Torna - Rajgad Range Trek: A Journey Through History and Nature
The Rajgad - Torna Range trek is a thrilling adventure that not only tests your endurance but also immerses you in the rich history and stunning natural beauty of Maharashtra. This trek connects two iconic forts, Rajgad and Torna, offering trekkers a chance to explore ancient architecture, panoramic views, and challenging trails.
• Meals included:
o January 25th: Breakfast, Evening Tea Snack/Biscuits, Dinner
o January 26th: Breakfast, Lunch
• 2 Bottles of Water (2 liters)
• Mountain Guides and other trek support: Basic Tents available from the village; GST; Recce Cost required for making all complex arrangements; Admin Overheads
• Meals during transit are not included.
• Extra bottled water is not included (everyone has to buy their own).
• Any kind of insurance.
• Height: 4,182 feet
• Grade: Medium
• Endurance: Medium
• Base Village: Gunjavne
• Height: 4,603 feet
• Grade: Medium
• Endurance: Medium
• Base Village: Velhe
• 23:00 HOURS: Departure from Borivali, traveling via the Western Express Highway.
• Route: Borivali – Malad – Goregaon – Andheri – Santacruz – CST Diversion towards Eastern Express Highway – Ghatkopar – Gowandi – Vashi.
• Route: Vashi to Belapur – Express Highway – Break at Food Court.
• 04:30 HOURS: Arrival at Gunjavne. Freshen up and enjoy an early breakfast.
1. Base Village to Plateau: 40 minutes
2. Plateau to Chor Darwaja: 2 hours
3. Chor Darwaja to Padmavati Machi: Explore and stay near the Padmavati Temple Complex.
4. Exploring Bale Killa: Optional for those who have the energy. Other places to explore at Torna Fort include Suvela Machi, Sanjivni Machi, and Aloo Darwaja.
• Night Halt: At Torna Fort.
• Early Morning: Pre-breakfast descent into the valley, then climb towards Rajgad.
• Duration: This trek requires high endurance as it typically takes 8-9 hours to complete.
Highlights:
• Rajgad Fort: The first fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the initial capital of the Maratha dynasty.
• Torna Fort: The first fort conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Exceptional Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountains.
• Velhe Village: Final descent towards Velhe Village, a charming locale showcasing local culture and rural life.
o 2-liter bottle of water (per day), subject to being replenished 3 times.
o Good trekking shoes suitable for mountain ranges in Maharashtra and spare slippers/floaters.
o Torch (with spare cells) or two torches.
o Extra pair of clothes.
o Personal medicine.
o Plastic bag.
• Camping: Consider camping overnight on one of the forts to break the journey into two days.
• Plateau Section: The entrance to the fort is 2.4 km from the plateau.
• Exploration Time: It takes about 3 to 5 hours to explore the fort's historical sites (depending on how much you explore).