Lohagad Fort (meaning "Iron Fort" in Marathi) is a hill fort near Lonavala in Pune district, Maharashtra, standing at 1,033 metres (3,389 feet). A UNESCO World Heritage-listed Maratha fort, it's known for its four great gateways, the scorpion-tail ridge called Vinchu Kata, and views over Pawna Lake and its twin fort, Visapur. The trek is easy and beginner-friendly — about a 45-minute to 1-hour climb from the base village of Lohagadwadi — making it one of the most popular one-day fort treks near Mumbai and Pune. The fort is open daily and is best visited in the monsoon and winter.
About Lohagad Fort
Lohagad, meaning "Iron Fort" in Marathi, is one of the most popular and accessible hill forts near Lonavala. Rising to 1,033 metres (3,389 feet) above sea level, about 52 km northwest of Pune, it sits on a small range connecting it to its twin, Visapur Fort — a ridge that divides the Indrayani and Pavana river basins and overlooks the scenic Pawna Lake to the south.
Lohagad's most striking feature is the Vinchu Kata (Scorpion's Tail) — a long, narrow fortified spur extending northwest from the fort, named for its resemblance to a scorpion's sting. Its four great gateways remain remarkably intact, and the fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Maratha Military Landscapes. Easy to climb and rich in history, Lohagad is one of the best beginner fort treks near Mumbai and Pune.
Lohagad Fort History
Lohagad has a long and storied past, passing through the Lohtamia, Satavahana, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Yadava, Bahamani, Nizam, and Mughal dynasties. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648, lost it to the Mughals under the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, and recaptured it in 1670, using it to store the treasury after the Battle of Surat. In the later Peshwa period, Nana Phadnavis used the fort, building several structures including a stepwell and the Laxmi Kothi, where his treasury was kept.
Things to See at Lohagad Fort
You reach the top by a series of stone steps, passing through the fort's four magnificent gateways:
- Ganesh Darwaja — the first gate
- Narayan Darwaja — the second, with old granaries nearby
- Hanuman Darwaja — the third and most ancient of all the gates
- Maha Darwaja — the grand fourth gate, beyond which lie an old Dargah and the remnants of the court
Inside, you'll find the Laxmi Kothi (which held Nana Phadnavis's treasury), old cannons, water cisterns, and — the highlight — the Vinchu Kata, a 1,500-metre-long, 30-metre-wide fortified ridge that once served as a watchpost over the surrounding region.
Lohagad Fort Trek Details
- Trek location: Lohagad Fort (Lohagad Killa), near Malavli & Lonavala, Pune district
- Twin fort: Visapur (Lohagad-Visapur twin forts)
- Base village: Lohagadwadi
- Fort height: 1,033 metres (3,389 feet)
- Difficulty grade: Easy — ideal for beginners and families
- Climb time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour from Lohagadwadi (around 2 hours from Malavli)
- Trek distance: Around 5 km total
- Trek type: Fort trail with stone steps
- Best season: Monsoon (June–September) and winter (October–February)
- Nearest railway station: Malavli (local), Lonavala (express)
- Distance from Mumbai: ~100 km
- Distance from Pune: ~66 km
- Duration: One day
- Cost: From ₹899 per person
Cost for Lohagad Fort Trek
Option 1 — From Mumbai (AC Bus): ₹1,399 per person Includes Mumbai-to-Mumbai travel by private AC bus, 1 veg breakfast and 1 veg lunch, trek leader, and entry charges.
Option 2 — From Pune (Bus): ₹1,399 per person Includes Pune-to-Pune travel by private non-AC bus, 1 veg breakfast and 1 veg lunch, trek leader, and entry charges.
Option 3 — Without Transport (meet at Lonavala): ₹899 per person For those coming by train or own vehicle. Includes 1 veg breakfast and 1 veg lunch, trek leader, and entry charges. Travel to and from Lonavala is on your own.
Lohagad Fort Trek Itinerary — From Mumbai
Day One
- 06:00 AM — Meet at Borivali National Park main gate. (Map)
- 06:10 AM — Depart for the trek.
- 06:20 AM — Pickup at Virwani Bus Stop, Goregaon. (Map)
- 06:30 AM — Pickup at Gundavali Bus Stop, Andheri East. (Map)
- 06:40 AM — Pickup at Kalanagar Bus Stop, Bandra. (Map)
- 06:45 AM — Pickup at Sion Station Circle. (Map)
- 07:00 AM — Pickup at Diamond Garden, Chembur. (Map)
- 07:25 AM — Pickup at Vashi Plaza. (Map)
- 07:55 AM — Pickup at McDonald's, Kalamboli. (Map)
- 10:00 AM — Reach the base village of Lohagadwadi and have breakfast.
- 10:30 AM — Begin the ascent through the fort's four historic gateways towards the top.
- 12:00 PM — Reach the top, explore the Vinchu Kata ridge, the gates, cannons, and views over Pawna Lake.
- 01:00 PM — Begin the descent.
- 03:00 PM — Reach the base village and have lunch.
- 04:00 PM — Start the return journey towards Lonavala by bus.
