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Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Trek

Auden's Col

Kheerganga Buni Buni Pass

Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Please note that this is a special trek. The trek fee is Rs 5000 more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 14 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:
1. Your chances of getting a confirmation are high, but not certain. 
2. You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.
3. We close the movement of WL 15-20 days before the start of the trek.

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are pioneers of treks in India

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow. 

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

We are looking to enrich this  documentation with more photos. Pictures go a long way in explaining the trail, more than words ever can. If you  have done this trek, can you share your photos with us? We will  include them on this page, with due credit to you. Click here to contribute.

Can You Help Us With Photographs Of This Trek?

The Complete Guide to Ratnagiri Fort Trek

Ratnagiri Fort trek is one of the lesser known treks right across the Karnataka-Andhra border. It is located in a small village called Ratnagiri just 25 km away from Madhugiri town of Tumakuru district. This lesser known trek is a perfect place for those seeking solitude and an offbeat adventure.

The fort expands to multiple surrounding hillocks. But the main fort structure can be found on the twin hillocks. Though many of these structures are ruined, some are still intact.

If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll find this place even more interesting. The fort stands as a testimony to the time when Cholas and Nayaks ruled the place. The ponds, temple, fort walls, watchtowers, armories and ruins - every structure here tells stories of the glorious past.

For a short 2 km trek, the experience and the views it offers are very rewarding. It is a mixture of adventure, exploration, and a test of endurance.

The trek can be done by fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike. However, at one section, a 70-degree incline poses a challenge and you need to be extra careful.

Just like you, we love trekking! And this is a trek we've documented in great detail to help you do it on your own. Drop in comments if you need any help.


Best Season To Do the Ratnagiri Fort Trek

Difficult Sections on the Ratnagiri Fort Trek

Frequently asked questions about Ratnagiri Fort Trek

Places to Visit after Ratnagiri Fort Trek

1. View of the Anantapur forest range from the top

View from the peak of Ratnagiri. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Standing at a height of 3,085 ft, the view from the peak is stunning to witness. The lush greenery of the Anantapur forest amidst the rocky hills adds for a nice contrast. On top of it, the sight of a small lake surrounded by these mighty hills is surreal. The aerial view of Ratnagiri village gives you a glimpse of the peaceful life of the villagers. This is exactly the kind of escape you need from the daily hustle.

2. The ruins and structures that tell stories of the past

Ruins at the Summit. Many such structures can be seen along the trail. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

As you pass through the village, a huge arch at the entrance awaits you. It acts as a gateway to an empire you’re about to explore. As you go further towards the peak, you witness the ancient Bhagwan Prashwanath temple, many ponds, ruins of the Ratnagiri Fort and Shiva temple. The trail and the structures here remind you of the boulders and ruins of Hampi.

3. An adventurous 70-degree steep climb to the summit

Steep climb to the summit. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

The narrow, rock carved stairs leading to the summit is almost 70 degrees steep. This is the kind of adventure you wouldn’t usually come across on similar short hikes. As you climb these stairs, you’ll witness an aerial view of all the surrounding hills gradually unfolding right behind you.

Route map of the Ratnagiri Fort Trek. Screenshot on Google Earth Pro

Ratnagiri Fort Trek can be divided into five sections

1. Ratnagiri village to Ancient Bhagwan Prashwanath Temple Pond (Village trail)
2. Ancient Bhagwan Prashwanath Temple Pond to Gateway Two (Courtyard trail)
3. Gateway Two to Gateway Three (Stage I climb)
4. Gateway Three to Stairway (Stage II climb)
5. Stairway to Summit

Section I: Ratnagiri village to Ancient Bhagwan Prashwanath Temple Pond

Trek Distance: 557 m
Trek Duration: 20 minutes

From Ratnagiri village, there is a way for vehicles to go till the Prashwanath Temple via the main entrance gate. But as this road is very narrow, it is best to park your vehicle here and walk.

Start point of the trek. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

As you walk along the road, talk to the villagers and engage in casual conversations. They are pretty welcoming. This gives an exposure to their culture and lifestyle. This also enhances your experience. You would miss this opportunity if you choose to drive till the temple. 

While navigating through the village trail, do not forget to spot this ancient well on your right.

Ancient well located on the village trail. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Just about 100 meters into this road, you find the main entrance gateway. Walk past this for another 230 meters and take the road that goes to your left.

