- The essence of adventure lies in doing something unique, unheard-of, and irregular. While trekking up a hill becomes common, we bring you the Sandhan Valley which goes down a gorge. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
- It is also known as the Valley of Shadows or The Great Canyon is a gorge in the Sahyadri mountain range located in the Western Ghats. This canyon extends 2 km long and 200 ft. deep covered with astoundingly large rocks on both sides. This trek which includes the camping and rappelling experience too begins with a descent from Samrad village and ends with an ascend to the Dehene village. The journey in between encompasses wading through refreshing streams of water, rappelling down gigantic rocks, and camping under a gorgeous night sky.
- One of the best experiences of the Sandhan Valley trek is the “Reverse Waterfall”. Yes, you read that right – a waterfall that flows from down to up. This happens due to high-pressure winds pushing the water entering the valley during the monsoon season, back upwards, thus bringing this unique phenomenon to life.
- The reason why it is also referred to as the Valley of Shadows is that the deep ravines of this gorge receive very little or no sunlight. It is only around noon that the canyon gets lit up making your trek in the dark until then, even more exhilarating.
- Further, this camping is an experience you simply can’t miss. As the terrain in this canyon is mostly rocky, finding a flat surface is usually the first step to setting up a camp and enjoying a blissful night in this valley. Camping along with rappelling together completes the wholesome experience this trek aims to provide.
- Surrounded by the magnificent Alang-Kulang- Madan forts, Ratangad fort as well as Kalsubai Peak (the highest peak in Maharashtra), Samrad village, Sandhan Valley’s base camp offers a truly breath-taking view at every point in the day.
- There’s no specific time of the year that is best suited for this trek but out of the experience, we can say that it is certainly most thrilling during the monsoon season. Located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, getting to the Sandhan Valley location is extremely easy from prime spots like Pune and Mumbai. To know more, read on.
Sandhan Valley Trek Information:
- Base Village: Samrad, Ahmednagar
- Region: Bhandardhara
- Trip Duration: 2 days and 1 night
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Endurance: Moderate
- Rappelling Wall Height: 80-100 feet
- Accommodation: Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Maharashtrian Veg food
- Washrooms: Basic Village Toilets / Toilet Tents
- Distance from Mumbai: 215 km
- Distance from Pune: 186 km
- Distance from Kasara: 82 km
- Distance from Nashik: 90 km
Batches :
- May: 19, 20, 26, 27
- June: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17
Important Note:
- We highly recommend joining Thursday, Friday, and Sunday departure dates to avoid a rush. We can also arrange weekday departures on request.
- In case it's starting to rain, we assure you to provide you with a common hall of the villager's home, where you can sit or sleep. The hall will be accommodating 40-50 people, it won't be convenient but that's the best possible solution to the situation.
- The chances of seeing fireflies on the 16th and 17th are very low.
Cost:
- Kasara: 1899/- per person
- Pune: 2199/- per persone
- Base Village: 1199/- per person
Similar events:
MUMBAI: (Kasara To Kasara)
Day 01: Saturday, Catch a Local Train on your own
- 02:17 PM: CSMT
- 02:32 PM: Dadar
- 02:40 PM: Kurla
- 02:44 PM: Ghatkopar
- 03:00 PM: Thane
- 03:26 PM: Kalyan
- 04:41 PM: Report at Kasara Station ( https://goo.gl/maps/mcqSN6qsjjaUHskE8 )
- 05:00 PM: Take sumo to the Base Village
- 07:30 PM: Reach Base Village
- 07:45 PM: Get freshen up and settle down.
- 08:00 PM: Introduction and briefing session with Tent allotment
- 09:30 PM: Have Dinner followed by Fireflies spotting and Enjoy overnight Camping and Bonfire with Fun Group Activities.
Day 02: Sunday,
- 05:30 AM: Wake up, get freshen up
- 06:30 AM: Have breakfast
- 07:00 AM: Start our trek to the Sandhan Valley
- 07:30 AM: Reach At Rapelling Spot
- 07:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Rappelling Activity, Explore valley, Relax
- 11:00 AM: Start walking back to the base village via the same route
- 12:30 PM: Reach Base Village
- 01:00 PM: Have Lunch
- 02:00 PM: Depart for Kasara station
- 04:30 PM: Reach Kasara station (Arrival Time Depends on the Pace of the Group and Traffic)
(Take the next available Local Train to Mumbai)
PUNE: (Via Private Bus)
Day 01: Saturday,
- 12:30 PM: Report to the Trek Leaders at Fergusson College Main Gate, FC Road (opposite Starbucks) ( https://goo.gl/maps/53XNsyDPwcSVReZW9 )
- 01:00 PM: Pickups from Nashik Phata ( https://goo.gl/maps/fpMtVDhNwiFyVdBm6 ). Departure towards Sandhan Valley Base Village.
