One Day Adventure Trek to Bhimashankar - Via Sidi Ghat
February 28, 2008
One Day Adventure Trek to Bhimashankar via SIDI Ghat (WLC, Jyotir Ling & the land of Giant Squirrel Shekru)
Organised by Nature Knights
http://www.natureknights.com/
The adventure
Bhimashankar is a dream destination for any trekker, a perfect setting for an exciting and short eco-adventure.
The adventure begins early morning with the first challenge to break the inertia of the RAT race RUT and get out of the bed on a fine Sunday of the last month of financial end. But it’s worth the effort for because after mid march till end of summer it’s going on challenging treks like Bhimashankar will be difficult because it’s going to get hotter by the day.
We have tuned the trek considering it’s the financial yearend; we will booked a private vehicle that will drop us to the base village Khandas and pick us up at Bhimashankar when we reach on the top.
We start early hours in Mumbai and target reaching Khandas at the earliest. We are ready for the trek once we finish our induction and introduction. The trail leading from Khandas village to Bhimashankar goes through all kinds of terrain; the trail start as a flat cross country walk to a semi-deciduous scrubland and as you progress the climber gets steeper and finally ending in a ever-green forest. Few patches also involves a bit of armature rock climbing. You pass through a glimpse of history as you cross two forts Tung and Paddar Killa; Once on top of Bhimashankar you can’t resist visiting Ancient Jyotir ling temple. We will not get chance to explore the mysterious Gupt (Secret) Bhimashankar Ling hidden the cool forest Bhimashankar.
If we are lucky we may get to see the secretive Shekru (Giant Squirrel of Bhimashankar); for anxious bird watchers there is plenty of Bird life keep your binoculars; camera and field guide handy. A walk through the old jungle of Bhimashankar is magical experience livening your spirit green and clean.
Get cozy in pleasant Climate; put your feet up at end of the day in any vintage Ashrams; If in mood for sweet tooth try the local Khoya Sweets served by warm people; there is lots more to discover for those inquisitive and adventurous.
But be ready to rough it out and sweat it out.
The Schedule
5:15 am Start from Andheri
5:40 am Sion Station
6:00 am Chembur
6:15 am Vashi
8:15 am (Expected to reach Khandas)
8:30 am (Trek starts from Khandas via Sidi Ghat)
We are targeting to hit Bhimashankar by 3 noon considering the warm climate; if we time it well we can even reach Bhimashankar by 1:30 – 2 noon and have more time on the top.
4:45 am We will start back for Mumbai.
10:00 pm Targeting to reach back in Mumbai.
More about Bhimashankar
There are three route to Bhimashankar starting from Khandas; one is from Ganeshghat the easiest at the same time the longest; 2nd going via waterfall and the third the shortest but the most adventurous (sidi ghat) route; we will be taking thist shortest but also the most adventurous trail to Bhimashankar.
The trek to Bhimashankar via Sidi Ghat is adventurous and involves a bit of elementary rock climbing. We will be carrying safety equipment like Carnamental Rope (Mountaineering Ropes); Carabineers; Descender; Mechanical Ascender; Tape Slings etc. The group will be a mix of experienced trekkers and also new explorers into trekking (but ready to rough it out in the psychological thriller walk).
Contribution per head
Contribution Rs,850/= for members and Rs.950/- for non-members.
Only includes transport; technical gear; guide charges and evening tea/shacks.
You have to carry your own lunch; breakfast and water.
(The high overhead of one day trek is due to private vehicle; that will be traveling over 550 km; dropping us at Khandas then going back circling and picking us up at Bhimashankar at the top and then back to Mumbai)
For registration Prepare name of “Nature Knights – ICICI Bank A/c. No: 0412050000217” and deposit the same in any ICICI Bank ATM.
OR
Do a electronic transfer to our account (Add Rs.25/- for electronic transfer).
SMS us your name; chq. #, Chq. amount and Event Name (Bhimashankar – March 9, 08)
No refund after March 5, 2008.
Only 20 seats available kindly reserve your seats well in advance.
