Nature Knights: Kathingad Tung Fort Trek

🏞️ Kathingad Trek: Where the Trail Begins Beyond the Signposts

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."
— John Muir

Welcome to the Kathingad Trek, a short yet exhilarating climb that rewards you with sweeping views, rugged terrain, and a deep connection to the wild. Nestled in the Western Ghats near Lonavala, this lesser-known trail is perfect for those who crave solitude, challenge, and raw natural beauty.

📍 About Kathingad (Tung Fort)

Often referred to as Tung Fort, Kathingad stands tall at an impressive 3,526 feet (1,074 meters) above sea level. With a climb of around 1,200 feet, this steep hill fort is believed to have served as a strategic lookout post, offering commanding views of the surrounding forts and the shimmering Pawna Lake below.

Name Origin: “Kathin” means “difficult” in Marathi — a nod to its steep ascent and isolated location.
Viewpoint Paradise: From the summit, enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Sahyadri ranges, including Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona, and Pawna Lake.

🥾 Trek Overview

Feature	Details
Trek Grade	Moderate (Short but steep climb)
Duration	Less than 3 hours (up and down)
Altitude	3,526 ft above sea level
Climb	Approx. 1,200 ft
Location	~15 km from Lonavala
Best Season	Monsoon & Winter (also doable year-round)

🗺️ Planned Itinerary

Route from Mumbai:
Andheri – Sion / BKC – Chembur / MANKRUD – Vashi – Panvel – Express Highway – Lonavala – INS Shivaji – Ghusalkhamb Village – Tung Village

Start Point: Tung Village, the base for the trek
Trail Type: Steep hill climb with narrow ridges and rocky paths
Highlights:

Rural countryside charm
Fort ruins and ancient watchpoints
Breathtaking views of Pawna Lake and neighboring forts

🌿 Why Choose Kathingad?

Offbeat Adventure: Far from the crowds, this trek offers a raw and authentic experience
Quick Escape: Ideal for a half-day trek with high reward and minimal travel
Photographer’s Dream: Capture dramatic landscapes, misty valleys, and golden sunsets
Nature Immersion: Walk through untouched terrain, hear the rustle of leaves, and feel the wind atop the fort

🌱 Eco-Adventure Ethos

We believe in responsible travel that respects nature and local communities:

Leave only footprints, take only memories
Support local guides and villages
Avoid littering and loud disturbances
No smoking, alcohol, or drugs during the trek

👥 Who Is This Trek For?

Weekend warriors looking for a quick challenge
Nature lovers seeking solitude and scenic beauty
Adventure seekers ready to conquer a steep climb
Small groups and solo trekkers wanting an offbeat experience

Click here for camping option near the fort.

Click here for our Custom Corporate Services.

Kathingad Trek Photos click here

Contact for Inquiries and Booking:

