We head to the Bari Village in the jeeps from Kasara Railway Station. The ride is always memorable, and the cold air makes you sleepy. You can spot wildlife along the way like Hyena, Fox, Mongoose, Snakes and more on your drive till Bari Village. While some participants are enjoying singing songs, others take a snooze to energize themselves. When the whole trekking group is cooperative adequately, The vibe feels like you're ready to lead a group, and it will be a smooth sail for all. Finally, we arrive at Bari village for Kalsubai Shikhar trek.

After having few sips of hot tea and giving few instructions regarding the trek in cold, windy night, we all started the trek. Hiking every time with the new trekkers who have different aspects of observing nature is when my vibe matches with them accordingly. I have become good friends with locals, meeting them each weekend, and sharing stories with them, learning about their lives. Now i feel they are part of my extended family and i look forward to meeting them while trekking every time. Bari Village people take good care of trekkers on the slope they manage their food and water requirement. They also come for search and rescue during accidents or when people get lost on the mountain.

I have become good friends with locals, meeting them each weekend, and sharing stories with them, learning about their lives. Now i feel they are part of my extended family and i look forward to meeting them while trekking every time. Bari Village people take good care of trekkers on the slope they manage their food and water requirement. They also come for search and rescue during accidents or when people get lost on the mountain.

I have seen people just enjoying every single moment of the hike under the million stars, halting and trying to know people. Enjoying the sunrise silently from the peak and trust me these trekkers win my heart. These Hikers forget about the concrete jungle and digital world and rejuvenate themselves with the fresh air, bright sun, nimbu pains, and Maggi. I can wholesomely say that hike can make anyone a better person. Change is a necessity in life.

Kalsubai Trek requires a high level of endurance, and the trek trail is well marked. After the trek gets completed, all the trekkers feel super hungry after burning calories. Coming to the food, we at Treks and Trails make sure each participant has enough water before the trek starts. Participants need high energy levels to enjoy and complete the trek. We give them tea and biscuits and ask them to carry some snacks during the trek like biscuits, cakes, fruits. During the trek, breakfast and morning tea provided again. After the trek at Bari village, we give them lunch prepared by our local partner, it is simple food but delicious and satisfying your appetite. Bhakri, Sabzi, Pickle, Dal, Rice, Papad is there on the menu.

Many trekkers come back just for the food twice or thrice in the year. Trekkers create lifetime memories on Kalsubai night trek; they click group photos for social media, Sing the National Anthem and bring the Indian Flag. It is a beautiful moment for all the trekkers who become family at the end of the trek. Come and witness the best sunrise in Maharashtra walk under the millions of stars. See the Milkyway on a dark new moon night and beautiful mountains of Harishchandragad Kalsubai Forest Sanctuary.

Pro Tips for Kalsubai Trek 

1. Carry personal first aid and medicine if you need it regularly. 
2. Wear trekking shoes only 
3. Wear full selves clothes and a hat to avoid sunburn.
4. Keep ready to eat snacks with you for energy 
5. Carry enough water around three liters
6. Good torch with extra batteries 
7. Follow the group rules and cooperate with trek leaders and respect the locals 
8. Take your garbage back to the city there is no recycling system available at Bari Village.
9. Carry a light backpack during the Kalsubai trek you can keep extra stuff with our local partner. 
10. Do regular exercise and stretching for a few weeks before joining the trek. 

Article by Jugal Gandhi

1. How difficult is the Kalsubai Trek?

The hike is not difficult; you will need to walk uphill 7 kilometers one way. There are ladders and steps in the difficult sections to make your trek easier. You will need good endurance and fitness level to complete the trek. It takes three hours to reach the Kalsubai Peak. 

2. How safe is the Kalsubai Trek?

The trek is safe the route is well marked, guides are available, you will always find trekkers on the trail. Trekkers are requested not risk going near the edge of the mountains for selfies. 

3. How long does it take to climb Kalsubai Peak?

It will take four hours to climb the Kalsubai Trek. One way hike distance is 7 kilometers. There are ladders, rock steps, well-marked jungle path to help you reach faster till the Kalsubai peak. 

