OffBeat Sahyadri

Because there are no limits...

Thursday 27 June 2013

OffBeat Sahyadri : Trek to Bhimashankar via Laddar Route on 7th July 2013



Trek to Bhimashankar Via Ladder Route ( Shedi ) on 7th July 2013


Dear OffBeaters ,
We invite you to an over night trek to Bhimashankar via Ladder Route (Shedi) on 7th July 2013




Trivia
Height : 3500 ft above msl
Grade : Medium
Base Village : Khandas

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 : Dadar ( Swami Narayan Temple at 11pm ) on 6th of July 2013
4.00am Khandas ( Base Village )
04.30am : Break Fast 
05.00am : Start the Trek 
8.30am :  Padarwadi Rest for 15 min 
08.45am : Start the trek
10.30pm : Reach Bhimasankar
Till 12.30 pm : Site Seeing
12.30pm : Lunch
1.30pm : Desend start via Ganesh Ghat.
8.00pm : Reach Khandas , Refreshment 
8.30 pm : Return Journey Start.
11.00pm- 11.30pm : Dadar


Contribution
Rs 800/- per person
Which Includes
Transportation from Dadar to Dadar
1 Break Fasts + 1 Meals + 1 Evening refreshments 


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)
Change of cloths
Torch (must)
Ready to eat snacks
Personal medicines
Windcheater
Good shoes
Other accessories

Please go through Rules and Regulation before registration

Smoking and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Registration or queries: 

Zeenat : 9860636757
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

Wednesday 26 June 2013

Trek to Lohagad on 7th of July 2013

Trek to Lohagad on 7th of July 2013

Dear Beaters,

We invite you for a trek to Lohagad on 7th of July 2013.




Trivia
     Location: Malvali.
     Region : Lonavla.
     Base Village : Malvali
     Grade: Easy
    
It is situated 52km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet (1,052 m). 
It divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna and is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris. 
On the west side, there is a long and narrow wall-like fortified spur called Vinchukata ( Marathi for Scorpion's tail. Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time.

There are 4 doors :- Ganesh Darwaja , Narayan Darwaja , Hanumna Darwaja and Maha Darwaja. to the fort from the village Lohgawadi . Few Ftructures , some cannons , water tanks .
.
  
Peripheral sites:




Forts seen: Tikona, Tung, Visapur, Morgiri, Rajmachi ( Shrivardhan , Monoranjan ).
   Dukes Nose , Pawana Dam is also visible from the Lohagad.


The itinerary for the Event is as given below :

Meeting point : Lonavla  Station 08.00 am on 7th of July 2013 

People from mumbai are requested to reserve tickets in any of the train reaching Lonavla by 08.00am.    

Options : Indrayani Express
Timings :
Mumbai CST : 5.40am
Dadar :              5.51am
Thane :              6.14am
Kalyan :             6.35am
Karjat :               7.15am
Lonavala :          8.00am

Or people may opt to board any buy for Lonavala reaching there before 08.00am as per their convenience.

Note : It is advisable to reserve tickets in advance as the general compartment is always crowded on weekends.

For Pune People : Catch Pune Lonavala Train
Pune Station:          06:27 am
Shivaji Nagar :        06:33 am
Malavli Station:   07:30 am


08.45 am : Move to Lohagad Base
                    Breakfas, Introduction
10.30 am : Start Trek
12.00 pm : Reach atop, Fort Exploration
01.30 pm : Start Descending
02.30 pm : Reach Base, Lunch
04.00 pm : Start Return Journey
Visit Baje Caves if Time permits.
05.00 pm : Reach Malavli Station
08.30-09.30pm : Reach Mumbai / Pune Tentatively


Contribution
Rs 400/- per person
Which Includes
Transportation from Malavli to Malavli 
1 Break Fast + 1 Evening Tea

Group Size : 25 Max 
Avoid being part of the herd of 50's + + +
Smaller the group better the interactions and coordination.

