Desi Canyon Valley - Sandhan Valley

Sandhan valley made me get out of my photography hibernation.  It was one of my dream treks so got immediately ready to do even in the summer. I went with Sanju and his Mulund Tekdi Group and few YHK trek mates.

Sandhan valley is geographical wonder in Maharashtra [or may be in India] where you will find a gorge which is 1.5 km long and which starts from 20 ft to 500 ft high cliff wall at the end. Gorges are usually very deep and narrow, formed from the movement of water or lava.

On Saturday May 19, 2012, we left around 10pm from Mulund and had dinner break of an hour at Palash hotel at Shahapur.  Thanks to Sanju’s friend who is related to the hotel, we got tasty Veg Biryani and Pav Bhaji.  We reached Samrad village at 3.30am. Samrad is peaceful place near Bhandardara dam. From Warangushi fata you need to take right to reach this village.

The distance from village, at the back side of the school till the start of Sandhan valley is 20 minutes.  It was wonderful experience which till then I just saw in photographs. It reminded me a canyon valley, the huge, the narrow, the tall and it was spectacular.

We started out trek at 7:45am and reach the end of gorge at 8:45am. In between two places we got knee level water.  Even though it is summer but in gorge it was cold and sometimes breezy. I enjoyed photography and also the serenity of the place but no where I felt scary. Some places you may feel suffocated if there is no breeze.

There are three rappelling patches and also before first patch there is one place where you go down from in between two big stones. Out of three patches, the first patch is of 50 ft where it is good to have rappelling equipment for safety. The second patch is interesting where go down in between two stones and then you crawl under another stone and come out again another side and then do rappelling, this patch is of 15 ft. The third almost at the end of the valley is 15ft.

One need to be careful while crossing the valley as we saw some small rocks falling down as those are loose one. Also, if you hire local people as a guide or to arrange food, be careful about your equipments because we lost few of our stuff. This is not to blame all villagers but just to be safer on our part.

For me this trek was like Fantasy land where I entered from one gate, the entrance actually looked like three side cut door of stones and then going from water, going from the gap in between two stones, landing on the other side of the stone, crawl, hold the stone and slide and what not!

We reached down at the pool spot at 5:30pm and within next two hours reached the base village,  Dehene.  Around 8:30pm We started our journey back to Mumbai. 

Check the snaps: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.418714168162746.103948.100000724990816&type=1&l=f758f9e2b4

Alang Madan

Alang Madan Climb on 18 February 2012

Etni shiddat se maine tuze pane ki koshish ki hai

ke har jarre ne muze tumase milane ki sajish ki hai!

check the snaps

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.372002362833927.95030.100000724990816&type=1&l=c94aaaffd2

KokanKada Rappelling

Kokankada Rappelling on 26 January 2012

Organised by Hemant Salunkhe and team
Went with Onkar Ketkar, Kunal Sawla, Kunal Wishe and Soumit Sardesai
It was my long cherished dream...finally!!

Check the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TNSIOFGcmc

Check the snaps

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.343292985704865.89672.100000724990816&type=1&l=62d99d4fc6

Mahimandangad Chakdev Parvat Sankranti 2012

Mahimandangad Chakdev Parvat Sankranti 2012
On Friday, Jan 13 night we left from Mulund for Shindi. On the way at Poladpur and Bharana naka it was freezing cold and foggy so we sipped the tea and also enjoyed fire/shekoti. Raghuveer Ghat route by vehicle at some places it is dirt road so small cars are not advisable. The entire area is now declared as Tiger Project there is forest post at the entrance of Shindi Pass but it is closed till date. We heard that soon Forest department will have restrictions on this area.
Morning 6 am we reached Shindi village and had breakfast at Chandrakant More’s house, he have Kirana shop so even if you don’t carry ration for breakfast he can arrange for breakfast. The Shindi village is ahead and for Mahimandangad you again need to go back. We took 45 minutes to reach the top of Mahimandangad from base but I guess it depends on season and also number of peole. On the top there are water tanks and the temple of Bahiroba. Whenever Vaishali is there Aarti is must so we did Aarti and also had Prasad of Royal Anjir Burfi given by Kishore.
After Lunch we started ascending Chakdev. The route for Chakdev is from Shindi side is easy. Initially ascend then flat again some ascend and you reach the plateau of Chakdev. We took 2 hours to reach Govind Jangam’s house at top. After some rest we left for temple and most attracting part of the trek i.e. 300 ft ladder on Ambivali route. One can also see the place from where Ram hit his arrow.
The Choukeshwar temple is now newly constructed but inside it is still with old construction.
The big Nandi welcomes you the moment you enter the temple. One can see the statues of Ram, Laxman, Bharat, Shatrughna, Sita and Parvati along with Shiva’s mukh. We took 45 minutes to reach Ladder. The view from ladder is amazing. The forest is so dense from both the side of ridge to ladder. One can see Makarandgad, Rasalgad, Sumargad and Mahipatgad from top.
The myths about Chakdev are When Ram came in Vanvaas period; the Shankar tried to test him and where Ram’s arrow slipped-‘chakala’ that is Chakdev. There is also stone statue in the remembrance of this story. Another story is when Ram [? Parshuram] came he created Konkan from here. But I guess first goes with the name of Chakdev. Choukeshwar temple on Chakdev is one of the ShivPuri-Shiv Temple created in ChandraRao More’s era.
Parvat also has story as in when Arjun came in Vanvaas, Shankar-Parvati took another form and when Arjun failed to hit them he recognized it as Shiva. That is how the temple at Parvat is known as Jom Mallikarjun. Another concept says it is related to Malla King who used to rules this place.
Coincidentally we met Hira Pandit Sir and Jignesh Lakhani at temple who came from Ambivali side for Chakdev and Parvat. It was indeed pleasure to here informative stories from both Hira Sir and Arun Sir about Himalayan rescue operations, virgin pinnacle climb and their fellow trekkers.

In the night, with the help of villager and with Arun Sir’s initiative we got delicious food. We had fresh papdi bhaji on Bhogi day along with tandul-bhakri.
Santosh Jangam from the vasti came to collect the donation for temple even though personally I am opposed to such things we gave money to him.
Next day we had ready to cook Upma and started our trek from dense jungle. After 45 minutes we reached Jangam wadi and kept our sacks as Jivaji Jangam’s house. From there we crossed lot of ridges up and down. We also halt near water stream on the way and had some snacks. After an hour we reached the top of Parvat. Parvat as name suggests is huge in length and very isolated. It was very quiet and peaceful on both the forts. We celebrated Sankranti with Tilgul and Gulpoli. We took the same route to come back as our sacks were at Jangam wadi. Hira Sir and Jignesh left for Ambivali from Khind route.
The hired vehicle was waiting at so we got freshen up and had mini lunch. Bhagirathi Ajit gave us sweet tea but I enjoyed that
At Poladpur, we had yummy Samosa at Samadhan hotel thanks to Arun Sir. We also halt as Karnala Hotel for tea and other breaks. We were glad that we been to all three forts before it gets jam in forest departments restrictions.

