Onto the heights of Alang and Madan.

About the trek

Thrilling experience that’s the expression. The AMK trek as it is called; one of the most difficult treks in Sahyadri Ranges. The trek we were all awaiting was finally organised by Small Steps. I had once in my previous blog said that Small Steps takes you out of your comfort zone for weekends; but this is something different, this is not merely going out of comfort zone, the trek requires ambition from within, it requires self confidence that you can do it and you will do it. Believe me this is no fun; there is no scope for getting panicked during this trek.

Distant view from the base village

Start of Journey

We started from Thane to Kasara on Friday night, it was the last local train to Kasara, we were about 27 of us and all were good trekkers. After reaching Kasara by around 1.30; 2 trax were booked that took us to base village to climb Alang, The ride to base village was also wonderful going from Kasara Ghat, Nashik Highway and then taking a turn for base village, There was lot of traffic and crowd on highway and on Dhabas as it was weekend. Most of the groups were going to Sandhan valley. We reached the base village at about 4 am in the morning. There was biting cold we rested near a school on outside Veranda. At 6 in the morning we lit camp-fire as the cold was unbearable; some warmth gave us relief. Datta and I had got up early shivering with cold, and lit the camp-fire. Datta is another good trekker, whom I had met during previous trek (Harischandragad). We trekked this one together.

Waiting for Kasara to arrrive.

Lighting the campfire.

Reaching base and Climbing Alang.

Around 6.30 we all got ready to climb Alang. Breakfast was served by villagers and some of them were going to lead us in the trek. So we bucked up, got set and ready.

Start of trek

First we had to walk for nearly 45 mins, then the climb started. The climb to Alang is steep, it does leave you tired for a while.

Climbing Alang

Rock patch

After climbing for around 1 hour you reach a flat plateau, from where a beautiful scenery is visible. The clouds were covering all the mountains and a distinctive layer of it could be seen.

The plateau after intial climb

Amazing View from plateau

Well the nature re energised us and we continued further. The trek further has steep rock patches. 

After the rock patch; we climbed a ladder which was already fixed there and further steps built in olden days were to be climbed. After climbing the steps, there is a door on which a Lord Ganpati is carved in stone. The door was packed with stones, so it couldn't be crossed. We climbed the wall besides the door and continued our trek to reach caves of Alang. To reach caves we walked traverse, there was no further climbing but traverse walking. On one side there was big mountain and on the other valley, we were walking on edge leaning towards the right side, Lean towards right was the call.

Rocky Patch

Ladder to climb

Climbing on the wall beside the door

The Door and Carved Ganesh,

On the highs of Alang

Alang

We reached the caves at around 2 pm. The lunch was arranged in the cave by the villagers who had climbed as though a daily routine, and Alang climb was some sort of an accomplishment for us. The cave was big, it was kind of partitioned hall and as usual water is abundant on forts, a small tank of water was built besides the cave. We ate Roti and Pickle, with hot served rice, oh the food on these treks is just so awesome, a great contribution from villagers, also healthy. Some people took a nap inside the cave, some wandered around the fort and some engaged in discussions. Well I was the one sitting on the rock at the entrance gazing the view from cave, marvellous. There is dilapidated structure of fort, if further climbed up from the cave. Also walking ahead of the cave on the Forts flat plateau there are some 10 to 11 tanks and reservoirs of water in line. The surface of the Alang fort is flatly curved.

View from Alang

Water tanks on Alang

Cave of Alang

Climbing Madan and unexpected halt

The interesting and the thrilling part of treks starts now; done with lunch and well rested we move further to reach Madan, Reaching Madan from Alang is adventurous and actually tests the ability and trekking qualities of a trekker. First there is 70 feet Straight Rappelling. As we reached the rappelling spot a group of about 20 people was climbing; only one activity can happen through the 70 ft. rock patch. So naturally we had to wait and as it was difficult spot, the climbers were taking their sweet time. This was not anticipated rather cannot be.  As we waited, a funny thing happened, the fort has lots of thorny plants and insects; one of our trekkers Shreeharsh was observing the climb and after sometime he came back and sat with us, the moment he sat down he had to get up, and went running ahead, we did not understand what happened, he again came and told us that an insect had bitten him as he sat. We were rolling out with laughter, this cheered everyone and made the moments lighter. To tell the truth Shreeharsh is a very good trekker and he too took it in a lighter note.