4. How much does it cost for Kalsubai Trek?

We have different plans starting from Rs 799 per person available for the Kalsubai trek. 

5. How do I get to Kalsubai trek from Mumbai?

By Road: You can drive till the base village, Bari. From here you can trek till the peak using locals as a guide. 

By Rail: Catch the Kasara train on the central railway. Rs 30 ticket one way. From Kasara you can hire a cab till the base village. Suppose you are planning to Hitchhike. Reach till Ghoti Junction in sharing the cab from Kasara. From Ghoti Junction you can again share a jeep going till Shendi ask him to drop you at Bari Village gate starting point of the trek. 

6. Which is the toughest trek in Maharashtra? 

The top five toughest treks in Maharashtra should not be attempted without proper mountaineering gear and training. You can join a trekking organiser to complete these toughest treks which will help you manage you complete these treks safely. 

1. Dhak Bahiri Trek
2. Alang Madan Kulang Trek
3. Sandhan Valley Trek 
4. Bhairavgad Moroshi Trek 
5. Gorakhgad Trek 
6. Harihar Fort Trek
7. Kalavantin Fort Trek
8. Mrugagad Fort Trek
9. Harishchandragad Fort via Nalichi Vaat Trek
10. Lonavala to Bhimashankar Trek 

7. Where is Kalsubai Peak located?

Kalsubai Peak is located inside the Harischandragad Kalsubai Forest Sanctuary near Bhandardara Lake camping. 

8. What is Kalsubai Peak's height?

Kalsubai Peak is the highest in Maharashtra. Kalsubai peak height 1645 meters above sea level or 5400 feet. Kalsubai located inside the Harischandragad Kalsubai Forest Sanctuary in Ahmednagar district and also popularly called Everest of Maharashtra. 

9. How can I go to Kalsubai Peak from Pune?

Many trekking organizers arrange to and fro treks to Kalsubai from Pune. You can join one of them it will be more economical for solo hikers or a few friends. By road, you can drive via NH60 through Rajur and reach Bari village starting point of the trek. It takes six hours to reach the base village from Pune. Roads are in bad condition; please start your journey early to reach Bari on time. 

10. How to reach Kalsubai Trek from Igatpuri?

You can hitchhike or travel via sharing jeeps going towards Rajur village or Shendi village. Mostly they stop near Ghoti Junction. You can also hire a cab directly to Bari from Igatpuri. Kasara is a better option many jeeps and buses are available to reach Bari village from here. 

11. How to reach Kalsubai trek by train from Mumbai?

1. Board Kasara local on central railway Rs 30 one way ticket
2. Hire cab till Bari village from Kasara station to and fro will be available. 
3. Hitchhike till Ghoti Junction from here you will get sharing jeep going towards Akole, Raju, Shendi ask them to drop you till Bari village starting point of the trek. 

12. How many forts are there in Maharashtra? 

There are 350 forts in Maharashtra; many of them need restoration. over the years they have deteriorated 

13. How reach Kalsubai trek from Thane? 

You can book with us during Monsoon our bus will pick you from Teen Haat Naka thane for the trek. After Monsoon we have pickup from Kasara Railway Station. 

Board Kasara local on central railway Rs 30 one way ticket. Hire cab till Bari village from Kasara station to and fro will be available. Hitchhike till Ghoti Junction from here you will get sharing jeep going towards Akole, Raju, Shendi ask them to drop you till Bari village starting point of the trek.

14. Best time to trek Kalsubai Trek? 

Kalsubai trek is open throughout the year. Monsoon most hikers visit the summit to enjoy the waterfalls, fresh air, refreshing weather. Post monsoon it is famous for Sunrise trek in the winter and summer months. 

15. Is camping available at Kalsubai Peak?

Trekking companies arrange Kalsubai camping near the peak. They will manage your food, tents, water and safety during the camping. In case you plan to camp on your own you will need to carry everything with you as stalls are open only on the weekend. 

16. How much does Kalsubai camping cost?

Kalsubai camping will cost you Rs 1100 per person.