Trek and Camp: Tikona, Tung and Lohagad with a Pawna Night Stay

The Best of Both: Forts by Day, Lake by Night

The hills around Pawna Lake are dotted with old forts. Tikona and Tung rise right above the lake, while Lohagad and Visapur stand a short drive away. For anyone who enjoys walking, combining a fort trek with a night at a lakeside camp is one of the most rewarding weekend plans near Pune and Mumbai.

You climb in the cool morning, come down tired and happy, and spend the evening by a bonfire with the lake in front of you. This guide shows how to plan it, which fort to choose, and what to carry.

Choosing Your Fort

Tikona (Vitandgad): The triangular peak you can see from much of the Pawna shore. The trail is short but steep in places, with rock-cut steps near the top. Views of the lake from the summit are excellent. A good choice for beginners with reasonable fitness.

Tung: A sharp, cone-shaped hill on the other side of the lake. The climb is steeper and more exposed in parts than Tikona. Best for people comfortable with heights and wearing shoes with good grip. The view of the lake from Tung is one of the finest in the area.

Lohagad: One of the most popular forts in the Lonavala region, with a long stone staircase and several gates leading to the top. It is the most beginner-friendly of the three and works well with families. It gets crowded on weekends, so start early.

Visapur (bonus): Next to Lohagad, larger and quieter, with a rougher trail. Many trekkers combine Lohagad and Visapur in one outing.

Exact trek times depend on your pace and the season, so plan generously and always aim to be off the hill well before dark.

Sample Plan 1: Trek on Arrival Day

Early morning — Leave Pune or Mumbai.
Morning — Trek Lohagad (or Visapur) while it is still cool.
Lunch — Eat on the way.
Around 2 PM — Reach your camp for check-in.
Evening — Rest, watch the sunset, bonfire and dinner.
Next morning — Sunrise, breakfast and check out around 11 AM.

This plan works well because you arrive at camp tired, and the evening becomes pure relaxation.

Sample Plan 2: Trek After Your Night at the Lake

Day 1 afternoon — Reach the camp around 2 PM. Try kayaking if offered (around ₹150 per person, extra).
Day 1 evening — Sunset, bonfire and dinner. Sleep early.
Day 2 dawn — Set out for Tikona or Tung, which are close to the lake.
Day 2 morning — Return for breakfast if timings allow, then check out around 11 AM.

Check-in and check-out times vary slightly by camp, so confirm with your host if you plan an early start or a late return for breakfast.

Which Stay Suits Trekkers?

Classic Camp Tent (₹999 per adult): The best value. Dinner, snacks, tea/coffee, breakfast, bonfire and parking included. Perfect for trekking groups.
Triangle Nest (₹1,499 per adult): A cosy A-frame tent with a live BBQ, bonfire and music. Great for couples who trek.
Dome House (₹1,999 per adult): A lakeside dome cottage if you want more comfort after a long day.
Diamond House (₹2,999 per person, minimum 2 charged): AC cottage with dinner, breakfast, BBQ, bonfire and music. Very welcome after a hot summer trek.

Prices vary by date and some stays have weekend rates on Friday and Saturday nights. See all campsites or the best camps in Pawna.

Best Season to Trek and Camp

October to February: Ideal. Cool mornings for climbing, cold nights for the bonfire.
June to September: The forts are at their greenest, with clouds and small waterfalls, but trails get slippery. Go slow and carry rain gear. Read our monsoon camping guide.
March to May: Trek only at dawn; afternoons are hot.

What to Carry

Trekking shoes or sneakers with a good grip
At least one litre of water per person, more in summer
Light snacks like dry fruits, chikki or energy bars
A cap and sunscreen
A small first-aid kit
Rain gear in the monsoon
A warm layer for the evening at camp
A torch or headlamp

Full details in our packing list for Pawna camping.

Safety Tips

Start early and give yourself plenty of time to return before dark.
Stay on the marked trail and away from edges, especially on Tung.
Do not climb in heavy rain or strong wind.
Trek in a group, and tell your camp host your plan.
Respect the forts — do not scratch walls, and carry your waste back down.

Getting There

Pawna Lake is about 55–60 km from Pune (around 1.5 to 2 hours) and about 110–120 km from Mumbai (around 2.5 to 3 hours via the Expressway, exiting at Lonavala). Lonavala and Kamshet are the nearest railway stations. Transport is not included with camp bookings, and having your own vehicle makes reaching trailheads much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fort is closest to Pawna Lake?

Tikona and Tung are right around the lake. Lohagad and Visapur are a short drive away.

Which fort is best for beginners?

Lohagad is generally the easiest thanks to its stone staircase. Tikona is short but has a steeper final section.

Can I trek and camp on the same day?

Yes. Trek in the morning and reach your camp for check-in around 2 PM, or stay the night first and climb at dawn.

Do camps arrange trek guides?

Treks are not part of the camp packages. Ask your host for general advice, and plan the trek independently or with a local guide.

Can I leave my vehicle at the camp while I trek?

Parking is included with stays like the Classic Camp Tent. Check with your host about leaving your vehicle before check-in or after check-out.