Irshalgad Summit Trek

Trek: Irshalgad Summit Trek

Base village: Chowk

Height: 3700 feet

Grade:  Difficult

Endurance: Medium

Trek coordinator: Vrangers

Lead climbers: Sudhir Bane, Kalpesh Mhatre, Ananda Govekar, Machchhindra Shelar

Dates: 26th November 2017 (Starting on 25th November)

Trekkers: 18

(Irish Pereira, Kaustubh Meher, Ashok Maurya, Priyanka Polekar, Vidnyan Pednekar, Umnesh Chavan, Alka Patil, Navanath Parte, Amol Gurav, Amit Mahindkar, Kasturi, Laxmi Mahindkar, Daniel Pandian, Vaishali, Swapnil Chavan)

Karja village – Chowk – Coordinates Google map

Trek Map

Irshalgad was since very long on my trek list since I had first used Mumbai Pune expressway. This double pronged pinnacle is on left hand side while going to Pune. However almost all groups plan trek upto nedhe of Irshalgad and not top. Nedhe is a natural arch formed in the rock or mountain. It is almost the near to top but is not top of Irshalgad. Becoz it is biggest pleasure to reach top and enjoy panoramic view it provides. To reach top one has to climb one 20 feet rock patch, navigate through scree routes and exposed traverse patch. To do this one needs rock climbing equipment’s such as ropes, harness, carabiners, safety helmets etc. Only few trekking groups arrange for this type of complete trek cum rock climbing missions. So I was looking for one of such complete missions of Irshalgad. 

So I enrolled myself with one of few groups whom i trust with for such rock climbing treks but due to my logistics problem could not make for it on time at Panvel. And hence missed that trek.

So as the saying goes

“There is always a second chance."

Another of my trusted groups came up with Irshalgad top trek plans. This time around my buddy Kaustubh was also interested to accompany me and try his hand on rock climbing. So as per schedule we were to reach Karjat at 12:00 Am. So after boarding appropriate trains from Virar to Dadar and Dadar to Karjat along with slight delay in train we reached Karjat around 12:20 Am. There our entire group was waiting for us, actually everyone has taken the same train. We were group of 22 including trek leads.

There were 3 vehicles i.e. 2 Maruti EECO and 1 tumtum rickshaw waiting for us to us for our journey towards Chowk. Now Chowk is the base village for this trek. It is also on the Indian Railway network with Chowk station but has very scarce train frequency. So after half an hour journey on Panvel - Karjat highway NH4 we reached Karja village near chowk at around 1 Am.

Sorting climbing equipments

There our trek leads sorted out all the rock climbing equipment’s and handed one set to each one of us. The set included a harness, tape sling, carabiner, descender and helmet. We were to carry it with us and hand it over next day after trek. So after equipment break our trek started around 1:40 am. So after brisk 10 mins walk, we encountered steep climb on well-defined route made up of scree and small loose rocks. Here we got first glimpse of Morbe dam which was placed on our right hand side. There was cool breeze blowing from dam which was a pleasing for our bodies. At around half an hour of trek we took a short break on the plain area on the route.

Short Break

The cool breeze here was very refreshing. From here we could see pronged pinnacle in the moonlight. So we reached Irshalwadi at around 2:45 Am. This was our resting place for the night.

Irshalwadi is a small village at base of Irshalgad pinnacle with most houses were mud thatched with cow dung plastered outer verrandahs.  We were hosted at a young lad named Ganpat pardhi's house. So here in his veranda we stay put for the night. Those with sleeping bags slept in it and others slept in their blankets and shawls.

Nap Time

We had good nap and were waked up around 5:30 am. After wrapping up our sleeping gears and finishing our morning chores, we had our breakfast of hot poha and tea.

Breakfast Time - PC - Ashok Maurya

Here after brief introductions of our fellow trekkers we started our trek around 7 am. We were surprised to see our youngest trek mate named Kasturi Amit Mahindkar who is aged just 7 years. Actually her parents Amit and both being trek enthusiast could not keep her back home alone, so she accompanies them on their treks. Please note to our surprise she made it to the Irshalgad top. 

Kasturi - The youngest trekker in our group

At the Sunrise point

Sunrise

But so after a short walk we all waited to see beautiful sunrise. 

