Yuvazhep : Ratangad Blog

19^th- 20th June 2010

Ratangad trek

Yuvazhep’s Ratangad trek was one of the most memorable and remarkable trek. Why? Read ahead..........

After a week’s planning and preparation, a final list of 41 people was prepared for Ratangad trek. 30 of us caught the last 11.39 pm local to Kasara from Dadar and others joined us on the way to Kasara.  The train got pretty empty after Thane and we booked our seats at the door. Then begin the usual pranks, singing, masti time. We reached Kasara about 2.15 a.m. The platform was not so alluring so we preferred the roof of sky. Thankfully it wasn’t raining than. Some of us surrendered to the goddess of sleep, whereas most chose to enjoy the night.

For our further journey we had booked a truck from Kasara station, which was not luxurious but surely created an adventurous aura (not sure how many aching bones will agree). We began the journey at 4 a.m. The route was kasara- Bhandardara- Ratanwadi and the distance is approximately 50 km. It was long and tiring initially but as sun shone and nature revealed its glorious treasures we went speechless. A cup of hot tea created miracles for our tired bones. Our first halt was decided to be at Ratanwadi but we stopped at Bhandardara Dam. The dam was not filled much but river was a beauty carrying green and cloudy reflections. Some cameras went ‘click, ‘click’. We were getting late and had to proceed further towards our destination. After relaxing our aching bones we hanged out at the rear end of truck to catch the glimpse of this amazing place. The way was through green mountains, ghats and tiny villages and fields. We lost the count of waterfalls on the way. Though the early morning fog was not yet lifted from the villages, farmers were already on their way to fields. I appreciate their enthusiasm for hard work. Approximately half an hour later, at about 8.20 am we reached Ratanwadi. Its a tiny village at the foothills of Ratangad. We got off the truck, immediate site was a well built Amruteshwar temple’s cistern. Its architecture was a marvel and same can be said about Amruteshwar temple. It is build around 1000 AC in Hemadpanti style. The speciality of such architecture is its minute carvings and spectacular dome. The inner sanctrum is generally filled with water and lingam submerged. Behind the temple flows the Pravara river and the fields are spread around. The atmosphere was exotic. It wasn’t raining but clouds seemed ready to shower.

Everyone rushed through their morning chores (in the jungle since there are no toilets) and gathered for a yummy breakfast of ‘pohe’ at a local house and set out our feet for an exciting trek. Only thing we didn’t knew was what challenge laid ahead. We began our trek at approximately at 9.45 am, which was pretty late. Actually such things occur when enthusiast first timer confuse between trek and nature trail-picnic. However the trek began excitedly. We had given packet of 8 theplas to each person for lunch which was quite adequate. Our group had many first time trekkers who were finding the trek difficult and tiring. Entire group was divided in teams of 7-8 people per team and were told to obey their group leader.

Our guide for the trek was Sagar, a 10 year boy who was very friendly and matured. Ratangad is a place with high possibilities of losing your way, hence local guide is a must and his help is indispensable on crucial paths. The trek takes about 5-6 hours to & fro. The trek route can be vaguely divided in 3 parts separated by 3 plateaus which can befit as resting place, otherwise the route is through dense trees. Trek begins with basic walking route adjacent to stream and few times cross the stream. Soon we reached the first plateau from where glimpse of ratangad peak was visible admist the fog. After the second plateau the road gets divided in two parts- left goes to Harishchandragad and right takes to Ratangad. One need to be very careful on this diversion as many experienced trekker also tend to lose their way here. Our guide was there for our rescue and took us on the right path.

As we headed further we reached the renowned part of ratangad trek- the ladders. Most of the trekkers were petrified at the sight of the ladder and rain added to the drama of the horrific experience for some. We lost our maximum time while climbing and descending the ladders. An erect rock after the 2^nd ladder blocks your way and to conquer it takes much guts. Beyond the ladder there are steps which become very slippery and risky in rains. After passing through the darwaazas (Ganesh and Hanuman) we reached the top. Once you reach the top of the fort the view captivates you. As the fog mitigate you can see some peaks like Alang, Kulang and wall of Ajoba, but we were at no luck. On the fort you can find water cisterns which are filled through out the year. Also there is a Ganpati temple and 2 caves, one is small and can accommodate 3-4 people and other 30 people. Trekkers have an overnight stay in these caves. The cave also has iron gate for protection from animals. Other places to be visited on fort are Rani Mahal, nedhe (natural orifice) were you get to face strong winds, beautifully carved Trimbak Darwaaza, origin of Pravara river. The legend holds that Agastya rishi meditated here for a year without food, God pleased with his devotion dropped 2 drops of ‘amrit’ here from where river Pravara originates and also called as ‘amrutvahini’. Not much is known about the fort. We wander on the fort, had our lunch and hurried back for return journey. We already had taken longer time to climb due to the rain and descending was tougher.

