Harihar Fort Trek – It’s all about the rock-cut stairs?

Introduction

Why do you choose to travel to a certain destination? Sometimes it’s about seeing a particular spot in person or about the whole experience. I was drawn to the Nasik district by all the fascinating photos of the Harihar fort-trekking rock-cut staircase.

Is it difficult to climb these stairs? Are these stairs dangerous? I needed an answer ……….

Harihar Fort is also known as Harshagad Fort. It lies in the Trimbakeshwar Range, at an elevation of approximately. 366 feet above sea level Every year thousands visit the Harihar Fort via its unique rock-cut steps. It is amazing to see how difficult it was to build such structures in an era where only the most basic tools and equipment were available.

If you love trekking then you can also do the Nag tibba trek.

How to get to Harihar Fort Trek?

It all depends on which route you choose to climb Harihar fort. If you are climbing from the Nirgudpada, Igatpuri will be the center of town, while Nashik will be the main town if your climb is from the Harshewadi. Igatpuri or Nasik can be connected to other cities by roads and railways.

You can reach Nirgudpada by taking a bus from Igatpuri to Trimbakeshwar. Once you have reached Nirgudpada, take a bus to Trimbakeshwar. You can also board a bus/shared TUM to Goti and another transport to Nirgudpada.

Take a bus to Trimbakeshwar from Nashik. Buses leave at 5:00 AM. Harshewadi, which is approximately 13 km from Trimbakeshwar is reached by bus. There is no public transportation available. Transport is available to Kachorli (a village along the route), but it is not frequent. Trimbakeshwar can rent an auto and drop you off at Harshewadi, the base village. The cost is INR 400. You will need to hitchhike or call the same driver in return.

Different Trekking Routes for Harihar Fort Trek are classified according to their difficulty.

1. Harshewadi to the stairs: 

This route is easier than Nirgudpada and takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from the base village to reach the stairs. It is impossible to get lost on the well-marked trail. Harihar can be seen throughout the trek, so you can continue in that direction.

2. From Nirgudpada, this is the longer route. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach the stairs section. The trail can be a bit confusing but it is easy to get lost if you are a frequent trekker.

Both routes merge just a few meters from the stairs section. To aid climbers, notches have been carved along either side of the stairs. It is more difficult to descend the steps than it is to ascend them.

The trek requires little fitness, making it appear easy. However, the rock-cut staircase can make it more difficult.

You will reach the stairs section by crossing jungle sections and open plateaus. From the trek route, you can see the Vaitarna reservoir in stunning views. Wow!! Wow!

On either side of the 117 steps, some notches allow you to grip your fingers. These notches make it easy to climb the steps. The cave section is located after the stairs. It offers spectacular views. You are history if you make a small mistake.

To reach the vast, flat land at the top of the fort, you will need to climb a few more steps. You will find a small body of water with a temple to one side as you continue forward. Guess what? To reach the Harihar fort’s top, you will still need to climb a small hill. You can still climb the hill to reach the top of the Harihar fort. It offers a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding region.

It was difficult not to be captivated by the beauty and breathtaking views of the fort. The fort is more than just a set of stairs. It has so many things to offer its visitors. It was decided to put up a tent there and gaze at the stars all night until it was time to leave the next day. The climb down from the fort took 1.5 hours. The couple hitchhiked to Trimbakeshwar and got a lift.

Best time to visit Harihar Fort Trek

As the surrounding area is still green, the best time to visit Fort Hood is just after the monsoon season (October-December). You can also set up a tent on the top and star gaze all night. Then, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular sunrise from the fort’s top. Avoid visiting the fort during monsoon season.

Harihar Fort Trek offers a variety of accommodation and dining options.

There are a few options for staying in Nirgudpada. Villagers offer homestays. Harshewadi doesn’t have a lot of facilities for food or accommodation, but you can set up a tent at the top of the fort. Be aware of the wind. You can reach Harihar Fort by day from Trimbakeshwar or Nasik.

Camping at Harihar Fort Trek near Nashik

Harshewadi doesn’t offer any other food options. Ask your family members at home if they can cook it for you. You should bring a few food items and two water bottles. There are small dhabas that sell basic food and lemon water along the trek.