Trek to Bhimashankar Via Vajantri Ghat

Trek to Bhimashankar Via Vajantri Ghat on 11th and 12th of August 2012

Dear OffBeaters ,

We invite you to an over night trek to Bhimashnakar via an offbeat route : Vajantri Ghat on 11th and 12th of August 2012

Trivia

Height : 3500 ft above msl

Grade : Medium

Base Village : Kamat pada

Being one of the 12 Jotirlingas of Shiva, based approximately 3500 feet high up in the hills its also a part of Bhimashnakar Wild Life Sanctuary. Bhimashankar is Surrounded by thickest evergreen forest providing the best chances to study natures diversity.

Though small (spread over 100sq km's) the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals Leopard, Sambar, Barking deer, Porcupines, Grey Jungle fowls, Wild pig, Hanuman langur, Rhesus macaque and Flying Squirrel etc. 

Its also the best sighting place for the state animal of Maharashtra the Indian Giant Squirrel – "Shekharu"  (Ratufa indica elphistoni) which falls under highly endangered subspecies.

Places to Visit

Shiva Temple : Approximately 1200 – 1400 years old, the temple of Bhimashnakar is built in Hemad Panthi style. Decorated with  beautiful sculptures and paintings on the roof and pillars., it showcases hindu gods and goddesses. A huge metal bell hangs in the front of the temple.besides it there is a huge Stone carved "Deepmala” or lamppost.

The Bhima River, as known as Chandraprabha at Pandharpur originates at Bhimashankar.

Gupt Bhimashankar : at about 25-30 minutes distance from the temple there is a water stream going through the jungle.

In the water steam itself there are well carved group of shiv Pindies. As the pindies remain submerged in water this place is called as Gupta Bhimashnakar.

Nagphani : Near the Hanuman temple this is the highest point on Bhimashnakar. One can enjoy a breath taking view of konkan region. Padargad, Peth , Siddhagad are well observed from here.

At suitable climatic conditions one can have an "Above the cloud" experience there. As the clouds fill the valley below and we stand on the Naghphani point which is above the level of clouds.

The itinerary for the trek is as given below.

Meeting Point : Karjat Station 8.00am sharp on 11th of August 2012

08.00am : Break Fast

09.00am : Proceed to Base Village

10.00am : Introduction, Doe's and Donts

10.45am : Start the trek

01.30pm : Lunch Break at Khetoba temple

04.00pm : Reach Yalawali

05.00pm : Site seeing

05.30pm : Evening refreshment

07.30pm : Dinner and retire for the day

Day 2 : 12th August 2012

05.00am : Early rise good morning

06.30am : After breakfast start towards Gupta Bhimashnakar

07.30am : Gupta Bhimashnakar

08.30am : Bhimashnakar

10:00am : Naghphani

11.00am : Start Descending

Lunch Break On the way

03.00pm : Base Village

04.00pm : Karjat, Evening Refreshments

05.00pm : Departure to Mumbai or Pune

Contribution

Rs 800/- per person

Which Includes

Transportation from Karjat to Karjat

2 Break Fasts + 2 Meals + 2 Evening refreshments and

Accommodation on 14th night

For registration kindly transfer rs 800 per head in the following A/c

Union Bank Account No : 369102010801696

Branch: Juhu Tara Mumbai

In the Name of Ms Priti P Patel

IFSC Code: UBIN0536911

Note: Registrations through phone calls only.

After transaction please email us transaction id along with participants details (name, email and mobile number) at offbeatsahyadri@gmail.com

Check list :

Rains are expected, so pack your bags accordingly to save them from getting wet.

Double pack your valuables in plastic bags.

Identity Proof

Water 2 liters (must)

Lunch for Sunday (must)

Proper Bedding (Sleeping Bag, Shawl or two bedsheets) (must)

Change of cloths

Torch (must)

Mug for tea (must)

A empty lunch box to pack next days lunch (must)

Ready to eat snacks

Personal medicines

Windcheater

Good shoes

Other accessories

Please go through Rules and Regulation befor registration

Registration or queries: 

Priti : 9987990300

Rajas : 9664782503

Rules and regulations.

Do understand that we do not arrange picnics. It follows that if one seeks luxury and absolute comfort then we can hardly help them. ;)

Offbeat sahyadri believe in being one with nature and that is possible only when we shed all city slicker attitudes. Of course by that we do not suggest that one should be ready for any kind of nonsense.

Utmost care is taken to ensure safety of the group and care is taken that no one is inconvenienced because of factors within our control.

We do expect our offbeater friends to understand group dynamics and leave at home their individuality. They should be prepared to share and care. That makes and all the physical and mental exhaustion forgettable and the trek itself becomes unforgettable! Trust us on this.

Now some basic codes.

Respect nature.

1)    Absofreakinglutely no littering! Carry your own trash. If you are found littering then we will request you to pick it up. Friends, it is really not nice to throw garbage around and it only reflects upon us. Will we do this to our own houses? J.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!

2)    Do not disturb the flora and fauna. No making pretty bouquets of grabbed flowers and blooms. No feeding and intimidating birds and other animals. Think how you would feel if someone barges into your house and threatens you. The jungle is THEIR home. So, Capital N O= NO!

3)    Remember, the mountain has a mind of his own. Beware and do not make the mistake of taking him for granted. It sounds weird but it’s true.

With fellow trekkers.

1)    It is fun to interact and get to know people from different walks of life. Feel free to take the opportunity to expand your social circles.

2)    Share water and food. Nothing else is a better ice breaker than being offered water or a bite of your sandwich!

3)    Care for your fellow trekkers. It is not nice to be self centered and unamicable.

For your own safety

1)    The organizers and you yourself are equally responsible for your safety. We cannot take the blame for injuries or inconveniences arising out of actions outside the organizers instructions and acts of nature.

2)    Simply put, stay with the group. Do not rush far too ahead or lag too behind. We understand that everyone has a different stamina and we try to keep the group bound together.

3)    Do not wander off from the main trail. Whenever there is no established trail, strictly stay with the group. Be within the sight of the person ahead of you and the one behind you. It helps.

4)    One must understand that the group leader is responsible for the entire group and may have to take some tough decisions at times. If one expects a memorable experience with us then we expect full cooperation and discipline. To sum up, the leader’s decision will be final and binding on all offbeaters.

5)     Finally, the non arguable part. Smoking and other forms of tobacco use and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.

Regards,

Team OffBeat Sahyadri