A Jyotirlinga at the end of a forest climb. The Ganesh Ghat route to Bhimashankar runs up through the wildlife sanctuary from Khandas, ending at one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines.

About the fort

Bhimashankar is both a Jyotirlinga temple and a wildlife sanctuary, and it is the source of the Bhima river. Two trails climb from Khandas: Ganesh Ghat, the longer and gentler of the two, and Shidi Ghat with its iron ladders. We take Ganesh Ghat.

Quick facts

• Location: Khandas village, Karjat, Raigad district
• Elevation: about 3,250 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: about 4 hours one way
• Best season: June to February
• Minimum age: 12+

What the trek is like

A long forest ascent with a Ganesh temple partway up that gives the route its name. Shade most of the way, streams in the monsoon and a steady gradient rather than steep pitches.

What you see

• Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple at the top
• Ganesh Ghat forest trail through the sanctuary
• Source of the Bhima river
• Shekru — the Indian giant squirrel, the state animal
• Nagphani (Duke's Nose) viewpoint beyond the temple

How to reach

• By road from Mumbai: Karjat to Khandas, roughly 100 km
• By road from Pune: via Ghodegaon or via Karjat, roughly 125 km
• Nearest railhead: Karjat, then road to Khandas

What to carry

Shoes with a firm grip, 2 to 3 litres of water, electrolytes and quick snacks, a cap and sunscreen, a 20 to 30 litre backpack and a torch.

Who this suits

Read the difficulty above and speak to the trek leader beforehand if you have vertigo or a recent knee or ankle injury.

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the Bhimashankar Trek?

It is graded moderate. Plan for about 4 hours one way. The minimum age is 12+. Tell the trek leader beforehand if you have vertigo or a recent knee or ankle injury.

What is the best time for the Bhimashankar Trek?

June to February. Outside that window the rock and the trail can be slippery, and we either move the date or change the route.

How much does the Bhimashankar Trek cost?

₹1,499 per person, covering certified trek leader, first-aid support, history guide, lunch (gavran jevan). Mumbai pickup is available as an add-on while booking.

Where does the Bhimashankar Trek start?

The base is Khandas village, Karjat, Raigad district. We run pickups from both Pune and Mumbai; exact points and timings are shared on confirmation.

Is the Bhimashankar Trek suitable for beginners?

It depends on the grade above and your recent trekking. Write to us on WhatsApp with what you have climbed before and we will tell you honestly whether this one is a good fit.

How do I book the Bhimashankar Trek?

Use the Book Now button on this page — it opens a WhatsApp chat with the trek name, your date and group size already filled in.