The Complete Guide to the Bhimashankar Trek

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The Bhimashankar Trek is a nature lover’s paradise. It passes through thick forests and enters the center of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Bhimashankar trip provides a complete dose of action, with stream crossings, ladders, and rock climbing all rolled into one trek.

While the monsoon season is ideal for this journey, it is also possible to complete it during other seasons. The path is scenic and exhilarating. Trekkers can take the Shidi Ghat route to reach Bhimashankar on foot. 
For beginners, we recommend the Ganesh Ghat route, which has spectacular vistas and is easy.

Birds, langurs, and spotted deer will keep you company while you’re in the jungle. If you’re lucky, you might spot the Malabar Giant Squirrel, sometimes known as ‘Shekar’.

The walk to Gupt Bhimashankar, one of the 12 jyotirlingas, is the highlight of the trek. Gupt Bhimashankar sits beneath a rock in the middle of a stream.

➤ Trail information

• Altitude: 3,050 feet.
• Time taken: 3.5 hours via Shidi Ghat (ladder); 4 hours via Ganesh Ghat. It takes two hours to descend.
• Trek gradient: moderately challenging.
• Water sources: none. Carry 2-3 liters of water. During the monsoon, you can refill your water bottles from seasonal streams.

The Bhimashankar Trek begins in Khandas. About 500 meters after passing through Khandas village, you will come across a tiny bridge at a T-junction. The route on the left leads to Shidi Ghat, and the one to the right leads to the Ganesh Ghat walkway.

Ascent through Shidi Ghat:

The first 20 minutes following the T-junction are a leisurely walk. You get to a creek in approximately 20 minutes. After crossing the stream, the trail ascends for around 40 minutes until you reach the first ladder. After climbing the first ladder, you can swiftly go on to the next. There is a cave after the second ladder where you can rest for a while. This location provides magnificent views of the valley below.

Soon after crossing ladder 3, there is a section of massive rocks. You must exercise considerable caution while traveling this portion. Although not required, a rope will be useful here.

Immediately after this segment, the route connects with the one from Ganesh Ghat. This is the halfway point. There are a few shelters where people sell snacks.

Ascent through Ganesh Ghat:

For the first hour following the t-junction, the trail runs through deep vegetation. This is a gentle rise. After an hour, the trail opens up onto a meadow. After 30 minutes of ascending through the meadow, it enters a dense forest. This finally connects to the Shidi Ghat path.

The trail after the two paths meet is a hard ascent through dense forest. It leads straight to the top, where you may discover the Bhimashankar temple.

➤ How to contact Gupt Bhimashankar

The trek to Gupt Bhimashankar starts to the right of the temple (SBI ATM). Walk along the brook behind the Bhimashankar temple. Within 100 meters, the route enters a deep forest. Arrows indicate the way.

After one kilometer, the trail forks. One portion crosses a creek directly, while the other moves parallel to it. Both of these lead to Gupt Bhimashankar. The first one passes through the Sakshi Vinayak temple.

Descent through Ganesh Ghat:

The downhill route is the same as the ascent until the halfway point, where the trails from Ganesh Ghat and Shidi Ghat intersect. There is clear signage at the junction where the road splits. You pass a few huts around this junction. After passing the huts, take the trail to the left.

The walk passes through dense woodlands and meadows. Around 20 minutes into the descent, you’ll come across a Ganesh mandir. As soon as you arrive at the base, you will find yourself on a neatly laid-out tar road.

Walk along this road for 500 meters till you reach the T-junction from where you started. Shared jeeps and autos are available to transport you to Karjat/Neral.

Apoorva Karlekar and Sneha Rao researched and documented this hike in September 2017. 

Alternative treks:

While the Bhimashankar trek is incomparable, there are a number of easy-to-do hikes in Maharashtra that are ideal for first-timers who prefer to go gently. Keep in mind that GoPlanReady does not organize these hikes. We send trek researchers to investigate and document treks so that people may read about them on our website and go trekking on their own.

If you are interested in trekking in the Himalayas with GoPlanReady, please check out our upcoming treks.

Plan your trip to the Bhimashankar Trek.

• Nearest railway station: Neral (about 29 kilometers).
• Karjat is approximately 30 kilometers.

How to get to Karjat/Neral using public transportation:

How to reach Karjat/Neral from Mumbai: Board a local train to Karjat or a Pune-bound outstation train and get off at Neral or Karjat. It takes approximately 2 hours from Dadar Railway Station.

How to go to Karjat/Neral from Pune: Take a train bound for Mumbai and get out at Neral or Karjat station. The trip lasts around two hours. 

To get to Karjat/Neral: From Nashik, you must change trains in Kalyan. Kalyan is around 2 hours away from Nashik, while Karjat is another hour away.

How to get to Bhimashankar from Neral/Karjat via public transportation:

How to get to Bhimashankar Trek from Neral: From the Neral railway station, take a shared Tum-Tum/Van to Kashele (20 Rs per seat). From Kashele, you can either wait for the bus to Khandas base village or take another shared Tum-Tum (30–40 Rs per seat). 

How to get to Bhimashankar from Karjat: Buses travel to Kashele/Khandas from Karjat; however, the service is irregular. Private jeeps and autos are readily available from Neral and Karjat. Bargain for a good price. Rs 500 travels from Neral to Khandas base village.