Contact Numbers:
M. Asif – 9821081566
Dnyanesh – 9820834622
Email: natureknights@yahoo.com / gmail.com
Mandatory Checklist for this adventure trek:
Attire
full sleeves t-shirt; track pants; Socks; Good and comfortable footwear (No high heels), Hat / Cap, Cotton scarf or Bandana will be of help. (Optional – Sun Glasses and (white cotton hand gloves–they are more useful than U may think)
Spares: T-Shirt; Socks; under garments spare socks & under garments; and carry spare footwear (floaters or light canvas shoes)
Food
Lunch and breakfast
Kindly carry your packed breakfast and lunch to be independent so that we do not waste time in restaurants and Dhabas on the way. We will only stop to freshen up somewhere on the way.
[Suggestions for packed lunch: (Sandwiches); Thepla & Potato Vegetable; Roti; Boiled Eggs; Ready to eat canned food; home cooked roti / dry vegetable; Puran Poli; Bread / Cheese slice / spread; Potato Vada; Bread; etc..you can get creative; We will have multi-cultural buffet. Carry tetra packed buttermilk.)
Also carry some chocolates; biscuits; salad items; 3 LITERS WATER PER HEAD for on-the-way in-between meals and water.
Carry plenty of fluid.
Do not carry anything that will get spoilt.
(If you need any help with ready packed dry food get in touch with us at least 3 days in advance)
Packing your stuff
Pack all to carry items in Backpack; lightweight on bottom and topside of bag; heavy items towards shoulder and closer to body. Use compression straps if you have them in your backpacks.
Capacity of bag should be 30 to 40 liters.
Other items:
Personal medical kit (General medical kit will be available with us)
Toiletries
Detol soap (small), Hand Sanitizer, Comb & Small Hand mirror, tissue wipes, sun screen etc.
Carry Personal medical kit and personal toiletries in a separate pouch.
Other essentials in your survival kit
1) Torch
2) Pocket Knife (Preferably Swiss Knife or equivalent)
3) Towel (light) and carry one cloth, useful for wiping dirt.
4) Small Plate & Mug
5) Thread and Needle (Carry one large needle and one small needle)
6) Walking Cane (should be 65% to 70% of your height – strong and light)
7) Emergency money (Rs.500/- per head)
8) 3 meter x 3 meter lite plastic sheet or carry an old news paper (will be available in any hardware store) or local market
10) Carry a note pad and two ball pens for your diary writing.
Goodies & nice to have
You may also carry goodies like camera; small - binoculars, magnifying glasses and pocket field guide to make most of the trip.
Organised by Nature Knights
http://www.natureknights.com/
The adventure
Bhimashankar is a dream destination for any trekker, a perfect setting for an exciting and short eco-adventure.
The adventure begins early morning with the first challenge to break the inertia of the RAT race RUT and get out of the bed on a fine Sunday of the last month of financial end. But it’s worth the effort for because after mid march till end of summer it’s going on challenging treks like Bhimashankar will be difficult because it’s going to get hotter by the day.
We have tuned the trek considering it’s the financial yearend; we will booked a private vehicle that will drop us to the base village Khandas and pick us up at Bhimashankar when we reach on the top.
We start early hours in Mumbai and target reaching Khandas at the earliest. We are ready for the trek once we finish our induction and introduction. The trail leading from Khandas village to Bhimashankar goes through all kinds of terrain; the trail start as a flat cross country walk to a semi-deciduous scrubland and as you progress the climber gets steeper and finally ending in a ever-green forest. Few patches also involves a bit of armature rock climbing. You pass through a glimpse of history as you cross two forts Tung and Paddar Killa; Once on top of Bhimashankar you can’t resist visiting Ancient Jyotir ling temple. We will not get chance to explore the mysterious Gupt (Secret) Bhimashankar Ling hidden the cool forest Bhimashankar.
If we are lucky we may get to see the secretive Shekru (Giant Squirrel of Bhimashankar); for anxious bird watchers there is plenty of Bird life keep your binoculars; camera and field guide handy. A walk through the old jungle of Bhimashankar is magical experience livening your spirit green and clean.
Get cozy in pleasant Climate; put your feet up at end of the day in any vintage Ashrams; If in mood for sweet tooth try the local Khoya Sweets served by warm people; there is lots more to discover for those inquisitive and adventurous.
