Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Malegaon-Kankrala-Galna-Laling-Songir-Bhamer-Dhermal-Pisholgad

Hi Everyone, 

I am back after long break..it doesn't mean I have not been trekking or climbing - just out of blogging!!! I wanted to be back last year, But I went through some tough times and now back...I did Sahayakan - Chakram Hikers in 2013 and route was just amazing.I will describe it sometime later..This time I decided to use long holidays in 1st week of Oct 2014 for some unknown or rarely visited forts in Dhule-Satana region with Chakram Hikers. 

The leaders were Mahesh Kendurkar (MK) and Saurabh Bhide (Ballu). Forts Visited from 1st Oct - 5th Oct' 2014 were Malegaon-Kankarala-Galna-Laling-Songir-Bhamer-Dhermal-Pisholgad

Lets begin the trek.....

2nd Oct'2014 Malegaon :
We reached Malegaon early morning before sunrise. Me and Ballu had nice sleep in back seat of Toofan...Perhaps we have got used to sleeping in most uncomfortable positionsJ  As sson as I stood up, I had to have a Bio-Break. We chose the new bus stand as a place to relieve ourselves and the adventure had begin..

The toilet of New Bus Stand was amazing..Dirty soiled and still had a care taker!!!
There were toilets lined up in L shape and this guy was sitting in diagonal angle of the L shape. We went in and we each were assigned one toilet...Mine as amazing...Door didn’t locked and if you moved few inches you will be rubbing your pampered skin to scenic walls of toilet which are covered with paan spit and what not.....I just checked with him that looking at me did he believe that I am going to use the same. But he was cool and just asked to me to carry on without any further hint of negotiations.

I finished soon and went to wash my hands...The basin was amazing the drainage was too good...To avoid all use of piping in drainage it was broken from one end for water to just spill around!! I was cursing our government; where did our “swachh abhiyan” go... I suppose best place to start such campaign should be this to set an example. Pic of basin for your perusal....




Post that we went to have tea..I had another experience of hospitality..This hotel or tea stall had basin attached to each table to ash hands...what a hospitality. One need not get up not need finger bow to wash hands!!! 

 Somewhere near New Bus Stand of Malegaon on Banks of Mausum River is Malegaon Fort. Its Land Fort(Bhuikot)...The name of river itself is so fresh and rings in youthfulness in your heart...Mausum!!! (The name itself brought me our of those toilet memories of morning)

The fort has a school running inside!!! But I could not believe what I saw...Amazing architecture and fortification. Grand walls and Semi Circular Bastions were watching over us...You are welcomed inside fort with couple of canons...There are few minarets on fort showing rulers earlier may have been moguls...We had a amazing sunrise behind this minarets...Pictures talk more then

I can write here...Some for your reference...Some walls have collapsed and that is sad part...We don’t preserve our history very well....



















To be Continued...

Monday, August 9, 2010

Climbing to Fall in Love Again and Again!!!




Hi All,

Reading the title I know you all must have naughty thoughts…But this love is not for any beautiful chick or love stories like DDLJ, Romeo or Juliet, HDDCS etc. but I am talking here the love for mountains….The Pride of India-The Great Himalayas.

I have been to Himalayas now for 4 to 5 times and every time they have ensured to mesmerize me by the awesome beauty, the grandness, never ending mountain slopes, ranges and vertical cliffs and cruxes…This year I got time to do my Basic Mountaineering Course at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) and I came close to these mountains once again but this time too they ensured to give me a different experience and a sense of divinity….I don’t believe much in god etc..but I do believe in forces of nature and whenever I look at these mountains they make me feel happy and a feeling of being one…They teach us to be humble by just bestowing the greatness and pride along with kindness and love. Whenever I look at Himalayas, I feel there is still so much in world to be trapped in this tiny eyes and brains and how small a man is against these vast, huge and rich Himalaya.

I was in for 26 day course and travelled to Delhi by flight and then by Bus to Manali..It was a overnight bus journey and as I started approaching Kullu in morning, the Great Peer-Panjal range of Himalayas offered a welcome to my eyes…I was still thinking am I sure to do this course? Will I be able to do it? With all these thoughts I reached Manali Bus Stand for Private Buses, near Piccadilly Multiplex and Hotel agents blocking my bus entry…Suddenly I was between so many people surrounded and behind them the peaks and greenery and faraway snow clad mountains…I came back to life from this view and pushed away through agents to take my baggage from bus storage. I looked for an auto to take me to institute and reached institute by 9.30 A.M. on 30th April’2010.

I got a room, my cot, bed sheet, pillow and blanket in D-2 room of the old hostel…The hostel rooms were shabby and were not cleaned properly. There was a lone broken mirror on wall and some batch mates. I was so happy to see a guy named Shailesh in my room….he was from Ghatkopar and we immediately became friends…I got fresh in the dark bathroom of hostel (perhaps it was purposely kept dark to hide the shabbiness and water dripping from ceiling). I was thinking am I going to spend 26 days in this hostel? But nevertheless I thought of utilizing the day to maximum entertainment and hence me and Shailesh decided to spend a day in Manali….We decided to not take auto (Biggest Mistake) and walk around…We went to Mall Road the main market of Manali and checked out some newly married blushing chicks with their husbands, who came for their honeymoon and frnds they were real treat for eyes…But soon after this eye exercise my stomach started feeling hungry and we had nice “Aloo Paratha with Dahi” and we decided to move to Hidimba Temple….On way we came across Manali Nature Park and decided to venture in….We saw some beautiful birds and bear who was being fed “Lays” by two teen aged girls…I don’t recollect whether we went to check out the bear or girls…But bear was not at all interested in girls and was more interested in the “Lays – No one can eat just one!!!” After this we moved to the temple and it was steep walk uphill and by the time we reached we were panting….I realized again am I going to get through this course??? After having more feast for eyes at Hidimba temple we moved to museum and Ghatotkacha temple….After this we moved down and decided to watch a movie and have dinner…We had some fast food and watched “Housefull” and returned to Hostel by night…I got introduced to some batch mates and next day the course began….

