Mobile Icon Talk to an Expert

+91 9920250519
Chat Icon Need help?

Live Chat

Search
×
    • Maharashtra
    • Trekking
    • 1
    • 2
    • ₹ 850 - ₹ 1800

    Other Filters

      • Stay category
        • Budget
        • Mid range
      • Transfers
        • Included
        • Not included
      • Accommodation type
        • Dorm
        • Overnight in transfers

    Bhimashankar Trek TripsDone

    Bhimashankar Monsoon Trek
    days 2
    Bhimashankar Monsoon Trek Mumbai ,Maharashtra
    Book
    Bhorgiri to Bhimashankar Trek (ex-Pune)
    days 1
    Bhorgiri to Bhimashankar Trek (ex-Pune) Pune ,Maharashtra
    Book
    Bhimashankar Overnight Trek
    days 2
    Bhimashankar Overnight Trek Mumbai ,Maharashtra
    Book
    Bhimashankar Trek
    days 2
    Bhimashankar Trek Mumbai ,Maharashtra
    Book
    Lonavala to Bhimashankar Trek
    days 2
    Lonavala to Bhimashankar Trek Mumbai ,Maharashtra
    Book

    Bhimashankar Trek

    The Bhimashankar trek takes you over a massive mountain, past secret waterfalls, ancient temples, and deserted ruins. At the top is a Shiva temple which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, so you’ll often see devotees trekking alongside adventure-seekers to the top. This is one of the most popular tough treks in the Sahyadris, especially in the monsoon and winter. Find a list of treks in our Top Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra.

    Trek difficulty level

    The trek is a fairly tough one, so make sure you're up for the challenge. It starts out with an easy walk, but graduates to steep slopes. In the monsoon, the mossy rocks can be tricky, and there might be some sections of the trail that are washed away.

    Bhimashankar Trek trail

    There are two different routes to get to the top: the Ganesh Ghat route and the Shidi route. The former route is considered to be the easier one and can be used by first time trekkers, but it is longer than the other. The Shidi route involves elementary rock climbing and is a steep route with sturdy iron ladders to cover some of the tougher patches.

    How to get to the trek from Pune or Mumbai

    The trek starts from the village of Khandas, near Nerul in Maharashtra. It takes about 3 hours to reach Bhimashankar from Pune, and approximately the same from Mumbai.

    Trekking guide

    This is one of the top 10 treks in Maharashtra and is most popular with nature lovers and bird watchers. Your trek will take you to 3,000 feet, offering spectacular views of the region around. There are fascinating ancient temples and structures along this route, and you’ll get to see a peaceful rural lifestyle of the villages around. Apart from being home to rare wildflowers and birds, this region is also the habitat of the famous ‘Shekru’ or the giant squirrel

    Bhimashankar trek summary

    • State: Maharashtra
    • Nearest city: Pune/Mumbai
    • Total days: 2 days
    • Grade:Challenging
    • Max altitude: 3000 feet
    • Total trekking distance:14 - 17 km
    • Season: Monsoon/Winter
    • Avg temperature: 19 to 26 degrees Celsius

    Bhimashankar Trek Photos

    Sketch Itinerary:

    Day 1: Trek to Bhimashankar and Nagfani

    • Start point - Neral
    • Endpoint - Bhimashankar
    • Day start time - 07:30 AM
    • Trekking distance - 6 km
    • Trekking time - 7 hrs
    • Accommodation - Overnight in dormitories

    Day 2: Explore Nagfani

    • Start point: Bhimashankar
    • Endpoint: Neral
    • Day start time: 06:30 AM
    • Trekking distance: 7 km
    • Trekking time: 8 hrs
    Detailed itinerary:

    Day 1: Trek to Bhimashankar and Nagfani

    The trek to Bhimashankar is a tough one but also one of the most aspired treks because of the view it offers and the history attached to it. The excitement begins early as from the time you take the Karjat slow train to Neral at 05:20 hrs. From here, you will reach Khandas in time for your breakfast.

    The trek to the top begins after breakfast, via the Shidi Ghat trail. You will stop to have your lunch on the way. You will also get to visit Bhimashankar temple. Overnight at Bhimashankar in dormitory accommodation.

    Day 2: Explore Nagfani

    This is the second and final day of your Bhimashankar trek. You can explore the Nagfani pinnacle and enjoy the views from this point. Soon after your breakfast, you will begin your descent. This time, however, you will take a different trail to get back to Khandas. Once you reach Khandas you may have your lunch. Post lunch you will make your way back to the railway station to catch a train back to Mumbai or Pune. Your trip ends here.

    Inclusions:

    Pick up and drop from Neral to Khandas and back will be provided. Meals and refreshments will be served based on the packages selected. Accommodation will be on sharing basis in a dormitory or a homestay for the first night. Services of an experienced trek guide and crew will be provided. A first aid kit will be provided. All applicable taxes are included.

    The costs also include a first aid kit as well as all applicable state and central taxes.

    Exclusions:

    Transportation from your base city to Neral station and back is not included. Insurance is not included. Any personal expenses such as beverages, extra meals, etc. are not included in the meals, nor are any kind of expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, roadblocks, strikes, etc. Lastly, anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions will be charged on an additional basis, as used.

