Treks around Pune – Overview

Trekking around Pune offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure. Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range, Pune is surrounded by lush green landscapes, ancient forts, and scenic trails that make it a paradise for trekkers.

Pune’s trekking scene is deeply rooted in Maratha history, with many forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj serving as popular trekking destinations. The Western Ghats which is older than the Himalayas, provide a diverse terrain ranging from dense forests and rocky cliffs to vast plateaus and waterfalls. The best time to trek around Pune is during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, when the hills turn vibrant green, and the waterfalls are at their peak.

In this blog, we have listed out top 5 easy treks around Pune which are ideal for beginners.

1. Tung Fort Trek

The Tung Fort Trek (also known as Kathingad) offers beginners an exceptional introduction to Western Ghats trekking, featuring a relatively short but engaging climb to a historically significant fort approximately 65 kilometers from Pune. This conical hill fort rises dramatically from the surrounding countryside near Pawna Lake, creating a visually distinctive profile that beckons adventurers from miles around. The trek begins from Tungwadi village, following a well-defined path that covers approximately 2 kilometers and 1,200 feet of elevation gain, requiring 45-60 minutes of steady climbing for most hikers to reach the summit at roughly 3,400 feet above sea level.

The historical significance of Tung Fort dates back to its construction before 1600 CE, though it gained particular prominence when Chattarpati Shivaji Maharaj captured it as part of his efforts to expand the Maratha Empire. The fort’s strategic position controlling important trade routes made it a valuable military asset, while its manageable size required relatively small garrisons for effective defense. Modern trekkers can still observe fascinating architectural elements including well-preserved entrance gates, scattered remnants of buildings, and ingenious water collection systems that sustained inhabitants through dry periods. These historical features provide compelling motivation to pause frequently during the ascent, offering both physical rest and cultural enrichment.

Perhaps the most spectacular aspect of the Tung Fort experience comes from its panoramic views overlooking the Pawna Lake, creating photo opportunities that rank among the finest in the entire Pune trekking region. The fort’s elevated position provides uninterrupted vistas across the artificial lake’s blue waters contrasting beautifully with surrounding green mountains. During monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, low clouds frequently drift through the valleys below, creating ethereal landscapes that transform throughout the day as light conditions change. These visual rewards with view that far exceed the expectations based on the relatively modest effort required to reach the summit, making Tung an exceptional choice for beginner trekkers.

Accessibility represents another significant advantage of the Tung Fort trek, with well-maintained roads leading to the base village and clearly marked trails continuing to the summit. While the ascent features some steeper sections, particularly near the top, the overall challenge level remains appropriate for first-time trekkers with reasonable fitness. The fort’s limited size means the exploration requires minimal additional time once reaching the top, allowing completion of the entire experience within 5-6 hours including transportation from Pune. This efficiency makes Tung an excellent half-day adventure. Travellers and Trekkers can also combine it with nearby attractions like Pawna Lake camping or neighboring Lohagad and Visapur forts.

Find more information on the Tung Fort Trek and our upcoming guided trek here: https://adventure-pulse.com/trek/tung-fort-trek-pune/

2. Korigad Fort Trek

The Korigad Fort Trek (sometimes called Koraigad) offers beginners a wonderfully accessible trekking experience, situated approximately 50 kilometers from Pune near the hill town of Ambavane. This circular plateau fort sits at an elevation of about 3,050 feet, featuring remarkably intact fortification walls that stretch nearly 2 kilometers in circumference, allowing contemporary visitors to walk the entire perimeter while enjoying panoramic views in all directions. The well-established trail begins from Peth Shahpur village, following a gradually ascending path through mixed forest and open patches for roughly 2 kilometers before reaching the fort entrance, typically requiring just 45-60 minutes of hiking time.

Unlike many neighboring forts that have succumbed extensively to time and weather, Korigad maintains numerous well-preserved structures including six intact bastions, multiple gates, and several temples dedicated to Goddess Koraidevi (from whom the fort derives its name) and Lord Ganesh. These architectural elements provide fascinating windows into 17th-century military engineering and religious practices, enriching the trekking experience with cultural and historical dimensions. The fortifications changed hands multiple times throughout their history, controlled variously by the Marathas and British forces, with each leaving distinctive marks on the structure visible to knowledgeable observers.

