Treks near Pune:
Hey there, adventure seeker! Are you ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore the wild side of Pune? If so, you’re in for a treat. Pune, nestled snugly near the Western Ghats, isn’t just a bustling city, it’s a gateway to some of India’s most stunning trekking trails. Whether you’re a newbie eager to test your legs or a seasoned trekker chasing the next big challenge, the best treks near Pune have something for everyone.
In this massive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about trekking around Pune. Let’s start with the top 10 easy treks near Pune for beginners.
Read this detailed blog on How trekking in Pune is a must-do experience for trekking enthusiasts. https://adventure-pulse.com/blog/treks-around-pune-mumbai/
1. Sinhagad Fort Trek
The Sinhagad Fort Trek stands as perhaps the most iconic and accessible trekking experience in the Pune region, situated just 20 kilometers from the city and offering an ideal introduction to Western Ghats trekking. Alongside Rajgad and Torna forts, this fort has been strategically important and historically significant. Having witnessed numerous battles throughout its storied past, yet unlike many historical structures in the region, Sinhagad’s fortifications remain remarkably well-preserved. The trek begins from Donje Gaon, with a clearly marked trail that combines both natural beauty and historical intrigue as you ascend approximately 2.5 kilometers to reach the magnificent fortification.
Beginner trekkers will appreciate Sinhagad’s moderate difficulty level, with the route featuring some steep sections but generally remaining accessible for those with basic fitness levels. The trail takes you through varied terrain including forest patches and open grasslands, providing diverse scenery throughout the journey. Most hikers complete the ascent in 1-2 hours, making this an ideal half-day adventure that leaves time to explore the fort’s extensive grounds and defensive structures. While accessible year-round, monsoon season transforms the landscape with verdant beauty, though it also makes the trail more slippery and challenging in places.
Upon reaching the summit, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of rolling green hills and, on clear days, magnificent cloud beds that stretch across the valleys below. The fort itself offers numerous points of interest including ancient gates, water cisterns, memorials, and bastions that speak to its military significance throughout the centuries. History enthusiasts particularly appreciate the connection to Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, who famously sacrificed his life capturing the fort from Mughal forces in the Battle of Sinhagad (1670), prompting Shivaji Maharaj’s comment, “Gad ala pan sinha gela” (The fort was won but the lion was lost).
For practical considerations, the Sinhagad Fort trek offers good facilities compared to many more remote destinations. Several small vendors at the fort provide refreshments including the famous Maharashtrian staples of zunka bhakar and pithla bhakri, perfect for replenishing energy before the descent. Public transport connects Pune city to Donje Gaon, though many visitors prefer the flexibility of private transportation to optimize their trekking schedule.
2. Lohagad Fort Trek
The Lohagad Fort Trek presents an excellent option for beginning trekkers seeking historical immersion combined with natural beauty, located approximately 60 kilometers from Pune near the hill station of Lonavala. This 16th-century fort, whose name translates to “Iron Fort,” sits at a moderate elevation of about 3,400 feet and features remarkably intact structures including four distinctive gates (Ganesh Darwaza, Narayan Darwaza, Hanuman Darwaza, and Maha Darwaza). The well-established trail begins from Lohagadwadi village, following a gradual ascent that becomes somewhat steeper near the summit but remains manageable for newcomers to trekking, typically requiring 45-60 minutes of climbing time.
Seasonal considerations significantly influence the Lohagad experience, with monsoon season transforming the surroundings into an emerald paradise adorned with small waterfalls and mist-shrouded views that evoke a mystical atmosphere. During this period, the famous “Vinchu Kata” (Scorpion’s Tail)-a distinctive narrow range extending from the fort-becomes particularly dramatic when viewed against the verdant backdrop of rejuvenated vegetation. Post-monsoon months (October-November) offer clear skies and moderating temperatures that many consider ideal for photography and enjoying panoramic views extending to Pawna Lake and surrounding mountains.