A huge gateway welcomes you to the Ratnagiri hills. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Continue walking straight for another 170 meters and you’ll find the Ancient Bhagwan Prashwanath Temple to your left. It is a very old temple but has an interesting architecture. Spend some time here before proceeding further.

Ancient Parshwanath Bhagwan Temple at the end of the Village trail. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Right next to the temple, you’ll find a temple pond. Here you’ll find one road to your left and another one going straight. Take the straight road.

Section II: Ancient Bhagwan Prashwanath Temple Pond to Gateway two

Trek Distance: 519 m
Trek Duration: 30 minutes

As soon as you start walking on the courtyard trail, notice a small stone pond to your left. These fascinating structures make the walk in the village and courtyard interesting. 

Stone pond ruins found next to the Prashwanath Temple.. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

As you walk in the courtyard, don’t forget to look around and soak in the beautiful hill views this trail offers.

Views from the courtyard trail. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Continue to walk for another 200 meters and you’ll encounter a deviation on the left. This is an alternate entry to the fort. Do not take this route. This route doesn’t have a defined trail and it’s not possible to trek from here. However, if you have some time, go till the base and explore the ruins of temples and other structures that you find here.

Temple ruins and other structures found on the way to alternate fort entry. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Come back and take the road that goes straight. Walk for another 75 meters and take the trail that goes left. This is a very narrow trail that leads to the Gateway Two. From here the Stage I climb begins.

Gateway Two that takes you into Ratnagiri Fort. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Section III: Gateway Two to Gateway Three (Stage I Climb)

Trek Distance: 198 m
Trek Duration: 15 minutes

This is a very short trail. But it is a bit steeper compared to the previous sections. Near the end of this section, you’ll encounter a check dam to your right. It was usual practice to build check dams during fortification. This was to make sure that they have enough water sources to sustain inside the fort throughout the year. 

Check dam built to prevent water scarcity. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Right after this, there is Gateway Three. This is the entry to Stage II Climb.

Section IV: Gateway Three to Stairway (Stage II climb)

Trek Distance: 375 m
Trek Duration: 20 minutes

From Gateway Three, hike through the rocky terrain for another 160 meters. This is an entrance to the smaller of the two hillocks.

Follow the same terrain for another 200 meters to reach the top of a smaller hill. There is a watchtower here. It offers a good view of the village and courtyard trail that you’ve navigated through.

Watch tower on the smaller hillock. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Section V: Stairway to the Summit (Stage III Climb)

Trek Distance: 258 m
Trek Duration: 20 minutes

From this hill, there are rock carved steep narrow stairs that take you to the summit. These stairs are almost 70 degrees steep. Be extra careful while navigating through this section. 

Stairway to the summit. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Spend an hour or two at the peak depending on the time you have. Have your breakfast/lunch here. 

There is a watchtower here as well. It’s not just the good views that you get here. The hilltop is quite vast and the fort is spread all over. You get to see the ruins of armories, stone ponds and a lot of other structures. Do not forget to notice how the fort walls extend along the hills in many layers. This gives a glimpse of its glorious past.

An areal view of the watchtower at the summit. Picture by Manjunath Krishnamurthy

Descend through the same route. It’ll take about an hour to descend. Be cautious while descending through steep sections.

Best Season to do the Ratnagiri Fort Trek 

There are no restrictions to do the Ratnagiri Fort Trek. However, the ideal seasons are post monsoon and pre summer, that is from October to February.

Post monsoon, you get to witness the lush greenery of Anantapur forest range. But there are possibilities that you might not get to witness clear views. 

Pre-summer, the views are much clearer. But during this time, make sure you start your trek as early as possible and reach the summit for breakfast. This is because as the sun rises, the rock gets too hot to climb on.

Difficult sections on the Ratnagiri Fort Trek

The Ratnagiri Fort Trek can be classified as easy. It is close to 2 km of climb one way. It takes around 2 hours to reach the peak and 1 hour to descend. 

The only difficult section you’ll encounter on the Ratnagiri Fort Trek is the steep stairs to the summit. Be extra cautious here.

Tip: Navigating through rocky terrain can be slippery. Make sure you wear proper trekking shoes.

Ratnagiri village is about 127 km from Bengaluru. It lies on the Karnataka-Andhra border and belongs to Andhra Pradesh.

If you plan to drive to Ratnagiri from Bengaluru, it’ll roughly take around 3 hours to reach the starting point. You can use this link to set up navigation on Google Maps. 

The complete guide to Ratnagiri Fort Trek. Find out all the details you need to do this one day trek in Andhra Pradesh

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