Winter is the best season for trekking in Maharashtra. After the monsoon the Sahyadris stay green for a while, the trails dry out, the skies turn clear, and the mornings are cool enough to climb all day without the heat of summer. It is also the season for sunrise treks, night treks and camping on forts. Here are the best winter treks in Maharashtra near Mumbai, Pune and Nashik for November to February, from easy one-day forts for beginners to overnight camping treks and the highest peaks of the state.
Why Trek in Winter?
- Clear views: the haze of summer and the clouds of the monsoon are gone, so you can see range after range from the top.
- Cool weather: pleasant days and cold mornings make long climbs much easier.
- Dry, safer trails: rock patches and steps are no longer slippery.
- Sunrises and sunsets: the best time of year for a sunrise from a fort or a sunset from a cliff.
- Camping season: starry nights and campfires make overnight treks special.
Best Winter Treks in Maharashtra
1. Harishchandragad
- Where: Malshej Ghat region, Ahmednagar district, reachable from Mumbai and Pune
- Difficulty: Moderate
The classic winter overnight trek. Climb to the plateau, see the Harishchandreshwar temple and the Kedareshwar cave, watch the sunset from the huge curved cliff of Konkan Kada, camp under the stars and catch the sunrise from Taramati peak.
Winter tip: Nights on the plateau are cold. Carry a warm jacket and a sleeping bag or two bedsheets.
Join our Harishchandragad trek or read the Harishchandragad guide.
2. Ratangad
- Where: Bhandardara, near Nashik, reachable from Mumbai and Pune
- Difficulty: Moderate
Iron ladders, the wind-cut Nedhe window at the top and views of Kalsubai and the Bhandardara lake. In winter the views across the Kalsubai range are at their clearest.
Winter tip: Start early to reach the Nedhe before the midday sun, and carry a light layer for the wind at the top.
Join our Ratangad trek or read the Ratangad guide.
3. Kalsubai
- Where: Bari village, near Bhandardara
- Difficulty: Moderate, with iron ladders and long steps
Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra. A night climb to watch the sunrise from the summit is one of the most popular winter treks in the state.
Winter tip: The summit is windy and very cold before dawn. Carry gloves, a cap and a warm jacket, and a torch for the night climb.
4. Salher
- Where: Baglan, Nashik district
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Salher is the highest fort in the Sahyadris. The climb passes old gates and rock-cut steps, and from the top the forts of the Baglan region spread out all around you. Winter is the ideal time, as summer here is very hot.
Winter tip: It is a long day. Start at first light and carry plenty of water.
5. Dhodap
- Where: Chandwad, Nashik district
- Difficulty: Medium
The second highest fort in the Sahyadris, with a long rock-cut staircase, a wide tunnel and dramatic pointed cliffs. Clear winter days show the whole Satmala range.
Winter tip: The top is open and windy. Carry a windcheater and enough water.
6. Rajgad to Torna
- Where: Velhe, near Pune
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard (long ridge walk)
A legendary traverse between two of the most important forts of the Maratha empire, along a ridge with views on both sides. The cool winter weather makes this long walk far more enjoyable.
Winter tip: This is a full day of walking. Carry 3 litres of water and energy snacks.
Join our Rajgad to Torna trek or read the Rajgad to Torna guide.
7. Raigad
- Where: Mahad, Raigad district
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (long flight of steps)
The capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Winter is perfect for exploring the vast plateau, the Raj Sabha, the market and the Samadhi without the monsoon mist.
Winter tip: The plateau is large. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a full day.
8. Shivneri and Chavand
- Where: Junnar, Pune district
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the rock-cut steps of Chavand in one day. A great winter trek for families and beginners.
Winter tip: The Chavand steps have railings. Wear shoes with good grip.
Join our Shivneri and Chavand trek or read the Shivneri and Chavand guide.