I couldn’t proceed further without mentioning about the discipline and teamwork at treks. People don’t understand that these issues are very crucial especially on difficult and dangerous treks like Ratangad. However few participants were reluctant to follow their group leader and were walking on their own. This is okay until the remaining group is in sight or at a reachable distance. Even after persistent warnings they didn’t stop and the leader couldn’t leave the remaining group for these people. It was getting late and we had to reach the base before 5.30 pm if we had to catch the last local from Kasara leaving at 8.40 pm.

4.30 Pm

I was at the base to arrange vehicles for a group of 14 people who averse to return by truck and requested to arrange for other vehicle. It was about 4.30 pm in the evening. There are only few spots in the village and fort where you get mobile network and thankfully I was at one of such spot when I received a call from Sachin, another volunteer who had not yet reached the base and had to admit whatever followed was totally alien, unexpected and time testing. He said that one of the participants has lost her way and has no clue where she is.

It was a time for some fast decision making. We decided since at the first ladder she was ahead him she might have lost her way somewhere near the first plateau. I spoke to her(luckily she was also on spot where there was mobile network), she said she was following her friend and realised about one and half hour of walk that he is nowhere to be seen and the route is unfamiliar. I and Pradnesh rushed to towards the base and to our surprise found her friend relaxing at the footsteps of an house and he had no clue of her being lost. We explained the situation to him so he might prove of any help as which route he had taken as she might be on same route. We asked her to come on nearby plateau from where she can be visible. On the basis of her and her friend’s information we figured out a spot between first and second plateau. I stayed at the base to look after other participants and co-ordinate with others. Pradnesh and her friend went back to look for her. After search for an hour or so she was nowhere to be traced and that the graveness of the problem increased.

5.30 Pm

 It was 5.30 pm already, which meant we won’t be able to get the last train as many others had also not reached the base. We contacted our friend Amol in Mumbai to find some other long distance trains either from Kasara or Igatpuri after 8.30 pm.Darkness started covering us and finally we had to take a call on the matter before the mobile batteries die or network is lost. On the way Pradnesh met Vishwajit who went with her friend to look for her and Pradnesh stood at the bifurcation to coordinate in case they lost their way in dark. We divided the team of volunteers in 4 parts- Sheetal and I at the base for co-ordination and to look after other participants, Sachin and Dhaval went on Harishchandragad route, Vishwajit and her friend on probable place where she might be lost and Pradnesh at diversion for Harishchandragad and the route taken by Vishu. Mobile range for on field people was  going on and off and only point of co-ordination were me and Sheetal at base, where too we had range only at the entrance of jungle. As the night fell everything got eerie, it was pitch dark, and we were not able to see even at distance of 3 feet. We were worried about the girl who was all alone there in the jungle. I had to admit that we were very angry on the girl, who because of her stubbornness had landed herself and us in trouble, she was not a kid but a 29 year old adult, but more than anger worry took hold on us. Time was ticking fast and we had lost contact with almost everyone in the jungle. We had no clue of either of the teams. 

7.00 PM

Somewhere around 7 pm we got a call that Vishu and her friend that they are near her and could hear her voice though they could not see her. We gave a sigh of relief, atleast someone was near her and soon she would be rescued. After many try we were able to contact sachin and Dhaval to reach at the spot where Pradnesh was waiting so they can be there to help if Vishu require anything. Meanwhile a group of 4 trekkers from Nasik met Pradnesh and offered help to him. Two of them waited with Pradnesh and two others had gone with Vishu to look for her. After an hour or so, Sachin and Dhaval met Pradnesh. Now they had nothing to do except to wait for Vishu and team, since the darkness had made it impossible to trace the route of Vishu.

