Vibes Outdoors : Thrilling Trek to AMK on 27th to 29th December,2013

Dear Vibers,

  We have  arranged AMK Trio Trek on 27-29 DEC 2013 

General information:
Alang-Madan are mighty forts in Nashik and are part of Kalsubai range. Dense forest, rocky patches and one of the biggest traverse in Sahyadri makes this trek more thrilling and challenging. On top of Alang fort there is huge plateau. There are two caves on the fort and 11 water cisterns. One can get fantastic glimpse of Sahyadri from Alang fort. If you look at east you will find Kalasubai, Aundh Fort, Patta, Bitangad. On the north side - Harihar, Trymbakgad, Anjaneri. On the south side - Harishchandragad, Aajobagad, Khutta (pinnacle), Ratangad, Katrabai can be located.
Madan has got a beautiful set of steps for ascending to top. At some places route is little broken which makes ascending the fort difficult. We have to climb around 40 ft rock patch and negotiate traverse with deadly exposure. The view of the horseshoe shaped Alang from Madan is a beautiful sight.

Grade: Difficult

Checkout some snaps from our last visit: 
https://www.facebook.com/patiltushar1988/media_set?set=a.10151364021225712.535604.693785711&type=3

   Trek batch is limited to 30 max. ppl ... PLz confirm asap with Advance Payment only ...

Short Itinerary of Trek:

Friday, 27th December 2013
Catch the slow local to Kasara from the desired station. Timings as given below ::

From CST :: 00:14 hrs
From Dadar :: 00:31 hrs
From Thane :: 01:08 hrs
From Kalyan :: 01:40 hrs
Kasara :: 02:55 hrs

Please reach atleast 10 mins early at the desired location so that you dont miss the train.
.
Day 1 - Friday 27th December 2013
.
03:00 hrs: @ Kasara
Meeting and Introduction
Move towards Ud-dhavane-Ghatghar (Base village of Alang) by private vehicle
05:00 hrs: @ Base
.
Rest For an Hour
.
06:30 hrs : Breakfast - Tea
07:30 Hrs : Ascend Alang
13:00 Hrs : Alang atop
.
Lunch, Rest & Exploration for da day
.
Preparation for Dinner ( DAL, Rice, Thecha & Papad, Pickle )

Night Stay in the spacious caves of Alang
Campfire & Goodnight
.
Day 2 - Saturday 28th December 2013
.
05:00 Hrs: Good Morning - Early wake up call must as its a long day 2 Trek
.
Breakfast-Tea
.
06:30 Hrs : Alang Rock Patch Rappel
.
Move 2 Madan fort
.
11:00 Hrs : @ Madan Rock Patch
.
Ascend, Explore & start Rappel Descend
.
Lunch @ Madan Base ( BHAKRI nd Bhaji only)
.
14:30 Hrs: Move 2 wards Kulang
18:30 hrs: @ Kulang Atop
.
Preparation for Dinner ( PULAV / KHICHADI )
.
Night Stay cave of Kulang
Campfire & Goodnight
.
Day 3 - Sunday 29th December 2013
.
06:00 Hrs: Good Morning
Explore Kulang, Breakfast-Tea
09:30 Hrs: Descend Kulang - MOve 2 wards Ambewadi
13:30 Hrs: Lunch @ Ambewadi ( DAL , Rice, Bhakari & Sabji )
15:30 Hrs: @ Start Journey towards Kasara

18:00 Hrs: Catch Local 2 Mumbai
.
We will reach DADAR at around 21:30 hrs (tentative).

Some previous memories in form of snaps as below:

.
VIMP Note: - Please do keep space for weight distribution abt at least 1.5 kg in your bag ... As Food materials 2 be distributed among the participants ..

Trek Fee: Rs 1800/- per head
For registration, Rs. 1000/- (Non-Refundable) as advance payment for vehicle & food charges is a must ...
Deposit the amount on following account.
which includes Transporation from kasara to kasara, simple veg food, Guide Contri & Equipment-Instructor charges
 
Last date of Registration: - Tuesday 10 Dec 2013 or till da reg. get FULL :).

