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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.  

Our Adventure Therapy Trek is led by a trained therapist, who will guide you through reflective and therapeutic exercises during the trek. To accommodate this expertise, the fee is ₹5,000 higher than our regular trek fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 18 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.

Please note, this is an open Collaborative Leadership Programme with a focus on networking and building Collaborative Leadership skills for young professionals and university students. The trek fee is 5000 more than the regular fee. Learn more about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/blog/open-collaborative-leadership-program

The Indiahikes Summer Camp aligns with the Adventurous Journey of the IAYP programme. Our treks provide a challenging outdoor experience where participants plan, train, and trek in an unfamiliar environment. They develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience while navigating trails, camping, and engaging with nature—fulfilling all the requirements of the IAYP Adventurous Journey.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:

The chances of getting a confirmed slot totally depend on the cancellations we receive from confirmed trekkers. The cancellations cannot be predicted hence are uncertain.

We close the movement of the waitlist 7-15 days before the trek starts.

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.

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. 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. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine 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 believe everyone must trek.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

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

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.

We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.

We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.

We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.  

Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.

We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with challenges such as heavy rain, roadblocks, floods, landslides, and permit restrictions imposed by the government. These situations are not within Indiahikes' control. 

Before you register, please be prepared for the possibility that your trek might be called off due to these uncontrollable factors. In such cases, Indiahikes will make every effort to offer you a safe alternative trek. If that isn't possible, we will cancel your trek and issue a voucher for the trek fee in line with our standard cancellation policy.

However, if you would like to receive a full refund of your fee under such circumstances, opt for the Indiahikes Shield while registering. This shield grants you the option to receive a refund in case your trek is cancelled due to external reasons. 

Why you should opt for Indiahikes Shield 

Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.

Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared.  As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.  

We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.

Why you must opt for Indiahikes Shield on Kashmir Treks

When you offload, a mule or porter will carry your belongings.

Offloading is for those with injuries, health issues or other limitations

Book via Your Profile after trek registration. 

We will provide you with a weather-resistant kit bag to transfer your belongings.

The kitbag will be carried by mules or porters.

You will not need a backpack if you're offloading. However, you will need a small day pack.

Find details about the Indiahikes Offloading Process here.

At Indiahikes, we strongly believe that children must trek. Children aged 14 and below qualify for a 30% trek fee scholarship. Check out this article to learn more.


For every ten adult members (aged 15 and above) of the group, we waive off the trek fee for one person. Indiahikes will reimburse the said trek fee after you complete your trek.


Kamalgad is a classic fort trek in the Sahyadris. It takes you to the ruins of an ancient fort hidden amidst the dense scrub forests of Maharashtra’s Satara district. The fort's mysterious rectangular shape stands on a hilltop, overlooking the Nandgane village. Thick vegetation covers the fort from the base up to its flat roof. 

The main surprise comes once you reach the summit. You climb stone steps through a forest and then climb a metal ladder leading to the fort’s terrace. On the terrace, you are greeted by an incredible aerial view of the Dhoom reservoir on the Krishna River. This huge expanse of calm, blue water takes you by surprise. Legendary highlands of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, and Koleshwar stand all around it. 

The variety on this trek is incredible. You trek through dense forests, narrow alleyways and eventually arrive at the summit. You even meet a solitary Dhangar family in a secluded clearing amidst the forest.

Add to this the mysterious aura surrounding this fort. Nobody knows for sure who built Kamalgad or when it was built. After being used by the Marathas for some time, it was taken over by the British in 1818.

On the rocky top of the fort, there is a deep shaft. Some believe it was a quarry for red geru stone back in the day. Other theories link this shaft to a deep well. Criminals were said to have been placed in recesses on its steep walls. The prisoners, then, had to choose between starvation and throwing themselves down into the water. This story gives Kamalgad its other name – “Kattalgad”, the fort of death. 


Can beginners attempt this trek? The trek to Kamalgad from Nandgane village is around 5.5 km one-way. The round trip from Nandgane to Nandgane can be comfortably completed in 4-5 hrs. Once you climb to the plateau behind Nandgane, the approach to the fort is also quite gradual. This route has no tricky or majorly difficult sections. So, beginners, and even children, can safely attempt this trek.

