Bhimashankar Tracking

Bhimashankar Trek Overview

The Bhimashankar trek takes you to the Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva. This journey goes through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Hikers enjoy dense forests, scenic valleys, and diverse flora and fauna. The trail presents a moderate to difficult challenge for trekkers.

Trek Route Information

The most common and recommended route starts from the village of Khandas. The path via Ganesh Ghat is the standard trail. It offers a clear and well-defined track through the sanctuary. You can find a detailed route map on reputable trekking websites. These maps show the entire path from Khandas to the Bhimashankar temple.

• Starting Point: Khandas village (near Karjat)
• Standard Route: Khandas → Ganesh Ghat → Bhimashankar
• Trekking Distance from Khandas: Approximately 12-13 km (one way)
• Total Height/Gain: The trek ascends to about 3,250 feet (990 meters) above sea level.
• Karjat to Khandas Distance: The road distance from Karjat to Khandas is roughly 20-25 km.

Important Details

• Trek Status: The trek is generally open. However, authorities close it during the peak monsoon season (June to September) for safety. Always check the current status before planning your trip.
• Temple Steps: Visitors climb around 300-350 steps to reach the main Bhimashankar temple complex.
• Booking: While the trek itself requires no booking, you must obtain a permit from the Forest Department office in Khandas. Many organized tours handle this process for participants.
• Pune to Bhimashankar: The road distance from Pune to the Bhimashankar temple is approximately 110 km.

Contact Information

For the most reliable and current information, it is best to contact the local forest department or a registered trekking organization.

• Phone number: +91-(0)2194-242086 (Bhimashankar Forest Department Office – please verify this number online before calling)
• Email address: Specific emails are not publicly listed. Inquiries are best made in person or via official government tourism websites.
• Company address:
  • Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Bhimashankar, Taluka: Khed, District: Pune, Maharashtra 410509.
  • Forest Department Office, Khandas, Maharashtra.