Check out the snaps:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333317353369095.87722.100000724990816&type=1&l=d01d9aad89

Moracha Dongar aka Mordhan

Christmas Celebration at Moracha Dongar aka Mordhan

Saturday, 24 Dec 11, evening me, Vaishali, Paresh and Nilesh left for Mordhan hill. Mordhan is situated at Khairgaon the base village near Ghoti, Igatpuri. The diversion for this village is from Deole village which is just next village after Ghoti on Ghoti- Nashik bypass road. We had our dinner near Shahapur and reached Khairgaon at 12:30 in the night. I also enjoyed my driving though Nilesh drove more. At Khairgaon we stayed in very first house in the village of Mr. Madge but in the morning we found the village has big temple and surronding area.
At 8 am we started our trek, when I looked at the mountain I felt it is huge and we can’t complate in two hours but when we started within 40 minutes we were at the first ledge. From here the right path goes to very small natural water source. The path from left goes towards pass. We saw lots of cattle on the way and women carrying wooden sticks for chulha. After ascending the pass you reach the mid level from here one need to take left route and go on the ridge. Take route going upward near the rock and the straight route goes to the top of Mordhan. We reached within two hours. There is plateau and connecting ridge which goes on long. One can see entire Kalsubai, Alang, Madan and Kulang range. You can also see Kavnai, Tringalwadi and Darne dam from top.
There are hardly any remnants of forts on the top. Only one water cistern and base stone of one room found on the fort. There is no water on the hill so one need to carry own food. Also there is no accommodation to stay on the fort. We had our snacks at the highest point where there is only tree on the hill. Vaishali brought cake so we celebrated our Christmas on the top of Mordhan!!!
Click here for snaps-
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.319052434795587.84564.100000724990816&type=1&l=038be9d730

Kamalgad-Pandavgad 11-13 February 2011

Kamalgad-Pandavgad 11-13 February 2011

Since long I wanted to do Kamalgad and Pandavgad trek as I read lot of about ‘Geruchi vihir”, well on Kamalgad and Menvali village, one of the base of Pandavgad. Finally took leadership for YHK trek and been to this beautiful duo at Wai region near Mahabaleshwar. Needless to say, my camera was on passive mode as I was more worried about timings and reaching top.

We left at 11:30pm on Friday night from Dadar by private bus and reached Wai at 5am. When we reached Wai hardly anyone on the road so we followed the straight road going to Dhoom dam and Vaygaon. Then I realized that all the village name I read going towards Vasole is not this. They at one village we found one villager got up so we asked him the way going to Vasole, so he informed us that we have taken the another route of going to Kamalgad. Since Dhoom dam is on both the route of going to Kamalgad we took the road going to Vaygaon. Then we came to Wai village, where one can see river side temples from there we went into the Wai village and then took left route, the road going to Vasole

Village. After reaching Wadivali village we took left turn and pass through Washivali village. After reaching Vasole village a boy from one travel bus told us that since its 17 seater small bus it can go up till Tupe Wadi. So we went straight and then took right turn going to Tupewadi. By the time we reached Tupewadi, it was 6am. We requested one lady to cook poke and make tea with the stuff which we brought with us.

At 8:15 we all left for Kamalgad, the route goes from wadi and once we reached dry stream there are arrows which leads us to Kamalgad. We also saw “Mhatariche Dat” i.e. old lady’s teeth i.e. the stones on some distance at the top. The route goes on the ridge so if u see Kamalgad at your front then take right side, proper trodden trail goes till the top. After reaching the top of ridge there take the route going to left i.e. the route going to Gorakshnath temple, Dhangar Wasti on plateau.

Mangesh was behind and since he has the attitude of I can cover you all I wasn’t at all worried about him. Nitin Bhosle was very angry about his behavior of lay behind in spite of several calls and waiting for him so many times.

When we moved up from Dhangar Wasti towards the top of Kamalgad we found a small rock patch of hardly 10 feet. Pagan was not ready but Girish helped her and we all came at the top of the fort.

We then saw Mahabaleshwar from top, Pandavgad, Dhoom Dam area; it was beautiful to see water all around. We also went inside the dry well which was 40feet inside, cold and our hand became maroon colored like we have put up mahendi.

Mr. Mangesh came after sometime and asked me like why I didn’t kept my cell on, since there was no range I didn’t kept my cell on. He also told proudly how he came straight on the ridge and climbed the rock patch and reached plateau. I was not at all surprised by his behavior.

After spending an hour on the top we came back to plateau level front of the Dhangar house and had our lunch. We also asked them for water. By 1:30 pm we started descending the fort and to avoid yellow grass descending ridge took another trail which was bit lengthy but we reached village by 3pm.

From Tupe wadi we left for Menavali village, another attraction which I wanted to visit since it is picturised in many movies. We had tea at the Menavali stand. In the village you will find most of the houses with rangoli, front of the door. It is beautiful place with river flowing, the built ghat and also temple on the ghat. There is also palace of Nana Phadanvis from Peshave era. I enjoyed my photography here and enjoyed watching the water flowing slowly as if it is calm and content.

We halted at Wai to buy Pohe from stores and then also pre pone our visit to Ganapati Temple at Wai.

All enjoyed tasty vadapav and had hot tea. I didn’t felt like am on trek as if it was picnic.

Then we proceed to my cousin sister’s place at Dhavadi village, base of Pandavgad. My cousin wasn’t there but her in-laws were very helpful. NItin Bhosle, Pavan, Maria, Prakash and me all were busy in preparing Khichadi. My cousin’s mother-in-law was curios on how we are cooking.

Mean while another cousin in the same village came to meet me and I went with her to her place.

Here my cousin’s relative told me about Mr. Wadia who was in mind from the moment I read about him online.

My cousin’s place, every Sunday children from village comes to recite ‘Manache Shlok’ by Saint Ramdas.

So next day morning, Sunday I asked everyone to leave at 8am. We had Pohe and tea and one of our relative came to show us the path till road. We reached the second house and asked the villager how to go top, this is the first time I found any villager arrogant and he said search on your own. The path going from this house follows that and then takes right trail going toward the top.

When we reached top Mr. Wadia was giving all the fake stories like this is not a fort and just hillock come into existence in Deccan development. He saw leopard and villagers have poisoned the water tank. If villagers have poison the water tank then why he has taken the pipe line from the tank to house.

He says he is the third owner and now he has sold the fort to Mapro and he is just a caretaker.

He didn’t mention the first two owners of the fort.

When we asked him the path going to the top he also was uncooperative and said see if you can find, I don’t know. The villager staying down is his servant. We found something fishy as we hardly saw anyone staying on the plateau or even nearby areas of so unhelpful.

When you reached the so called bungalow of Mr. Wadia follow the trail and from first water tank take left. Even if you go straight doesn’t matter you will take full circle to the top and the path will finally lead to the entrance of the top. Here we saw the temple of Hanuman and also Pandjai Devi. There are water tanks on the top but they were dry. We again came at the entrance and had snacks.

Here again Prakash was missing and even otherwise I don’t put my cell on I finally put cell on so Mr. Prakash was started descending down. I asked him to stop at plateau level near bungalow. I also told Mangesh that you passed the wrong message by being too behind and not being in group.

When we reached the plateau the four members were waiting there. I told everyone about being in group which I instructed them in the very beginning of the group. In spite of that they were late for different reasons and since Pandavgad is like go from one side and come out from another side in circle they four thought we started descending down.

I wasn’t interested in arguing with them so just told them that moral of the story is be in group and we all started descending down. Dharit’s knee was injured so we waited for him at the base near road.

Finally we all reached the village back at 2pm. If one follows the right trail Pandavgad can be reached within an hour.

When we reached cousin’s place, her mother-in-law insisted to have tea and then I asked everyone to have it as otherwise it shows disregard to their hospitality. Very sweet couple with spiritual back ground my cousin is really lucky to have such peaceful life.

We left Dhavadi village at 2:30pm and had our lunch at Vele village just before Khambatki Ghat.

9pm and we reached Dadar and I was happy to have smooth trek. But driver came out with demand to have to-and-from kilometer charges from where the bus came i.e. Vikhroli to Dadar. Since earlier I never paid like this so I argued with him and his owner a lot. He also called up Vanraj travels from where I booked the bus but I wasn’t ready to listen. Next day when I told Anil about this he said to pay the difference according to them and I did the same. But this was something new learning to me as am still thinking why we have to pay for – from where or which garage the bus is coming and not only that also return fair of the same.