For Registration, Please make the payment in following bank acc, 

Name of Acc Holder                        :- Deepak Tarachand Pogade

Bank name                                       : State bank of India

Bank account number                    : 31271150332

Bank branch name and address   : Khadakpada branch Shop no.227,

                                                             Shelar park,khadakpada,Kalyan(w)                                                                

IFSC code for bank                         : SBIN0011159

For any further details contact / send SMS to:

Deepak 9422682020, 8080287071

Tushar 9890672593 .

Things To Be carried:-
.
Lunch for da day i.e. Friday 27 Dec 2013 ( A must)
A bottle of water (Atleast 3 Ltrs - must),
TORCH with extra batteries (Compulsory),
Bedding ( Compulsory)
Tiffin Box, A spoon and a plate nd Mug for Tea (a must)
Towel, a napkin, Extra Pair of clothes,
2-3 papers, Cap, etc.
Some ready to eat food. Plum cakes, Biscuits etc.
Medicine those if u require usually (Optional)
Good trekking shoes, extra pair of socks
A haversack to put in all the things to be carried....so that one has ones hands free while trekking.

Our Facebook Presence :

Vibes Outdoors

Email Us @ 

vibesoutdoors@gmail.com

Terms And Conditions

■ It is up to the individual to arrange their own holiday / accident insurance & each adult would be asked to sign a liability waiver.

■ Vibes Outdoors hold the right to change the venue, or date, of the event,

■ Event may be cancelled or postponed due to natural calamity, any system error,

■ In case event place or venue is changed, Vibes Outdoors will notify same to participants by phone, web and Face book, no change in costing will be charged.

■ In case of cancellation of event, money will be returned to those who have enrolled, without any cutting.

■ In case of cancellation of event, from participant's side, money will be returned to those who have enrolled

All our treks are Eco-friendly treks; kindly take care of nature around us. Smoking and Drinking alcohol during trek is strictly prohibited if anyone found doing that will be expelled from trek without refund.

Regards,

Team Vibes Outdoors

• Vibes Outdoors is not liable in any way whatsoever for any injury or loss (including any indirect or consequential loss) of any kind to person or property suffered by any participant whether by reason of any act or omission, deliberate or negligent, of Vibes Outdoors in connection with the Vibes Outdoors, including injury or loss incurred whilst participating in any activity of the Vibes Outdoors or in any activity in which participants are invited to participate.

 

Vibes Outdoors: Trek to Canyon Valley Waterfall on Sunday,15th December 2013

Hello Vibers,

       We are glad to invite you for Trek to Canyon valley waterfall on Sunday,15th December.

 General Information:

Canyon Valley waterfall fall is one of the most beautiful waterfall located between lonavala and khandala. Height of waterfall is about 320 fts. Along the Ulhas river, from khandala till Karjat is a valley which is known as Caniyon / Ulhas / Tiger valley. There is huge water fall down in the valley where we will be spending at least one hour before starting our back journey. The waterfall is a popular destination for trekkers from Mumbai and Pune.

Itinerary:

Mumbai Participants:

Catch Indrayani Express and get down at Lonavala station on sunday.

Mumbai CST: 5.37am

Dadar: 5.46am

Thane: 6.05am

Kalyan: 6.30am

Lonavala: 8.00am

Pune Participants:

Catch Pune-Lonavala local and get down at Lonavala station

Pune: 6.27am

Shivaji Nagar: 6.33am

Pimpari: 6.55am

Dehu Road: 7.04

Talegoan: 7.16 am

Kamshet: 7.30

Lonavala: 7.55

08.05 hrs: Near ticket counter(Lonavala (W))

08.10 hrs: Breakfast & Tea

08.30 hrs: Move towards valley

09.15 hrs: Start Descending

11.00 hrs: At Waterfall & Rappelling 

11.00 -13.00 hrs: Explore, Lunch & rest

13.00 hrs: Start Ascending

16.00 hrs: @ top

16.30 hrs: Move to Lonavala by auto

17.00 hrs: @ Lonavala

Here is a list of all the things that we need to carry:

1.A haversack to put in all the things to be carried, so that one has hands free while trekking

2. A bottle of water (1.5 liter)

3. Camera (Optional)

4. Electoral / Energy powder, 2 lemons, some snacks & biscuits

5. Torch with extra batteries.

6. Personal medicines & 2 plastic bags for weight distribution

7. A good trekking shoes

8. Extra pair of cloths

9. And most important: A sense of adventure

Charges 
1. For the trek are Rs. 350/- per head, which includes travelling from Lonavala to Lonavala, breakfast and expertise charges

2. Trek & Rappelling Rs. 900/- per Head which includes travelling from Lonavala to Lonavala, breakfast and expertise charges 

For Registration, Please make the payment in following bank acc, 

Name of Acc Holder                        :- Deepak Tarachand Pogade

Bank name                                       : State bank of India

Bank account number                    : 31271150332

Bank branch name and address   : Khadakpada branch Shop no.227,

                                                             Shelar park,khadakpada,Kalyan(w)                                                                

IFSC code for bank                         : SBIN0011159

For any further details contact / send SMS to:

Deepak 9422682020, 8080287071

Tushar 9890672593
Nilesh 9819775119

Our Facebook Presence :

Vibes Outdoors

Email Us @ 

vibesoutdoors@gmail.com

Things to be carried:

A Water Bottle (~2-3 Ltrs),

Torch With Extra Battery (Must)

Camera, Cell Phone, Cap

Please avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments

Some ready to eat food. Plum cakes, Biscuits etc.

Medicine those if you require usually (Optional)

Extra Pair of clothes,

Good trekking shoes, carry extra pair of shoes or floaters if possible

A haversack to put all these things

Terms And Conditions

■ It is up to the individual to arrange their own holiday / accident insurance & each adult would be asked to sign a liability waiver.

■ Vibes Outdoors hold the right to change the venue, or date, of the event,

■ Event may be cancelled or postponed due to natural calamity, any system error,

■ In case event place or venue is changed, Vibes Outdoors will notify same to participants by phone, web and Face book, no change in costing will be charged.

■ In case of cancellation of event, money will be returned to those who have enrolled, without any cutting.

■ In case of cancellation of event, from participant's side, money will be returned to those who have enrolled

All our treks are Eco-friendly treks; kindly take care of nature around us. Smoking and Drinking alcohol during trek is strictly prohibited if anyone found doing that will be expelled from trek without refund.

Regards,

Team Vibes Outdoors

• Vibes Outdoors is not liable in any way whatsoever for any injury or loss (including any indirect or consequential loss) of any kind to person or property suffered by any participant whether by reason of any act or omission, deliberate or negligent, of Vibes Outdoors in connection with the Vibes Outdoors, including injury or loss incurred whilst participating in any activity of the Vibes Outdoors or in any activity in which participants are invited to participate.

 

 

Sandhan Valley - feel the vibes

We follow our dreams, few of us are able to fulfill, in every aspect! While some may still try and find ways to accomplish their dreams, 

One of such dreams is “Sandhan Valley” for many of trekkers in our trekking world, 

Sandhan Valley is the destination in it-self, worth reaching, experiencing, and most amazingly it makes us a part of it, for-ever…! Every rock, every drop of water, every shadow, enchants you, for days to come!

It was Friday the 8th of November 2013, that was finalized by Vibes Outdoors, to start our journey towards reaching our dream, and many of us have had no idea of what was arranged in the platter, for us, !!! Vivek, Rachana, Amruta, Dhaval, Divesh, Neeraj, Sushmita, Sagar, Ashwin, Ameya, Yogesh, Nishant, Suresh, Prashant,Vinyas, Neerikshan, Tushar, Bhaskar, 6 school kids and me, were the ones to take on this amazing journey together.