Finally after 1.5 hours of waiting, our group started rappelling. It was already evening, so the trek leaders decided that instead of climbing Madan on that day we would stay for the night in nearby cave. The rappelling in night was full of thrill. To reach the rappelling spot one has to climb down few stairs; as you start descending you notice that on one side there are rocks; and on the other valley. There is nothing to support if your balance is lost. But as the stairs are in good condition and there are hooks nailed into rocks, the rope is inserted through the hooks, and we by holding the ropes descended through stairs. There is small cave near the vertical rock patch to be rappelled. We waited there as one by one people were rappelling, some had already went down and making arrangements for the stay. One of the villagers was holding the feed for the rappel. And two of the trek leaders Sushant and Rashmi were helping people and explaining the technique of rappelling. As my turn came it was pitch dark only stars in the sky and tiny lights of villages down were visible. I already had experience of rappelling so I got ready with the equipment and rappelled down smoothly, still a little fear is always there in mind. The base of after rappelling was about 3 to 4 feet; and valley ahead. So we had to be very careful after rappelling not to just wander, but stay close towards rock. After all rappelled down, there was another steep patch of rock that need to be climbed down, but it couldn't be rappelled as the patch was uneven, one had to take the grip in the groves and descend.

Night Rappelling 70 ft.

Stay at cave in between Alang and Madan

Further there was a base and a cave situated some feet above from the base. The cave was spacious. The trek leaders had decided to stay here for the night. Down near the base; villagers were cooking food for some of us also joined for the cooking activity and helped in cooking the meal. We rested in cave, chatted with each other, some discussions became quite serious too, one of them was about what all regions can be considered into Mumbai, and is Navi-Mumbai Better than Mumbai; or Thane is better than Navi Mumbai. I took part initially than rested besides for a while. Cold breeze blew from outside.

Night Stay at the Cave 

Meanwhile we were served with soup, unexpectedly. The soup tasted heavenly, and soon the Khichadi followed. Khichadi and pickle, felt like home. Done with dinner we made sleeping arrangements. As everybody were not able to sleep comfortably in the cave, because other group of trekkers were also there, some of us (Sushant, Rashmi, Jyotsna, Sagar, Manoj and me) decided to sleep on the base of the cave. The base was long enough and ahead had steep slope and thorny plants. We put our sleeping mats and sheets on the base took our sleeping bags and gazed into the starry night. Making patterns from the stars and chatting about other treks and other stuffs, we fell asleep.

Into the starry night we gazed
and slept in the dreams of stars
onto the mountains of sky.

Some groups arrived in the early morning, the dreams broke and I got up from gazing into the stars of night to glaring into the star of day; the Sun. Well the people sleeping in cave also had very good sleep; so I hear, just few snoring sounds and little cramped up that’s all :P. As the dawn spread, everyone got up. We freshened, and made the breakfast the tea and patanjali noodles (Maggie not available). Got set, ready to move ahead and climb Madan.  The Kulang was cancelled sadly, as reaching Madan would take time and we had to get back on the same day.

Getting ready for Madan

                                                           

Ready set to go On Madan

Climb to Madan

Madan Fort from Alang and its shadow.

There is much of traverse to reach Madan. But again traverse as such on one side Rock and on the other valley, there is no patch in this trek where you feel you can easily cross it. One has to be always cautious and careful while trekking. So as we traversed we reached stairs that ascended towards a base from where there is 50 to 60 feet vertical Climb. Here also an unanticipated thin happened, another group was rappelling from the point that we had to climb. Again we had to wait fro around 2 hours to start our climb. But the spot where we were awaiting was provided us with distant views of mountains and villages that appeared tiny down the hill. So there was lot of scope for photos and selfies, we spent our time in posing for different shots.Well for amazing and awesome pics there is always Sumit; the professional photographer of the treks. His clicks capture the essence of treks.

