After experiencing two treks in the Himalayas, I had this mindset that nothing can compare to that beauty and grandiose. When my friend scolded me that don't compare places. Each one has its special appeal. Turns out he is right. And Sandhan Valley is the reason for changing my mindset. Didn't know something so much fun and related to the mountains was so close to Bombay. The Sahyadris I would still say are a diluted version and Himalayas hold a special place in my heart which no place can ever substitute but damn Sandhan Valley has its own charm too.
I'll briefly list out the itinerary and a few highlights of my trek. We booked ourselves with Mumbai Trekizens and the arrangements (food, transport, camp, trek guidance) all were taken care of from Kasara. The pictures should give you'll an idea of how adventurous this trek can get to be.
9th November: Boarded the Kasara train from Dadar at 11.05 pm.
10th November: Reached Kasara at 1 am. Boarded a jeep from Kasara station and got to the base village at around 4 am. We were asked to rest in one of the villager's home for about 2 hours. We were a group of 17 ppl. All of us woke at about 6 am, post breakfast (poha), we took off for the trek at 7.30 am.
Reached the campsite at 7 pm, so its a good 12 hour trek but of course with a lot of breaks and pit stops.
During the trek, there were 3-4 water crossings and 2 spots where we had to rappel down. The terrain is extremely rocky and treacherous so that is a challenge. Energy wise, it's not too strenuous as it is thorough descend.
Our camps were set up bang in the middle of the jungle. Perfect spot I would say, we were about 200 mtrs away from the stream and that was our drinking source.
At night, a campfire was set up and we played those typical group games; namely dumb charades and narrated ghost stories. Never knew 20 strangers all meeting for the first time could bond so quickly and laugh to their hearts content.
A special mention to all the food arranged by Mumbai Trekizens. It was simply yummm!! Basic roti and sabzi but very delicious.
The surface was quite bumpy in the tent, but just the feel of being in the wilderness coupled with the exhaustion from the day's activities put me off to a very peaceful deep sleep.
11th November: I woke up all refreshed and after breakfast we were off. Today was a relatively easy walk on flat grasslands with the mountains in the distance for company. The lunch was organized at Dehene village. When we got there, we all just collapsed on the chatais laid out in the courtyard and it was pure bliss, lounging in the mud built house, with the kids running around and playing cricket in the compound. WE had lunch and moved to the bus stand. It was a 2 hour journey in the bus and on reaching the bus stand we took rickshaws till Kasara station. From there it was back home with tonnes of happy memories and stories to tell.