Total Trek Distance (one-way Nandgane Village to Kamalgad): 5.5 Km
Highest Point: 4,500 ft at Kamalgad

What to Watch out for

From the summit, you see the most striking geographical features of Maharashtra. The entire spread from the Mahabaleshwar plateau to the legendary Krishna river and the backwaters of Dhoom Dam is right in front of you. But, what is more striking is how you walk through forests and climb through narrow alleyways to suddenly arrive at this vista. The views take you by surprise and stay with you for long.

The view of Dhoom Dam's backwaters, surrounded by the legendary highlands of Mahabaleshwar. Photograph by Varsha More.

The entire trek is interspersed with dense scrub forests. You don't really understand how dense these jungles of jambul and pisa trees grow until you try walking off the marked trails. If you try doing that, the jungles just engulf you and it's extremely easy to get lost. If you get lucky, you also get to see blooming karvi flowers in these forests.

But when you are not navigating forest sections, you walk on beautiful open meadows. These lush green landscapes are lifelines for local villagers. Their livestock rely heavily on the meadows for grazing.

These meadows and forests also have small, natural water holes. You will find buffaloes resting in these puddles. Local villagers have deep cultural ties with some of these water-holes, that provide water and shelter for their livestock.

Locals grazing their cattle on the meadows along the trail to Kamalgad. You can see the dense forests at the edges of the meadow. Photograph by Varsha More.

3. The History of the Fort and Cultural Elements on the Trail

The aura of mystery surrounding the fort is a highlight in itself. Its origins remain a mystery. Initially used by the Marathas, it fell to the British in 1818.

On the roof, you see a deep rocky shaft, called the kavechi veer. Some historians believe it to be a quarry for geru stone, valued for its medicinal mud. Mythology ties it to a darker tale of prisoners being confined in its steep recesses, forced to choose between starvation or leaping to their deaths below. Another legend speaks of a hidden tunnel linking Kamalgad to Raireshwar Fort. Infiltrators attempting to use it were reportedly crushed by heavy stones rolled down the narrow passage. Such grim tales earned Kamalgad its other name, Kattalgad – the Fort of Death.

In a forest clearing, you find a solitary Dhangar family. Dhangars are one of the region’s earliest inhabitants and a prominent ethnic group in Satara. While they practice settled farming, their identity is deeply tied to livestock. Take a moment to explore their unique culture and way of life.

On the trek, you even cross the ancient Gorakshyanath shrine, which finds mention in colonial-era Gazettes, dating back to the 1800s.

The forest opens into a sudden clearing, that houses a Dhangar family. Talk to them about their age-old ways of producing fine-quality ghee.
You also get to have fresh chaas or buttermilk here. Photograph by Varsha More.

The drive from Wai to the basecamp is a scenic journey along the backwaters of Dhoom Dam. The calm blue waters, framed by lush green hills, make it a soothing experience. Once at the basecamp, you can dive into fun with activities like boating on the reservoir.

The entire drive to the basecamp meanders along the beautiful, calm waters of Dhoom Reservoir. Photograph by Varsha More.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:  Reach the Indiahikes Campus by 11 am on your own

Have lunch with the Indiahikes team. The campus is set right on the banks of the reservoir formed on Krishna river by the Dhom-Balkawadi dam. Go on a familiarisation walk around the area. Spend the evening sharing stories. Have dinner and retire for the night.

Day 2: Start early for the trek. Come back to the campus and leave.

Post-breakfast, an Indiahikes vehicle shall drive you to Nandgane village. Trek to Kamalgad from Nandgane. Have a packed lunch on the way. 
Return to the campus by 4 pm, wind up and leave by 5 pm.

Detailed Trail Information


The trek begins at Nandgane village. Beyond Nandgane, the trek can be divided into four distinct sections :

Nandgane Village to the Start of Ridgewalk

Gorakshyanath Temple to Dhangar Settlement

The Final Ascent to Kamalgad Fort Terrace

Trail map of Kamalgad Trek. The screenshot is from Google Earth.