For registration kindly transfer Rs 400/- 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
A/c Type : Savings A/c
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 3 liters (must)
Ready to eat snacks
Personal medicines
Windcheater
Change of clothes if needed
Good shoes
Other accessories

Please go through Rules and Regulation before registration


Registration or queries:

Zeenat : 9860636757
Rajas : 9664782503


Regards,
Team OffBeat Sahyadri


Wednesday 12 June 2013

Trek to Kalsubai with OffBeat Sahyadri on 23rd of June 2013 From Pune


Trek to Kalsubai with OffBeat Sahyadri on 23rd of June 2013 From Pune

How would You like to conquer the Highest peak in Maharashtra, the Kalsubai
a boring hike on artificial steps made right to the top??

or through the Jungle, green plateaus & ascending the hundreds of year old steps carved in rock???

Conquer Kalsubai the Offbeat way....

on 23rd June, 2013

Dear OffBeaters,

OffBeat Sahyadri invites you for the a trek to Kalsubai, highest peak of Maharashtra on 23rd June 2013, beginning on Saturday 22nd night from Pune.




Trivia

Type : Peak
Height : 1646 meters or 5400 Feet above MSL (Approx) 
Grade : Difficult
Village : Indore.

Kalsubai is the highest peak of the Sahyadris in Maharashtra.

Kalsubai is situated in Ahmadnagar district at approximately 25-30 Km. South-East of Igatpuri. At the summit is a small temple of Kalsubai, which can seat just three people. At this superb height, the view is just marvellous. The vastly spread out backwaters of Bhandardara attract one’s attention from the top. To the north of the mountain range forts such as Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai can be seen. To the east one can spot Aundha, Patta, Bitangad, to the west Alang, Madan, Kulang, Ratangad (south west) and to the south Pabargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad can be seen.

It usually takes 3 hours to reach the top from Bari and 4 from Indore. Soon after leaving Bari, a small stream is crossed followed soon after by a Hanuman temple. The route from behind this temple takes the hiker straight to the summit. There are three iron ladders along this route. There is a well near the last iron ladder as one approaches the top. Since Kalsubai is extremely famous, enough efforts have been taken to make this trek easy. There are steel railings, chains and ladders at places where it is difficult to climb. This is the most usual route that most of the trekkers take to climb Kalsubai, but at Offbeat we are going to descend via this route.

We will be ascending Kalsubai via Indore route; a less trudged route. It takes 4 hrs
from Indore to reach the top. It’s a completely raw route with no ladders, no
constructed steps but only a foot trail to make your trekking more exciting.


Reaching the top is a real satisfaction. Reaching a top of the Everest is but a special one! As far as Maharashtra is concerned, reaching the summit of Kalsubai, the Everest of Maharashtra, should also be a special one!

Peripheral sites:

Backwaters of Bhandardara

Forts seen: Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad, to the west Alang, Madangad, Kulang, Ratangad  (south west) and to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad


The itinerary for the Trek is as given below:
Meeting point for Punekars:
Shivaji Nagar , Near Sancheti Hospital  10:00pm on Saturday 22nd June 2013

10:15 pm : Departure
05:00 am : Reach the Base
05:30 am : Introduction, does and don’ts, breakfast
06:30 am : Start Ascent
11.00 am : Reach the top, Snacks, enjoy the view
12:30 pm : Start Descent
03:30 pm : Base, Lunch

05:15 pm : Departure for Pune
09:30 pm : Reach Pune

Contribution
Rs 1000/- per head.
 
which includes
Travelling from Pune to Pune  by private vehicle
Breakfast, Lunch and evening tea.
For registration kindly transfer Rs 1000/-  per head in the following A/c

Bank : Union Bank of India
Account No :  369102010801696
Branch : Juhu Tara Mumbai

A/c Type : Saving a/c
In the Name of Ms Priti P Patel
IFSC Code : UBINO536911

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.