Snaps link 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.191203557580476.49882.100000724990816&type=1&l=3e9b10a6d1

Lonar 2011, 15 Jan

Lonar Trip

Last weekend been to Lonar lake with our YHK team with Kruttika, Vicky, Ashish, Mani Family and others. We left 11.30pm on Friday, Jan 14 by 18 seater bus and reached Lonar next day 12pm. After having lunch at MTDC we left at 4pm to see all nearby temples. Prof Bugdane very well explained the history of temples and also scientific information about Lonar lake. MTDC Lonar has very good accommodation and food arrangement so families were happy.

Next day we went to see lake at 7am from descend at one temple side till half circle at the bottom of Dharatirth temple. We took 2 and half hour to complete half circle including our photography and Ashish collecting trash on the way. By 11am we came back to MTDC and got fresh up and left for SindKhed Raja where we saw Palace of Lakhuji Jadhav, father of Jaijabai. On the way we also clicked the snap of Jijau Srushti, a garden and hall in memory of Jijabai. We reached Aurangabad at 4pm and had delicious lunch at Kruttika's cousin's posh restaurant. 5pm we left and reached Mumbai by 12pm by Ahmadnagar-Pune-Chakan-Express Way. Luxurious outing [not used to with trekking adjustments in mind] with our team and first time with my friend - Vaishali-'s baba and sister, Vaidehi. Yes Lonar is not a trek it’s a trail which anyone can enjoy only with patience of 12 hours travel by road so recommended in winter! :)

Check out the snaps at

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.183497251684440.45928.100000724990816&type=1&l=2a37e0e9e8

Telbaila Summit - My First Climbing Summit, March 13, 2010

Will write soon...
Here are snaps
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.102984569735709.6954.100000724990816&type=1&l=e65f4cafb0

Louisa Point Climbing, Matheran Feb 21, 2010

will write soon...
here are snaps

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576897677cespba

Takmak Tok Rappelling Feb 6, 2010

Takmak Tok Rappelling
thrilling experience!!!cool trekmates !enjoyed this outing a lot...
check out the snaps!
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576719623JijCCd

Sinhgad-Rajgad-Torna to Raigad through Borata Nal 26th Jan 2010

Sinhgad to Raigad through Borata Nal
Guys in this trek i could remember only following timings given by Nagesh & Sanju and just walk and walk...
10pm by Sumo to Atkarwadi base of Sinhgad
1:30am reached Atkarwadi, stayed at School, had tea & biscuit
6:25am trek started
7:45 reached top, had breakfast
from Sinhgad to go Rajgad one has to go to Winzer.
We took route from Devtake at Sinhgad and walked on the ridge going towards Winzer.
We started from Devtake at 9:50am and reached Winzer by 4:45pm
One has to follow ridge and then at the end take right turn instead of going up. We went up and then tackled one rock patch facing towards Winzer, here we took two hours.
One has to follow straight ridge going towards Winzer village.
I was totally exhausted at the end descend on ball-bearing & dry grass.
At Winzer we had tea & biscuit and again started walking towards Sakhar village.
I thought we will take vehicle from here but there are not much vehicles going towards Gunjawane and it is also long route instead you reach fast by walk, that’s what villagers told us.
The river and evening light was pleasing, we reached Sakhar village by 6:30pm.
From Sakhar we reached Gunjavane village by sumo at 6:50pm.
At Gunjavane we had tea at Purohit's house.
Started trek for Rajgad at 7:20pm.
Nitin Bhosle was very familiar with the route as he was leader for kids’ camp at Rajgad-Torna so he took lead to show route in the dark.
It was very pleasing whenever we used to take break:) the moon, the cold wind and familiar jungle. But climbing was very tiring finally we reached by 9:15pm.
As usual Rajgad was very crowded but we got place to sleep at Rameshwar Temple.
Since Nagesh was there getting up at sharp 5:30am was by default:)
After getting fresh and breakfast from Vitthal we started trek at 7:30am.
We descended through Aalu Darwaja from Sanjivani Machi. I came here four years back but in monsoon so couldn’t see anything. So now watching Sanjivani machi and the route going through Aalu Darwaja was very refreshing.
We reached Budhala Machi by 12:30pm and had lunch we ordered from Bhau at Velha. The person who got lunch for us showed the route going towards Bhatti.
At 2:15pm we started from Walanjai Darwaja which is at left side once we climbs Budhala Machi and starts going towards Kalyan Darwaja.
The route is almost invisible, a very thin line which goes straight and then descends towards Bhatti is this route. The whole route is descending ridge of ball-bearing and dry grass so at two places i sat down and slide on the route.
After finishing this route we reached one plateau and again started descending to next plateau.
The villager told us instead of going to Bhatti goes to Kanand Pass and take bus going to Varoti.
From the plateau one has to take left going towards pass and you can see Bhatti village at right side. We got 5:30pm st going to Kumbale village from pass and we got down at Pasle Phata.
Here we had tea & biscuit break and again started walking towards Varoti village.
Here coincidently one old-man joined us. Whole route he was talking, singing Powada, Gondhal, the traditional songs of Maharashtra and related to Shivaji Maharaj. He was going towards Harpur, the village near to Mohari which was our destination for a day!
We reached Varoti village by 6:45pm, Nagesh and Sanju asked villagers about route from jungle going to Mohari.
Here when we started it was getting dark so i was little bit anxious with fear of wild animals.
After some time Mangesh who was ahead with Mama asked him to show us the route till Mohari. We asked him that how much he will charge and the innocent Mama asked only for rupees fifty!
It was dark and I was getting tired by climbing and climbing...so I asked Mama as how much we have to climb?till that time we climbed two hillocks. Mama said 'Bai Damali' means lady exhausted. Whole route he was reapiting the two sentence Harpur is at right and 'Bai damply'.
I was later on irritated with his continuous talk but he was our guide in that dark jungle.
Later on when we got flat route we had some eatables. By 9:40 we reached the top wadi before Mohari which they call as extension of Shingapur. It was just two minutes before Mohari.
I was very glad as finally we reached as per our target to Mohari. It tested my strength and patience. Here at one house we cooked our food and few people slept inside [with cow, goat, bull, etc]and few outside the house.
Everyone got some joint pain like knee, shoulder, etc. Since we had strenuous trek
we decided to get by 6:30am. The Lady of the house got up at 4am to get ready for 7am bus from Varoti. All villagers at Mohari and wadi have to cross two hours jungle to get down at Varoti. What a painful & struggling life!and here in city we crib for small things.
At Mohari we met people who came back from Lingana climb. Morning we had readymade Upama so everyone in the house and Mama was curious as how it tastes. We shared that Upama with everyone.
From here we started at 9:30am for Boratyachi Nal. Mama first took us to the end of Railing Plateau from where we could see the Lingana climb.
We thanked Mama and he too was happy to guide us and enjoyed that small trip.
Boratyachi Nal reminded me of Darya ghat and at one traverse like the Nali route.
Again the dry grass made me cautious but after sometime i tried to walk fast so that i won’t
slip.
We reached the pass where the base of Lingana climb starts, the group from Pune has climbing for non-climbers.
Baban Kadu was waiting for us at the diversion of Lingana machi. We reached the base by 3pm.
Here we had riverside lunch, which we ordered from Baban. After lunch we had some rest and again move forward for Chhatri Nizampur by 4:20pm
Instead of road we took short cuts for Warangi village and reached there by 5:45. The construction work of dam is going on. Here at one tapari we had tea & biscuit.
At 6:50pm we reached Chhatri Nizampur and we waited for 7:15 ST going to Raigad base.
After reaching Raigad base we had VadaPav and tea and all made calls to home. At 8:30pm we started trek for Raigad. Now we all were in relaxed mood so we had lots of break, as we knew our target is within reach and very familiar route. At Mahadarwaja, Nagesh played flute and that was the moment where we all were quite, the moonlight, and the melodious symphony of flute!!!
I will never forget this moment in my life as though it was worth after doing three day non-stop day & night trek! thanks to Nagesh for this fulfilling moment!
We reached Raigad by 10:30pm and first had dinner at Deshmukh's house. Since it was very crowded we slept at Bajarpeth. At Raigad I always have this strange feeling as though someone is watching me! I am not fanatic but if soul really exists then it might be at Raigad where Maharaj are still there!
Next day we got up at 6:30am and after sometime we were glad to see Anil, Kunal and two others. After getting fresh, we met Vitthal for our next event discussion. At 9:15am Flag hosting ceremony started and it was delight to see such a huge Tiranga in the sky!
After going to Takmak tok we went to hotel for breakfast. By 11:30am we started descending towards Pachad. From Pachad we took jeep for Mahad. Here we requested YH Mahad unit to book our tickets as 26th Jan you always get crowded ST. Nagesh went to collect tickets and after getting tickets we had lunch. Then it was just waiting for our 4:30pm bus to arrive!
We all were very happy as we could finish this range in three days! no doubt we took vehicle from Sakhar village to Gunjavane, from Kanand Pass to Pasale phata and from Chhatri Nizampur to Raigad base but every time that was to save the time and to finish our trek well within time. Especially instead of walking from pass to Gelganwadi - Harpur-Mohari, going by ST to Pasale phata was wise decision as when we were walking through Mohari jungle we could see how Harpur was far away. We could have reached only up till Harpur and that could have shifted our trek schedule.
But ALL IS WELL that ends well also all of us were very co-operative to each other, you need good understanding between members when you have such lengthy trek. We all from start to end enjoyed this trek as we all were highly motivated to do this range within three days and to reach Raigad by 26th to celebrate our Republican Day!!!
Me with achievement that if I can do this then i can do lot more things!!!

