Bhimashankar Trek – A Complete Guide
The Bhimashankar Trek is one of Maharashtra’s most thrilling and captivating treks, taking you through densely forested regions, steep mountain terrains, and a temple perched atop Nagfani Pinnacle!
This trek will take you past numerous forts, hills, rock climbing areas, flowing waterfalls, picturesque lakes and streams. Plus, you’ll witness an array of exotic flora and fauna in these forests.
Monsoon season transforms the landscape into a breathtakingly beautiful realm. The wet canopy of mountains creates natural lighting that allows hundreds of fireflies to flash in sync.
For nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this trek is a must-do. Not only will you get to take in breathtaking views, but you will also gain insight into the area’s ancient history.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Base Village: Khandas, Maharashtra
- Altitude: 3400 ft. approx
- Best Season: July-September
- Ideal For: Intermediate & Experienced Trekkers
How To Reach Bhimashankar?
The trek starts from the village of Khandas, approximately 25 kms from Neral railway station. You can reach via public transport and a private vehicle very quickly.
Via Public Transport:
From Mumbai, take a local train from Dadar heading towards Karjat, and get down at Neral. From Neral, take a local rickshaw to the base village of Khandas. They charge around INR 150 per seat.
Trekkers coming from Pune can take a local bus to Karjart & then, from Karjat, hire a local rickshaw to Khandas village.
Via Private Transport:
The base village of Khandas is 90 kms from Mumbai and takes around 2.5 – 3 hours to reach via car or bike. Click on the link for the Google Maps route.
From Pune, the distance is around 130 kms and takes around 3.5 – 4 hours to reach. Click on the link for the Google Maps route.
What Is The Trek Route & Difficulty Level?
The Bhimashankar trek has two main routes – the Shidi Ghat and Ganesh Ghat. Here’s a detailed description of both:
- Shidi Ghat Route:
This is the most popular and well-marked trail for the Bhimashankar trek. The trail starts from Khandas village and is approximately 13 km long. The trek starts with a gradual climb and then becomes steep as you reach the top. Around 4-5 rock patches along the way require careful navigation. The final climb to the Bhimashankar temple is through a series of stone steps. The trek is moderately difficult and can take 5-6 hours to complete.
- Ganesh Ghat Route:
This is a longer, more challenging route with fewer facilities. The trail starts from Kusur village and is approximately 18 km long. The trek starts with a steep climb with several rock patches and boulder sections requiring careful navigation. The trail is less crowded than the Shidi Ghat route and offers stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges. The trek via Ganesh Ghat is difficult & can take between 8-9 hours to complete.
Both routes offer a unique and challenging trekking experience, with breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. It’s essential to plan your trek and carry enough water, food, and appropriate gear.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Bhimashankar trek via Shidi ghat route is moderately difficult. The trek via Ganesh ghat route is difficult and should be only attempted by experienced trekkers.
The duration of the Bhimashankar trek and the distance covered can vary depending on the route taken and the pace of the trekker. However, the most common route is the Shidi Ghat route, which is around 13 km long and can take between 5-6 hours to complete. The Ganesh Ghat route is longer, around 18 km, and can take up to 8-9 hours to complete. It’s important to plan accordingly and ensure you have enough time to complete the trek safely.
Yes, the Bhimashankar temple is located at the top of a hill and can only be reached by trekking. There are two main trekking routes to reach the Bhimashankar temple – the Shidi Ghat route and the Ganesh Ghat route. Both routes involve a steep climb and can take several hours to complete, depending on the pace of the trekker.
The duration of the Bhimashankar trek and the distance covered can vary depending on the route taken and the pace of the trekker. However, the most common route is the Shidi Ghat route, which is around 13 km long and can take between 5-6 hours to complete. The Ganesh Ghat route is longer, around 18 km, and can take up to 8-9 hours to complete. It’s important to plan accordingly and ensure you have enough time to complete the trek safely.
Bhimashankar Trek via Ganesh Ghat Video
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