But be ready to rough it out and sweat it out.
The Schedule
5:15 am Start from Andheri
5:40 am Sion Station
6:00 am Chembur
6:15 am Vashi
8:15 am (Expected to reach Khandas)
8:30 am (Trek starts from Khandas via Sidi Ghat)
We are targeting to hit Bhimashankar by 3 noon considering the warm climate; if we time it well we can even reach Bhimashankar by 1:30 – 2 noon and have more time on the top.
4:45 am We will start back for Mumbai.
10:00 pm Targeting to reach back in Mumbai.
More about Bhimashankar
There are three route to Bhimashankar starting from Khandas; one is from Ganeshghat the easiest at the same time the longest; 2nd going via waterfall and the third the shortest but the most adventurous (sidi ghat) route; we will be taking thist shortest but also the most adventurous trail to Bhimashankar.
The trek to Bhimashankar via Sidi Ghat is adventurous and involves a bit of elementary rock climbing. We will be carrying safety equipment like Carnamental Rope (Mountaineering Ropes); Carabineers; Descender; Mechanical Ascender; Tape Slings etc. The group will be a mix of experienced trekkers and also new explorers into trekking (but ready to rough it out in the psychological thriller walk).
Contribution per head
Contribution Rs,850/= for members and Rs.950/- for non-members.
Only includes transport; technical gear; guide charges and evening tea/shacks.
You have to carry your own lunch; breakfast and water.
(The high overhead of one day trek is due to private vehicle; that will be traveling over 550 km; dropping us at Khandas then going back circling and picking us up at Bhimashankar at the top and then back to Mumbai)
For registration Prepare name of “Nature Knights – ICICI Bank A/c. No: 0412050000217” and deposit the same in any ICICI Bank ATM.
OR
Do a electronic transfer to our account (Add Rs.25/- for electronic transfer).
SMS us your name; chq. #, Chq. amount and Event Name (Bhimashankar – March 9, 08)
No refund after March 5, 2008.
Only 20 seats available kindly reserve your seats well in advance.
Contact Numbers:
M. Asif – 9821081566
Dnyanesh – 9820834622
Email: natureknights@yahoo.com / gmail.com
Mandatory Checklist for this adventure trek:
Attire
full sleeves t-shirt; track pants; Socks; Good and comfortable footwear (No high heels), Hat / Cap, Cotton scarf or Bandana will be of help. (Optional – Sun Glasses and (white cotton hand gloves–they are more useful than U may think)
Spares: T-Shirt; Socks; under garments spare socks & under garments; and carry spare footwear (floaters or light canvas shoes)
Food
Lunch and breakfast
Kindly carry your packed breakfast and lunch to be independent so that we do not waste time in restaurants and Dhabas on the way. We will only stop to freshen up somewhere on the way.
[Suggestions for packed lunch: (Sandwiches); Thepla & Potato Vegetable; Roti; Boiled Eggs; Ready to eat canned food; home cooked roti / dry vegetable; Puran Poli; Bread / Cheese slice / spread; Potato Vada; Bread; etc..you can get creative; We will have multi-cultural buffet. Carry tetra packed buttermilk.)
Also carry some chocolates; biscuits; salad items; 3 LITERS WATER PER HEAD for on-the-way in-between meals and water.
Carry plenty of fluid.
Do not carry anything that will get spoilt.
(If you need any help with ready packed dry food get in touch with us at least 3 days in advance)
Packing your stuff
Pack all to carry items in Backpack; lightweight on bottom and topside of bag; heavy items towards shoulder and closer to body. Use compression straps if you have them in your backpacks.
Capacity of bag should be 30 to 40 liters.
Other items:
Personal medical kit (General medical kit will be available with us)
Toiletries
Detol soap (small), Hand Sanitizer, Comb & Small Hand mirror, tissue wipes, sun screen etc.
Carry Personal medical kit and personal toiletries in a separate pouch.
Other essentials in your survival kit
1) Torch
2) Pocket Knife (Preferably Swiss Knife or equivalent)
3) Towel (light) and carry one cloth, useful for wiping dirt.
