Discover the thrill and beauty of Kalsubai: Maharashtra’s Everest

Everest of Maharashtra, the highest peak in Western Ghats

Date: June 19, 2024

The Kalsubai trek is a year-round favorite, especially during the monsoon when the peak is shrouded in fog and strong winds enhance the adventure. 

The journey begins from Bari village, situated about 6 km (3.7 miles) from Bhandardara. The well-marked route, equipped with steel railings, chains, and ladders installed by locals, guides trekkers through the challenging terrain.

Standing at a majestic 1,646 meters (5,400 feet), Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra, often referred to as the ‘Everest of Maharashtra.’ Located in the Western Ghats, within Ahmednagar district’s Akole Taluka, Kalsubai offers a captivating experience for trekkers, temple devotees, and wildlife enthusiasts. The climb is divided into three stages marked by ladders, with carved steps and the first ladder covering the initial third of the trek.

The peak offers breathtaking panoramic views, including the Bhandardara Dam and Arthur Lake, benefiting from the mountain’s extensive catchment area. Situated within the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, the area is rich in diverse flora and fauna, making it a hotspot for nature lovers.

How to Reach Kalsubai:

From Mumbai: Travel via Mumbai – Kasara – Igatpuri – Ghoti to reach Bari Village. Take a train to Kasara railway station, then hire State Transport buses on the Akole-Kasara route or private vehicles to Bari.

From Pune: Follow the route Pune – Sangamner – Rajur – Bhandardara to Bari.

Accommodations are plentiful around Bhandardara and Bari Village, with homestays and hotels easily bookable online, ensuring a comfortable stay before or after the trek.

Kalsubai’s name is derived from one of three tribal sisters: Kalsubai, Ratnabai, and Katrabai. Ratangad, another nearby peak, is named after Ratnabai. The Kalsubai Temple at the summit draws visitors from nearby villages throughout the year, who come to seek blessings from Kalsubai Devi. Legend has it that a village girl named Kalsubai cured villagers and animals, and after she ascended the summit, she never returned, prompting the construction of a small temple in her memory.

The trek also offers views of famous forts like Alang, Madan, and Kulang, and on clear days, one can see other surrounding forts such as Harihargad, Harishchandragad, and Ratangad. The trek’s popularity extends to night treks, where trekkers flock to witness the spectacular sunrise.

Trekking Details:

The trek starts from Bari village, a farming village where the initial walk passes through extensive fields and farming land, offering an easy and enjoyable beginning. The most adventurous part of the trek is the ladder section, comprising four narrow iron ladders. Trekking in the monsoon can be tricky on these ladders due to the slippery conditions.

The trek is open throughout the year, with each season offering a different landscape. July to September, the monsoon season, brings lush green landscapes but also slippery and crowded trails. September and October are the flowering seasons, offering clear views and a variety of flowers. Night hikes are best from November to April, providing perfect weather for witnessing sunrise from the summit. May and June, the pre-monsoon months, feature interesting cloud patterns and fireflies.