Trekking Down the Valley of Sandhan

Some treks are adventurous, some are thrilling, some terrific and some are tough; but some treks are just enjoyable, it has got a mixture of adventure, thrill and largest share is taken by fun. In this rapid way of living, where is the time to stop and have senseless conversation, that don’t mean anything or where is the time to sit down and argue on your favourite topic, where is the time to sit with your loved one and gaze the stars above endlessly, timelessly, infinitely? On such treks like Sandhan Valley, where the ever distracting technology is not with you, where one is not constantly swiping through cell phones to get latest updates on messages and mails; or where one is not constantly bombarded with unnecessary questions. Finally Small Steps Adventures had organized this famous trek of Sandhan.

Start of Journey

Train Journey till Kasara

The journey to Sandhan started with the train from CST to kasara. People boarded the train from respective stations and we gathered all into first boogie of train. We reached kasara at around 1.30 am.

From kasara 3 trax were booked which took us to base village. We were around 30 people.
Reached the base village at 4.30 am, rested for a while and at 6 am, refreshed ourselves; and were served with delicious breakfast of  ‘kande pohe and tea.’ A little introductory session and we were set to start the trek.

Introduction Sesssion

Trekking through the Valley

Outskirts of Sandhan Valley

We moved forward towards the valley. Sandhan is a great combination of canyon and valley. There are 300 feet rock walls on both sides. Once started with descend one could literally feel moving through mystic environment. Rocks on all sides, walking on stones and rocks, walls of carved rocks. The valley is deep enough for not reaching the strong sun light, which is a pleasure. Walking in shadows provide a cool climate. We were divided into 3 groups. Every group had a leader, The first group was led by Shreeharsha, The Second was led by Sushant and Sagar was leading the last group at the back. Chaitrali and me were connecting the groups and gaps.

The Valley Starts

Our Journey Begins

Walking further we could see many pools of water formed. Fishes are also present in them. After sometime we reached a spot where there was water till waist length and the rock walls were very close to each other forming a narrow gap. We pulled our track pants up, took our bags on head and walked through it. The water was icy cold. It literally was freezing. After crossing this we had to walk further straight.

Pools of Water

Water till waist length

Just walking in the valley is a diverse experience. Long ahead one could see the opening of the valley and besides there were natural carvings formed on the wall.

Sometimes I feel reality is an amazing experience. Well places like these are heaven for photographers and platform for people who like to get photographed. Every 5 min of walk and we all clicked pictures. As now-a- days people are obsessed with their display pics, everyone was choosing the spots to get clicked and upload. Here our photographer of Small steps has to be patient and click pictures that would satisfy everyone and also satisfy him.

Photography By Sumit into the Valley

Descending further in the Valley

We had walked nearly for 4 hours, now further descend started. Here the rock patches were tricky. One had to look carefully and step down. We were approaching the first rappelling patch. We had to cross 3 rappelling spots to reach camping site. The descend was pleasant change from just walking between the rock walls. Although just walking down them interacting with one another, having fun, didn’t realize how much time had passed.  Rock walls now had widened the gap and it was sort of opening.

Opening of Rock Walls.

Our Photographer has finally got his own pic

The 3 Rappelling Spots

We reached the first rappelling spot at about 12.30 pm. It was 60 to 70 feet rappelling. The equipment was carried by the villagers who had lead us in the trek.  Rappelling at this spot needed harness, carabineer and figure of 8 to be worn, in addition to gloves and helmet. For many of us who had trekked with small steps rappelling has become usual business now. Although there is a little flutter in stomach every time I start going down backwards but, it goes away quickly. We rappelled respectively as our groups reached the spot. I was present in the group which rappelled first. We descended and awaited for others to join us, until then we had lunch bhakri and sabji. Now the adventurous part of trek had started.

Rappelling 1st Spot.

Rappelling with Equipment.

