Trekking to the Hidden Gem of Asherigad Fort

Overview

Asherigad Fort Trek, a hidden gem in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, offers a thrilling adventure for trek enthusiasts.

Located amidst the dense forests of the Sahyadri range, this trek is a perfect blend of history, nature, and excitement.

In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the Asherigad Fort Trek, providing you with all the necessary information to plan your next adventure.

Asherigad Fort Trek Summary

Here's a quick overview of the Asherigad Fort Trek to assist you in your planning:

Read more: 

• Vasota Fort Trek
• Mangi Tungi Trek
• Jivdhan Fort Trek

Things to Carry

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek to Andharban Trek, here are some essential items to pack:

• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Water bottle/hydration pack
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, fruits)
• Lunch (if not available at the base village)
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Extra clothes, socks
• Headlamp, torch
• Personal medication

Food:

• Carry snacks and water
• Lunch is available at the base village (optional)
• No food available during the trek

Animal Presence:

• Yes, wild animals like snakes, monkeys, and birds
• Be cautious and make noise while trekking
• Keep a safe distance from animals

How to Reach

From Mumbai to Khodkona Village:

By Road:

• Take the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway
• Continue on the NH48 towards Palghar
• Take a right turn at the Khodkona Village signboard
• Follow the village road to reach the base village

By Bus:

• Take a bus from Mumbai's Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand to Palghar
• Get down at the Palghar Bus Stand
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Khodkona Village

By Train:

• Take a train from Mumbai's CST or Dadar station to Palghar
• Get down at the Palghar Railway Station
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Khodkona Village (10 km, 20 minutes)

From Pune to Khodkona Village:

By Road:

• Take the Pune-Mumbai Highway
• Continue on the NH48 towards Palghar
• Take a right turn at the Khodkona Village signboard
• Follow the village road to reach the base village

By Bus:

• Take a bus from Pune's Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand to Palghar
• Get down at the Palghar Bus Stand
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Khodkona Village (10 km, 20 minutes)

By Train:

• Take a train from Pune's Railway Station to Palghar
• Get down at the Palghar Railway Station
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Khodkona Village (10 km, 20 minutes)

Itinerary

You can change the timing according to your comfort and the time you want to spend.

• 6:00-7:00 am - Depart from Mumbai/Pune
• 10:00 am - Arrive at Khodkona
• 10:30 am - Start trek
• 1:30 pm - Lunch break
• 2:30 pm - Reach summit
• 5:00 pm - Descend
• 7:00 pm - Arrive at Khodkona

Key Insights from My Research and Reviews

1. Difficulty & Duration

• Ideal for Beginners: The Asherigad Fort trek is a moderately easy trek, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Monsoon Best Time: The trek is best enjoyed during the monsoon season when the surroundings are lush, and the cloud-covered views enhance the experience.

2. Scenic and Historical Attractions

• Panoramic Views: The trek offers stunning views of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway and surrounding mountain ranges, particularly from the summit.
• Fort Ruins and Landmarks: The fort has over 20 attractions, including Asheri Devi Mandir, ancient water tanks, cannons, stone carvings, and a summit flag. These landmarks provide a rich historical and architectural exploration opportunity.
• Limited Crowds: The trek is less crowded during the off-season (like December) but can get busy during monsoons.

3. Practical Tips

• Parking & Base Village: Parking is available, but four-wheelers should be parked a few meters away from the base village due to muddy roads, especially in monsoon.
• Water & Food: There are no food stalls or fresh water sources at the top, so trekkers should carry sufficient water and snacks. Water purification tablets are recommended for drinking tank water.
• Safety & Etiquette: The trail is well-marked, and it's important to follow the stone paths and stream lines during monsoons. Trekkers are advised to respect the environment by not littering, playing loud music, or defacing the ruins.

4. Accommodation & Local Experience

• Local Hospitality: The base village, Khodkona, offers basic amenities, and trekkers can pre-book lunch at a small shop. The villagers are involved in fort restoration, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
• Camping: The top is suitable for camping, providing a serene environment to enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

5. Overall Experience

• The Asherigad Fort trek is a blend of scenic beauty, historical exploration, and a peaceful escape, particularly rewarding for those interested in fort ruins and the architecture of old times. 
• The trek is well-suited for solo travelers, including women, as trekking groups like Mischief Treks provide a safe and comfortable experience.

Google Map of the Location

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asherigad Fort Trek is an exhilarating experience that offers breathtaking views, thrilling adventures, and a chance to connect with nature and history. With proper preparation and planning, this trek can be a memorable experience for trek enthusiasts.

If you have any doubts, need any guidance, or have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

FAQs:

1. Which is the nearest railway station to Asherigad?

Ans: The nearest railway station is Palghar, 30 km from Khodkona.

2. What is the difficulty level of Asherigad fort?

Ans: The difficulty level is medium, with steep inclines and rocky terrain.