Day 1: 5.30 A.M. We had to report after having our tea and we went for jogging….Since it was first day it was supposed to be short one and we jogged and walked for 3 KM had some heavy exercises on a bridge of river Beas in Aleo and came back to the campus by 7.00 A.M. Here it was supposed to be normal PT and first we felt at ease…But more it continued; we realized our muscles are tightening and in some cases giving up….even stretching a hand was painful…Also the walk around Manali one day before had taken toll on us. Normal exercises like stretching hand and rotating wrist was also becoming painful….After this was breakfast and we had an introduction lecture by Dy. Director Mr. Rajeev Sharma, an Everester and we were also introduced to some instructors. Our Course in charge was Mr. Jagat Thakur, Who also is an Everester and he was going to join next day. We were split in teams known as ropes and instructors took care that no two people from same states are in same ropes. My rope no was 5. After this was an issue of equipment…The equipment issued was

1] Haversack
2] Sleeping Bag without Cover occupying almost full sack
3] Inner
4] Sleeveless Feather Jacket
5] Carabineer
6] Seat Harness7] Rope Sling
8] Helmet
9] Windproof top and bottom
10] Mess Tin
11] Ice-Axe
12] Carry Mat
13] Balaclava
14] Gaiters

We collected the equipment and dumped into the sack and went for lunch…Food prepared was very heavy…like breakfast used to be chole-puri, bread-butter & daliya with an option of cheese cube or egg and once and only once the favorite aloo paratha was there too…Lunch was chapatti, subzi, some dry mixed salad and bland dal and rice….no mirchi or salt in it….

Next day onwards this heavy sack was on our backs for all activities.

Day 2 to Day 6: We were in through a regular schedule. Every day early morning walks started becoming longer and one day we even had to wear those heavy snow shoes and get used to walking wearing them and if any issue get them changed from stores. We went walking with our Rucksacks to Vashisht, Hidimba Temple, Suru Devi temple etc. After morning heavy exercises we had breakfast and then we used to go the rock field approx 2KM form our Institute campus, for learning and practicing the techniques of rock climbing, rappelling etc.

Rock Climbing was really challenging. Many a times we were just on pinch holds negotiating face of rock, though belay was always there. We learnt different types of holds, belay techniques, anchoring and use of mechanical equipment for climbing. I enjoyed doing chimney climbing. Rappelling was really easy and enjoyable. We learnt techniques like Shoulder, Hand and Mechanical Rappelling.

Couple of days we had evening Obstacles and it was night mare…obstacles were really heavy and running made me tired like anything…Obstacles had balancing, wall crossing, jumping over trenches, trenching on elbows, alpine ladder etc and that too 3 rounds on first day and 4 rounds on second. Man this almost killed me and I felt like running away from the institute, But I had promised a friend whom I lost in Oct’2009 that once in life I will surely do this course. This helped me to be determined and stay on in the course. Mangesh* I owe this to you.

Best part of the day used to be the lectures in afternoons 3.00 P.M. to 4.00 or 4.30 P.M. I used to love lectures as we used to get best rest only during this time and some people used to doze off…sometimes people even snored in lectures!!! Lectures were on topics like Introduction to Himalaya, Hazards in Mountains, Mountain illnesses and Mountain manners. I really attended this with interest and knew wherever I am weak in practical, I can cover in theory. All this for ‘A’ grade else you will not be allowed to do Advance Course and you will have to again do Basic Course.

We also learned different rope knots during this days and different ways to coil rope. We had to regularly practice knots as there would be surprise test anytime. In fact I learnt and knew knots well but on test day somehow made some silly mistakes and did not go well, but covered up in second test in Bakarthach….coming up!!!

Few evenings we were also shown Mountaineering Movies in Institute Auditorium and some movies were really amazing, specially on rock climbing. We were also shown all mountaineers favorite movie ‘Vertical Limit’ in 2 separate sessions. We also had a movie on expedition to Kanchenjunga.

We were also taken on 5th Day to SASE- Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment to understand the avalanches. We were taken in chambers where temperature is few minus degree centigrade for the study. SASE was warm in hospitality as they served us tea which was really really better than our institute tea and pakora. We ate to stomach full and then it started raining. We came to SASE in bus but now we had to run back to institute and that too in rain. Very cruel on our trainers part, But now when I see back it was fun. As usual Sainik School and local Kullu guys were first in running. I ran for some time and then walked towards institute. Some people took lifts on the road and reached institute.

Day 7: This is called as Admin day or the holiday. You need to go and buy things from market what you may need in mountains up and get ready to leave for mountains. Course mates also get a break and as usual we decided to have a good day in Manali…We did some shopping and went for movie ‘Badmassh Company’…augh…ridiculous movie but thanks to Anushka Sharma, the heroine, if it was not for her sexy looks in movie; it would have been completely boring…..We had lot of fast food on roadside joints in Manali and as usual enjoyed staring at newlyweds as we were going to be cut off from the world for next 15 days….

My birthday was celebrated in the Piccadilly Multiplex and it was real different experience. Thanks to Sid and Shailesh and others who made this possible. I owe you guys for such a wonderful and unusual celebration.

Day 8 & 9: Morning was usual with exercises, But after that we had River crossing on 8th Day and Jummaring on 9th Day. On day of river crossing water was chilling to bone and we were taught all different techniques of crossing a river here like using a Bamboo, rope and pulley arrangement, Chain etc.

Jumaring was really fun with one of our batch mates hanging upside down on rock face. We learnt Jumar techniques like Single and Double Jumar. Single jumar is done on slopes with less than 60 degree angle and double on more than that.

Evening we had lectures on the medicines and illness of mountains like HAPO, HACO, AMS etc. We also a lecture form environmentalist who was working on projects like conservation of snow leopards and he showed us the beautiful pictures of the animal. He also showed us actually how the Himalayan glaciers are depleting.

Also on 9th Day was an Obstacle test, my nightmare. But with team effort we really pulled off and I almost had died at the end of it…dead tired and cursing myself to be here!!! I really thank my rope mates for this to be pulled off….else we would have not competed in good time…Fauji Saab – My rope leader; great team work…

Day 10: Morning walk was to Vashisht Temple, where hot water sulphur springs were there. We were asked to bring our towel and soap and we really had a refreshing bath. It was heaven.

After this we had a Artificial Wall Climbing Session and Bouldering. We even had to jump form one rock to another. Initially I hesitated and then finally jumped and it was real fun. After this was given as off time and to pack. I decided to take rest and listened to my music before moving to hills.

Day 11: We started early morning with all our personnel clothing and equipment in our Rucksacks. It was a great walk walking across mountains and snow clad peaks and crossing the small, shaking wooden bridges on streams and rivers. We reached Solang Nala by afternoon and we were given tents to stay. Our campus was bang opposite the ground of Solang Nala where all tourist activity happen like Para gliding, Zorbing, Bungee Jumping etc. We roamed around the ground and we came to know that a new rope way is starting and they are giving it for free today for trials. We enjoyed that ride too and had Maggie on Pushpa’s Dhaba (Pushpa O’ Pushpa…Read it Rajesh Khanna Style!!!) Evening we went uphill slope for acclimatization walk above the Para Gliding spot and learnt also about Flora and Fauna in the region. The view of Himalayas was really amazing. We could see Patalsu Peak and some other unidentifiable peaks…Some mountains were like covered in carpet of snow and the setting sun rays just made the scene more picturesque….The night in tent was good with lot of rest and next day we had to move for acclimatization trek to Patalsu Peak. Rule of Mountains learnt - "Work High, Sleep Low"