As we moved further we had to descend through rocks carefully taking grip sometimes; or just sliding through them. At some places water was percolating from rocks. The cold water satisfied our thirst.

Pools of water.

Tricky Rocks.

Ponds of water with fishes in them could be seen frequently. There was one spot where we had to enter through a small hole in the rock, and then slide down further. It was kind of some ride.

The rock says enter through me and I'll show you the way

  

Entering through small tunnel.

The second rappelling spot was small in height. Rappelling by the rope was not actually required here.  But for safety rope was tied, no equipment. The height was about 10 feet. But there were no crevices to take grip hence we had to leave our legs freely in the air and completely take grip of rope and push ourselves down. Also as it was a narrow spot. Bags were passed down directly.

2nd Rappelling Patch

A narrow stream of water was flowing here; we refreshed ourselves from dirt and sweat trekking for almost 6 hours now. Rested for a while and moved forward to the 3rd rappelling patch.The 3^rd rappelling patch was moderate it wasn't high as first also not as simple as 2^nd. Rope was definitely required but no equipment. It was around 20 to 30 feet. With rocks cut in between.

3rd Rappelling Patch

Thus the 3 rappelling patches were completed, now the camp-site was not far away. Half an hour of walk further and we reached a beautiful plateau, situated exactly in the center of hills. A stream of water was flowing down the rock and into the pond situated down the plateau, into the rocks. It was not approachable. We had carried tents with us, and started pitching on good spots before other groups could reach.

Camping at a Plateau in Sandhan.

Tents were pitched, mats were rolled off, bags, luggage was gathered aside, twilight in the sky and we all rested for a while.  After the rest, tea was served by villagers, and people took out the food they had brought for the trek. What a wonderful feeling it is to sip the tea during the saffron light of evening.

Sunset at Camping Site.

Just Sitting in Twilight.

It was becoming dark, we all had engaged ourselves in fun conversations pulling each other’s legs and making fun of each other. As we sat around hearing each other’s experiences of treks, of their professional and personal lives, etc. dinner was ready; again prepared by villagers. Chapati, aloo sabji, dal and rice are perfect meal after exertion of trek.

Clear Sky Crescent Moon.

Pleasant climate for camping

After the meal, the favourite game antakshri was initiated by trek leaders. The game was fun. Variety and diverse songs were sung. The sound was echoing in the valley. The other groups also replicated us after some time.  There were many funny moments while the game was being played, as some moments are inexplicable in the blogs, those are situation based. Soon the game turned into just singing random songs instead of teams playing antakshri. We all were singing till midnight loudly, so much that some songs got once more from other groups.  The voice was getting echoed in the valley.

At almost 1’0 clock we stopped singing and decided to sleep for a while as next day we had to descend to base village. So most of us slept outside tent as it wasn’t that cold.

But what a starry night it was. Now- a-days due to pollution one can hardly even see a polestar.

Places like these away from cities, in the valleys and mountains, the sky is clear with millions of stars visible. We could actually even spot the satellites encircling.

Gazing into the starry sky

Of infinite universe

The night descended on us

Through the mountains

And darkened the valley

Brought peaceful sleep in our eyes

that carried our dreams.

Descend from Sandhan

Wakeup call at 5.30 and the dreams broke into the sunrise. The light was spreading, as we got up, and engaged ourselves in morning activities. Got refreshed and breakfast was served. A hot Maggie and tea , perfect breakfast for descend.

Maggie Breakfast

Packed the tents, packed the bags and ready for few clicks; which eventually turned into many because people were still in the mood of enjoyment.

Small Steps had carried out a wonderful gesture, while trekking we had collected all the waste and the plastic bottles into trash bags to clean the valley. While descending there were many trash bags, that need to be carried, everyone helped.

Cleaning the Valley

Descend was not that difficult, again we created 3 groups to descend. Ours was in middle this time. All the groups were coincidently were playing songs on speakers, and each group of different themes. Ours was party theme “mahol” we call it in hindi or Marathi. No silent songs in our speakers.

