This trek was different as the whole responsibilty lied with me. I didnt knew the path, place nothing. Actually the problem started when I had to select a place for the weekend's trek. I had missed Torna last month. So as the decision was mine I selected it. Took some tips from Vaibhav n Shrikanth. By Friday EOD I had 9 names with me for the trek. The interesting part was my brother and his 9 frnds joining for the trek Saturday morning. So total 20 people. But they were supposed to arrive from Mumbai at around 1:00 a.m Saturday. But the logistics went totally wrong.
Saturday 13th Sep :-
I got a call from my brother at 3:30 a.m. He said he has alighted at some place which seemed as Vishal nagar and was asking for the way to my home. I was in very bad shape as my sleep wasnt complete and had some stomach acidity problem. But again they had came first time in Pune though they were 10 together. So instead of leavin them on their way I got ready and picked them up (I mean met them and showed the way). They were pretty sure that they are not coming for trek. Saurabh had already intimated his denial last eve. So at the end (I mean for the trek) we were total 7. Vaijan, Pushkar, Pawan, Aditya ,me with Parin and prashant joining us at base village.
So, out of the 10(my brother's frnds) of them 5 immediately went to sleep with a plan that having a quick nap and then get ready for Dagdusheth Ganpati. Rest of us decided to pass the time playing cards. I too joined them as I also had to leave for the trek. I started following up for people from 5:15 a.m. Everybody was awake by the time and did reached well ahead of time for 7:30 a.m bus to Velhe - base village for Torna.The extra time was well utilised for introduction. Aditya, me n Vaijan were together for Bhimashankar. Pushkar and Pawan were the new comers. The journey till Velhe went very nice narrating previous trek experiences of Pawan and Pushkar.
We reached Velhe at 9:30 a.m. We had just started our brkfast when Parin and Prashant reached. Pawan had really dressed up for a picnic rather than trek. We started our trek at 10:10 a.m. As per the logistics from the previous trek we were targeting the 4:30p.m bus back to Swargate. The path towards the Tornagad is pretty straight. Just you have to take care to reach a water stream which you come across at start properly. Its about 10 mins from the village. Rest you can never get lost; except if you are too enthusiastic to try something new. Usually there are lots of groups going for trek over there on weekends. A small group of 5 people were visible ahead of us when we strtae for it.
The initial climb of 45 mins is very steep and it takes hell out of your body. I was literally praying for rain out of the exhaustion. After half an hour we just looked down to check the height and were awestruck to see a big flock of people marching down the same route towards us. I called for our people to just run ahead as we would have been easily got lost in such a big group if we separated. Some of the leads and the fit ones from that group soon caught us. They informed us that they were from a near by college and full college had came for the trek with around 100 people.
Some intersting twists:-
Later on the race continued between us the whole trek. Sometimes they used to go across us and sometimes we backed them off. But we managed to stay together. And I think GOD did answered my prayers and it started raining. But I am not sure it was a boon or punishment as the rain drops were falling just horizontal to us at that particular height due to strong winds. The wind was so strong it would have surely carried away a lean person with it. The rain was slapping hard on our faces. Really yaar .... I didnt got slapped so much even in my school days ...... Neways we were trying hard to walk straight in such severe conditions.
The record :-
I dont know but just to escape from this conditions or what we were pretty fast during the climb. We soon arrived at the so called railings. They were really helpfull as the rains had made the steps and the path very slippery. We sometimes had to hang on to the railings to get support. Ohh ya I forgot to mention the special travellers with us. Usually during the trek there are atmost couple of dogs following/leading us. But here there were around 6 of them with us. The path at the end is very narrow and slippery. These dogs were really irritating us by getting in our feet in such narrow paths. Neways that made it funny and interesting. Also the college group was also with us to add spice with their own youth comments and jokes - Not that we are old but just that we are now trained to behave decently with responsibilty ;-) while the group was just like a free flowing river without any fear and worries.
As we were reaching the top the force of rain reduced. At the top what remained was just a dense fog where you were not able to see even at a distance of 4 feets. There was a single hut on the top where we ordered for some tea and then did proceed towards the temple. We were surprised to see one of the college guys in the temple. We had passed all of them behind but didnt even noticed when this guy went ahead of us and reached so early. We then noticed that we were also pretty fast and instead of reaching according to the schedule in 3 hours we reached by 12:15p.m in just 2 hours. Now the situation was we had lots of time and nothing to see as everything was covered in fog. So after visiting the temple of Lord Tuljabhavani we came back towards the hut and had tea. Each of us took around 3 cups of tea each.
