Gorakhgad Trek

Gorakhgad Trek Overview:

Nestled deep in the Murbad region of Maharashtra, Gorakhgad Fort rises like a lone sentinel in front of the massive cliffs of Ahupe Ghat with its steep pinnacle visible from miles away. At an altitude of roughly 1800 feet, the relatively pleasant trail to the fort snakes through the beautiful jungles of the Sahyadri before a thrilling ascent to the caves and temple atop the fort.

Historically believed to be a place of meditation for Sant Gorakhnath, after whom it’s named, the fort was later used as a watchtower protecting the route between Junnar and Naneghat. Gorakhgad today offers a short yet intense hiking experience that combines rock-cut architecture, steep scrambles and panoramic views of the Western Ghats!

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or someone discovering their newfound love for the outdoors, the Gorakhgad trek is a short and sweet adventure that delivers on all fronts!

Major Attractions on the Gorakhgad Trek

• Rock-Cut Caves & Cisterns :
  At the mid-level of the fort, you’ll find ancient caves carved into the basalt rock. These caves offer a cool respite and make for a perfect rest stop or even a safe camping option for trekkers planning to spend the night! There are also 10-12 old water cisterns along the boundaries, with the path to some of them quite precarious to say the least. Most of the cisterns do not hold potable water and hence shouldn’t ideally be relied on in case of night spent here camping!

• The Pinnacle Climb:
  The final section of Gorakhgad is a near-vertical rock face with rock-cut steps and narrow ledges. While the steps have further been carved to present secure hand holds, this exposed climb is definitely not for the faint-hearted. For those who can brave it, the summit offers a 360° view of the surrounding hills including Machindragad (its twin fort), Siddhagad, Ahupe Ghat, and the expansive plains below.

• Historical Significance:
  The fort owes its name to Sant Gorakhnath who is said to have meditated here while the smaller twin fort of Machindragad is named after his disciple. There is a shrine in the caves dedicated to Sant Gorakhnath while at the very top lies a small Mahadev temple with the statue of a Nandi Cow. Ordained with colorful garlands, it’s a wonderful experience to watch the first rays of the sun light up this area of the fort.

• Forest Trail:
  The approach to the fort involves a gently ascending, hour long walk through thick forests which are especially enchanting in the monsoon when the trail is dotted with small waterfalls, vibrant green foliage, and mist-laced clearings with views of Ahupe Ghat. During the winter months, the landscape shifts to dry and arid with a yellower hue dominating the grasses around!

Location & How to Reach Gorakhgad

Gorakhgad is located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, with the trail beginning from Dehari village in the Murbad Taluka. The trek begins from right behind the Gorakshnath Temple and Ashram, which by road lies roughly 100 km from Mumbai and 150 km from Pune. There’s ample parking available outside the temple and a small stall serving local food and snacks.

You can also opt to get here via public transport – the nearest railway station is Kalyan, from where you can take a local bus to Murbad followed by a shared jeep/auto to Dehari. While this alternative is economical, buses and jeeps can be hard to trace occasionally, so budget extra time to reach the fort.

Gorakhgad Trek Route – Distance, Duration & Difficulty

• Trail Distance: Approx. 2.5–3 km one way
• Trek Duration: 2–2.5 hours to summit; about 4–5 hours round trip with breaks for rest and views!
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (the trek in itself is relatively simple but the final climb is considerably tricky to navigate and requires complete concentration)

Trail Breakdown:
The trek can be broken down into three distinct sections, as follows:

• Dehari to Forest Base: A pleasant 45-60 min hike through the forest and grassy slopes which takes you to the base of the fort marked by a small Shiva temple.

• Base to Caves: The entrance to the fort is preluded by a somewhat steep yet risk-free ascent of a rock face and traces of broken down rock-cut steps leading you to a middle plateau which houses the caves and cisterns. A narrow convexly shaped path takes you around the main structure of the fort on both sides.

• Caves to Summit: The final 25-minute stretch involves narrow ledges, vertical stairs carved into rock, and exposed traverses. Though thrilling, it can be very risky in rain without care.

Important Notes for Trekkers

• Final Climb: The summit approach is narrow and exposed. It can be dangerous for beginners, especially during the rains. Use your hands liberally and proceed slowly. Avoid crowding on narrow ledges.

• Presence of Wildlife: There is an abundance of monkeys on the fort and the forest below. The monkeys are also aggressive at times and try to open tents and bags in search of food and snacks. Be very careful and do not attempt to engage with them as they can physically hurt you.

• Camping: The Gorakhgad trek also makes for a lovely camping experience. You can camp near the small temple at the base of the fort in the forest or camp in the caves on the fort. The summit itself is too narrow and windy for overnight stays. Catching the sunset and sunrise from the fort is stunning to say the least!

• Water: There are no potable water sources en route. Carry at least 2 liters per person and 3-4l if camping. Some villagers at the base offer food and water (especially on weekends).

• Footwear: Good grip trekking shoes are non-negotiable. The stone-cut stairs can be slippery.

• Mobile Network & Cash: Mobile network is patchy at best; do not rely on it for navigation. Carry ₹500–1000 in cash for local purchases.