- 02:00 PM: Hault for lunch
- 07:00 PM: Reach Base Village
- 07:45 PM: Get freshen up and settle down.
- 08:00 PM: Introduction and briefing session with Tent allotment
- 09:30 PM: Have Dinner followed by Fireflies spotting and Enjoy overnight Camping and Bonfire with Fun Group Activities.
Day 02: Sunday,
- 05:30 AM: Wake up, get freshen up
- 06:30 AM: Have breakfast
- 07:00 AM: Start our trek to the Sandhan Valley
- 07:30 AM: Reach At Rapelling Spot
- 07:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Rappelling Activity, Explore valley, Relax
- 11:00 AM: Start walking back to the base village via the same route
- 12:30 PM: Reach Base Village
- 01:00 PM: Have Lunch
- 02:00 PM: Depart for Pune
- 09:00 PM: Reach Pune
(Arrival Time Depends on the Pace of the Group and Road Traffic)
MUMBAI - (Borivali To Borivali)
Day 01: Saturday,
- 12:00 PM: Borivali ( https://goo.gl/maps/2Bv6fFm2eboAhjFK8 )
- 12:10 PM: Kandivali ( https://goo.gl/maps/tUgaU77XmR3xAmsa8 )
- 12:20 PM: Goregaon ( https://goo.gl/maps/ypVyPefRHwznN1Uf9 )
- 12:30 PM: Andheri ( https://goo.gl/maps/gYjTauzWKrtDWFA6A )
- 12:40 PM: Santacruz ( https://goo.gl/maps/fVpjpDfZdVPkG8GF8 )
- 12:50 PM: Bandra ( https://goo.gl/maps/Q2NxRCY2MVtdCMHfA )
- 01:00 PM: Sion ( https://goo.gl/maps/PvajoSbjGqTTqssh8 )
- 01:10 PM: Chembur ( https://goo.gl/maps/4en5cwM4z38obi7x5 )
- 01:15 PM: Ghatkopar ( https://goo.gl/maps/7GPujE2RKB7p6D5F7 )
- 01:20 PM: Bhandup ( https://goo.gl/maps/ggmgWaS2Cs8ybKkG6 )
- 01:30 PM: Thane ( https://goo.gl/maps/DA8n8dys7Liwq9ja9 )
- 01:55 PM: Bhiwandi ( https://g.page/rahul-snacks-breakfasts?share )
- 02:30 PM: IGATPURI
- 03:00 PM: Have Lunch
- 04:30 PM: Start journey to the Base Village
- 07:30 PM: Reach Base Village
- 07:45 PM: Introduction and briefing session with Tent allotment
- 08:00 PM: Get freshen up and settle down
- 09:30 PM: Have dinner followed by Fireflies spotting and Enjoy overnight Camping and Bonfire with Fun Group Activities.
Day 02: Sunday,
- 05:30 AM: Wake up, get freshen up
- 06:30 AM: Have breakfast
- 07:00 AM: Start our trek to the Sandhan Valley
- 07:30 AM: Reach At Rapelling Spot
- 07:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Rappelling Activity, Explore valley, Relax
- 11:00 AM: Start walking back to the base village via the same route
- 12:30 PM: Reach Base Village
- 01:00 PM: Have Lunch
- 02:00 PM: Depart for Mumbai
- 10:30 PM: Reach Borivali (Arrival Time Depends on the Pace of the Group and Traffic)
Inclusion :
- Transportation: Travel from Mumbai / Pune / Kasara Station by Private Bus/Cab/Jeep
- Meals: (Day 1 Dinner, Day 2 Breakfast + Lunch)
- Stay: Tent Stay (Triple sharing)
- Activities: Trekking, Camping, Rappelling, Bonfire
- Forest Entry Charges.
- Experienced Trek Leaders
- Trek Expertise Charges.
- Technical expertise
- First Aid Charges.
Exclusion :
- Travel till the pickup points
- GST (5%)
- Zipline( 200 Rs Add on)
- Bedding inside the tent.
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
- Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
- Insurance
Things to do :
Besides a thrilling trek through the Sandhan Valley, this outing comprises a host of other activities. These include –
- A walk into the woods at Samrad village to catch a glimpse of sparkling fireflies in the dark
- Sandhan Valley rappelling – which involves rappelling down patches as high as 80 feet in the valley
- Zip-lining through the valley (Add-on)
- Camping and bonfire inside the canyon under a gorgeous night sky
Viewing the glorious sunrise and sunset at Samrad village
Nearby Attractions:
-
Bhandardara Lake: An hour’s drive away from Sandhan Valley is one of the most famous lakes of Ahmednagar -- Bhandardara Lake. Situated near the Wilson dam that is built over the Pravara River, this location has a variety of attractions to enjoy. Some of these include the Umbrella Fall, Randha Fall, the garden by the dam as well as the scenic view of the Sahyadri mountain lines.
