resorts near salher salota hardgad

The Salher Salota Hardgad trek is a multi-fort trek in the Selbari-Dolbari hill ranges of the Baglan region in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. This trek is known for its historical significance and panoramic views from the top. It is often considered a challenging yet rewarding trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Here are the key details of the Salher Salota Hardgad trek:

 

Trek Overview

 

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard. The trek involves a steep climb with rock-cut steps, particularly to reach the forts of Salher and Hardgad.
• Duration: The trek is typically a two-day itinerary, allowing time to explore the forts and camp overnight. Some trekkers opt for a longer, multi-day trek to cover all the forts in the range.
• Height:
  • Salher Fort: 5,141 ft (1,567 meters) – This is the highest fort in Maharashtra and the second-highest peak after Kalsubai.
  • Salota Fort: 4,750 ft.
  • Hardgad Fort: 4,450 ft.

 

The Trekking Route

 

The most common trekking route starts from the base villages of either Waghambe or Salher Wadi.

Day 1: Salher and Salota Forts

• The trail from the base village leads you to a “col” or saddle point between the two forts. From here, the route splits.
• Salher Fort: The path to Salher involves a steep climb with rock-cut steps. At the top, you can explore the fort’s ruins, the Parshuram Temple, and the Ganga Sagar Lake (a large water tank). The summit offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks, including Salota and Hardgad.
• Salota Fort: The path to Salota is also challenging, with scree and boulders. It is a shorter but strenuous climb. The fort’s main feature is a rock-cut Hanuman idol.
• Many trekkers choose to camp overnight in the caves on Salher Fort, which can accommodate a large group.

Day 2: Hardgad Fort

• The trek to Hardgad Fort usually begins from the village of Mulher, which is a short drive from the base of Salher.
• The climb to Hardgad is steep and can take a couple of hours. There are no water sources on the fort, so it’s essential to carry enough water.
• From Hardgad, you can also see the adjacent forts of Mulher and Moragad.

 

Historical Significance

 

• The Battle of Salher: These forts are famous for the Battle of Salher in 1672, a historic confrontation between the Marathas and the Mughals. It was the first open-field battle won by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s forces, a significant victory that cemented the Maratha reign over the Baglan region.
• Lord Parshuram’s Abode: According to a legend, Salher Fort is the place where Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, did his penance. The Parshuram Temple at the top is a key attraction and holds deep religious significance.

 

Getting There and Best Time to Visit

 

• How to Reach: The trek starts from base villages like Waghambe and Salher Wadi, which are near the town of Satana in the Nashik district. You can reach Satana by bus from major cities like Nashik, Mumbai, or Pune. From Satana, local transport can take you to the base villages.
• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for this trek is from October to February. The weather is cool and pleasant, and the skies are clear, offering the best views. Trekking during the monsoon (June to September) is not recommended due to slippery rock-cut steps and trails. The summer months are extremely hot and should be avoided.