Unexpected Halt

Finally the wait was over and our climb started. Tell you the truth felt pretty much like the climb in Lakshya Movie. Only that the climb was small but the base was also very narrow and ahead directly was the steep rocks down the valley. One by One we climbed, trekker’s Sakshi and Shrushti were little panicked, in general they are good trekkers but sometimes the fear gets stuck in the head. But they overcame it; only at the spot of rappelling and climbing they needed more encouragement and our trek leaders provided it to anyone and everyone in need. So as my turn came I was suggested to climb with bare foot, another technique if the sole is little big. 

Our bahubali (Swapnil)

60 ft. climb to Madan

One of our trekkers Swapnil (we called him Bahubali because of his built); was helping to Pull in climb. Well till the point we could get grip and put our feet and hands in groves, the climb was manageable but at some spots which were totally flat, caught the hold of rope pull ourselves up with help from Swapnil. Manoj had initially helped for pulling people up during climb; he is another great experienced trekker and was encouraging and giving tips and techniques about the trek. He was the most active trekker in our group. It is this very thing that you meet people from different walks of life sharing same interests and have wise words, I like going on treks. His sheer enthusiasm and energy for treks is marvellous.

One by one we climbed and moved ahead towards top of Madan. As the vertical climb was done, we had to move still further; here we climbed on broken rock steps. From one point a beautiful view of Alang fort and its curvature can be seen. 

View of Alang Fort from Madan

On the top of Madan there are 3 ponds constructed in line. The villagers had already reached and cooking meal. The villagers are big support on the treks, even if they don’t lead you or even if they don’t trek with you, no trek cannot be completed without their help or direction. Again we were served with rice and dal; again unexpectedly with bhajiya; delicious and yummy. After having lunch, resting for very little while, roaming around the fort, we started descending.

Descending Madan Fort.

Well climbing down the Madan, there was twinge in my stomach when I just looked down while descending. It was mixture of fear and awe. The scenic beauty, the picturesque horizon and mountains in ranges, nature is wonderful, it is infinite and we are very small and tiny and little in front of it. What is Life if one has never explored into it; I feel, what is life if one has never discovered the joy of discovering self in discovering nature?

 The Kalsubai peak of Maharashtra is very clearly visible from Madan Fort. Now the rappelling from the point we had climbed. Well we waited as one by one people rappelled down. As we chatted, we were looking back at our trek and remembering the funny moments; well those are inexplicable in blogs or write ups and it has its situational flavour, I would just say we laughed a lot as the rappelling rope was being set up and awaited our turns. Vikram one of the trekker was the source of entertainment for all of us not just at this spot but for the whole trek. His witty timing of jokes would relieve the pressure of trekking.

Kalsubai peak from Madan fort.

Awaiting for Rappelling

                       
                                                                                                       






After rappelling we descended through a khind between Alang and Madan.

Descending the Mountain

The descend was also quite difficult as one had to descend through slippery rocks. Basically water must be flowing through that path in rainy season. While descending too one had to be careful, where to place the foot as the rocks might not be fixed to the ground. One such incident happened with me, Before me two of the trekkers (Pranav and Datta) placed a foot on one of the big rocks and moved ahead, behind them as I set the foot onto the rock the rock slipped, I fell down and rock was going to fall on my foot, but fortunately Pranav held it instinctively, otherwise my foot could have been trapped on it. Pranav yet another trekker whom I became friends with and had discussions about trekking during our adventure.

It soon became dark and we had to light our torches. Everyone was coordinating with each other so as to le know the directions, of course the villagers were with us. Walking in the jungle in pitch dark with torches lit is another, thrilling experience of the trek.

We reached the farms and concrete road on the base of the fort at about 8 pm in the evening. We walked further where our traxes were parked. Back into the traxes we started our return journey to Kasara railway station. We reached Kasara by 10 pm. The last train to thane was at 10.30 pm.