-
Ratangad Fort: 4.7 km away is the Ratangad Fort which offers one of the most magnificent views of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range. Situated at an altitude of 4,255 ft, a trek to Ratangad Fort is an adventure that you can add to your already-stirring trek.
-
Amruteshwar Temple: Amruteshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple built on the banks of the holy river Pravara 10 km away from Sandhan Valley. It is among the popular Bhandardara tourist places and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. For those interested in historic sightseeing, this place is a must-visit. Given that the temple is located in Ratanwadi village – the base camp of the Ratangad trek – a visit to this artistic temple can be easily roped into this trek – Ratangad fort trip.
Places to visit nearby:
Bhandardara lake
Bhandardara Lake is a very popular lake near the Sandhan Valley. It is also known as Arthur Lake. It is famous for its camping. People visit here to experience amazing camping and also to view the scenic beauty of this place. People sit near the lake to enjoy the weather and nature.
Umbrella falls
Umbrella Falls is located at the Wilson Dam in Bhandardara. Umbrella Falls is the most beautiful tourist spot in Bhandarkar. People love to visit this place and it has a mesmerizing view and the waterfall looks amazing. You will have great fun and relaxation here if you visit during the monsoon.
Randha falls
This waterfall is formed by the Pravara River and it has a height of 170 ft. It is a gorgeous waterfall and is a must-visit place during the monsoon. It is a popular place in Bhandardara. The Randha attracts a number of tourists because of its magnificent beauty.
Things to carry:
(Highly Required and Mandatory Things)
- ID proof
- backpack (waterproof or covered with waterproof cover)
- trekking shoes or any sports shoes with a Good grip
- Trekking pants (compulsory), 2 T-Shirts (Preferably full sleeves or Half T-shirt with sleeves), Raincoat/ waterproof jacket/ windcheater, Handnapkin/Towel, etc
- Water 2-3 liters.
- Ready-to-eat food like plum cakes, Dry fruits, dry snacks and biscuits, Chikki, chocolate bars, etc.
- Torch
- Personal Medicines and Personal First aid
(Required but Optional Things)
- Sleeping Bag/ Shawl, Sleeping Mat, etc
- To change after trekking - Facewash, Extra pants/ shorts, Extra T-shirt, sleeper/ floaters, an extra bag to carry your trekking shoes, innerwear, etc
- Sweater For bus journey
- Electoral or Glucose D powder.
- Portable Phone Charger, Earphones, etc.
- Sun protection cap, sunglasses, Sunscreen lotion, toothbrush-toothpaste, etc
- Proper face mask or shield
- Sanitizer
- Extra Pair of clothes.
(Note: Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pants, this will protect your body and skin from Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles, etc)
COVID Guidelines :
- Mask and maintaining social distance with others are mandatory throughout the trip.
- Buses will be fully sanitized before use.
- Carrying your own sanitizers, gloves, face shield and mask is compulsory.
- Food will be freshly cooked and packed as per WHO guidelines.
Trekhievers Policies:
- Seats will be reserved only after full payment.
- Fees paid are non-refundable but transferable on the same event.
- The complete schedule of the trek will be given later to registered participants
- Organizers have all the right to modify or change the schedule in case
- Organizers hold the right to cancel any event and refund with prior notice.
- We strictly follow a no alcohol, no drugs, and no litter policy.
Cancellation Policy:
- 100% amount is to be paid in advance to book the trip.
- If the booking is canceled 10 days or before the event date then 50% of the booking amount will be refunded.
- No refund if canceled 9 days before the event.
- No show = No refund.
Contact details:
Mukesh - 7387642734 | Pravin - 7208620046 | Vrutti - 7304236273 | Nitin - 7387523876
- Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/trekhieversofficial/
- Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/trekhievers/
Disclaimer:
The tour is weather-based and depends on the weather conditions. There may be last-minute cancellations if weather conditions deteriorate.
Is there an age limit for those who’d like to go this trek or the Sandhan valley rappelling adventure?
No, there is no age limit to participate in this trek or any activities associated with it.
Is there a well-constructed route to go in a private vehicle from Mumbai/Pune directly to Samrad village?
Yes, from Mumbai you can take the route via NH160 to reach your destination in approximately 4 hours. If you’re coming from Pune, you can take the route via NH60, which will take you to Samrad village within 5 hours.
Are there washrooms available on the trek or around the Sandhan valley camping spot?
Washrooms are available only at the base camp – Samrad village.
What is the distance of Sandhan valley from Pune?
It is 230 km away from Pune
Is the Sandhan valley location close to the Bhandardhara?
Yes, it is.