Day 12: Patalsu Peak one of smaller peaks in region of height of 14500ft approx. The trek uphill was really tiring after crossing the Solang village located on hill slopes; and stops were really made enjoyable by our instructors whose sense of humor was amazing…Here we had a good sight of great Hanuman Tibba the highest peak of Dhauladhar Range of Himalayas at height of 18500Ft. Also we met a group from Mumbai and some navy camp while climbing Patalsu. Once we reached almost to height of 13000 ft or more I saw before me a gradual climbing slope going to the peak to Patalsu. The slope was lush green and laden with white and purple flowers and the peak was wearing a white cap….The walk on this slope was really soulful and I just got on one of the rocks and decided to get lost in the beauty around. Afterwards my friends started calling me and we moved further more and did lot of photography on one rock and dozed off for a peaceful rest. After this was descend and we went to our tents. We roamed in Solang enjoying the sights of nature and the beauties created by humans!!! We had our dinner and had a tough job of packing the rucksack to move to mountains, to the place where fewer people have gone, Bakarthach-Base camp for our training on Snow and Ice.

Day 13: We started early morning after tea towards Bakarthach. It was 11KM trek and first 7 KM was on tar road and then was a steep climb to the base camp. First 7 KM went easily on road and then we crossed river with help of 2 small iron bridges and then our climb really began. ..One of the Instructors, Mr. Surinder showed me the road faraway, asking me to see it properly and hold it in my eyes as memory as I will be away from all roads or any sort of civilization for next few days- Completely cut off. Last slope was so difficult that I almost rested after every few steps. At last I reached a cairn and just sat down tired and saw the tents of base camp away. I had sip of my ditto drink and then continued the path. Now it was raining and path was with lots of ups and downs crossing lot of rivulets and finally to the camp. Gujrathi had reached and called me, Sahilesh, Sid and Ganesh in the tent. Thanks to him and I just got flat in the tent. Everyone actually had to put his own tents as we were taught in Solang to put up tents. So I went to help others and helped in erecting couple of tents. Then we had food and took rest. Having tea here was amazing. The base camp was at superb location. Right opposite my tent was Seven Sisters and Hanuman Tibba and behind was Ladakhi and Shitidhar and further down was Manali and Friendship peaks. All were covered in snow. There was green cover or tree line at my camp and above that these peaks soared and tore opened the skies with their magnificent whiteness. There was a moraine behind my camp’s kitchen. My course mates had great fun playing Volley ball in evening and then chill started settling as it started getting darker. We had our dinner and best part the hot drink was served. Me and Sid decided that washing the mess tin here is really difficult as water was too cold. So we will share the tin and wash it alternately and not properly. Even if some oil remains it is fine but to put hands in that water was out of question.

We had a lecture on the camp site in the evening and location of our toilets was shown and garbage disposal was also shown and discussed. I dug a pit behind my tent for disposing local garbage.

Day 14:
Next day was acclimatization trek. We crossed moraine and then snowy slopes and reached the ridge of trunk of mountain. From here we slide down to the glacier (First slide of life on snow) and started my life’s first glacier walk. I was in complete awe!!! I saw snow slurping down mountain slopes and tarns in the Glacier. The green tarns were mind boggling….Walking in snow is very heavy and with those heavy shoes, it was really heavy….so sliding down was much easier and fun filled….we all like small kids in garden started sliding at every slope we encountered even after instructions by instructors to not to do….

After we came out of Glacier we had small walk along bank of a rivulet where sand was smoothed and water was gentle…Walking here with a breeze was really fascinating. Then we again came to moraine and started in direction of ‘Beas Kund’ – The place from where Beas originates. The Beas Kund is really beautiful pure sea green color lake….it is said that it first narrows down and then again opens inside…the divers came here to explore but could not touch the bottom. To touch the waters of Beas Kund you need to remove the shoes as it is considered to be sacred and in the Indian culture we worship our rivers….From here we started back to camp through moraine and crossing lot of streams and up and down stones and mountain slopes….it was tiring trek of almost 16KM..Back at camp we had lunch and rest and then in evening we had a lecture.

BTW there was also a BSF camp above our camp and some pother group had a camp too. The other group really had beautiful north Indian girls and while walking and panting too, I could not avoid looking at them from corner of my eyes. They caught me seeing them and wished me all d best. I realized all guys from our troupe looking at them…everyone’s eyes were ready to grab even a little bit of oasis in that desert. But I was proud that I could exchange a smile and wishes with them…ha ha ha……”Andhon mein kana raja”

Day 15&16:
Next 2 days we learnt our snow craft activities. First was walking on snow based on angle of slope etc. The techniques taught were Duck Step, Side Step, Single Front Footing, Double Front Footing, Ice Axe holding techniques like Self Arrest, Self Belay etc. Going to snow field itself used to be tiring it was 25 mins walk up and down crossing few rivulets.

First we have lecture on the techniques to be practiced and demonstration on activities and then we would have to practice same. We used to get a small break for our ditto or tea and we used to be back by lunch. After lunch used to be volley ball or lecture and sometimes we used to do know practice. The discussion and fear of survival night had started doing rounds of camp. We had an important lecture on mountaineering terms. This is very essential.

Day 17: It was raining whole day and snowing in previous night. Instructors decided to wait for weather to clear, But rain gods were in our favor and we had time resting and sleeping in tents. The best rest in last few days. We really felt happy and lucky to have admin day in heights, But were we so lucky will be seen ahead?

Rain water seeped through in our tent and so Sid and me went out dug the channels around tent so that water doesn’t accumulate around tent. We also had ‘chana’ that Gujrati had got, But I was worriedsince our tent was gas chamber due to ‘Shailesh’. I hope ‘Phansukh Wangdu’ would have invented a device so that whenever a missile is fired; automatically perfume should be spread in air…..Very important invention it would have been….Also another stinking stuff was everyone’s socks outside the tent. Moment you open tent chain a pungent odor of socks would welcome you….

We got our crampons fitted for our size from our instructors. Luckily my crampons needed no adjustment so I came back and again dozed off.

Day 18: It was raining again and we thought we will again be; not having to go to field. But when clouds cleared a little; we were immediately told to move to field and by the time we reached there, it started raining again. The chill took over us and we wrapped ourselves in plastic sheets. Muthu – my batch mate was not carrying one so we shared in a single plastic sheet….Rain slowed a little and then we had demonstration of cramponing, belaying and arrest techniques and then we moved back to camp cursing our instructors for the cold.

The rumor of survival night being not there grew strong as weather was bad. We also had a lecture on Everest by Mr. Rajeev Sharma himself and he motivated us to core. His lecture used to be really informative and really helped to shake our fears off. He filled us with confidence. I got a chance to have a personnel chat with him and was surprised to know he was a banker in earlier life and shared his story of marriage and some personnel experiences of mountains. Infact his lectures brought me more closer to this mighty and magnificent Himalayas.....