Mandatory articles
TORCH
Identity proof
Water atleast 3 liters (Must)
Ready to eat dry food stuff
Towel, a napkin, Extra Pair of clothes

Recommended
Windcheaters,
Personal medicines,
Cap
Scarf

Instructions :
Ø  Wear comfortable cotton clothing, it might be too cold atop.
Ø  Wear good grip providing comfortable shoes. ( in good condition should not tear during the trek ) Action trekking.
Ø  Keep the baggage light, Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas. Carry proper bag pack, with all the zips working and no damaged strands.



Registration or queries:

Priti  : 9987990300
Rajas : 9664782503
Zeenat : 9850193039


Email ID : offbeatsahyadri@gmail.com

Regards,
Team OffBeat Sahyadri






Tuesday 11 June 2013

OffBeat Sahyadri : Trek to Duke’s Nose on 30th of June 2013

Trek to Duke’s Nose on 30th of June 2013

Dear Beaters,

We invite you for a trek to Duke’s Nose on 30th of June 2013.
(Ascend via Kurvande and Descend to Khandala)



Trivia
     Location: Khandala.
     Region : Lonavla.
     Base Village : Kurwande.
     Grade: Easy
    

       Dukes Nose is a huge pinnacle which can easily seen while crossing lonavla khandala between Pune – Mumbai. It also called as Nagpani ( Cobra’s Hood ) , as The top of this cliff reflects the pointed hood of a SNAKE.  Popular with hikers , this cliff is believed to be a trekker’s paradise, which provide views of the downhill plains.  It is famous for rock climbing, valley crossing and  rappelling adventure activities. 


The itinerary for the Event is as given below:

Meeting point : Lonavla  Station 08.00 am on 30th of June 2013 

People from mumbai are requested to reserve tickets in any of the train reaching Lonavala by 08.00am. 

Options : Indrayani Express
Timings :
Mumbai CST : 5.40am
Dadar :              5.51am
Thane :              6.14am
Kalyan :             6.35am
Karjat :               7.15am
Lonavala :          8.00am

Or people may opt to board any buy for Lonavala reaching there before 08.00am as per their convenience.

Note : It is advisable to reserve tickets in advance as the general compartment is always crowded on weekends.

For Pune People : Catch Pune Lonavala Train
Pune Station    :   06:27 am
Shivaji Nagar   :   06:33 am
Lonavala           :   07:50 am

Or  by Sinhagad Express.
  • 09:00 am : Reach Base Village, breakfast , Instruction , Do’s and Don’t
  • 09:30 am : Start moving toward Duke’s Nose.
  • 10:30 am : Reach Duke’s Nose.
  • 11.30 am : Start trek towards Khandala, enjoy trekking through thick forest, crossing various  water streams, Take lunch break enroute
  • 03:30 pm : Reach Khandala, Tea
  • 4.30 pm : Depart for Mumbai / Pune
  • Reaching Mumbai by 09:30 – 10:30 pm tentatively.

Contribution Rs.300/- per head
which includes:
Travelling Charges from Lonavla  to Lonavla.
Breakfast .
Evening Tea.

For registration transfer Rs 300/- per head in the following A/c
Bank : Union Bank Of India
 Account No 369102010801696
Branch : Juhu Tara Mumbai
In the Name of Ms Priti P Patel
A/c Type : Saving A/c
IFSC Code : UBIN0536911

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

Note: Registrations through phone calls only.

Check List:

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

Double pack your valuables in plastic bags.

Please wear full covering cloths and shoes it provides better protection from insects and thorns while trekking through forest.

Identity Proof  (must)
Water 2 liters (must)
Lunch for Sunday (must)
Ready to eat snacks
Personal medicines
Windcheater
Good covering footwear
Cap Camera Umbrella ( Optional)


Please go through Rules and Regulation before registration


Registration or queries:
Yadnesh : 9773086825
Pavan : 8796264199

Email ID : offBeatsahyadri@gmail.com
Regards,
Team OffBeat Sahyadri