4) Small Plate & Mug
5) Thread and Needle (Carry one large needle and one small needle)
6) Walking Cane (should be 65% to 70% of your height – strong and light)
7) Emergency money (Rs.500/- per head)
8) 3 meter x 3 meter lite plastic sheet or carry an old news paper (will be available in any hardware store) or local market
10) Carry a note pad and two ball pens for your diary writing.
Goodies & nice to have
You may also carry goodies like camera; small - binoculars, magnifying glasses and pocket field guide to make most of the trip.
Trek-Safari to Ladakh
February 11, 2008
Nature Knights Expedition to Ladakh (A Place like no other in the world)
If one were to select top 10 destinations for trekking, safari and adventure; or select top 10 destinations to visit I think Ladakh would definitely stand at the top next to none.
Nature Knights has chosen Ladakh as a destination for its top most adventure event for this year.
The Event will be in two phases; you can select any one or be with us right through for an experience of your life time.
The expedition in broken into 2 phases keeping in mind that there may be two types of people who would like to go to Ladakh. Phase I is for Ones who likes going in for safaris; and Phase II is for those who would like to explore the land mostly on foot and less on Jeep.
Our adventure will involve Himalayan Jeep Safaris going mountain passes over 18,000 feet above sea level, Trekking, Jungle trails in National Park (Hemis National Park among UNESCO List) where the snow leopard is resident amongst other exotic wild life. Exploration of culture of unique and beautiful Ladakhi People (Their Homes, Food, Monasteries, Palaces, markets and more)
Keep in close touch with us as we unfold page by page of our adventure plans and for the brave join in for the adventure of life time.
Phase I
Himalayan Safari at Ladakh:
Duration – 14 to 15 Days (Mumbai to Mumbai), One way flight
Starting – Around (July 13 2008 Ex. Mumbai)
Locations covered - LAMAYURU
LEH – KHARDUNG LA (18,380 FEET) – THIKSEY – HEMIS INDUS – SURAJ TAL – BARALACHA LA – SARCHU RIVER LACHULANG – MORE PLAINS – TANGLANG LA (17,500 FEET)
Locations covers – PAN GONG Lake (Viability to be checked for the lake).
Trekking in Ladakh (Phase II)
Total Duration (15 Days – Mumbai to Mumbai), Including one way flight.
Nature Knights has scheduled a trek in Ladakh towards July 2008 end.
LEH - 2 days at Leh to get Acclimatized, also explore some lights walks, site seeing around LEH.
Trek Route
Spituk – Zingchan – Rumbak - Stok-La-Campsite - Stok
Trek Duration 5 days
Day 1:
Spituk – Zincgchan
Time 5 hours
Level – Moderate to Easy
Day 2:
Zingchan – Rumbak
Time 5 hours
Level – Moderate
Day 3:
Explore Hemis National Park from Rumbak
Level - Easy
Day 4:
Rumbak – Stok La – Campsite
Time 5 hours
Level – Tough
(Stok La is 4900 m Pass)
Day 5:
Campsite to Stok
Time 4 hours
Level - Easy
Back to Leh
Camp Fee – Will be announced by March 31, 2008. (Booking Amount Rs.8,000/-).
Booking Closes April 5, 2008.
Camp Fee will be budgeted to include -
One Way Flight
Railway Transport by IInd sleeper to and from Bombay, both ways
Safari (road travel) and Sight Seeing in and around Leh by jeeps or mini bus
Accommodation on sharing basis in Tents and clean, decent Guest Houses with attached bath.
Meals: vegetarian/non-vegetarian locally available food with fixed menu
Important Note:
Please do not be late for bookings. Confirmed railway reservations may not be available for persons booking late.
For inquiries SMS (and we will call back) or email us.
Only Genuine persons interested in the camp may call up for details.
Call for more details:
M. Asif – 9821081566
Dnyanesh - 9820834622
Email: natureknights@yahoo.com
Please keep posted at:
www.natureknights.com
The details will be put up here shortly.
If one were to select top 10 destinations for trekking, safari and adventure; or select top 10 destinations to visit I think Ladakh would definitely stand at the top next to none.
