Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek

Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek Overview:

One of the most popular trails near Pune, the Katraj to Sinhagad trek offers a one-of-its-kind experience in the Western Ghats leading up to the famous Sinhagad Fort. Popularly known as the ‘K2S trek’, the route will take you up and over 13 rugged hills, with panoramic views of the Sahyadris and the shimmering city lights in the distance.

The trek begins at the old Waghjai Temple near the Katraj old tunnel and ends on the road to Sinhagad Fort, covering a total distance of around 16km. It offers a real challenge both in terms of distance, duration and terrain traversed with the three most steep ascents and descents located at the very end. Extremely good physical fitness and endurance are required to not only complete but to truly enjoy this relatively tough range trek.

Most trekkers prefer to take on this trail at night, with full moon nights being especially popular. The moonlight gently illuminates the path, which comes alive with the scattered glow of headlamps dotting the long ridgeline towards the fort.

The challenging yet stunning Katraj to Sinhagad trek gives you a great opportunity to spend a night under the stars and trek through a centuries-old trail while testing your stamina and willpower!

K2S – Location and how to get there?

This beautiful trek lies about 20 kilometres south of Pune and begins from the exit of the old tunnel on the famous Katraj Ghat.

• Given the trek is point-to-point (different start and end points), it’s not recommended to travel via your own vehicles unless a friend or family member can drop you off.
• The most commonly preferred mode of transport for independent groups is to take a bus from the Katraj Bus stand and alight at the old tunnel exit. Similarly a rickshaw or cab can also be opted for.

At Adventure Pulse, we organise a compact minibus to the start and pick up from the end point of the trek.

Katraj to Sinhagad – Difficulty Level:

K2S falls under the category of a ‘range’ trek. A range trek typically involves traversing across a series of connected hills or mountains (a hill range), rather than climbing just one peak and descending the same way.

During this trek, we cover 16 km over 13+ hills, which essentially means strong cardiovascular endurance is required to undertake it. It can take anywhere between 6-10 hours and hence it’s graded as a moderate level trek and is recommended for experienced hikers and trekkers but can be also be completed by fit beginners as part of a group.

When done at night, it’s also crucial to ideally be part of a group, especially if you have little to no trekking experience. Despite the full moon and headlamps/torches, one can easily lose their way during certain forest sections or even on certain hills where the trail is less evident to the untrained eye.

Best time/season to do the Katraj to Sinhagad Trek:

While the trek can be done throughout the year, it’s best to avoid it during the summer and monsoon owing to the heat on trail and the increased risk of slips and falls due to rains, respectively.

This allows you a comfortable 7-month window (from September to March) to choose from the cooler temperatures of winter being the most preferred!

Important Points to Note on the Katraj to Sinhagad Trek:

• Carry Adequate Water: It is essential to carry 2–3 liters of water, as there are no water sources along the trek route. Staying hydrated is essential.

• Torch Required: Bring a good quality headlamp or torch. Phone torches are not ideal as in case of a slip your hands are occupied and can result in injury as well as damage to your phone.

• Wear Proper Shoes: Trekking shoes or shoes with a strong grip are crucial for navigating the rocky and uneven terrain safely.

• No Washrooms: There are no bathroom/washroom facilities on the route, so plan a
  ccordingly before starting.

Be well prepared, physically and mentally as this one is a long and demanding adventure.
Researching and understanding the trail will allow you to really enjoy this trek!