Introduction
Alang Madan Kulang trek is located in the Kalsubai range of the Sahyadris in Maharashtra. This is a very difficult trek in Maharashtra. The rocky terrain, caves, boulders and dense forests make this trek so difficult. From the top you can experience forts and beautiful plateaus, some peaks like Kalsubai, Vishramgad, Vikatgad, Ratangad, Ajobagad, Sandhan valley, Harishchandragad, Bhandardara, Dangya Pinnacle. This trek is not for solo trekkers. It will be better to do the trek in a group. The forest section of this trek will be thrilling. This trail is filled with rocks and many boulders which will make a little difficulty in your trek. The forest part is filled with a variety of flora and fauna. One can get a chance to see the wildlife here in this part. There are many base villages like- Ambewadi, Ghatghar, Kurungwadi. From these villages you can start your trek. Many trekkers believe that Ghatghar to Kurungwadi is the best route for this trek.
Best Time:
The ideal time for doing this trek is from the month of October to February. Basically before summer and after monsoon you can do this trek. In monsoon heavy rain hit this region this time it will be better to avoid this trek. In the post monsoon season the trail became slippery and tricky. All trekkers must check the weather condition to avoid heavy rain.
Day 1
Part 1
On the first day you need to trek from Ghatghar to Alangad. The total tek distance is about 6.5 to 7 kilometres. It takes 4.5 hours to complete. Here you can see a large field. From here you need to trek towards Alang Fort.Walk straight till the U shaped forts. Here you will find three forts in front of you. The beauty of these forts are amazing. Few minutes later you will come across a stream. After crossing the stream the trekking route begins gradually ascending into the forest section. It is highly recommended that you need to choose the right tracking shoes for you. Then a 2 kilometres walk will take you to the west side of Alang hill. The view will be great. From here you will spot a glimpse of the amazing Alang top. After walking some kilometres we will reach Alang fort. From the top one can spot the amazing plateaus. These plateaus are 2 to 2.5 kilometres long. North of the Alang fort there are caves.
Part 2
In this chapter you need to trek from Alangad to Mandangad. The total distance is 2.5 kilometres. It takes 4.5 hours to complete. Here the main descent begins. You need to descend till Madankhind. Before getting there one needs to go through some tricky parts. You need to climb ups and down to multiple vertical walls. In the northern side of Alang fort you need to cross the steep parts with the help of rope. After crossing this part, you need to cross another 40 feet and 25 feet long wall. These 2 sections take a long time to cover. Each trekker needs almost 15 to 16 minutes in these parts. So if you come with a large group then it will take time. Then a 700 metres walk will take you to Madankhind. On the right side you will experience Mandangad.
Then you start climbing towards Madan fort. First you need to cross a section with a fixed rope. From here trek through rocky paths. After this rocky action you need to climb a 45 feet vertical rock with the help of ropes. From here you need to trek towards another rocky path and you will reach Madan fort. From here you can get a view of Kulang fort. Here you can experience a cave which holds 50 people at a time.
Day 2
Part 3
On this day you need to start from Mandangad and you need to reach Kulanggad. You need to start your day with a 45 ft vertical rock. Then trek for a km covered with green bushes and rocky paths. After reaching the col of Madan and Kulang fort, walk straight about 800 metres. Then you need to cross a 150 metres of steep ascent. Then a few hours later you will be able to see the cave. If you carry your tent then it will be good. You can use the cave for rest. From the top a 360 degree view will blow your mind. On the east you can experience the entire trail which will be just wow. Here you can explore the fort then head down towards Kurundwadi- the end point of the trek.
Part 4
Start descent towards Kurundwadi This takes 4 hours to complete. The total distance is about 5 kilometres. First you need to cross the ridge section. After crossing this section you need to cross the forest section. A 2.5 hours walk will take you to a nearby small village. From here a 3 kilometres flat surface will take you to Kurundwadi-hear your trek ends.