Nature Knights has chosen Ladakh as a destination for its top most adventure event for this year.
The Event will be in two phases; you can select any one or be with us right through for an experience of your life time.
The expedition in broken into 2 phases keeping in mind that there may be two types of people who would like to go to Ladakh. Phase I is for Ones who likes going in for safaris; and Phase II is for those who would like to explore the land mostly on foot and less on Jeep.
Our adventure will involve Himalayan Jeep Safaris going mountain passes over 18,000 feet above sea level, Trekking, Jungle trails in National Park (Hemis National Park among UNESCO List) where the snow leopard is resident amongst other exotic wild life. Exploration of culture of unique and beautiful Ladakhi People (Their Homes, Food, Monasteries, Palaces, markets and more)
Keep in close touch with us as we unfold page by page of our adventure plans and for the brave join in for the adventure of life time.
Phase I
Himalayan Safari at Ladakh:
Duration – 14 to 15 Days (Mumbai to Mumbai), One way flight
Starting – Around (July 13 2008 Ex. Mumbai)
Locations covered - LAMAYURU
LEH – KHARDUNG LA (18,380 FEET) – THIKSEY – HEMIS INDUS – SURAJ TAL – BARALACHA LA – SARCHU RIVER LACHULANG – MORE PLAINS – TANGLANG LA (17,500 FEET)
Locations covers – PAN GONG Lake (Viability to be checked for the lake).
Trekking in Ladakh (Phase II)
Total Duration (15 Days – Mumbai to Mumbai), Including one way flight.
Nature Knights has scheduled a trek in Ladakh towards July 2008 end.
LEH - 2 days at Leh to get Acclimatized, also explore some lights walks, site seeing around LEH.
Trek Route
Spituk – Zingchan – Rumbak - Stok-La-Campsite - Stok
Trek Duration 5 days
Day 1:
Spituk – Zincgchan
Time 5 hours
Level – Moderate to Easy
Day 2:
Zingchan – Rumbak
Time 5 hours
Level – Moderate
Day 3:
Explore Hemis National Park from Rumbak
Level - Easy
Day 4:
Rumbak – Stok La – Campsite
Time 5 hours
Level – Tough
(Stok La is 4900 m Pass)
Day 5:
Campsite to Stok
Time 4 hours
Level - Easy
Back to Leh
Camp Fee – Will be announced by March 31, 2008. (Booking Amount Rs.8,000/-).
Booking Closes April 5, 2008.
Camp Fee will be budgeted to include -
One Way Flight
Railway Transport by IInd sleeper to and from Bombay, both ways
Safari (road travel) and Sight Seeing in and around Leh by jeeps or mini bus
Accommodation on sharing basis in Tents and clean, decent Guest Houses with attached bath.
Meals: vegetarian/non-vegetarian locally available food with fixed menu
Important Note:
Please do not be late for bookings. Confirmed railway reservations may not be available for persons booking late.
For inquiries SMS (and we will call back) or email us.
Only Genuine persons interested in the camp may call up for details.
Call for more details:
M. Asif – 9821081566
Dnyanesh - 9820834622
Email: natureknights@yahoo.com
Please keep posted at:
www.natureknights.com
The details will be put up here shortly.
Trek to Torna Fort
February 07, 2008
Adventure trek to Torna Fort – Feb. 16-17 2008, (Starting 15th night – Ex.Mumbai)
Tentative Schedule:
Ex-Mumbai – Starting on Feb 15, 2008 (Friday night) after dinner.
Borivali (9 pm)
Andheri (9:30 pm)
Chembur (10:30 pm)
Ex-Pune (Swarget – ST Bus Depot) – Starting on 16th early morning 5:30 am.
We will be starting back from Welhe on Feb 17, 2008 at around 3 pm.
Pune to Mumbai (We target to catch Volvo of around 7 pm).
I was always fascinated by our history especially reading about Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the adventures of Marathas; their Guerilla strategy for warfare and the amazing mountain forts of Maharashtra; almost 400 of them. I don’t know any other place in the world where you will find so many forts concentrated in a geographical area of similar size.
