Harihar Fort is 1120metres (3,676 feet) above sea level. Harihar Fort Trek is a small yet tiring trek. The fort is situated in the Trimbakeshwar mountain ranges offers stunning views of the area around. Harihar fort appears to be rectangular in shape from its base. It is built on a triangular prism of rock. Its three faces and two edges are absolutely vertical 90 degrees. The third edge towards the west is inclined at an angle of 75 degrees. A one-meter wide rocky staircase with niches in it is carved out for ascending & descending.
The last 200 feet of the trek is a climb through steep rock-cut stairs inclined at 80 degrees. The descent is particularly exhilarating as you have to climb down and at one point face a sheer 500 ft drop. The architecture of the stairs is so diverse and outstanding and offers spectacular and occasionally scary views of the valley below. Harihar fort offers a 360-degree view of the Sahyadri range. Bhaskargad, Utwad fort, Anjaneri fort, Brahma Parvat, Navra-Navri peak, Brahmagiri are a few of the many forts that can be seen from here.
The base village for the Harihar fort trek is Nirgudpada village (Kotamwadi). Harihar Dhaba is the exact point where your trek starts. The trail is pretty obvious crossing through fields and small streams. Once you cross the fields the trail gradually starts climbing up into the forest areas. After a 45 mins walk from here you will reach the plateau. Here ends the first section of the trek. This is also the point where the alternative route from Harshewadi joins too. From this point, you can see the difficult part of the trek, the iconic rock-cut steps. There are around 200 steps in all. After you climb the first rocky staircase main entrance you walk through below an overhang with a sheer drop. There are notches carved in for support. Place your foot consciously. During monsoon season they become slippery because of the moss formation. After a climb of 90 steps, you reach a door, from the door the trail takes you to a left transverse. To your left is the valley and towards your right is the wall of the fort. You then encounter another set of steep stairs around 100 in number to reach the top of the fort. The top opens up with a cave and further you can see small ponds, a couple of temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Shiva. Another 10-15 mins of the trek take you to the highest point of the fort. Enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the fort. The descend is the same route as the ascend. But one has to be extra cautious descending the steps. Use the three-point safety technique where you use your two hands and one leg in contact with the surface in every step that you take while facing the mountain.
Best time to visit:
The months from June to February are the best time to visit Harihar fort. During monsoon, you get to see lush green sceneries and in post monsoon season you have clearer views of your surroundings. Avoid summers since the weather can be extremely hot.
Wanna take a video tour? Here you go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVz0T6_E0lQ
Day 0 : (Friday)
Day 1: Harihar fort Trek
A 30 mins walk from the base village will lead you to the plateau. Here ends the first section of the trek. From here starts the iconic rock-cut steps. There are around 200 steps. When you're done with climbing the first rocky staircase main entrance you walk through below an overhang with a sheer drop. There are notches carved in for support. Place your foot consciously. After the climb of the next 90 steps, you reach a door, from the door the trail takes you to a left transverse. To your left is the valley and towards your right is the wall of the fort. You then encounter another set of steep stairs around 100 in number to reach the top of the fort. The top opens up with a cave and further you can see small ponds, a couple of temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Shiva. Another 10-15 mins of the trek take you to the highest point of the fort. Enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the fort. The descend is the same route as the ascend. But one has to be extra cautious descending the steps. Use the three-point safety technique where you use your two hands and one leg in contact with the surface in every step that you take while facing the mountain.
Day 2: Trimbakeshwar & Bramhagiri hike
Wake up early and visit Trimbakeshwar temple.
After temple visit, we will hike towards Bramhagiri hill top. Where river Godavari origin. It is a simple hike of an hour. We will spend good amount of time and descend back to the parking.
Day 3 : (Monday)
Reach Secunderabad Jn
Note: This is not a luxurious trip. Trekkers and adventure seekers are most welcome to do this. Basic climbing and difficulty during the trek will be there. Anyways, our team takes care of your safety. But, an adventurous mindset is required.
Clothing & Footwear
Food & Beverage
Miscellaneous:
✅ Hyd to Hyd transportation by Train (Sleeper Class)🚂
✅ Local transportation
✅ Accommodation (Camping)
✅ Food (One dinner, One breakfast) 🍱
✅ Climbing equipment
✅ First Aid
✅ Certified Trek Leaders