Section I: Nandgane Village to Start of Ridge Walk

Trek distance: 2.8 km
Trek duration: 60-75 mins


The trek to Kamalgad begins with a gradual ascent through the houses and farms of the Nandgane village. Just about 600 m into the climb, you arrive at the base of a spur.

Walk up the narrow red-soil trail that ascends along this spur. Short green grass covers the slopes on either side of this trail. These meadows are lush and green during monsoon. You may come across villagers grazing their cattle here.

As you go higher, you get glimpses of the Dhoom reservoir. These are the backwaters of Dhoom Dam, built on the Krishna River. 

Around the 1.8 km mark, you arrive at a viewpoint. One entire half of the reservoir is now visible below you. If you look up, you can see the flat-topped Kamalgad looming in the distance. Stop here for a little breather. 

The trail continues to climb consistently till the 2 km mark. After that, you enter a short forest patch and the gradient of ascent also eases up a bit. 

After walking about 800 m through these scrub forests, you arrive at an opening. This is the starting point of the ridge that leads to Gorakshyanath Temple.

Everyday scenes around the base for Kamalgad Trek. Photograph by Varsha More.

The trail through the meadows leading up to the ridge. Photograph by Varsha More.

Section II: Ridgewalk up to Gorakshyanath Temple

Trek distance: 1 km
Trek duration: 45 mins


The trail on the ridge ascends gradually through a dense forest section of jambul, pisa trees and bushy vegetation. The trail is muddy and can get slippery after rains.

You arrive at a junction 300 m into the ridge walk. Here, a trail from Vasole village merges with the trail from Nandgane. Continue along the trail that you are on. Ahead of the junction, forests open up for a bit.

But in another 200 m, forests resume. After trekking for about 300 m on a mud trail through this forest patch, you arrive at a pebbly section. The trail also begins to climb steeply at this point. Navigate this section carefully till you reach a clearing again. This is where the Gorakshyanath Temple is situated. 

Although you see a renovated structure now, its origins are ancient. This Gorakshyanath shrine finds mention in colonial-era Gazettes, dating back to the 1800s.

This temple also marks the end of the ridge. A forested plateau begins beyond it.

The forest trail leading to Gorakshyanath Temple. Photograph by Varsha More.

Although you see a renovated structure now, this Gorakshyanath shrine finds mention in colonial-era Gazettes, dating back to the 1800s. Photograph by Varsha More.

Section III: Gorakshyanath Temple to Dhangar Settlement

Trek distance: 1 km
Trek duration: 30 mins

Walk past the Gorakshyanath temple into a densely forested section. Always keep to the mud trail that you are in. You can easily lose your way if you wander off the trails. In this forest, you come across small, natural water holes. These are a lifeline for locals and their cattle alike.


Proceed along the marked route and climb gradually onto a plateau. Once you reach the plateau, the gradient eases into a flat walk.

At the 700 m mark from the Gorakshyanath Temple, this forest suddenly opens up into a clearing. You see thatched mud huts, farmlands and grazing cattle. This is home to a Dhangar family.

Dhangars are among the earliest inhabitants of the region. They are one of the most prominent ethnic groups in the entire Satara district. While they do practise settled agriculture, livestock has traditionally been the Dhangars' identity.

Take some time to explore this settlement. Learn about the Dhangar ways of living and cattle-rearing. Talk to them about their age-old ways of producing fine-quality ghee. You can also have some fresh chaas or buttermilk here.

The forest suddenly opens up into a clearing, where you see thatched mud huts, farmlands and grazing cattle. This is home to a Dhangar family. Photograph by Varsha More.

Dhangars are among the earliest inhabitants of the region. Photograph by Varsha More.

Section IV: The Final Ascent to Kamalgad Fort Terrace

Trek distance: 0.8 km
Trek duration: 30 mins

Beyond the Dhangar huts, you enter the dense scrubs again. Keep walking along the muddy trail through the forest.

In 10-15 mins you arrive at a staircase, cut into stone. This is the base of the fort. Climb up these stairs until you reach an iron ladder. This ladder takes you to the roof of the fort.

Incredible views open up on the roof. The Krishna River, the Dhoom reservoir, and the legendary highlands of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and Koleshwar are all there right in front of you.