The Journey back

Having fun while returning 

Remembering the funny moments

Back Journey 

In the train we were remembering the trekking moments. Surprisingly no one was sleepy. We reached Thane at around 12.30 pm. Some went ahead till Dadar. Many of us got down at Thane and separated our ways.

There were around 27 of us and I wouldn't count how many boys or girls. Because it didn’t matter our identity was and is of trekker irrespective of gender and at least for this trek. The trek came to an end on a happy and adventurous note. Once again it was a lifetime experience.

I couldn't name all in my experience of trek, but surely I remember everyone.

Small steps

It is a group founded by Sagar, Yogi, Sushant, Ravi, Prashant and Rashmi (about which I came to know in this trek only). The small steps is an adventure group, they have a purpose of taking people out of their comfort zone and leading them onto an adventurous path to explore nature and great forts. This time also quick decision and Management even though only two founders were leading could be observed. The decision about resting in nearby cave as it had become dark was significant, because the path ahead from there was tricky and risky.

Technical Details:

Alang Fort: In Nashik district, in Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

Base Village: Ambevadi and Dudhavane. One can climb from both the villages we climbed from Dudhavane.

Madan Fort: In Same range.

Base Village: Ambevadi, we descended into Ambevadi village.

Transport: Trax are available from Kasara railway station to reach the base village.

In the Realm of Harishchandra

The Fort.

Harishchandra Gad a vastly built fort in the Malshej Ghat of Maharashtra is an exotic place. It’s a huge fort with many spots of fascinating attraction and many mythical stories around it. The fort combines myth and reality and is wonder of nature. The fort is named after a renowned King Harishchandra; who after sacrificing his Kingdom had sent his wife and son in south. The wife and son had lived on this fort as servants.

The Forts View from one of the 7 hills.

It is one of the most difficult trek in Maharashtra and tests patience of a person. As a goal of taking people on adventurous path, Small Steps had planned this trek from Khireshwar-Tolarkhind route.

The other routes are Nalichi Vat which is more difficult than former and truly needs expertise in trekking and lots of stamina. The other route is from pachne village. It is quite easy and one reaches top in no time also scenic beauty along this route is great, with ponds and waterfalls on its way.

Journey till Base Village

Starting in the morning of Saturday from Thane station in Mumbai at 7, a private bus was arranged. We reached Ahmednagar district where we took a turn from Khubi Phata. As our route was from Khirshwar-Tolarkhind. We reached Khireshwar village in around 3 hrs. at 10 am. Khireshwar village is situated at the foothills of fort. The skyline view of the fort and hills is visible from here. Delicious breakfast of kande-Pohe was served ‘speciality of small steps.’ We got introduced to each other. For me a frequent trekker with Small Steps; there were many new faces. With introduction done we got set and ready for climbing the mountain.

The Skyline view of the fort from base village.

Breakfast and Introduction

                      

Delicious Breakfast

                                         

The Trek
The trek from Tolarkhind is a difficult one, no sooner than we started ascending everyone felt breathless and tired. The cool breeze in midst of daylight was a relief. There are 7 hills that need to be crossed to reach the top. On the way ahead the villagers have set up huts that provide refreshments on every base. Believe me one needs them as you are exhausted. The refreshments energised us to continue ahead.

Climbing the mountain

Refreshments and break from trek

We were also carrying tents for camping; it added weight to our baggage. There are steep rock patches in between and also an opportunity for enthusiast climbers to climb them. Many of us did climb; the rocks had crevices to grip our hands. Others took safer way up. The mountain has abundant flora and fauna. Greenery is spread all over them. Amazing blossomed flowers also can be found on the way.

Amazing flowers 

Blossoming flowers

It took nearly 4 hours of trekking to cross the 7 hills to reach the top. We were divided into three groups with as usual Sagar leading, Chaitrali (also a frequent trekker with Small Steps) and me in between connecting the groups, and at the last Yogi with dawdling trekkers. After reaching top we had to walk for nearly one and half hours further to reach an ancient temple. We had started approximately at 10 am and reached temple at around 3 pm. Still Yogi’s group hadn’t come.