9.00 PM

At the base we were relieved that within an hour or so these people will come and soon we will leave and this nightmare would be over. But life had no such plans. At 9 pm we again got a call from Vishu that they are trying but not able to see or reach her for last 2 hours and to add to it Vishu had got stuck up in a 10 feet trench. This freaked our minds out. Sheetal and I went blank for a moment our brain had stopped working but we had to make a final decision. We called the locals for help. Sagar our guide had just reached the base with an injured trekker from other group and he started crying when he saw us. He took the blame on himself for the girl losing her way and was running a high fever. We took him to his home and his family readily offered to help us. His dad and other villager agreed to go to look for her, I can’t go ahead without mentioning about Nilesh and Amol our participants who were our saviour that night. They were begging us to let them go to look for her but we were bit sceptical that we don’t want someone else to lose but finally agreed to let them go with the villagers. 

This team left at 9.30 pm.  .......................

After this team left, though our mind was out we had to focus on other issues at base. Participants had no place to seat as temple was at a distance from entrance of jungle were we had network so we called our truck driver Shivaji to park the vehicle there. I must admit he was very helpful and friendly, he said he has no hurry and will leave only after the girl comes. We were suppose to reach Mumbai by 10.30 pm which was impossible now at this late hour we would be able to catch the first train on Monday morning. It was difficult to tell other participants that we have to stay back. Some agreed readily, while some unwillingly. We had few young girls with us and it was not easy to convince their parents, and they were shocked to know that a girl is lost and directly started blaming us, but we knew it was not the time to argue and just assured that their daughters are safe. We arranged for dinner and once everyone was full we asked them to sleep in the truck and not to go anywhere as there was no electricity and a total blackout. Thankfully Shrikant stood like a huge support. Once everything else was settled Sheetal and me were again at the start of route to jungle, just waiting and waiting. I can tell that this was the most difficult time of my life, at this hour mind was wandering were it should not be and all bad thoughts were peeping in mind. All this time we had been strong but slowly we were losing it. The girl felt like our responsibility, all our dear ones were out there somewhere in jungle, couldn’t call with fear that battery will get exhausted.

11.00PM

At 11.00 pm Nilesh called and said that they are near her and could see her light. Her torch was weak so what she did to attract attention was started clicking photos with flash on. Flash light made it possible to reach her. We wanted to be happy but were not sure whether this is final stage or there are more surprises like earlier one. Finally at 11.30 pm Nilesh called again and said that they reached her and she is with them. Sheetal and I cheered and hugged each other, I can tell this was one of the happiest moment of my life. But this was not over yet, Vishu was still stuck and Pradnesh, Sachin and Dhaval were at a spot difficult to descend at night. But the villagers were our knights and they rescued Vishu. Our mobile batteries were exhausted and we had nothing to do but wait for them. After sometime we saw a torch light near the first plateau, I felt a very happy and gratified deep inside my heart. But it was a false call, he was a villager and had not seen anybody en route. Tired and tensed Sheetal and I were sitting at the porch of a house, it was 12.30 am when we heard some noise of people talking and we rushed to the jungle and saw many batteries coming. Ah! Finally they had reached here, really. Now it was a final sigh of relief. We had dinner, thanked the villagers gave them good sum of money, thanked the Nasik group who helped us without any obligation, thanked Nilesh and Amol for their help and left Ratanwadi. Many things were going in mind but what conquered everything was sleep, we hadn’t slept for more than 48 hours. We reached Kasara and caught the first train back to Mumbai. Even now late night journey towards Kasara side gives me goose bumps and raise my pulse rate. We all would take some time to recover from this.

We didn’t said anything to that girl, she was very sorry for whatever happened, we too let go the issue, for what mattered in the end was, that she was safe. I am sure she’ll not do this again in life. We all learnt many things from this dreadful experience. We did what best we could do and tried to handle the situation in the best possible manner. We experienced various aspects of human nature, greed, ego, self centeredness, inconsideration for others, and also friendliness, willingness to help, trust etc. No hard feelings for anyone, only gratitude. But this trek categorized our group Yuvazhep in 2 extremes- people who thought we are totally irresponsible and careless and would never come with us again and others who appreciated the way we handled things and took care of everything(including calling the parents), considering everything as our responsibility and would always come with us.

