Tikona Fort Trek Difficulty Level is an important factor for trekking on this fort. This has to be a part of your planning . The Trek requires you to walk over steep slopes, mud, narrow pathways and a few rocks.
In the medieval period, this fort was used to protect this region of Pawna Mawal. It was a part of a series of forts. The main forts which were a part of this series were Tung, Visapur, Lohagad and Tikona.
The Tikona fort is built over the Sahydri Mountains. The Sahydris are older than the Himalayas and mostly solid rock. Tikona as the name suggests resembles a triangular mountain. It is a unique structure like a pyramid.
The Tikona Fort Trek Difficulty Level
Like everyone, we were told that the Tikona Fort was fairly easy to climb. So we did a small google review ‘research’ and moved towards this beautiful fort Tikona.
Soon we realised that every trekker has a different level of fitness. I will be able to walk an hour without a break whereas an expert trekker can climb a fort faster. This is why difficulty level is a subjective term for everyone.
Tikona Fort has few high slopes where you need to climb some rocks, otherwise the slopes are gradual. The route goes around the fort and not from only one side of the fort. Due to this you will face the sun in half of the trek and in the other half you will walk in the shadow.
Hence the fort is comfortable compared to other forts where you walk completely in the sun.
While planning you can plan to start the trek in the morning at around 8 am to come back to the parking by max 12 noon. The 2nd option is to start at 2 – 3 pm and come back by 6 pm.
There are ample break points and places where you can sit and relax. These points are located in the shade so it becomes easy for the occasional trekker.
The Tikona Fort in most of the route will have the mountain on one side whereas a valley on the other side. You will have to walk along a narrow path in between. One needs to take care here especially if you have kids along with you.
The challenge here lies in reaching to the top. As you near the summit, you will have to climb huge rock steps. This can be exhausting. Luckily if you are climbing in the evening, this will be in the shade.
Hence, Tikona Fort difficulty level is Moderate for the elderly, families and kids. For the experts and even amateurs in Trekking, the difficulty level will be easy.
I would advise anyone with knee problems not to climb this fort.
Irrespective of this Tikona Fort Trek difficulty level, you will need to make preparations for the trek.
Preparations for the Tikona Fort Trek
Assuming you will be doing a day trek as a night trek here is not allowed you need to make some basic preparations. Following are the things you need to prepare for before the trek
- A bottle of water per person
- A Cap
- Napkins
- Goggles for walking in the sun
- Normal trekking shoes for any other season than monsoon
- A Light Snack
- Stick for Beginners to climb
- Bag for carrying your waste back
How to Reach Tikona Fort
The nearest city to this fort is Pune so one needs to reach the outskirts of Pune the Mulshi Side. From here then you can make your way to the nearest village to the base of the fort. This drive from the outskirts of Pune to the fort base is beautiful.
The nearest village to the base of Tikona fort is Tikona Peth. You need to reach here by either bus or by your own vehicle. From the main road at Tikona Peth Village, you need to divert towards the Tikona fort road to the parking area.
Before You Begin Your Climb
The parking area at the base is a few kilometres away. Park your vehicle here. There are few places to park your vehicles.
I would suggest you pay the locals for parking so that they earn their living from that and your vehicle is safe.
We parked our vehicle with this elderly couple (in the pic below) who sell lemon juice here. You can even refresh yourself with some lemon juice here.
The Climb Begins
There are some stalls on the way. These stall owners will offer raw mango, lemon juice and packaged water along the climb.
At a point you cross over to the other side of the mountain. We faced the sun here. Little care needs to be taken here as the path narrows, as I mentioned earlier. Due to this, the trek on Tikona Fort even with this difficulty level is an exciting experience.
We then reached the Fort Entrance. The entrance has a small wooden door. We saw some monkeys here.
After this entrance, there are stone steps to walk on. We saw a Hanuman statue carved in the mountain.
Also, we saw this medieval instrument which looked like a flour mill but we soon realized it wasn’t. It is a manual mill to make a binder made out of limestone. This mixture was used to bind rocks and stone.
Here there are some sitting benches nearby. You can rest here for a while as you will be coming across some steep ascent ahead.
Here there are some sitting benches nearby. You can rest here for a while as you will be coming across some steep ascent ahead.
Nearing the Top
After this rest, you will have to climb some steep slope which will test your knees. This angle of slope is around 70 degrees. The angle is such that you will climb it with your hands touching the steps ahead of you. If you are tired, you can sit a while on the steps.
A little ahead is the fort’s 2nd entrance. After a little climb you will reach the base of the fort.
From here you will see the entire plains and mountains on one side of the fort.
Do not stop here as this is just the entrance of the fort. Climb further to reach the plateau on the fort top.
On the Top
Here you will be on a flat top from where you will see on all 3 three sides of the fort. As you go ahead you will see a small pond of water. There is a small temple here.
Also there are some caves here which are believed to be of Satavahana period and origin.
Also, on one side there are artificial water reservoirs made.
On one side you see the Tung Fort and Visapur Fort at a distance. On the edges you can sit and take some snaps. One one side, it is as dangerous as you can. There is no railing here or stone barrier.
The views from the top are gorgeous and make your troubles of the climb go away.
The Tikona Fort top has unique views of the Pawna Lake.
This is a small portion of the fort even above this and the view from here is no different but slightly higher.
We even met a guide dressed up as a ‘Mavla’ (soldier of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). He told us about the brief history of the fort.
Climbing Down
Bear in mind that you need to reach the parking area prior to sunset. So consider half of the time required to climb up as the time to climb down. Do not take any other way down as you already know the way by now.
Timings
Tikona Fort Trek is open on all days since early morning and preferably you need to come back before 6 30 pm. After this hardly anyone is there on the top.
If you are interested in night stay, the local villagers can make night stay arrangements at the fort.
Possible Dangers
We didn’t see any wild animals except monkeys. This does not mean there are not any. During the day, there is no danger but this may change as night falls.
Try to avoid walking in groups on this fort. As mentioned earlier this fort has narrow pathways to walk on. These narrow pathways have deep valleys on their sides.
The narrow pathways will be a hindrance if you keep walking in groups. Also, in line there are chances that there can be pushing. Please maintain distance while walking these narrow pathways.
Monsoon trekking is different from Winters and Summers. As the pathways are small you will need to be very careful.
Apart from the list above, you will need
- better grip shoes,
- raincoat (Umbrella is not advised),
- Waterproof Bag
- Extra Clothes,
Other Attractions Nearby
- Pawna Lake Camping
- Tamhini Ghat and Mulshi
- Tung Fort and Visapur Fort
Our Opinion of Tikona Fort Trek
For the regular trekker the fort is an easy climb. You can reach fast to the top and even faster to the base.
Tikona Fort is a Moderate fort to climb for kids and families. You will love to climb and reach the top. It will give a sense of achievement for the entire family.
For the occasional trekker, I advise a little practice prior to a week of climbing the fort.
Go Ahead. Climb and create your own Road Story.
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