Day 19: Weather was clear and we moved to snow field. First we learnt belay techniques and then glissading and arrest techniques.

Arrest techniques like team arrest were practiced. 5 people were asked to rope up and then one will have a fall and others will have to arrest his fall. The 2 people will fall and so on. When it came to only one person holding arrest, My instructor came down and started pulling our rope and checking how strong are we on arrest. Believe it or not with his help and Mr. IAS we just started getting dragged on slopes. Even I was pulling but I realized it will tough for Kumar to hold and started doing arrest to stop drag. But we were pulled more for another 200 feet almost. Actually I was red with anger, But was helpless. After practicing, we had to tie our crampons and move up a 70 degree slope all teams roped up. Descending was by plunging and if instructor is not looking then glissading was allowed!!! While plunging I had 2 or 3 falls and used arrest techniques which were taught to me to stop on the snow field.

Somehow Plunging, I enjoyed but could not master the technique. Also we were taught of balling up. Below the crampons; snow gets accumulated and then crampons don’t give good grip and hence it is important to hit the crampons with you axe so that the accumulated snow comes off and you are ready to again have good grip. This has to be repeated for every 10-15 steps depending also on the type of snow. This is very important and to be really kept in mind as balling up has taken few lives or caused falls.

We went to collect firewood in evening. After the tiring day, We all tent mates decided to have a small nap. But we got so much exhausted that we all slept and even missed our dinner. Someone came to wake us up for fall-in and we were just left with a warning. This could have been big blunder.


Day 20: Today we were taken to the Beas glacier to learn Ice craft. It was almost 2 hour walk from our camp. We had to cross a snow gully and really ascend and then through moraine to Glacier. Then it was glacier walk for some time to reach the site to practice ice techniques.

We learnt rappelling to ice, jumaring, cramponing front pointing and flat footing. By 2.00 we felt the practice was over, but we got surprise. We got lunch at the practice site some aloo subji and roti. Then we were told to practice Z Pulley rescue, c pulley rescue and self arrest rescue.

After this we were told to rope up and climb the ice wall and then have walk on glacier. We reached the edge of glacier and then we had to descend down a slope. Our Fauji wanted to be first and for me mountains is not about race. It was for me more about sinking myself in them and enjoy them, feel with them and be one with them!!! But Mr. Fauji never understood this and he started dragging me. Finally my temper blew off and then I detached myself from rope and then stared towards our camp.

By the time I reached camp, I was completely exhausted and it was late..We had pakora and tea. In dinner we also had watermelon. I have never tasted such sweet melons in my life…They were really amazing. We were also given dry ration for height gain since we will not be having lunch on the height gain day.

Day 21: It was a beautiful morning and after breakfast we started by 6.00 A.M. for height gain. The qualifying height was 15,500 feet and on Shitidhar. First stop was at Beas Kund and from here one can continue on his own pace. We were allowed to wear our trekking shoes till the snow line and after that we had to wear our heavy climbing shoes of snow.

Me and Siddharth decided to partner at Beas Kund for further task. Beas Kund itself is at 11000 odd feet and we felt we will do it slowly and steadily. We had to achieve the height 12.00 noon and after that start descending. By 12.00 noon if you don’t reach height, the height you have reached is taken for recording. I just ascended my first slope and was panting and somehow I was not in my usual walking strength. But I carried on. We came to a resting spot before we had to cross snow gully and there we had bourbon biscuits. It was heaven. At this place I changed my shoes and put on the gaiters. Looking down we consoled ourselves we must have come at least 1000 feet or more up.

After this we crossed the snow gully and started ascending the slope. We could see some people on ridge of slope and it did not seem far. We felt now we will do it. But believe me guys it is tough. The slope just goes on gradually and never ends…it is called infinity….we crossed thin snow layer to a deep 2 feet snow and still to our dismay we were not able to see instructors and nor out goal. I felt I lost this battle and now just sat in snow tired and decided to take a nap. Dong one of the batch mates too joined me and motivated me to move on. We moved few steps more and gave up. Even Dong gave up and no one was ready to move. Siddharth finally moved 10 steps more and looked ahead and shouted back to me that he can see the goal and instructors. It is now near. Dong said forget it; but then somehow I motivated him to move. Last 50-100 steps were terrible. Each step was heavier than other and finally I reached the height of 15,800 feet and my name was noted down for qualifying the height. People going down were congratulating us and I gave them same warm congratulations back…I thrust my Ice axe in snow and caught up some breathe and then immediately photography started. My rope mates were very happy as we were the rope whose all members made it to top. We had photos with instructors and all my friends.

There was range at this place and I spoke to my dad after almost 8 days and told him that I am at this height and alive and kicking. Then I got a chance to look around and I was dumb founded at what I was seeing before my eyes…..

The Hanuman Tibba was looking so huge and really mighty….the peaks of seven sisters were completely different in landscape then I had imagined….on left was beautiful range which had snow covered peaks and green bottoms….I am short of words here but the moment was of trance…I was spellbound by this great mountains and they were holding me in their arms….it was just magnificent and all around was white snow and few rocks…..I can still visualize the scene and get lost into the whiteness, amazing depths that mother nature offers us, the feeling of being one in Himalayas…..a feeling of tranquility….

After this me, Shailesh and few others started descending and we were really tired plunging through this snow….I was now good at plunging but still not very good….Our water resources were depleting and at a time we were out of stock…we scrambled down and reached a spot to refill our water and stomach with dry ration we were carrying….then got down to Beas Kund and got some rest….it was already late and most of the batch mates had already left…We also started trudging along towards the camp site..But to our surprise the rivulets which we had crossed earlier in morning had become wide with lot of force of water; due to melting of ice….We somehow found way to cross it and we had to cross at 3 different places to finally make it to moraine. We finally reached camp and had some snacks and tea…

Day 22: After a good and tiring sleep, we had tests today. We were divided in 2 groups in odd and even rope numbers. We were tested on following:

1] Rock Climbing Techniques
2] Equipment Identification
3] Rappelling
4] Knots
5] Ice-Axe part identification and uses

I did well in all test here and must have scored in practicals even Knots....

Evening we had an activity called Bush craft. In this 5 papers are hidden in bushes and every rope has to be roped up and move with their team in bushes to find the papers. Rope leaders need to sign on it. The ropes are send in bushes in time interval of 2 mins. We were second last rope and last rope was too quick and they were told to collect all papers. We missed signing on one paper. But it was fun and very violent activity. It was mad race…..People of same rope will cross bushes though different level i.e. one from top of a bush branch and next guy may go below of bush branch and then whole rope will get entangled…also many ropes i.e. teams were caught in one place and entangled with each other. We were warned by instructors to cooperate with each other, but no one was in that mood….all the ‘galis’ were heard in that one session and even I was party to that….at one moment 2 other ropes were hitting my carabineer and since it was not a screw carabineer, the gate opened and other 2 ropes 2 entangled with mine….i neither could remove them as they were pulling from both ends and even my team was pulling…finally I lost my cool and gave some ‘gallis’ to stop everyone and freed myself…I badly bruised my finger in the process….Mr. IAS saw this and really made fun of me afterwards…..

