Harihar Fort Trek: What’s all the fuss about the rock-cut staircase?

Why do you choose to travel to a particular destination? It could be about seeing a specific spot in person, or it could be about the whole experience. I was drawn to this hill fort by all the fascinating photos of Harihar’s rock-cut staircase. It is located in the Nashik area. Is it tough to climb these stairs? Are these stairs hazardous? I needed an answer ……….

Steps leading to Harihar Fort’s top

Harihar Fort, also known as Harshagad Fort, is located in the Trimbakeshwar area at an elevation of approximately. Three hundred sixty-six feet above sea level. Thousands flock to Harihar Fort yearly because of the unique rock-cut steps. It amazes me how difficult it was to build such structures in an era where only essential tools and equipment were available.

Harihar Fort, near Nashik

Lake is at the beginning of the Harihar Fort Trek from Harshewadi Village.

How do I reach Harihar Fort Trek?

It all depends on which route you choose to climb Harihar fort. If you plan to ascend from Nirgudpada, Igatpuri will be your central town. Nashik will be your major town if the defense is to be climbed from Harshewadi. Nashik and Igatpuri are easily connected to other cities by roads and railways.

Take a bus to Trimbakeshwar from Igatpuri and get off at Nirgudpada. You can also board a bus/shared taxi for Goti to get another transport to Nirgudpada.

Take a bus to Trimbakeshwar from Nashik. Buses leave at 5:00 AM. Harshewadi, located 13 km from Trimbakeshwar, is reached by bus. There is no public transportation available. There is transport to Kachorli (a village along the route), but it is rare. Trimbakeshwar can arrange a taxi for INR 400 that will take you to Harshewadi, the base village. You can either hitchhike or call the same driver to return your car.

Harihar Trek route starting from Harshewadi

The difficulty level of the various Trekking Routes for Harihar Fort Trek

1. From HarshewadiThis route is more accessible than Nirgudpada. It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to get to the section of stairs from the base village. The trail is marked. You can also see Harihar along the trek so that you can go in that direction.

Amazing scenes from Harihar Fort Trek

1. From Nirgudpada This is the longer route. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach the stairs section. The trail can be confusing, but it is easy to get lost if you’re a frequent trekker.

Ascending the staircase section of Harihar Fort

Both routes merge just a few meters before the stairs section. There is only one route ahead. To aid climbers, notches have been carved at either side of the steps. It is much easier to descend the steps than ascend them.

Climbing up the stairs using notches at Harihar fort

The overall trek is moderately complex. It is a moderate trek due to the risk and difficulty of ascending and descending rock-cut steps. It’s a relatively easy trek, requiring little fitness.

My trip to Harihar Fort

After numerous cancellations to visit the magnificent Harihar fort in Harihar, one was made. When I heard the Fort was reopened, I was a decision I made to see it. Every year, thousands of trekkers flock to this Fort with the arrival of the monsoons. Climbing the stairs is a high-risk activity, especially during monsoon season. With such a large crowd, it becomes even more dangerous. It is a relief to learn that the Fort has been closed to visitors during monsoon season.

Steps to Harihar Fort Top

Harihar fort was closed to the public due to the prolonged monsoon season. It was opened again for the people in mid-October. My friend and I took a bus to Nashik from Pune. We reached there by 4:30 AM. Since I had visited Nashik before, I immediately searched for a bus to Trimbakeshwar. It was a blessing that we could get a bus at 5:00 AM.

At 6:00 AM, we reached Trimbakeshwar. It was raining cats and dogs, and I was glued to the calendar (2nd Nov). The monsoons have been insane this year! After blessing the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple (one of the twelve Jyotirlingas), it was time to inquire about the transportation to Harshewadi, the base village of Harihar Fort Trek. Unfortunately, no public transport was available. Although shared taxis are available, it depends on the availability of seats.

Trimbakeshwar temple near Nashik

Heavy rains at Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik

We agreed with the car’s driver, who requested we pay INR 400 each. The distance is 13 km, and the road conditions could be better. It was breathtaking to see the views along the route to Harshewadi. We finally reached the village after a bumpy ride.

En route to Harshewadi (base village Harihar Fort Trek).

It was cold, and the Fort was covered in clouds. It was breathtaking to see the views from the village of the hills. We started the trek because I was eager to get to the step section. The trail begins by the side of a little, still-water lake. To help you find the right path, there are a few arrows.

Harihar Fort is covered in clouds.

You will eventually reach the stairs following a mix of open plateaus and jungle sections. You can see the Vaitarna reservoir from this trek route. Wow!! Wow! I just stood there admiring the brilliance of those who carved that massive structure.

The camera was now out, and dozens of poses had to be taken. LoL!! There are 117 steps in total. Some notches on either side of the steps allow you to grip your fingers. These notches make it easy to climb the steps. The cave section can be reached by climbing the stairs. The views from the cave are spectacular. You are part of history if you make a small mistake.

Entry gate to Harihar Fort

Cave area in Harihar Fort

To reach the vast, flat land that may seem to be the highest point of Fort, there are only a few steps left. You will find a small body of water with a temple on one side as you continue to move forward. You will still need to climb a small hill to reach the highest point of the Harihar fort. You can still climb the mountain, which offers a stunning 360-degree view over the surrounding region.

Waterbody on top of Harihar fort

The background shows the highest point of Harihar Fort.

The Fort’s beauty and incredible views were what attracted me to it. The Fort is more than just a place to climb stairs. It has so many other things that will amaze you. I had planned to pitch a tent there and star-gaze the entire night before leaving the following day. Due to feeling feverish, I had no choice but to cancel the plans. In 1.5 hours, we reached the top of the Fort. We tried our hand at hitchhiking and were fortunate to get a ride to Trimbakeshwar. We left Pune with all our beautiful memories.

Views from Harihar Fort

A Harshewadi lake for a bath

Best time to visit Harihar Fort Trek

As the surroundings are still green, the best time to visit Fort is immediately after the monsoon season (October-December). You can also set up a tent at the top and star-gaze all night. Then, enjoy the spectacular sunrise from the Fort’s top. Monsoon season is when the Fort remains closed, so it’s best to avoid visiting.

View from Harihar Fort

Accommodation and Food Options at Harihar Fort Trek

There are a few options for staying in Nirgudpada. Villagers offer homestay facilities. Harshewadi’s accommodation and food options could be more well-developed. It is possible to pitch a tent anywhere you like on top of the Fort, but please be aware of the wind. My tent for trekking is Quechua Archeaz 2 Tent. There is enough room for two people. You can reach Harihar Fort in a day by taking a trip from Trimbakeshwar or Nashik.

Camping at Harihar Fort Trek near Nashik

Harshewadi doesn’t offer any food options. Ask for help at a nearby home and have them cook it for you. You should bring a few food items and two water bottles. You will find small dhabas along the trek route, where you can buy basic food and water. 

Harihar Fort Trek organized by onacheaptrip starting from Pune

If you have more time, you would love the opportunity to visit Nashik’s beautiful city and surrounding areas. You can read my previous post-Nashik City (INR 1500) to learn more about the city.

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