Naneghat Trek

Naneghat Trek itinerary details-Mumbai

Naneghat trek is one of the easier treks among all other treks in the city. It is at a distance of 90 km from Mumbai. It does not take much time and a short trek could be planned with friends or family. The view from the top is fabulous and this is the reason of trekking at Naneghat. It is a bit risky to trek there in the rainy season and you must take suitable precautions to go there at this time although the view becomes more beautiful in this season you have to be very careful. Motor vehicles are available to reach the top from the base of the fort. You can take 4-wheelers in case you do not want to trek. But in that way, the pleasure of adventure gets half. Trekking is the best option if you want to explore nature. You can walk through the unknown routes, beautiful landscapes, and riverside pathways which is overall a wonderful experience.

About Naneghat trek

The word nane means coin while ghat stands for a pass. Previously Naneghat was used as a tollbooth for collecting tolls from the traders while crossing the hills. The best time to visit the place is late monsoon as the hill is full of little waterfalls and after the monsoon, the waterfalls come alive. It is really something to explore in the middle of the jungle. It is an ideal place for photography. On the way to Junner you can have your meal.

Trek itinerary

The trekking journey starts from the Kalyan Bus stoppage at about 10 PM the previous night. Then you will reach the village base within a few hours. In the morning at 7 am get yourself refreshed and have a light breakfast as you need to walk for hours. The journey will take two or two and half hours to reach the spot, the top of the hill. After reaching the spot, enjoy the view and relax after having lunch. At about 2 pm, start descending and within one hour you will reach the village.

What to explore

The trek would be more interesting if you explore the caves that have been crafted with ancient inscriptions. The caves create an impression of Satavahana era. Explore the gushing waterfalls that could be best enjoyed after rains have flooded it. Besides waterfalls, the riverside landscape is another thing that would make the adventure more interesting. So now you know how trekking has taken over vehicle rides up to the hill. There are beautiful flowers that would surely catch your attention.

What to carry

There are certain things that you need to carry while you are going on a trek, other than a simple journey. The trek being adventurous needs extra materials to keep yourself safe although the journey. It includes:

• A rucksack to carry the luggage.
• Comfortable clothes depending upon the weather (carry raincoats if it is monsoon and a winter jacket if it is winter season.)
• Carrying identity proof has become compulsory nowadays wherever you are going.
• A water bottle of maximum 2 liters.
• Strong comfortable shoes (definitely trekking shoes)
• Carry medicine that you take every day and some energy drinks. Along with that keep on antiseptic cream or lotion with you.

Where to stay

There is a resort nearby Naneghat known as Naneghat valley Heritage Resort. This is the only resort in the region that offers homestays for tourists. The resort takes care of all the basic needs of customers and customer satisfaction is their main motto. The resort can avail space for 40 to 45 people at a time. There is a shop over the hill run by a farmer who sells homemade snacks.

Naneghat trek has become a new attraction for tourists and trekkers as they have been bored with the old hill stations like Khandala and Lonavla. Naneghat, the hill fort in the district of Thane in Maharashtra stands at a height of 2600 feet above sea level. Water tanks, reservoirs, artificial caves, huge rock walls, and the ancient pass are the features of the cave. The fort pinnacle seems like the shape of a thumb, and therefore known as ‘Nancha Angtha’.

History

Naneghat is a historic mountain pass located in the Western Ghats of India, in the Junnar region of Maharashtra. The pass has a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BCE and was used as a trade route between the Konkan coast and the Deccan Plateau during the reign of the Satavahana dynasty.

The name “Nane” means “coin” and “ghat” means “pass.” The name Naneghat was given to the pass because it was used as a toll booth during ancient times, where traders had to pay a toll in the form of coins to cross the pass.

The pass was also an important link between the ports on the Konkan coast and the Deccan Plateau, and was used by merchants, soldiers, and traders to transport goods and commodities. Inscriptions and rock-cut caves along the trail provide evidence of the pass’s historical significance and the presence of a thriving trade network in ancient times.

