Bhimashankar Trek
Bhimashankar Trek is a scenic rainforest trail in the Sahyadris of Pune, Maharashtra, leading to one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga shrines. Traversing through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, it is rated Moderate via Ganesh Ghat. Enquire or use Notify me for upcoming updates.
Bhimashankar Trek
Bhimashankar holds a rare double significance in the Sahyadris: it is both a historic hill plateau with the remains of an old fort and defensive walls, and the site of one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, making the climb as much a pilgrimage as a trek. Trekkers typically ascend via the Ganesh Ghat route, an old trade path once used by traders and pilgrims for centuries, climbing steadily through forest and rock-strewn slopes onto the wide plateau at the top. Beyond the temple itself, the plateau is quietly rich in history and geography: old bastion walls hint at its past as a defensive outpost, and the area is recognised as the source of the Bhima river, one of the major tributaries of the Krishna. Wide views open up across the surrounding Sahyadri ridgelines from the plateau edge, and the descent back down Ganesh Ghat in the late afternoon light is often as memorable as the climb up, making this a trek that blends fort history, pilgrimage, and classic Sahyadri scenery in a single day out from Mumbai.
Highlights
- Visit to the ancient Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the twelve in India, known for its Hemadpanthi stone architecture
- The historic Ganesh Ghat trade route, once used by traders and pilgrims for centuries
- Wide plateau-top views across the Sahyadri ridgeline and surrounding valleys
- The source point of the Bhima river, which originates near this plateau
- Remnants of old fort walls and bastions reflecting the area's Maratha-era history
Who is this for?
Suited for trekkers of moderate fitness, including those combining trekking with a pilgrimage visit, and reasonably fit older participants who can manage a steady multi-hour climb at a comfortable pace.
Detailed Itinerary
05:00 AM
Pickup from Mumbai
08:30 AM
Arrival at base village
09:00 AM
Trek begins
11:30 AM
Reaching the plateau
12:00 PM
Temple visit
01:00 PM
Lunch
02:00 PM
Descent via Ganesh Ghat
04:00 PM
Back at base village
04:30 PM
Depart for Mumbai
08:00 PM
Drop back in Mumbai
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions
- Return transport from Mumbai pickup points to the base village and back
- Breakfast and packed lunch during the trek
- Services of certified trek leaders and local guides
- First-aid kit and basic safety equipment
- Temple and fort area entry where applicable
Exclusions
- Personal expenses, offerings, and tips
- Travel/trek insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pick-up & Drop
Standard pick-up points along the route:
- Dadar — 5:00 AM
- Sion — 5:15 AM
- Thane — 5:30 AM
- Kalyan — 6:00 AM
- Murbad — 7:00 AM
The group is dropped back at the original Mumbai pickup points by approximately 8:00 PM.
Things To Carry
- Comfortable trekking clothes (modest attire recommended for the temple visit)
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Rain poncho during monsoon months
- A small backpack with a rain cover
- Water bottle (1.5-2 litres) and light snacks
- A cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen for non-monsoon months
- Personal medication if any
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the Bhimashankar Jungle Trek?
No, this trek focuses on the historic Ganesh Ghat route, the plateau, and the Jyotirlinga temple; our separate Bhimashankar Jungle Trek instead goes through the dense wildlife sanctuary forest.
Do we get enough time for the temple visit?
Yes, the itinerary includes dedicated time on the plateau for darshan at the temple and exploring the old fort remains before lunch and descent.
Is the Ganesh Ghat climb difficult?
It is a steady, moderately graded climb rather than a technical one, manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness and some prior hill-walking experience.
Cancellation & Policy Reference
Note: We are not currently accepting online bookings. These policy terms apply when scheduled departures and online bookings resume. Read the full documents here — Booking Policy · Cancellation & Refund.
Summary
- Cancellation 15+ days before event: 90% refund (10% admin fee deducted).
- 7–14 days before event: 50% refund (or 100% credit voucher valid 12 months).
- 3–7 days before event: 25% refund (or 75% credit voucher).
- 0–2 days before event / No-show: No refund.
- One free date-shift if requested at least 7 days before the event (subsequent shifts: ₹250/person admin fee).
- No refund on no-show, weather-related cancellations from customer end, or missing valid photo ID at base.
Event-specific Policy
A valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory for every participant. Consumption of alcohol or any intoxicating substance before or during the trek is strictly prohibited, and modest conduct is expected given the temple visit. The trek leader's decision regarding pace, route, or changes due to weather conditions is final and binding for everyone's safety.