Lonavala to Bhimashankar Range Trek

Overview

Lonavala to Bhimashankar — the LoBhi trek — is one of the most famous range treks in the Sahyadris. Over two days you cover roughly 70 km on an ancient route that crosses deep rainforest, head-high Karvi bushes, remote tribal villages, hidden waterfalls, and plateaus of flowers with butterflies, ending at the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple in the heart of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The trek begins at Tungarli Dam near Lonavala and climbs through dense forest to the villages of Kundeswar and Valvand, crosses the vast Kusur plateau, and continues past Talpewadi and Padharwadi before the final forest climb to Bhimashankar. The Bhima river, which originates on the Bhimashankar hill, is the only water source for the abundant wildlife — including the endangered giant Indian squirrel (Shekru), Maharashtra's state animal. The final morning rewards you with the ancient Shiva temple and the sense of having earned every step.

This is a 2-day, 1-night trek with homestay or guesthouse stays in the tribal villages along the route. Meals are cooked by local families, giving you a genuine taste of village life deep in the sanctuary.

Best done in the monsoon and post-monsoon months (June to December) when the forest is green and the streams flow. A moderate fitness level and previous trekking experience are recommended.

Based in Sahyadri, this moderate 2-day trek is best attempted during June, July, August, September, October, November, December — when the trail and surroundings are at their most rewarding.

Pricing

Starting from ₹2,499 per person. Prices vary by departure city.

Departure City

Departure Dates

Day-wise Itinerary

Trip Highlights

• ✓70 km point-to-point range trek across the Sahyadris
• ✓Ends at the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 sacred Shiva temples
• ✓Remote tribal villages, rainforest and vast flower-covered plateaus
• ✓Chance to spot the endangered giant Indian squirrel (Shekru)
• ✓Homestay night with home-cooked village meals

Gallery

Inclusions & Exclusions

Things to Carry

FAQs