After the test, we had a lecture on survival and then the rumor of Survival Night will not be held had become that it will be held came true. Survival night was declared and we were told to get our bags with only water bottles and some necessary stuff like knife and medicines. We were not even given dinner. We were allowed to wear as much clothing as we want.

Everyone was asked to go out in moraine and search for a place to spend night. My tenties, Gurinder and couple of other guys found a amazing place under rock face. It was as good as cave. All thanks to Gurinder for this place. We had found some places earlier but they were not that great. Then I had some thin nylon ropes using which we created shade on face of our cave with our plastic sheets; as it could rain any time there. He was also innovative in creating chok nuts using stones. We also covered one side face with carry mat. Me, Suman and Ganesh collected some firewood which we never used.

At 11.30 P.M. it was so chill to survive there that everyone put their feet inside the rucksack. And at night there was rain too and chill increased. We just hugged each other and had warmth and spent the night. It was real fun and we reported back to the camp on time.

There was an issue some people came in midnight back to their tents and instructors were looking for them. But no one came ahead. Discipline is very strict and integral part of this course. I don’t why some people don’t get it?

Day 23:
Morning me and my tenties went to field for photography where our test had happened. We had to pack and move to Solang today. We started around 9.00 A.M. and everyone went ahead. Me and Shailesh decided to walk slowly and say bye to this graceful mountains properly. We were taking this feast of nature slowly in our eyes and felt little heavier too as it will be quite some time to come back to this mountains again. We turned back and bid adieu to Bakarthach crossed no, of streams and rivulets and crossed Patalsu to the tents in our institute campus at Solang. We reached late and so all tents were full. But our course senior took care of us and gave us best tent.

Evening we learnt to make rope stretcher and other evacuation techniques and then had maggi and tea at Panda’s Dhaba. It is not Panda Dhaba, But we named it because there was beautiful Himachali girl in that dhaba, but little on heavier side and that kancha type look made her look like panda. Hence the name Panda Dhaba. – Coined by Sid.
We were tired too and hence got a good sleep, only 3 of us in tent me, Shailesh and Harmeet Oberoi, our Course Senior. Others had 5-6 members in tent. This rest was really important.

Day 24: We made our way back to Institute form Solang. I wished last bye to the Valley of Solang (including Pushpa and Panda) and moved towards Manali. Going to Manali was easy and we reached and checked in our hostel by 12.30 P.M. We checked into our room and it was a heavenly feeling. I was now feeling that this room is actually a luxury against the time and tough conditions in mountains we spent. The hostel was looking different to my eyes now. I felt we purposely were made to stay in this rooms earlier so that we get adapted slowly to worsened staying conditions.
We submitted back our equipment and then moved to Vashist for a bath after 14 days. Lot of batch mates were there and it was real fun to bath there. We came out and had food at a nearby restaurant and it was treat by me for my birthday, earlier in month.

Night I did reading of my notes and revised it and also helped some of my roomies and other batch mates and had a sound sleep. The soundness came from the joy of going back to family anf frnds anf thinking of sharing this wonderful and amazing experience.

Day 25:
It was written test day and I was too confident of cracking this one. I knew I have to crack this for any marks lost in my practical. To my wonders I did amazingly well in written test and walked outside exam centre with a smile. I also helped few my neighbor students in the exam!!! Minimum marks are 12 to get qualified in the test for any need of grade.

Evening we got permission to go for movie. We really freaked out breaking our shackles and glaring at the flow of youthfulness on the Mall road of Manali. We saw ‘Kites’ most ridiculous part amongst all 26 days spent in Himalayas; at the Piccadilly Multiplex. BTW frnds the girl at ticket window in market is really beautiful and hence we all used to go to buy tickets…very cheap no?? but it was fun doing all this things there…all this things have a different high there….high of the mountains…..High of new friends and new relationships…a high of change....and high of the highest mountains of earth……

Day 26:
After all the 25 days of hardship finally the course ended with a cultural program. Chief Guest was invited to say few words and our Mr. IAS gave a narration on what happened throughout the course. Mr.IAS did not forget to mention my bush craft episode and he really had made fun of our course senior. In the program there was a song sung by our Bihari babu – Suman followed by a Shayri. After this there was a dance depicting the ‘Mardani’ war style of Marathas and also one more song…Then there was a final formal closure speech by me and we had good lunch and it was time to depart….Initially, I was very happy that I had completed the course and in my heart dedicating this one to my lost; near and dear one – Mangesh Deshpande*. My heart was heavy that really course had ended and I will be away from this mountains and friends I made during this course. Some I may not meet again and other side was joy of going back to Mumbai and being with family and sharing this amazing experience with family and friends….

Shailesh and Sid dropped me on bus stand and I got into my bus from Manali to Delhi closed my eyes and had rewind of this most precious and wonderful 26 days…Bus started moving and I was feeling heavy saying good bye to the Beas and Himalayas. Beas was waving back the good bye with it usual naughtiness by jumping and dancing off boulders and at times silently flowing and asking me to come back…I waved back and closed my eyes to sleep visualizing the mountains and promising that I will be back again!!!

*Mangesh Deshpande was a amazing mountaineer and trekker; lost his life on Mt. Tinchen Khang on 19th Oct’ 2009.
Managesh Deshpande

P.S.: I got A grade in BMC and would like to dedicate this to Mangesh.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ganpati Gadad


