Monsoon Hike: Conquering Kalsubai Peak
Monsoons in Mumbai are often synonymous with trips to Lonavala, but how about swapping the usual drive for an exhilarating trek in the Sahyadri range? That’s precisely what I did, and it turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.
Introducing Kalsubai
Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri mountain range, is a trekker’s paradise. It’s conveniently accessible from both Mumbai and Pune, and the trail is a perfect blend of scenic beauty, with waterfalls, forests, and grasslands. At the summit, you’ll find the Kalsubai Temple, a spiritual haven that draws devotees year-round.
A Monsoon Adventure Begins
One monsoon season, my colleagues and I decided to tackle the Kalsubai trek. Given my love for trekking, I was thrilled to join the group.
Journey to Bari Village
From Mumbai, you have three travel options: train, bus, or your own vehicle. We chose a bus since it was the most convenient for our large group, and it was part of our tour package. We departed from Sion Circle at 11 PM, having arrived early to grab some snacks. The first couple of hours were filled with laughter and conversation, but as the night wore on, we tried to sleep despite the discomfort of the bus and the heavy rain outside. The humid, stuffy conditions, coupled with a noisy group playing loud music, made it a challenging night. Nevertheless, we reached Bari Village, the base for our trek, with limited sleep but high spirits.
Starting the Hike
At 4 AM, we arrived at Bari Village. After freshening up and having some tea and snacks, we began our ascent at 4:30 AM. The weather was cool and slightly drizzly — perfect hiking conditions. My regular workouts paid off as I found myself moving ahead of my colleagues, waiting for them to catch up every ten minutes or so. After an hour and a half, we encountered steep steel stairs that were a bit daunting. However, the views from this point were breathtaking. We were now well above the base village, surrounded by clouds.
Reaching the Summit
By 8:30 AM, we reached the top. The summit was enveloped in clouds, offering a surreal experience of walking through mist with near-zero visibility. We visited the Kalsubai Temple and enjoyed some snacks, though the strong winds made it challenging to move around. After taking in the unique atmosphere, we began our descent at 9 AM.
The Descent
The descent was less physically exhausting but more precarious due to the heavy rain, which made the path slippery. At one point, I found myself sliding down a particularly tricky section with a colleague’s help. The steel stairs, facing downward this time, were even more intimidating. However, after a careful and steady descent, we made it back to Bari Village by 12:30 PM.
Back at the Base Village
Upon returning, we changed into dry clothes in a room provided by the villagers and enjoyed a wholesome vegetarian thali prepared by them. The home-cooked meal was a delightful end to our trek. We departed for Mumbai at 2 PM, tired but elated.
Final Thoughts
Kalsubai is one of the toughest treks in the Sahyadri Range, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. The entire trek can be completed in a day, making it an accessible adventure for anyone looking to break the routine of monsoon drives to Lonavala. If you’re up for a challenge and a bit of fun, Kalsubai is definitely worth the climb.
