Easy Treks Near Pune — 12 Beginner Friendly Trails
Just starting out with trekking? Pune's surroundings have some of India's best beginner trails — short enough to finish before lunch, scenic enough to leave you wanting more. Here are 12 easy treks near Pune, all perfect for first-timers and families.
What Makes a Trek "Easy"?
- Duration: Under 3 hours round trip
- Elevation gain: Under 400m
- Trail: Marked, wide path — no rock climbing or ropes
- Fitness: Basic walking fitness sufficient
- Distance from Pune: Under 100km
The 12 Best Easy Treks Near Pune
1. Sinhagad Fort — 30km | ★★★★★
The perfect first trek. A wide, well-worn path climbs through forest to one of Maharashtra's most historic forts. At the top: sweeping views of Pune, a Shiva temple, and the famous Sinhagad bhakri-dal-loncha.
- Trek time: 1.5 hours up, 1 hour down
- Start: Sinhagad base (ample parking)
- Tip: Dawn entry before crowds is magical
2. Lohagad Fort — 65km | ★★★★★
Wide stone-paved steps lead up to this beautifully preserved Maratha fort. The Vinchukata (scorpion tail) bastion juts dramatically into the valley below.
- Trek time: 1.5 hours up
- Start: Lohagad village or Malavli station
- Combo: Visit Visapur Fort the same day
3. Tikona Fort — 60km | ★★★★☆
Triangle-shaped hill with a narrowing summit. Steep in the last section but manageable. Great views of Pawna Lake below.
- Trek time: 2 hours up
- Start: Tikona Peth village
4. Korigad Fort — 70km | ★★★★☆
Easy, gradual ascent to a large fort plateau. Views of Lonavala lake and surrounding hills. Less crowded than Sinhagad.
- Trek time: 1.5 hours up
- Start: Peth Shahpur village
5. Rajmachi Fort — 85km | ★★★☆☆
Slightly longer but perfectly manageable. Two summit forts connected by a plateau. Very popular for overnight camping.
- Trek time: 2.5 hours up
- Start: Udhewadi village or Lonavala base
6. Bedse Caves — 65km | ★★★★☆
Short walk to ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves from the 1st century BCE. Historical, peaceful, and easy.
- Trek time: 30 minutes up
- Start: Bedse village near Kamshet
7. Purandar Fort — 45km | ★★★☆☆
Two forts on a single hill. Paved road to Purandar, then trekking section to Vajragad.
- Trek time: 1 hour to Vajragad from road end
8. Hadsar Fort — 90km | ★★★☆☆
Less visited, more peaceful than popular forts. Good views of the Sahyadri range.
9. Gorakhgad — 90km | ★★★☆☆
A small, cone-shaped hill with a cave at the base where you can sleep overnight. Very photogenic.
10. Dhak Bahiri Cave Trek — 90km | ★★★☆☆
A short but thrilling trail ending at a cave with a Bahiri deity. Very scenic valley views.
11. Chanderi Fort — 75km | ★★★☆☆
Near Matheran. Easy trail through the forest with good views.
12. Bhimashankar — 110km | ★★★☆☆
Forested trail to a Jyotirlinga temple. Moderate ascent but well-maintained path. Sacred site with dense shola forest.
Packing List for Your First Trek
- Sports shoes with good grip (no sandals or flip-flops)
- 2 litres of water minimum
- Dry snacks: nuts, energy bars, bananas
- Sunscreen and cap
- Light raincoat (monsoon season)
- Fully charged phone + offline maps downloaded
Join a Beginner Trekking Group
Weekend Wander has beginner-friendly trekking groups leaving from Pune every weekend. No experience needed — just sign up and show up. Browse trek destinations to find your first adventure.