Check out the snaps
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576734268DWQUGA

Aundh-Patta 8-10 Jan 2010

Aundh-Patta Windy Trek

This time no seniors and we heard of Aundh rock patch climb but then thought we have start somewhere on our own and then we decided even three of us me, Sumit and Nitin Bhosle will manage the trek. Later of three more joined us and we left for Aundh-Patta from Dadar TT by 11pm bus to Egatpuri.
Since next day morning the Bhagur ST bus for Ninavi village was at 6:30am we decided to stay at my Uncle’s place at Egatpuri. We reached Egatpuri highway at 3:30am and then stayed at my Uncle’s house. We hardly relaxed and again left house at 6am for our next bus. When we reached the depot we came to know that bus for Bhagur is cancelled so we decided to move further to Ghoti by available ST. We reached Ghoti by 6:45am and our next bus was at 8am for Ninavi. We had misalpav and tea and sweets at for breakfast and was waiting for ST. Later on ST Depot told us that there was some accident on the way so our Bus couldn’t come on time. It was 9am and was getting late so we hired one jeep till Ninavi village.
The route from Kadwa dam is beautiful but it is closed now so one has to take next right for going to Ninavi village. By 10am we were at the base of Aundh.
Since the route going straight through ‘nali’ was risky villagers advised us to go through cattle route. We took one and half hour to reach first plateau. There was one house on the plateau and for a safer side we asked villager, Yashwant as a guide. We relaxed a bit and had some carrot and cucumber, thanks to Sumit.
We moved up to second plateau and reached there by 12:45pm. It was getting very hot and I was already exhausted. So we had Glucon-D and again relaxed
for some time. By 1:30pm we reached the base of Aundh-climb. We had quick lunch and moved ahead for climbing, it was 2pm.
For Aundh climb, initially there are large steps and then there is a rock-patch. Villagers have fixed wire so one has to hold that and climb up. Here villager helped us in climbing the both rock patches. Second rock patch has overhang but with the help of wire one can climb up easily.
On the top there is local deity, one underground water tank and also a cave which has local story as one dace has stored all stolen ornaments on the fort.
While descending we met a group from Natick who fixed a rope line to climb up so we descend on the same rope. We came down by 3:45pm and had some snacks. By 5pm we moved further for Patti fort. You can see the entire route from Aundh to Patta as there are so many windmills on the way. While going towards Patta fort we got lift from local Engineer and they dropped us till the road goes up. As per villager’s direction we followed the cattle route which we found immediately after climbing bit up but later on we found that this is not a correct route. Since it was getting dark, Sumit and Arvind went to check the rockpatch but even that wasn’t the route. We heard stories of wild animals on the Patta route so we decide to come back to village in between Aundh and Patta.
Since the Tirade village was even far at one hour distance we decided to stay at Guard’s office, which was Container! We asked the permission to Chief Engineer to stay at Container. I never thought while trekking I ever stayed in Container. Arvind and Nitin Bhosle prepared Khichadi. I was bit uncomfortable with all those ten security guards around so I asked Sumit to be with me. Later on since the space was less and we were six extra people, to accommodate us comfortably few of Guards went to one temple nearby. Really helpful nature but initially I was doubtful about them. The fear of wild animal was strong but still we were making fun of that. After having Khichadi we immediately went to sleep. In the night, the door of container opened quite a few times. Nitin Bhosle, Sumit and I were on the front of the door so fear of animal and also cold wind made us awake all the time.
Security Guard suggested us to get up when there will be sunrise and in the light to do all our morning work.
We had tea and biscuits and asked Guard to show us the path going to Patta fort as wanted to check, which path we took yesterday and where is the actual route.
When we reached the road going to base of Patta rock patch from Aundh side.
We were wondering where the Guard is going up but that was the actual route going towards Patta. One has to climb up till you come close to rock and very thing route parallel to rock goes to Patta. The route which we took yesterday goes gown to village. Clever Nitin Bhosle very sweetly and politely asked Guard to enjoy his Sunday with us roaming Patta fort, the Guard later on came till Pattawadi!
We reached the entrance of Patta by 9:30am. Reaching top of the Patta fort was somehow different feeling…may be because I was bit unwell, none of the senior were there and still we tackled the climbing of Aundh, at the right time decided to move back to container…and finally reached the top!
Patta fort is really huge and like Aundh even Patta is very windy. There are caves and water tanks. At Patta side there is Palace where Shivaji Maharaj stayed is still in good condition. I loved that structure as it was very comfortable with enough light and air. You don’t get suffocated as you usually get in other old structures.
We took two hours on the Patta fort and then descend towards Patta Wadi. On the way to Patta Wadi side one can see Ashtabhuja Goddess temple and also two caves on lower side. Here we had some snacks and descend further to Pattawadi. By the time we reached wadi it was 1:15pm. From wadi we headed towards Ekdara phata for 2:30 Kasara ST. But again it was very lengthy route and hot we all were hoping to get lift. And since all wished for vehicle to drop us after ten minutes we saw one sumo coming and smart Arvind requested owner such a way that he accommodate all of us plus when he got down in between he asked his driver to drop us till Ekdara Phata.
We were waiting for ST so Sumit started his “Wild Photography” from Bull to cowdung
At 3:15pm we got the ST for Kasara and reached the Kasara station by 5:15pm
Since the next train was at 6:14pm, we had Tea and snacks. Our adventure was still on as station was crowded so we all were ready to get the seats together.
Finally we all got into the train and got to seat together.
Aundh-Patta trek will be more memorable because of coming back in dark to Guard’s office which was container and staying in that container!!!
Check the snaps at
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576664800bPnjGw