Moving towards Rock Patch

After few minutes of steep climb we encountered few big rocks on the way and missed the route. The correct path was towards the left side of the rocks which leads to the top. Here we wasted our 15-10 mins due to wrong route. But still it provided kaustubh with hands on trianing for rock climbing. Everything happens for a purpose though.

After negotiating a steep rock patch with a small wooden ladder we reached the Nedhe at around 8 Am. There is also small water tank at base of nedhe. 

Water Tank @ Nedhe

This Nedhe or ‘needle's eye’ is so huge and prominent that can be seen from even express highway.

Kaustubh @ Ladder at Irshalgad

Myself @ Nedhe

Passing from nedhe towards south is the rock patch towards top.

Here our trek leads namely Sudhir and Kalpesh had already completed the climbing set up. So with guidance of other trek leads our team started to climb the patch. Ashok my fellow trekker also being experienced trekker himself did it with ease. As I have done hard-core climbing treks earlier, this rock patch seemed rather a cakewalk to me and I requested Ananda to allow me to climb the patch without rope support. But he concerned for my safety refused plainly. He was like if you are confident enough to climb on your own then consider the rope as just formality. Here I respected his concern as that what Vrangers stand out for "Safety comes first". So I climbed the patch with much ease. So after me my buddy Kaustubh also followed with much guidance as it was his first time around with rock climbing. Following him were Daniel, Amol, Navnath, Alka, Manisha etc.

See my rock video below.

After rock patch, we still had hooded top rock still to be climbed. But we were given to know that it was not to be climbed, but can be reached by a traverse patch from left side. 

Scree just above the rock patch

Hooded rock patch which is actually to be traversed ...

My Trekmates waiting for their turn at the rock patch

At the Traverse patch - Navnath Parte in the background

At the traverse patch - PC- Ashok Maurya

So here the traverse is very steep and tricky. One need to be very careful at this traverse as one wrong step and you are down in the deep valley. With trek leads guidance and tape sling anchoring the anchor ropes we reached top at around 9:30 am. 

Myself at the Top

Myself, Manisha, Ashok, Navnath at the top

What a wonderful feeling it was. With full view of Morbe dam to the east and surrounding areas was awesome. We can see Prabalgad, Matheran from the top. There was lots of breeze blowing at the top.

After some clicks we began our downwards journey as other of our subgroups was to climb the top. Group was divided into sub groups so as to avoid crowding at top. As there is very little place at top of Irshalgad.

Ashok, Myself, Manisha, Navanth parte, Amol P.C. Ashok Maurya

Amit Mahinkar, Swapnil, Myself, Kaustubh Meher

Umnesh, Laxmi, Kasturi, Vidnyan pednekar and others P.C. Ashok Maurya

Ananda - Our trek lead at the top

Morbe Dam from top - P.C. Ashok Maurya

Our entire trek group - Vrangers

Again after walking down the traverse patch, we had a group photo here. After that we awaited our turn to rappel down the first big rock patch. There was another group waiting for us to rappel down so that they can climb the rock patch. 

Myself - Rapelling Down

Then after reaching the nedhe again by 11:30 am, we took a short half hour recharge break.  Here we had snacks, cucumbers, khakras, dates etc.

After break we started again at 12:00 pm on our return trek and decided to reach Irshawadi as early as possible so that we can have lunch and get some rest till other of our group mates return to the place.  On the way we found huge cave like structure and decided to pose like Baba’s in the cave. 

The Baba Moment

Trekkers are awesome people to be with …I must say. We 5 of us reached Irshalwadi at 12:45 PM.

Alka, Kaustubh, Daniel  and Ashok - Return Journey

Back to Irshalwadi - Ganpat's House

At our host ganpat’s house, we refreshed ourselves and had a hearty veg lunch. We were very hungry and literally gulped down the hot lunch. After lunch we lay spread ourselves till our other trek mates returned. Our entire group returned at around 2:00 pm.

Again after lunch entire group rested till 3:00 pm as the trek leads took stock of the equipments. Then at 3:20 pm we left Irshalwadi for chowk. The route is quite simple and well defined. The route is very steep at some points, but we had not noticed it in our night trek.

