Gorakhgad Trek – Complete Guide, Route, Tips & My Experience

A Best Thrill to Climb🔥 

 

If you want thrill and some different experience then guys please come to the most adventures trek in Maharashtra which is Gorakhgad. I visited Gorakhgad for two times. Second time it was a sudden plan and that was very funny story, i would love to let you know all. 

And most important if you want a amazing experience then please please please visit during monsoon...!!!!!💧💥

In this blog I am going to give you my honest experience about Gorakhgad, Trek details, and Tips. 

I am writing down some summary about Gorkhgad that you all know exactly about this trek and also history of the trek. 👇👇👇

⛰Gorakhgad is the best trek with steep rock patches, ancient caves, and breathtaking views, this trek combines adventure, history, and spirituality. Standing at 2137 ft, Gorakhgad Fort may be small, but it leaves trekkers with a huge experience.  In the ancient period :-  the fort is named after Saint Gorakhnath, one of the Navnath yogis, who was a great saint and yogi of the Nath Sampradaya. It is believed that he and his followers used Gorakhgad for spiritual practices and meditation. Caves near the fort summit are said to have been used by his disciples for dhyana. ( additional tip :- Guys if you want to know about Navnath Sampraday there is Granth which names Navnath Bhaktikathasar. I personally read many times it gives you all the information about Navnath Sampraday in detail ). 

In the Shivaji Maharaj Era:-
During Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign, Gorakhgad was used as a military outpost to keep watch over trade and troop movements.
Its caves also served as a resting and storage place for soldiers. However, it was not developed into a full-fledged garrison fort like Raigad or Rajgad.

📍 How to Reach Gorakhgad 

• Base Village: Dehri, near Murbad (Thane District).

• Distance from Mumbai: 100 km.

• Distance from Pune: 125 km.

• Transport Options:

  • By Train + Bus: Mumbai → Kalyan → Murbad → Dehri village.

  • By Car/Bike: Parking available at base.

[From Kalyan you can take a taxi by 7:00 am to Murbad. Once you reach Murbad there is a MSRTC bus (8.45 am)  for the Gorakhgad Village, which will drop you at the base of Gorakhgad. From Kalyan to Gorakhgad you will may take approximately 2.00 Hours. I usually follow this route and transportation which is very convenient.]

🥾 Trek Details

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate (last patch is tricky & exposed).

• Trek Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours one way.

• Best Season for Gorakhgad Trek:

• Monsoon – lush greenery, waterfalls, misty views.

• Winter – clear skies, panoramic Sahyadri views.

💡 Highlights:

• Rock-cut Gorakhgad caves.

• Stunning 360° view of Siddhagad, Machindragad & Ahupe Ghat.

• Narrow exposed rock staircase near the summit. ( Guys this is too thrilling I bet you will definitely get the best adventure experience). 

✨ My Gorakhgad Trek Experience

The trail started gently through farmlands and forest paths, but soon the climb became steep. The first major highlight was reaching the cool rock-cut caves — calm, dark, and silent, once used by saints like Gorakhnath for meditation.

The journey begins right at the Gorakshanath Temple at the base – a place so peaceful that it feels like the mountains themselves are blessing you before the climb. With that calm energy, the trek starts, and soon you find yourself walking through lush greenery and cool rock-cut caves that carry whispers of history.

One thing that touched me deeply was the benches placed enroute. After a steep climb, when you sit there catching your breath, you can’t help but silently thank the villagers or government who carried those benches up for us trekkers. It’s a simple gesture, but it makes the journey kinder. Along the way, playful monkeys often appear, reminding you that you are just a visitor in their world.

As you climb higher, you come across a stone doorway before the final patch. The moment you step through it, a breathtaking view opens up, like the mountains welcoming you to the final challenge.

And then comes the final patch — the real test of Gorakhgad. A vertical staircase carved into the rock, narrow and exposed, where every step sends a rush of adrenaline. In the monsoon, with mist and drizzle, it becomes even more adventurous, almost like nature daring you to move forward.

At the summit, all the fear and fatigue dissolve. A small Shiv Mandir stands quietly at the top, as if guarding the fort for centuries. From there, the entire Sahyadri unfolds before your eyes — the majestic Ahupe Ghat, Siddhagad, Machindragad, and endless valleys wrapped in clouds. It’s a view that humbles you and empowers you at the same time.

For me, Gorakhgad wasn’t just a trek; it was a journey of peace, thrill, gratitude. 

📝 Tips for Gorakhgad Trek

• Carry at least 3 liters of water (no source at the top).

• Wear good trekking shoes with strong grip.

• Start early morning to avoid heat and crowd.

• Not recommended for complete beginners due to the exposed rock patch.

• Guys for Breakfast or Lunch there is snacks shops at the base where you can take a lunch. 

• Those who come by public transport it is very important to you guys atleast start ascending your trek by 1:00 PM. Because there is a bus from base village to murbad by 3:15 PM after that directly you will get a bus by 5:30 -6:00 PM. There are low frequency of the Buses. So keep this point in your mind. 

• Carry cash upto 300-350rs if you are carrying your own food. 

💭 Final Thoughts

Every trek teaches something. Gorakhgad Fort trek taught me that the toughest climbs give the most rewarding views. If you’re looking for a trek that’s short yet adventurous, this one should be on your bucket list.

"The mountains don’t speak, but they make you listen."

And Last but not the Least, as as poet i can't left this blog without writing a poem 😄

Between stone steps and silent skies,

I found the courage that fear denies.

The summit whispered, strong and true,

The mountain tests, but it also renews...!

Be Brave, Be You, Be Kind 

@YatraWithPrajakta