Rajgad Torna Range Trek

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.






Range Trek Grade: Tough and Challenging

Trek Duration: 2 Days with Night Halt at Fort

Trek Contribution: Will share shortly

Inclusions:

Travel by private bus (non-AC) from Mumbai to the base village of the trek and back to Mumbai.
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

Exclusions:

Any meals not mentioned above.
Meals during transit are not included.
Extra bottled water is not included (everyone has to buy their own).
Any kind of insurance.

Rajgad Fort Details:

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 4,182 feet
Grade: Medium
Endurance: Medium
Base Village: Gunjavne

Torna Fort Details:

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 4,603 feet
Grade: Medium
Endurance: Medium
Base Village: Velhe

The Trek Experience






Phase 1: Overnight Travel and Early Morning at Base Village

January 24th, 2025
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.

January 25th, 2025
00:30 HOURS: Arrival at Vashi (Mumbai – Pune Highway). Continue on the highway.
Route: Vashi to Belapur – Express Highway – Break at Food Court.
04:30 HOURS: Arrival at Gunjavne. Freshen up and enjoy an early breakfast.

Phase 2: Trek from Base Village Gunjavne to Rajgad

6:30 / 7:00 HOURS: Start the trek early morning before sunrise.
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.

Phase 3: Trek from Torna Rajgad Fort to Torna Fort

January 26th, 2025
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.

Phase 4: Return Journey from Torna Fort Base to Mumbai

After Quick Lunch: Begin the return journey by private bus.
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.

Trek Details:

Distance: Approximately 10.8 miles (17.3 kilometers).

Difficulty: Moderately difficult to challenging, requiring a good level of fitness.

Time: Typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete, but can vary depending on pace and trail conditions.

Best Time to Trek: During the monsoon and post-monsoon season (June to February).

Preparation Tips:

Recommended Items:
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.

Exploration Tips for Torna Fort:
Best Time to Visit: November to February for clear views.
Challenging Sections: The descent from Hanuman Buruj to Zunjar Machi is steep and rocky, and can be slippery during the monsoon.
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).

Embark on this trek to experience the blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty.  The Torna - Rajgad Range trek offers an unforgettable journey through the majestic Sahyadri mountains, providing a perfect escape for adventure enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Ready to conquer the trail and explore the historic forts? Pack your bags, gather your spirit of adventure, and let's embark on this incredible journey! 🏞️🥾





Kashmir by Train

Travel to Kashmir by Train: A Scenic Journey

Starting January 26, 2025, the Vande Bharat Express will take you on a direct route from Delhi to Kashmir, passing through the world's highest railway bridge. This journey promises breathtaking views and unparalleled comfort.



New Delhi to Srinagar by Train

  • Train Name: Vande Bharat Express Sleeper

  • Departure: New Delhi at 7:00 PM

  • Arrival: Srinagar at 8:00 AM

Covering a distance of 800 km in less than 13 hours, this express train ensures a quick and comfortable journey.

Coach Configuration:

  • AC 3 Tier: 11 coaches

  • AC 2 Tier: 4 coaches

  • AC First Class: 1 coach

Stops En Route:

  • Ambala

  • Ludhiana

  • Jammu Tawi

  • Katra

Estimated Budget for Train Tickets:

  • 3AC: Approx. ₹2,000+

  • 2AC: Approx. ₹2,500+

  • AC First Class: Approx. ₹3,000+

Embark on this scenic adventure and explore the mesmerizing landscapes of Kashmir in the most convenient and luxurious way. The Vande Bharat Express is set to redefine your travel experience with its state-of-the-art amenities and swift journey time.



Read more about Kashmir