• The nearest international and domestic airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai.
• Pune International Airport, Pune.

➤ Packing list for the Bhimashankar trek:

• Identification card, basic first aid kit, bandana, cap, scarf, and sunglasses
• Bring a raincoat and a minimum of two liters of water.
• Lemon with salt OR electrolyte powder/drink (Electoral, Gatorade, Glucon D, etc.).
• High-calorie snacks (nuts and dried fruits, homemade cake, etc.)
• This kit includes a Swiss Army knife, safety pins, rubber bands, and a whistle for emergency use.
• 2 Quick Dry T-shirts are superior to cotton tees.
• One pair of trekking or track pants.
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Optional: camera.

First Aid Kit:

• Supplies include scissors and band-aids (both regular and waterproof).
• Analgesic spray (Relispray, Volini, etc.)
• Antiseptic liquid (such as Savlon or Dettol)
• Antiseptic powder (powders containing povidone-iodine, such as Cipladine and Savlon)
• Cotton Roll and Bandage
• Crepe Bandage
• One inch of wide medical tape (paper or cloth).
• Micropore tape tablets for motion sickness (Avomine) and acidity (Gelusil, Digene).
• Crocin is a mild pain treatment pill.

Note: Consult your physician before taking any drug.

➤ FAQs about the Bhimashankar Trek 

Can I tackle the Bhimashankar trek if I’ve never been on a hike before?

Yes, and no.

It is a moderate hike for someone who leads an active lifestyle, and they can select BhimashankarTrek as their first trek via the slightly easy Ganesh Ghat route. The Sidhi route is more challenging.

It’s a difficult journey for people who live sedentary lives. We recommend a slightly gentler trek, such as Kothaligad.

Where can I find food and water on the Bhimashankar trek?

Villagers have put up hotels and restaurants in Khandas village. There are also a few kiosks near the Bhimashankar Temple. However, it is equally preferable to bring your own food.

Do I require permission to trek to Bhimshanakar?

No. You do not require permission to trek to Bhimashankar from Khandas.

Where can I stay on the Bhimashankar trek?

You can spend the first night of the walk in Khandas. The Bhimashankar Temple features a few lodges and hotels. The local residents can assist with lodging in the village and at the summit. Chachacha Aamba, which connects Ganesh Ghat and Shidi Ghat, contains a Pawarbaba ashram where you can stay.

How challenging is the Bhimashankar Trek?

Bhimashankar is a straightforward trek for athletic novices. During the monsoon season, the trail may get slippery, making it more difficult.

How long is the Bhimashankar Trek?

Bhimashankar travels 3.5 hours via Shidi Ghat and 4 hours via Ganesh Ghat. The descent takes 2.5 hours.

Emergency Contacts for the Bhimashankar Trek

Nearest Hospital: The government hospital closest to the Bhimashankar hike is the Sub District Hospital in Karjat. It is an hour away (contact number: 072497 63836).

The police station closest to Bhimashankar Trek is at Neral, about 50 minutes away. (contact number: 02148 238 444) This information is correct as of May 20.

Mountain rescue: Giripremi established the Maharashtra Mountaineers Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), a pan-Maharashtra rescue network. You can reach them at 7620230231 for assistance in the Sahyadris. Learn more about this fantastic effort here: (Visit http://www.giripremi.com/mmrcc/)

ERSS: For any form of emergency support, you can use the Pan-India Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) number, 112.

Mobile networks and ATMs 

A cellphone network is available along the trek route.

The nearest ATM to the Bhimashankar temple is the SBI ATM near the Neral bus terminus.

Visit Near Bhimashankar Temple

If you undertake it as a two-day hike, you can see the following places:

The Indian Giant Squirrel’s natural habitat is the Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve, which is around 3 kilometers from Khandas. It is a thickly forested area of 120 square kilometers in the Western Ghats, popularly known as the Sahyadri Ranges. It is home to numerous indigenous and pandemic animal and bird species. It is considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Hanuman Lake is a picturesque lake in Bhimashankar. It is a little tough to get to, but it is well worth the effort; there are many animals and birds to see here.

Nagphani Peak resembles a hooded snake with its pointed tip. It is also known as a Duke’s nose since it resembles the nose of a Duke. Beginners can climb 2.5 km to reach the top. The greatest season to trek is between November and February, when you can enjoy stunning vistas of the Lonavala and Khandala valleys.

Rajmachi Fort Walk is a well-known trek across the steep highlands of the Sahyadri range. It consists of two forts: Shrivardhan and Manoranjan. Experienced trekkers can begin in the Gondhane caves, while others can start from Udhewadi village.

Gupt Bhimashankar Temple is around 40 minutes from the peak of Bhimashankar Temple. It is a location where you may glimpse the Shivling behind a waterfall. Standing beneath the waterfall is a little risky, but it’s worth it.

Approximately three kilometers from the Mahabaleshwar bus terminal, the Bombay location offers breathtaking views of the valleys below as the sun sets. Situated on the old Bombay Road, it is one of the oldest locations in Mahabaleshwar. quite packed with tourists.

Ahupe Waterfalls is located in Bhimashankar, near a wildlife reserve. It offers a stunning view of the Dimbhe Dam’s backwaters.