Date: 20th Sept’09
Base Village: Palu, Dhasai, Murbad
Group: Chakram Hikers
Ganpati Gadad is a group of 6-7 caves near Dhasai. This is fairly simple trek and quite enjoyable and a treat for eyes in monsoons. Unluckily this year it did not rain much and hence there were only small waterfalls on route and very less clouds else generally this trek is pleasant but we faced scorching heat.
We started by bus from Mulund early morning and proceeded towards Murbad and then to Dhasai. We came across an EMU farm on the route. The road was ok and with songs full on it was easy. My friend Richa had joined for this trek after a long time. We reached the base village and started our climbing by 11.00 A.M. The climb is really good.
First walk across few fields and cross a couple of streams and then take right to start climbing the trunk of mountain. The caves of Ganpati Gadad are visible and we need to climb the trunk which is on left hand side of the caves. The climb is too scenic. In front of you is large rocky mountain in which caves are located and right is fort of ‘Durg’. If you look more right you can also see ‘Siddhagad’, ‘Gorakshagad’ and ‘Macchindragad’. On left you can see ‘Dhakoba’ , ‘Jivdhan’ and ‘Naneghat’. Onroute we came across a chameleon and lot of snaps were taken. Walking on tis path you cross couple of Waterfalls though this year falls were slower due to less rainfall. You cross second fall and immediately a path goes uphill on left. Take this path and not one which goes straight. From here climb is steep and little slippery. It will take half an hour to 45 mins from here to reach caves. There are 6-7 odd caves and some people doing penance and staying there. You have a waterfall near face of first cave. We reached caves and had lunch together. Then we rested for while and now I wanted to jump in waterfalls to get wet. Though falls were small, I could not resist the idea of getting wet. Some of us got wet under the fall near caves and then started our climb down. We climb downhill the steeper slope easily and then we can across a fall where there was some pit in between for us to get in.
We got in and started splashing water and had great fun. We made whole water muddy and left. Climb down the trunk of hill was faster and we reached the streams we had crossed earlier in the morning. We again decided to get in and had relish getting wet to our hearts content. Then we crossed fields and a tree where lot of weaving birds were nesting and reached our Bus. We changed and moved towards Muluind. Lot of Chakram special songs were sung and we stopped for Ice cream. Enroute we faced a puncture in our Bus but somehow managed to touch home by 10.15 P.M. It was great and refreshing change.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Achala-Saptshrungi-Ahiwant


Base Village: Acchla – Pimpri
Ahiwant - Daregaon
Date: 12th-13th Sept’09
Group: Chakram Hikers

12th Sept’09: I got onto Tapovan Express at 7.15 A.M. at Kalyan and met all other members of the trek. Parag was leader and it was good to get introduced to new faces. It was good to meet Kiran and Vinay after quite some time. I settled down and game of cards was rolled out. We were playing judgement. We had a breakfast of cutlet, vadapav and tea. We got down at Nasik Road Station by 9.50 P.M. Parag had booked a Tavera and Qualis to go to Acchala Pimpri a base village of Acchala.
We reached base of Acchala by 11.30 A.M. and Sun was at its peak. Facing Acchala, On right of Acchala on the ridge is a temple whose flags are visible from base village. Take path to reach this temple and then from this temple take a path on left towards Acchala that is in center of the trunk. Climb for some time and you will reach a plateau. We were all sweating like pigs by this time. Vaibhav decided to not complete trek and went back to base. Our water bottles were also finishing soon. We walked on right of plateau keeping Acchala on left and came across a very small stream of water and road ahead was lost. We realized we are on wrong way. But we took rest and Vinay made Jaljeera and we refilled our water bottles. Parag, Ameya and Saurabh were looking for the route. Finally we could not find a route and decided to climb across the right face of mountain till the rocky mastiff. We climbed and thank god we found steps carved out in rocky mastiff to go to top. The top has a temple and few water tanks. Only one tank has potable water. We had our lunch near water tanks and immediately we started climbing down. While climbing down we realized actually straight climbing on trunk of mountain is correct route. So guys next time anyone you visit reach the temple on ridge and directly climb straight on trunk till you reach rock and then keeping the rock face on left walk parallel till you reach steps.
We climbed down very fast but towards end we received little rains and that made lot of mud. Out shoes and sandals started becoming very heavy due to mud sticking to them. We reached base village and washed out sandals and shoes thoroughly and had tea. We then started towards Saptshrungi where our night stay was scheduled. Sapshrungi is an enchanting mountain and looks very different due to its big rocky patches. We crossed Vani ghat to reach there and while passing through this ghat one can see a ‘nedha’ in mountain on left. Its quite big and heard it is approachable. We reached Saptshrungi and booked rooms in ‘Bhakt Niwas’. We had balconies of all rooms facing ‘Markandeya’ and on edge of valley. We had our dinner in ‘prasadalay’ just at 7 bucks per person and then had a round of card games in our room. We then dozed off as early morning we had to visit Saptshrungi temple and Ahiwant.

13th Sept'09: We woke up early morning and had amazing photography of Sunrise from our balconies in front of ‘Markandeya’. One of the snap is shown here. If you observer neatly you may even see ‘Dhodap’ behind. We then quickly went to Saptshrungi temple and had breakfast. We then booked a single jeep to travel to base of Ahiwant called Daregaon. I travelled by holding on to rod outside jeep and my feet on foot rest meant for climbing in to jeep. This was really exciting. I was thinking this time has been different. Just few days back I had travelled on top of Bus when we were in Jawahar and now I was dangling outside jeep for the travel. Things which you generally don’t get to do in life. It was thrilling. We reached ase and got one guide from village to show us Ahiwant as time was short. We had 6.00 clock train from Nasik Road Station to catch.
The village guide was really fast and our first climb was too heavy as it was steep and sun was trying its best to make it tougher. The plan was to climb from opposite end of Acchala and climb down from opposite end. After intial climb, We reached a ridge and then had Jaljeera and started towards Ahiwant. You look at Ahiwant and you will realize it stands by its name i.e. it is really big. The complete ‘c’ shaped; very large plateau. The climb to top is from almost behind the face you see from this ridge. Take a path which keeps Ahiwant Rocky mastiff on left and walk parallel. In between you will find a path which goes to top through this mastiff. You will first hit some cave or rooms carved out of rock and path ahead takes you to top of plateau. We reached the first end of ‘c’ and had a sigh of relief as our water was almost to finish but there was a water tank nearby with potable water. The water in tank was really cool and good. We again had round of Jaljeera and filled our bottles. We started exploring the plateau. You walk straight and you reach a much larger plane from this tank and a small mountain emrging in between the plain. Go to right hand side of this mountain i.e. closer to Acchala. Here there is another well whose water is full in all seasons and some old statues. Walk little ahead straight to edge of valley and you will find a path to go down to a cave. Take left from here and walk more to reach a small pond. Ahead of this you will come to place where lot of stones in cubes are scattered proving some structures existed and have collapsed. After this walk straight to reach the other end of ‘c’ where you can also see the ‘nedha’ which could be seen while going to Saptshrungi. Walk straight and you will reach some rock cut steps and on opposite mountain more steps and some stone walls to prove this was fort. The path downhill is between the two mountains. The path downhill was too entertaining courtesy Vinay and Manas.
We reached base by 2.00 P.M. and had a bath at hand pump and then a delicious lunch was awaiting us. I was too happy to have ‘Bhakri-Pithla and Mirchi cha Thecha’ Also Vaibhav had got Amrakhand. Our Jeep to Panchavati arrived and we left by 3.30 towards Nasik Road. We had a round of cards on platform and then in train. It was really wonderful Trek. I loved the mountain range there hoping to get back to do Markendeya-Rawlya-Jawlya-Dhadop-Ikhara.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Chandan-Vandan


Base Village: Banwadi/Ibrahampur
Members: Avinash, Deepak, Purvesh, Saurabh
Date: 6th Sept’09
5th Sept’09: I travelled with my Ex-Boss Mr. Partha to Talegaon from Mumbai in his Wagon R. Saurabh and Deepak came to pick me up at Expressway-Talegaon phata. We did some time pass and then Avinash came down. We were supposed to go to Pune and do some TP with chaitanya bit everyone else was bored to go to Pune. So we decided to stay back at Talegaon and start next day towards Satara. Chaitanya and Manoj called up and told us that they were joining us for dinner. We went to Urban Spice on Old Bombay-Pune Highway and had a great time. We all stayed at Saurabh’s place and had a good Chitchat. We convinced Avinash to join us for trek next day and take leave from office.

