The Kothaligad Fort trek or Peth Fort trek is a picturesque monsoon trek near Karjat in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Maharashtra. Kothaligad is renowned for its dense forests, misty valleys, small waterfalls, ancient caves, and panoramic views of the mountains, making it a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and history. One of the best one-day treks is close to Pune and Mumbai for both the novice and the expert trekker.
The hike is at an elevation of about 1,550 feet, making it easy to moderate. In the monsoon season, the trails are transformed into a lush green paradise with waterfalls, streams, mist and cool mountain weather. This is a very pleasant and beautiful walk.
The route leads you to ancient rock-cut steps, small caves and to the fort top. The top offers spectacular panoramic views of nearby forts, valleys and the Sahyadri ranges. The ruins of the small fort, nature and great pictures can all be found at the Trekkers' disposal. A blend of the historic, the beautiful, and the adventurous makes it an unmatched trek.
It is easy to access, mountainous trek that is perfect for a weekend trip from Mumbai or Pune. It's a favorite among nature enthusiasts, photographers, adventurers, and families. Though popular, the trail is not overly crowded, allowing hikers to enjoy the quietude of the mountains without the tourist stampede.
Why Kothaligad Fort Trek is Famous:
The Kothaligad Fort Trek is famous for its:
- Scenic forest trails and mist-covered valleys
- Small waterfalls that flow during the monsoon season
- Ancient rock-cut steps and caves along the route
- Panoramic summit views of surrounding forts and the Sahyadri mountains
- Easy-to-moderate trekking trail, suitable for beginners and weekend trekkers
- Short duration trek, perfect for a one-day adventure
- Photography-friendly landscape with waterfalls, forests, and valleys
- Less crowded compared to other treks in Lonavala and Karjat
- Peaceful and serene trekking experience away from city noise
- Adventure and history combined with small fort ruins to explore
- Opportunity to witness monsoon greenery, flowing streams, and misty mountains
- Ideal for nature enthusiasts, solo trekkers, and family groups
Kothaligad Trek Quick Information:
- Trek Name: Kothaligad Fort Trek (Peth Fort Trek)
- Height: 472 m (1,550 ft)
- Trek Trail: Fort Trail
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Trek Endurance: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Length Approx: 6 KM
- Location: Peth
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Distance from Mumbai Approx: 95 KM
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July 2026: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
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August 2026: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
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September 2026: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
What is included in the tour
- Private Bus Transportation (Mumbai to Mumbai)
- Breakfast & Tea
- Lunch ( Veg Thali Unlimited)
- Permit and Forest Entry Charges.
- Trek Expertise Charges.
- First Aid Charges.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel till pickup points
- 5% GST on booking amount
- Personal expenses
- Mineral water, soft drinks, snacks, or extra meals
- Medical evacuation expenses
- Insurance coverage
- Expenses caused due to weather conditions, roadblocks, or unavoidable circumstances
Mumbai → Karjat → Kothaligad Base Village (Peth Village) → Forest Trail → Rocky Patches → Rock-Cut Steps → Fort Summit
- Explore the scenic Kothaligad Fort near Karjat
- Trek through dense forest trails and misty valleys
- Experience monsoon waterfalls and lush greenery
- Climb ancient rock-cut steps to reach the summit
- Explore small caves along the trek route
- Enjoy panoramic views of surrounding Sahyadri ranges
- Easy-to-moderate trek suitable for beginners and weekend trekkers
- Perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts
Day 1:
11:00 PM: Report to The Trek leaders at Borivali National park (https://goo.gl/maps/qvxmxjK8Tmn5JgScA)
11:05 PM: Samta nagar police station, Kandivali (https://goo.gl/maps/kRgGJ9XvYK3d8FWAA)
11:15 PM: Sufi Irani Cafe, Goregaon (https://goo.gl/maps/4ZTNqab65pKPDoNC9)
11:30 PM: Hanuman Road Bus Stop Andheri (https://goo.gl/maps/SWKWuGMXSWgajCsSA)
11:45 PM: Kalanagar Bust Stop, Bandra (https://goo.gl/maps/jGkGpBZrRto5gRTJ9)
Day 2:
12:00 AM: Neeta Volvo, Sion (https://goo.gl/maps/iidWMx1DKGybV9jC9)
12:10 AM: Ghatkopar Mankhurd Link Road (https://goo.gl/maps/m6TtFVkCkHd6MdKr7)
12:30 AM: Vashi (under the bridge) (https://goo.gl/maps/3dpGHKPvf49FgJj6A)
12:45 AM: Nerul LP (https://goo.gl/maps/tpntbzeYVijHQieF7)
12:55 AM: Kharghar station (https://goo.gl/maps/y7hNW9wxMV7tByPr5)
01:15 AM: Kalamboli McD (https://goo.gl/maps/F4bqaobJhjcPQ8zK9)
04:00 AM: Reach the base village and settle in before the trek begins.