Indrai Rajdeher, 26 - 29 Dec 09

Indrai Rajdeher

Avi decided long back to do these forts when Alekh and Erin will come in India. So when both came for vacation we decided to do Indrai and Rajdeher forts. We went by Avi's car till Chandwad and reached Indraiwadi, the base village of Indrai fort in the evening. We started at 5pm, the route to Indrai goes from back from where we starts. So take turn again climb up, and follow the route which takes you to the steps of Indrai. When we reached the fort by 7pm, it was getting dark. We couldn't find the caves initially but after long search we found the caves. As you go to the top plateau of Indrai you will see the path going to top and on one rock you will see arrow pointing to left. Follow that route and you will reach the caves. After reaching the caves we were relaxed. We then started preparing for Masala-Khichadi. Getting dry wooksticks, making chulha, giving 'Fodani' first and showing that to Erin so that next time she can make it was all fun. At last our khichadi got ready to eat. After dinner it felt even more cold and cave searching made everyone tired so all went to sleep. Next day we descend down to Indraiwadi and went to Chandwad to get some medicine for Avi.
By the time we were on the way to Rajdeherwadi it was evening. We stopped at one place where Erin was getting pictures. One villager came and chit-chat with him ended in staying at his place. His house in the mid of farm was small but with full of hospitality. They were so kind that they shared the same food which they cooked for themselves and ready to sleep outside as we might feel cold outside.
It was different experience for Erin and Avi was explaining her all the details. In the night it was amazing to sleep in the open watching all stars. Next we got up early and moved to Rajdeherwadi. We took three hours to reach from the base to top of the fort. Rajdeher is supposed to be difficult to climb but due to one 'Sadhu', now there is one ladder. So you just climb the ladder and you enter the fort. Entrance of Rajdeher fort itself gave me positive vibes.
The 'Sadhu' stays at the cave which you see just when you enter the fort. From that cave you go to the left side up and you will see lake one the way and caves with water. We had food and slept for a moment, it was so windy that we dropped the idea of staying in open. We went back to Sadhu so he asked us to go next construction. It was impossible to argue with him as he is having 'Mounvrat'[no-talk] for five years of which four years are completed. Other than opposition to stying with him, he helped with giving bucket, offering tea and snacks and again came to check whether we got settled or not and requires anything.

In the evening we went to the other end of the fort to see sunset. It was awesome to see entire range starting from Koldeher to Kanchana, Dhodap, Vikhara, Jawala, Rawala & Markanda. While coming back we collected dry cactus for chulha and again our we started preparing for Masala khichadi. This time Avi was teaching Erin how to cook and how to roast Papad on chulha.

Like Indrai even at Rajedeher it was damn cold so we immediately went to sleep after dinner. When I got up in the early morning, it was lovely to see rising sun from bed. Me, Alekh and Erin went out to click the snaps. It was beautiful morning and we four were relaxed watching rising sun. After getting fresh up we decided to move down so went give bucket to 'Sadhu' again. While leaving he gave us one paper on which he had written that he want to develop 'tiger-project' at the fort and he asked us to promote this activity. First of all Rajdeher is not so densed where wild animal can leave. Still since again we couldnt agrue[due to his mount-vrat] we jsut took that paper and came back. We took one and half hour to descend down. On the way we also enjoyed small waterfall.

At village, Erin wanted to visit school children so we went to visit the school. All school kids were very enthu to see foreigner so as Teacher and later on some Centre Head authority. Finally we left Rajdeher and proceed to Mumbai. It was a good hike as it was away from crazy crowd nowadays we get even at forts. I heard later on that Alang-Madan-Kulang got groups with 30 people and all. So on this background our trek was as if we were the King of the forts because only four of us were there on both the forts!

check the snaps at
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576578334bBXTMT

Ghangad, November 28, 2009

Ghangad - Small but bit climbing
If you have your vehicle then you can do Ghangad in a day. Since it is remote place you have to depend on ST. Since we took our vehicle we started in the night from Mumbai and reached Lonavala mid night. From there we proceed towards Yekole village. It was beautiful to see moon throughout the route. We stopped in between to rest and decided to move further next day morning. Since long me, Bandya, Vaishali trekked together in Sahyadri.
Next day we reached Yekole village and started climbing. It is very easy to reach till mid of Ghangad as path goes through jungle. On the way one can rest at Garjai Devi Temple. From here after ten minutes we reach to a rockpatch where one requires a rope to climb the patch. Since Bandya was there I was relaxed. We all one by one climbed, I wanted Avi to come up but he was not sure about Prachet, his son. But then Prachet himself asked to go to top and then Avi decided to come up. Avi got harnessed Prachet was ahead from down Atul covered him and from side Bandya first took Prachet at top. It was just for two minutes but I was scrared to see Avi climbing like that with Prachet. But within two minutes they both were atop of rockpatch. There are caves and water tank on the way. After that we all moved further where ascend scree starts, as usual i was bit concerned but Nagesh was behind so could do it easily. We took two hours to reach top.
On top there is one water tank and few remnants of construction. We had food and then after half n hour decided to climb down. After rappelling down we went to right side of fort on the same level where there is one local idol is worshiped. Here one big rock from the mountain is totally have got separate and looks as if it is kept at side. So it is like big 'Nedhe'.
Within one hour we were at the base. From here we started out journey back to Mumbai.

Note: ST timing for Yekole has now changed to 9am. One takes one and half hour by car to reach base village, Yekole. It is better to carry food and water and if not regular climber then also rope.

Sudhagad September 13, 2009

Sudhagad - To relax
Sudhagad this weekend. One workaholic, one busy, one cool and one crazy - four distinct personalities but got gel very fast. We decided to go to Sudhagad and started from Kalyan on Saturday eve. We reached the base village Thakurwadi in the night and started our trek. Gitu was doing trek after a long gap but she showed incredible stamina to cope with all. Sitting on the steps of the ladder at Sudhagad and experiencing the silence was wonderful.

Top of the fort was in fog so took time to found out the ‘wada’, the accommodation at the fort. We took three and half-hours to reach this place from base. The palace 'wada' was very quite as only we were there. After having food - Avi, Gitu and me started experiment with my camera. We were trying to capture midnight sky from no light at all. Avi directed the frames, Gitu for suggestions and I was to adjust technical requirements. Instead of tripod we used camera bag for long exposures. After an hour trial we finally got the expected shot of night sky from 'wada'.

Morning we woke up very late. Gitu and me went outside and it was still foggy. We all were in relaxed mood so enjoyed tea and snacks with chitchat and listening to Gitu’s cases from Women Liberation movement.

Sudhagad fort has many remnants of old historical structure. One can see TailBaila, Ghangad from one end. Bhorai Devi temple is main temple on the fort. We didn’t expected rain in the noon but it started with lightning and thundering. In the rain we explore ‘chor darwaja’ at one end. While climbing back the steps of ‘chor darwaja’ water started flowing from up and climbing steps against flowing water was amazing experience.

Sudhagad is very easy fort to climb and a good place to relax so children and any family person can enjoy this fort. One has to carry food or carry ration as one family stays near ‘wada’ so they can cook for you. Water is no problem for this fort. We started descending in the eve and reached the base village in the night. From there started our journey back to Mumbai.

