ॐ Jai Gajanan ॐ
Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar: Distance, Route, Travel Time and a Two-Jyotirlinga Plan
Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar is about 215 to 235 km by road, depending on the route, and takes about 3.5 to 5.5 hours by car or cab. There is no direct bus, so a car or cab is the easiest way. A comfortable plan is to take darshan at Trimbakeshwar on one day and drive to Bhimashankar early the next morning.
Both Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar are Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in Maharashtra, and you can visit both on the same trip. We are Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, and our Bhakta Niwas is in Trimbakeshwar. Here is how to plan the journey.
Distance and time at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Road distance | About 215 to 235 km, depending on the route |
| Driving time | About 3.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on route and traffic |
| Main road | Via the Nashik–Pune road (NH 60) |
| Direct bus | None; buses need one or more changes |
| Best way | Car or cab |
These figures come from route planners such as Rome2Rio and cab operators, and they differ a little. Check Google Maps on the day you travel, as road works and traffic can change the time.
The route by car
From Trimbakeshwar, drive to Nashik (about 28 km) and take the Nashik–Pune road (NH 60) south. The route follows the highway past Sangamner, then turns off at Manchar or near Rajgurunagar towards Bhimashankar. After Manchar and Ghodegaon, the last 40 km or so is a narrow, winding ghat road through the Sahyadri hills, with sharp bends, so drive carefully and try to reach it in daylight.
If you are coming from Pune instead, our guide on Pune to Trimbakeshwar covers the same highway in the other direction.
By bus
There is no direct bus between Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar. By MSRTC, you go in three steps: a local bus or shared jeep from Trimbakeshwar to Nashik, a bus from Nashik to Manchar or Rajgurunagar, and a local ST bus from there to Bhimashankar. With the changes and the waiting, this takes about 9 to 10 hours. From Pune, MSRTC buses to Bhimashankar leave from the Shivajinagar (Wakdewadi) bus stand from about 5:30 AM, every 30 to 60 minutes, and take about 3.5 to 4 hours; check current timings before you travel.
If you prefer the bus, a common way is to travel from Trimbakeshwar to Pune first, and take a bus to Bhimashankar from there. Our guide on how to reach Trimbakeshwar lists the bus stands for Pune and Nashik.
A simple two-Jyotirlinga plan
- Day 1: Reach Trimbakeshwar and check in. Take darshan; the temple is open from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. See our temple timings guide.
- Day 2, early morning: Visit Kushavarta Kund or take an early darshan, then leave for Bhimashankar after breakfast.
- Day 2, afternoon: Reach Bhimashankar and take darshan there.
Trying both Jyotirlingas on the same day means 7 to 11 hours on the road, plus two queues. With elders or children, two days is far more comfortable.
Before you go, read our Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple guide. If you also want to visit Shirdi, see Trimbakeshwar to Shirdi.
When to travel
October to March has the most comfortable weather for a road trip. The monsoon, from mid-June to September, brings heavy rain, and the ghat road to Bhimashankar can be slow, so allow extra time. Mondays, weekends and festival days bring the longest darshan queues at Trimbakeshwar.
Our guide to the best time to visit Trimbakeshwar has the 2026–27 festival dates. During the Simhastha Kumbh 2027, avoid the Amrit Snan days at Trimbakeshwar, 2 August, 31 August and 12 September 2027, when private vehicles are planned to be stopped outside town. See our Kumbh 2027 guide.
Places to see in Trimbakeshwar before you leave
If you have a few hours before leaving for Bhimashankar, Kushavarta Kund, Sant Nivruttinath Samadhi and the Swami Samarth Gurupeeth are all close to the temple. Read our guide to places to visit near Trimbakeshwar, and see distances from our Bhakta Niwas in the nearby places section of our home page.
Where to stay in Trimbakeshwar
Our Bhakta Niwas is on Jawahar Road, next to the New Bus Stand, about 900 m from the temple. Free parking inside the campus makes it easy for road-trippers, and check-in is open 24 hours. Our travel desk at the reception gives darshan and travel guidance from 9 AM to 6 PM.
All 3 satvik meals are included, so you can have breakfast before the drive. See our rooms and read where to stay in Trimbakeshwar. Bookings are only by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563; read how to book.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bhimashankar from Trimbakeshwar?
Bhimashankar is about 215 to 235 km from Trimbakeshwar by road, depending on the route. The drive takes about 3.5 to 5.5 hours by car or cab. The main road is the Nashik–Pune highway (NH 60), with a ghat road for the last stretch.
Is there a direct bus from Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar?
No. There is no direct bus between Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar. By MSRTC you change at Nashik and at Manchar or Rajgurunagar, and the trip takes about 9 to 10 hours. MSRTC buses to Bhimashankar also run from Pune's Shivajinagar (Wakdewadi) bus stand.
Can I visit Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar in one day?
It is possible, but tiring: you would spend 7 to 11 hours on the road, plus two darshan queues. A more comfortable plan is to take darshan at Trimbakeshwar on one day, stay the night, and drive to Bhimashankar early the next morning.
What is the best way to travel from Trimbakeshwar to Bhimashankar?
A car or cab is the easiest way, since there is no direct bus. Leave after an early breakfast so you drive the ghat road to Bhimashankar in daylight. Check traffic and road conditions on the day of travel.
Where can I stay in Trimbakeshwar before going to Bhimashankar?
Our Bhakta Niwas on Jawahar Road is about 900 m from Trimbakeshwar temple, with free parking, 24-hour check-in and 3 satvik meals included. Our travel desk gives travel guidance from 9 AM to 6 PM. Book by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563.
Planning a stay in Trimbakeshwar?
Book on WhatsApp or by phone at +91 90311 67563. Check-in is open 24 hours, and all 3 satvik meals are included.