After warming up with cups of tea we just roamed around the place without any intentions.By the time the college group had also arrived. When we reached back the hut we were greeted with a group of 15 other guys and soon with 50 youngsters of MIT Pune who with them had bought all the equipments of camping. We were just relaxing when we saw that the college group had started leaving. I just thought of the way ahead - very steep and narrow. It did strike me that if we didnt went ahead of them then we will sure get stuck. So we just started running ahead of them. And soon it happened. There was a patch ahead where the girls just couldnt get down comfortably and it created a hellava traffic. It really reminded me of our Hinjewadi traffic. :-). Just to add the delay we came across a small waterfall. But that was enough for us and me and parin entered removing our clothes. A quick bath and by then the college group went ahead of us. Prashant had sprained his leg so was a bit uncomfortable.
Record Again :-
Later on it was pretty steep path down the hill. Vaijan, me, pushkar and Pawan were together moving ahead while Parin adn Prashant were busy cliking snaps with Aditya. But then what happened I didnt know but me and Vaijan just ran away down the hill. Soon we came across the harsh rains once again. Then we realised that we were actually above(maybe in) the clouds so didnt got the rains up on the fort. But we were just running down the hill going past the college group.In that fast run I did fell once and became a reason for laugh of the college girls walking besides. I felt real embarassed. But then they assured that they too had fell down before twice . :-).We reached down the hotel pretty early and noticed that we did broke the record again. We reached in 1.5 hours compared to 2 hours as scheduled. We were down by 3:15 p.m.The hotel person was so surprised that he asked " Didn't you completed the trek? Did you backed off in between?" :-) :-).
By the time me n Vaijan had couple of Wada pAv's. Pawan, Aditya and Pushkar arrived at 3:45p.m. We waited for Parin and Prashant till 4:10 p.m and then started for the lunch. They also arrived soon and joined us. We took a jeep (the press waali). We reached Swargate at 6:30p.m.We did scattered to our places soon with promise to meet on the next trek.
It was indeed a short trek but did consisted of all the adventures and thrills which a trek should have. This is why I think everybody likes to visit Torna again and again.
Details:
Team : 07
Route: Swargate > Old Katraj > Bhor > VelhI village > Torna
Distance: 65kms
Altitude: ~4,600 FT above MSL
Time : Uphill: 2hrs Downhill:2hrs [Monsoon]
Transport: Swargate - VelhI [ ST: 06:30am, 07:30am ] VelhI - Swargate [ ST: 04:30pm, 05:30pm ].
Expenses: Rs 150 Approx.
Stay: One day / Overnight [ Accommodation available in temple - Believe you've got to take the keys from the base village] - For us it was already open.
Best time to visit: Monsoon!
Endurance: Medium Difficulty : Medium
Misc. Details: Torna aka Prachandgad is believed to be the first fort conquered by Shivaji after he vowed for swaraj at Raireshwar. The vastness of the fort led to it being named Pranchandgad.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Bhimashankar
After doing these many treks I can surely rate this the best one. You come across risk to loose life, on top there's Lord Shiva's temple where you feel satisfied and complete about the efforts you took to reach there. There you can find all the arrangements for lodging, eating etc. Its a pilgrimage where you can go through proper private transport. The route which we took was through Shidi Ghat which is a risky one while there's another one known as Ganesh Ghat which is a simple walk without any risks.
30 Aug - Saturday (Early Morning mess-up)-
It was the usual day for me - going for another trek after Night shift. I was bit uncomfortable this time as I hadnt slept properly on Friday and did hurt my leg when I dashed my bike on some idiot biker. Neways this I reached early at Shrikanth's place. All I got was " Just sit outside I will not open the door, I am sleeping". :-( But somehow I got him to open it for me. Then started the scene. I literally got "rattofied" Rahul's caller tune but he wasnt just picking the call. He had the reservation tickets and we were like ......... Finally we started for Khadki at 5:15 when Ashutosh arrived. Later on we decided that Shri will go to Shivaji Nagar and pick others as he had the contacts and Ashu n me will board at Khadki.
But at the end me, Vaijan, Ashutosh,Parin,Prashant,Sourabh went ahead with Anup joining in Pimpri and Aditya in Chinchwad. Trupti and Shri went to get Rahul who were supposed to meet us in Khandas.
As the march started my sole aim was to complete my sleep whichever way it could be and the situation really helped me. As we boarded the train Vaijan notified me that he has a window seat reserved in another bogie. I immediately grabbed it and finished around 1.5 hour of my sleep. We reached at 8:00 at Karjat. This has become quite a familiar route for us after so much time. The bus from Karjat bus-stand to Kasheli was at 9.45 . Woww 1 more hour gained :-).
