Bhairavgad is one of the most challenging climbs in the Sahyadri region of Maharashtra and is also the third-highest peak in the Sahyadris. The difficulty of this trek lies in the rappelling section, as it is impossible to complete the climb here without proper gear, unlike typical treks. We began our journey to this massive fort from Mumbai at around 10 PM by car, with our destination being Hotel Bhairavnath or Manucha Dhaba, which served as our meeting point with the trek guide. We arrived at 2 AM and slept outside the Dhaba until 4 AM. The trek costs less than 700 Rs per person from this point onward, including all safety equipment, breakfast, and lunch. You can contact any local guide from the village for assistance. For reference, I am also sharing the phone number of the trek guide who supervised us here: +91 92253 47757 - Kamlu Pokala.
We began the trek at approximately 5 am. Initially, the trek was pleasant because the weather was cool, and we only had to walk on flat terrain for the first 10 minutes. However, once the sun rose, the climb became steeper, and we were already drenched in sweat, even though the sun hadn't reached its peak intensity. The early part of the climb requires the most energy, so make sure to carry enough water and regulate your breathing during this stage.
By 7 a.m., we had reached the middle section of the trek, from where we could see the massive fort of Bhairavgad. There was still no wind, and the weather had not improved to favour our trek, but we continued, hoping to get some wind as we gained elevation.
At 8 am, we finally reached the base of the fort and began putting on our safety equipment to start this dangerous trek.
During the climbing process, there was only one challenging section. We proceeded slowly and steadily, attaching and detaching our ropes to the safety rope while our trek guide closely monitored us as we ascended the fort. At this point, we were joined by other trek leaders and their groups, and we had to move together with everyone as a team.
After you navigate these challenging sections, the final stairs leading up to the fort's gates commence...
By 9 in the morning, we had reached the top of Bhairavgad. Although the summit doesn't cover a vast area, it's clear why controlling this fort was crucial in the past due to its strategically important location.
We enjoyed the view for thirty minutes before regrouping at the spot where we had to rappel down. This part was the most frightening, but the instructions were clear, and the safety measures were excellent.
By 10 am, we began rappelling down. It was one of the best experiences, offering such a great view. It's also an excellent activity for beginners since the rappelling wasn't too difficult and involved a short section. Afterwards, we had to continue our descent to the village base.
It was now the time when we could feel the heat, so make sure to stay hydrated, as the descent is also steep. On the way down, you will come across a small water storage tank. The water isn't drinkable, but you can use it to cool yourself off and take a short break by the tank.
To avoid the heat on our return, we took a forest trail, which was refreshing with its cool shade. However, we soon got confused and lost our way in the forest. Despite this, we eventually found the trail that led us back to Dhaba, where we began our trek.
After this exhausting trek, we sat and chatted while sipping cold water, celebrating that we had finally completed one of the most difficult treks in Maharashtra. Then we were served lunch, having only had a little breakfast and feeling very hungry. After the most satisfying lunch, we headed to Ozhar, a small city near the fort where one of my friends had his farmhouse. We enjoyed a refreshing swim in their pond, and the next day we left for Mumbai, after relaxing in the calm village life there for the day.
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