2. Climb Down to Hattimaal Buruj
The climb down to Hattimaal Buruj from Budhla Machi is the toughest part of the trail. It is steep and the rock-cut steps are extremely slippery during monsoon. You might even need rope to navigate this section successfully.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Torna Fort is a level 2 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do Torna Fort Trek
The best to do this trek is between September to February. The flower beds are in full bloom in September and October and the views are clear in the period between November and February, making it ideal for trekkers.
The path is extremely slippery during peak monsoon and it is advisable to avoid trekking at this time. During the summer months the temperatures soar and it becomes difficult to trek with no tree cover.
How to Reach the Base
Velhe can be reached from Pune by your own vehicle or by public transport. It is at a distance of 65 kms from Pune.
If you are reaching by public transport, there are direct buses from Pune to Velhe. However, their frequency is low. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to Satara, Kolhapur or Bangalore and get down at Nasrapur. Nasrapur is 36 kms away from Pune. From here, you will get shared taxis or autos to Velhe.
If there is a group of you, you can book a cab from Pune and split the costs. This way you do not have to worry about bus timings for onward or return journeys.
There are a few stay options in Velhe or you can stay the night on top of the fort if you wish to. In that case ensure you carry adequate camping equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Torna Fort Trek
1. Is there network connectivity on this trek?
No. There is no connectivity even in Velhe. However, you may catch a few bars of Airtel and Jio at certain points on the trail. The signal is not stable.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
There are no food stalls available on the trail. There are a number of hotels and restaurants in Velhe which serve food. You can get food packed from here. There are no water sources as well so carry adequate water for the entire trail.
3. Do I need a permit for this trail?
No, you do not need any permit from the forest department for this trek.
4. Is this trek for beginners?
The trail has a number of steep and challenging sections which can be difficult for a beginner. The trail warrants good fitness and endurance to be able to enjoy it.
5. How long does the trek take?
The trek can be completed in a day or two depending on when you start your trek.
If you wish to do the trek in one day then ensure you start your trek before sunrise to make it to the top by 10 am. The top of the fort takes 4 hours to explore.
If you wish to do the trek over two days, you can start later in the day and spend the night on top of the fort. Carry camping equipment and camp at Mengai Devi Temple.
That’s all about the Torna Fort trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure in Sahyadris, please feel free to reach out to our team.