Reached the top but still need to walk.

Way towards the temple.

The exploring of fort and architectural Wonders.

The temple is carved from black stones a typical architecture from ancient India. It is temple of Shiv linga. Inside the temple there are 2 caves and 3 more small temples of other Gods. A Nandi is carved in front of Shiv linga at the back there are 2 caves and 3 water tanks. I have always said that the in the forts of Maharashtra   this is a major trait; one finds abundant water supply from ponds, lakes and water cisterns and tanks. No temple is complete without Ganesh and so Ganesh sculpture is carved on one side of the temple and painted saffron. In front of temple there are 2 reservoir one small and

one big. These reservoirs were also built in olden times. The reservoir at one edge has a short wall and is carved inside with different deities.

If we walk further right to this temple and descend for a while one finds an amazing cave carved from in rock with a Shiv Linga at centre of it. It is filled with water till waist height. The water is perennial in it. The cave itself has four pillars of which 3 are broken and now is supported by just one. Here the myth of fort starts; it is said that 4 pillars represent 4 Yugas of Hindu Scriptures and as 3 are over they are broken when the 4^th breaks the last Yuga will end.  Keeping aside the myth it is a wondrous cave and looks beautiful; the water inside is ice-cold and teeth chattering.

Shiv linga Cave, amazing.!

As Yogi’s group arrived; Sagar the lead took off with Chaitrali. Yogi and I waited till last group rested and had their lunch. It was around 4 in the evening. We started our journey to most awaited spot of the trek, ‘Konkan Kada.’ Walking further one arrives at a small heighted temple of Sage Vishwamitra. It is said that in that here he used to meditate.

Konkan Kada, Nature is inexplicable.

As we walked for an hour or so Konkan kada came into our sight. We reached the very end. Konkan kada is an inexplicable place. It is a flat surface and shaped like a curvature. Vertically flat and has height of about 3000 ft above sea level. It is called Konkan Kada because from here you can view Konkan on other side. A view that exhibits personified nature and leaves your head spinning. To have a thrilling experience; we slept on our bellies and looked down, and the depth never ends. The villages far away seem tiny toys like. Activities like rappelling also take place here but strictly arranged by professionals. After watching for quite some time and not feeling fulfilled; we got up and had some tea sold by villagers. The selfie’s and photos followed as they always do.  The tents had to be pitched. Sagar had reached earlier and pitched most of the tents with his group. We erected reaming few. It was around 7 pm.

Konkan Kada;Down we look into the valley.

View from Konakan Kada.

Stay and Camping

Tents pitched on camping site.

The Fort has many caves, mostly people stay in caves during dry seasons. But we had brought tents and so had many other groups.

The night was covering sky under its shelter and the darkness was underway. Torches were getting lit up; many trekker groups were camping on Konkan Kada, so in the lights of torch one could see many tents pitched in circles. The villagers set up their huts also nearby in dry seasons. One peculiarity is that the villagers of base village or of fort are of great help during trekking. They live so simple life although having their own set of problems. Sometimes I wonder it will be so peaceful to live in such villages. Well not to digress into my personal trail of thoughts; the villagers provide meal and water.

Campfire

But we had brought our own set of ingredients to prepare food, the locals gave us their utensils and materials to use. Some of us who were good at cooking stayed in the hut and cooked the meal. Rest of us set the campfire and near our tents. We actually tried to roast potatoes on the campfire, but only few succeeded to properly roast it.  After some time meal was ready. A great Masala rice was served; it was delicious and tasted awesome served with pickle and I remembered home. We ate stomach full.

Delicious Masala Rice..!

Tents lit up at night.

Done with the dinner we retired to camping site. Some of us went to Konkan Kada, it was a cool night and cold breeze was flowing from kada. Engaging in our own activities, at last we slept at around 12 or 12.30 am. The tents provided a warmth from outside cold. Keeping in mind my last experience of Rajgad to Torna trek where; I had brought a shawl with me. I was awake by 4.30 am and so were many; campfire which had extinguished was lit up again.