We all gathered at Kasara Railway station, around 2:30 am, Jeeps were waiting for us to take us to the base village for Sandhan valley, we hopped in to catch our favorite seats, Yogesh caught the front seat, whereas Divesh and  Vivek settled on middle seats(at the end of jeep journey, they asked me if same jeep is going to carry them back, I said no, and asked why they enquiring it, in reply I could see they were touching their *** :D), Everyone was obviously excited, but at the same time feeling sleepy, jeep running through rocky roads, curvy mountain passes, and through the surrounding dark night… just to lead us to something that would remain forever in our memoirs … shining…!

We reached “Samrad” in the morning, the base village for Sandhan Valley, it was still dark, and we took shelter in Mr. Made’s house, took some rest after a strenuous Jeep journey, few of us could not sleep,  and kept chitchatting till the morning sun rays arrived to present us what is called as “The nature at its best”, as if to describe it, starting with Samrad village, it is a village with tiny old houses, and some of them are built on a proper rock base and decorated with beautiful doors made of fine tic-wood, and superbly crafted with colored carvings, giving a definite evidence of their existence of more than 100 years, and then the surrounding mountains, the ones which are on the all-time favorites lists of many of trekkers, starting with Alang, Ratangad, kalsubai peak, at the same time we could see many trees and shrubs, and the cows, sheep’s moving towards jungle to start their daily routine, they inspired many of us to go and get “refreshed” in Jungle, or in Yogesh’s words, “halka hone ja raha hu”.

Delightful poha and tea, in breakfast, were enough for us to get started for an introduction round, where, we introduced ourselves with name and a movement that describes us, now everyone was looking eager to march towards valley, we walked westwards from Samrad village, after walking few minutes, we arrived at a junction, one road going towards Karoli Pass and the other towards valley, Karoli pass,  helps people to reach at the base of Sandhan valley with ease, and is route used otherwise and in monsoon when valley is full of water.

We started walking towards the opening gate of valley, expecting a large amount of water will be present, may be till neck high, at some places, and then it came the entrance of the magical valley of shadows…

Initially all novice trekkers, in our team, delighted to know that they will have to descend through valley, and that too in shadows, so they won’t have to face sun and ascend, 

Water flowing through the round rocks making a joyful sound, and the refreshing coldness in air was providing energy to move ahead, 

  

Soon all the photographers in the team, came alive, and started clicking, at various angles, everyone was looking amazed as the suddenly find themselves in a place in between the huge walls of hills, huge fallen rocks at vary distance, the environment started playing its colors, the magic of valley started enchanting everyone, and soon every soul become a part of the valley, 

                           

Everyone was wondering what this valley has in store for them, next, the sun-rays travelling till the ground through the narrow gap at the top, putting us in a drama full of suspense, we were awestruck, how this valley would be in the monsoon, when hundreds of gallons of water flowing through it, those huge rocks at places were the evidences of the devastating power the flowing water has, 

We came across first pool of water where water was almost chest high, we made a human chain and transported all the bags to the other side, and at the same time, Sushmita fall straight in water with a camera in hand, oh bouyyy… that was tragic, we tried to check if cam is alright, but was of no use, but everyone was in mood of swimming, and posing for pics, and more photographer's were ready to capture happy moments... 

 Few were first timers amongst us for the trekking and were little cautious about their walk, our back leaders helped them to catch with others, but that reduced our overall time to reach decided milestones considerably, we reached at the first rappelling patch, around 1 pm, and our last few members reach till 3 pm, it was almost a 60 feet rock patch, and everyone was excited to rappel down, Suresh, Bhaskar made the rappelling arrangements, taking care of all safety precautions, 

one by one all our teammates rappelled down, rappelling patch involved a waterfall running sideways and it was fun to touch the ground with water-falling beside you, Suresh was the last man to rappel down using the “U” technique, then we moved through a grove between the huge rock, touching the tall wall of the hill, and everyone, reached the second rock patch of almost 30 feet, there were three routes which could have helped us cross this patch, the path on left side involved a grove between rock, and a dive in to pond below, Bhaskar, Tushar, and many used this pond to dive, and cross the second patch, the path on right side was risky and we used that path to send our bags down, and the path in the middle, was used by most of us to rappel down and to cross the second patch, the 6 school kids were wonder boys, they descended this patch without using the rope, and then making fun of it by again ascending it for rock climbing practice, when all of group went safely at the base of second patch, me, Suresh and Prashant, rappel down using “U” technique, from the right side route.