Check the slideshow at : http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/574677835CqMLtq;jsessionid=abcB01ZSwxa3iet4ZIcpsor album at: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/574677835CqMLtq

2009-08-21 Lenyadri Chavand

LENYADRI CHAVAND

15th Aug 09 - weekend went to Chavand fort near Junnar with Avinash - Sumedha, Prachet (their son), and Chetan - Aarati. We left Kalyan at 7am and halted at Moroshi for breakfast.
Malshet ghat was scenic in the rain so my photo shoot started and since we went by Avi’s car we halted at many places on the way. We went to Lenyadri first, for me doing this ascend pre-trekking and post-trekking was huge difference:)
We took Manikdoh dam route so instead of going straight we took long route and saw many forts like Nimgiri, Hadsar, Naneghat and Jivdhan from car :) and then went to Chavand but since we all were hungry went to Junnar for Lunch. Finally we came to Chavandwadi at 5:30pm.
From sea level Chavand fort’s height is 3400 ft but from base one can reach the fort in hour and is easy to climb and for exposed rock steps there is railing now.
After an hour we reached the top by that time it became foggy and Chavand fort itself gives mysterious feel. We then started searching for caves but couldn’t found due to darkness and fog. I was damn scared while going through my height grass as I read about reptiles on the fort. Finally we pitched the tent near seven cisterns, which are also called as “Sapt Matruka” which has reference in mythology.
We all immediately jumped into the tent as wind started blowing heavily.
After so many months I stayed in tent on the fort, which was next to water tank and near to edge. It was awesome. We had thepalas for dinner and were feeling so cold that immediately went to sleep. Whole night windy rain gave the feeling as if the tent will bend. We all got up early morning but it was so cold outside that we preferred to stay in cozy tent till sun came op top. At last when Prachet completed his sleep and tried to go out we all got up. We saw village boys on the fort and then Avi asked one of them to show the way to caves. The caves are really down and one cannot make out from top where they will be. One has to keep in mind the direction; they are exactly opposite to Nimgiri fort. After that we went to Chamunda Devi Temple on hillock. It says from the name “Chamunda” the fort name became “Chavand”. Shivaji Maharaj named this fort at Prasannagad. There are lot of water tanks and remnants of construction. Even the front wall of the fort is in good condition till date.
We reached in noon at Chavandwadi and from there we headed towards Kukadeshwar Temple. The temple is famous for Hemadpanthi – rock lock – construction but since it was in unsafe condition ASI has dismantle the upper part of the temple. All beautifully carved stones are lying near the temple. From last two year work is going on and don’t know how long will it take.
We decided to have lunch at Junnar and then to go to Chetan & Aarti’s house at Nimgaon near Junnar. They have huge bungalow and farm containing Tomatoes, Chilies, Custard Apple, etc. His Baba is very enthusiastic about farming and showed the entire farm. His Aai gave tasty Kothimbir vadi to eat. Coconut, Biscuits & Tea was in row. We were already filled with late lunch so was feeling sorry to avoid all the tasty stuff.
It was peaceful to see sunset from outside his house. His lovely Granny and all asked us to stay back. But next day we all had to get back to our routine so decided to leave late evening. Our two days journey was comfortable & pleasurable with relax mind!

Check out the snaps

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/574221202bjpmXo

2009-08-01 Lonavala Bhimashankar

LONAVALA - BHIMASHANKAR

Bhimashankar trek [total distance around 80km].

no need to tell that it was wonderful trek with all cheerful people!
Thursday 30th July - night 11:30pm from Lonavala st stand to 2am midnight Udhewadi [stay at villager's house]
Friday 31st July morning 9:30am from Udhewadi till 6:30pm Kusur village
from Kusur to Talpewadi by Tempo - we avoided tar road trek [stay at Talpewadi school]
Saturday 1st August 7:30 from Talpewadi [our Mama-guide knew road only till Kusur so ] we took direction-guidelines from local villager and explore on our own,
which was fantastic part. Nagesh had compass and Nitin Bhosle already did research on Google Earth and also had map so keeping in mind North-west we headed to that direction. After certain point, where Peth Bhimashankar route joins, Mama recalled the route as he did that route earlier.
We reached Gupt Bhimashankar by 5:30pm and then to Bhimashankar.
Very crowded so we decided to move back to Mumbai.
One can see nature in its best and all form on this route.
Didnt carry my camera as this trek is famous for continuous windy rain, waist level flooded river and also being a lengthy trek we have to cover in time.
So concentration was on trek:) no regrets! as its amazing beauty beyond camera one has to feel and experience.
Luckily we got clear weather, so we could see the entire range and also as most of the people said didnt lost on Kusur Plateau.
So here are few moments captured in camera...
http://community.webshots.com/album/574233897UUODcp

2009-07-26 Umberkhind

UMBERKHIND

Sunday, 26th July 09 went to Umberkhind, a pass between Lonavala to Penn. It starts from Kurvande village, so the ghat name is Kurvande ghat and down it goes till Chavani village. We started at 10am from Kurvande village near Lonavala and took us four hours to reach Memorial spot. From Khandala it started raining heavily and fog was also on the way. So much that we hardly could see Dukes nose else one can see the entire Lonavala range. After descending through forest we reached the base of pass from where we could see the roaring Amba river and Chavani village at another border of the river. Since water flow was heavy we preferred to cross the river from the bridge. After twenty minutes walk we reached a place where there is a memorial today. Umberkhind is famous in history for Shivaji Maharaj’s battle technique where he defeated three thousand soldiers with his thousand soldiers. [lot of arguments on the number of soldiers from both the sides ] Then Raibaghan & Kartalab Khan surrendered themselves to Maharaj. They had to leave all their weaponry, horses & materials. Due to incessant rains Amba river was flowing heavily. So we couldn’t go up till the Memorial but have to click the snap from the edge of the river. Thanks to Alaka and Kunal who helped me to shoot in windy rain. Kiran & Bharat explained the history of Umberkhind. Alka and me sat for a moment on the edge of the river and it was as if river is giving her flow to us. We felt like we are moving and water is steady. Then we realized its better to move than we actually moved with the current.Again our walk started towards Shemadi village that is almost four km from Memorial. At Shemadi village we had our lunch, shared our experiences and started our Journey back to Mumbai. To go to Umberkhind one can go either from Khandala or from Lonavala. One has to reach Kurvande village and walk towards dukes nose. From Dukes nose take left and the route descends to Chavani village. It is easy and preferably to do in rain as one can enjoy greenery around. From Memorial to Shemadi village road will be boring in other seasons. One has to carry food and water as entire route is through forest. From Shemadi village one can get Auto rickshaw to Khopoli and from Khopoli highway or ST stand one can get further buses.

Didnt click much due to heavy rains.

Darya Ghat

Darya Ghat 18th July 2009
On Saturday been to Darya Ghat near Palu, Murbad. This is a route, which connects to Amboli village, Junnar at top. We started at 8am in the morning from Eshtyachi wadi, the base village at starting of ghat and reach the top at 12 noon. The total route is zigzag and crossing the waterfall coming from top. One has to climb boulders after jungle line. It was indeed fun as we experience rain in between, fog at top, and route where water from top were like showers.
We had snacks at top and immediately started our journey back as we were sure that while going down water level of waterfall will increase. We were very careful as water force and moss made it difficult to descend. We took halt for lunch near hut type shelter in the jungle. When we were very close to village, half of the group lost the main route and came down through another route. Finally we all came down and had readymade tea i.e. the powder in hot water. Eshtyachi wadi is just six home together place so one has to carry ration and has to stay the villages before this wadi as we stayed at Dehri, the base of Gorakhgad.
Since we went by private vehicle transportation wasn’t a problem but one can get jeep on Murbad - Palu route.
And yeah a different experiment in photography

- a creativity by Sanju and Sumit and I was there just to click the shot. Do check!

http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/573640356LdkUaN

2009 June Beas Kund trek & Mt. Patalsu Climbing

Intermount Adventure Mt. Shitidhar Expedition 2009
Team: Dipaali K Bhosle, Sumit Bhosle, Pradeep Chachad, Vaishali Haldavanekar, Rajendra Nehete, Padmaja Prabhu, Tushar Yeole
Support Team : Bhola Thakur, PyareRam, Kishan, Mahindra, Dorji, Tek Bahaddur, Shambho, Kumar, Doulatramji - Burwa, Manali


In month of March, Vaishali suggested the Mt. Shitidhar expedition and I was thrilled to do first peak climbing. Vaishali with the able guidance of Mr. Pradeep Chachad aka Bandya did first hand research and then decided the itinerary. Then the traveling, whether to go by train or air since I have to save my leave I preferred to travel by air. Vaishali is always of opinion to go together for expedition & her opinion is cent percent correct, which I realized through out the trek. I didn’t felt much that time as I must travel with all but when we all started meeting and our preparation started I thought I wish I should have gone with all by train.