Descending the steep slopes - P.C. Macchindra Shelar

 We were mesmerised to see Morbe dam and had a desire for swimming; but timings didn’t permit us for the same. So we reached the pickup point at Chouk at 4:00 PM. Here in 15 mins our transporter arrived to take us to Karjat. 

After we left Mr. Navnath Parte tried some of his photography concepts with cheerful trekkers while they were waiting for their transporter.

Photography Concepts in Action - P. C.  Macchindra Shelar

We while returning to karjat insisted the naive driver to rush for us to catch 4:54 pm train from karjat to Mumbai. As the succeeding train was 45 mins after this train.

'भाऊ ACCELERATOR वर जरा जोर द्या'

However Bhau didn’t obliged to us, so he kept on driving leisurely. But to our good fortune we reached Karjat station at around 5:55 pm and boarded the said train; all thanks to always late central railway and reached Dadar Mumbai by 7: 40 pm. From there we took train to Virar.

To sum up, this trek to Irshalgad was a wonderful experience in itself. Beginning with night trek, then sleeping under open skies, then rock climbing to top with such a wonderful, cheerful group was experience to cherish with. Also it was well arranged by Vrangers who keep safety of each trekker to forefront and complete the treks as per schedule.

Few points of advice to trekkers planning for this trek:

1) It is difficult grade rock climbing trek with medium endurance....so beginners strictly avoid such trek (Rock climbing and trekking are 2 different things altogether).

2) It is very cold out there especially in months of November and December...so carry extra pair of woollen / thermal clothes.

3) Carry a sleeping bag if possible....
4) The rock patch and the traverse patch to the top are very tough, hence do not try it without proper guide and climbing equipment's. 

About Vrangers:

Founded in February 2009, Vrangers is one of the fastest growing trekking community with adventure passionate members. Geared with experienced mentors, they arrange for various forms of adventure sports.

Contact details:

Ananda Govekar: 9892219155

Sudhir Bane: 9167546547

Website: http://www.vrangers.com/

How to reach Chowk:

By public transport, you need to reach at Chowk town between Panvel and Karjat.

Chowk is 19 kilometres from Panvel and 12 kilometres from Karjat on National Highway NH4. Buses and auto rickshaws plying between Panvel and Karjat stop at Chowk.

About Stay facility at Irshalwadi:

Villager: Ganpat pardhi provides with stay and food facility in Irshalwadi.

Mob: 7798636551 / 9673258853

Food rates

Breakfast –Rs 40 (pohe and tea)  

Veg plate- Rs. 150 (unlimited - rice dal bhaji chapatti)

Chicken - Rs. 220 potbhar

Gavthi chicken - Rs. 250

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

White water rafting at Kolad, Maharashtra

White water rafting at Kolad, Maharashtra

Activity: Water rafting in Kundalika River at Kolad

Base village: Rawalje village near Kolad, Maharashtra

Event coordinators: Travel Trikon
Date: 14th April 2017
Base Village coordinates: 🚩 Rawalje Village

Rafting map 

Kundalika is a small river in state of Maharashtra. It flows from East to west direction meeting Arabian sea in the west. There is a dam on this river called ‘Rawalge Dam.’ The Tata power company has a hydro-electric generators on this dam generating electricity. Every morning at around 9 Am, the dam doors are opened to let out water for irrigation needs along the river stream.  As the river bed do not have huge boulders, this river has become a hot location for water rafting in Maharashtra.

Every morning, when the dam doors are opened, there is gushing water which fills the entire river stream to its fullest brim. This is ideal time for rafting, when the river is full of water flowing at rapid pace in one direction that is towards west coast. After the dam doors are closed, there is only a small stream of water which is flowing throughout the day. One important thing to note is that Swimming is not necessary for rafting as it is carried out with life jackets.

As it was a long weekend in April, i had some plans for trekking. However due to hot climate, i dropped my plans for trekking and instead chose to go for water rafting, to cool my nerves.

Travel Trikon had a water rafting arranged at Kolad, which i chose the enrol. We along with 6 other trek mates’ started our journey from Dadar railway east in a Toyota Tavera at around 6 am in the morning.  To my surprise we had an lively elder person (60+) with us to participate in this rafting activity. So true is the saying

“It’s never too late to follow your dreams, and there’s no time like the present to start.”

