Some treks are adventurous, some
are thrilling, some terrific and some are tough; but some treks are just
enjoyable, it has got a mixture of adventure, thrill and largest share is taken
by fun. In this rapid way of living, where is the time to stop and have
senseless conversation, that don’t mean anything or where is the time to sit
down and argue on your favourite topic, where is the time to sit with your loved
one and gaze the stars above endlessly, timelessly, infinitely? On such treks
like Sandhan Valley, where the ever distracting technology is not with you,
where one is not constantly swiping through cell phones to get latest updates
on messages and mails; or where one is not constantly bombarded with unnecessary
questions. Finally Small Steps Adventures had organized this famous trek of
Sandhan.
The journey to Sandhan started
with the train from CST to kasara. People boarded the train from respective
stations and we gathered all into first boogie of train. We reached kasara at
around 1.30 am.
From kasara 3 trax were booked which took us to base village. We were around 30
people.
Reached the base village at 4.30 am, rested for a while and at 6 am, refreshed ourselves; and were served with delicious breakfast of ‘kande pohe and tea.’ A little introductory session and we were set to start the trek.
Reached the base village at 4.30 am, rested for a while and at 6 am, refreshed ourselves; and were served with delicious breakfast of ‘kande pohe and tea.’ A little introductory session and we were set to start the trek.
Introduction Sesssion |
We moved forward towards the
valley. Sandhan is a great combination of canyon and valley. There are 300 feet
rock walls on both sides. Once started with descend one could literally feel
moving through mystic environment. Rocks on all sides, walking on stones and rocks,
walls of carved rocks. The valley is deep enough for not reaching the strong
sun light, which is a pleasure. Walking in shadows provide a cool climate. We
were divided into 3 groups. Every group had a leader, The first group was led
by Shreeharsha, The Second was led by Sushant and Sagar
was leading the last group at the back. Chaitrali and me were connecting the
groups and gaps.
The Valley Starts |
Our Journey Begins |
Walking further we could see many pools of water formed. Fishes are also present in them. After sometime we reached a spot where there was water till waist length and the rock walls were very close to each other forming a narrow gap. We pulled our track pants up, took our bags on head and walked through it. The water was icy cold. It literally was freezing. After crossing this we had to walk further straight.
Water till waist length |
Just walking in the valley is a diverse experience. Long ahead one could see the opening of the valley and besides there were natural carvings formed on the wall.
Descending further in the Valley
We had walked nearly for 4 hours, now further descend started. Here the rock patches were tricky. One had to look carefully and step down. We were approaching the first rappelling patch. We had to cross 3 rappelling spots to reach camping site. The descend was pleasant change from just walking between the rock walls. Although just walking down them interacting with one another, having fun, didn’t realize how much time had passed. Rock walls now had widened the gap and it was sort of opening.
We had walked nearly for 4 hours, now further descend started. Here the rock patches were tricky. One had to look carefully and step down. We were approaching the first rappelling patch. We had to cross 3 rappelling spots to reach camping site. The descend was pleasant change from just walking between the rock walls. Although just walking down them interacting with one another, having fun, didn’t realize how much time had passed. Rock walls now had widened the gap and it was sort of opening.
Opening of Rock Walls. |
We reached the first rappelling
spot at about 12.30 pm. It was 60 to 70 feet rappelling. The equipment was
carried by the villagers who had lead us in the trek. Rappelling at this spot needed harness,
carabineer and figure of 8 to be worn, in addition to gloves and helmet. For
many of us who had trekked with small steps rappelling has become usual
business now. Although there is a little flutter in stomach every time I start
going down backwards but, it goes away quickly. We rappelled respectively as
our groups reached the spot. I was present in the group which rappelled first.
We descended and awaited for others to join us, until then we had lunch bhakri and sabji. Now the adventurous
part of trek had started.
Rappelling 1st Spot. |
Rappelling with Equipment. |
As we moved further we had to descend through rocks carefully taking grip sometimes; or just sliding through them. At some places water was percolating from rocks. The cold water satisfied our thirst.
Pools of water. |
Tricky Rocks. |
Ponds of water with fishes in them could be seen frequently. There was one spot where we had to enter through a small hole in the rock, and then slide down further. It was kind of some ride.
The rock says enter through me and I'll show you the way |
Entering through small tunnel. |
The second rappelling spot was small in height. Rappelling by the rope was not actually required here. But for safety rope was tied, no equipment. The height was about 10 feet. But there were no crevices to take grip hence we had to leave our legs freely in the air and completely take grip of rope and push ourselves down. Also as it was a narrow spot. Bags were passed down directly.