While walking on this roof, you will also find a deep shaft with a stony staircase leading to the bottom. This well is locally called the kavechi veer.

Some historians believe this to have been an old quarry for geru stone. The mud from the geru stone, that settled at the base of this shaft, was also utilised by locals for its medicinal qualities.

Other theories link this well to a more sinister story. Criminals were said to have been placed in recesses on its steep walls. The prisoners, then, had to choose between starvation and throwing themselves down into the water. This story gives Kamalgad its other name – “Kattalgad”, the fort of death.

Stone steps through the forest leading up to the roof of Kamalgad Fort. Photograph by Varsha More.

Best Time to do the Kamalgad Trek


Kamalgad remains accessible throughout the monsoon months (July-September), autumn (October-November) and even during winter (December-January). From February onwards, it gets too sunny. So, the ideal time for planning a trek to Kamalgad would be between June and January.

However, the trek changes noticeably between monsoon and winter.

In monsoon,  the meadows and the forest are lush. Between August and October, you may even find purple karvi flowers blooming along the trail. Planning the trek in the late monsoon can help you avoid direct rain without missing out on the monsoon experience. 

You can also do this trek in winter. It is an entirely different but equally grand experience. The air is crisp and the views are clear. The clear blue skies of winter, set against the yellow shades of grass, have a unique charm.

Since you walk under the open sky for an extensive period, trekking in summer is not recommended.

How to reach Kamalgad Trek


The Kamalgad Trek starts from Nandgane. It is well-connected by roadways. You can drive all the way up to Nandgane, which is about 125 km from Pune and 260 km from Mumbai. The drive from Mumbai takes 6-7 hrs, while Nandgane is a 3-4 hrs drive from Pune.
Satara, 93 km away, is the closest airport. But flight connectivity to Satara is patchy.

Use the map below to reach Nandgane or the Indiahikes Base from Mumbai, Pune or Satara. Zoom in to see the trekking trail (marked in yellow) to Kamalgad from Nandgane.


How can I reach the base for Kamalgad by Public Transport ?



Reaching Nandgane

Whether you are travelling from Satara, Pune or Mumbai, the best access to Nandgane is via Wai. 

Details of buses plying from Mumbai Central to Wai are available on the MSRTC Website. 

From Pune, the there are many private buses that ply daily to Wai.

From Satara to Wai, there is only one early morning bus that you can book online. There might be other State Transport options available from Satara but you would need to explore their timetable locally.

Ahead of Wai, you will find local buses and shared jeeps for Nandgane. While buses are cheaper, the jeeps are faster.



Reaching Indiahikes Base

The Indiahikes Base for the Kamalgad trek is about 6 km from Nandgane. Golewadi is the nearest bus stop. The best access to Golewadi is also via Wai. From Wai, Golewadi is about an hour’s drive.

The State Transport Buses are part and parcel of rural Maharashtra. Photograph by Varsha More.

How can I reach the base for Kamalgad by Personal Vehicle ?

Reaching Nandgane
Nandgane is well-connected by tarred roads. You can drive to the village. 
Click here to locate Nandgane on the Google Map.



Reaching Indiahikes Base
The Indiahikes Base is well-connected by tarred roads. You can drive directly to the base.
Click here to locate the Indiahikes Base on the Google Map.

➤ Frequently Asked Questions about Kamalgad Trek

1. Is there any permission required to do the Kamalgad Trek?

Kamalgad Trek does not come under any protected area. So you do not need any permit to do this trek.


The trek to Kamalgad from Nandgane village is around 5.5 km one-way. The round trip from Nandgane to Nandgane can be comfortably completed in 4-5 hrs. Once you climb to the plateau behind Nandgane, the approach to the fort is also quite gradual. This route has no tricky or majorly difficult sections. So, beginners, and even children, can safely attempt this trek.


There is no suitable space to camp at the fort. However, you can stay at the Dhangar settlement that you cross just before the final ascent to the fort. Basic homestay facility is available. 


Maps, pictures, GPX File, trail and route information - the only guide you'll ever need to plan a trek to Kamalgad !

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