To conclude with a special thank you to Shrikant, Nilesh, Amol, Vishwajit and Dhaval. Also to mention the villagers and our truck driver Shivaji.

Tejashree

Team Yuvazhep

Tringalwadi Experience

4^th July 2010, Yuvazhep’s trek to Tringalwadi was an enchanting experience. We began our journey at 6.15 am from Jogeshwari by bus. Entire yuvazhep’s team was there for this trek and it was a farewell trek for 2 of our dear friends who left for USA then after.  It was raining heavily in Mumbai at the time when we left and that aroused excitement in our minds since in previous treks we hadn’t got any showers. After we covered the last pick up point at Bhiwandi by-pass the entire group merged together and had a rocking time playing some unusual antakshari and self created songs. We took a stop near Igatpuri to fill our growling tummies with some yummy idlis which we had carried with us and sipped some tea which was much needed in those drizzles.   

As we neared Kasara ghat all heads turned outside as the view was awesome. It was a green and foggy everywhere. It felt as if we were entering some dream land. It took us an hour and half or so, from Igatpuri to reach the base village Tringalwadi. It proved to be a bit difficult to reach there as the route passed through many small lanes and small villages for a big bus. Finally we reached Tringalwadi village where the view soothed our eyes as all we could see was green, green and green. Tringalwadi is tiny village with few houses and surrounded by farms and at the backdrop is tringalwadi fort. We breathe in the pollution free fresh air, a rare thing for mumbaikers.

We had a small introduction session, gave information about the fort and rules for trekking. Then we began our trek through the lush green fields. As we walked towards the base of fort we made our way through rice fields were farmers were busy with ploughing, replanting. Some enthusiast among us also tried it but in vain and ended up becoming a laughing stock for villagers, ah, some entertainment for them. Some tried to get their photos clicked, with plough or tractor, to be uploaded on social networking sites, to show off their new interest (?). Though this quest proved to be amusing and entertaining (for the villagers) we got to know something, we are not bad at it, not at all, we are worst.

After this photo session episode we proceeded further and reached the foothills of fort. There we found another opportunity for photographers and their models, as at the foothills are ‘Pandav leni’ is These caves are divided into three major areas viz. an outer verandah, ‘Vihar’, the abbey and internal ‘Garbhagriha’.

Its entrance door is decorated with beautiful carvings on it. A statue of Lord Gautam Buddha can be seen inside the ‘Vihar’. Below this sculpture one can see the inscriptions carved on the stone. Three of the four pillars of Verandah are collapsed.

As we moved upward the view became more and more beautiful. All we could see at foothills was farms of different shapes, sizes and shades. On our way we met the natives- beautiful and colourful flowers and butterflies. The trek was not tiring but participants were keen to see the top which was not visible at all due to the fog.

The landscape from all points was simply awesome. At a distance as some dark travelling cloud made his way through mountain tops we were able to see Kalsubai and few other peaks. Further upward we entered the misty foggy world. A passing cloud would wrap us in his arms and then bid goodbye.

Before reaching the top you have to climb a small flight of stairs. At the first step you can see a way going to straight. A few meters away are small caves which are believed were meditation caves. To reach these caves you have to make your way through a small waterfall. It falls directly from hill top so the water is clean for drinking. Our modern ‘rishis’ spent some time meditating (?) in caves and purifying (?) themselves beneath the waterfall and then we went back to the stairs.  It was a small flight of stairs but was very slippery. It was almost converted into small stream. Above the stairs is a plateau which leads to Hanuman temple.

The plateau is covered with lush green grass swaying in wind and looks like velvet. A small footway amidst the grass makes it way to the temple. The way ahead was disappearing in the fog and giving some divine mystifying feeling. I managed to grasp a silent moment and a small lonely walk on this blissful way. To find some time to pluck your inner strings, to feel oneness with nature, to meet yourself all over again and to thank the creator, almighty, to reach the depth of my own soul and generate an energy and calmness within, which will keep me going for many more days to come.

