About Kalsubai Peak
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.
Itinerary:
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.
Difficulty level
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.
How to reach from Mumbai
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.
Trekking and camping packages
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.
Best time to go:
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!
Kalsubai trek summary
- State: Maharashtra
- Nearest city: Mumbai
- Total days: 2 days
- Grade:Challenging
- Max altitude: 5400 ft
- Total trekking distance:14 km
- Season: Monsoon
- Avg temperature: 15 to 30 degrees Celsius
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