Peb Fort Trek/Vikatgad

The Complete Guide To Peb Fort Trek

Peb fort, also known as Vikatgad, rises to a maximum altitude of 2,050 ft and was primarily used as a granary and watchtower by the ruling armies. The strategic location of the hill provides a commanding view of Chanderi fort, Nakhind hill, Malanggad, Tahuli, Prablagad, Kalavantin & Matheran plateau in clear weather.

Located approximately 80 km from Mumbai and less than 120 km Pune, it’s conveniently accessible by public transport. With five different trails of varying difficulty and length, Peb fort is the ideal trek for anyone looking for a good excursion close to Matheran.

The panoramic view of the Matheran range from the top

The unique location of the hill affords it a panoramic view of the entire Matheran range. A temple has been constructed at the top of the fort and is believed to shelter the footprints of Swami Samarth. Be aware of the monkeys though. If you can brave them, a splendid sight awaits you!

The Challenging Trail To The Top

One of the fascinating features of the fort is the unique narrow approach to the top. If you are climbing it from the North, then a easy grade rock patch has to be tackled to reach the top. On the other hand, if you have reached the fort from Matheran end, then a rickety ladder overlooking the deep valley stands between you and the temple!

An opportunity to walk along the lush green Matheran valley

Matheran is home to abundant flora and fauna and there’s no better time to experience it than the monsoon. An opportunity to combine a lovely walk along the Matheran valley with the Peb fort trek, makes it even more alluring!

Mobile users: Click on ‘Complete trek guide’ at the bottom of the page to access the rest of the Peb fort Trek Guide.

➤ Short Itinerary

Peb fort is a one day trek. However, it can also be done as camping trek with an overnight stay in the cave or by pitching a tent on the southern bastion.

We have listed down some of the most prominent routes to the top of Peb fort along with an indicative itinerary for each:

1. Panvel-Maldunge-Peb fort
2. Neral-Anandwadi-Peb fort
3. Neral-NM 134 marker- NM 157 marker-Peb fort
4. Vaghachi Wadi-Peb fort
5. Vangani-Nakhind-Peb fort-Matheran

➤ Detailed Trail Information

One of the most popular routes to Peb fort/Vikatgad is the Neral-Anandwadi-Peb fort trail.

Here’s a detailed photo story about this particular trail that’s bound to get you excited for the trek!

A Photo Story On The Peb fort Trek

The trail originates from the bustling town of Neral, about 80 kms from Mumbai.

The trek itself can be divided into two sections- the first stretch is a walk on the tar road from Neral to the base village, Anandwadi. You can also hire an autorickshaw to cover this stretch. The second half of the trek is a steep but incredibly rewarding climb from Anandwadi all the way to  Matheran.

➤ How To Reach The Base Of The Trek

Nearest International and Domestic Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai

Pune International Airport, Pune

Nearest Railway station

Neral is the nearest major railhead for Peb fort trek. It also boasts of excellent road connectivity with  Mumbai, Panvel (Navi Mumbai), Pune & Nashik.

Reaching Peb Fort By Your Vehicle

If you are planning to reach Peb Fort using your own vehicle, use this link to help set up navigation in Google maps.

Reaching Neral By Public Transport System

From the Mumbai International Airport, the most convenient way to reach Karjat is as follows:
Mumbai International Airport → Airport Road Metro station → Ghatkopar railway station (Central Railway)→ Neral railway station

➤ Maps and Charts

Click here to download a KML file of the trail.

➤ FAQs

1. Can I do this trek if I have never been on a Sahyadri trek before?

Yes and no. A person who follows an active lifestyle, can consider one of the easier trails to Peb Fort for their first Sahyadri trek.
For people who lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle, we recommend a slightly less strenuous trek, like Sondai Fort near Matheran.

2. What are the accommodation options near Peb Fort?

There are multiple accommodation options near Peb Fort. You can pitch tents near the Aashram or spend the night in the cave on the fort. You can also arrange for accommodation in Matheran.

3. Where can I get food and water during the trek?

There are a number of restaurants and stores in Neral. However, your options dwindle as you go farther from the town.

4. Do I need to obtain permission to trek to Peb Fort? 

No. You don’t need permission to trek to Peb Fort as such.

5. Where can I get a guide for the trek?

You can hire a guide from Anandwadi. The charges will vary depending on your negotiation skills, group strength, and the season of the year.

6. What is the difficulty level of the Peb Fort Trek?

Peb Fort is a moderate trek that can be done by a fit beginner.