As the road unveiled and fog cleared the enchanting aura, I emerge myself back in reality but the moment lingered in my mind. I was lost in my own world as I reached the temple, but my dear friends are not accustom to see me this way and started to test my new acquired patience right away. What I carved for that moment was food which readily became the topic to pull my leg. I promptly got nicknames for asking my own packed lunch box. We had our tummies filled with delicious biryani. To make our lunch more remarkable Prachi and Mayuresh sang some melodious songs for us. As we were about to wind up our lunch, light showers started with loud noise, making us rush to grab our windcheaters and raincoats and to our disappointment even before we could wear them sun peeped behind the clouds. Temple is just above the edge of valley. It is a very small temple, hardly possible to enter it.

Behind the temple to the left side a road goes to the top of fort. It was a footway covered with grass and valley on both sides. On right side was a giant dark cloud marching towards us and to the left was sun behind the clouds playing peek-a-boo with us. We walked a small hillock till it ended in a drop. Left below were the ruins of some warehouse. Due to the showers the slope had become slippery so the best way to go down was to slide or run downward, but first making sure that there is someone to stop us below. This became like a game, everyone started going up and coming down again and again.

Venturing further just below the drop of hillock is a way carved for going down. The door is visible only after climbing down few huge stones. It is called hanuman darwaaza. Once you reach the door an astonishing view will hold your breath. The door leads to a set of steep stair way, each step of which is at least 3-4 feet tall. To climb down those was itself an adventure for first timers and to add on they were too slippery. One had to be very cautious to avoid bumpy ride downwards and taking your mates along with you. Moreover the last step ended abruptly 5 feet above ground so it was really time consuming to get each one down the staircase.

 The road ahead was straight. As we reached a flat surface the winds got stronger and when we closed our eyes and opened our arms it actually felt like we are flying. We descended through an easy route and as we neared the plateau most of rushed down and rolled or laid over the grass. Something we longed for since ages. We all played and rolled with childlike innocence. The softness of grass was so alluring that the dark cloud carrying heavy showers couldn’t budge us. It showered only for about 5 minutes but left us trenched and shivering. We headed back to the village ready to loosen up in our bus and to our surprise the bus was nowhere to be seen. Locals told us that our bus tyre has got stuck in mud in next village. Some volunteers rushed to the site and others decided to trek further than to wait for the bus. Next village was about a km and half away where we saw our bus surrounded like some amusing articraft. Tractors,  rope,  instructions, taunts, shouts all ended up in a clap after successful removal of tyre from mud.

Finally we headed back to Mumbai, happy and excited with more friends and beautiful memories.

Yuvazhep: Kaas Expedition on 2&3 oct 2010

Yuvazhep: Kaas Expedition on 2&3 Oct 2010

Flowers and flowers everywhere, vivid strokes of colour spread all around you in the misty atmosphere, you need to pinch yourself to know that you are actually not in heaven. Than where you are? You don't need to go to Himalayas for this, but here in our own Sahyadri ranges near Satara- Kaas plateau- our own Valley of flowers.

Yuvazhep is happy to announce trip to Kaas plateau on 2nd and 3rd October 2010.To enhance the joy of trip we are adding visit to Sajjangad and Thoshegar waterfall.

Event Name : Trek to Kaas Platu, Thoseghar waterfall and Sajjangad , Ajinkyatara fort and Windmills (if time permits)
Duration : 2 Days
Fees : Rs. 1750/-
Including traveling by private bus, all food and accommodation.


About Kaas Plateau:

An exotic journey to world of colours. 25 kms from satara.A treat not only botanist but also for photographers and nature lovers. Tha kaas Plateau has wide variety of flowers of all colours which bloom in August – October every year.Kaas boost not only flowers like pink balsam, yellow sonki, purple karvi etc but also welcomes birds like Crested Buntings, Malabar Crested Larks, Oriental White-eyes, Bonelli’s Eagle
This plateau overlooks the lush evergreen forests and is water catchment area of Koyna Dam and is recently declared as “Sahyadri Tiger reserve”.Kaas lake is also a beauful place to visit 

Thoseghar Waterfall:

Thoshegar waterfall is is famous for its height which is about 115 mts and enchanting surroundings of dark woods and beautiful lake. Wide range of Windmills near chalkewadi can be seen from here. 

