5 Beginner-Friendly Treks In And Around Mumbai That You Should Try

Many people assume that trekking is too tough to try, only suitable for truly adventurous people. But what if we suggest some beginner-friendly treks near Mumbai? For the first-timers/amateur trekkers, we have handpicked a few spots where you can go for an easy and refreshing trek. On the quiet hilltop, enjoy the cool breeze and the golden glow of sunrise as you climb up. These trekking adventures are the place to go this monsoon for an ideal getaway into nature.

5 Easy Beginner-Friendly Treks That You Can Embark Upon Near Mumbai:

1. Harishchandragad Trek, Ahmednagar

This ancient fort was built in the 16th century, under the reign of the Kalchuri dynasty. The fort will take you to the historical and cultural background of the bygone 16th century. When you reach the top of the fort, there is a lake situated to the east of the temple named Saptateertha Pushkarni.  Khireshwar, Paachnai, and Belpada are the three villages from which you can plan your route to reach the fort. Use the Paachnai route for an easy trekking experience that can take your time up to 1.5- 2 hours (ascend and descend). The ideal season to travel is during the months from December to June (pre-monsoon in general). You can spot a huge Shiv Linga inside the cave of Kedareshwar. Harishchandragad trek is a perfect trekking spot for a memorable trekking experience. 

Where: Start from the Paachnai Village
Price: ₹699 to ₹1499

2. Peb Trek, Neral

For a weekend getaway near Mumbai, Matheran is at the top of the list for many tourists, making it crowded during peak travel season. So, this time, go for the Vitigad/Preb Trek, located close to Matheran, to avoid the bustling crowd. This spot was a watchtower for many ruling armies in history because of its 2,050 ft altitude. From the top, you can even gaze at the panoramic view of Matheran. So, this time you can ditch the same age-old Matheran trip and explore this unknown spot. At the top is a temple devoted to Swami Samartha, where locals even offer prayers. It’s only 80km from Mumbai and accessible by public transport.

Where: Start from Anandwadi Village
Price: ₹890 onwards

3. One Tree Hill, Neral

Close to Karjat, One Tree Hill is perfect for an easy trekking journey with major attractions all around. Here, you can witness a scenic view of Morbe Dam and the serene natural beauty of greenery from the plateau. There is only one way to get there, and the walk could take three hours or more. Choose to start your trek from Ambewadi between June and September for the perfect experience. Enjoy your walk through the beautiful forest of Matheran, where you can sit beside the cascades, visible during the heavy rains. It is one of the spots that you should visit for a beginner-friendly trek experience.

Where: Start from Ambewadi Village
Price: ₹750 and ₹1299

Also Read: Remember The Trek Bunny & Co Did In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani? Here’s All You Need To Know About It

4. Lohagad Fort, Lonavala

The trek to Lohagad Fort, built under the reign of the Lohtamia dynasty, is one of the shortest treks in Lonavala and convenient for beginners. Initially, this fort was tiring for the trekkers, as a proper tar road was not constructed back then to reach the base. But that’s not the case anymore. Unlike other trekking spots, the Lohagad Fort minimises the need to navigate the rocky paths. The paved stone steps help beginners to climb safely within 15-20 minutes. Here, you can spend your time clicking photos and diving into the natural beauty from the top.

Where: Start from Malawali Village
When: 9 AM- 6 PM
Price: ₹1,200 to ₹1,399

5. Yeor Hills, Thane

Yeor Hills is the easiest trekking spot for a beginner-friendly trek near Mumbai. These hills not only offer you the amazing sights of nature but also have something more to enhance your adventurous experience. With cycling, trekking, and jogging treks, this is the go-to spot for many newbies from the trekking world. Just 10 km away from the Thane station, get a ‘Patlipada’ bus which will drop you at the last village of Yeor Hills. Or if you are coming from Mulund, take the BEST Bus number 110. One can visit the Yeor Hills at any time of the month. Also, to see the majestic waterfalls at Yeor Hills, you have to cross the river named Bhendi Nala to cherish the soothing and refreshing view of nature.

When: Upvan Lake, Pokhran Road
When: 8 AM – 7 PM
Price: ₹58 (adults), ₹31 (kids)

Also Read: 5 Best Trekking Trails Near Dehradun

This monsoon, explore the scenic landscape around Mumbai from the top. Before you plan the trek, don’t forget to take the necessary precautions. Make sure to climb the terrain carefully, carry water and medications, and keep yourself updated about the weather. Once at your destination, take your time to feel the moist natural air that each one of us misses in the hectic urban city area.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Dzmitrock87