We took Mumbai-pune expressway upto khopoli exit. From there we travelled on Mumbai- Goa highway to take a breakfast halt at Pali.

Our Transporter

 After a wholesome breakfast, we again started towards village. There we are hosted at a resort by Daivya Adventures on the banks of river kundalika. We all refreshed ourselves and then had few clicks on stream. The organisers has made all equipments ready along with our raft ready. We all were handed a life jacket, a rowing bar and helmets each.

Then the instructor after giving basic info of the activity gave us detailed working instructions. There is a technique in holding the rower bar, synchronisation technique without which the activity is not possible.

All geared up - Waiting for the siren

Then all geared up with equipment and instructions eagerly waited to hear the siren from dam. Siren is the alert sounded when they let out the water from the Rawalge dam on kundalika river so that all villagers near and on the river stream are alerted, and could stay far from river flow. Then around 9 am the was a siren and waited for waters to arrive at our stop. In few minutes gushing streams of water arrived, which converted the small rocky stream into a full fledged river flowing at a huge pace.

We were given our positions in the raft so that raft is equally balanced on both sides. Each raft accommodates 9 rafters 4 on each side and one in the middle to keep balance. There is a one guide with each raft who sits at the keel position. He provides guidance and gives directions for each side of rafters to steer raft in desired direction. Balance, synchronisation and team work are crux of the water rafting activity. The guide being a north eastern had a typical ascent. 

Hands on Instructions

Starting towards the flow

Then after some of still rafting we encountered one of the 3 grade rapids on this river. Rapid is point in river where waters flows at great pace due rock beneath or presence of crater in the river bed.

Each rapid has been given a names..i could not recall them all like Johnny Walker and Mini Mouse etc. At rapids the raft is heavyly tossed in any directions. Sometimes the raft can also be overturned throwing rafters in river flow. So at rapids at guides directions, every rafter has to fall inside the raft holding anchoring ropes at rim of the raft. It prevents raft from overturning. One can feel adrenaline spurt in our bellies facing each rapid.

Other raft - battling one of the rapids

Fellow Rafters

There were in all 10-12 other rafts at that time with us which were represented by different organisers.

Then we reach a point where there were trees half submerged in the river. To over surprise there were also mango trees. Our guide steered the raft to one such tree to pluck raw mangoes or kairies. He knowingly had carried masala and salt with him along with knife to cut mangoes. There we relished tangy mangoes with masala and salt.

By now it was around 11:00 am and being in month of April we had scorching sun burning us from above. We had fun splashing waters on fellow rafters with our helmets. We used to fill helmets with water and all got drenched in water to cool our bodies from suns heat.

Once rapids are done with one can jump into the river stream. One need not worry about swimming as life jacket takes care of that. As the river is fast flowing in one direction, one is carried along with stream. Life jackets ensure that you are always afloat. It was fun to enjoy swimming or stay calm when being drifted along with flow. It is one of the prime moments of the activity. One can feel the deep silence all around except sound of flowing water. We were left to enjoy the drift for almost an hour. We had no cameras to take pics due to water, nor anyone in my team carried a Go pro video gear, which would have captured that thrilling moments.

So around 3.5 to 4 hours from time we started rafting, covering around 13 kms of river stream the activity ends at place called Kamath, the end point for river rafting. 

Approaching end point at Kamath

Kamath - The end point of the rafting activity

Here our organisers were waiting for us to arrive and hence we have video here. The raft has to be carried from here to starting point by tempo or alternatively carried on car hangars. We along with our raft mounted on the Tavera reached our starting point at Daivya adventures. There we changed our clothes after a bath. There was buffet lunch including non veg awaiting us at the resort. We were very hungry after the activity. We gulped down the lunch till bellies full. After that we rested for some time under trees in garden. My other mates played dumb sheras while i preferred resting under tree. At around 3 pm we left the resort on our return journey. We took same route en route khopoli via Mumbai pune expressway ...Reached Mumbai by 7 pm. It was indeed quite a refreshing activity and promised to repeat it again next year.

Ideal time for rafting is in rainy season where river is flowing  naturally full to its brim. Winter season up to March also provides memorable experience to rafting enthusiasts. After which due to water scarcity, the dam authorities do not let out waters from dam suspending the activity.