It was 6:30pm now, and it was getting dark in the valley, only half moon was the one providing a light to us, besides our torches, we prepared a rice and “zunka” to help everyone cover the hunger, everyone opened their food packets, cakes, snacks, and had their energy drinks, now it was time to gather all the courage and start the night trek to the base of Sandhan valley, we gathered at the start of 3rd rock patch, and then decided to move further, I asked Suresh to anchor a rope, at the top of 3rd patch, it was matter of 7 feet, but a in dark, we were in no mood to take any risks, bhaskar stood at the mid-point of the patch and helped Archana, Amruta and Sushmita to get to the base, and then moved to cross the grove, between the rocks, one by one, everyone rappelled down the third patch, and then the grove, then we came to know that because of rain, the right side opening of this grove was closed, and thus everyone started descending down from left side, which involved, some 7 feet, descending from a rock patch, Ameya, Ashwin, Bhaskar, Tushar were guiding the teammates, descending below, and Yogesh, Suresh, Nishant, and me, helped passing their luggage from the other side, using the rope, everyone was thrilled, some were tired, but everyone wanted to soak in with this entirely new experience.

We thought we crossed all three rappelling patches, which involved fourth unexpected patch, and then we started walking through round rocks, crossing the ponds in between, but again we reached one more rock patch of almost 15 feet, we repeated same procedure, and got passed this patch also, after walking for another 15 minutes, we reached the base of “The Sandan Valley” and the time was almost 15 past 12, every trekker from the group was tired and hungry, but was more importantly sleepy, base was a large place surrounded by hills, and many plane rocks formed as islands, because of flowing water though deep tracks in-between.  

We gathered few dry woods and started a camp fire, I had brought few tomato soup sachets we prepared a tomato soup, meanwhile everyone managed to settle at plane rocks and then everyone gathered around, fire, had their share of soup, food was still not prepared, we had chapatti’s and rice, prepared and were in process to finalize mixed vegetable curry, on another camp fire, meanwhile we provided the guys who gathered at the fire, some papad’s, Potato, onions to roast, but then one more starter came at their disposal, fried soya balls, all of them hurriedly went on to finish every last soya ball. Soon the food was ready, most of group members slept, at the place they found plane, and it was 3 in the morning…!

Chirping of birds, sound of flowing water, shivering due to cold, wake me up, when I opened my eyes, it was an open blue sky, fresh air, and greenery all around, we had crossed the Sandhan valley, and were at the opening towards Kokan region, it was mind blowing, we could see the hill standing tall and the fort above, called as jewel fort, i.e. Ratangad.

Day started with “Shira” i.e. a sweet breakfast, and we started descending towards Dehne village, it was still a long way to go, especially when everyone was tired of walking through river and round rocks which were moving. We spotted few snakes during this river journey; we let them roam, without disturbing their routine. 

After a while we reached a plane road, and then soon a jeep came to end or walk, towards Dehne, and took us to Asangaon railway station, we all gathered at a snack and tea corner, and bid farewell to every member, I could see some mixed emotions flowing through every member, eyes were clearly telling that everyone’s got something to cherish for a long time, out of this trek.

Trek to Chanderi fort top on Sunday, 8th December,2013 with Vibes Outdoors

Hello Vibers,
       We are glad to invite you for Trek to Chanderi fort top on Sunday, 8th December,2013

Fort: Chanderi

Height: Appx 2330 ft .

Region: Karjat

Grade: Hard (Min 3 trek Experience Required)

General Information:

Although worth mentioning as the jewel in the crown of forts in the district of Raigad, there is no significant history attached to this fort. Near the caves on the fort are visible some remnants of fortification. This is the only sign to designate Chanderi as a fort. Chanderi is famous for water streams and its difficult route.