In the office, I told most of the people about my expedition. I was behind Shridhar to get 8GB card and also bought extra battery as a backup. Shiridhar’s 8GB card and mine 4GB card total 12GB and two batteries. I was totally geared up to shoot for expedition. Shirish also guided me & Sumit about how to cope-up with climate and medicines for high altitude.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009
We-me, Tushar & Padmaja decided to go to Mumbai Chandigarh by flight, site seeing at Chandigarh and then bus journey to Manali. Chandigarh was 40 degree so it was totally hot and dry. I could maintain my enthusiasm till Rock Garden but after reaching Sukhana Lake I was completely down by heat. I also avoided the boating and chosen to seat and watch the lake and surrounding. Was surprised to see condom vending machine at the entrance of lake area as first time I saw such machine. Rose Garden is beautiful but we hardly got time to have entire look.

Our bus left on time and late night it halted at one dhaba where food wasn’t at all tasty. But since I was hungry I patiently accept his late order and the food. Sleep in the night wasn’t very comfortable and also eagerness to reach Manali made me restless.

Thursday, June 11, 2009
Morning Bandya came to receive us at depot. It was damn breezy while traveling by rickshaw. We went to Burwa village, which is 8km ahead of Manali. Here we met Mr. Bhola Thakur -local trek organizer, who along with Bandya organized this trek.
Bhola’s house at Burwa is peaceful place.

After getting fresh we went to upper side of village where apple farms were in cultivation stage. Kishan, Bhola’s younger brother who is teacher accompanied us and gave all the information about cultivation. We went up till where road to next village Mazdah is under construction. There was one big rock and Bandya tried to climb it then I went from easy route to the top. Walking on the rock ridge was different experience altogether.

On our way back we came from school side, all students were used to camera and were posing as we clicked. Just before our house-yes it was now our house- there was Ms. Sumitradevi’s house. She was weaving yarn on handloom I always wonders how they do this. But instead of doing it I preferred to click her engrossed face through those threads!

Evening we went for Manali site seeing – Monastery, Hadimba temple, Vasishtha Kund
were now with more crowd compare to four years back when I came here for the first time. Sometimes you just get lost in the crowd I felt the same at Mall Road. Night at Burwa was very comfy.

Friday, June 12, 2009
Next day morning I was eagerly waiting for Sumit & Vaishali. They along with Rajendra came and fun started… We had late lunch and in evening we had acclimatization trek at Jogini falls. The waterfall is massive and I just couldn’t control myself from going there. Vaishali was warning me not to take risk before expedition but still enjoyed going by side of fall.

After trek we started packing for our expedition and took the stuff, which were really required. Vaishali packed and distributed chocolates and dry-fruits. Bhola asked Bandya the price of Hand gloves, which he bought from Avi Industries. When he learned that it costs Rs. 700 he started laughing and told the same gloves one can get at Rs.150 at old Manali market. From that moment we started calling that gloves ‘700 hundred’.
From two sacks, I packed my big sack with all woolen clothes and snacks. The Beasn-laddu and salty ‘Shankarpale’ - waffors you can say- given by Mom was enough for everyone including our support team. Sweet and salt requires when you are trekking.

Saturday, June 13, 2009
Start of our expedition, Vaishali and we all prayed for our successful expedition.
Our kitchen stuff, tents, sleeping bags and other stuff got filled in one small tempo.
We left Burwa by jeep and got down at Solang Nalah. From here our trek started.
We climbed the Solang valley through boulders and that reminded me the start of Nali route at Harishachandragad in Sahyadri. When I read itinerary I felt why we have such a short distance every day but ones start ascending in Himalaya and realized that oxygen level makes you breathless and slows your stamina to climb. But we maintained our speed neither very fast nor slow enjoyed surrounding beauty and most of all got time to clicked the snaps.

By noontime we reached Bakhar Thach, our first campsite. As soon as we reached the tent it started raining heavily and we were worried about the weather. But fortunately by evening the sky was clear. Rajendra was overwhelmed with joy and couldn’t control himself skiing in snow. That day was his birthday, Doulatramji – our cook arranged cake for him and Rajendra was touched by that kind gesture. We all celebrated that evening with cake and pakoda.

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Since we all were well acclimatized and fit Bhola decided to move to next camp at Beas Kund. Here first time from the start of the trek we crossed the snow. It wasn’t like that I saw the snow first time but every time I touched the snow I bowed before the nature, which makes me realized the mystery, the strength, and the optimism within the nature, which drags me to her every year. Every year it’s a new learning. Now I know why Saints go to Himalayas.

We climbed one gradual slope and then boulders walk. There is one tower by army.
One has to cross that tower and then you reach a place where there is route to heaven.
I mean it. No, I haven’t seen it but if heaven means bliss then it was indeed pleasure the moment you look at that Beas Kund area. From every side the snow clad peaks and in the middle huge area and in that you are staying! I am totally in love with this place.

After our lunch we went to near by waterfall thinking that’s the Beak Kund. We clicked lot of snaps in adjacent snow area. In the evening, Mahindra- our guide told us to wear Koflach –snow- shoes for practice and to go to Beak Kund, which was bit away from our campsite. The shoes were really heavy and initially couldn’t seat or bend properly.

By evening it became very cold and everyone wore starting from thermals to windcheater. The tea, garamagaram pakoda and then soup was like must have in that climate.
Rajendra was very quite on first day at Beas camp. He was with us physically and mentally still sinking with beauty of nature. When I said ‘with us and still not with us’ in Marathi then all started laughing at me as it sounded different and funny. But then he got mixed up with all of us. He and Bandya danced and then he started enjoying in the group.

Monday, June 15, 2009
We were bit relax as we were going to stay at the same camp to acclimatize at high altitude. Morning it started drizzling and we all got cozy in kitchen tent. Our support team went up to move some stuff up on higher camp. Bandya asked to get out and get ready for short trek towards higher camp so that we can get used to climb at high altitude.

Initially I wasn’t in mood to get out of the comfort zone and get wet in moist as in the morning I changed my clothes after two days. But again… once I started crossing the snow it was fun. I was thrilled to walk over snow layer beneath there was water roaring.
We reached up of Beas Kund and it started snowing. Bandya asked everyone to descend but then he and Rajendra decided to go up till the higher camp glacier. I asked him to join them and then he asked everyone to come up. Rajendra with his Pranayam knowledge taught me how to have slow breathing and relax when one takes halt on the trek.

Camphor was very useful throughout the trek whenever I used to feel breathless or uncomfortable. Thanks to Shirish! The moment we were closed to higher camp we realized the change in environment. Our ascending became slow and slow and while descending we felt like having headache. We saw our support team descending and then they started skiing and descending on the glacier.

By the time we reached campsite it again started drizzling. We had hot lunch and then all decided to stay back in kitchen tent and started singing songs. Bandya and Sumit tried and tested walky-talky. In the evening, I was glad to have Popcorn at the height of 13,500ft! It wasn’t difficult to make but certainly not imagined so was very happy to get something, which we eat at Mumbai or in city. Everyday, our day used to start with bed-tea then breakfast and tea, Lunch, evening tea and snacks, soup then dinner and then hot milk before sleep. I used to eat double what I eat usually in Mumbai.
Doulatramji, our cook used to cook tasty food and I simply loved it!

