10 Best Trekking Places Near Pune You Must Visit

10 Best Trekking Places Near Pune You Must Visit

Trekking the Western Ghats, especially during monsoon or when the showers end, is any adventure lover’s dream. Those lush forests and green meadows, soaked in the rain, offer some breathtaking views you can never compare with anywhere else. Commonly known as the “Queen of the Deccan,” you can find several trekking places near Pune that promise some of the most majestic views of the Western Ghats.

All you need to do is pack your bags and your trekking gear and set off on a beautiful journey like no other.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Sinhagad Trek
• Visapur Fort Trek
• Lonavala Bhimashankar Trek
• Rajgad Trek
• Torna Fort Trek
• Kalavantin Durg Trek
• Rajmachi Fort Trek
• Kothaligad Trek
• Irshalgad Trek
• Sudhagad Trek

Sinhagad Trek

Where to start? Donje Gaon

This is one of the closest trekking places near Pune. From the Donje Gaon, the trail takes you through the lush greenery to the Sinhagad Fort. This place holds great historical significance as this has been the centre of several battles in the Western region.

The Sinhagad Trek is divided into two parts. You start your adventure from Donje Gaon in a car or two-wheeler to reach the parking lot. After which, the real thrill begins with a steep climb among the wilderness. As a beginner, the trek might feel a bit steep, but once you reach the destination, the picturesque views and the overall atmosphere of the place take away all the exhaustion.

Visapur Fort Trek

Where to start? Bhaje village

The Visapur Fort Trek is one of the oldest trekking places near Pune. Dating back to the 1700s, the Fort was built by the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. Although it is a part of the Lohagad Visapur fortification, this part of the Fort is at a much higher elevation. 

There are two trails that take you to the final destination. They are the Bhaje village and the Patan village. The latter one is more challenging, and hence, if you are going on a trek near pune for the first time, you might want to start from the Bhaje village. 

The views you get to witness throughout the trail cannot be described in words. Starting with a mud road and gradually ascending towards the forest section that opens to a waterfall trail in the monsoon is simply mesmerising. The trail finally ends in a vast plateau from where you witness some of the best views.

Lonavala Bhimashankar Trek

Where to start? Lonavla

Ask any trekking lover, and they will tell you this is the best trek near Pune in the Sahyadri range. The trek begins from the beautiful city of Lonavla, one of the famous tourist spots. Once you begin the Trek, you experience a journey you can’t compare with any other. The high bushes, deep rainforests, disappearing trails, small creeks, spooky temples, remote villages, you name it. This Lonavala Bhimashankar trail offers some of the best trekking experiences near Pune.

The trek offers you the opportunity to pass by some of the most remote tribal villages, allowing a sneak peek into their unique way of life.

Rajgad Trek

The Rajgad Trek is also one of the closest trekking places near Pune. Starting from the Gunjavane village, it is known to be one of the most beautiful treks of the state. 

The rich history and the marvellous architecture of the Fort make it one of the most popular tourist spots among enthusiasts.

The reason for the mass popularity of this trek near Pune is that it offers the best of both worlds. At the summit, you witness the beauty of the Sahyadri range while enjoying the breathtaking architectural marvel of the Rajgad Fort.

Torna Fort Trek

Where to start? Velhe village
The Torna Fort Trek is famous for a very special reason. It is the highest hill Fort in the entire district of Pune. Located at more than 4600 ft, the place offers some stunning views of the surroundings. Due to its colossal size, the Fort is also given a Maratha name, Prachandagad, which primarily translates to “massive Fort.” 

This is one of the trekking places near Pune that offers some unique experiences. The trail takes you along two flower beds to the top. Once you reach the Fort, multiple architectural extravagances are spread across the region. And the best part? There’s a Ridge that connects the Torna Fort to the Rajgad Fort.

Kalavantin Durg Trek

Where to start? Prabalmachi

Situated at 2200+ ft in the Raigad district, the Kalavantin Durg Trek is one of the best choices for beginners. In most cases, people who want to start their trekking journey want to avoid rigorous treks. For all of them, Kalavantin offers a thrilling experience. 

The thrill of trekking the Western Ghats for the first time through the thick forests and the uneven trails adds a special touch to the experience. 

Also Read: Top 9 Camping places near Mumbai for a Weekend Getaway

Rajmachi Fort Trek

Where to start? Udhewadi village

The Rajmachi Trek is beautifully located amidst the two popular hill stations- Karjat and Lonavala. You can approach the Trek from any of the two hill stations. However, the climb starts from the common starting point, the village of Udhewadi. However, the Trek takes a longer time from Lonavala as it is at a larger distance from the village.

The trek is particularly popular for the large number of fireflies that flock in during the evening, creating a surreal experience. The extra advantage of trekking this part of the Western Ghats is that you not only witness the twin forts of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan but also pass across some of the most beautiful waterfalls and meadows. 

Kothaligad Trek

Where to start? Ambivali

If you visit the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, you shouldn’t miss this beautiful Pune Trek. Taking you to an altitude of hardly 2030 ft, the detached location from the Bhimashankar trail allows you to witness some unseen views of the region. 

The strategic placement of the Fort allows amazing views of Chanderi Fort, Padargad, Malanggad, and even the Bhimashankar and Matheran Plateau.

Irshalgad Trek

Where to start? Karja village

Irshalgad is another fortress located between Matheran and Panvel. This trek is ideal for beginners since it is only a 3km trek, making it comfortable for anyone trekking for the first time.

Starting from the Karja village, a pretty clear path takes you to the Irshalwadi village. A short distance from this village stands the beautiful fortress, a twin of the Prabalgad fort.

Sudhagad Trek

Where to start? Pali village

There could be no better option if you are looking for a short weekend gateway into the mountains. The breathtaking views of the Ghangad, Sarasgad, and Tail Balia are sure to take away all your work stress. 

Starting from the Pali village, this trek takes you through some of the most lush parts of the Western Ghats. To add to the pleasure, there are two large lakes at the top where you can take a refreshing dip and camp for the night.

Conclusion

Taking a break from the same monotonous routine is extremely important. It helps increase your productivity and prevent burnout. So, why should you let the trekking opportunity go when staying in or near Pune? The lush forests, the beautiful waterfalls, and the wild trails are sure to rejuvenate you. 

But these treks are only enjoyed when you have a pleasant experience. Trekking with a group of professionals allows you to have a safe and enjoyable journey and keep the unpleasant surprises at bay.

So the next time you plan a gateway and seek trekking places near Pune, get in touch with AdventuRush. We have some of the best packages for trekking the Western Ghats curated only for you.

Finally, remember the Western Ghats are much older than the Himalayas. So it has a lot to offer. Hence, pack your bags and embark on a trip to explore the unexplored.