Trekkers enjoying the views from one of the gates at Lohagad Fort.
The historical significance of Lohagad adds substantial depth to the trekking experience, as the fort changed hands numerous times between the Maratha Empire, Mughals, and British forces. Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1648, but it was later surrendered to the Mughals in 1665 before being recaptured by the Marathas in 1670. These historical transitions have left fascinating architectural influences throughout the structure, providing trekkers with a physical connection to the region’s complex past. Informational placards throughout the fort help visitors understand key historical events and architectural features, enriching the educational value of the journey.
Accessibility represents another advantage of the Lohagad trek, with multiple transportation options available from Pune. The nearest railway station at Malavli (connected to both Pune and Mumbai) sits just 2 kilometers from the trek’s starting point, making this one of the few treks easily accessible by public transportation. Alternatively, well-maintained roads allow comfortable travel by private vehicle with parking available near the trailhead. The trek’s relatively short duration and moderate difficulty level make it ideal for first-time trekkers, families with older children, and those seeking a half-day adventure that combines physical activity with cultural enrichment.
3. Tikona Fort Trek
The Tikona Fort Trek offers novice hikers a remarkable blend of manageable difficulty and spectacular payoff, situated approximately 60 kilometers from Pune near Pawna Lake. This pyramid-shaped hill fort-whose name literally means “triangular” in Marathi-presents a distinctive silhouette visible from miles around, creating an enticing target for trekkers. The ascent covers roughly 2 kilometers from the base village of Tikona Peth, following a well-defined path that becomes increasingly steep as you approach the summit, featuring some sections with carved rock steps that facilitate the climb while preserving the route’s historical character.
Throughout the journey, trekkers encounter fascinating historical elements dating back to the fort’s 16th-century Maratha origins, including ancient water cisterns, defensive structures, and cave temples that speak to the site’s longstanding strategic and spiritual significance. The final approach to the fort entrance features a notably narrow passage through which trekkers must carefully navigate-a defensive feature designed to allow only one person to enter at a time, forcing potential invaders to abandon formational advantages. This architectural element provides modern visitors with a tangible connection to the military thinking behind the fort’s construction while creating a memorable transition into the fort’s interior grounds.
Upon reaching the summit at approximately 3,500 feet elevation, Tikona rewards trekkers with truly spectacular 360-degree views encompassing Pawna Lake, neighboring forts (including Lohagad, Tung, and Visapur), and the expansive Sahyadri mountain ranges stretching toward the horizon. These panoramic vistas make the fort particularly popular for sunrise or sunset treks, when the changing light creates dramatic shadows across the landscape and illuminates the surrounding mountains with golden hues. Photography enthusiasts find these conditions especially rewarding, with countless opportunities for capturing the region’s natural beauty from an elevated perspective.
The relatively short duration (approximately 1-1.5 hours for ascent) and moderate challenge level make Tikona an ideal destination for weekend adventurers with limited trekking experience. The best seasons for visiting span from June through February, with monsoon months offering verdant landscapes and dramatic cloud formations, while winter provides clearer views and more comfortable hiking temperatures. Unlike some more remote destinations, basic refreshment vendors occasionally operate near the summit during peak season, though carrying adequate water and snacks remains advisable regardless of season. The trek’s accessibility, historical interest, and spectacular viewpoints have justifiably earned Tikona a place among Pune’s most popular introductory trekking experiences.
4. Rajmachi Trek
The Rajmachi Trek presents beginners with two compelling approach options – from Lonavala or from Karjat. Each offering distinctive experiences and difficulty levels for adventurous hikers. This versatility makes Rajmachi particularly appealing for those seeking to customize their journey based on available time, physical preparation, and desired intensity. The Lonavala route covers approximately 15-16 kilometers (round trip) along a relatively gradual path suitable for beginners, typically requiring 4-5 hours of walking each way. In contrast, the more challenging Karjat approach features steeper terrain but rewards trekkers with denser forest coverage and more dramatic scenery, appealing to those seeking greater immersion in natural surroundings.
