A few days back I was trying to figure out which trek to go on in the upcoming weekend. After been to multiple Himalayan Treks, my love for treks there is immense and I always look for a beautiful trek in Himachal or Uttarakhand whenever Trekking comes to mind. But that needs time, pre-planning, to-and-fro flight booking from my place to make the trip overall budget-friendly.
Then my friends suggested to me that Pune/Mumbai region has got good adventurous treks to do. I have been to Rajmachi once, but that's the only trek I have done in the Western Ghats. So very cluelessly I planned for AMK(Alang-Madan-Kulang) Trek in Sahyadri Mountains considering it to be chill-pill and little fun for the weekend. I was longing for Camping under the stars all these months so all I needed was a good hike. Somehow sweating it out in the wild instead of hanging out with friends or a sports club is more satisfying.
After I came back from this trek, I sat and realized this random plan made me face my fears and overcome what I was afraid of all these years. It was a Rescue operation for me. Wait wait! My Bad... let me first tell you how it all happened. You will have the answer by the end of it.
I was in Surat while planning this, so we hit the road in the evening 4 types and headed to Igatpuri. It's a nice ~6-hour drive and perfect for a weekend gateway road trips. While we stayed at K-Tree Resort overnight, I couldn't wait to start the hike in the morning. By the way, Igatpuri is known for camping and has got great views amidst the mountains for perfect relaxation.
In the morning we started early for Ambewadi Village. This is the base village usually preferred by most hikers to start the hike due to its proximity and accessibility to Kasara Railway station. Mid-way you will find a beautiful Bhavali dam to make a quick stop.
We met our local guide Ganpath More at the Base Village. He lives there and has been taking people on AMK trek for like 25+ years now. A very kind-hearted and caring person.
AMK Trek consists of 3 mountain peaks Alang-Madan-Kulang having a small fort on the peak from the time of Marathas. Those forts or caves appeared to be more like Safe houses during King's time.
Once this trek is started, the trail takes you through thick woods and dense forest while you see Alang, Madan, and Kulang standing tall and high that will leave you in awe. From afar, Alang seems to be scary but as you approach the same during sunrise, the entire landscape looks like the Pride Rock straight out of the Lion King movie.
After trekking for like 4 hours, we reached the point where diversion happens for Alang peak and Madan peak. Our guide brought a yummy meal along with him for us. While trekking it's always important to be hydrated and taking light meals to keep the energy always up.
Our First destination was Madan Fort. After a good meal, we started for Madan peak where the real adventure of this trek starts. The climb is steep with steps cut in boulders that are equally thrilling and gripping. You have to cross so many ledges and if you look down it's super scary.
The Madan Peak mostly involves traversing and rock climbing. The trek to Madan fort mostly involves rock climbing and rappeling down using belay procedures. The steps are very steep and almost mind numbing, so a good fitness level is a must.
It was my first time doing rock climbing and rappelling and this patch of almost 50 Ft was going to bring fear of death in me. I wore a harness and started climbing up using the rope with nodes. But given how steep it is and the death valley below, I couldn't gain the confidence to lean back and do a smooth climb which is the right trick. It look a lot of strength to pull yourself up but believe me it was real adventure.
When I reached up after climbing, I saw an eagle flying round and round just above, and it was enough to give me more fear but where would I go. I stayed calm and soon he left. It was scary and adventurous experience, but I was super proud of myself that I did it. And what a freaking view in front. Ahhhh! You can spot the Alang top from Madan peak.
After visiting Madan Fort we climbed our way back and headed to Alang Peak.
To reach Alang peak you have to do rock climbing and rappeling again. There are 2 patches of 20 ft and 50 ft. Smaller one you can do without a harness as well, but the next one is almost 90 degrees and need a harness for safety. By the time we reached the last patch, it was getting dark and we knew there are still scary stairs left after the rock climbing patch to reach the peak.
After all the struggles and strength to keep our self active, we reach the top by 8 pm and it was already dark. But the sky was full of stars and I couldn't ask for a view better than this.
We searched for some wood for cooking, filled up bottles from cisterns, and later found our way to Cave, Yes! we stayed in a camp overnight. It was a surreal experience.
Our guide cooked the best meal after a tiring day. And we had our best sleep that night even though we slept on floor just with a Yoga mat in the Cave. Do you also love staying with 0 resources for some time? Its a Detox for sure.
The next morning when we woke up, I saw the best view when we came out of the Cave. The cold breeze, mountains in front, clouds touching the top, and birds chirping soulfully.
I enjoyed the peace while sitting and staring at the giant mountains for long. Such self-time or self-pampering is very important given the hectic life we all live.
After sipping hot lemon wine like tea we started back for descend. Trek was soon going to end but I knew what has changed now. All those fearful and scary patches have now made me stronger. I am no more afraid of darkness. I have realized how much strength I hold.
The top also gives you stunning panoramic views of the entire valley. Being historically significant, Alang Madan and Kulang was constructed by the Shivaji army that had strategic importance due to the view of the surrounding plains from the top.
If you are planning any trek some time soon, I would recommend visit this Trek for sure to get adrenaline rush.
Adding few details below which might be helpful in planning your trek.
Local guides for technical setup
Ganpat More: +91 8055695521
How to Reach
Ambewadi Village is the base village usually preferred by most hikers to start the hike due to its proximity and accessibility to Kasara Railway station on the Central Railway Line of Mumbai Locals. The best way to reach Ambewadi village for people traveling from Mumbai as well as Pune by local transport is by taking a local train on Central Railway line till Kasara Station and hiring a shared Jeep from there.
Best Time to Visit This trek
November to February : Since this trek involves a lot of rock climbing, it is best to visit this place during Maharashtra’s climbing season.
Hope you go on to this trek and feel the adrenaline rush which I tried to explain but I'm sure its not that easy to justify in few words.
Here are my 7 Reasons why you should go on this Trek: