Rajgad Trek – How To Do It On Your Own
If you want to do the Rajgad Fort Trek on your own, keep a few things in mind. First, this trek is moderately difficult and requires a good amount of stamina and strength. The second is that it takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete the trek & explore the fort, so be prepared for a long journey.
However, the final goal of this hike is definitely worth the effort, as you will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Maharashtra & explore one of the enormous forts in the western ghats.
Read the entire article to find out more information about the trek.
- Max Altitude: 4,593 Ft.
- Distance: 10kms
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 5-6 Hours
- Ideal For: Beginners & Intermediate Trekkers
- Best Season: October - February
- Region: Maharashtra
It is said that the Rajgad Fort Trek is one of the most picturesque trekking routes in Maharashtra. It begins at Gunjavane Village in the Pune district and ends at the fort, which is 1400m above sea level. This trek offers stunning panoramas of the Sahyadri Mountains. In addition to providing an incredible view, The trail is a favorite among intermediate trekkers.
The route allows you to trek to Rajgad Fort and then back on the same day, making it a perfect weekend getaway for active people.
Although Rajgad Fort is a must-see, you can explore the fort within a single day, and the ideal time to visit is based on your individual preferences. In the monsoon, you can expect slippery and muddy paths. The perfect time to go is between October & February. Fort Garrison is an excellent spot for camping, and you’ll need to plan your trip for this period.
How To Reach Rajgad Fort?
Rajgad Fort is located inside the Sahyadri mountain range, approximately 60 kilometers from Pune. The fort is situated on the crest of a mountain at an elevation of 1,400 meters (4,593 feet). It is possible to reach by taxi, bus, or personal vehicle. The most popular trail towards the fort starts from Gunjavane village.
Public Transport:
From Mumbai, one can take a bus/train to Pune. From the Swargate Pune bus stand, many buses leave for Gunjavane village; you can board the bus and reach the base village in 2-2.5 hours.
Private Transport:
Trekking driving from Mumbai can take the Mumba-Pune Expressway and reach Kothrud; from there, go towards Nasrapur taking the road towards Margasani, approximately 7 kms from Gunjavane village.
The distance is around 202 kms and will take 4-5 hours to reach.
Click here to get directions for the route.
From Pune, the distance is approximately 60 kms, and it will take around 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the base village. Get Directions.
What Is The Trek Route & Difficulty Level?
The trek begins from Gunjavane village and finishes at the Rajgad Fort, which is more than 1400m above sea level. This trek is ideal for those who are beginners & intermediates.
The trekkers have the option of choosing from two distinct routes. The first one (the most accessible) starts at Pali village and takes you through a muddy field. From there, the hike takes you through wildflowers and forests.
The most popular route starts in Gunjavane village and goes towards the Chor Darwaza.
The trek distance is about 5 kms one way and can take around 3-3.5 hours to reach the top of the fort.
We recommend this trek in 2 days and camping overnight at the fort and enjoying the night sky.
The hike from this route is challenging, but it is rewarding. When you are at the summit, you’ll be able to observe the fort and the natural vegetation surrounding it. If you’re in the mood to do so, you could hike down and return the next day. If you start with a good breakfast, you’ll have the entire time to discover the region.
The trail is well laid out from the base village, and the chances of getting lost are significantly less. After 30-40 mins, you will reach the plateau, where you can get a clear view of the Rajgad fort. This section is mostly a wide and muddy trail.
From the plateau, you start a gradual ascent toward the fort. The distance is around 2-2.5 kms, and once you reach the top, it will take you to the entrance of the Chor Darwaza. This patch will take around 2.5 hours to reach as the entire stretch is a gradual climb to the entrance of the Chor Darwaza.
Rajgad Fort Details
The fort is divided into four significant sections: Padmavati Machi, Suvela Machi, Sanjeevani Machi, and Balekilla (the highest point of the fort).
It will take the remaining part of your day to explore the entire top of the fort; hence, camp overnight at the fort, Padmavati Machi being the best location to camp.
Padmavati Machi: This part of the fort was the military/residential area. There is a temple, a garrison & a lake here.
Suvela Machi: The most picturesque part of the fort, Suvela Machi, is a long, narrow strip from which you can get amazing views of the surrounding regions. There is also a Nedhe (naturally formed hole in the wall).
Ballekilla: This is a small fort on top of the fort and the highest point. The entrance to this fort is called Mahadarwaza. From Ballekilla, you can get stunning views of the Torna, Tung, Sinhagad, and many other forts in the region.
Sanjeevani Machi: It is 2.5 km long and has a double-fortified wall & an architectural marvel.
Additional Information & Interesting Facts
- Which time of the year is ideal for the Rajgad fort trek? The best time to go is during the rainy season or winter. It’s cool and feels terrific during monsoon season. However, there is a possibility of muddy terrain and slippery trails. Winter is also the perfect time to stay at the fort. In winter, the temperature drops to single digits, which makes the bonfire-based camping site an ideal scenario.
- This hill fort was built by the Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was the capital of the Maratha Empire for 26 years.
- Find the GPX file for the trek route on Ramblr.
Essential Things to Carry for the Trek
Packaging wisely is essential to make the most of your Rajgad Fort trekking experience. Here are some must-have items for your backpack:
- Sturdy trekking shoes for a comfortable and safe trek
- Ample water and energy drinks to stay hydrated
- Snacks and energy bars to keep you fueled
- Sunscreen, cap, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
- First aid kit with essential medications and bandages
- A camera to capture the stunning vistas along the way
- A light backpack to carry your essentials without weighing you down
Safety Precautions and Tips
While embarking on the Rajgad fort trek, it is crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some essential safety precautions and tips to keep in mind:
- Trek with a certified guide who is familiar with the route and terrain.
- Wear appropriate trekking gear and clothing to protect yourself from injuries and harsh weather conditions.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek by drinking water at regular intervals.
- Pace yourself and take breaks whenever needed to avoid exhaustion.
- Do not litter; respect the natural environment by carrying back all your waste.
- Follow instructions from the guide and stay on the designated path.
- In case of any emergency or discomfort, inform the guide immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Difficult is Rajgad Trek?
- Rajgad Fort Trek is a moderately difficult trek and a beginner as a well as intermediate trekkers can do this trek.
- How long does it take to climb Rajgad?
- It takes around 3-3.5 hours to reach the top of Rajgad fort from the Gunjavane village.
- Why Rajgad fort is famous?
- It is is one of the biggest forts in Maharashtra and acted as the capital of the Maratha kingdom for 26 years making it one of the most famous forts.
- Who destroyed Rajgad fort?
- The Britishers destroyed the Rajgad fort after taking control over the entire country and winning the battles against the Marathas.
Video About The Trek
In conclusion, if you are interested in Trekking the Rajgad Trail yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, be sure to follow the trek route carefully.
Additionally, it can be difficult to find specific information about trekking the trail on your own, so it is important to read this complete guide and save it offline on your browser for further reference.
Finally, always remember that Trekking is an adventure – enjoy every step!
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