This is why you should trek to Kalsubai this monsoon...

Day 1

Kalsubai Peak

Having trekked Kalsubai at the extreme weather conditions, here are few observations penned in this blog. Hope this helps you plan your trek flawlessly.

About Kalsubai

Kalsubai is the most renowned, crowded and the highest peak of Maharashtra with the summit at an elevation of 5400 ft above sea level. The peak is titled after a lady named Kalsu, who is believed to have escaped from the Indori village, saving herself from the slavery of her employer's ruthless cruelty.

Photo of Kalsubai Peak, Indore, Maharashtra, India by Ruchira Parchur

There is a temple on the peak constructed in her memory. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the local devotees gather at this temple to offer prayers.

Things to notice during the trek

Since I'm writing this blog after my monsoon trek to Kalsubai; waterfalls, mist and river streams are few of nature's delight to experience on the trail. If you are lucky, like me, you can experience the phenomenon of the reverse waterfall - water droplets flowing against the gravity due to the force of the wind. Sounds like magic, ain't it?

During summers, it gets difficult due to the heat. Monsoon and winter are the best time to consider this trek. However, I would suggest you refrain from considering this trek in case you are a beginner and not focused on fitness. Else, the trek would drain your energy more than help you enjoy it.

There is no (potable) water facility available throughout your trail, you are required to carry water bottles (reusable preferred) for your consumption. It is better to keep sipping water to avoid dehydration and cramps. The trek would take approximately 3-4 hours for an ascend and about 2-3 hours to descend, making a total of 6-7 hours including few breaks.

You can have an early breakfast at the village and leave for the trek. Also, you can pre-order your lunch at the base village which is served as a Maharashtrian thali. Please do not waste food as there is a lot of hard work and efforts that go into preparing meals for each one of us out there. The villagers are extremely hospitable and helpful towards the trekkers.

Once you start the trek, the first landmark you witness is the village temple followed by a stream that is to be crossed to begin the trek. During monsoons, there is a patch of fresh slush near the paddy fields, so don't worry much about the stains, they're bound to happen. Remember the famous tagline, 'Daag acche hain'? At the end of the day, you are bound to get wet and stained after you complete the trek.

Going further, the trails take you amidst the plateaus and rock patches that have flowing water through them (in monsoons only). There are four extremely steep slopes towards the later end of the trail while ascending. There is a provision of iron ladders constructed for the people to help them reach the temple situated atop the mountain. This is the only way to descend back as well. Respect the fellow trekkers and provide a way for a proper climb, up and down, to avoid flocking on the ladder which should not be overloaded. In case you have Acrophobia, you will definitely lose it by the time you complete the trek.

The views from the top are mesmerising. You can see Bhandardara backwaters and the peaks of Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai, to the north; Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad, to the east; Alang, Madangad, Kulang, to the west; Ratangad at south-west and to the south you will be able to see Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar and Harishchandragad. During monsoons, due to fog, you can experience the carpet of clouds beneath your feet with the winds dragging you along.

At the end of the day, the feeling of such an achievement has no bounds.