Sajjangad:

Sajjangad is where Samarth Ramdas had his Samadhi.Its located at a distance of 9 kms from Satara. Sajjangad Fort was the spiritual capital of Shivshahi during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji. 750 steps leads to the entrance of the fort located 3000 feet above sea level. Its an honor to be at a place sanctified by the feet of Samrath Ramdas Swami. 

Things to carry:

* Trekking or sports shoes
* Sleepers if require
* All personal things (like tooth paste, brush, soap etc...)
* Water bottle (atleast 2 Ltrs)
* Cap, goggle if require
* Extra clothing
* Raincoat
* Personal medicine if any
* Sleeping bag/ caramet
* Shawl / Chaddar
* Powerful Torch
* Wrap all things (especially camera & cell phone) in polythene bags.
* Avoid wearing valueable ornaments

Rules and Regulations

* Everyone has to follow the instructions of Camp In-charge & instructors
* No shortcut in trek
* Smoking & Drinking are strictly prohibited. Anyone found smoking or consuming alcohol will be expelled from trek there and then itself.
* Shorts (3/4th will do), sleeveless T-shirts not allowed. Those violating the dress code will not be permitted to participant.
* This is not a picnic. All participants are requested to maintain timings meant for the trek by leader to avoid inconvenient to all other participants.
* Keep the campsite clean

Pick up points will be announced soon.

Your seat will be confirmed only after advance payment of Rs. 1200/- before 27th Sept 2010.
No refund of fees will be made for any cancellation then after.


Online Money Transfer Facility Is Available :
Sheetal Durve,
ICICI Bank, Dombivali MIDC Branch,
Ac No: 008801029353




--
Team Yuvazhep


Pradnesh Vaidya : 9702394864
Sheetal Durve : 9819307554

Sachin Durve : 9920601112


Orkut groups
mail us : info.yuvazhep@gmail.com

Join our Blogspot
http://yuvazhep.blogspot.com/

Some of our photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/info.yuvazhep

Yuvazhep's Kaas Expedition

Yuvazhep

Flowers and flowers everywhere, vivid strokes of colour spread all around you in the misty atmosphere, you need to pinch yourself to know that you are actually not in heaven. Than where you are? You don't need to go to Himalayas for this, but here in our own Sahyadri ranges near Satara- Kaas plateau- our own Valley of flowers.

Yuvazhep is happy to announce trip to Kaas plateau on 2nd and 3rd October 2010.To enhance the joy of trip we are adding visit to Sajjangad and Thoshegar waterfall.

Event Name : Trek to Kaas Platu, Thoseghar waterfall and Sajjangad , Ajinkyatara fort and Windmills (if time permits)
Duration : 2 Days
Fees : Rs. 1750/-
Including traveling by private bus, all food and accommodation.


About Kaas Plateau:

An exotic journey to world of colours. 25 kms from satara.A treat not only botanist but also for photographers and nature lovers. Tha kaas Plateau has wide variety of flowers of all colours which bloom in August – October every year.Kaas boost not only flowers like pink balsam, yellow sonki, purple karvi etc but also welcomes birds like Crested Buntings, Malabar Crested Larks, Oriental White-eyes, Bonelli’s Eagle
This plateau overlooks the lush evergreen forests and is water catchment area of Koyna Dam and is recently declared as “Sahyadri Tiger reserve”.Kaas lake is also a beauful place to visit 

Thoseghar Waterfall:

Thoshegar waterfall is is famous for its height which is about 115 mts and enchanting surroundings of dark woods and beautiful lake. Wide range of Windmills near chalkewadi can be seen from here. 

Sajjangad:

Sajjangad is where Samarth Ramdas had his Samadhi.Its located at a distance of 9 kms from Satara. Sajjangad Fort was the spiritual capital of Shivshahi during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji. 750 steps leads to the entrance of the fort located 3000 feet above sea level. Its an honor to be at a place sanctified by the feet of Samrath Ramdas Swami. 

