Trek To Highest Peak Of Maharashtra - Kalsubai

Maharashtra is well-known for its picturesque mountain scenery. And for that, the trek to the summit of Kalsubai, the highest peak in the Sahyadri mountain range, is a journey that promises to be both challenging and rewarding. It's known as the "Everest Of Maharashtra", this trek takes hikers through stunning landscapes, lush green forests, and breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Valley. You should go here to sense the thrilling adventure of climbing Maharashtra's tallest peak. But With its steep inclines and rocky terrain, the trek is not for the faint-hearted people, but for those who are up for the challenge, it offers a chance to test their limits and conquer one of the most iconic peaks in the Maharashtra region. 

The trek to the summit of Kalsubai is a test of willpower and determination. But for those who conquer it, the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment are genuinely priceless. So, get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! 

Here's the ultimate guide to the highest peak of Maharashtra, a trekker's dream!

Kalsubai History: 

The peak is named after a tribal girl named Kalsu who is said to have disappeared in the area. According to legend, Kalsubai was a farmer's daughter. She had magical healing powers, so the villagers also called her Dhanvantari, The Hindu Goddess of Medicines. Kalsubai has a condition with whom she leaves that she should not be asked to do any work. But one day that family tells Kalsubai to do some work like clean the pots. She did as she tells, immediately after that, claimed the hill, and stayed on the top till her death. The locals built a temple in her memory on the peak's summit. The hill is named Kalsubai after her. 

Kalsubai Trek - Distance, Height, and Difficulty Level: 

Kalsubai Height: In the Sahyadri area, Kalsubai peak is situated at a height of 5,400ft, it's Maharashtra's tallest mountain and is accessible from anywhere in India. The path leads through stunning waterfalls, meadows, forts, and beautiful forests. 

Trek Height- 5400ft  (1645.8 m)

Kalsubai Trek Distance: Kalsubai is a 6.6km long trek i.e. (4.1 mi), with an elevation of around 2,700 feet (820m). 

Kalsubai Trek Difficulty Level: Trekkers come to seek Kalsubai Devi's blessings at the top. The trek is Moderate - Difficult for beginners. 

Let's start the trek to the highest peak of Maharashtra: 

The Kalsubai trek starts from the base village of Bari, which is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. To reach Bari village, you can take a train or bus to reach Kasara or Igatpuri and then take a jeep or local bus which cost approx (30RS) to the base village. The roads are so picturesque while reaching bari. The trek trail starts along a clearly marked route, so you don't need to feel worried about that. The route is through forested areas and rocky terrain, passing through several beautiful locations.  

Note: Start your trekking by having some breakfast and energy drinks. Also if you're planning to trek in the monsoon, be careful while climbing because the path gets slippery and hard to climb. A great pair of hiking shoes will help you a lot. 

As you started climbing you reach your first ladder. There are a total of four ladders situated at various steep rocky places. You need to climb carefully on ladders, and you have to check while climbing that the ladders are capable of handling enough people's load. Taking one step at a time and don't look back is the mantra to climb the ladder perfectly for people who have acrophobia. It's superbly easy to climb the ladders. There are many stalls are present of Nimbu Pani, Snacks,  etc while trekking. You will get so many beautiful views of the valley that needs to catch in your phones or cameras.

Note: If you are feeling spinning in your head (Diziness) while trekking, that's because of lowering the glucose value in your body. So, on that point, the Nimbu Pani, present in stalls is not less than Amrut. 

As you climb the first ladder, there are more two ladders you have to climb. Enjoy while trekking, enjoy with your family and friends, and be with nature. And with this, you don't even know that you climb too far away. Take a rest of 5-10 mins when you feel low, always keep yourself hydrated while climbing, and eat something to get an instant energy boost in your body. And then start your trek with more enthusiasm.  

After 3 hours of climbing on the mountain, before the final ladder, there is a ridge/plateau-like area with a small well on it. There are a lot of stalls present there selling chai or snacks. You can stay here and refresh before starting towards the summit. If you are climbing in the afternoon or at night, there are also options of camping till morning and then you can push for the summit. 

Note: Charge your phone or power bank to fill your memories with pictures. A good pair of sweaters are needed (in winter) because there is more wind at the top, and also take rainwear (if trekking in the monsoon). And also, don't forget to fuel yourself to push for the summit :)

After 3 hours of hard work, it's time to go for the summit. It's just a 15-20 mins trail from the plateau to reach the highest peak of Maharashtra. There are two ladders present to go on top, one is old and another is newly built. So, try to go from the new one because it's easy to climb and well-fixed. If you're going from an old ladder then try to climb at least 4-5 people at a time don't rush on it. 

As you reach the summit of Kalsubai, you'll witness the panoramic views of surrounding mountains, lush greenery, deep Sahyadri valley, Bhandardara backwaters, Pravara river, and nearby towns. On a clear day, you can also get to see the Harishchandragad, Harihargad, and Alang-Madan-Kulang forts. The sunrise from the top of Maharashtra's peak was unbelievable to imagine. The chilly winds at the top and dark light are getting golden as you move up step by step, with the spirit to reach the top and chanting Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jay after that first rays of the sun appear from the horizon and you're watching that with your naked eyes seating at the top was a priceless moment, all your hard work to reach the top is pay off, and definitely, this moments will give you goosebumps of a lifetime. And if you are lucky then you can also witness the 'Sea Of Clouds' from above.  On top, a small temple of Kalsubai is built by locals to worship. During the Maratha era, the summit was used as a tower to keep an eye on the enemy. 

While descending from the top there is one route that goes down deep to the valley but in middle between that, there is a beautiful and big Kalsubai letter that has been designed of rocks. It's a stunning spot, you should go there and see the other side of Kalsubai and it's a great spot to take photos as well. 

The descent down also takes about two-three hours of trekking. You have to take the same trail as you chose to go up. Take a break in between that and reach safely the base village Bari. 

Trekking not only teaches you to keep going up but also teaches you the techniques to deal with life in general.  When you go first time on trekking, you would first realize that it's tough. But then you slowly enjoy the process and keep going on, until you reach the top and enjoy the view.  Nature is more powerful and teaches you humility.

Hope you love this article! So, grab your bags and go on your next adventure. Also, share this article with your travel partners to plan your next trip :)