WhatsApp: 9619182010 / natureknights@gmail.com

"Kathingad Trek: The Challenge and the Charm", perfect for drawing in adventure seekers and nature lovers:
🧗‍♂️ Kathingad Trek: The Challenge and the Charm
“The path we take is short, but narrow and steep. The gifts of conquest are plentiful; the stage is set for adventure.”
Welcome to Kathingad, also known as Tung Fort — a trek that lives up to its name. In Marathi, “Kathin” means difficult, and this fort’s steep ascent, narrow ridges, and dramatic terrain make it a thrilling challenge for those who dare.
🏔️ A Fort That Touches the Sky
Elevation: 1,075 meters (3,526 feet) above sea level
Climb: Approx. 300–400 meters from base villages
Shape: A sharp, conical peak rising like a sentinel over Pawna Lake, visible from miles away
Surroundings: Surrounded on three sides by the shimmering waters of Pawna Dam, Kathingad is a natural fortress with commanding views
🌧️ Monsoon Majesty
During the monsoon, the trek transforms into a dramatic adventure:
Slippery rocks and gushing winds test your footing and resolve
Cloud cover often wraps the fort in mist, adding mystery and magic
The grassy slopes become lush and vibrant, while the rocky staircases glisten with rain
🗺️ Routes to Reach the Fort
There are multiple approaches to Kathingad, each offering its own flavor of adventure:
🚗 From Lonavala (Preferred Route)
Route: Lonavala → Bushy Dam → INS Shivaji → Peth Shahapur → Tungwadi
Distance: ~20 km drive to base village Tungwadi
Climb: ~300 meters from Tungwadi to summit
🛶 From Pawna Dam (Ferry Route) Old Route (Currently closed)
Ferry to Tungi Village: A scenic boat ride across Pawna Lake
Climb: ~400 meters from Tungi via grassy slopes and rocky steps
🚉 From Malavli Railway Station
Distance: ~12 km to base village
Route: Ideal for trekkers arriving by train
🚶 From Ghushalgaon (Custom Trek Route)
Route: Lonavala → Ambavne Road → Ghushalgaon → Tungi
Experience: Rural countryside, winding roads, and local charm
🏯 What Awaits at the Summit
Ruined Temple: A quiet, grassy pinnacle crowned with remnants of a shrine
Water Reservoir: A few feet below the summit via rocky steps
Panoramic Views: A 360° vista of:
Pawna Lake
Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona, Koraigad
Duke’s Nose, Jambhuli Hill, Devgad
The fort’s oval shape, thick walls, and numerous bastions hint at its strategic importance — possibly used as a watchtower fort in ancient times.
🌿 A Trek for the Soul
Kathingad isn’t just a climb — it’s a journey into nature’s raw beauty and historical intrigue. The narrow paths, steep ridges, and windswept summit make every step feel earned. And once you reach the top, the world unfolds beneath you.
Eco-Adventure Reminder: Respect the trail, carry your waste back, and let nature remain untouched for those who follow.

Once upon a time trekkers approaching the base of the fort used to ferry across to Tungi Village. Here a steep but short climb on grassy slopes leads you to a temple. A rocky staircase leads a few feet down to a water reservoir. The summit is a grassy pinnacle with a ruined temple.

🏰 Exploring the History of Kathingad (Tung Fort)

“Built to watch, not to war — Kathingad stood as a sentinel over the Maval region, guarding the gateway to Pune.”

Long before the roar of motorbikes echoed through the valleys and trekkers traced its steep ridges, Tung Fort, or Kathingad, was a silent guardian of the Western Ghats.

🕰️ Origins and Strategic Role

Built before 1600 CE by the Adil Shahi dynasty, Tung Fort was never meant to be a fortress of brute strength.
Its small size — capable of housing only around 200 troops — made it unsuitable for prolonged defense.
Instead, its sharp conical peak, narrow ridges, and commanding views made it ideal as a watchtower, keeping vigil over the Maval region and the road to Pune.

⚔️ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Capture and Tactical Use of Fort

The fort was later captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who recognized its strategic value.
During enemy invasions, Tung Fort played a tactical role — acting as a diversion to delay invaders.
This gave major forts like Lohagad and Visapur time to prepare for battle, making Tung a key piece in the Maratha defense network.

🛡️ Guardians of the Fort

The Dhamale family, Deshmukhs from the Maval region, were entrusted with the fort’s security.
Their role was not just military but symbolic — safeguarding the fort that watched over the valleys of Pawna and Mulshi.

🔭 A Watchtower with a View

From the summit of Kathingad, one can gaze across:

The Pawna Lake basin
The Mulshi valley
Surrounding forts like Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona, and Koraigad

Its elevated perch allowed sentinels to spot enemy movements and relay signals across the region — a vital function in an era before modern communication.

🧭 Legacy of Vigilance

Though time has weathered its walls and temples, Kathingad’s legacy endures. It reminds us that strategy often lies in simplicity — and that even a small fort, perched high and alone, can shape the course of history.