A trek to these forts takes you on a Time Travel Adventure; a weekend trek to one of these forts may be worth 100 man days of reading an interesting history topic. Let’s open our mind and let the imagination run free; let your thoughts travel faster than light; let your eyes pickup the pieces of historic fossils and watch amazing frames of history and culture with every twist of kaleidoscope in your mind.
A wise man once said picture is worth a thousand words and a wiser man says a real life experience is worth thousands pictures. It’s not surprising all wise men agree the slogan “travel makes one wiser”.
So ladies and gentlemen Nature Knights is on its way on another adventure trek. A time travel adventure to the first chapter of “Lords of the Guerilla Warfare”. The chapter written at Torna fort.
Without revealing too much detail; here is few things you can check out Torna. This was the first fort conquered by Shivaji Maharaj after he vowed for swaraj at Raireshwar. Torna lies around 65 kms from Pune. Torna gives a very beautiful view of some of the big and important forts like Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Raigad. It has certain interesting Darwaja’s the Konkan Darwaja; The Machis Budla Machi and the Zunjar Machi and number of interesting temples; not to forget the amazing landscapes all around the fort and most important there is plenty of history to experience; let’s see if any of us can share the same over the camp fire besides the melodious and not so melodious songs.
Accomodation:
There is option of living in temple provided we get the bookings if not; then not to worry as we will be caring portable tents with us.
How to reach there from Ex-Pune:
From Pune your have to board State Transport bus from Swarget for destination Welhe village. It takes around two hours of yeS Tee Bus travel from Swarget (via Katraj Ghat ) to reach the base village (Welhe) of Torna Fort. Around 30 minutes of formalities at base village; take another two and half hour trekking time to reach the top of the fort.
For details check
www.natureknights.com
Tentative Schedule:
Ex-Mumbai – Starting on Feb 15, 2008 (Friday night) after dinner.
Borivali (9 pm)
Andheri (9:30 pm)
Chembur (10:30 pm)
Ex-Pune (Swarget – ST Bus Depot) – Starting on 16th early morning 5:30 am.
We will be starting back from Welhe on Feb 17, 2008 at around 3 pm.
Pune to Mumbai (We target to catch Volvo of around 7 pm).
I was always fascinated by our history especially reading about Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the adventures of Marathas; their Guerilla strategy for warfare and the amazing mountain forts of Maharashtra; almost 400 of them. I don’t know any other place in the world where you will find so many forts concentrated in a geographical area of similar size.
A trek to these forts takes you on a Time Travel Adventure; a weekend trek to one of these forts may be worth 100 man days of reading an interesting history topic. Let’s open our mind and let the imagination run free; let your thoughts travel faster than light; let your eyes pickup the pieces of historic fossils and watch amazing frames of history and culture with every twist of kaleidoscope in your mind.
A wise man once said picture is worth a thousand words and a wiser man says a real life experience is worth thousands pictures. It’s not surprising all wise men agree the slogan “travel makes one wiser”.
So ladies and gentlemen Nature Knights is on its way on another adventure trek. A time travel adventure to the first chapter of “Lords of the Guerilla Warfare”. The chapter written at Torna fort.
Without revealing too much detail; here is few things you can check out Torna. This was the first fort conquered by Shivaji Maharaj after he vowed for swaraj at Raireshwar. Torna lies around 65 kms from Pune. Torna gives a very beautiful view of some of the big and important forts like Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Raigad. It has certain interesting Darwaja’s the Konkan Darwaja; The Machis Budla Machi and the Zunjar Machi and number of interesting temples; not to forget the amazing landscapes all around the fort and most important there is plenty of history to experience; let’s see if any of us can share the same over the camp fire besides the melodious and not so melodious songs.
Accomodation:
There is option of living in temple provided we get the bookings if not; then not to worry as we will be caring portable tents with us.
How to reach there from Ex-Pune:
From Pune your have to board State Transport bus from Swarget for destination Welhe village. It takes around two hours of yeS Tee Bus travel from Swarget (via Katraj Ghat ) to reach the base village (Welhe) of Torna Fort. Around 30 minutes of formalities at base village; take another two and half hour trekking time to reach the top of the fort.
For details check
www.natureknights.com
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