" Thoughts are mountains,
and we can scale them rock by rock.
Each step,
Each grasp,
each steady footing has the power to bring
us a clearer
understanding;
a clarity that allows us the opportunity
to stand tall on the ledge of the world."
-G. Boston
My friend and I started our journey on bike from Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai towards Irshalgad which is 47km approx. distance to reach Nanivali Village (the start point for trekking).
Irshalgad is a Pinnacle and not a fort actually. The distinct shape of the pinnacle can be seen from the Mumbai-Pune Highway. Talking about history, it is said that Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered the region and Irshalgad must have come under the Maratha Rule. The elevated hill top may have been used as a watchtower to look after the area.
The main attraction is the "NEDHE"which mean "HOLE in the Mountain" in Marathi language.
We parked our vehicle at the Nanivali Village which is the starting point of trek. And after a small walk upward, there is a slight uphill ascend of 15-20 minutes. We hurdle fairly and gained some height and was able to look around the mesmerizing view. The Morbe Dam situated near the village look magnificent from the high-rise and better as we proceed towards our destination.
After a moderate of 1-2 hrs trek, the zigzag trails from Nanivali village led us to the Irshalwadi Village ( the base village). Irshalwadi is again a small village with minor population. Upon reaching the small plateau of Irshalwadi village, we were shocked to knew that these villagers do farming at such altitude. Life of these villagers must be very hard to get up and down for every little daily basis requirements.
As we pass through the village, there is a small temple dedicated to a local deity. We seek thee blessings and then advanced on our journey.
Gushing through dense forest as we leave the Village, the trek was fairly easy till we reached the pinnacle base.
Then come the final climb onto the pinnacle. Now the steep ridges look really very treacherous. Moving further we reached at the NEDHE and we were dumbstruck by the view from the top. We stayed up there silently for a while. Enjoyed the fresh air blowing swiftly and replenish our souls with the luring views.
After staying for sometime, it was time for us to descend. Believe me when I tell you this to bid farewell is the hardest thing to do ever but can only promise to visit in future.
Anyway we reached the base village safely crossing the rocky patches and again following the trails downwards we were at the starting point. From there we looked back at the pinnacle once for the last time before we rode back. We felt cheerful on accomplishment of the trek.
P.S: Do carry your own water bottles and some chocolate bar or candy because it boosts your energy-level. If you don't want to carry food with you, no problem there is a small stall up there.
And if you are trekking during monsoons season then it would be wise enough to carry artificial climbing equipment as the ridges would be slippery and dangerous with bare hands.