About Travel Trikon:
The organisers Travel Trikon is comparatively a new adventure group formed by experienced trekkers. They provide entire Water rafting activity package which includes Mumbai to Mumbai transport, Water rafting activity, breakfast, lunch all inclusive in one package. 
Website: http://www.traveltrikon.com/
Mob: +91 9819021806

Cost:
This package costed me Rs. 2200, which was a small amount considering thrill and convenience it provided.

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

Bhavani kada of Raigad Fort

Trek: Bhavani kada of Raigad

Base village: Hirkan Wadi - Raigad fort ropeway

Height: 2700 feet

Trek coordinator: Maharashtra Trekkers

Lead climbers: Sachin Mestry, Praful Wahmare

Dates: 1^St March 2014
Map Coordinates of the base Village:  Hirkan Wadi

Route Map for Bhavani Kada Trek at Raigad Fort

Background Info: Raigad is a fort located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra State. The fort is located at a height of approx. 2,700 ft. above sea level.

Raigad Fort served as the capital of Maratha Empire from 1674 AD. Its strategic location on a mountain as well its height makes it one of the unconquerable forts of its time. That highlights its selection as capital fort by none other than Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

The fort is based on a mountain with wide plateau on top and steep slopes on sides. This topography provides it a natural defense against any of enemy's aggression.

One of the prominent historical moments recorded on this fort is Chhatrapati Rajaram escape form Raigad fort through Mughals siege on the fort. Rajaram, the younger son of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, after the death of Sambhaji, Rajaram was crowned at Raigad on 12 March 1689. 

As the Mughals started laying siege to the region around Raigad on 25 March 1689, the widow of Sambhaji, Maharani Yesubai and her minister Ramchandra Pant Amatya sent young Rajaram to the stronghold of Pratapgad through Kavlya ghat. The Maratha army fought with the Mughals and led the new Maratha king, Rajaram to escape through Kavlya ghat to the fort of Jinji. This escape route though not recorded in any chronicles, is however said to be the Bhavani kada route as believed by some historical experts. The presence of rock cut steps on this kada/cliff supports the claim of it being possibly the said escape route which Rajaram had used.

My Trek Mates

Given the known historical evidence, Maharashtra trekkers had decided to explore this bold escape route by ascending through the route. It is challenging move as it requires circumnavigating half of Raigad fort through dense jungles to reach base of Bhavani kada (cliff) and rock climbing the almost straight wall of Bhavani kada. We were being guided by elderly person and avid trekker Hira pandit. He is one of experienced trekker and rock climbing experts who is around 65+ years old ...no ...young i must say. He had traversed this route to climb this cliff in 90's. So with such a experienced mentor along with rock climbing equipment's and set up, we all set up to accomplish this adventurous and equally challenging traverse cum climb.

Our team of 15 started from Oberoi mall Goregaon Mumbai for Raigad in a mini tempo traveller. After picking up few fellow trekkers on the way, we begun our journey on Mumbai -Goa highway. To our dismay, we were in end February, and it was raining slightly. By after a couple hours of journey by around 4 AM we reached the Base of Raigad near ropeway depot. Earlier it was dark all around. But as with time we expected to see some light. But it was all foggy white with slight drizzle still going on. We got out of our traveller and finished our morning chores as there was still time for dawn. Then around 6:30 Am we has breakfast at shack near the Raigad ropeway. Trek leads distributed the trek equipments as it was difficult trek and it would be heavy for few to carry all of it. So each one was handed over climbing harness along with carabiner each with ropes each. So we from there we embarked our journey rather late from there on at 7:30 am. Late as it was almost foggy all around with low visibility till 7 am.

Raigad Ropeway

Around 7:30 am the rains had stopped. But route was all become slippery. Trek leads voiced one of their fears; as with such slippery mud tracks on loose rock, rock climbing had become tougher than accounted for. We were to follow route in dense vegetation encircling Raigad on the south end to reach traverse at south east end of fort. After around 9 am we took a small break and recharged ourselves with snacks.