The twin fortifications of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan that comprise the Rajmachi complex sit approximately 2,710 feet above sea level, serving historically as critical defensive positions controlling important trade routes. These well-preserved structures offer trekkers fascinating glimpses into medieval military architecture, with intact gates, bastions, and water storage systems demonstrating the engineering capabilities of their builders. Between the two forts stretches a plateau area that once housed a substantial settlement, with remaining foundations hinting at the daily life of those who inhabited this strategic location during the height of Maratha power in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Monsoon season transforms Rajmachi into a particularly magical destination, with mist-shrouded mountains creating ethereal landscapes that captivate photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. During June and early July, the Rajmachi trek gains additional fame for spectacular firefly displays that illuminate the surrounding forests with natural bioluminescence, creating unforgettable nighttime experiences for those camping in the area. This seasonal phenomenon attracts dedicated firefly treks organized by various outdoors groups, providing guided opportunities to witness this remarkable natural display.
Logistically, Rajmachi offers better infrastructure than many comparable treks, with homestay options available in Udhewadi village near the fort complex, allowing for comfortable overnight stays without carrying camping equipment. These homestays typically provide simple but nourishing local meals, offering cultural immersion alongside physical adventure. For day trekkers, completing the journey requires early morning starts, particularly when approaching from Lonavala, to ensure sufficient time for exploring the forts and returning before darkness. Public transportation serves both starting points reasonably well, with regular buses and trains connecting Pune to both Lonavala and Karjat, though the final approaches to trailheads may require additional local transportation arrangements.
5. Visapur Fort Trek
The Visapur Fort Trek offers beginner trekkers a fascinating experience and an alternative to the nearby Lohagad Fort, with the two historical structures facing each other across a small valley approximately 60 kilometers from Pune. Interestingly, Visapur stands at a higher elevation than its more famous neighbor, providing trekkers who conquer its slopes with commanding views over Lohagad and the surrounding landscapes. The trek begins from either Bhaje village or Patan village, following well-established routes that gain approximately 1,100 feet in elevation over 2-3 kilometers of trail, presenting moderate difficulty suitable for those with basic fitness levels.
Unlike many neighboring forts that feature densely concentrated structures, Visapur Fort spreads across an expansive plateau, with ruins scattered throughout a surprisingly large area that invites extended exploration. The fortification’s substantial size results from its construction during the late 18th century as an explicit counter to British positions at Lohagad, requiring sufficient space to house larger contingents of defending forces. Historical records indicate that despite these defensive preparations, British forces disabled the fort’s protective features using artillery fire from the plains below before eventually capturing it in 1818, marking an important transition in regional military control.
Monsoon season dramatically transforms the Visapur Trek experience, with the plateau becoming a veritable water world featuring numerous seasonal waterfalls cascading down its sides. These magnificent water features, some reaching heights of over 100 feet, create spectacular visual displays and refreshing natural pools that many trekkers find irresistible after the warming climb. Adding to the sensory experience, the plateau becomes carpeted with vibrant wildflowers and lush grasses during this period, creating an unexpectedly verdant environment atop the otherwise rocky mountain that persists through the post-monsoon months.
Practical considerations for the Visapur trek include relatively limited facilities compared to more developed destinations like Sinhagad. No permanent food vendors operate at the summit, making it essential to carry sufficient water and provisions for the entire journey. The exposed nature of the plateau also means limited natural shade, requiring appropriate sun protection particularly during clear weather. Most trekkers allocate 4-6 hours for the complete experience, including ascent, exploration time, and descent, making this an ideal day-trip destination from Pune. The nearby Bhaja Cave, an ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture dating to the 2nd century BCE offer an excellent complementary attraction for those interested in extending their historical and cultural exploration in the area.
Hope this blog helps you to choose your monsoon trek near Pune. For more information and details of the upcoming guiding treks, visit our website: adventure-pulse.com
