Dhodap fort beautiful trek – An ultimate guide
Dhodap fort, another hidden gem from the Nashik range, is known for its grand views of the surrounding. It is the 2nd highest fort after Salher fort and 3rd highest peak after Kalsubai peak & Salher.
Dhodap fort should be on every explorer’s map because of the variety of things it offers. Caves at the top where one can camp, three temples of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesh & Lord Shiva, water tanks, ruins of settlements & the museum at the base village of Hatti.
One can do the trek throughout the year; however, the best season is winter.
- Height: 4760 feet
- Best Season: Winter
- Difficulty: Medium
- Region: Nashik
How to reach Dhodap fort
The trek starts from the village of Hatti, which is approximately 62 kms from Nashik. It can get tricky to reach here via public transport; hence it is preferable to travel in your vehicle.
Public Transport:
Coming from Mumbai or Pune, one can take a train or a bus to Nashik, and from Nashik, many buses run towards Vadalibhoi. Depending on your bus type, they may cost anywhere between INR 100 – INR 250.
From Vadalibhoi, you can hire a private jeep that can take you directly to Hatti village.
Alternatively, you can also take a train to Kasara and hire a local vehicle to take you to Hattigaon (it is an expensive option but can be convenient).
Private Vehicle:
From Mumbai, the distance to Hatti village is 227 km via NH160 and can take anywhere between 5-6 hours. It is advisable to start as early as possible to complete the trek in a day and camp overnight at Dhodap fort.
From Pune, the distance is 270 km, and it takes around 7-8 hours to reach.
Trek Route & Difficulty
The trek to the top of the fort from the base village is around 6 km & can take anywhere between 2-2.5 hours to reach.
The trek is relatively simple, and anyone can do the trek. Beginners should hire a guide from the local village or trek with a group that organises such treks.
A trekker with good experience can do it on his own, even without the help of a guide.
If you plan to camp overnight, carry enough food and camping equipment. You can take the help of the locals to arrange firewood and warm blankets if you plan to trek here in the winters, as temperatures can fall to single digits after midnight.
After an hour’s hike from the base village, you reach the first main entrance of Sonar machi. The left-hand side takes you to the Shiva temple.
From Sonar machi, after a hike of 30 mins, you reach the steps and the railings patch. The entire trail till here is appropriately marked.
From this point until the top of the Dhodap plateau, the distance is around 2 kms and can take an hour to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dhodap Fort trek in Maharashtra is considered to be of moderate difficulty. It involves a steep ascent to the top of the fort, which can be challenging for some individuals. However, the trail is well-defined and the views from the fort are breathtaking, making it a worthwhile experience. The trek usually takes around 3-4 hours to complete and is suitable for individuals with a moderate level of fitness.
Dhodap Fort is a historical fort located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, India. It was built during the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. The fort has a unique triangular shape and stands atop a hill, providing commanding views of the surrounding area. The fort was strategically located on the trade route between the Maratha Empire and the Gujarat Sultanate, and was used to monitor and control trade and commerce.
During the reign of the Maratha leader Shivaji, the fort was one of the many forts he captured from the Mughal Empire. In the 19th century, the fort was occupied by the British East India Company and was later used as a prison and administrative center.
Video of the trek
Nanemachi waterfall | Harishchandragad | Karnala Fort | Peb Fort | Jivdhan Fort | Mahuli Fort |Irshalgad | Sondai Fort | Salher Fort | Aadrai Jungle Trek | Ganpati Gadad | Korigad Fort | Tandulwadi | Garbett Plateau | Sudhagad Fort | Kataldhar Waterfall | Plus Valley | Mangi Tungi | Malanggad | Gorakhgad | Bhairavgad | Kohoj Fort | Rajgad | Ratangad | Bhimashankar Trek | Visapur Fort | Kalsubai Trek | Tikona Fort | Rajmachi Fort | Sandhan Valley | Kalavantin Durg | Andharban Trek | Harihar Fort | Kalu Waterfall
Did you like this trek guide for the Dhodap fort trek?
We have 100s more such guides on similar off-beat experiences & we send out such guides, offers, hidden gems, and trekking destinations weekly via email. Subscribe to our newsletter to get them directly into your inbox.
Comments
[…] Related Article: Dhodap Fort Explore Dhodap Fort, the Second Largest Fort in Maharashtra, nestled in the scenic Nashik region – a… […]
Prithviraj G Pardeshi
May 26, 2023 at 7:26 amAny arrangements to stay in Hatti village. My age is 71 year. Can I climb on this fort. I visited this Hatti village in my childhood for marriage purpose.
Nomads of India
May 26, 2023 at 11:13 amHi Prithviraj,
We are not sure about the Hatti village. About doing this fort trek, we recommend to check your fitness level and go for the trek with a guide or a trekking group who can assist you about the Dhodap fort trek.
Regards,