Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek – A Thrilling Trek near Pune

Katraj to Sinhagad (K2S) Night Trek For 16 KM Negotiating A Series of About 15-16 Hills.

Did this already send an adrenaline rush through your body? Are you crazy enough to do this trek? Even if it’s a yes, let me warn you first, it isn’t for the faint heart. Katraj to Sinhagad trek distance, ascending and descending those huge hills will test your stamina, endurance, fitness level as well as patience all at the same time. Oh don’t get me wrong, it isn’t only for professional trekkers but to enjoy this trek, a certain level of fitness is a must.

Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek is a challenging one but is it worth doing?

For me, it was a challenging one, but I had to do this trek, it was my inner calling. Also, I did it purposefully to check my endurance level for my upcoming Himalayan Trek- Pangarchulla Peak Trek. This thing too fascinated me – It is among one of the most difficult and popular treks of the Sahyadri range.

But, I was astonished to see hundreds of trekkers of different age groups and fitness levels. Yes, it was worth it but to enjoy this trek, one must be physically fit and mentally ready to endure this much distance. And I was pretty much fit during my trek time.

My Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek Experience

With torches on or using moonlight, I started this new venture with my group. Our energy levels were at its peak, excited to brave those lofty hills. But the first hill is the highest and the trickiest one drained a lot of energy. Also, it needed to be done super cautiously. Descend was almost 70-80 degrees; almost like a straight descend.

With people flocking in, it was getting difficult to cross a few patches as the paths were a bit narrow and risky. The same continued with the second hill as well.

Now, after accomplishing the first two challenging ones, we rested a bit. The next 2-3 hills were quite easy and we kept on going, munching some dry fruits, chit-chatting, and taking sips of water in between to keep ourselves hydrated.

After a few easier ones, tricky, steep trail hills came again, descending became quite difficult due to a large number of trekking groups, slippery dried mud, sand, and tiny stones. Also, I saw some people slipping down which scared me a bit. Luckily, I made it without falling or hurting myself while descending some risky paths.

Then yet again, a tricky hill came to test our endurance level, now with a huge uphill climb. But, the weather was pleasantly cold and the moon was shining brightly in the clear sky. It was an awesome feeling to gaze at the full moon and glittering stars. While others trekkers halted here to catch a breathe, rest, sleep for a while and revive their spirit, we kept going.

Now, after reaching the midway, the body was getting tired because of the continuous ascend and descend on the hills. I started thinking about why the hell I came here, I started cursing myself, I started missing my home and sleep. Felt as if I’m trapped in a ‘Hilly Loop‘. Now, in the middle of the trek, there wasn’t any way to escape, I had to be strong and keep going. And the very same ascend and descend journey continued.

There was some sigh of relief when we spotted the red antenna tower light which is placed at the Singahad fort. Although it looked very close but took us an hour to reach there. Now the night started to fade, and I don’t remember when was the last time, I saw such a beautiful morning and sunrise.

My body was going out of control after almost 7 hours of the walk due to tiredness and sleepiness. But I knew we are not so far away. Enjoying the scenic beauty we made an effort to keep moving, we kept walking and walking now, as not much trek was left. Also, the group kept pushing and encouraging me.

And finally, after 8 hours of trek, we reached Singahad.

My Trek Experience After Finishing it

I think this was the craziest thing I had ever done in my life. I had continuously put my body and mind to test which unbelievably accepted the challenge of continuous torture for almost 8 hours. But believe me, after the whole tiring process, I felt I accomplished a mission, I achieved something worthy!

For me, it was a true test of patience, strength, and how much one can push their limits, stretch their mind and body further.  With the change in gradient on different hills, the difficulty level too kept on changing. And being a night trek, it was a completely different experience compared to other day treks. But I felt in the end, all the efforts were worth it, it truly gave a memorable and cherishable experience.

How to Reach Katraj (Base of the Trek) and Trek Starting Location?

If one is traveling from Mumbai or Pune, firstly reach Old Katraj Tunnel, you will see a left turn signboard on the highway, after turning left, the tunnel is again a few km inside. And you will on Pune-Satara Road near the Katraj Ghat.

Then after reaching the Katraj Tunnel (Old), get atop the first small hillock. After walking a while, one can see Waghjai Temple, the temple at the beginning of the trek on the hill, further, start climbing towards west from there, then the trek starts.

Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek Details

• Grade: Moderate to Difficult
• Endurance Level: High
• Total Cost: ~300 INR including travel and food
• Katraj to Sinhagad Distance and Hills: 14-16 km / 14-19 Hills

A few things to follow

• Carry at least 3 liters of water
• Avoid rainy season as the trails become too much slippery
• Carry a head torch or normal torch if you are scared to walk in the moonlight
• Carry enough energy bars/dry fruits.

Some tips for New/Lone Trekkers

• You will see the Sinhagad tower lamp from the first hill after that just follow the trail.
• Always follow the walking trail, go towards the tower lamp of Sinhagad hill ascending and descending the hills, don’t bypass them if you don’t know the route.
• Follow other trekkers to stay on the trail, losing the trail there can be troublesome.

So, trekkers who are looking for an extreme adrenaline rush, Katraj to Sinhagad Night Trek is just the right bet!

Keep Wandering! Keep Wondering!

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Thank you! ♥