30 PM: Off to The tents for sound sleep ( for those who are very sleepy)
Day 2:
- 05:00 AM: Wake up and get freshen up
- 05:15 AM: Start our trek to Taramati Shikar
- 06:30 AM: Reach Taramati Peak and watch the sunrise.
- 07:30 AM: Start descending via the same route to the campsite.
- 08:00 AM: Reach campsite and Have Breakfast.
- 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM: Explore Harihareshwar Temple, Pushkarni, Shivlinga
- 11:00 AM: Start descending to Base Village.
- 01:30 PM: Reach base village. Get freshen up and have lunch
- 03:00 PM: Start return journey to Pune
- 010:30 PM: Reach Pune (Arrival Time Depends on Pace of Group and Traffic)
What is included in the tour
- Travel from Pune to Pune By Private Bus
- Day 1: Lunch
- Day 1: Dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast
- Day 2: Lunch
- Forest Entry Charges.
- Trek Expertise Charges.
- First Aid Charges.
- Camping Tent.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel till pickup points
- All kinds of Extra Meals/snacks/soft drinks/ Mineral water purchased for personal consumption
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
- Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
- Any kind of Insurance
November: 9, 16, 23, 30
December: 7, 14, 21, 28
January: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
February: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28
March: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
- Pune: 2299/-
- Base Village: 1099/-
Gears
- A rucksack bag and a day pack
- 3-liter water bladder or water bottle
Clothes
- One cotton long sleeve and 2 short sleeve T-shirts
- 1 pair of gloves
- At least 2 long pants (trek pants and cargo pants are favorable)
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 2 pairs of socks
- A small towel
- A rain jacket or a poncho
Footwear
- Above-the-ankle waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good grip
- Flip flops/sandals
Medication
- Glucose powder
- Medicines for headaches, diarrhea, motion sickness
- Dettol
- Bandages
- Cotton
Personal Accessories
- Toothpaste, toothbrush
- Paper soap, or sanitizer
- Sunscreen minimum of spf40, lip balm, cold creams
- Body spray
- LED torch light
- Scroll down to the "BOOK NOW" button and click it.
- Select your departure date from the calendar and proceed.
- Select your ticket type and quantity. (If you have a coupon code, apply at this stage)
- Fill out our personal details and proceed.
- Select your payment type (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) and proceed.
- Once your tickets are booked, you will receive tickets along with the WhatsApp group link via email. Click on the link to join the WhatsApp group.
- If you don't receive at WhatsApp group link, don't worry we will email it to you two days prior to the trip.
- Further details about the trip will be shared on that WhatsApp group 1-2 days prior to the trip.
Bank Account Details:
- Name: Stormfree Adventures & Tourism
- AC No:50200068275548
- Bank Name: HDFC BANK (current ac)
- Bank IFSC: HDFC0000103
Pune:
- Deccan Gymkhana
- Fc road
- Shivajinagar
- Nashik Phata
- Seats will be reserved only after full payment.
- Fees paid are non-refundable but transferable on the same event.
- A complete schedule of the trek will be given later to registered participants
- Organizers have all the right to modify or change the schedule in case
- Organizers hold the right to cancel any event and refund with prior notice.
- We strictly follow a no alcohol, no drugs, and no litter policy.
1. What is the difficulty level of the Harishchandragad trek via Pachnai?
The Pachnai route is the easiest and shortest trail to Harishchandragad, making it ideal for beginners and families. The trail involves moderate trekking and can be completed in 2-3 hours.
2. How do I reach the starting point (Pachnai)?
Pachnai village is the base for this trek, which is accessible by road from major cities like Mumbai (200 km) and Pune (175 km). You can reach Pachnai via private vehicles or public transportation to nearby towns such as Rajur or Ghoti, and then take local transport to Pachnai.
3. Do I need any prior trekking experience for this route?
No prior trekking experience is required for the Pachnai route, as it is beginner-friendly. However, a basic level of fitness is recommended.
4. What is the best time to do the Harishchandragad trek?
The best time to trek to Harishchandragad is during the post-monsoon (September to February) and pre-monsoon (March to June) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding landscape is lush. Monsoon treks are also popular but can be more challenging due to slippery trails.
5. What should I carry for the trek and camping?
Here’s a basic list of essentials:
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- A comfortable backpack
- Water bottle (minimum 2 liters)
- Energy snacks like dry fruits and energy bars
- Warm clothing (especially for camping)
- Personal hygiene kit
- Headlamp or torch
- Rain protection (if trekking during monsoons)
7. What are the major attractions at Harishchandragad?
Key attractions include:
- Konkankada: A spectacular cliff offering a mesmerizing view of the Konkan region.
- Harishchandreshwar Temple- An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Kedareshwar Cave: A cave housing a large Shiva linga surrounded by cold water.
- Taramati Peak: The highest point on the fort, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
8. Are meals provided during the trek?
Meals are typically arranged by the trek organizers or local villagers. Vegetarian meals are common, including basic Maharashtrian dishes like bhakri, rice, dal, and sabzi. If you're trekking independently, carry enough food for your journey.
9. Is it safe to trek and camp at Harishchandragad?
Yes, the trek via Pachnai is safe for most travelers, including beginners. However, as with any trek, it's important to follow safety guidelines, stay hydrated, and avoid risky areas, especially near the edges of cliffs like Konkankada.
10. Are there washroom facilities on the trek?
There are basic facilities in Pachnai village, but once you start the trek, there are no dedicated washrooms. Campers typically use makeshift arrangements on the fort. It's advised to carry biodegradable waste bags to maintain cleanliness.