Things to carry:

* Trekking or sports shoes
* Sleepers if require
* All personal things (like tooth paste, brush, soap etc...)
* Water bottle (atleast 2 Ltrs)
* Cap, goggle if require
* Extra clothing
* Raincoat
* Personal medicine if any
* Sleeping bag/ caramet
* Shawl / Chaddar
* Powerful Torch
* Wrap all things (especially camera & cell phone) in polythene bags.
* Avoid wearing valueable ornaments

Rules and Regulations

* Everyone has to follow the instructions of Camp In-charge & instructors
* No shortcut in trek
* Smoking & Drinking are strictly prohibited. Anyone found smoking or consuming alcohol will be expelled from trek there and then itself.
* Shorts (3/4th will do), sleeveless T-shirts not allowed. Those violating the dress code will not be permitted to participant.
* This is not a picnic. All participants are requested to maintain timings meant for the trek by leader to avoid inconvenient to all other participants.
* Keep the campsite clean

Pick up points will be announced soon.

Your seat will be confirmed only after advance payment of Rs. 1200/- before 27th Sept 2010.
No refund of fees will be made for any cancellation then after.


Online Money Transfer Facility Is Available :
Sheetal Durve,
ICICI Bank, Dombivali MIDC Branch,
Ac No: 008801029353



Rules
Do Not Litter:
No Smoking and alcohol
Respect the Heritage
Be a group
Pay attention
The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.

--
Team Yuvazhep

Vihi waterfall rapelling with Yuvazhep on 5th Sept 2010

 

Details for the event:

Location: Kasara.

Height: Approx 120 feet

Grade: Medium.

Rapelling in itself is a unique experience and rapelling through a waterfall adds to the thrill. Vihi waterfall is wonderful fall near Kasara ghat of about 120 feets which just a perfect height for enjoying the thrill by first timer and experienced rapeller.

So join us in the in this adventure, do away with all your fears, en-thrill with vivid emotions and rock on the best time of your life.

The tentative itinerary for the Event is as given below:

Date: 5^th September
Meeting point : 
Opp. Sanjay Gandhi national park, Borivali (w) at 5.30 am

Thane , Majivade Junction at 6.15 am

Morning snacks and tea,

Packed lunch,

Evening refreshments.
Start our return journey by 6 pm.
We will be returning to Mumbai by 9.30 pm tentatively.

The charges for the event is Rs 700/- per head 

which includes travelling from Borivali to Borivali by private vehicle,
Breakfast, lunch and evening refreshments.
Rapelling charges.

Things To Be carried:
Identity proof (must),

 A bottle of water (atleast 2 Ltrs),
Some ready to eat food. Plum cakes, Biscuits etc.
Towel, a napkin, Extra Pair of clothes (in plastic bag)
Camera, Cap, etc. (Optional)
Windcheaters,
Medicine those if u require usually
A good trekking shoes, extra pair of socks
A haversack to put in all the things to be carried....

( Please avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments.\

Its Raining heavy these days, so pack yr bags accordingly to save them from getting wet. Double pack your valuables in plastic bags.

Note: Seats will be booked on first come first basis. Seats will be booked on payment of trek charges before 1^st September 2010. No refund of fees will be made for any cancellation then after.

Online Money Transfer Facility Is Available :

Sheetal Durve,

ICICI Bank, Dombivali MIDC Branch,

Ac No: 008801029353

Rules

Do Not Litter: 
No Smoking and alcohol
Respect the Heritage
Be a group
Pay attention
The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.

Email us on: info.yuvazhep@gmail.com

Or

Contact us :

Sachin Durve : 9920601112
Tejashree Vaidya : 9920318190
Pradnesh Vaidya : 9820729227
Ashay Pradhan : 9619617664

Orkut groups
mail us : info.yuvazhep@gmail.com

Join our Blogspot
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Trek to Kolthigad (Peth) with yuvazhep on 18th july

Trek to Kolthigad (Peth) with yuvazhep on 18th july

Type: - Hill Fort

Grade: - Easy

Height: - apprx. 3100 ft.

Base Village: - Peth Village

Near: - Karjat

History :-

Peth Fort, also known as Kotligad, is a major attraction of the small village Peth nearby to Karjat. Peth is a conically shaped hill and it offers a panoramic view of the foothills. The fort is at the pinnacle of the mount and it is placed perfectly on the back drop of Matheran ranges and Western Ghats. One can view the Konkan country side from the fort and the beauty of this view is majestic.
Peth, also known as 'Kothaligad' and because of its shaped some even call it the ‘Thumbs up’ point. It is more commonly known as Peth-gad because of the base village.

