This region covers an area from Harishchandragad,upto Bhimashankar.It constitutes one of the most rigged and inaccessible parts of the Sahyadris all along the western edge ,it drops on an average 1000m into the Konkan,while to the east ,lies the Deccan plateau .Apart from the continuous north-south range at the edge, there are atleast three major east-west ranges, each with high forts of historical importance.The approach is easy with the road passing from Kalyan,Murbad and Moroshi,upto the Malsej ghat to Khubi and Otur.

Malshej Ghat

This is one of the old trade routes connecting Thitbiin the Konkan to Khubi on the ghats .This road is now motorable from Kalyan-Murbad-Tokavde-Suvarne-Malshej to otur on the deccan Plateau .Malshej will be convenient road head for Harishchandragad , Karkai Dongar and the rest.A rest house at the edge of the ghats is a good place to stay at Malshej.

Bhairavgad (864m-2835ft) As one travels along the Malsej Ghat road, one notices sharp pinnacle of Bhairavgad ,seperated from the main range.It rises steeply from the main range.It rises steeply from the Konkan plains and is rather tricky to climb .A prominent and unique fort. Proceed by bus from Kalyan-Murbad-Vaishakhare towards Malsej. Before the ghats ,get down at Moroshi. Skirt the northern flank of Bhairavgad to arrive at the pass between the main range of the deccan plateau and Bhairavgad . From here steps lead upto the pinnacle . The walls overhang a little ,and above ,the steps are bolwn off .One will have to rockclimb carefully above the overhang .More crumbling steps and plenty of scree before reaching the top. Great view of Malsej Ghat , Nane Ghat and many prominent peaks like Ajoba and Harishchandragad .It is advisable to go well prepared for a rock climb.

This is based on the book 'Trek the Shyadris' By Harish.Kapadia.