Shifting From High Altitudes to Green Monsoon Trails
For a lot of North Indian adventurers, the Himalayas are what adventure is all about. But in July, during monsoon season, there are cloudbursts, landslides and except for the Valley of Flowers trek, most of the trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh get closed.
Manchala Mushafir believes that adventure never stops; it changes. When the Himalayas have their seasonal problems, the Western Ghats of Maharashtra come alive in lush greens, roaring falls, misted valleys and historic hill forts.
Are you prepared for a trek experience that will be unforgettable? The monsoons of the Sahyadris await.
Why Every Himalayan Hiker Needs to Experience the Sahyadri Treks?
High-altitude veterans often dismiss the Sahyadris at first due to the lower altitude than what they typically climb. While there may be less vertical relief, this does not necessarily equate to less of an obstacle. The challenges presented by the Sahyadri terrain are entirely different from those found in higher-altitude areas. For example, instead of hiking along long, winding moraines, you will encounter technically difficult terrain on your trek, including steep rock-cut stairs, slippery basalt formed from volcanic ash, as well as dense jungle cover that presents extreme humidity.
These trails also provide an extraordinary opportunity to experience some of the best aspects of medieval history. Not only do you hike through wilderness, but you also scale ancient military strongholds that were literally carved out of the cliff face.
Harihar Fort: Trading Gentle Slopes for Vertical Rock Steps
Trekking doesn't always have to be on dirt paths and gravel roads. That's what makes Harihar Fort in Nashik so special; it has one of the most impressive examples of rock-cut architecture and has an exhilarating staircase with approximately 117 carved steps leading to the top of a 70 degree basalt cliff.
Experience: The trek starts out through open fields until it reaches a very cloudy area that leads into a rather rough, but beautiful monsoon landscape. When the rains come, there are streams of water flowing down from the stairs making the climb a little more challenging. From the top you should be able to see many well-known forts from afar when there are no clouds obscuring your view like Brahmagiri, Anjenari or Baskad.
Highlight: The fort is built atop a triangle-shaped geologic formation that has formed into a triangular prism, therefore making the cliff face look vertically steep for miles around. One reason Harihar Fort seems much more dramatic than other Sahyadri forts is because of this. Even though it may seem daunting to climb, the staircase has small recessed areas and grooves in them. This was to assist the soldiers in climbing the fort safely during the Yadava Dynasty. The infamous stairs have an incline of approximately 70-80 degrees on many parts.
When to visit: The best time to visit is during the months of July-September when the cloud cover, strong winds and monsoon mists make for a surreal experience.
Getting There: Take a train to either Nashik or Kasara (there are trains that run from Mumbai) and rent a local jeep to take you to the bottom of the mountain, where there are two different village locations; Nirgudpada or Harshewadi.
Devkund Waterfall: A Jungle Trail Out of a Fantasy Novel
Devkund Waterfall located in the thick of forest on Tamhini Ghat is popularly known as "pool of god". It gives you a welcome break from traditional fort hikes of Sahyadris.
Experience: Devkund Waterfall Trek takes you through a 4.5 km stretch of forest area where you can experience true nature of monsoons with your every step. Forest is followed by Bhira Dam back waters, many stream crossing makes this trek an exciting one.
Highlight: Reward for such long journey is stunning waterfall of 300 feet falling down to blue colored pool at the bottom of it. Rock walls tower over this pool and the air all around is filled with greenery and mist. Natural amphitheatre-like rock formations around the pool create a natural enclosure. These enclosures have been supporting their own eco system covered with moss.
When to visit: Best time to visit is from late August till October so that water level will be safe and the surrounding land will remain lush.
Getting there: Reach Mumbai or Pune and avail a train to Karjat or Khopoli. Further book a cab to the trek’s base at Bhira village.
Kalsubai Trek : Standing on the Highest Point of Maharashtra
Located at an elevation of 1,646 mtrs (5,400 ft) above sea level, Kalsubai Trek the highest peak in the state of Maharashtra and one of the most popular spots for adventure seekers who are looking forward to a fulfilling trekking experience.
Experience: The path has a continuous rise from base to top throughout its length as it runs through green field, ridge lines etc. It requires strong physical endurance right from the beginning.