This fort, though small in stature, has a vast historical background. It was more of a 'DEFENCE STATION' than a strong fort. Peth was mainly used to store ammunition

 'Kothaligad', is situated in Shahapur Taluka, approximately 21Km of Karjat. Even though the fort is small in stature has a vast historical background. Peth have gained importance during Sambhaji's empire.

The fort is surrounded by other forts like Bhimashankar, Padargad, Rajmachi and Siddhagad. The lower plateau is connected with Wandre Khind on the ghats in the east. The pinnacle of the Peth can be seen from the village. On reaching the top of the fort, we see caves carved in huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides which is a water cistern and the last one is the specious Bhairoba cave. A flat floor and well-sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leading the pinnacle

Cost Includes:-

- Private Non A/C Transport
- Trek to Peth Fort
- Breakfast / Lunch / Snack (As per Availability in Village)

Things To Be carried :-

Identity Proof (Compulsory)

A bottle of water, (Compulsory)

Candles and TORCH with extra batteries (Compulsory).

Towel, a napkin, Extra Pair of clothes (in plastic bags Compulsory)

Windcheaters, (Compulsory).

Camera (Optional)

Plate & spoon

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.(Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas.)

Cost Of the Trek Is Rs.500/-

Note: seats will be booked on First Come First Basis

Online Money Transfer Facility Is Available :

Sheetal Durve,

ICICI Bank, Dombivali MIDC Branch,

Ac No: 008801029353

Team YuvaZhep

Sachin Durve : 9920601112

Amol Joshi : 9967534621

Tejashree Vaidya : 9920318190

Pradnesh Vaidya : 9820729227

Ashay Pradhan : 9619617664

Yuvazhep : Trek to Tringalwadi 4th July 2010

 yauvaaJaopa : iT/MgalavaaDI T/ok 

Type : Hill Fort
Grade :Easy
Height :apprx. 3238 ft.

Base Village: Near Igatpuri

History :
Tringalwadi has a beautiful fort, the trek to this fort is through lush green grass and a dam. The exact period of construction of this fort is not known, however, one can roughly estimate the fort to be in existence since 10th century. Also no historical details are available to know the period during which it was under control of Marathas, however, during the year 1688; Mughals took control over the fort by perfidy.

Fascinating Spots :
As one approaches this fort through Tringalwadi village at the foothills of the fort, we come across ‘Pandav leni’ caves. These caves are divided into three major areas viz. an outer verandah, ‘Vihar’, the abbey and internal ‘Garbhagriha’. As we trek further one more cave can be seen enroute.

On the top a small hillock can be seen at the foothills of which is a large cave. Trekkers can accommodate in this cave. The fort has many cisterns, few in the cave contain water which is suitable for drinking. These caves are beautifully carved pillars.The path ahead leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. Talgad/ Talegad and Igatpuri to the south; Kalsubai to the east; Trimbak range, Harihar and Basgad to the north may be seen from the brim of the fort in front of the temple.


Meeting point :

4th july @ 6.30 am @ Thane station 

We will be reaching Mumbai tentatively by 9.30-10.30 pm on Sunday 4^th July 2010

The cost for the trek is Rs 500 /- per head which includes Travelling (By private Bus ) from Thane to Thane , Breakfast - tea, and packed lunch.


Things To Be carried:
Identity Proof ( Compulsory )
A bottle of water,
Candles and TORCH with extra batteries (compulsory).
Towel, a napkin, Extra Pair of clothes.
Windcheaters,
Camera(Optional)
Cap, etc.
Plate & spoon
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.(Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas.)

Note: seats will be booked on First Come First Basis

Online Money Transfer Facility Is Available :

Sheetal Durve,

ICICI Bank, Dombivali Branch,

Ac No: 008801029353

Interested participants ,please provide your email id’s when you call to confirm your seats, so we can mail you the participation form which is required before commencement of trek.

Sachin Durve : 9920601112
Amol Joshi : 9967534621
Tejashree Vaidya : 9920318190
Pradnesh Vaidya : 9820729227
Ashay Pradhan : 9619617664

Email us on : info.yuvazhep@gmail.com