Walk through dried Karvy Jungles

Connecting Ridge

Then after 20 minutes break we were to traverse a route on edge of small hillock to reach base of Bhavani kada. Around 10 am we reached base and each one was geared up harness for rock climbing.

Base of Bhavani Kada - Gearing for the climb

The lead climbers Praful and Sachin started the climb through wet scree and loose rocks. We have to stay clear the climb patch as lots of loose rocks were falling as these duo were making their way up. At around 11:00 am we had climbed half a way of the cliff. There is a small cave like structure there where we waited for our turn climbing up. The cave provided us with necessary cover form falling loose rocks. Few feet above the cave was the Chimney or hollow structure in the cliff. 

Small Cave

Chimneys are cracks or fissures in cliffs that are wide enough for you to fit your body inside. Chimneys are climbed by using opposing pressures with your hands, knees, feet, and back on the sidewalls of the chimney. Advance upward by pushing and pulling against the walls, moving in short spurts rather than big moves. Climber has to use both sides of the chimney to climb it and make progress by pushing and pulling against the opposing sidewalls. One can see Lingana pinnacle and along with the Kaal river valley from the top.

Lingana Pinnacle in the backdrop

There was occasional showers of rains which made the climb more and more difficult and slippery. The visibility was also low with foggy spells time and again. By 11:30 the lead team managed to climb the chimney and fixed there an anchor ropes for others to follow. The spot at chimney is such that if you slip from chimney without ropes, you would end up directly into valley around 1000 ft deep. The team has properly fixed all climbing ropes and ensured everyone was properly harnessed with gears. They also guided us through the climb with instructions of rock cuts to put steps in. Moreover there was Hira pundit Sir to guide our feet in the crevices. As one is needed to push his body against the gravity at the chimney, there was lots of time being taken by amateur climbers at this spot.

First sight of Chimney

Amit Salkar 

My Trek Buddies

Just below chimney are the rock cut steps which highlights the possibility of the escape route discussed earlier.

Rock Cut steps @ Bhavani Kada

As there were occasional rainy and sunny spells we had a mesmerising sight of a Rainbow. Moreover it was unusual sight that we were seeing the rainbow below us and as we were on a considerable height. 

Rainbow 

At around 1:30 it was my turn to climb the cliff. As being well acquainted with rock climbing before in treks Lingana, I cleared the chimney and the patch above it ease. As the gap between chimney is too big, I resorted to Jummaring in the chimney patch and cleared it in few minutes. There is a small temple of Goddess Bhavani just above the chimney on the left side and hence this cliff is named as Bhavani Kada or cliff.

The Chimney @ Bhavani Kada

There were many other climbers after me to clear the rock patch which took around 3:30 pm for entire team to reach top on the fort. 

Entry point of Bhavani Kada

Foggy spells

Connecting ridge as seen from above

The Board says " Dont Go beyond this point" Instead we choosed to "COME FROM THIS POINT"

Then after having lunch we explored the fort.  The Raigad fort has a huge plateau area. There we visited Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Samadhi or Tomb. 

Myself  at the Edge

Huge Plateau of Raigad fort

Chhatrapati Shivaji's Samadhi

Around 5pm we started descend through the regular route of the Raigad fort. There at the base village the trek leaders decide to have dinner at shack called Deshmukh Khanaval. There after a long tiresome trek and rock climbing we had a hearty non- veg dinner.

Sunset atop Raigad Fort

Then our transporter arrived. It started drizzling again by then. Hence our driver had to maintain the speed of the traveller to avoid skidding or an accident as the Mumbai- Goa highway which we followed is notorious for its number of accidents. We reached Mumbai rather late as expected at around 1:30 at Goregaon from where we departed for our respective homes. So finally the bold mission was accomplished without any casualty and exigency.

Trek coordinators: Maharashtra Trekkers

The trek coordinators Maharashtra Trekkers are known for their bold rock climbing and trekking missions. They are aptly equipped with all necessary equipment’s and techniques required for rock climbing. The lead climbers Praful Waghmare and Sachin Mestry both handled the tough climb with equal ease.

Sachin Mestry
Mob: 9820832107

Food Facilities at and near Raigad fort
Food can be availed at local villager at Hirkan Wadi and also local eateries named "Deshmukh Khanaval' which provides for both veg as well as Non- veg food.

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!