Descending easily.

Creating Mahol.

Walking through jungle was fun. Variety of trees with different fruits and flowers on them; just makes a realize importance of bio diversity in trees.

Captured the flower

Path of Jungle and Trail of Water.

Finally we reached the base village and rested there for a while, had tea and Parle G biscuit.

Sunny Day, returning to base village

The return journey began through trax till Asangaon station. Everyone boarded the train and got down at respective station, now what resides are memories and photographs of the wonderful journey. 

It’s been many years now that I am trekking. Every trek gives me a different experience. Every trek I meet new people, new faces. The world is a big place, every new person I meet teaches me something different than before, gives me a different experience. This trek as said earlier was most enjoyable. Many people I knew because I had trekked with them, but the bond that was formed in this trek has emerged stronger. It’s like being in friendship for many years. 2 days of trek, and friends for lifetime. Thus these adventurous activities have got their own significance, especially in today’s world that has dark corners on every turn and enmity on every road.

Small Steps Adventures

It is a group founded by Sagar, Yogi, Sushant, Ravi, Prashant and Rashmi. The small steps adventures is a group, that take people on adventurous expeditions. The purpose of such expeditions is to spend a little time away from our busy life into peaceful and calm nature, where people from different walks of life join you, and one can make new relations.

http://www.smallstepsadventures.com/

Technical Details

Sandhan Valley: In Nagar District, Approximately 70-90Km from Kasara.

Base Village: Samrad

Transport: For Mumbai, Train till Kasara, and further Private vehicle, For Pune Private Vehicle preferred till Base village, or till Mumbai and then further.

Descend Base Village: Dehane and reach Asangaon by trax or private vehicle about 1 to 1 and ½ hours.

On the Steeps of Dhak

It is Sunday and we are ready to jump on the wagon of another adventure. This time it is the caves of Dhak Bahiri in Karjat region of Maharashtra. Dhak bahiri are the caves situated in middle of the cliff of Dhak fort in Sahyadri Mountains. The caves are situated at around 2600 ft. from base village. There is also a temple of Lord Bahiri.

Dhak Fort

Start of Journey and Introduction.

Our day started with Journey from Dadar to Lonavala to Kamshet base village. As usual everyone was geared up and excited for the trek. Bus Journeys are fun. They are the window to get know the fellow trekkers. It works as an ice breaker. Here is the unusual bond that you form which lies between friend and companions in the trekking expedition. As usual routine follows with the game of Antakshri; singing songs loudly together is such a fun; followed by breakfast of ‘kande pohe.’ This breakfast I think can now be patented by Small Steps.

Reaching the base village near Kamshet, we had a small introductory session to formally know each other followed by trekking instructions. Trek leaders were Sagar, Rashmi and Prashant and even I was given the role this time of bridging the gap between groups. Branching out am I?

While trekking in the forest

Ascend and Walk-through Jungle.

The trek falls into medium category. With hills up and down one has to walk lot. The Jungle provides shade from long and high trees and coolness in sunny day.

The dense trees protecting from Sun.

A little rest

Climbing the hill one reaches a narrow gap which divides two hills; it is kind of gully.  The narrow opening descends into other side of hill. The thrilling and adventurous part of trek starts from here. It is a narrow opening in its literal sense even bags can’t pass; one has to throw them down. One could see scenic view of mountains situated far away in the ranges through gap. Well lots of pictures were clicked here as, one by one people were descending.

The Narrow Gully between two hills

Descending through Narrow gap

Narrow Descend

Narrowing into thrilling cliff

Descending through this we had to walk traverse on the edge of the mountain; a rocky patch of around 60 to 70 degree gradient.

Traverse on Rocky Patch.

Edgy Traverse

Selfie on Edgy

Leaning right we walked further and reached a small cave, here we put our bags and removed our shoes. As there is temple on the top we were advised to remove footwear. But as soon as we removed it, our feet started burning due to heat; the rocks had become hot in sunny day.  But we moved further and reached a point from where one has to climb vertically.