7. How high is Peb Fort?

Peb fort is 2100 ft above sea level.

➤ How To Get Fit For The Trek

The Peb Fort Trek is classified as a moderate-grade trek. From Neral, at 150 feet above MSL, you will gain approximately 1,900 feet in altitude. Though the altitude gain is not much, the continuous ascent can be quite demanding for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Training yourself for a low-altitude, moderate-grade trek

Cardiovascular endurance

In case you’re just starting with a fitness routine, start slow and increase your pace everyday in the following manner –

• Target completing a brisk walk of 5 km in 45 minutes when you begin.
• Gradually increase your pace by walking 5 km, 4 times a week.
• As you become more comfortable, introduce jogging in your routine. 
• Progressively increase the distance you jog in a workout until you can complete 5 km in 38 mins.

If you prefer cycling over running, target covering 15 km in 60 minutes when you begin.

• Progressively increase your pace to cover 20 km in one hour.

Strength training

This is an important area you need to work on. 

Strength training is equally important to trek comfortably. Work on your glutes, calves and knees. Additionally, work on strengthening your core.

You must strengthen your core muscles. For strengthening your core muscles, holding a plank and it’s variations (elbow, side planks) are the best exercises to go about doing it.

Also try these exercises for strength-

Target 4 sets of squats with 25 in each set

– Squats (Mix it up with sumo squats)

– Lunges (Forward, backward and lateral lunges)

– Planks

Flexibility

Flexibility determines the amount of movement your bones can make in any direction around joints such as shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. 

It is an aspect that will help you trek comfortably. Carrying a backpack, however light, can become a strain. Stretching your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors and lower back muscles regularly, promotes relaxation in the tissues reducing the strain on your back.

If you can’t go out and jog because of time and space constraints, here’s a video you can use to work out indoors.

➤ What To Pack For The Trek

When attempting it as a standalone trek in Summer & Winter-

• Basic First Aid kit*
• Identity Card
• Trail/ region map
• Cap/ Scarf/ Bandana & Sunglasses
• Water (Minimum two litres)
• Lemon and salt OR Electrolyte Powder/Drink (Electral/Gatorade/Glucon D, etc.)
• High-calorie snacks (Nuts & dry fruits, home-baked cake, etc.)
• Insect repellent (Odomos, etc.)
• Spare newspaper
• Multi-Tool/ Swiss Army Knife
• Torch/ Headlamp with spare batteries.
• Powerbank
• Safety Pins, Rubber bands & Whistle (Useful in emergencies.)
• Optional: Rope, Camera.

During Monsoon–

• Quick Dry T-shirts are preferable over cotton tees.
• Poncho
• Additional set of clothes, socks, etc.
• Plastic sheet to wrap electronic devices.

If you are attempting Peb fort as part of a longer multi-day trek (Nakhind-Peb-Matheran), you should carry-

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Rehydration pouch/ bladder
• Tent & Sleeping Bag/ Mat
• Trekking pole
• A spare set of clothes & footwear (Floaters, sandals, etc.)
• Water filter/ Thin cotton cloth & water purification tablet.
• Utensils
• Antiperspirant powder (Candid, etc.)
• Magnesium Flint/ Match boxes
• Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush & Toothpaste/Mouthwash.

*First aid kit:

• Scissor
• Band aids (Regular & Waterproof)
• Analgesic spray (Relispray, Volini, etc.)
• Antiseptic Liquid (Savlon, Dettol etc.)
• Antiseptic powder (Povidone-Iodine based powders like Cipladine, Savlon, etc.)
• Cotton roll & Bandage
• Crepe Bandage
• 1 inch wide medical tape (paper or cloth.)
• Micropore tape
• Tablets for motion sickness (Avomine) and acidity (Gelusil, Digene, etc.).
• Mild pain relief tablet (Crocin)

Note: Always consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

➤ Other Useful Information

Mobile network

You’ll get mobile networks from almost all major operators, like Airtel, Vodafone, & Jio, throughout the trek.

Nearest ATM

Matheran and Neral are the nearest towns where you’ll find operational ATMs.

So ensure you carry enough cash with you before starting the trek. 

➤ Nearby Places To Visit

Matheran

Chanderi fort

Nakhind fort

Garbett waterfall

➤ Trek Contribution

Trek documented by Abhishek Kakade, Darshana Pathak, Manish Naik, Mansi Naik, Tejas Nadekar & Saurabh Sawant.

Banner image photo credit: Dhaval