9. Kalavantin Durg
- Where: Panvel, near Mumbai
- Difficulty: Hard (steep rock-cut steps)
The famous staircase cut into a pinnacle, with big views over the Prabalgad plateau. It is best done when the rock is dry, which makes winter the right season.
Winter tip: The steps are steep and exposed. Go with an experienced group and avoid it if you are uncomfortable with heights.
Join our Kalavantin Durg trek or read the Kalavantin Durg guide.
10. Lohagad
- Where: Lonavala
- Difficulty: Easy
One of the easiest and most popular forts near Pune and Mumbai, with four gates and the Vinchu Kata ridge. Ideal for a relaxed winter day trek.
Winter tip: Weekends get crowded. Go early in the morning.
11. Tikona
- Where: Pawna, Maval
- Difficulty: Easy
A small triangular fort above Pawna lake. Short, safe and scenic, it is a perfect first trek, and Pawna is also a popular spot for winter lakeside camping.
Winter tip: Combine it with a sunset at Pawna lake.
Join our Tikona trek or read the Tikona guide.
12. Bhimashankar
- Where: Khed, Pune district
- Difficulty: Moderate
A forest trek up to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The cool weather makes the long forest climb pleasant.
Winter tip: Respect the temple and the sanctuary rules, and carry your waste back.
Join our Bhimashankar trek or read the Bhimashankar guide.
13. Sudhagad
- Where: Pali, Raigad district
- Difficulty: Moderate
A huge fort that was once considered as a capital, with a wide plateau, old gates and a quiet temple. Winter is perfect for exploring it at an easy pace.
Winter tip: Combine it with a visit to the Ballaleshwar temple at Pali.
Join our Sudhagad trek or read the Sudhagad guide.
Winter Trek Packing List
- A warm jacket or fleece, plus a windcheater for the summit
- A cap, gloves and a warm layer for night and sunrise treks
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- 2 to 3 litres of water, as the dry air makes you thirsty
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap for the bright day sun
- A head torch with spare batteries for night climbs
- A light sleeping bag or two bedsheets for camping treks
- Lip balm and a small first-aid kit
Tips for Winter Trekking in the Sahyadris
- Dress in layers: mornings can be very cold on high forts, while afternoons get warm. Layers let you adjust.
- Start early: days are shorter in winter, so plan to be down before dark.
- Night treks need a group: always climb at night with an experienced leader and a torch.
- Check camping rules: some forts and forest areas restrict camping. Go with an organiser who has the right permissions.
- Leave no trace: carry back all plastic and waste, and do not light fires outside allowed spots.
Winter Treks with With Sakhi
Every weekend this winter we run group treks from Mumbai and Pune, with transport, meals, certified trek leaders and a guide for the history of each fort. Beginners, families and solo women travellers are always welcome. See all our upcoming treks, or read our guides to treks near Pune and treks near Mumbai.
Winter Treks in Maharashtra: Frequently Asked Questions
Which month is best for trekking in Maharashtra in winter?
November to February is the best window. November and December still have some greenery after the monsoon, while January and February have the clearest skies and coldest mornings.
Which is the best winter trek near Pune?
Rajgad to Torna, Shivneri and Chavand, Lohagad and Tikona are all excellent winter treks near Pune, from easy to challenging.
Which is the best winter trek near Mumbai?
Harishchandragad, Ratangad, Kalsubai and Kalavantin Durg are popular winter treks from Mumbai. Lohagad and Tikona are easy options for beginners.
Which winter treks are good for beginners?
Tikona, Lohagad, Shivneri and Raigad are easy and safe for beginners. Harishchandragad and Ratangad are good next steps once you have done a few forts.
Can we camp on forts in winter?
Some forts like Harishchandragad allow overnight stays with local arrangements, but rules can change. Always go with an organiser who knows the current permissions.
How cold does it get on Sahyadri treks in winter?
Mornings and nights on high forts and peaks like Kalsubai and Harishchandragad can be very cold and windy, while the afternoons are pleasant. Carry a warm jacket and layers.
