Trekking in Mumbai offers city-dwellers a quick and easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It only takes a short drive to enter the rolling green Sahyadris, a hotspot for nature-lovers, bird-watchers, and trekkers. Trekking spots near Mumbai also offers the best scenic spots for those perfect photographs.
The treks near Mumbai are abundant with forts, hills, rock-climbing areas, rough terrain to challenge experienced trekkers and gentle slopes for beginners.
Korigad Fort
Korigad fort is a beautiful fort located on top of a hill around 20 km from Lonavala near Aamby Valley, Maharashtra. It is a great trek for beginners or those looking to get their muscles in working order for the Mumbai trekking season. It is an easy 6 km trek which makes it perfect for those looking for treks in Mumbai. It has stone-cut steps leading up, for the most part, so it will take only about 3 hours. This leaves you plenty of time to spend at the top.
Lohagad Fort
Another fun trek near Mumbai is the Lohagad Fort. This trek offers some of the most spectacular views amongst the trekking places near Mumbai, especially during the monsoon. The experience is magical with rain clouds descending on the mountains and enveloping them in the mist.
One of the numerous reasons why Lohagad is a popular choice for trekking near Mumbai is also because of the main attraction of Vinchu Kata, the structure of the rampart of the fort which resembles the tail of a scorpion.
Weekend trek to Rajmachi
This trek near Mumbai will definitely test your endurance but also works perfectly for a weekend getaway from the city. The Rajmachi trek rewards you with magnificent views, especially during the monsoons.
Treks near Mumbai often offer a chance to revel in streams, waterfalls, and lush green paddy fields, and this one is no exception. You’ll also get to camp 3000 feet above sea level, making this Mumbai trekking experience, one of a kind.
Bhimashankar trek
Bhimashankar trek is one of the more challenging treks in Mumbai. It can be accessed through two routes, Ganesh Ghat and the Shidi route. Ganesh Ghat is the easier one and suits beginners looking for trekking places in Mumbai for the first time, while the Shidi Ghat route is longer, and involves some rock climbing.
Kalsubai trek
Kalsubai Peak, with an elevation of 5400 feet, is the highest peak in the Sahyadris. It offers a thrilling trek near Mumbai, especially in the monsoon. The view from the top of the 'Everest of Maharashtra' is stunning and offers great photography opportunities, but the real reward is the thrill of conquering this peak.
There are some rocky sections that can get very slippery in the rain, and some slopes are quite steep, making the Kalsubai trek quite challenging. En route to the Kalsubai peak, you’ll find beautiful streams and pools that invite you to take a break and enjoy your surroundings.
Sandhan Valley trek
Sandhan Valley is a spectacular water-carved canyon that is around 200 feet in depth and is located in the Bhandardara region. It is aptly called 'The Valley of Shadows' owing to the high rock walls that surround the valley. These walls block the sunlight from reaching the ravines. As you walk through the valley, it is dim and cool and the trail takes you along the valley floor for about 7 hours.
It is one of the most unique and challenging treks near Mumbai and is also encircled by numerous forts. Sandhan Valley not only offers a great trekking route but also gives you the chance to try your hand at rappelling, rock climbing and camping under the stars.
Andharban trek
Andharban trek takes you deep in the heart of an evergreen forest where the foliage is so thick, only a few streaks of sunlight slants through. As you trek downwards through this 'dark forest', you'll see many species of birds fluttering about and butterflies flitting from blossom to blossom. The air stays cool and it is dim even on the sunniest of days. You'll come upon beautiful views of the Kundalika Valley and Bhira Dam and during the monsoon, walk across flowing streams, beautiful natural ponds and gushing waterfalls.
Andharban trek is a slightly challenging trek near Mumbai. It starts from Pimpri Dam and you'll descend downwards for 5-7 hours along a rocky path that can get quite mossy with the rains.
Kalavantin Durg trek
Kalavantin Durg or Kalavantin Fort is a hulking pinnacle that stands at a height of over 1600 feet atop a 1200 feet high plateau called Prabalmachi. The trek to Prabalmachi is easy and fun but climbing the pinnacle is not recommended for beginners or those who fear heights. It is accessible by a snaking staircase cut into the rocky mountain which gets steeper and dizzying as you get closer to the top. It is a dangerous but thrilling adventure and the views of the surrounding landscape will leave you stunned.
Best season
The monsoon is the best time for treks around Mumbai. It is during this season that all the treks near Mumbai are showered by rain, and waterfalls and pools abound. All the highest points of the hills have streams and rivulets gushing down, and you’ll be drenched by the time you get back. The views are spectacular, with clouds rolling in as you trek, and sudden showers to cool you off. Carry a raincoat and a rain cover for your bag, dress in comfortable, quick-dry clothes, and head out to get muddy and wet. It’s a terrific outing for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
What to pack
Your operator will provide all the necessary equipment required for trekking. Apart from that, the first thing you will need to carry is a backpack that is comfortable on your back and can hold all your stuff. Start from packing suitable trekking shoes that offer a good grip and prevents you from slipping easily.
Pack bottles of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek. You can also carry some dry snacks like energy bars, nuts, chocolate, etc. to curb your hunger during the trek. The atmosphere is really cool hence it is a good idea to carry a jacket. One of the most important things to carry is a raincoat or poncho to protect yourself from the rain. Along with that, also carry a rain cover for your backpack so that all your packed belongings stay safe and dry.
No matter rain or shine, always pack sunscreen and a suncap. Furthermore, carry an insect repellant to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Your operator will also provide you with a list of things to pack, make sure you check off every item on that list.
Trekking in Mumbai Summary
- State: Maharashtra
- Nearest city: Mumbai
- Total days: 1 to 3 days
- Grade: Moderately easy to moderately challenging
- Max altitude: 5400 feet
- Season: Monsoon and winter
- Avg temperature:12 to 35 degrees Celsius
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