Nashik, Maharashtra’s Harihar Castle is a heritage landmark. It’s a terrific place to visit if you’re looking for a quick getaway in the woods; the lush vegetation and magnificent views provide a stress-relieving dose for hikers. As a consequence, it is largely viewed as one of Maharashtra’s greatest tourist destinations. You may enjoy a magnificent view of Mother Nature’s stretched hilltop from the height of Harihar fort. Many additional forts can be seen in the vicinity of Nashik. The Harihar fort walk is challenging despite its narrowness.
Trekking:
The Harihar Fort Trek is unique in that it looks to be square from the base settlement. It is, nevertheless, constructed of a spherical structure of granite. Because the granite edges are vertical, this ancient fort stands out. The walk is the most prominent in the Sahyadri Range because of the vertical steps.
The hike to Harihar Fort and Harihar Killa is short but challenging. Your personal guide will accompany you on your journey to assist you. The final 200 feet of the journey are made up of rock-cut stairs, which are a nerve-wracking ascent. There are 200 steps and an elevation of 80 degrees. The descent is highly exhilarating because to the steep slope and a 500-foot plunge at one point. The architecture of the stairwell is both unique and magnificent. The valley below is seen in a stunning and occasionally terrifying fashion.
Route which can you choose for trek:
Harihar fort’s entire route is separated into two sections:
Vertical steps connect the base settlement to the plateau Plateau to the top.
1st part
The large trail connects Kotamwadi Village and Trimbak, passing through paddy fields along the way. The trek starts its steady journey up the hill a little distance before crossing a field. It finally climbs onto an open ridge after passing through a dense forest. The fort is connected to it by a ridge. During the wet season, the walkway is lined with numerous little streams. The plateau will be reached after a short hike along the same trail. There is also a trail that connects towards this location from Harshewadi village. Harshewadi village’s trail goes via forests and open clearings after beginning at a tiny lake. This path is shorter and easier than the one in Kotamwadi.
2nd part:
From the plateau, there seem to be a number of well-known vertical steps. Just at end of the plateau, there is a tiny shop where you may replenish your energy for the exciting and demanding journey ahead. The fort is situated on top of a large mountain in the countryside. The ascent is challenging because of the 60.05-meter-long rock-cut stairs. The steps were worn out in numerous spots. On each end of the steps are notches for grabbing onto. During the rainy season, steps can get rather slick.
There are around 90 steps before reaching the Mahadarvaja. The walkway continues on the left after the entrance. A valley can be seen on the left, while a fort wall can be found on the right. The settlement of Rakshewadi may be seen on the left. The ceiling is incredibly low in this particular segment. After passing the cross, there is also another set of helix, rock-cut steps to climb, which are more difficult than that of the past iterations.
Get to the peak of the ridge, hikers must climb about 100 stairs. After climbing those steep steps, a creeping trap door leads to this cave-like area. The underground path can take you to the fort’s highest point. In front of it lies a modest temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Shiva, as well as a pond. From this vantage point, you can get a great view over Balekilla, the fort’s highest summit. Trekkers can continue hiking for yet another 10-15 minutes after passing through the fort to reach the highest peak. There is only enough room for two men to rally at the peak’s summit at the same time.
Things to remember:
This Harihar fort trek runs from 12:30 PM until 2:00 AM.
A minimum of two gallons of water, as well as a first-aid box, sugar, as well as other personal grooming medications, must be carried.
Wear quick-drying t-shirts instead of cotton shirts on a monsoon trip.
Keep a valid photo Identity card on you at all times.
Carry a variety of high-calorie, ready-to-eat dry food options. After departing the base settlements, the plateau has only a small shop for water and snacks.
Wear sneakers and take a spare pair of shoes, a poncho, and a windcheater for rainy trekking.
Carry a trumpet that will come in handy in an emergency.