From the top one can observe Karnala, Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Manikgad, Peb, Matheran, Nakhind, Navra navri, Tavli etc.

Itinerary:

Saturday, Dec 2013

Catch Badalapur slow local from your respective station and get in into 2^nd last compartment

Badalapur slow local(BL45)

CST: 21.03

Byculla: 21.12

Dadar: 21.22

Kurla: 21.33

Ghatkopar: 21.40

Thane: 22.00

Dombivali: 22.23

Kalyan: 22.35

Badlapur: 22.56

23.15: Move towards Chanderi Dhaba

23.45: At Chanderi dhaba

23.55: Start walking towards base village

Sunday, Dec 2013

00.30: @ Base village

00.40: start Ascending

03.30: @ Caves

At caves we’ll rest till the sunrise

06.00 Hrs: Wake up

06.30 Hrs: Breakfast

07.30 Hrs: Start ascending rest of the patch

09.30 Hrs: At top

09.30-10.00 Hrs: Rest, Expore

10.00 Hrs: Start Descending

12.30 Hrs: At base

12.40 Hrs: Move towards Badalapur by Auto

14.30 Hrs: Lunch

16.00 Hrs: Catch the local for Mumbai

18:00 Hrs: Dadar station

Timings are tentative

Here is a list of all the things that we need to carry:

1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried. So that one has hands free while trekking.

2. A bottle of water (1.5 ltr).

3. Camera (Optional), Avoid wearing Gold and other jewelry.

4. Electoral / Energy powder, 2 Lemon, some snacks & biscuits (optional).

5. Torch with extra batteries.

6. Personal medicines & 2 plastic bags for weight distribution, mosquito’s cream.

7. A good trekking shoes.

8. Bedding, extra pair of cloths.

The charges for the trek are Rs. 550/- per head, which includes traveling from Badalapur to  Badalapur , Breakfast(Sunday) & Lunch(Sunday) and expertise charges.

For Registration, Or Please make the payment in following bank acc, 

Name of Acc Holder                        :- Deepak Tarachand Pogade
Bank name                                      : State bank of India
Bank account number                       : 31271150332
Bank branch name and address        : Khadakpada branch Shop no.227,
                                                             Shelar park,khadakpada,Kalyan(w)                                             IFSC code for bank                        : SBIN0011159

For any further details contact / send SMS to:
Deepak 9422682020, 8080287071
Tushar 9890672593

Our Facebook Presence :
Vibes Outdoors

Email Us @ 
vibesoutdoors@gmail.com

Things to be carried:

A Water Bottle (~2-3 Ltrs),
Torch With Extra Battery (Must)
Camera, Cell Phone, Cap
Please avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments
Some ready to eat food. Plum cakes, Biscuits etc.
Medicine those if you require usually (Optional)
Extra Pair of clothes,
Good trekking shoes, carry extra pair of shoes or floaters if possible
A haversack to put all these things

Terms And Conditions

■ It is up to the individual to arrange their own holiday / accident insurance & each adult would be asked to sign a liability waiver.
■ Vibes Outdoors hold the right to change the venue, or date, of the event,
■ Event may be cancelled or postponed due to natural calamity, any system error,
■ In case event place or venue is changed, Vibes Outdoors will notify same to participants by phone, web and Face book, no change in costing will be charged.
■ In case of cancellation of event, money will be returned to those who have enrolled, without any cutting.
■ In case of cancellation of event, from participant's side, money will be returned to those who have enrolled, with
      

All our treks are Eco-friendly treks; kindly take care of nature around us. Smoking and Drinking alcohol during trek is strictly prohibited if anyone found doing that will be expelled from trek without refund.

Regards,
Team Vibes Outdoors

• Vibes Outdoors is not liable in any way whatsoever for any injury or loss (including any indirect or consequential loss) of any kind to person or property suffered by any participant whether by reason of any act or omission, deliberate or negligent, of Vibes Outdoors in connection with the Vibes Outdoors, including injury or loss incurred whilst participating in any activity of the Vibes Outdoors or in any activity in which participants are invited to participate.