Gorakhgad rises as a lone rock thumb above Dehri village in Murbad, with its twin Machindragad standing just across the col. The fort is small, but the way up is memorable: a spiral of rock-cut steps wrapped around the pinnacle, with caves carved into its base and a Shiva shrine on the summit.

About the fort

Gorakhgad takes its name from the saint Gorakhnath, and the caves cut into the pinnacle's base are traditionally linked to him and to his teacher Machindranath, after whom the neighbouring pinnacle is named. The fort was never a large garrison — it served as a watchpost on the route between Kalyan and the Ahupe and Naneghat passes into the Deccan.

Quick facts

• Location: Dehri village, Murbad taluka, Thane district
• Elevation: about 2,137 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Climb time: roughly 2 to 2.5 hours one way
• Best season: October to February
• Nearest town: Murbad, reached via Kalyan

What the trail is like

From Dehri the path climbs through fields and then forest to the col between Gorakhgad and Machindragad. The gradient is steady rather than steep for most of this stretch. Above the col the character changes: a traverse leads to the rock-cut caves at the base of the pinnacle, and from there a staircase carved into the rock spirals around the tower to the top.

That upper staircase is the reason this is not a beginner's trek. The steps are narrow, worn in places and open on the outer edge. Our leaders take small groups through it with a fixed rope, and anyone who would rather stop at the caves has a fine spot to wait — the view from there is already the best part of the Bhimashankar skyline.

What you see

• The rock-cut caves at the base of the pinnacle, with carved pillars and a water cistern
• The spiral staircase cut into the pinnacle face
• Shiva temple and cisterns on the small summit plateau
• Machindragad directly opposite across the col
• Views of Siddhagad, Padargad, Ahupe ghat and the Bhimashankar range

How to reach the meeting point

• By train: central line to Kalyan, then ST bus or shared vehicle to Murbad and on to Dehri
• By road from Mumbai: Kalyan to Murbad, then the Dehri road, roughly 85 km
• By road from Pune: via Kalyan or via Malshej, roughly 160 km

What to carry

Shoes with a firm grip are essential for the upper steps. Carry 3 litres of water, electrolytes and quick snacks, a cap, a 20 to 30 litre backpack and a torch. Gloves help on the rock. There is no shop or drinking water above the village, so carry everything up.

Good to know

We run Gorakhgad in the dry months. In heavy monsoon the spiral steps hold water and moss and the exposure becomes a real risk, so the pinnacle is closed off on those dates. Tell the trek leader beforehand if you have vertigo or a recent knee or ankle injury — the caves make a good turnaround point and you will still have had a full day out.

Who this trek suits

Trekkers with some Sahyadri experience who are comfortable on exposed rock, and anyone drawn to the cave-and-pinnacle forts of the Murbad belt. Not a first trek.

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the Gorakhgad Trek?

It is graded moderate to difficult. Plan for roughly 2 to 2.5 hours one way. The minimum age is 14+. Tell the trek leader beforehand if you have vertigo or a recent knee or ankle injury.

What is the best time for the Gorakhgad 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 Gorakhgad Trek cost?

₹1,499 per person, covering certified trek leader, evening snacks, first-aid support, history guide. Mumbai pickup is available as an add-on while booking.

Where does the Gorakhgad Trek start?

The base is Dehri village, Murbad taluka, Thane district. We run pickups from both Pune and Mumbai; exact points and timings are shared on confirmation.

Is the Gorakhgad 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 Gorakhgad 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.