The relatively flat summit plateau of Korigad features two notable artificial ponds that historically provided water security during sieges and continue to hold water throughout much of the year. These picturesque water bodies, surrounded by ancient stonework and often reflecting the sky above, create tranquil spots for rest and contemplation amidst the historical surroundings. During monsoon season, the plateau transforms with lush vegetation and wildflowers, while the increased water levels in the ponds attract various bird species, adding wildlife observation opportunities to the trek’s many attractions.

The accessible nature of Korigad, combining modest physical demands with substantial historical interest makes it particularly suitable for mixed-ability groups and families with older children seeking shared outdoor experiences. The clearly defined trail presents minimal navigational challenges. Most visitors allocate 3-4 hours for the complete experience including ascent, circumnavigation of the walls, exploration of internal structures, and descent, making this an ideal half-day excursion from Pune. The trek’s manageable difficulty, well-preserved historical features, and spectacular viewpoints have justifiably earned Korigad recognition among the region’s most beginner-friendly trekking destinations.

3. Sudhagad Fort Trek

The Sudhagad Fort Trek offers beginners and novice trekkers a perfect weekend getaway, situated almost equidistant from both Mumbai and Pune at approximately 70 kilometers from each city. This accessibility makes it particularly convenient for residents of either city seeking a relatively short trekking experience rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. The trail begins from the village of Pacchapur, following a gradually ascending path through increasingly dense forest cover for approximately 2 kilometers before reaching the fort entrance, with most hikers completing the ascent within 60-90 minutes.

Historical records indicate that Sudhagad (originally named Bhorapgad) dates back to the 2nd century BCE, though most visible structures originate from the 16th and 17th centuries when the fort gained significant military importance during the Maratha period. Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1648, recognizing its strategic value in controlling regional trade routes. Contemporary trekkers can explore numerous fascinating architectural elements including multiple gates (the main “Maha Darwaza” featuring particularly impressive dimensions), deep water cisterns, temple structures, and defensive bastions. These well-preserved historical features provide great rewards for the physical effort of the ascent, offering tangible connections to centuries of regional history.

Upon reaching the summit plateau at approximately 2,030 feet elevation, trekkers discover surprisingly extensive fortifications covering nearly 50 acres, creating a veritable hilltop village that once housed substantial permanent garrisons. The fort’s expansive size necessitates additional exploration time. Particularly notable locations include the centrally located Bhorai Devi temple, dedicated to the fort’s presiding deity, and the impressive “Teen Darwaza” (Triple Gate) complex demonstrating sophisticated defensive architecture designed to impede enemy advances through multiple barriers.

Seasonal considerations significantly influence the Sudhagad experience, with monsoon months (June-September) transforming the environment through lush vegetation growth and improved water features, though occasionally creating challenging trail conditions through increased mud and slipperiness. Post-monsoon periods (October-November) offer perhaps the optimal balance between verdant landscapes and manageable trail conditions, while winter months provide clearer long-distance visibility for appreciating panoramic views extending to neighboring forts and valleys. The trek’s moderate difficulty level, historical richness, and convenient location from major cities have established Sudhagad as an increasingly popular destination for weekend trekkers seeking substantial rewards without extreme physical demands.

4. Kothaligad (Peth Fort) Trek

The Kothaligad Trek, also known as Peth Fort, offers beginners a uniquely rewarding experience featuring distinctive cave-cut architecture unlike that found on other treks near Pune. Located approximately 110 kilometers from Pune near Karjat, this ancient fortification takes the unusual form of a carved rock pinnacle with internal staircases rather than the more typical plateau or hill fort designs common throughout the region. The trail begins from Ambivli village, covering roughly 2 kilometers through varied terrain including paddy fields and increasingly steep forested slopes before reaching the fort base, requiring approximately 60-90 minutes of steady walking for most hikers.

