DifficultyModerate
Duration2 Days / 1 Night
Max Altitude3,250 ft (991m)
Starting Price₹1,899/person
Best SeasonOctober – June
RegionPune District, Maharashtra
Trek Highlights
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga — one of India's 12 sacred Shiva temples
- Trek through Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary — spot giant squirrels and leopards
- Dramatic Shidi Ghat route with iron ladder sections and waterfall views
- Source of the Bhima river — visible at the summit plateau
- Dense shola forests and misty Sahyadri atmosphere
- UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot
Itinerary
10:00 PM
Day 1: Depart Mumbai overnight
04:00 AM
Arrive Khandas village (Shidi Ghat trailhead)
05:00 AM
Begin trek through forest. Dawn chorus of birds in sanctuary
07:00 AM
Shidi Ghat iron ladder section — exciting fixed-rope climb
09:30 AM
Reach Bhimashankar temple complex. Darshan and exploration
11:00 AM
Breakfast and rest near the Bhima river source
12:30 PM
Explore the plateau, wildlife sanctuary viewpoints
02:00 PM
Begin descent via Ganesh Ghat route (different path)
05:00 PM
Reach base. Freshen up and dinner
06:30 PM
Overnight at base guesthouse
07:00 AM
Day 2: Breakfast. Depart for Mumbai
11:00 AM
Arrive Mumbai
What's Included
Included ✓
- AC transport Mumbai return
- Certified guide familiar with sanctuary regulations
- Dinner + overnight guesthouse at base + next day breakfast
- Wildlife sanctuary entry permits
- First aid kit
Not Included ✗
- Lunch on Day 1
- Temple offerings
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we see wildlife?
Bhimashankar is famous for the Indian Giant Squirrel (Maharashtra's state animal). Leopards, gaur, and 200+ bird species also inhabit the sanctuary.
Is the temple accessible on trekking days?
Yes — the temple is open daily. We plan the trek to arrive during darshan hours.
Is this suitable for non-Hindus?
Absolutely — the trek through the wildlife sanctuary is the highlight for many trekkers regardless of faith.