Dream trek for every trekker 'Harishchandragad trek'

Harishchandragad trek - The dream trek for every trekker. It has 3 main routes from which one can reach the fort, they are Nali chi vat (very difficult), Khireshwar(difficult) and Paachnai(easy).

Me and my 12 friends started our journey to the base village of Harishchandra gad around 1 pm from pune. We reached base Village Khireshwar at 5 pm. The road leading to the base village is a mud dam called Pimpalgaon Joge dam. The dam and the surrounding area offers a scenic view of the area. You can freshen up here. You can arrange breakfast, maybe poha and tea, from one of the local houses.

Pimpalgaon joge dam road

We started our trek via Khireshwar route at 5.30 pm. The main trail starts from behind the base village, leading to the base of the mountain. Take a narrow track that leads to the back of the village and extends into a wide grassy plain that forms the foot of the mountain. Keep proceeding on the same path and 15 minutes later, the track narrows down beneath a sparse forest cover. A short walk of 10 more minutes will lead to the main stream bed. Once you reach the Tolar Khind the 1st part of the trek is over, we reached the Khind at around 7 pm, then had a break of 5-10 mins. Due to darkness and few first timers we reduced our speed.

After the break we started ascending the rock patch, the most dangerous part is about to begin, here there is a rock patch of 600-700 feet which is divided into 2 parts. The 1st part is a bit easier, but the 2nd part is nearly a vertical rock patch. Also, the 1st part has more railing support than the 2nd part.

After the rock patch we lost our path several times due to darkness. It took 1 hour extra to reach the top.

After the rock patch their are a couple of huts one encounter within 500m of each other. From the second hut one route goes left to balekilla and one that goes behind the hut goes through the seven hills. The balekilla route is comparatively shorter. We decided to go through balekilla route. By 11.30 pm we reached the base of balekilla. As we were confused between the routes in dark and also we all were hungry and we all need to take rest so we decided to go to balekilla. After 6 hours of tough trek we finally reached at the top of balekilla. After seeing statue of chatrapati shivaji maharaj all the tired 13 people suddenly get charged. Automatically words came from our mouth and heart 'CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ KI JAY'

We pitched our tent at balekilla and started cooking. It was really very difficult to start fire for cooking due to heavy wind. Chef of our group Nikhil had done outstanding job by serving mouthwatering daal khichadi. After dinner and 5-6 hours of sleep we woke up to the fresh mountain air and heavy fog.

After morning snacks we moved to next destination Kedareshwar temple

Within 30-40 mins from base of balekilla we reached Kedareshwar temple. Near Kedareshwar temple you will find the various tourist spots. The main attractions here are the temple of Harishchandreshwar and the cave of Kedareshwar, lord Ganesh temple and Taramati Peak which is 3rd highest peak in maharashtra . There is a small lake adjoining the temple and a further hike of 15 minutes will lead you to one of the two biggest caves on the hill fort.

Kedareshwar cave

After darshan at temple and clicking few photos we started our trek to next part with the blessing of lord Kedareshwar towards Kokankada. All prepared for the grand view of Konkankada. It is said that any trekker in Maharashtra must visit Kokankada once in his lifetime. The panoramic views leave you spellbound, feeling like the top of the world. It is impossible to describe the beauty of Kokankada in words. We spend almost 1 hour at Kokankada. Near Kokankada and Kedareshwar temple you will find many food stalls where you can get food and water.

Kokankada

Now its time to backpack to descending from Konkan kada. Its time to say good by harishchandragad. The path downhill starts from the Difficult Rock patch way to kalyan darwaja . For this, you will have to walk for nearly 2 hr to the edge of the main mountain. Finally after 2 difficult rock patch we reached at one plateau after 2 Hr of difficult trekking. Still this much remaining to reach base village. Finally we reached base village after 3-4 hours difficult trek and got relaxed at khireshwar base village.

Harishchandragad trek will always be one of the best treks etched in my memory forever. For the mountains inspired me, mesmerized me and pushed me even more out of my comfort zone. And in that moment I felt alive, as it lifted my soul to where it belonged.