The Bhairavgad above Shirpunje is the one with the ladders: a near-vertical rock section climbed on fixed iron ladders, with a narrow summit and the Kalsubai range filling the horizon.

About the fort

Several forts in Maharashtra carry the name Bhairavgad; this is the one near Shirpunje in Akole taluka, known for the ladder section on its upper rock face and for how little of it is left besides the climb itself.

Quick facts

• Location: Shirpunje village, Akole, Ahmednagar district
• Elevation: about 3,600 ft
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Duration: about 2.5 hours one way
• Best season: October to February
• Minimum age: 16+

What the trek is like

A forested approach to the base of the rock, then the ladders. They are fixed and maintained, but the exposure is real and the summit is small. We climb in small groups with rope backup and keep numbers low.

What you see

• The fixed iron ladder section on the rock face
• Rock-cut cistern and a Bhairavnath shrine near the top
• Views across Kalsubai, Harishchandragad and the Ratangad ridge
• A genuinely exposed summit, rarely crowded
• Forest approach through Akole's western belt

How to reach

• By road from Mumbai: Kasara to Ghoti, then Akole and Shirpunje, roughly 180 km
• By road from Pune: via Sangamner and Akole, roughly 210 km
• Nearest railhead: Kasara or Igatpuri

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 Bhairavgad Trek?

It is graded difficult. Plan for about 2.5 hours one way. The minimum age is 16+. Tell the trek leader beforehand if you have vertigo or a recent knee or ankle injury.

What is the best time for the Bhairavgad Trek?

October 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 Bhairavgad 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 Bhairavgad Trek start?

The base is Shirpunje village, Akole, Ahmednagar district. We run pickups from both Pune and Mumbai; exact points and timings are shared on confirmation.

Is the Bhairavgad 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 Bhairavgad 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.