- 04:30 PM — Reach Lonavala and proceed to Mumbai.
- 08:00 PM — Approximate arrival in Mumbai.
Lohagad Fort Trek Itinerary — From Pune
An easy one-day fort trek from Pune, perfect for a quick weekend escape near Lonavala.
Day One
- 05:45 AM — Meet at U.S. Polo, JM Road, Deccan. (Map)
- 06:00 AM — Depart towards the base village.
- 06:20 AM — Pickup at Chandni Chowk. (Map)
- 06:30 AM — Pickup at Balewadi Stadium. (Map)
- 06:40 AM — Pickup at Wakad Bridge. (Map)
- 06:50 AM — Pickup at Santosa Resort, Ravet. (Map)
- 08:30 AM — Reach the base village of Lohagadwadi and have breakfast.
- 09:00 AM — Begin the ascent through the fort's historic gateways.
- 10:00 AM — Reach the top, explore the Vinchu Kata ridge, gates, and panoramic views.
- 12:00 PM — Begin the descent.
- 01:00 PM — Reach the base village and start the return journey towards Pune.
- En route — Halt for lunch (on your own).
- 06:00 PM — Approximate arrival in Pune (depending on traffic).
How to Book
- Click the "Book Now" button.
- Select your departure date, then tap Pay and Book.
- Choose your ticket type and quantity. If you have a coupon code, apply it here.
- Fill in your personal details.
- Review your booking and proceed to payment.
- Pay using UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking to confirm.
After You Book
- You'll receive a confirmation by email, so please enter a valid email ID.
- A WhatsApp group link is sent to your number about 8 hours before departure — add a valid WhatsApp number while booking.
- All trek details and your trek leader's contact will be shared in that WhatsApp group
Please Note
- Participants may board the same train from whichever station is most convenient for them.
- Missing the train means missing the Lohagad trek, and no refund will be provided.
- If you book the wrong date or batch and wish to change it within 3 days of departure, a transfer charge of ₹200 per person will apply.
- Wear trekking shoes with a good grip — the stone steps are slippery during the monsoon.
- Carry enough drinking water for the climb.
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What is included in the tour
- 1 veg Breakfast and 1 veg Lunch
- Mumbai to Mumbai travel by private Ac vehicle (By Bus option)
- Pune to Pune travel by Bus ( Bus option )
- Trek Leader Expertise Charges
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel till Lonavala and back
- Entry fee for foreign nationals
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above.
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
- Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
Things to Carry
- 2 to 3 litres of water
- Trekking shoes with good grip (essential — the stone steps are slippery in the monsoon)
- A 20–30 litre daypack, lined with a plastic bag to keep gear dry
- High-energy snacks — dry fruits, dry snacks, or energy bars
- ORS, glucose, or electrolyte sachets (Glucon-D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade)
- A good torch or headlamp with a spare battery
- Cap and sunscreen
- Personal first aid and any personal medicines
- Valid government ID proof
- Full-sleeve clothing and full track pants (protection from sun, thorns, insects, and scratches)
- Rainwear — a poncho or waterproof jacket; rain is expected
- Zip-lock or plastic pouches to double-pack your phone and valuables
Treks and Trails Event Rules
- Carry at least one government-issued ID proof showing your address.
- This is an adventurous trekking expedition — please do not treat it as a picnic or leisure tour.
- The trek leader's decision is final, and all participants must follow it.
- Do not damage, dirty, or deface any archaeological sites, historical monuments, or natural habitats on the trek.
- Swimming is not allowed in the fort lakes or water tanks — local communities use this water for drinking.
- Do not put your feet in water tanks or climb on the cannons.
- Any form of addiction is strictly prohibited — drinking, smoking, or chewing tobacco. Anyone caught will have to leave the trek immediately, with no refund, and travel back at their own expense.
- Anyone caught smoking or consuming alcohol will be asked to leave the event at once.
- Please avoid carrying or wearing valuables, ornaments, or jewellery. If you do, we take no responsibility for them.
- Trekking and all adventure activities carry inherent risk. You take part at your own risk, and the organisers are not liable for any accident or compensation.
- Follow the code of conduct at all times so fellow trekkers and others are not disturbed.
- Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.
- If you are late for the bus pickup and unreachable by phone, the trek leader will leave without you, and no refund will be given.
- Please review the "Things to Carry" list and wear proper trekking shoes on all our treks.
Frequently Asked Questions — Lohagad Fort Trek
What is the height of Lohagad Fort? Lohagad Fort stands at 1,033 metres (3,389 feet) above sea level, near Lonavala in Pune district.
How difficult is the Lohagad Fort trek? It's an easy trek, ideal for beginners and families — about a 45-minute climb on stone steps from the base village of Lohagadwadi. Expect crowds on weekends.
What are the Lohagad Fort timings? The fort is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The gates close in the evening and visitors must vacate, so night stays and camping on the fort are not allowed.
How long does it take to climb Lohagad Fort? About 45 minutes from Lohagadwadi base village, or roughly 2 hours if you walk up from Malavli.