What truly distinguishes Kothaligad from neighboring trekking destinations is its remarkable carved staircase ascending through the center of a natural rock pillar to a summit watchtower. This extraordinary feature, essentially a staircase tunnel through solid rock represents an impressive engineering achievement dating to the fort’s 13th-century origins. Trekkers navigate this narrow passage (which benefits from carved windows providing limited natural light) via steps worn smooth by centuries of use, emerging at the summit to spectacular 360-degree views extending across the surrounding countryside. This unique architectural element creates an almost mystical quality unlike the experience at more conventional forts in the region.

Beyond the signature rock-cut passages, Kothaligad offers several additional points of historical interest including ancient water cisterns, defensive walls, and cave complexes that once housed garrison forces. The Goddess Bhairoba temple near the base of the rock pillar continues to attract religious visitors, while various inscriptions throughout the complex provide insights into the fort’s development under different ruling powers throughout its long history. Unlike larger fortifications that can require extensive time for thorough exploration, Kothaligad’s relatively compact dimensions allow shorter exploration within a few hours, making it ideal for single-day excursions.

The trek’s moderate difficulty level-challenging enough to satisfy adventure-seekers yet accessible to those with basic fitness contributes significantly to its popularity among first-time trekkers. The clearly defined route presents minimal navigational challenges, while the roughly 1,500 feet of total elevation gain provides satisfying physical engagement without overwhelming those new to hiking. Most visitors allocate 5-6 hours for the complete experience including transportation from Pune, with the unusual rock-cut architecture and spectacular summit views delivering exceptional experience relative to the modest physical efforts required. These distinctive characteristics have established Kothaligad as a standout option among introductory treks in the Western Ghats region.

5. Kalsubai Peak Trek

The Kalsubai Peak Trek offers beginner trekkers an appropriately challenging introduction to higher-elevation hiking, leading to Maharashtra’s highest peak at 5,400 feet above sea level. Located approximately 180 kilometers from Pune in the Ahmednagar district, this prominent mountain sits within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, offering both natural beauty and cultural significance. The standard route begins from Bari village, following a well-established path that gains approximately 2,300 feet of elevation over 5.6 kilometers, requiring 3-4 hours of steady climbing for most hikers to reach the summit.

Beyond its impressive physical dimensions, Kalsubai holds significant cultural and religious importance for local communities, with the mountain’s name deriving from a legendary tribal woman named Kalsubai who resided there. The summit houses a small temple dedicated to Kalsubai Devi, attracting regular worship from villagers who ascend to perform rituals and seek blessings. This spiritual dimension adds meaningful cultural context to the trekking experience, particularly when coinciding with festival days when larger numbers of devotees make the pilgrimage, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration amidst the natural beauty.

The trail itself features several sections equipped with metal ladders and chains to assist hikers in navigating steeper portions, making the route more accessible than its elevation profile might initially suggest. These supportive installations, maintained by local authorities and trekking organizations enable even less experienced hikers to safely attempt the ascent with proper preparation and reasonable fitness levels. Between these more challenging segments, the path traverses beautiful mixed forest and increasingly open terrain as elevation increases, providing continuous scenic interest throughout the journey.

Upon reaching the summit, trekkers are rewarded with truly spectacular panoramic views extending across vast stretches of the Western Ghats, including neighboring peaks, reservoirs, and rural landscapes stretching toward the horizon. On particularly clear days, visibility can extend to distant forts including Alang, Madangad, and Kulang, creating a powerful sense of perspective regarding the region’s topographical complexity. Despite the trek’s moderate difficulty level, the exceptional summit views and cultural significance makes it a memorable experience and justifiably earning Kalsubai recognition as one of Maharashtra’s most essential trekking experiences and a worthy graduation challenge for beginners building their skills.

If you are looking for more offbeat treks, Irshalgad Fort Trek near Pune is also a great option. Please find this detailed blog for more information: http://adventure-pulse.com/blog/irshalgad-trek/

If you are looking for more adventurous experience, there are great options for night treks near Pune and Mumbai. Read this blog for more information: https://adventure-pulse.com/blog/night-treks-near-pune-mumbai/

Hope this list of beginner friendly treks around Pune will inspire you to start your trekking adventures. Contact us on [email protected] or visit our website adventure-pulse.com for more information on our upcoming guided treks around Pune.