Its aound 45 minutes journey (Actually I am not sure - I slept again). From Kasheli we took a jeep to Khandas which is around 13 kms from Kasheli. We had a quick breakfast(poha) and a tea. The localites were insisting to take a guide if were going thr Shidi ghat as its is very risky for the ones who dont know it or go through the Ganesh ghat as its a way simpler. But we also remained stern to go through Shidi Ghat without guide.
Walk towards Shidi Ghat -
Just 2 Kms ahead from Khandas you find a Literal "T". The right goes to Ganesh Ghat while the left towards Shidi Ghat.
Again one more important thing to note - As you follow left just after 5 mins walk you will see couple of wells on right off the track. You have to leave your normal path and actually go besides the wells to go towards shidi ghat. Around half hour walk and you will come across a nice big stream. There we came across another group who were planning to go and come back the same day. Quite optimistic though. The localites did scared us so much about the route that I gt very enthu to see the particular path asap. So after a small rest I suggested others that we will move ahead slowly. But it was very hot on that day and water seemed too soothing. So we decided to wait for Rahul, Trupti and Shri. By that time they had started from Karjat. Another 2 hours to take a nap. Seriouly yaar after this nap I felt really refreshed. Now I was ready to face anything :-).
We resumed our trek when they arrived at around 3:00 pm. It was a pretty decent 1 hour walk where on the way we met Tukaram. We really felt him like an angel when we came across the most awaited shidi ghat (the patch). We came across the first shidi which was quite interesting. But the most intersting was a patch whr you have to cling on to your fingers to get on to the next rock. And the risk is you dont have anything below to rest your foot upon - just a straight rock whr you hang-on and a deep valley beneath. Very rarely you can see such a small bifurcation between life n death. You just cross it to get to the ladder n woww the ladder itself hangs beteen 2 rocks beneath which again there's nothing. Some how you cross the ladder to get on the rock. You again have to crawl over it to get on proper pathway.You have to be extra carefull over wet areas on the rocks. The way to the third ladder was also awesome though not that life threatning. The third ladder is almost of bamboo(small part of it is steel) and is quite slippery.
The feel of Heaven and satisfaction:-
We took our leisure to cross that patch and later on it was just a picnic walk over the edges and forest. Atleast on this trek it is advisable to always follow left if you always want to be right. :-) But due to Parins's insistance to follow a water way we went towards Abhaya Aranya (wild life sanctuary) instead of Bhimashankar town. It already was around 6:45 pm and fog was becoming very dense. We took a right after coming out of the forest towards a plateau. Just 5 mins walk and everybody was just amazed. It was a dead end with dense fog. Nobody spoke for a couple of minutes. All of us went to our own direction and sat alone. I am sure everybody must have thought about their best times ever and compared it with this. At least I did so. Its was very chilling out their and very soothing after such a long walk in strong sun. And to the surprise the network in everbody's cell. SO most of us called their dear ones to describe and notify about the progress while others were happy enough to be in their own thoughts.
But later we did struggled to find the way back to town as it was very foggy and nothing was visble. I think God itself found us instead of we finding him. It was around 7:30 pm and time for Aarti. So sound of bells come from some side. We just followed the way and voice of people became louder. We just followed the voice and in 5 minutes found ourselves in a town which was deeply immersed in fog where the street lights seemed like small torches in that fog.
As it was aarti time most of us went directly to the temple. It felt really peacefull in that particular temple like atmosphere. The smoke of incense sticks, the ringing of bells, the chorus of aarti was just the next thing which you want after this much effort. The aarti was soon followed by a very appreciated dinner. Later on Shri, Rahul n Anup had a talk with temple officials to let us stay in the corridors of temple. They agrred but after 10:00 pm. So we had some time which we decided to look around the place. 6 of us me, Shrikanth,Vaijan, Rahul, Ashutosh,Anup n Prashant headed towards the a path through thick foliage which actually traverse ahead to "gupt linga" (secret linga). We walked for around 20 mins and rested in a open area. It was already an Amawasya and to add on the effect we did off our torches. Now there were only darkness, sound of night insects and we.We changed our clothes for sleeping and went back.
We were supposed to sleep in temple. Some of us also suggested to try out Dharmashala as we didnt had enough covers.But there was a stadium (small one). We cleaned the steps and slept over there. I think only Trupti wasnt able to sleep due to shortage of covers and to add on; dogs barking around and we snoring (dont count me in plz).
