- Level
- Moderate
- Trek time
- 1.5–2 hours up from Ghatghar
- From Pune
- About 125 km, 3–3.5 hours by road
- Starts at
- Ghatghar, near Naneghat
- Best months
- August to February
Jivdhan watched over Naneghat, a trade route from the Konkan used for two thousand years. The climb from Ghatghar has a few rock patches that need care, and the top looks straight across to the Vanarlingi pinnacle. Combine it with the Naneghat caves and inscriptions for a full day.
Our trips to Jivdhan Fort
We have been twice, most recently in Aug 2024. Photos from the day:
2 visits · 4 photosHow to reach Jivdhan Fort from Pune
By car or bike: Drive the Pune–Nashik highway to Narayangaon, turn off to Junnar and continue via Apti to Ghatghar.
By bus or train: ST buses run from Pune to Junnar. A few buses a day go on from Junnar to Ghatghar; check the last one back.
The trail
From Ghatghar the path crosses a plateau and enters forest before reaching the rock face. Several short rock patches lead to the Junnar Darwaja; our community used a rope on these patches, and we recommend one.
The Kalyan Darwaja route from the Naneghat side has steep rock-cut steps and is harder. Do not descend it without someone who knows the way.
On top, see the huge grain store (dhanya kothar) and the view of Vanarlingi.
What you will see
- Vanarlingi, a 100-metre pinnacle opposite the fort
- A huge rock-cut grain store
- Naneghat pass, caves and 2,000-year-old Satavahana inscriptions nearby
Food and water
Meals are available in Ghatghar on weekends. There is nothing on top; carry 2 litres each.
Is it right for me?
After a few treks. There are short rock patches where you use your hands.
Best time to go: September to February. The rock patches are slippery and risky in heavy rain.
Good to know
- Carry a 10–15 m rope or go with a group that does, especially in the monsoon.
- Watch for beehives on the forest section and move quietly past them.
- The trail is easy to lose in the forest; follow a known route or take a local guide.
- Naneghat’s inscriptions are protected heritage; do not touch, chalk or scratch them.
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: Jivdhan. Times are for a steady group; conditions change, so check on the day. Something wrong? Tell us.