Memorable Winter trek to Sandhan Valley.

Tripoto
17th Dec 2016

Leader of our trek who lead us from the front, and was very helpful and energetic throughout

Photo of Memorable Winter trek to Sandhan Valley. by Tejas Gadgil

My trek to Sandhan valley happened in December of 2016 with the ABW team. A cheerful pair of youngsters, especially, Sanket Patil, the leader himself was excited as it was his favorite trek of all treks he's been doing.

On taking the last local to Kasara and reaching around 1.30, after a good 2 and a half hours of journey in a jeep, we reached the base village.

Harldy an hour was spent was given to us to sleep in the veranda of a villager's home there. Then, on waking up, we quickly freshened up and had stomach full of poha and chai for breakfast, and immediately began for the trek.

Started at early dawn, way before sunrise and we had to take out our torch as we began walking in the plains. Then came a Half hour of climb in the darkness till the start of the valley.

The challenge was in the very beginning, as we could see water between 2 mountains at the start, and we had to walk in it. With water till our hips and our sack on our head along with shoes as well, it was really challenging although both the guys did try to help us with our bags/shoes and navigate the walk.

It was a good 25 minute walk, and quite tough as well.

Photo of Sandhan Valley, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India by Tejas Gadgil
Photo of Sandhan Valley, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India by Tejas Gadgil

Then began The descend, which was pretty much full of rocky patches, and including the rapelling, at almost 4 different hurdles, it took our group almost 6 hours to get to the bottom where the tents were about to be set up.

The last 2 rappels were the easiest where it was just a soldier rappel, while the first two, we were provided with the necessary gear (one emergency rope, and one rope to navigate oneself). While many people would lose control midway, I managed to do both the rappels neatly, which itself was an achievement of sorts, since I was doing it for the first time.!

After that, it was a mix of a little descend and walking through 2 ponds as well. By the time we reached the tent, it was well past afternoon, and all of us being pretty exhausted from the trek, had something to eat which we were carrying with us. Then, it was chilled out as we ourselves went to just explore nearby on account of spending the night at the same spot.

Our tent was set-up at such a point, that we could see the complete valley. Since, we were a meager group of 8, 3 tents were enough to suffice all of us.

Photo of Memorable Winter trek to Sandhan Valley. by Tejas Gadgil
Photo of Memorable Winter trek to Sandhan Valley. by Tejas Gadgil
Photo of Memorable Winter trek to Sandhan Valley. by Tejas Gadgil
Photo of Memorable Winter trek to Sandhan Valley. by Tejas Gadgil
Photo of Memorable Winter trek to Sandhan Valley. by Tejas Gadgil
Photo of Memorable Winter trek to Sandhan Valley. by Tejas Gadgil

Yes, initially we were 16 people, but half of them opted to go home midway and not stay for the camping at night. Poor them, they missed an experience.!

As it began to get dark, we could see the sun set right in front which made up for a great picture. Time passed by, as we played cards, singing competition and other fun games. As night dawned, the view of the constellation and all the stars was clearly visible, and it was beautiful.

Fortunately, there was a girl in our group who had knowledge about the same and told us about which constellation was where, what star is what and so on.

So, dinner was arranged by the locals who, like us, also had made a descend from the starting village. It was served by the water stream, where there were many groups along with us.

Camped all night, even lit a bonfire as well. With a clear view of the stars in the sky, it was difficult to sleep wondering when would be the next time you'd get to see such a thing.

Next day, was just a simple descending but easy walk for an hour, crossing a dry river and then an hour's walk till the nearby village from where our pickup was to arrive taking us back to Kasara station.

Even there, we spent a little time chilling by the water stream, till our vehicle arrived. Finally, we left Sandhan valley, and got a front view on the journey back. In no ways was it a simple trek, but the experience was truly a mesmerizing one. Would recommend this trek to be done in winters, or early monsoon's and specifically, for those, who are looking to do their first rappelling experience. It's WORTH it.!