31st Aug, Sunday -
We were woken up by Shri at around 5:30 am. Everbody completed their morning tasks by 6:15 am and we started our way back at around 7:00. We did halt once for Brkfast. Some monkey tricks, some snaps, fun and we were on our legs again.Vaijan, Rahul and Ashutosh were in full pace leading the way while we others were enjoying each moment. Next halt was at a stream on the way were everybody freshened up and relaxed. The ext halt was drectly at base village Khandas where final group snaps were taken. We took a tum-tum to Kasheli and then other one to Karjat. Our train was at 4:00 pm but we reached at 2:00 so we had lunch and a much needed cane juice.
Back to Pune:-
As we had our tickets in waiting we had to take new ones. me, Vaijan and Aditya did wait for Singhagad while others went by Karjat-Pune Passenger.It was a nice journey sitting at doors. I was at home by 6:15 pm.
So all in all a thrilling, a bit hectic yet a full pleasure trek completed.
Details:
Team :11
Route: ShivajiNagar ->Karjat ->Khasheli ->Khandas
Distance: Karjat ->Khasheli : ~30kms Khasheli ->Khandas: ~13kms
Altitude: ~3650ft. above MSL.
Endurance: High Difficulty : Ganesh ghat -> Medium ; Shidi Ghat -> High
Time : Uphill: 4.5hrs. Downhill: 4.0hrs
Transport: Train to Karjat: 6:00am from Shivaji Nagar Karjat -> Khasheli : ST at 9:45 am or TT for
16Rs. Per head Khasheli -> Khandas: TT for 15rs per head.
Expenses: Rs 250
Stay: Bhimashankar temple / adjacent stadium(or wherever you feel better). Lodging available
Duration: Preferable opt for an Overnight stay.
Best time to visit: Monsoon!
30 Aug - Saturday (Early Morning mess-up)-
It was the usual day for me - going for another trek after Night shift. I was bit uncomfortable this time as I hadnt slept properly on Friday and did hurt my leg when I dashed my bike on some idiot biker. Neways this I reached early at Shrikanth's place. All I got was " Just sit outside I will not open the door, I am sleeping". :-( But somehow I got him to open it for me. Then started the scene. I literally got "rattofied" Rahul's caller tune but he wasnt just picking the call. He had the reservation tickets and we were like ......... Finally we started for Khadki at 5:15 when Ashutosh arrived. Later on we decided that Shri will go to Shivaji Nagar and pick others as he had the contacts and Ashu n me will board at Khadki.
But at the end me, Vaijan, Ashutosh,Parin,Prashant,Sourabh went ahead with Anup joining in Pimpri and Aditya in Chinchwad. Trupti and Shri went to get Rahul who were supposed to meet us in Khandas.
As the march started my sole aim was to complete my sleep whichever way it could be and the situation really helped me. As we boarded the train Vaijan notified me that he has a window seat reserved in another bogie. I immediately grabbed it and finished around 1.5 hour of my sleep. We reached at 8:00 at Karjat. This has become quite a familiar route for us after so much time. The bus from Karjat bus-stand to Kasheli was at 9.45 . Woww 1 more hour gained :-).
Its aound 45 minutes journey (Actually I am not sure - I slept again). From Kasheli we took a jeep to Khandas which is around 13 kms from Kasheli. We had a quick breakfast(poha) and a tea. The localites were insisting to take a guide if were going thr Shidi ghat as its is very risky for the ones who dont know it or go through the Ganesh ghat as its a way simpler. But we also remained stern to go through Shidi Ghat without guide.
Walk towards Shidi Ghat -
Just 2 Kms ahead from Khandas you find a Literal "T". The right goes to Ganesh Ghat while the left towards Shidi Ghat.
Again one more important thing to note - As you follow left just after 5 mins walk you will see couple of wells on right off the track. You have to leave your normal path and actually go besides the wells to go towards shidi ghat. Around half hour walk and you will come across a nice big stream. There we came across another group who were planning to go and come back the same day. Quite optimistic though. The localites did scared us so much about the route that I gt very enthu to see the particular path asap. So after a small rest I suggested others that we will move ahead slowly. But it was very hot on that day and water seemed too soothing. So we decided to wait for Rahul, Trupti and Shri. By that time they had started from Karjat. Another 2 hours to take a nap. Seriouly yaar after this nap I felt really refreshed. Now I was ready to face anything :-).
