- Level
- Challenging
- Trek time
- Two full days for all three forts
- From Pune
- About 220 km, 5–6 hours by road
- Starts at
- Ambewadi, near Ghoti
- Best months
- October to February
- Our cost
- ₹2,101 per person
Alang, Madan and Kulang (AMK) are three forts in a row in the Kalsubai range. Together they are known as the hardest classic trek in the Sahyadris: rock climbs, rappels and long days. It needs a local guide with a rope team, and most groups take two days, sleeping in the rock-cut caves on Alang.
Our trips to Alang, Madan and Kulang
We have been once in Oct 2026. Photos from the day:
8 photosWhat it cost: ₹2,101 each for 16 people, with no markup. See the bill.
How to reach Alang, Madan and Kulang from Pune
By car or bike: Drive the Pune–Nashik highway to Sinnar and on to Ghoti, then towards Ambewadi on the Bhandardara road. Groups usually hire a tempo traveller.
By bus or train: Not practical. Go with a group that has arranged transport and a local rope team.
The trail
Our community did the usual order: Alang on day one with a night in its caves, then Madan, and Kulang on day two. From Ambewadi, the route climbs to the col between Alang and Madan. Alang has a long rock patch climbed with ropes and a rock-cut staircase; its top has caves big enough for a group and large water cisterns.
Madan’s final section is a short technical climb with a rope. Kulang is a long but non-technical climb with many steps.
What you will see
- Three forts and two nights in the Kalsubai range
- Rock-cut caves and cisterns on Alang
- Views of Kalsubai, Ratangad and Harishchandragad
Food and water
Water is available from cisterns on Alang; treat it before drinking. Carry 3 litres each for the climbs and arrange meals with the local team.
Is it right for me?
Only for experienced trekkers who have climbed rock patches with ropes before.
Best time to go: October to February. The rock patches are dangerous when wet; avoid the monsoon.
Good to know
- Hire a local guide and rope team; this is not optional.
- Carry a harness if the team asks you to.
- Pack light: a sleeping bag, a headlamp and 3 litres of water.
- Leave the caves cleaner than you found them; they are used by everyone after you.
New to trekking? Read your first trek and our safety basics.
Go with us, for free
Join the Pune Trekkers WhatsApp group to hear about the next trip. Everyone splits the real cost; nobody makes money.
Similar treks
Written by our volunteers from our own trips and Trekshitiz: Alang. Times are for a steady group; conditions change, so check on the day. Something wrong? Tell us.