Kalsubai Trek
Maharashtra’s Highest Peak. Four Days of Growth, Grit, and Nature.
Altitude
5400 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
4 Days
Location
Maharashtra
Fee
On Enquiry
Overview
Kalsubai: A Journey to the Top — And Within
Kalsubai isn’t just the highest peak in Maharashtra. It’s a place where students push past limits, breathe with the landscape, and discover who they are becoming.
At 5,400 feet, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Western Ghats, this four-day outdoor education program is designed to combine challenge and serenity, reflection and movement, growth and connection. With its panoramic summit views, lakefront campsites, forest trails, and seasonal waterfalls, Kalsubai offers the perfect terrain to awaken a young person’s sense of self and place.
This isn’t a sightseeing trip. This is an experiential, educator-led journey where the highest point becomes more than geography — it becomes a personal milestone.
Guided by certified mountaineers and facilitators, students navigate not only trails and climbs, but also the mental landscape of teamwork, confidence, and awareness. From campfire nights by Arthur Lake to dawn hikes and waterfall exploration, every moment is intentionally built for learning and transformation.
Whether it’s your child’s first hike or their next big leap, this program takes them higher — in every sense of the word.
Schedule
Morning to Afternoon | Departure from Delhi & Arrival in Maharashtra
Students travel by flight from Delhi to either Nashik (Ozar Airport) or Mumbai, then proceed by road to the Bhandardara region — the gateway to the Kalsubai trail.
Afternoon | Welcome at Campsite, Lake Orientation
After checking in to the camp beside Arthur Lake, participants are given time to rest, settle in, and take in their surroundings. The lake’s gentle shores and forested backdrop set the tone for a grounded and connected experience.
Evening | Group Circle & Orientation
A gentle start with icebreakers, team-building games, and facilitator briefings. Expectations are set, roles are introduced, and the trail begins to reveal its lessons.
Early Morning | Trail Walk to Kalsubai Base
Participants stretch their legs with a light hike through the landscape around the base of Kalsubai — building familiarity with terrain and team before the main summit.
Late Morning | Return to Camp & Team Experiences
Back at the campsite by 11 am, students dive into outdoor games, nature activities, and facilitated group challenges designed to build cooperation, confidence, and awareness.
Evening | Campfire & Barbecue
A night of laughter, food, and firelight. Students gather to reflect on the day, connect with one another, and unwind under the stars.
Pre-Dawn | Trek to the Summit of Kalsubai
With headlamps on and excitement in the air, the group sets out early to ascend Maharashtra’s highest peak. Steel ladders and rocky paths make the journey thrilling, but achievable. At the summit, students take in sweeping views of Alang, Madan, Kulang, and Bhandardara Dam.
Late Morning | Descent & Return to Camp
After summit photos and rest, the group descends to camp for a warm breakfast and well-earned rest.
Afternoon | Waterfall Visit & Lakeside Drive
Students enjoy a drive along the lake to a safe, seasonal waterfall — a refreshing experience designed to celebrate both the journey and the environment.
Evening | Closing Circle & Packing
A reflective group session helps students capture what they’ve learned — about the trail, the team, and themselves.
Morning | Breakfast & Departure
After a final lakeside meal, students depart for the airport and begin their journey home — stronger, calmer, and more connected than when they arrived.
Learning Beyond Classrooms
Lessons from the Highest Peak
The Kalsubai program goes far beyond reaching a summit. It is a deeply layered experience where students engage with geography, ecology, psychology, and community — all through the lens of nature-based education. Every hike, conversation, and quiet moment by the lake is a chance to learn something real and lasting.
This is learning that can’t be memorized. It has to be lived.
Core Educational Themes
Geography & Natural Sciences
Understand the Western Ghats’ terrain, elevation, and ecological significance
Explore landforms, erosion patterns, and monsoon impact on flora and fauna
Identify native plant and bird species through guided observation
History & Culture
Learn about the cultural relevance of Kalsubai Devi Temple at the summit
Explore the interplay between pilgrimage and trekking trails in regional history
Understand the human-environment connection in tribal and local communities
Environmental Awareness & Ecology
Develop a grounded understanding of sustainability, conservation, and biodiversity
Participate in eco-sensitive practices during the trek and camping activities
Reflect on personal responsibility in nature through structured journaling
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Build resilience and confidence by facing and overcoming physical challenges
Strengthen teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence through group tasks
Practice reflection, presence, and gratitude in daily check-ins and evening circles
At Kalsubai, students don’t just look down from the highest peak — they look inward. They leave more grounded, more aware, and more connected to the world around them.
Inclusions
Round-trip flights from Delhi to Mumbai or Nashik
Private transportation to and from the campsite
All meals during the program (vegetarian, freshly prepared)
3 nights accommodation in shared lake-facing tents with proper toilets and bathrooms
Wilderness First Responder–certified instructors and trek leaders
Daily medical check-ups and health monitoring
24/7 emergency ambulance support
Trekking and campsite permits
Boating experience on Arthur Lake
Visit to seasonal waterfall (safe and facilitated)
Evening campfires, barbecue, and structured reflection sessions
Exclusions
Personal clothing and footwear
Water bottles (2 litres minimum)
Porter fees (if participants choose to hire one)
Travel insurance (optional, not included)
Personal snacks or packaged food
Any purchases or travel outside program hours
Mobile phones or electronics (not recommended)
Our 3 Pillars of Outdoor Safety
1. People: Skilled, Certified, Compassionate
Every group is led by certified mountaineers, wilderness first aid responders, and outdoor educators with years of field experience.
A strict 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio ensures each participant is closely supported.
All staff are trained in emotional safety, trauma sensitivity, and adolescent development.