6th Sept’09: We staretd early 6.15 A.M. towards Satara in Saurabh’s car from Talegaon. The road was good and we reached Shirval soon. We had some vadapav for breakfast. After this we came to Bhuinz phata and took left towards Chandan-Vandan which were now visible at some distance. Asking for Banwadi we travelled through few villages to reach there. Last 2 K.M. road was bad and finally we managed to reach Ibrahampur. We parked out car near temple and a handpump was nearby to fill our bottles. We started climbing Chandan from a path which goes from behind temple.
The path is easy and you can reach Chandan in an hour. There are lot of small flowers on the way on both sides. There is a small temple inside fort and then there are 2 strcutures of stones kept one over other. We did some photography here. Then we moved ahead and went towards Masjid. We moved around Masjid and went at back of fort. Here you can see some old walls and a temple that seems to have fallen and lot of garbage put there by people visiting the Masjid. Go ahead and you will come across a narrow stretch and right before eyes will be Vandan separated by a ridge. We cannot go to Vandan from here. We returned and started climbing down Chandan. Almost you climb down 75% and there is a shade build by villagers with help of iron poles and iron sheets. Just below this is electricity pole from where path moves towards right. Follow this path to traverse Chandan and you reach a small white color temple. From temple of right side there is path again parallel to Chandan towards the ridge between Chandan-Vandan. On the way I happen to take some close shots of brown pegion. In 45 mins you can reach the ridge between two forts. The wind here is gusty and cool. We did some photography here and moved towards Vandan.
Move towards Vandan on the same path on ridge and follow straight keeping Vandan on right and exposed valley on left. Move ahead and at top you will see bastion of Vandan fort and a Darwaja. In half an hour you can reach the Darwaja. Vandan is quite bigger and also has Masjid and few Maqbaras. Also are few ponds which are dirty and a well. Nothing great to look around we started our; descend soon after taking some pictures. We decided to have lunch at the small white temple. We had great time during lunch and it was great to be with my old time pals. We then moved to our car and changed and got fresh with lift pump water. We decided to take longer route as road we came was bad to join Satara Highway. We halted at Kamath’s on the way little ahead of Shirval. Mind you guys though it is Kamath never stop here. Food is pathetic and ridiculous. We reached Hinjewadi phata by 7.15 P.M. and then started most thrilling part of my journey.
I got a lift in Mitsubishi Lancer till Kalyan Phata from Hinjewadi. I was too happy and was enjoying but my happiness was short lived. The headlights of Lancer stopped working and we had nightmare. On Expressway we drove at decent speed following vehicles and using my small torch to show way. My heart was beating faster and butterflies were in my stomach. I and driver were sitting in front and driving. Sometimes we could not chase a car and suddenly everything will blacken out and driver will apply urgent brakes in center of road. It was too scary and risky. Then a car would come and we would follow it. Only good thing was parking lights were working and hence nobody banged us. Somehow I managed to reach Kalayan Phata. The driver thanked me for all support and help. He said if I wouldn’t have been there he would have parked and slept and started next day. In mind I cursed him but also I enjoyed as it was a lifetime experience. Never would anyone travel Pune-Mumbai in night without lights and this thought itself tingle my adventure bone to jump for the risk!!!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Talegad-Ghoshalgad-Birwadi-Avchitgad

Talegad - Base Village: Tala
Ghoshalgad – Base Village: Ghoshale
Birwadi – Base Village: Birwadi (Chanera)
Avchitgad – Base Village: Medha
Date: 1st and 2nd Aug’ 09

All above forts and around Roha a town situated on banks of Kundalika river in Konkan.

1st Aug’ 09: I started from home early morning and went and got a ticket for Diva-Sawantwadi passenger, which leaves Diva station at 6.17 A.M. But to reach Diva itself was a challenge. 3 early morning locals were cancelled. I got a 6.07 A.M. local and just managed to reach in nick of time for the passenger. I met other Chakram members and our leader Parag and got into train. Initially I had no place to seat but other members told me that there was sufficient place in bogies ahead. So we 3-4 people moved ahead and settled down on vacant seats. I had not slept properly earlier night so dozed off. But local tea, samosa vendors were troubling. Towards end of my journey lot of vegetable vendors boarded train and then it was chaos as there was continuous vendors coming in for different vegetables and fruits. Train reached 9.00 A.M. sharp at Roha. We booked a Tata Magic from one local guy to travel to base villages of fort. He said he will come by 10.15 as he had some scholl kids to be dropped and we were fine as we all needed a breakfast.
We had a good breakfast at Hotel Vrindavan, opposite ST Stand. But to continue with our troubles, the drives did not turn up till 10.30 A.M. Finally we staretd looking for some one else. We interacted with other locals , tempos and drivers but none was ready. We got a number of one Mangesh who had a red color Magic. We called him and he agreed. By the time we started it was 12.15 P.M. Our plan was to cover Talegad, Ghoshalgad and Birwadi today. So we immediately moved towards Tala. Tala is approximately 26 K.M. away from Roha. We reached base in an hour and started the climb. The climb is easy and you can reach the top in 25 mins flat. There are good remains on the Tala end of fort and some flag posts. There was also a water tank near entrance of fort. We then moved to other end of fort. The greenery of plateau was mesmerizing. We moved ahead and found some large water tanks. There was one ‘khamb taki’ too. We further moved ahead and reached other end of fort where there is a buruj. After some photography we decided to climb down.
We came down in 15 mins and then decided immediately to go to Ghoshalgad. Ghoshalgad is some 5 KM away from here. We could not see Kuda Caves which are near Talegad. We reached base of Ghoshalgad in half an hour and began climbing. Ghoshale village has a ‘Svayambhu Ganpati Mandir’. Good place for a stay. There is way from right of the temple which directly goes to entrance of Ghoshalgad. But we missed this and took a left. I went ahead looking for road and reached exactly behind Ghoshalgad. Before me was a simple looking but a slippery rockpatch of 15 feet to be scaled to get to top. So I returned and found Hardikar uncle, Hemant and others waiting for me. We immediately returned and came across a villager who put us on a right track. We scaled the mountain and reached entrance where there are some steps and a bastion. Fort was spread on both sides of this entrance. We first decided to take right towards a Buruj and a narrow trunk of mountain. Reache end, had a good view and photography and asked who ever wishes can join us to go to left side of fort where there some climb was remaining. Some of us moved fast ahead for the left side. We scaled steps on bastion and reached a water tank. We walked towards back side but could not find route reaching top. We again came back and met some village kids near another water tank. They were fishing in the tank. They showed us a way which was leading to rock patch which I had seen earlier. The kids told it will be slippery to climb right now so we dropped that idea and started scaling down Ghoshalgad. We were at the base by 4.15 P.M. We asked our driver to move fast towards Birwadi. We had lunch in the vehicle itself and saved some time. Birwadi was some 40 KM away from Ghoshalgad. Our drives really drove fast and made us reach by 5.15 P.M. to base of Birwadi fort. Sky was still lighted though there were dark monsoon clouds. I had read that Birwadi could be scaled in half an hour.
At the base of fort is a temple. The temple is too clean and is a good place to stay for night. We took right from temple and found there was no way ahead so we came back and thought of getting a villager to show us the way as It will be dark soon and we will miss today’s target of scaling 3 forts in a day. But as we came back to temple we say a way going from left and saw a Shivaji Statue there. We immediately followed that path. Shivaji Rajeanna amhi salaami keli and followed mud path. In few minutes we were near a small rock patch to be climbed to reach top. The rock patch was very easy and we made it to top by 6.00 P.M. We looked around fort and did some photography. By 6.30 we were at base and in our vehicle. We halted at Chanera for tea. After this we moved to Roha for night halt. Nearing Roha we passed a store where a advertisement was put up for tablet named ‘Sulti’ – ‘Ulti Thambavnyasathi Sulti gya’ We found it too funnly. We stayed in a flat of Ganesh Utsav Mandal and had dinner at Bartakke restaurant in the bus stand complex. Food was amazing specially ‘Bhakri ani Mirchi cha Thecha’ We had a nice sleep at night. We were relaxed that next day we need to do only Avchitgad.

