Rajgad to Torna Range Trek

Experience

The Rajgad to Torna range trek is one of the best hikes that take place in the Sahyadri range near Pune. This roughly 16-mile trek has a moderate level of difficulty and will take you through forests, grasslands, hilly terrain, and fortresses.

The first leg takes you up the great Rajgad Fort and the vantage point that gives you the breathtaking sight of the valleys and hills all around. Constructed atop the Murumbdev mountain, Rajgad was the kingdom of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj initially. This massive complex of dilapidated fort, ruins, gates, temples, and water tanks itself provides the backdrop for the rest of the trek.

It further passes through a village at the foot of Rajgad and then strays into the Sahayadris from what is known as a Theme village at the base of Rajgad. The third part ascends over the steep mounds and thickets of Chor Darwaza, Chor Machindra, and Gaymukh Machindra to Pabe Plateau which is on the hilltop. The rolling and lowliest of busts, grassland provides striking views of the nearby mountain fastnesses and valleys.

The last stage is a trek to Torna Fort – the highest of all forts in the Pune district. Prachandagad is the other name of the Torna fort as Shivaji Maharaj had captured this fort when he was only 16 years old and it has a good history. The last part is steep but is very rewarding to reach the Bini Darwaza’s entrance gate. To visit Torna’s fortifications and watch the extensive field view from the summiting Konkan Kada cliff is the lavish thing to do while concluding this grand mountain tour.

The Rajgad to Torna Range Trek in a nutshell will be great, if not the best for sightseeing, grisaille, heritage, trekking, and anything else. The difference in the terrains, forts, and satisfaction it provides makes it all the more interesting form of tourism.

Things to Carry

Trekking in the Sahyadri ranges calls for carrying some essentials to ensure a safe and comfortable journey:

1. Backpack: This is why a 30-40L backpack with a waist and chest strap will help you transport all of your equipment comfortably. Some models include the use of waterproof liners which give an added shield.
2. Trekking shoes: Solid shoes that also have great support on the ankle and good tread to give an easy grip on the icy slope are the first to watch for. Monsoon footwear is perfect in waterproof shoes.
3. Extra pair of socks & clothing: It’s wise to carry an extra T-shirt, shorts/track pants, and socks in case the ones on you get wet through the rain or sweat. Choose quick dry fabrics.
4. Rain protection: If the weather is sunny carry a raincoat and a pair of rain trousers if you are out in the unpredictable Sahyadris valleys. It has an additional advantage that an umbrella does not; a poncho works.
5. First aid kit: Bring bandaids, antiseptic wipes and spray, pain relief spray and tablets, anti-joint inflammation tablets, gauze pad, elastic bandage, and any medications you may require.
6. Torch/headlamp: Most of the trail is likely to be shaded therefore pack a torch or a headlamp with spare batteries.
7. Energy snacks: Trail mix, protein or granola chocolate bars and dry fruits are some examples of high-energy snacks. Do not pick foods that have a lot of mess or crumbs.
8. Water: Always make sure you have at least two liters of drinking water in a leakage-proof bottle. Buy also those sachets of coated electrolyte powders and ready-to-drink electrolyte beverages. Replace them at streams if the water is potable.
9. Trekking poles: Stepping sticks assist in weight distribution across one’s body more so during climb or descent by shifting pressure off one’s knees. Good also in a slippery surface as well.
10. Other essentials: Swiss knife, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, toilet paper, rozuvre, and masks.

Rajgad to Torna Range Trek Climb with just the bare essentials, yet carry all that is needed in safety items, clothing, and food.

Route & Difficulty

The Rajgad to Torna Range Trek starts from the base village of Gunjawane and ends at Velhe Village near Torna:

1. Gunjawane Village to Rajgad (4 km; 1.5 hours): The next evident trail stretches from Gunjawane above the Chor Darwaza to the entrance of Rajgad Fort. It does contain some steep parts, but it is all part of the first climb.
2. Exploring Rajgad Fort Complex (2 hours): The fort itself is of good size and was open with the remains of the gates, palaces, water tanks, and other structures present and the degree of accessibility was different depending on the location.
3. Rajgad to Pabe Plateau via Chor Machhindra & Gaymukh Machhindra (12 km; 4 hours): It takes about an hour to come down from Rajgad on the foothill with a zigzag track path to reach the base village. From here proceed up the forests and hills on very feeble muddy roads to Pabe grasslands. Occasionally steep work in terms of the climb.
4. Pabe Plateau to Torna (10 km; 3.5 hours): It was after we had taken our lunch from the Pabe as it was a slow continuous slope to Velhe village. The easy-going trail through the dense forest and then one more strenuous 1 km steep ascend to the top of Torna. If one is to do it, then it is relatively easy to graduate down to a hard final part.
5. Exploring Torna Fort (1.5 hours): Final little rise passing through the village and steps to the entrance of the fort. Small to medium-sized fort to walk around. Wonderful scenic from the uppermost cliffs and terrains.

Total Distance: 26 km
Time: 12 – 14 hours

The wildness of the Rajgad to Torna Range Trek can be said to be moderate but the strenuousness is pretty high. Fitness is required as the day is 14kms of upward climbing. Moderate physical activity an acceptable level of health and some experience in hike are required. Should not be climbed during monsoons, as the trails are slippy.