04:30 AM: Freshen up, relax for a while, and recharge before the adventure..
05:15 AM: Enjoy hot tea and a freshly prepared breakfast.
05:45 PM: Trek briefing, introductions, and warm-up session.
06:00 AM: Start the trek towards Kothaligad (Peth Fort)..
08:30 AM: Reach Kothaligad Summit.Explore the fort, visit the rock-cut cave, climb the iconic staircase inside the pinnacle, enjoy breathtaking valley views, and capture memorable photographs.
09:30 AM: Start descending towards the base village.
11:30 AM: Reach the base village and relax after completing the trek.
12:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch.
01:30 PM: Start the return journey to Mumbai with wonderful memories of the trek.
06:00 PM: Reach Mumbai.
Expected arrival in Mumbai by night. (Arrival timing may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.)
Why Trekkers choose Xplorers:
- Experienced trek leaders with proper safety protocols
- Professionally organized waterfall treks
- Large community of solo travelers and female travelers
- Comfortable transportation arrangements
- Verified trekking routes
- Friendly trekking environment
- Safety-first trekking approach
- Well-managed group coordination
- Our goal is to make every trek safe, exciting, and unforgettable
(Highly Required and Mandatory Things)
- Valid ID proof
- Waterproof backpack or rain cover
- Trekking shoes with strong grip
- Trekking pants
- Full sleeve T-shirts
- Raincoat or windcheater
- Water bottles (2–3 liters)
- Energy Bar and snacks and dry fruits.
- Torch or headlamp
- Personal medicines and first aid kit
(Required but Optional Things)
- Extra clothes for return journey
- Slippers or floaters
- Sweater or jacket
- Electrolyte or glucose powder
- Portable charger
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Toiletries and facewash
- Sanitizer and face mask
- Follow trek leader instructions.
- Avoid risky waterfall selfies.
- Wear proper trekking shoes.
- Do not litter in forest areas.
- Respect local customs and temples.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking during the trek.
- Carry rain protection during monsoon.
- Friday night departures are highly recommended to avoid weekend traffic.
- Minimum participant count is required to operate batches.
- Trek schedules may change depending on weather and safety conditions.
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or WhatsApp to the Xplorers Adventure team.
- More than 30 days before departure: 25% cancellation charges
- 15–30 days before departure: 50% cancellation charges
- 07–14 days before departure: 75% cancellation charges
- Less than 03 days before departure: No refund
- If Trek gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only
- No show: No refund
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 7–14 working days after cancellation confirmation.
Convenience fees, payment gateway charges, taxes, flight/train/safari/activity permits, and third-party bookings are non-refundable.
1. Where is the pickup point for the Mumbai batch?
The Mumbai batch usually departs from Borivali, with additional pickup points available depending on the
selected batch.
2. Is transportation from Mumbai included?
Yes, bus transportation from Mumbai to the base village and back is included in the package.
3. How much time does the Kothaligad Trek take?
The trek usually takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach the fort, depending on the group's pace.
4. Is Kothaligad a good trek for first-time trekkers?
Yes, Kothaligad is a great choice for beginners. The trail is easy to follow and offers a fun trekking experience
without being too demanding.
5. Are washroom facilities available during the trek?
Basic washroom facilities are available at the base village before the trek starts.
6. Can I join the trek alone?
Absolutely! Many solo travelers join our Mumbai batches and enjoy meeting fellow trekking enthusiasts.
7. What kind of shoes should I wear?
A pair of trekking shoes with good grip is highly recommended, especially during the monsoon season.
8. Is mobile network available during the trek?
Mobile network is available at the base village, but connectivity may become weak as you move higher.
9. Can I carry a DSLR camera?
Yes, you can carry a DSLR or action camera. Just make sure it's protected from rain during the monsoon.
10. Is the trek safe during the monsoon?
Yes, the trek is safe when done with experienced trek leaders and while following all safety instructions.
11. What makes Kothaligad different from other forts?
Its unique pinnacle-shaped structure, rock-cut staircase, cave, and panoramic hill views make Kothaligad
one of the most distinctive forts near Karjat.
12. Which nearby places can I visit after the trek?
You can also explore Bhivpuri Waterfall, Kondana Caves, Karjat, Rajmachi Fort, and Matheran after your trek.