2nd Aug’09: We woke up early morning and did our chores. We left the flat and had breakfast at Hotel Suruchi near bus stand. We then booked a 6 Seater tum tum and got our bags from flat moved towards Medha for Avchitgad. We started climbing by 9.00 A.M. There are 2 wells near the base, one is large. We have to take a straight mud path from this well and keep climbing little from left side and cross from valley and reach a col between Avchitgad and other mountain. From col take right to Avchitgad. After some easy climb you reach top. It takes 1.15 mins to reach top and climb is continuous and hence tiring. Above that there was no wind on this side of mountain. We met another group just near entrance of fort. We had some timer shots near entrance and then we started exploring fort. The wind on top was soothing and cooling. The view to Medha and surroundings was too scenic. We could spot Nidi railway station from top. We came across cannon on fort and a buruj where we had lot of photography. Then we went to other side of fort and came across a man made large pond on top. We moved ahead and came across a temple and climbed down from mountain to some water tanks. They were seven in all or ‘saptakund’. Me and Hardikar uncle moved to other end of fort and came across one more buruj and entrance to fort. Just then Parag gave a call on Uncle’s mobile and we moved back to water tanks. Then we decided just to chill out as we had lot of time and have some snacks. We came down by 12.30 P.M. back to well. Girls were still behind. Parag and Hardikar uncle got ‘pohra’ for drawing water from well. We had a amazing bath at well and changed in fresh clothes. I was cursing rain as through the trek there was no rain and it was supposed to be monsoon trek. But after getting fresh on well, I felt better as Avchitgad climbing had really made me sweat and my Tshirt was wet completely. Bo sooner we changed and were waiting for girls and others to come down it started raining. It was ridiculous. We decided now not to get wet and settled in out tum tum. Then we reached Roha back by 1.50 P.M. and had tea. We caught a bus for Pen and from there a different ST to Panvel. It was raining cats and dogs in Panvel. We got a bus to Dombivli and I reached home by 6.30 P.M.
I will have to go back again to see the Kuda Caves and top of Ghoshalgad. May be this winter we can do tht.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Manikgad - A Fort of Traverses

Manikgad
Base Village : Vadgaon
Members:
  • Saurabh
  • Gangaram
  • Kavita
  • Ravi
  • Jitendra
  • Purvesh
Date: 26th July'09

Me and Dad started at 7.15 A.M. from home on my bike. We reached chowk by 8.15 A.M. I tried reaching Saurabh, who was coming from talegaon in car with some friends but could not get through is phone. Finally I called his home to ask what time they have started and came to know they started by 8.00 A.M. So I knew we are going to be late and hence went to main Chowk diversion and waited for Saurabh.

Saurabh and others came by 9.15 A.M. to chowk. We had vadapv and tea and moved ahead towards Vadgaon. We have to take road towards Vashivli from Chowk, just after patalganga refinery or before you enter vashivali there is a left to Vadgaon. This is base of Manikgad. We parked our vehicles here.

We loaded our water bottles and started the trek. First you have to walk towards fields and take right from Vdgaon towards a mountain. Climb this mountain and you will find some rock cut steps on way. After this climb and some walk we reached katarwadi. It takes almost 1hour 15 mins to reach here. From here walk straight towards plateau. The plateau was lush green and was too big. Cricket sathi yogya jaga....We crossed the plateau and came across a place of flowing water and a well. cross this and continue walking till you finally reached the base of Manaikgad fort. Walk into jungle for some time and you will come across a diversion on left. if you walk straight you will reach another plateau and also see pinnacle of Manikgad i.e. Maniklingi on left. So dont walk straight but take the left diversion, the route will take you behind Manikgad and again bring near front and will also keep climbing. Keep following till you reach col between Manikgad and Maniklingi. From here take left to move towards the fort and climb on till you reach top.

We reached top after so many traverses in 3.5 hours almost. We had some small timepass lunch here. Wind was blowing very violently that you had to firmly hold yourself on ground. We made jaljeera too and then we started seeing the fort walls. We reached inside fort in 10 mins and looked around. There are few remains and a door and few water tanks on fort. No shelter. Then we begin climbing down.
When we reached near katarwadi i.e on plateau we saw a big fat mongoose running around. we came near well and I was damn hungry. Also Ravi and Kavita had ventured straight in forest instead of coming to well. So Saurabh and others called them and located them. Good thing range was available!!! I settled for sandwiches on a rock and then everybody had a lunch. After this we climbed down fast and reached vadgaon. I kick started my bike and bid bye to the friends and started towards Dombivli. I had wore shorts on trek and was cursing myself as mosquitoes and spider bit me and i was having red rashes all over my legs for 2 days. The satisfaction of going to Manikgad was more than everything esle....Now I am awaiting my next trek.