Five Wonderful Moonlight Treks in the Sahyadris This October

October is a fantastic time in the Sahyadri mountains! The heavy rains are gone, the air is clean, and the trails are perfect for walking. Trekking at night under the moonlight (a "Moonlight Trek") is a magical way to see these ancient hills and catch an amazing sunrise.

Here are five great routes for you to try this October

1. Kalsubai Peak Night Trek

Maharashtra's Tallest Peak Trek,Want to stand on the highest point in Maharashtra? This trek is for you!

• The Route: You start from Bari village. The path is quite clear but it's a steady, uphill climb. Don't worry, the tricky, steep parts have iron ladders installed to help you climb easily and safely.

• The Journey: You climb through the night while it's cool and quiet. The whole point is to reach the very top just before the sun comes up to witness a truly spectacular sunrise.

• Time to Climb (One Way): About 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

• Difficulty: Medium to Hard (Requires good stamina).

Also Read: 6 Sunrise Trek Routes in Coorg for Early Morning Adventurers

2. Rajmachi Fort Trek & Camping

If you're looking for an easier walk that includes camping under the stars, Rajmachi is a brilliant choice. It's actually a group of two forts!

• The Route: The most popular night route starts near Lonavala. Many people take a local jeep halfway to save time. From the mid-point (like Fanasrai), the trek is mostly a long, straight, gradual walk along a wide, dirt road to the base of the fort (Udhewadi village).

• The Journey: The easy trail is wonderful for a peaceful walk in the moonlight. You set up camp at the base village and then climb the smaller fort (Shrivardhan) in the morning for the sunrise view.

• Time to Walk (One Way): About 3 to 4 hours (Starting from the jeep drop-off point).

• Difficulty: Easy.

Also Read: 8 Monsoon-End Treks from Bengaluru to Explore This October

3. Kothaligad (Peth) Fort Night Trek

This is an excellent trek for beginners or people who want a shorter night adventure close to Mumbai/Pune.

• The Route: You start at the base village Ambivli (near Karjat). The path is easy and gradual until the very end. The final part is the fort's unique feature: a short, thrilling climb using steps cut right into the rock that lead up to the small pinnacle.

• The Journey: Because the trek is short, you can start late at night and still reach the top's pinnacle just in time to see the first light of dawn spread over the Sahyadris.

• Time to Climb (One Way): About 2 to 2.5 hours.

• Difficulty: Easy to Medium.

Also Read: 9 Best Wildlife Getaways Near Mumbai This October

4. Harishchandragad Night Trek (Via Pachnai Route)

Harishchandragad is famous, but it has some tough routes. For a night trek, we recommend the Pachnai route because it's the safest and simplest.

• The Route: You begin at Pachnai village. This route avoids the very difficult rock patches of other paths. It's a straightforward, gradual climb through fields and small forest sections, often with railings to help you along. It leads you right to the fort's flat ground where the caves are located.

• The Journey: Climbing at night is comfortable. Once you reach the top, you sleep in the natural caves and wake up to see the majestic Konkan Kada (a huge semi-circular cliff) at sunrise.

• Time to Climb (One Way): About 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Difficulty: Easy to Medium.

Also Read: Why October is the Best Month for a Budget Trip in India

5. Garbett Point Night Trek

This point offers a truly vast and wide-open view of the Matheran area and the surrounding valley.

• The Route: The trek usually starts from Diksal/Bhivpuri village. You'll walk a long distance next to the Dhom dam lake and then have a medium, uphill climb through a jungle to reach the high Garbett Plateau.

• The Journey: Seeing the moonlight shine on the still lake water is a beautiful sight. You climb to reach the plateau before sunrise, giving you a perfect spot to watch the morning light illuminate the entire valley.

• Time to Climb (One Way): About 3 to 4 hours.

• Difficulty: Medium.

Also Read: 8 Best Sahyadri Treks: Trek for everyone!

Friendly Advice for Your Night Trek

• Be Prepared: Always hike with a group or a trusted local guide. Never go alone in the dark.

• Lights: Bring a headlamp or a torch and double-check that you have extra batteries! You need light even on a full-moon night.

• Dress Smart: October nights are cool, especially on the peaks. Carry a light jacket or shawl to stay warm at the top.

• Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters), as you'll be walking for hours, even if it feels cool.

Ready for Your Adventure?

So there you have it! Five awesome Sahyadri treks perfect for an October night. Remember, these mountains are ancient and beautiful, and trekking them at night is a special, quiet experience. Grab your friends, pack that torch, and go enjoy the journey! It's not just about the destination; it's about walking under the stars and seeing the world wakeup from a mountaintop. Happy trekking!