Kalsubai trek is one of the few challenging treks in Maharashtra. The Kalsubai Peak, at an elevation of 5400 feet, is the highest peak in the Sahyadris, and offers a thrilling challenge, especially in the monsoon. The view from the top of the 'Everest of Maharashtra' is stunning, with long vistas of green landscape and even a charming local temple, but the real reward is the feeling of conquering this peak.
You’ll also be able to see numerous other famous forts like Alang-Madan-Kulang, Ratangad, and Harishchandragad. For all these reasons, Kalsubai is one of the top treks in Maharashtra.
For a day trek to Kalsubai peak, you’ll gather at the pick-up point in the evening and travel to the starting point. You'll reach the base village in the early hours of the morning, and eat your breakfast. By 06:30 hrs, your trek begins. The ascent takes about 3-4 hours and you'll spend some time relaxing at the summit. By noon, it's time to descend again. After that, you’ll proceed homewards from Kasara station.
For an overnight trek, you'll have to reach Kasara railway station by 23:15 hrs. You will begin your trek after reaching Bari, around 01:00 hrs. By around 06:00 hrs, you'll reach the top of Kalsubai, just in time to watch the sky turning pink with daylight. You'll have a couple of hours to rest or explore the top of Kalsubai. By around 08:00 hrs, it's time to descend.
From the base, you'll be transferred to Kasara railway station.
The trek is not recommended for beginners. There are some rocky sections that can get very slippery in the rain, and some slopes that are quite steep. For those with trekking experience, this is a fun challenge that tests your endurance, and gives you gorgeous views of the landscape around.
The Kalsubai trek starts from Bari village, about an hour from Kasara. You can take a train from Mumbai to Kasara, and then public transport to Bari. If your operator provides transport from Mumbai, you’ll be meeting the previous evening, and will reach Bari in the early hours of the morning.
The trek can be done as a day trek or a night trek. Day treks begin early in the morning from Kasara station. You’ll be able to see the dark night sky turn bright as you arrive at Bari village to start the trek. Some itineraries include an overnight stay in a homestay or in tents.
For night treks, you’ll arrive at Bari by late evening, in time for dinner. In the dark, you'll have to go slower than usual, listening to the nocturnal animals and birds, and enjoying the challenge of navigating in low light. The sunrise views from the top are absolutely spectacular, and you’ll get some great photography options.
Kalsubai is one of the best monsoon treks in Maharashtra. During the monsoon, the trail is very scenic, with greenery dotted with beautiful streams, and spectacular views of the Sahyadris all around. While there are iron ladders along the difficult patches of the trek, the climb can be a challenge, especially when the winds are strong and the rocks are wet and mossy, so tread carefully.
The winter months are also a good time to do the trek as the weather remains pleasant all day.
If you like trekking, check out our list of top fort treks in Maharashtra that you must do!
Day 1: Start from Mumbai and reach the base village
Day 2: begin the return trek and head home
Day 1: Drive to base village
Your trip to the base of the Kalsubai trek begins at night. You will reach the pick-up point in Mumbai at 23:00 hrs. Here, you will be introduced to the trip operator and your fellow trekkers. Post which you will board a bus to Bari Village which is the base of the trek. It will be an overnight journey and you will reach Bari Village around 04:00 hrs. Since you will reach quite early in the morning you can take some time and rest in the bus till 06:00 hrs.
Day 2: Morning trek to Kalsubai
The Kalsubai trek will begin early. Once you wake up you can freshen up and have your breakfast. Your trek begins after a short briefing session. The trail is interesting and offers some great views of the Sahyadris. You will reach the peak by 10:30 hrs and you can spend time exploring the place, enjoying views of the surroundings and taking pictures as well.
Your return trek will begin and at the base village you will be served lunch. After resting for a bit you will start your return journey to Mumbai.
The trip cost includes travel arrangements from pick-up point to the base village and back. Meals mentioned in the package selected will be served. Arrangements for washroom and changing facility will be arranged. Please check your package details with the operator for exact inclusions. Gear and experienced trip leader charges are included. The package is inclusive of all taxes.
The package doesn’t include your travelling expenses from your home to pick-up point. 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.
Kalsubai trek is a great monsoon trek in Maharashtra. During the monsoon, the trail is very scenic, with greenery and beautiful streams, spectacular views of the Sahyadris stretching everywhere. While there are iron ladders along the difficult patches of the trek, the climb can be a challenge, especially when the winds are strong and the rocks are wet and mossy, so tread carefully. The winter months are also a good time to do the trek as the weather remains pleasant all day.
The trek is quite a difficult one, mostly due to the climb to 5400 feet. However, fit beginners who follow a regular exercise schedule may attempt the trek. Those with little or no experience may not enjoy the challenge, so are not recommended to do this trek.
By train: Kasara Railway station on the Central Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway network. It is the final stop in the north-east sector of the Central Line. You can take a local from CST station to reach Kasara. Reach Kasara Station and from there you will be picked up and transported to the base village.
Here are a few things that will make your trek comfortable. If you’re taking this trek in monsoon do wear a raincoat or windcheater. Quick-dry and comfortable trekking clothes, long-sleeved tshirt and pants are required. Wear comfortable trekking shoes as those are a must for the trek. Carry an extra pair of socks and also a cap, gloves, scarf and sunglasses.
The 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 raincover, 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 not recommended for beginners. There are some rocky sections that can get very slippery in the rain, and some slopes that are quite steep. For those with trekking experience, this is a fun challenge that tests your endurance, and gives you gorgeous views of the landscape around.