What is the distance to Lohagad Fort from Mumbai and Pune? Lohagad is about 100 km from Mumbai (around 3 hours) and 65 km from Pune (around 2 hours), both via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
Where is Lohagad Fort located? At Malavli, near Lonavala, in Pune district — beside its twin fort, Visapur. The base village is Lohagadwadi.
Can I drive to the base village? You can drive towards Lohagadwadi, but the road from Malavli is in poor condition with heavy monsoon traffic. We recommend parking near Bhaja village and taking a shared jeep. On our batches, we use private jeeps from Lonavala station to save time.
How do I reach Lohagad Fort by train? Take a train to Lonavala (well connected from Mumbai and Pune), then a local to Malavli, the nearest halt. From Malavli, it's a shared jeep or a 45-minute to 1-hour walk to Lohagadwadi. On our guided treks, you meet our trek leader at Lonavala station and travel by private jeep.
What is Vinchu Kata at Lohagad Fort? Vinchu Kata ("Scorpion's Tail") is Lohagad's most famous feature — a long, narrow fortified ridge extending from the fort, shaped like a scorpion's sting. About 1,500 m long, it once served as a watchpost over the surrounding region.
Does Lohagad have a reverse waterfall? Yes. During the monsoon, strong winds blow up the cliffs and push water upward, creating a striking reverse waterfall — a brilliant sight that we visit when conditions allow.
What is the history of Lohagad Fort? Lohagad ("Iron Fort") passed through the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizams, Mughals, and Marathas. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648, ceded it under the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, and recaptured it in 1670, using it to store treasure from Surat. The Peshwa minister Nana Phadnavis later lived here and added a large tank and a stepwell.
Can Lohagad and Visapur be done together? Yes. Lohagad and Visapur are twin forts on the same range, and fit trekkers often combine both on a single, less-crowded day. Bhaja Caves can also be added.
Which forts and places can be seen from Lohagad? From the summit you can see Visapur, Tikona, and Tung forts, and Pawna Lake. Nearby attractions include Bhaja Caves, Bhushi Dam, Korigad Fort, Rajmachi, and Pawna Lake camping and paragliding.
Is food or water available on the fort? No cooking is allowed on the fort (an ASI rule), but food stalls operate at the base. Meals are managed by Treks and Trails on our batches. Carry your own drinking water; well water is available to refill at the base.
Are toilets available? Toilets and a changing room are available at the base village, before and after the trek. There are none on the fort itself.
Is parking available? Yes, near Bhaja village — a parking fee applies and vehicles are parked at the owner's risk.
Is Lohagad good for beginners and kids? Yes. Its short, gentle, stepped climb makes Lohagad one of the best beginner and family fort treks near Lonavala. Children below 15 are welcome with parental supervision.
Is the trek safe for solo and female trekkers? Yes. Many solo female trekkers join us. We maintain a roughly 6:4 male-to-female ratio per batch, with a female trek leader whenever available.
Is Jain food available? Yes — only vegetarian, home-cooked local food is served, and Jain food is available if you mention it in the comments while booking.
What is the weather like at Lohagad Fort? Pleasant in the monsoon and winter — green, misty, and cool. The monsoon brings very heavy rain, so double-pack your phone and gadgets. Summers are hot, with little shade on the climb.
Is there phone connectivity? Connectivity is limited for most networks on the trail. There's no electricity on the fort, so carry a power bank if needed.
Can we smoke, drink alcohol, or play music on the trek? No. Smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited — forest officials patrol and penalise offenders. Playing music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.
How do I book and pay? Book online via the "Book Now" button with 100% upfront payment (UPI, NEFT, IMPS, card, or Paytm). Cash and on-the-spot payments aren't accepted, as transport is arranged in advance.
Best Time to Visit Lohagad Fort
The monsoon (June to September) is the best time to visit Lohagad, when the hills turn lush green, the fort's water cisterns fill up, mist drifts across the Vinchu Kata, and the reverse waterfall comes alive — a refreshing, magical experience for trekkers. Winter (October to February) is equally rewarding, with clear skies and full views of Pawna Lake and the surrounding forts. Summer is doable but hot, with little shade on the open climb.
How to Reach Lohagad Fort
From Mumbai (~100 km): Take an express train towards Pune, alight at Lonavala, then a local to Malavli, the nearest halt. From there, a shared jeep or a 45-minute to 1-hour walk reaches Lohagadwadi, the base village. By road, drive via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway to Malavli.
From Pune (~65 km): Take a local train towards Lonavala, get off at Malavli, then continue to Lohagadwadi by shared jeep or on foot. By road, drive to Malavli via the Expressway.
On our guided batches, we handle all transport — including private jeeps from Lonavala station — so you spend more time on the fort and less in transit.
Why Choose Treks and Trails for the Lohagad Fort Trek?
- Trusted by over 20,000 trekkers last year, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating
- One trek leader for every 10 trekkers, with a female trek leader on every batch
- A lifetime-valid, tamper-proof e-certificate on completion
- Adventure insurance for every trekker and leader
- We self-operate all our treks — no outsourcing
- Group discounts available