First Steep Rocky Patch, Vertical

No Hope Without Rope

Here rope is hanged for the support, and we had to climb by taking grip in the crevices of the rocks. The climb was quite steep and we climbed one by one. Another steep rock patch starts from here and we climbed narrow steps on the hill carved on the edges by taking support of rocks; ahead two logs of trees were kept closely held to each other. 

Traversing towards the Wooden Log

The wooden log sways preciously with rhythm of the person. One has to take support of it and climb them by putting foot on small branches, like a ladder, here also rope was hanging for the support, we clutched it and climbed up with the help of branch ladder.  The two steep rock patches were done.

Arrival at the top into caves. 

Panoramic through Caves

Selfies in the Caves

Finally we arrived at the top into the caves. The caves are big and spacious and divided into compartments. A small temple of Lord Bahiri is built in the cave. There are two water tanks in the caves. Many people who had trekked and reached there were cooking food. Utensils can be found in the caves, people who come here offer utensils and keep in the caves. One can use it, clean it and keep them in the caves only. There is also a superstition that women are not allowed; but girls in our group came till the caves, villagers did not oppose. It is also said that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj once visited these caves of God Bahiri Maharaj. 

We rested for a while and then cameras were out, selfies, DP’s followed with pictures of natural scenery that could be viewed from the cave. The mountains of ranges can be viewed in semicircular shape from here, which makes a spectacular panoramic scene. After a while we started descending.  

Descend through cliff 

The descend was more thrilling, as being on the edge we could directly look down into valley; the real importance of rope is while descending as one could say ‘no hope without rope.’

Climbing down the log

Climbing down the rope

Climbing down the steep patches we walked to reach the caves where we had removed our shoes and kept our bags. Retrieving them we moved ahead to reach narrow opening between two hills. We had trekked quite fast, nearly in 2 hours we had reached the top. Ascending on the narrow gap, we walked further into the jungle, finding a spacious place in the shadow of trees, we had our lunch. The lunch from the start was carried by trek leaders, and rotated in the group. Chapati and aloo sabji re-energized us from the climbing and descend. 

Delicious Lunch

The climbing and descending of hills was exhausting and we were getting dehydrated quite often. But encouraging each other we continued and finally reached a beautiful pond at the base of the village.Here we freshened ourselves filled our water bottles, and walked further to reach where our bus was standing. 

The Pond at Base

Refreshing, and Refilling.

Back Journey.

Reaching the assembly point, we bought some refreshments, climbed into the bus put our bags and settled ourselves. It did not feel too exhausting to sleep; everyone engaged in conversations, songs, music and memories from the trek. As we reached Mumbai one by one we got down at our stops and bid adieu. Finally another Sunday spent on trek was worthwhile.

Back Journey

Trekking journeys form many bonds and relationships with fellow trekkers. Some bonds turn into friendship, some are just to make fun of each other, some are flirtatious, some form deep bond of trust with each other, some become codependent for treks. But we all are fellow trekkers; enthusiastic about such expeditions and there is a mutual feeling of accomplishment that only we understand after every journey.

Small Steps Adventures

It is a group founded by Sagar, Yogi, Sushant, Ravi, Prashant and Rashmi. The small steps adventures is a group, that take people on adventurous expeditions. The purpose of such expeditions is to refresh people from their mundane routine and bring out the excitement and enthusiasm hidden in them.

Technical Details

Fort: Dhak Baihiri, caves are situated middle of cliff.

Height: around 2600 feet.

Level: Easy and from cliff difficult.

Base Village: Jambhivali, district – Raigad, Region – Karjat

How to Reach: Private transport is preferable, otherwise Mumbai-

                         Lonavala-Kamshet; ST bus and further some local                             transport till base village Jambhivali.   

                       
                              

Distance: From Mumbai 140km, From Pune 60Km.