It is 15 minutes past 12 in the midnight. We gather at the Dadar Station and then get down for a cup of coffee besides the Dadar Railway Station. Some of us meet only once in a year during this trek. Some of us go for fun, some for adventure and some for the faith they have in the almighty. Amongst us we have some group members who have been religiously trekking Bhimashankar since more then a decade now.
We onboard the Local Train to Karjat starting from Dadar at 12.43am. Tired and exhausted we usually take rest enroute Karjat keeping in mind that the following day is a Trek day. But as we rest ourselves we meet a old gentlemen who gets us engrossed in explaining the importance of the holy month of Shravana, Bhimashankar is one of the 12 Jyotirlings of India.
All I understood was Samudra Manthan happened in the month of Shravana. Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored the poison in his throat. Due to the impact of the Poison the Throat Turned blue and he was renamed as Neelkantha.
After reaching Karjat, we go in search of Local Vans who help us drop to Khandas Village. We brave Chilly Weather and cold winds to reach the Base of Khandas village from where the Trekking starts. We have some coffee and Poha and wait for the Sky to turn visible to start our Trek. Excitement is at high and little does the overnight journey have a effect on us .
As we start we come along a group who have been travelling Via the Ganesh Ghat but fear to travel through Shidi Ghat. We in-turn convey with the 4 Guys all probably under 30 and help them understand how they will save close to an hour and are able to convince them and make us join through the expedite of our Journey. They oblige to our request and here we go !
Although majority of the crowd doesn’t prefer this route, we over the years have enjoyed trekking through this adventure.
As we start climbing the weather becomes scintillating. We are Surrounded by Pure Air Amazing fog and heavenly mountain rains.
As we start trekking physical exertion increases as we move towards higher altitude. The temple of Bhimshankar is located at the height of 3175 (Source : Google Earth).
We reach there safely by early afternoon,booked a local dormitory and then have lunch and Take rest for sometime. After a good nap we head towards the Temple for the Darshan.
Post the Darshan and Abhishek we have some spicy Traditional Maharashtrian Dinner at the Local Eatery there. It is close to 10pm and we were set for some gambling time, a sin we do everytime we come here. The session of flash lasted till almost 3am.
Sunday Mornings are never so blissful when you are surrounded with fog and rain drops. For people who love nature scenes like these are to die for !
We stroll through the foggy road and the Little market and start Backpacking as it is almost 11 am. After a Light Brunch we start our journey back home.
Climbing the trek is tiring but easy, however getting down is quick and little dangerous. We reach the base of Khandas Village by early evening and then take a cab towards Karjat and Disperse with happy memories.
Somethings in life can only be experienced and not explained, this Bhimashankar Trek is one of them.
Happy Travelling Folks.
Om Namah Shivay !
Bhimashankar trek via Shidi Ghat
Range: Bhimashankar
Nearest railway stations:
1. Neral ~29 kms
2. Karjat ~ 30 kms
Base Village: Khandas
Best time to visit: Monsoon!
Best Things to experience-- Thrill of the Shidi Ghat .
Some Things to remember---
---The accommodation services at the Peak near the Bhimashankar temple are not very standard. We need to adjust as the climate the usually cold, so it is advised to carry a light Blanket. Similarly for food also there are limited options available. However it is worth the experience !
Things To carry---
---Pair of Tough Sports shoes.
---Windcheater or a Raincoat
---Lightweight Bag.
---A bottle of warm water.
---A Light Blanket .
Alternative Routes---
---Bhorgiri-Bhimashankar: 1 Day (From Pune)
---Lonavla-Bhimashankar (LoBhi): 2-3 Day
---Lonavla-Valvand-Kondheshwar temple-Dhangarwadi-Talpewadi-Kamaljai plateau-Bhimashankar
---Naneghat-Bhimashankar (NaBhi): 3-4 Day
---Naneghat-Jeevdhan-Amboli-Dhakoba-Durg-Durgawadi-Ahupe-Kondval-Bhimashankar.
While trekking is adventurous, even a road trip alongside the ghats is also a amazing experience to endure.
Please feel free to comment and get in touch me in case of anything regarding the trek. #BestofMaharashtra .
Happy Travelling Folks.