curated list of treks from Mumbai categorized by difficulty level

These are great if you’re new to trekking or want a relaxed day out in nature.

Why go this weekend: It’s one of the most popular and well-maintained forts, making it ideal for a comfortable and scenic trek. The climb is gradual, and the views from the top, especially of the Pawana Lake, are breathtaking.
Region: Lonavala
Key Highlights: The famous ‘Vinchu Kata’ (Scorpion’s Tail) fortification, ancient caves, and panoramic views.
How to get there:
- By Train: Take a Pune-bound train from Mumbai and get off at Lonavala. From Lonavala station, hire an auto or a shared tum-tum to the Lohagad base village (Lohagadwadi).
- By Car: A 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Trek Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours to climb up.

Why go this weekend: Located very close to Mumbai, this trek is a quick escape into nature. It’s situated inside the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, so you get to combine trekking with bird-watching.
Region: Panvel
Key Highlights: The Karnala Bird Sanctuary, a historic fort with a pillar (pinnacle) at the summit, and views of the surrounding countryside.
How to get there:
- By Train: Take a Panvel-bound local train and then an auto-rickshaw to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary entrance.
- By Car: About a 1.5-hour drive from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Trek Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours to climb up.

Why go this weekend: This is a less-crowded route to reach the vehicle-free hill station of Matheran. The trail passes through dense forests and open meadows, culminating in one of the best viewpoints in the region.
Region: Matheran
Key Highlights: Stunning 360-degree views of the Western Ghats, the Chanderi and Peb forts, and the vast plains below. The trail itself is beautiful.
How to get there:
- By Train: Take a Karjat-bound train and get off at Bhivpuri Road station. The trek starts from a village near the station.
- By Car: Drive to Dasturi Naka (the entry point to Matheran) and park your car. You’ll need to arrange for a guide to take you on the reverse trail, or better, take a cab to Bhivpuri Road and start the trek from there.
Trek Duration: 2 – 3 hours to reach the top.

These require a bit more stamina but are incredibly rewarding.

Why go this weekend: A classic trek that takes you through lush forests and across streams to a beautiful plateau village (Udhewadi) nestled between two forts – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan.
Region: Lonavala / Karjat
Key Highlights: The ancient temples, the serene village life at the top, and the views of the surrounding valleys. The route from Karjat is more scenic and adventurous.
How to get there:
- By Train: Take a Karjat-bound train and get off at Karjat station. Hire a private vehicle to the base village, Kondhivade or Kondivade.
- By Car: Drive to the base village near Karjat. The route is well-connected.
Trek Duration: 3 – 4 hours to climb up from the Karjat side.

Why go this weekend: Often called the “tougher brother” of Lohagad, Visapur offers a more rugged and adventurous climb. The ruins are more spread out, and the trail is less defined, making it a fun challenge.
Region: Lonavala
Key Highlights: Massive fortifications, a huge Hanuman carving, and stunning views of Lohagad Fort and the Pawana Dam backwaters.
How to get there:
- By Train: Get off at Lonavala station and hire a vehicle to the base village (Bhaje village or Patan village).
- By Car: A 3-hour drive from Mumbai. The base is near the Pawana Dam.
Trek Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours to climb up.

Why go this weekend: Conquer the highest peak in Maharashtra (5400 ft)! The trek is a long, steady climb but doesn’t require technical skills. The feeling of reaching the summit and the panoramic view from the top is unparalleled.
Region: Igatpuri
Key Highlights: The iron ladder at the final steep patch, the small temple at the summit, and the breathtaking view of the entire Sahyadri range, including the Ratangad and Harishchandragad forts.
How to get there:
- By Train: Take an Igatpuri-bound train and get off at Igatpuri station. From there, hire a private jeep to the base village, Bari.
- By Car: A 4-hour drive from Mumbai to Bari village.
Trek Duration: 3 – 4 hours to climb up.

These are strenuous and often require an overnight stay, perfect for a full weekend adventure.

Why go this weekend: A trekker’s paradise. It’s famous for the breathtaking Konkan Kada, a massive cliff face, and the ancient, rock-cut Kedareshwar cave. It’s typically done as an overnight trek.
Region: Malshej Ghat / Ahmednagar
Key Highlights: Konkan Kada (especially during sunset), Taramati peak (the highest point on the fort), and the historic caves.
How to get there:
- By Train: Take a train to Kalyan and then a local train to Kasara or Igatpuri. From there, you’ll need to hire a private jeep to the base village (e.g., Khireshwar or Nalichi Vaat).
- By Car: A long drive (4-5 hours) to the chosen base village.
Trek Duration: 5 – 6 hours to climb up. Best done over 2 days.

Why go this weekend: Known as the “Jewel of Forts,” Ratangad offers a thrilling experience with its natural rock pinnacle called ‘Nedhe’ (the eye). The trek involves some rock patches and is best enjoyed with an overnight stay in a cave at the top.
Region: Bhandardara (Ahmednagar)
Key Highlights: The Nedhe (natural rock hole), four gates (Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan, Trimbak), and stunning views of the Bhandardara backwaters and surrounding forts.
How to get there:
- By Train/Car: Reach Igatpuri and then drive to Bhandardara. From Bhandardara, take a boat across the Arthur Lake to Ratanwadi, the base village.
Trek Duration: 2 – 3 hours to climb up from Ratanwadi.

Check the Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, especially in the monsoon. Check the forecast for the specific region you are visiting.
Start Early: To avoid traffic and finish the trek before it gets dark, start your journey from Mumbai as early as possible (around 5-6 AM).
What to Carry:
- At least 2 litres of water.
- Packed lunch and energy bars/snacks.
- Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip (a must!).
- A raincoat/poncho (even if it’s not raining, for protection from wind).
- A small backpack, cap/hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- A basic first-aid kit.
- A power bank for your phone.
Leave No Trace: Please carry your own trash back. Do not litter the beautiful mountains.
Hire a Guide: For challenging treks like Harishchandragad or if you are unsure of the route, hiring a local guide is highly recommended.

Have a fantastic and safe trekking weekend