Climb to see the Sun rise

Now the plan was to trek to other great spot Taramati point and watch the sun rise. Taramati is a name of the wife of King Harishchandra. We were taking warmth from the campfire as it was chilling in the early morning; after sometime we started our trek. Some decided to enjoy the sleep as it was Sunday morning. The trek to Taramati is ahead of Konkan Kada parallel. We walked for few minutes and then ascended, and reached to another plateau, again walked and again ascended another small hill, again a flat surface and again a hill. This continued for 6 such hills. In between I felt tired and thought of not continuing, as the ascending patches were steep. But in our group; a married couple had come and they had a young kid of 7 to 8 years. He was enthusiastic about trekking from the start. He had been in lead’s group. Now also he was not walking but running and jumping, taking inspiration from him, I thought I have come this far and should continue and reach the top. So finally after 6 ascensions we reached top at the Taramati point the saffron flag was furling further hoisted near a Buruj. The sky was uncovering from the shelter of night, Sun before rising had spread a saffronish mixed with blue colour gradually the sun was rising. Down on the earth we could see small villages and river flowing by; hills and mountains all around us. It was the perfect beginning of the day; we were on the top of the mountain, at bottom calm and serene river was flowing sun had risen announcing his appearance, birds flying away from nest and flowers blooming in his direction. What a picturesque view. You only see such things in paintings. Well click, click and click many cameras captured the scenes, even the cell phones were out and clicks being taken; soon the trend of selfies followed and the dp’s for social networking sites. With lots of such clicks we started descending back to camp site. The descension did not take much time and soon we had reached our camp site near Konkan Kada. Taking a glimpse of kada for the last time and of course a group photo.

Taramati Point

Sunrise at Taramati

Time to Descend the fort.

Time to go; Packing tents

We packed the tents and our bags. We were ready to climb down now. Having a little breakfast and some tea from villagers, the trek back towards base started.

We reached the temple and the arched cave of Shiv Linga, from nowhere everyone decided to jump into the lake of cave, and I joined too, my teeth chattered as soon as the cold water hit me and for a moment I couldn’t bring words out of my mouth. It was shivering but after few minutes the initial coldness went away. Plunging into the water and swimming for a while, we came back. I felt great calmness after that, all the exhaustion, tiredness and aching went away, I felt refreshed and re energised. Changing into dry clothes we continued climbing down.

Plunging into the lake.

Finally a group photo, at reservoir

The descend was steady and fast, around 10 am in the morning we started. Again the same pattern of grouping followed, while descending now knowing everyone we chatted and sang song and made fun of each other remembering the moments of camping and the night spent. Refreshments were available frequently from villagers. It took about 3 hours to descend; reached around at 1 to 1.30 pm.

Descending the Fort.

After reaching the base village and looking at the skyline of fort every one of us had sense of accomplishment. Again the last group was yet to come. Until then we had our lunch at Khireshwar village same place from where we had started. After that we put ourselves under a tree and relaxed, so serene it felt.

So Calm.

Nature's Son.

Till the last group arrived and had lunch it was tea time. So our trek ended on the tea note.

Back journey in the bus was lively no one slept; maybe tea’s effect. The journey completed in talking with each other, sharing of pics, sharing of past experiences and etc.

Finally at around 7 pm in the evening we reached Thane station and from here every one bidding adieu dispersed. It was an end to great joy ride and thrilling adventure.

Cheers; ending on a Tea note.

Small Steps

Group of five (Sagar, Yogi, Ravi, Prashant and Sushant). They created Small steps to take people out from their comfort zone and give them experience of adventure. They have amazing coordination and management. Being a frequent trekker one could easily trust them with the trek and feel secure about trekking. In this trek only Sagar and Yogi were present and even though being only 2 they managed batch of 35, it shows their strength of organising and event.

Technical details:

Location: Ahmednagar district, ahead of Malshej Ghat.

Base village: Khireshwar village.

Distance: around 180 km from Thane.

Transport facility: State transport buses from Thane – Kalyan till 
                               Alephata. From here local transport available.