Highlight: The last part of this long trail is extremely steep and it is supported with a steel ladder that has been fitted on rock faces. During periods of clear skies, you will be able to see a panoramic view of Bhandardara Lake, which lies down below.
When to visit: From June to September; as well as thick clouds and mist over the top, provide a surreal landscape.
Getting There: To reach Kasara, you need to travel by train from Mumbai. Then you need to board a Jeep or other vehicle going towards Bari village, where your trek starts (approximately 33 kms away).
Aadrai Jungle Trek: Deep Wilderness and Hidden Waterfalls
If you are looking for a monsoon adventure away from the crowds, we offer an exciting trekking experience through the wilderness. The trek will take you deep into the heart of the dense forest to some of the most beautiful valleys.
Experience: Enjoy walking through the forest canopy, cross streams, navigating through muddy trails, & explore nature at its best in all shades of green during the monsoons.
Highlight: At the end of this trek you will be able to witness the breathtaking views of majestic Kalu Falls as it tumbles down to the valley.
When To Visit: June to September is the best time to visit. During these months the forest will be at its greenest and there will be a variety of seasonal flora & fungi.
Getting there: From Kalyan Junction, drive on NH 61 via Kalyan-Ahmednagar highway up to Khireshwar village which is the starting point of this trek. It is approximately 140 Km from Mumbai and 130 Km from Pune.
Harishchandragad via Pachnai: The Ultimate Fortress Trek
Harishchandragad, one of the highest forts in India, is a historically rich trek that offers some of the best landscapes and trekking experiences in Maharashtra.
Experience: At the end of the trail lies a large, flat area known as the "plateau", which has many historical sites, such as the Kedareshwar cave and the Shiva Lingam inside it which can be seen only by diving underwater.
Highlight: The highlight of the trek is Konkan Kada (the Sea Cliff), a semi-circular rock face that drops dramatically 2,000 feet into the valley below. From here you will see the valleys surrounding the fortress in all directions.
When to Visit: The best time to go on this trek is from late summer (August) to early winter (November). During these months the cliff becomes surrounded in mist, the landscape is at its most vibrant and green, and there are winds blowing around the cliff that add to the magic of the location.
Getting There: Take a train to either Kasara, Igatpuri or Ahmednagar; from Mumbai travel northwards; from Pune travel westwards.
Essential Information for Himalayan Trekkers Moving to the Sahyadris
- The monsoons will provide you with constant rain, high humidity and you will cross many streams. Therefore, choose light-weight quick-drying clothes (not waterproof) as opposed to heavy rain gear.
- Find the best footwear for your needs. Wet basalt is very slippery. Choose good grip, soft sole trekking shoes as opposed to heavy mountain boots.
- Understand how to respect water crossings. Rapidly rising streams may make it difficult or impossible to cross fast flowing water. Consult local people if you are unsure about whether to attempt crossing.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated. In high-humidity environments, there is significant fluid loss from sweating. Take water and/or electrolyte drinks to help prevent dehydration and subsequent muscle cramping.
Experience Trekking in the Sahyadris with Manchala Musafir
Traveling from Himalayan snow lines to the Western Ghats is a completely different type of mountain adventure. Instead of being tested on how well you can breathe at altitude, the Sahyadris test you on slippery stone steps, a thick canopy of trees and monsoons that will keep coming back all day long. Exploring new terrain can be an exciting way to experience a new sense of adventure. Even though the Sahyadris are lower than the Himalayas, they have their own stories to tell, and each offers something unique. One of the best ways to experience the thrill of the unknown is to visit a destination you've never been to before.
If the rain in the North has ruined your high-elevation trek plan, Manchala Musafir will be there to help you out.
Guided from our New Delhi office with our slogan "Manjil Musafiron Ki" (Destination of Wanderer) we strive to make your adventure go smooth and as safely as possible
What sets us apart?
- Personalized Service: We limit each group size to 12 – 17 people so that everyone receives the personal service they deserve.
- Local Guides & Safety: Our experienced local guides know their way around the rugged terrain of the Sahyadri Mountains and are experts at navigating monsoon-ridden rivers and trails.
- Full Trip Planning & Execution: We handle every detail of your trip including booking train tickets or arranging transportation from Kasara or Kalyan railheads to your trek start point.
Trek the Sahyadris with Manchala Musafir, we can guarantee your wanderer soul will keep coming back.
