Basic Info: Ghangad is a beautiful fort located in the heart of Tamhini Ghat. The photos on google might be a little deceptive and you might think that the trek is difficult, but its not. Its a relatively simple trek but still offers some awesome views from the top of the fort.

Route Info: Head towards Mulshi from Pune via the Chandni-Chowk-Paud-Pirangut route and then after crossing Mulshi head towards Tamhini ghat.
Once you hit Tamhini ghat road there is a diversion to the right somewhere in the mid of the ghat. It is approximately 20 kms from Mulshi. So keep an eye on the right side of the road for any sign boards. I mean not literally, priority would always be to keep on eye on the road if you are driving.
From this sign board on the road, the road is in a pretty bad condition and it takes around 1 hour to reach to the base village of the fort.
If you get confused you can always ask the locals in the area for the road to Ghangad.

Here are some pics that we took on our last trek

What to see: 

• Bastions on the fort
• Huge Rock
• Temple of Goddess Garjai
• Rock Patch - Earlier this was the most difficult part to cross.
  But a trekking group has made it easier by installing a ladder on this patch.
• Water Tanks 
• Caves on the fort

Difficulty Level and Other useful tips: This trek is quite easy, however, I think that during the rainy season it might be a bit difficult for novice trekkers.
Shivtrail group has done an amazing job by installing a ladder on a rock patch without which beginner trekkers could never get to the top of the fort.

Camping Info: Most ideal place for camping. The caves provide good shelter and the open space infront of these caves can be used for making bonfires and cooking food.
If you have your own tents, there is nothing like it. There is plenty of open space on the top of the fort where you can set up your tents. Heavy winds can be a problem in the open space.

Ensure that you carry plenty of food and water with you as the villages are very small and you wont find anything in those villages.

Lastly, Guess what!! - There is a toilet on the fort. Yes a Toilet. 
Its not very clean but its better than defecating in the open. And for females it is always helpful.

P.S. During our last visit in December 2014, the toilet appeared clogged due to unavailability of flushing water. Its no longer in a working condition.

As per a board on the fort, here is the history of the fort

• In June 1665 Shivaji Raje Bhosale had agreed on a Truce called the Truce of Purandar and handed over 23 forts out of his empire to the Mogul agressors.
  Ghangad was one of the forts that was handed over
• During 1670-71 Shivaji Raje conducted a series of attacks against the moguls and won these forts back. Then these forts were under the Maratha regime for a long time
• Around 1713 the Navy Chief Khanoji Angre held Ghangad and handed it over to Shahu Maharaj on 28th Feb 1714 as per a treaty. 
  Shahu Maharaj then gave the possession of this fort to Balaji Vishwanath Peshwe.
• In the later rules of the Peshwe rule, Ghangad was turned into a prison, housing political as well as social criminals.
• On 17th March 1818, Ghangad was taken away from the Peshwas by Lt. Colonel Prother of the british army without any resistance.

Below is a photo of the board on the fort that described the history of this fort.