That evening it started raining constantly then followed by snowing. Rajendra & Bandya enjoyed that snowfall with dance and Sumit instantly started shooting with handycamp. Sumit was also enthu to click the snaps in snowfall. Bandya covered Sumit’s camera with his Poncho and Sumit clicked some excellent snaps. Vaishali was restless with continuous snowfall. As she was aware that if it continued till night the climbing to higher camp and to Mt. Shitidhar would be difficult and may get cancelled. She was very upset with changing climatic conditions and she also came to know about weather forecast from Bhola that next two days weather would be equally bad.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Whole night I could feel that porters are clearing the snow from tent. Morning I got out of tent and it was different world. Our tent was in snow. It was delight to watch that paradise. But that also made our move to higher camp doubtful. I asked Bhola and he sadly said no…but when snow will get clear? he said let’s see!
Vaishali was still upset but then started accepting the fact and talked to everyone.

Bhola asked to have practice of climbing in incline patch of snow with Koflach shoes. We somehow got out and went to a patch where Mahindra was giving training to everyone. I thought it would be easy but it was tricky to balance one’s self in the snow. Mahindra asked to climb on toe and while descending get down on heel. He also showed the technique of how to lock our fall with ice-axe. When I was about too comfortable in descending the snow it became windy and started raining. Bhola asked us to get into the tent immediately.

Whole day Bhola and his team were watching Mt Shitidhar area. In the evening they saw the UK team from higher camp & Japanese couple coming back from mid of higher camp, which wasn’t good sign! Whole day we passed our time by clicking the snaps or playing cards, which Bandya brought from nearby Shepherd. Our moving up became more doubtful. Still we packed our sacks for higher camp thinking climate may get clear by night.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Next day morning when I got up it was very late. This means we are not going up.
We all were uneasy but Bandya was very disturbed as we called off our move to higher camp and summit to Mt. Shitidhar. I wish we should have gone at least to higher camp because route to higher camp was on bit vertical ridge that could have been experience to learn. But one has to accept and respect the nature. Going to higher camp means close to summit and still coming back that would have been more painful. I console myself like that…

Bhola and team decided to go to higher camp to get back material, which they kept on higher camp. Bandya and Rajendra wanted to go with them but Bhola didn’t want to take any chance. Since we were doing nothing Vaishali asked our cook Doulatramji for suji.
She took all the dryfruits, butter and Sumit helped her in preparation. We had tasty Shira as a sweet dish for our lunch.

We decided to go Shepherd’s place after lunch, as we wanted to get playing cards and Bandya also described about his hukka. Vaishali was keen to see that hukka and have that experience. Shepherd’s place was small shelter of stones kept on one another.
First Bandya had few puffs and then he handed over to Vaishali. She was ‘Bindhast’
and used full ‘Dam maro dam’ style but couldn’t inhale a single time but she fulfilled her wish. Shepherd was bit rude and asked us to go back..is it because of extreme weather he became like that…where he has to struggle for everything then why he will care for us who just came there to have fun for few days? My favorite subject Psychology always helps me to analyze people. Through out the trek I was quite because it was always new learning about human behavior. Sonali, my trek friend once told me that you could make out people very well on Himalayan long treks. How true was that…

Thursday, June 18, 2009
We started our journey back to Burwa. Since we came late we decided to have Maggie and this is the only item that is my last option to have as a meal. Sumit started making fun of that but then I added garlic shev on that and had Maggie in between shev.
In the evening we went to Manali market to have all chat items. It was mouth watering
to see all chat items especially Alu Tikki getting fried in oil on that big pan. Yammmyy!
After that whenever we went to Manali having Alu Tikki was default ritual.


Friday, June 19, 2009
Since we couldn’t attempt Mt Shitidhar Bhola suggested for Mt. Patalsu. The way to Mt Patalsu was through Solang village. Vaishali fooled small girls at Solang village saying that Sumit is hero and innocent girls believed that and clicked the snap with him. The whole route to campsite was through jungle. We decided to enjoy the beauty and have leisure trek, as sun was clear. We halted several time to have snacks and snaps. Bhola was in search of water and where he found stream close to that was our campsite. I was really glad to have such a huge plateau where one can feel like ‘I am king’ and ruling this place….
Or as if God gifted this place as a play garden for his children….
This was the longest trek we did till that date as we climbed 5000ft at one stretch
Here I decided to pitch tent and with Mahindra and others. How easy that was…
Having tea, soup & dinner at that lovely campsite was amazing experience. I went totally mad for that place. I was excited to do summit to Mt Patalsu and slept with the same thoughts!

Saturday, June 20, 2009
Next day morning we had heavy breakfast of Puri Bhaji. With us Bhola, Mahindra and Shambho accompanied for Summit. One cannot make out the summit of Mt Patalsu from the front side of mountain. As snowline started it became slippery as snow was with the grass and that made me scared of falling down. That full patch I was holding Rajendra or Sumit’s hand for support. But once snow ridge started Bhola asked Rajendra to leave me and encouraged me to walk on my own. Initially I was worried how to climb the snow but then learning at Beas applied here and then I was okay to step on snow.
The summit of Patalsu was much behind and away from the point that we thought is our summit! Mahindra was warning us about not to go on the edge and also make a mark where there were gaps down next to stones. Even though initially I was scared, I actually enjoyed ascending in the snow. There was hardly any distance to summit and Bandya asked to come ahead as I was blindly following Rajendra. With all carefulness I went up on my own. That was a moment I reached summit. Hats off to Bandya…only that patch crossing on my own…reaching the summit…boosted my confidence to another level…
That recalled me Sir Edmund Hillary’s statement that… its not that we conquer mountains but we conquer our self….

We all greeted each other, I especially thanked to Vaishali as it was her initiative to do Peak expedition. So I was there… Soon we started our descend back to campsite.
Again while descending I was holding Mahindra’s hand but Bandya asked him to leave me and let me walk on my own. Then I got used to descend on heel but again when snow grass area came I became conscious. Finally I got so used descending on the grass so much that instead of side route I straightway came down.

Evening was relaxed. Since one shepherd stolen kerosene, [also Bhola’s shoes], Dorji cooked food on chulha. Bhola and Shambho went to that shepherd’s place and don’t know what all they said and did but they got the shoes back and money for kerosene. Bhola himself was surprised by this stealing incidence as this happened first time. That night we had campfire but instead of singing I preferred to listen to songs by others.

Sunday, June 21, 2009
Morning we had tasty aloo paratha and started our journey back to Burwa.
Again we decided to make mximum time pass. I felt really bad to leave that place and going back to civilization. Noon at Burwa again having bath, cleaning clothes and in eve we went to Manali…for me again to eat Chat.

Monday, June 22, 2009
We all decided to go for rafting at Kullu. This is the first time we traveled internal roads by public-private transport. I was surprised to see that you can bargain your tickets in private bus available for public transportation. We reached Pirdi, a place 4kms ahead of Kullu, which is a starting point of Rafting. I wasn’t scared or nervous, as I didn’t thought much of fear of waves and raft going up & down. I was thrilled once it started. I was screaming as the water used to drench me. I thoroughly enjoyed rafting!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Me, Padmaja & Tushar left for Naggar in the morning by private car. I was keen to see all the wooden carving done at castle and temples in Naggar like Tripura Sundari Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple & Jagati Pat Temple. The food at castle was not up to the mark.
We came back to Manali bus depot as Vaishali, Sumit, Rajendra and Bandya was leaving for Delhi and back journey to Mumbai.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
We thought of going to Rohtang but we were not sure about coming back in time so it was skeptical to take chance when we had our bus to Chandigarh in the evening.
So we preferred to stay back at Burwa. Food at Sher-E-Punjab was okay.
Again in evening we went to Manali Market. I ordered for Khadi sweatshirt and Ladaki style kurta at Gulati’s shop. For a change we had Chinese food.
The same house was quite today as half of the team left…

Thursday, June 25, 2009
First time I was happy to start return journey to Mumbai. I must confess this time I did missed my friends, Mom & my house. No doubt Burwa to Burwa trek was indeed pleasure but any outing is joy when u do with like minded people and whole as a group…. the first peak expedition I have lot of learning so as to face life more rigorously…!!!

Check images at : http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/573336746JAdRaR