Naneghat was also an important center of Jainism and several rock-cut caves at the pass were used as Jain monasteries. The caves contain carvings and inscriptions related to Jainism and provide a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region.

Today, Naneghat is a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts, and attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to explore its rich history and natural beauty. The trek to the summit offers a unique combination of adventure, history, and nature and is considered one of the most scenic and challenging trails in the Western Ghats.

How to reach

Naneghat is located in the Junnar region of Maharashtra, India, and can be reached by road or by train. Here are the details for reaching Naneghat:

By road:

• From Mumbai: Naneghat is approximately 150 km from Mumbai and can be reached by road in about 3 hours. Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and exit at Khalapur. From there, take the state highway towards Junnar and follow the road signs to Naneghat.
• From Pune: Naneghat is approximately 95 km from Pune and can be reached by road in about 2 hours. Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and exit at Khalapur. From there, take the state highway towards Junnar and follow the road signs to Naneghat.

By train:

• The nearest railway station to Naneghat is the Kalyan Railway Station, which is approximately 70 km away. From the station, you can take a taxi or local transport to reach Naneghat.
• Another option is to take a train to the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and then take a taxi or local transport to Naneghat.

It is recommended to reach Naneghat early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to have ample time for the trek. It is also advisable to carry enough food and water as well as basic medical supplies, as there are no shops or restaurants along the trail.

FAQ

Here are some common FAQs about Naneghat:

What is Naneghat?

Naneghat is a historic mountain pass in the Western Ghats of India, located in the Junnar region of Maharashtra. It was used as a trade route between the Konkan coast and the Deccan Plateau during ancient times and is now a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts.

How long is the Naneghat trek?

The Naneghat trek is a challenging trail that takes trekkers through dense forests, rocky terrain, and steep inclines. The trek usually takes 3-4 hours to reach the summit from the base village of Naneghat.

What is the difficulty level of the Naneghat trek?

The Naneghat trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty and requires a good level of fitness and endurance. The trail can be treacherous in some parts, so it is important to be adequately prepared and equipped for the trek.

What is the best time to visit Naneghat?

The best time to visit Naneghat is from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant, and the trail is less crowded. Monsoon season, which is from June to September, should be avoided as the trail can be slippery and dangerous during this time.

Is there any accommodation available near Naneghat?

There are no proper accommodations available near Naneghat. It is best to carry camping gear or to stay in a nearby village or town if you plan to spend the night.

Is it safe to trek Naneghat alone?

It is not recommended to trek Naneghat alone, as the trail can be treacherous in some parts and it is always safer to trek with a group. If you do decide to trek alone, it is important to inform someone about your plans and to carry basic medical supplies, food, and water.

Things to do

Naneghat offers a unique combination of adventure, history, and nature, making it a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. Here are some things to do at Naneghat:

1. Trek to the summit: The trek to the summit of Naneghat is a challenging trail that takes trekkers through dense forests, rocky terrain, and steep inclines. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and is considered one of the most scenic and challenging trails in the region.
2. Explore the rock-cut caves: Naneghat was an important center of Jainism and several rock-cut caves along the trail were used as Jain monasteries. The caves contain carvings and inscriptions related to Jainism and provide a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region.
3. Visit the ancient inscriptions: The trail to the summit of Naneghat is dotted with ancient inscriptions and rock-cut caves that provide evidence of the pass’s historical significance and the presence of a thriving trade network in ancient times.
4. Enjoy the scenic beauty: Naneghat is located in the heart of the Western Ghats and offers breathtaking views of the lush forests, rolling hills, and the Konkan coast. The summit provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot for photography.
5. Wildlife sightings: The dense forests around Naneghat are home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds, monkeys, and deer. With a little luck, you might spot some of these creatures during your trek.
6. Camping: Naneghat is a popular destination for camping and offers a great opportunity to spend a night under the stars. However, it is important to obtain necessary permits and to follow the camping guidelines to minimize your impact on the environment.
7. Visit the nearby waterfalls: There are several waterfalls located near Naneghat, including the Umbrella Falls, which are a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. These waterfalls are best visited during the monsoon season, when they are in full flow.