Explore the beauty of Sandhan Valley Trek

Introduction

Due to the sun’s inability to shine on the ravines, Sandhan Valley is also known as the Valley of Shadows. In the Sahyadri highlands, there lies a magnificent canyon. One of Sahyadri’s most difficult and enjoyable hikes is this one.

Sandhan Valley Trek, which is close to Bhandardara and Igatpuri, offers an adventurous experience unlike any other. In addition to trekking, you may also rock climb, rappel, have a bonfire, and camp beneath the stars. The name AMK is derived from the natural gorge of Sandhan that lies between the forts of Alang, Madan, and Kulang. This hike is well-known for its remote location, fantastic photo opportunities, and off-the-beaten-path terrain.

Short Facts

  • Location: Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, Samrad village.
  • Trek time: five hours
  • difficulty level: moderate to difficult Altitude: Descending valley trek around 200 feet deep and two kilometers long Trek time: five hours

The best time to hike in Sandhan Valley

With the exception of summer, any season is suitable for a journey to Sandhan Valley. It becomes hot and muggy, and fighting the heat drains all of your energy, making the walk less enjoyable. Treks to Sandhan Valley are incredibly memorable and enjoyable in the winter, the fall, and even the rainy season.

Getting There

You must first arrive at Kasara or Igatpuri before you may go to Samrad village.

Travel by road to Samrad village in a self-drive car that you have rented. Around 200 kilometers separate Mumbai from Sandhan Valley, a distance that may be traveled in 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from Mumbai or Pune to Igatpuri-Ghoti, where buses to Bhandardara are available. From there, you can take a shared jeep to Samrad village.

Rail: Travel from Mumbai to Kasara by train. From CST, board a Kasara Fast train. Arrive at Kasara, where you can reserve a shared jeep to Samrad. There are numerous shared jeep trips available. Additionally, you can get on a long-distance train that stops at Igatpuri.

No flights are available to Sandhan or the adjacent communities.

Travel Route

Beginning at Samrad, your trip will take you through shallow water bodies that are 2 to 4 feet high within the first few hours. You will reach Tarzan Swing Point while descending; from there, you will rappel and use a rope ladder before engaging in some cave crawling.

Then you will descend and trek through rock outcroppings. You will have to wade through deep pools of water before coming to some wide rocks and the camping area. You will be able to see Ajoba Hill and Bann Pinnacle.

Returning Travel

From the pond, proceed downward through mild slopes and a riverbed trek until you reach Dehne village, from which point shuttles to Asangaon station are available. You could also take the same route back to Samrad and take a shared jeep to your final destination, or you could stay at Bhandardara for a longer trip.

Expenses

  • Travel: The cost of a self-drive automobile for the roundtrip from Mumbai to Bhandardara ranges from Rs 5000 to Rs 8000. Costs for train tickets range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1200. (return fare).
  • The cost of a shared jeep is Rs 50 per person. Costs for bus travel from Mumbai to Bhandardara range from Rs. 600 to Rs. 800.
  • Camping with your own tent is permitted at the gorge campsite. In Samrad village, homestays can range in price from Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 per night. Budget hotels in Bhandardara start at Rs. 1000.
  • Food: The price of food during the trip would range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 600.
  • Package for the Sandhan Valley Trek: Costs range from Rs. 1600 to Rs. 2000.

Locations To Stay

The Gorge is a great place to camp overnight for the best camping ever. There are no nearby hotels or lodges, but Samrad offers homestays with locals. These offer a mediocre level of comfort. If you prefer not to camp there all night, go to a more luxurious hotel in Bhandardara. Try the MTDC resort; it is well-liked. After a day of roughing it, you may also check out some opulent hotel and resort alternatives in Bhandardara (such the Anandvan resort).

Locations Of Interest

Forts AMK

You should only hike uphill to explore the historic forts of Alang, Madan, and Kulang if you are still relatively fresh from the Sandhan Valley Trek. These are strenuous hills, so perhaps take a day to recover at Bhandardara before starting your walk once more.

 

Fort Ratangad

A moderately high climb will take you from Bhandardara to Ratangad Fort for yet another thrilling journey.

Falls near Nanhe Ghat

A few miles from the base camp, in Ratanwadi, check out this lovely waterfall.

Travel & Safety Advice

  • This journey should not be attempted by novice hikers without a guide or trekking operator.
  • Your endurance will be put to a great test on the walk. If you have a medical issue, such as a weak heart or high blood pressure, stay away.
  • Bring energy bars, bug spray, and a jacket.
  • Carry a comfortable backpack and don’t overpack.
  • If you can, bring a DSLR camera as well as a power bank.
  • Bring adequate water from the village of Sandhan. Drinkable water from the trail’s streams might not be pure.
  • Except where a porta toilet has been set up by the trek organizer, there are no facilities on the trail.

 

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