Embracing the Trekking Season in Mumbai : An Adventurer’s Guide

As the monsoon clouds beam wider and the sunshine gets stronger, the hills in and around Mumbai burst out in myriad shades of green and invites hikers and nature enthusiasts. The Sahyadri region has its trekking season which starts late in June and extends until the end of February, this can be a welcome break from the city life where you can get out and about into the wilderness. If you are a seasoned trekker or an amateur who wants to get out more, here is a list of options to start the trekking season in Mumbai.

The Western Ghats – known for its beautiful splendour and rich biodiversity – is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and both Mumbai and Pune fall in its range. The Ghats in the monsoon-thundering waterfalls, verdant valleys and shrouded peaks. With the move of the season, the trails become more accessible, offering safer and more enjoyable trekking experiences.

Popular Treks Around Mumbai

Kalsubai Trek

Kalsubai mountain Trek is famed for being Maharashtra’s tallest mountain, standing at 1646 metres (5400 feet). The Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary includes Kalsubai Mountain, which is located within the Sahyadri mountain range. Having the highest peak in Maharashtra, it commands with stunning views. Though being the highest peak the trek to Kalsubai has adequate effort and is also considered as a simple trek for beginners.

There are steel railings, and ladders at spots where climbing is difficult, and for certain will give you chills from the crowd, both outgoing and incoming, to avoid this the best is to start your ascent early in the morning. This photo, together with a few people, make it appear as if they are climbing Everst and are nearing the top of  Hiliary Step.

At an altitude of 5000ft, enjoying a bowl of Poha or Maggie certainly provides a unique experience, but it also prompts contemplation about how humans carry heavy loads of cylinders and utensils at this altitude. Kudos to them! If you embark on this trek, you will surely witness the same.

The Bhimashankar Trek

Situated in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, it covers an area of around 120 km and is 3400 feet high in the hills. A majestic temple of Lord Shiva stands in the midst of the deep jungle, and it is one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas, attracting pilgrims and believers alike.

Bhimashankar is a holy pilgrimage site, and during the month of Shravan, thousands of devotees visit. Lord Shiva is reported to have killed Rakshas Tripurasura when he became enraged. The heat generated by their conflict resulted in the formation of the river Bhima. This is why it’s called the Bhimashankar. The Bhimashankar temple is a mix of old and new construction.

Source : Treks & Trails

Trekking during monsoon in  Mumbai is the start of the trekking season is a revitalising experience that includes stunning views, puts your physical endurance to a challenge, and the opportunity to immerse yourself within nature’s splendour. Whether you’re exploring historical forts or peaceful landscapes, each trek offers distinct memories and adventures. So lace up your trekking boots, grab your essentials, and set out to discover the Western Ghats’ hidden beauties and Trek Safely!!!

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