Rajgad Route for Inexperienced Trekkers?

I stumbled upon your website and you people have done amazing job compiling the information. You guys must be having hell of time on the weekends.

I am working in Chennai and am a regular trekker in southern part of India with Chennai Trekking Club. I am planning to hike Rajgadh fort on the coming weekend with inexperienced team. I had couple of queries and don't want to learn things in hard way.

Hope you will find some time to help us out.

  • Q1. Do we have ample source of water at fort? Is it okay if we carry water only for journey?
  • Q2. We are planning to reach Gunjanwade or Pali (yet to decide) by evening and hike during early Night to beat the sun. Is it feasible? Will we be able to get firewood at around 10pm?
  • Q3. What will you recommend, Gunjanwane or Pali? I read that Pali should be ideal starting point for inexperienced trekkers, but at the same time, we don't want to climb up stairs only.
  • Q4. Do you guys happen to have GPS logs for this hike?
  • Q5. We do have female trekkers with us. Is there any precautions we need to take? How safe is overall trip? Village, hike, fort, temple at top, etc

Answer

Below are the answers to your questions.

  • A1: In this season before the monsoons, there wont be any water and even if it is there, its not drinkable. You need to carry water for the entire trek. Atleast 4 litres per person.
  • A2: If you start at around 4pm you should reach the top of the fort by 7 which is an ideal time. You will get to see the sunset and also collect firewood in time. Collecting firewood in the night will not be that easy. I remember our last overnight trek where we spent almost an hour finding firewood on the fort.
  • A3: Pali is ideal and its a combination of stairs and a normal hike. So this wont be just stairs.
  • A4: Sorry, we do not have GPS logs for this hike. But its an easy route. To be on a safer side you can hire a guide from the village.
  • A5: If you have female trekkers, the group should have atleast 8-10 guys. The trek is pretty safe. Villagers are friendly and some of them stay in the temples on weekends to serve poha and bhajis to visitors.

      So from a safety point of view you shall not face any problems. 

Please leave a comment below if you have any inputs for the question above.