We resumed our trek when they arrived at around 3:00 pm. It was a pretty decent 1 hour walk where on the way we met Tukaram. We really felt him like an angel when we came across the most awaited shidi ghat (the patch). We came across the first shidi which was quite interesting. But the most intersting was a patch whr you have to cling on to your fingers to get on to the next rock. And the risk is you dont have anything below to rest your foot upon - just a straight rock whr you hang-on and a deep valley beneath. Very rarely you can see such a small bifurcation between life n death. You just cross it to get to the ladder n woww the ladder itself hangs beteen 2 rocks beneath which again there's nothing. Some how you cross the ladder to get on the rock. You again have to crawl over it to get on proper pathway.You have to be extra carefull over wet areas on the rocks. The way to the third ladder was also awesome though not that life threatning. The third ladder is almost of bamboo(small part of it is steel) and is quite slippery.
The feel of Heaven and satisfaction:-
We took our leisure to cross that patch and later on it was just a picnic walk over the edges and forest. Atleast on this trek it is advisable to always follow left if you always want to be right. :-) But due to Parins's insistance to follow a water way we went towards Abhaya Aranya (wild life sanctuary) instead of Bhimashankar town. It already was around 6:45 pm and fog was becoming very dense. We took a right after coming out of the forest towards a plateau. Just 5 mins walk and everybody was just amazed. It was a dead end with dense fog. Nobody spoke for a couple of minutes. All of us went to our own direction and sat alone. I am sure everybody must have thought about their best times ever and compared it with this. At least I did so. Its was very chilling out their and very soothing after such a long walk in strong sun. And to the surprise the network in everbody's cell. SO most of us called their dear ones to describe and notify about the progress while others were happy enough to be in their own thoughts.
But later we did struggled to find the way back to town as it was very foggy and nothing was visble. I think God itself found us instead of we finding him. It was around 7:30 pm and time for Aarti. So sound of bells come from some side. We just followed the way and voice of people became louder. We just followed the voice and in 5 minutes found ourselves in a town which was deeply immersed in fog where the street lights seemed like small torches in that fog.
As it was aarti time most of us went directly to the temple. It felt really peacefull in that particular temple like atmosphere. The smoke of incense sticks, the ringing of bells, the chorus of aarti was just the next thing which you want after this much effort. The aarti was soon followed by a very appreciated dinner. Later on Shri, Rahul n Anup had a talk with temple officials to let us stay in the corridors of temple. They agrred but after 10:00 pm. So we had some time which we decided to look around the place. 6 of us me, Shrikanth,Vaijan, Rahul, Ashutosh,Anup n Prashant headed towards the a path through thick foliage which actually traverse ahead to "gupt linga" (secret linga). We walked for around 20 mins and rested in a open area. It was already an Amawasya and to add on the effect we did off our torches. Now there were only darkness, sound of night insects and we.We changed our clothes for sleeping and went back.
We were supposed to sleep in temple. Some of us also suggested to try out Dharmashala as we didnt had enough covers.But there was a stadium (small one). We cleaned the steps and slept over there. I think only Trupti wasnt able to sleep due to shortage of covers and to add on; dogs barking around and we snoring (dont count me in plz).
31st Aug, Sunday -
We were woken up by Shri at around 5:30 am. Everbody completed their morning tasks by 6:15 am and we started our way back at around 7:00. We did halt once for Brkfast. Some monkey tricks, some snaps, fun and we were on our legs again.Vaijan, Rahul and Ashutosh were in full pace leading the way while we others were enjoying each moment. Next halt was at a stream on the way were everybody freshened up and relaxed. The ext halt was drectly at base village Khandas where final group snaps were taken. We took a tum-tum to Kasheli and then other one to Karjat. Our train was at 4:00 pm but we reached at 2:00 so we had lunch and a much needed cane juice.
Back to Pune:-
As we had our tickets in waiting we had to take new ones. me, Vaijan and Aditya did wait for Singhagad while others went by Karjat-Pune Passenger.It was a nice journey sitting at doors. I was at home by 6:15 pm.
So all in all a thrilling, a bit hectic yet a full pleasure trek completed.
Details:
Team :11
Route: ShivajiNagar ->Karjat ->Khasheli ->Khandas
Distance: Karjat ->Khasheli : ~30kms Khasheli ->Khandas: ~13kms
Altitude: ~3650ft. above MSL.
Endurance: High Difficulty : Ganesh ghat -> Medium ; Shidi Ghat -> High
Time : Uphill: 4.5hrs. Downhill: 4.0hrs
Transport: Train to Karjat: 6:00am from Shivaji Nagar Karjat -> Khasheli : ST at 9:45 am or TT for
16Rs. Per head Khasheli -> Khandas: TT for 15rs per head.
Expenses: Rs 250
Stay: Bhimashankar temple / adjacent stadium(or wherever you feel better). Lodging available
Duration: Preferable opt for an Overnight stay.
Best time to visit: Monsoon!
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