Harishchandragad Trek and Stay in Caves

About:

Harishchandragad a leading fortress of Maharashtra takes all the nerves a man has. The trek traverses through slow romance with history to spirituality. It is a beautiful journey of ancient holiness and doctrines amidst the prevailing and contemporary worldly beauties and hence an experience for an entire lifetime. The days dating back to the old outmoded days when the originator of the Epic Tatvasaar took shelter here and deliberately contemplated in his days. The place also finds its inscription in sacred books such as Matsyapurana Skandapurana and Agnipurana.

 

Overview:

Harishchandragad trek in Maharashtra is a prime trek on the bucket list of all trekkers hikers and adventure enthusiasts. And why not? It is an excellent example of a combination of natural wonders caves temples with the exotic sunrise and sunset points on the top. Harishchandragad Fort is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra and lies at around 140 km from Mumbai and 117 km from Pune. Beside it is home to a famous fort that stands on top of the trek at about 4670 ft. In a word the unique point is that it’s often said as “The Hikers Paradise”. Although there are many routes to reach the top Pachnai is the best of all. We will trek via Pachnai base village which is moderate in difficulty. Interestingly this trail snakes through forest sections paddy fields mighty mountains small streams big rock patches and of course nature in all its glory. At the top you will scout Sapta Tirta Pushkarini Temple Kedareshwar Cave Konkan Kada(cliff) and Taramati Peak.

Moreover the natural wall is concave in shape; hence if you are trekking at the right time you will also experience some breathtaking secret phenomenon such as vertical cloud bursts and circular rainbows/broken specter.

 

Includes:

• Kasara to Base Village & Back to Kasara Travel
• An experienced Trek Leader.
• Meals on scheduled time (Only Veg)
• Tented stay on 2 sharing in the Caves
• A supporting staff to help & guide you throughout your trek.
• First aid kit.

 

Event Details:

• Difficulty Level – Medium
• Endurance Level – Medium
• Base Village – Pachnai Village
• Region – Igatpuri
• Duration- 2Days 1Night
• Climbing Time – 3 Hours (One Way)
• Height – 1417(In Meter) 4650 (In Feet)

 

Tour Highlights:

• Initially meet fellow travelers and kick off your journey to Pachnai Village.
• Secondly cross mighty rock patches walk beside the paddy fields and forest sections.
• Thirdly explore the ancient fort; remnants of Microlithic man were discovered here.
• Key spots to visit – Harishchandreshwar Temple Saptatirtha Pushkarni Kashitirtha temple Nageshwar temple Kedareshwar cave Taramati Peak and Konkan Kada.
• Finally watch the giant Shiva linga surrounded by water and supported by one pillar (the other three have broken over time).
• If you get lucky you will also witness natural phenomena like vertical cloud burst circular rainbows.

 

Itinerary:

 

Day 1:

• 7:30am – Reach Kasara Station & Report to Trek Leader.
• 8:00am – Start heading to base village from Kasara in a local jeep.
• 12:00pm – Arrive at base village and start trekking post briefing & instructions.
• 3:00pm – Reach the top of Harishchandragad & relax.
• 3:30pm – Have lunch and leisure time to walk around.
• 4:30pm – Head towards Konkankada for a sunset view with cup of tea
• 7:00pm – Back to Harishchandragad Caves.
• 8:00pm – Enjoy local cuisine for Dinner.
• 9:00pm – Take the experience of caving at Harishchandragad.

 

DAY 2:

• 7:00am – Wake up call.
• 7:30am – Freshen up and head towards shivlinga surrounded by water.
• 8:00am – Breakfast to be served.
• 9:00am – Pack up and start descending to base village.
• 12:00pm – Arrival at base village.
• 12:00pm – Collect your belongings and start heading back to Kasara Station in a local jeep.
• 4:00pm – Arrival at Kasara Station & Disperse.

 

Things to carry:

• Backpack 10/20 L 3 ltrs of bottle water Snacks.
• Weather Appropriate Clothing & Warm Jacket/
• A hat and sunglasses Skin Cream Rain Jacket Hiking Shoes Extra Socks Towel Trash Bag & Sleeping Bag.

 

Note:

• As most destinations are remote and isolated the food options (especially veg options) will be limited. Accordingly we expect your understanding regarding the same.
• The itinerary is subject to change during the trip due to severe weather conditions keeping your safety and accessibility to locations.
• Specifically check the cancellation policy by clicking on the cancellation tab. Plus the camera entry fee to tourist spots is not included.

 

Bharata Tours & Trails Event Rules:

• Kindly carry one Identity proof at least for the trek with your address.
• We all are going for an adventurous and exciting trekking expedition; please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR.
• The leader’s decision will be final and all the members should abide by it.
• We do not destroy or dirty the archaeological historical monuments natural habitat on the trek.
• Swimming is not allowed in the lake or water tank on the forts. Locals use that water for drinking.
• Putting your feet in water tanks or on the canon is not allowed on our treks.
• Any addiction is strictly prohibited e.g. drinking smoking chewing tobacco anyone caught doing it will have to exit the trek without a refund and travel back on own expense.
• People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.
• Please do not carry or wear any valuables ornaments jewelry etc. If carried then we Do Not take any liability for the same.
• We should strictly follow the code of conduct to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.
• Listening to music on earphones is not allowed while trekking.
• Drinking/smoking/eating is not allowed inside the tents.
• If you damage the tent break the tent poles you will have to pay us for the whole new tent on MRP.
• If you are late for the bus pickup and are not reachable on the phone during your bus pickup the trek leader will leave without you and we will provide no refund.
• Please check things to carry and wear trekking shoes on our treks. 

 

Keep in mind:

• Always carry your litter with yourselves to other camps while moving and do not leave it at any random place to rot. You can use any paper bag or other storage material to dump your garbage which you can dispose of later on.
• Using toilets is a necessity. Kindly make sure that you use the loo wherever possible and avoid spoiling the campsites.
• If you are unable to find a toilet on your way during the walk it is advisable to go behind a bush where you dig a hole and bury or burn the paper afterwards using matchsticks.
• DO NOT pollute the water streams at your campsite by washing clothes or bathing or disposing of your toilet wastes.
• It is a STRICT ADVICE not to dump plastic wastes or waste of any kind at the Summits anywhere on the trail even if you are too tired to store it in a bag.
• As you travel through wilderness avoid plucking flowers and medicinal plants on your way during the trek.
• It is very important to love and respect and protect nature. Be kind towards your surroundings and take care of its natural and cultural values.
• Make an impact on others and set an example by keeping up the good deed of guarding nature. It is very important as ignorance can lead to much harm in the future.

 

Happy Trekking! Safely Exploring!