"Exploring Nearby Places", designed to inspire travelers to extend their adventure beyond Kathingad:

🌄 Exploring Nearby Places: Be an Exploring Traveler

Kathingad may be the crown jewel of your trek, but the surrounding region offers a treasure trove of experiences — from misty valleys and ancient caves to local flavors and lakeside serenity.

🍳 Start Your Day in Lonavala

Breakfast in Lonavala: Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at one of the cozy cafés or roadside eateries before heading out for your trek.
Evening Treats: After your adventure, stroll through Lonavala Market and indulge in the town’s famous Chikki and Fudge — sweet souvenirs of your journey.

🐅 Scenic Drives & Viewpoints

🦁 Lion’s Point / Tiger Leap (Tiger Valley)

Location: Just minutes from Lonavala en route to Aamby Valley
Altitude: Over 3,000 feet
Experience: A dramatic cliffside viewpoint offering panoramic vistas, especially stunning during monsoon with swirling clouds and waterfalls

🏞️ Rajmachi View Point

On the way to Khandala
Glimpse of Rajmachi Fort: Catch sight of the twin peaks — Shrivardhan and Manranjan — standing tall in the Sahyadris

🚤 Lakeside Leisure & Hidden Gems

🛶 Boat Club and Camping

Distance: ~20 km from Kathingad’s base village
Highlights:

Lakeside dining at Farm House Dhaba
Boating on Pawna Lake
Majestic views of Tikona Fort and other Hills from the water — a photographer’s dream

🏛️ Bhaja & Karla Caves

Location: On the opposite side of the hill from Kathingad
Experience:

Explore ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE
Admire intricate carvings, meditation halls, and the grand chaitya (prayer hall)

🧭 Make It a Circuit

Why stop at one fort? The region is dotted with historic marvels:

Fort Name	Distance from Kathingad	Highlights
Lohagad	~10 km	Massive gates, scenic ridge walk
Visapur	~12 km	Expansive plateau, waterfalls
Tikona	~15 km	Triangular peak, panoramic views
Koraigad	~18 km	Fort walls, temple at the summit

🌿 Travel Tip

“Don’t just trek — explore, taste, and immerse yourself in the Sahyadri spirit.”

Whether you're chasing views, savoring local flavors, or diving into history, the region around Kathingad offers a full spectrum of experiences. Perfect for a weekend escape or a multi-day adventure.

One Possible, Custom travel itinerary and a map-based guide for your Kathingad (Tung Fort) trek and nearby explorations:

🗺️ Kathingad Trek Travel Itinerary & Map-Based Guide

🧭 Day Trip Itinerary: Adventure + Culture + Scenic Drive

Time	Activity
6:30 AM	Depart from Lonavala after breakfast
7:30 AM	Arrive at Tungwadi village (base of Kathingad) via Bushy Dam–INS Shivaji route
7:45 AM	Begin Trek to Kathingad (300–400m climb, ~1–1.5 hours)
9:30 AM	Reach summit, explore ruined temple, water reservoir, and enjoy 360° views
10:30 AM	Descend to base village
11:30 AM	Drive to Boat Club (~8 km) for lakeside lunch at Farm House Dhaba
1:30 PM	Visit Lion’s Point / Tiger Leap for panoramic views
2:30 PM	Stop at Rajmachi View Point on return route to Lonavala
3:30 PM	Explore Lonavala Market — try famous Chikki & Fudge
4:30 PM	Optional visit to Bhaja or Karla Caves for ancient rock-cut wonders
6:00 PM	Return to Lonavala or continue onward journey

🗺️ Map-Based Highlights

Here’s a simplified guide to key locations:

Location	Description	Distance from Kathingad
Tungwadi Village	Base village for trek	0 km
Lonavala	Starting point, breakfast & market	~20 km
Lohagad Boat Club	Lakeside views, food, boating	~20 km
Lion’s Point	Cliffside viewpoint near Aamby Valley	~25 km
Rajmachi View Point	Glimpse of twin forts Shrivardhan & Manranjan	~30 km
Bhaja/Karla Caves	Ancient Buddhist caves	~35 km