2. Process: Structure for Peace of Mind
Daily medical checkups to monitor physical health, hydration, and fatigue levels.
Pre-trek briefings, buddy systems, and check-ins at each major point.
Pre-cleared routes and weather-based route adjustments made in real-time.
Structured evening debriefs to support emotional well-being and group bonding.
3. Equipment: Prepared for the Unexpected
Our team carries first aid kits, oximeters, BP apparatus, ropes, and walkie-talkies.
On all treks in the Western Ghats, we ensure access to a 24/7 ambulance backup.
Camps are equipped with comfortable tents, blankets, western toilets, and water access.
How To Register
Dates
This program is customised for schools and curated groups. Dates are flexible and can be tailored based on your academic calendar or travel window.
Program Fee – Available on Enquiry
The fee includes everything — from guided activities and accommodation to all meals, local transport, facilitators, and safety support. Refer to the Inclusions section for full details of what’s covered.
To Register or Know More
Call or WhatsApp us on +91-9871320753 or +91-81420-01966. Our team will be happy to guide you through the next steps, answer any final questions, and help you customise the experience for your school or group.
Something Else In Mind?
We get it — adventures should feel personal. We’re here to co-create a version of this journey that feels right for you.
Start on your preferred dates
Custom inclusions & stay options
Tweak the itinerary or route
Plan a private group experience
Fill out the form or drop us an email at mail@outdoorwhisperer.com with your questions & requirements, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. For a quicker response, feel free to reach us directly at +91-8285967537.
Send Us Your Query
Why Outdoor Whisperer?
We design outdoor learning journeys that go far beyond sightseeing or tourism. At Outdoor Whisperer, each experience is carefully built to support student growth, school values, and long-lasting learning outcomes — with emotional safety, professionalism, and educational clarity at the core.
Founder-led Journeys
Each journey is personally led by our founding team — ensuring consistent mentorship and on-ground presence throughout the program.
Flexible Group Size
Whether it’s a smaller group or large, we adapt structure, and facilitation to suit the size — while preserving quality of experience and personal attention.
Designed With Heart
Each program is paced to match student energy, with time for rest, journaling, quiet observation, and open sharing — not just back-to-back activity.
Safety Comes First
Our team is certified in first aid, safety, and mountaineering — equipped with calm leadership, essential gear, and field-tested experience.
Clear Communication
Pre-program briefings ensure parents and teachers are informed, prepared, and reassured — from logistics to learning goals.
Collaborative Approach
We work with schools as partners, not clients — offering honest communication, fair pricing, and programs aligned with your values.
What To Pack?
What to Bring for Two Days in the Wild
To help your child stay comfortable, safe, and fully engaged, please ensure the following essentials are packed. Avoid sending expensive or unnecessary items — the goal is to stay light, functional, and nature-ready.
Clothing & Footwear
Woolen cap
Woolen sweater or light jacket (evenings can be cool)
3–4 dry-fit T-shirts
2 pairs of trekking/track pants
3–4 pairs of socks
Raincoat or poncho
High-ankle trekking shoes (strongly recommended)
Bags
Small suitcase or duffel bag (for clothes)
20–30L backpack (for daily use on treks)
Essentials
Sun cap or hat
Headlamp or torch (with extra batteries)
2 reusable water bottles (1L each)
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent cream or spray
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, soap, etc.)
Towel or small hand cloth
Any personal medications
Optional: hiking poles
Common Questions
Children aged 8 to 16 years can join. Activities are age-appropriate and designed to include a mix of physical engagement, culture, nature learning, and reflection.
The program is held in Kakkabe, Coorg, with participants staying in a scenic, forest-facing bungalow. It starts and ends in Mysore.
It runs from 4th June to 7th June — a 4-day, 3-night residential experience.
Each batch is capped at 12 to 15 children, ensuring small-group learning, focused attention, and a safe, community-driven environment.
The program is designed and led by Outdoor Whisperer’s trained facilitators, with experience in outdoor education, youth mentorship, and experiential learning.
Children are accompanied at all times by facilitators and support staff. Group sizes are small, allowing close observation and quick assistance when needed.
A vehicle is on standby 24/7 for emergencies. The team carries a well-equipped first aid kit and is trained in basic emergency response.
Yes. Female facilitators are present throughout the program, ensuring comfort and support for girl participants.
Where required, we use UIAA-certified gear and follow strict safety protocols. The environment is low-risk but managed professionally.
No swimming in deep water. All stream dips and water play are shallow, supervised, and risk-assessed.
Schools/Families can bring children to Mysore by bus, train, or flight. From there, Outdoor Whisperer handles all local transport.
You will receive a detailed reporting time and location upon registration. Generally, arrival is expected by mid-morning on Day 1.
Children stay at Blyton Bungalow, a comfortable, forest-facing home with clean rooms, neat bathrooms, and shared occupancy.
Participants are served fresh homestyle vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, plus fruits, snacks, and milk at regular intervals.
Yes — please inform us in advance of any allergies or restrictions. We will try our best to accommodate reasonable dietary needs.
Each day includes a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, hands-on tasks, and group reflection. The pace balances movement with downtime.
They’ll learn about self-reliance, teamwork, biodiversity, local cultures, and how to live mindfully in nature. The learning is subtle, powerful, and experience-driven.
Yes — it connects meaningfully with the NEP’s vision for experiential, integrated learning across history, environment, art, and life skills.
No. The program is completely screen-free. Children are encouraged to be fully present with their environment and peers.
That’s completely okay. The program is structured to support all temperaments. Small group sizes and gentle facilitation help every child feel included and respected.
Basic participant information, a medical declaration, and consent form will be required before the program begins.