    Sketch Itinerary:

    Day 1: Trek to Bhimashankar 

    • Start point: Karjat
    • Endpoint: Bhimashankar
    • Day start time: 08:05 AM
    • Trekking distance: 8 km
    • Trekking time: 4 hrs

    Day 2: Return to base village 

    • Start point: Bhimashankar
    • Endpoint: Karjat
    • Day start time: 06:00 AM
    • Trekking distance: 9 km
    • Trekking time: 5 hrs
    Detailed itinerary:

    Day 1: Trek to Bhimashankar 

    There is a lot that you will get to explore on your trek to Bhimashankar. Once you reach Karjat station by 08:05 hrs, you will be taken to the base of the trek which is the Khandas Village. You will have your breakfast here and then start your trek to Bhimashankar. You will take the Shidi Ghat and halt only for lunch.

    The trail is challenging but is a true delight as it has spectacular views to offer. Once you reach Bhimashankar there is a lot that you can explore there right from the ancient caves, temple and enjoying the views of the breath-taking mountains around. You will have your dinner and stay here at a Dharamshala for the night.

    Day 2: Return to base village 

    This may be the last day of your trek to Bhimashankar but it’s going to be interesting and fun. You start in the early hours of the morning after a hearty breakfast. It is great to enjoy your breakfast with beautiful views from the top. You will begin your return trek to the base village of Khandas through Ganesh Ghat stopping only for lunch. Once you reach Khandas you will be dropped to Karjat station from where you can take a train back home. Your trip ends here.

    Inclusions:

    Pick up and drop from Karjat to Khandas and back will be provided. Meals and refreshments will be served based on the packages selected. Accommodation will be on sharing basis in a dormitory or a homestay for the first night. Services of an experienced trek guide and crew will be provided. A first aid kit will be provided. All applicable taxes are included.

    Exclusions:

    Transportation from your base city to Karjat station and back is not included. Insurance is not included. Any personal expenses such as beverages, extra meals, etc. are not included in the meals, nor are any kind of expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, roadblocks, strikes, etc. Lastly, anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions will be charged on an additional basis, as used.

    Best time to go/Weather

    The monsoon is a great time for the Bhimashankar trek. During the months of July-September, the region is green and lush. The clouds roll in around the peak, and the views as you climb are gorgeous. You’ll be able to see many waterfalls cascading down the solid walls of the hill, and you can expect to get fully drenched.

    However, many trekkers prefer to visit in winter, when the weather is clear and the trail is firm, leaving you to focus on the views and the trekking experience.

    Bhimashankar trek starts from the base village of Khandas. The closest railway station from Mumbai is Neral while from Pune you would have to get off at Karjat.

    It is also accessible by road from both Mumbai and Pune. The closest airports are also located in Mumbai and Pune.

    Sturdy shoes are very important for doing this trek comfortably and safely. Carry a raincoat if your trekking in monsoons, comfortable clothes that make climbing easier and also warm clothes or jackets for your return trek. Wear full sleeves and full pants and carry an extra pair of clothes.

    Your tour operator will share a list of things that you need to carry. Carry your government-issued ID card. Ensure you carry a comfortable backpack with rain cover, along with water bottle (2 litres). Carry a sun-cap, sunglasses, scarf, extra pair of dry clothes and do not forget to carry a raincoat/poncho. Carry your personal toiletries including light towel/napkins, wet wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc. Always carry Insect repellent.

    Keep some dry snacks with you like chocolate bars, biscuits, energy bars, dry fruits, etc. You can also keep Enerzyl powder or Glucon D powder. Don’t forget to carry your camera and torch with extra batteries. Carry your personal medicines without fail and keep a compact personal first aid kit for small emergencies

    This trek is rated between moderate to challenging in terms of difficulty. There are two trails to reach the top and the tougher one has some rock climbing sections as well. During monsoons, the difficulty level increases further making the trail slippery and tricky and in some places, the rain even washes away parts of the trail.

    Although this trek is doable, it is definitely not recommended for absolute beginners or those without a good level of fitness.

    Bhimashankar Trek - Frequently Asked Questions

    The trek is a challenging and long trek. The route can be especially dangerous and tiring in the monsoon when the rainwater gushes down the slopes and trails. This trek is not recommended for children or first-timers.

     

    This trek can be done around the year but winter and monsoons are the popular options. During monsoons, only experienced trekkers should do this trek as the rains make the terrain slippery and tricky and many places the trail itself may be washed away. However, monsoons also provide the best nature experience to see the lush greenery thriving all around.

    Winter is a great option for a comparatively easier trek in cool and pleasant weather. The strawberry season also makes the trek an enjoyable one as you can take either of the two trails available, especially if you want to to try the shorter but more vertically challenging trail that is dangerous during the monsoons

    Depending on the season, your operator will send you an appropriate packing list for the trek. For your trek, you should wear appropriate shoes and have a sturdy backpack. If you are doing the Bhimashankar trek in the monsoon, you must make sure you have a raincoat and carry a rain cover for your bag.

    Do carry essentials like water, snacks, insect repellent, first aid kit, and camera, all wrapped in a waterproof bag. Also, carry a change of dry clothes and a long-sleeved jacket or sweatshirt to keep you warm on your return.

    The Shidi route is short but requires some sections of rock-climbing and ladder-climbing. It is shorter in duration, but not easy, so is not recommended for beginners. The Ganesh Ghat route is longer, but does not require any climbing, so can be done by fit beginners. Both routes are long and tiring, so do be prepared.

    There are homestays and basic hotels at the top, mostly built for the temple devotees. There are also some village stays at Khandas village