Malshej Ghat, Mountain pass in Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India.

Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats where National Highway 61 crosses between Thane district on the west and Pune district on the east, linking Kalyan with Ahmednagar. The pass sits at about 700 metres, with a rounded summit on one side of the ridge and a sharper peak toward the centre, its upper slopes often wrapped in cloud.

This mountain pass served as a key trade route since ancient times, connecting inland regions with coastal settlements. Over centuries it became a main link for commerce and travel across Maharashtra.

The pass is a known birdwatching stop: flamingos from Siberia feed in the waterlogged fields near Dongarwadi between July and September. The Pimpalgaon Joga reservoir also draws migratory birds. Local guides lead walks from Thidbi village to the three-stream waterfall, which only flows in the monsoon.

The route is open year-round, but the monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rain and can make roads slippery. Visitors should wear good shoes and bring rain gear if planning to explore the area on foot.

Flamingos from Siberia feed in the waterlogged fields near Dongarwadi by the pass, arriving each year between July and September rather than in winter. The birds gather at the Pimpalgaon Joga reservoir, which lies close to Khubi village.