Brief About Lohagad Fort Trek
Lohagad is a beautiful hill station in Maharashtra, located 52 kilometers from Pune and near Lonavala Hill Station. The place is known for its famous Lohagad Fort which is popular among trekkers. Compared to other treks I have been to in Maharashtra, I found this very easy. It can be completed within 1-2 hours.
Lohagad has pleasant weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for a quick getaway near Mumbai and Pune. The monsoon season brings out the best in Lohagad with lush green vegetation and a variety of birds and insects to spot.
Apart from the fort, visitors can also explore nearby attractions like Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves, and Aamby Valley City. The place is also known for its mouth-watering local cuisine and welcoming people.
The trek to Lohagad Fort is an easy one-day trek that can be covered in 3-4 hours. During monsoon, the fort gets covered in fog and mist which makes the trek even more scenic. Visitors can also explore the nearby Visapur Fort, which is larger than Lohagad Fort, in a single day.
The trek offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri range and visitors can also see the reverse waterfall and many caves on the fort. The trek is a great choice for a quick weekend getaway or an adventurous escape.
Key details of the Lohagad Fort Trek:
- Ideal Number of Days for the Visit: 1 day
- Trek Distance: 5 km one way
- Trek Altitude Range: 3400 feet
- Starting Point: Lohagadwadi Village
- Nearest Railway Station: Malawali Railway Station (5-6 km)
- Nearest Airport: Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport, Mumbai (104 km)
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Best Places to Visit at Lohagad Fort Trek
There are many things to see and explore, such as the large gates and intact walls of the Lohagad fort. During monsoons, the clouds look spectacular from the fort, and you can enjoy the lush greenery of the Sahyadri range.
The structure of the fort is also quite beautiful, and during monsoons, the clouds look spectacular from the fort. At the peak, you can see four doors, including Ganesh, Narayan, Hanuman, and Maha Darwaaja. You can also visit Bhaja and Karla caves on your way back.
In addition to the fort, Lohagad has many other attractions nearby, such as the Bhaja and Karla Caves and Aamby Valley City.
The local cuisine is also mouth-watering, and the people of Lohagad are welcoming and always ready to help. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or an adventurous escape, Lohagad has something to offer to every traveller.
What is the best time to visit Lohagad Fort Trek
Lohagad Fort Trek is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from September to March.
However, if you want a magical experience, then Monsoon is the ideal time to visit. The fort looks stunning as it is covered in fog and mist, and there are several waterfalls and reverse waterfalls to enjoy. But be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.
The trek during summers can be tiresome due to the hot and humid weather, but you can choose the season as per your liking.
How to reach the starting point of the trek?
Travellers can reach Lohagad Fort by private vehicle, bus or train.
If driving, there are two routes from Pune and one from Mumbai. However, the road can be challenging, with steep turns and rough patches. During the monsoon, it is best to park at Bhaja village or Malavli village and hike from there due to traffic.
If travelling by bus, you must first reach Lonavala and then hire a cab to Lohagad Fort. The route from Lonavala to Lohagad is scenic and passes through Dudhivare Khind.
The nearest railway station is Lonavala, and you can take a suburban train from Mumbai or Pune.
The Malavli stop is the closest to Lohagad Fort, and shared autos or taxis can be hired from there to reach the base.
Availability of accommodations and food near the trek
Food:
Food is not available at Lohagad fort and cooking is not allowed on the fort due to the ban by the ASI and Forest department. However, there are plenty of food stalls and restaurants available at the base village. Camping is also not allowed on the fort, and the doors of the fort close in the late evening. To experience camping, travelers can head towards Pawna lake, which is located nearby. Many organizations offer camping at Pawna lake at reasonable prices. Travelers can also stay at a hotel in Lonavala to explore the surrounding region, which has many places worth seeing.
Accommodation:
Camping is not allowed on the fort, and the doors of the fort close in the late evening.
To experience camping, travelers can head towards Pawna lake, which is located nearby. Many organizations offer camping at Pawna lake at reasonable prices.
Travelers can also stay at a hotel in Lonavala to explore the surrounding region, which has many places worth seeing.
The Difficulty level of the Lohagad Fort Trek
The Lohagad Fort trek is easy and suitable for novice trekkers, involving mainly climbing stairs with very little trekking. The trek takes about 2 hours to complete, with around 200-300 steps to reach the top of the fort.
However, caution is advised during the monsoon season as the steps can become slippery, increasing the risk of slipping.
Is Camping Allowed on Lohagad Fort Trek?
Camping is not allowed at Lohagad Fort, but there are many organizations that organize camping near Pawna Lake, which is in the vicinity of Lohagad, at a reasonable price.