2nd Rappelling Patch |
3rd Rappelling Patch |
Camping at a Plateau in Sandhan.
Tents were pitched, mats were
rolled off, bags, luggage was gathered aside, twilight in the sky and we all
rested for a while. After the rest, tea
was served by villagers, and people took out the food they had brought for the
trek. What a wonderful feeling it is to sip the tea during the saffron light of
evening.
Sunset at Camping Site. |
Just Sitting in Twilight. |
It was becoming dark, we all had engaged ourselves in fun conversations pulling each other’s legs and making fun of each other. As we sat around hearing each other’s experiences of treks, of their professional and personal lives, etc. dinner was ready; again prepared by villagers. Chapati, aloo sabji, dal and rice are perfect meal after exertion of trek.
Clear Sky Crescent Moon. |
Pleasant climate for camping |
After the meal, the favourite game antakshri was initiated by trek leaders. The game was fun. Variety and diverse songs were sung. The sound was echoing in the valley. The other groups also replicated us after some time. There were many funny moments while the game was being played, as some moments are inexplicable in the blogs, those are situation based. Soon the game turned into just singing random songs instead of teams playing antakshri. We all were singing till midnight loudly, so much that some songs got once more from other groups. The voice was getting echoed in the valley.
At almost 1’0 clock we stopped
singing and decided to sleep for a while as next day we had to descend to base
village. So most of us slept outside tent as it wasn’t that cold.
But what a starry night it
was. Now- a-days due to pollution one can hardly even see a polestar.
Places like these away from
cities, in the valleys and mountains, the sky is clear with millions of stars
visible. We could actually even spot the satellites encircling.
Gazing into the starry sky
Of infinite universe
The night descended on us
Through the mountains
And darkened the valley
Brought peaceful sleep in our
eyes
that carried our dreams.
Descend from Sandhan
Wakeup call at 5.30 and the
dreams broke into the sunrise. The light was spreading, as we got up, and engaged
ourselves in morning activities. Got refreshed and breakfast was served. A hot Maggie and tea , perfect breakfast
for descend.
Packed the tents, packed the bags and ready for few clicks; which eventually turned into many because people were still in the mood of enjoyment.
Maggie Breakfast |
Packed the tents, packed the bags and ready for few clicks; which eventually turned into many because people were still in the mood of enjoyment.
Small Steps had carried out a
wonderful gesture, while trekking we had collected all the waste and the
plastic bottles into trash bags to clean the valley. While descending there
were many trash bags, that need to be carried, everyone helped.
Cleaning the Valley |
Descend was not that
difficult, again we created 3 groups to descend. Ours was in middle this time.
All the groups were coincidently were playing songs on speakers, and each group
of different themes. Ours was party theme “mahol” we call it in hindi or
Marathi. No silent songs in our speakers.
Creating Mahol. |
Walking through jungle was fun. Variety of trees with different fruits and flowers on them; just makes a realize importance of bio diversity in trees.
Captured the flower |
Path of Jungle and Trail of Water. |
Finally we reached the base village and rested there for a while, had tea and Parle G biscuit.
Sunny Day, returning to base village |
The return journey began
through trax till Asangaon station. Everyone boarded the train and got down at
respective station, now what resides are memories and photographs of the wonderful journey.
It’s been many years now that I am trekking. Every trek gives me a different experience. Every trek I meet new people, new faces. The world is a big place, every new person I meet teaches me something different than before, gives me a different experience. This trek as said earlier was most enjoyable. Many people I knew because I had trekked with them, but the bond that was formed in this trek has emerged stronger. It’s like being in friendship for many years. 2 days of trek, and friends for lifetime. Thus these adventurous activities have got their own significance, especially in today’s world that has dark corners on every turn and enmity on every road.
Small Steps Adventures
It is a group founded by Sagar, Yogi, Sushant, Ravi, Prashant and Rashmi. The small steps adventures is a group, that take people on adventurous expeditions. The purpose of such expeditions is to spend a little time away from our busy life into peaceful and calm nature, where people from different walks of life join you, and one can make new relations.
Technical Details
Sandhan Valley: In Nagar
District, Approximately 70-90Km from Kasara.
Base Village: Samrad
Transport: For Mumbai, Train till
Kasara, and further Private vehicle, For Pune Private Vehicle preferred till
Base village, or till Mumbai and then further.
Descend Base Village: Dehane and reach Asangaon by trax or private vehicle about 1 to 1 and ½ hours.