Brief Description
The Great Sahyadris Trail is a unique Bikat offering where we explore diverse trekking experience located in a small geographic portion of Western Ghats near Igatpuri. Not really high regarding altitude, but high on thrill, beauty, and adventure. Starting from an easy hike through lush greenery to Kalsubai - the highest point of Maharashtra, the trekkers get to camp and relax next to the gigantic Bhandardara Dam. Next on this trip is Harishchandragad, another easy hike to Harishchandra's abode during exile meditation where history and mythology are portrayed in a beautiful way. Moving on, you start Sandhan Valley Trek. More than a trek, it is a thrilling rock-climbing session where you descend through a gorge with high walls on either side and a mild water stream beneath you. From rappelling down gushing cascades to technical rock climbing where you will have to use proper holds and cuts in the boulder to descend with ease. Did we mention that the stagnated water pools en route are shoulder-deep in some parts? Up next is the most thrilling trek - the Alang, Madan and Kulang trek, which is a two-day strenuous hike to three impressive hilltop forts. Some of the portions of Alang, Madan and Kulang are bound to give you goosebumps. So, join us on this extravagant adventure in the Western Ghats and have an experience of a lifetime. The best months to do the Great Sahyadris Trail is between October to March. Stay on this page for more information on the Great Sahyadris Trail.
Gallery
-
Base village for Kalsubai Trek - Bari Gaon
-
Starting point of the trek
-
The route is well-defined and marked
-
There are about 7-8 metallic ladders on the way to the top
-
Overnight stay in tents next to the Bhandardara Dam
-
Starting point of Harishchandragad Trek - Pachnai Village
-
The trail is through thick vegetation and lush greenery
-
Just before reaching the top of Taramati Peak
-
Kedareshwar cave
-
Reaching and entering Sandhan Valley
-
Lots of water on the trail, walk through or swim - your call!
-
The trek has a few technical sections and 4 rappelling sites
-
Exiting the valley to end the trek
-
First glimpse of Alang on the Alang Malang Kulang Trek
-
Steep ascend once we leave the Alang base behind
-
Steep descent before the rappelling site
-
Rappelling down to Madan Base
-
Back to Samrud as the trek comes to an end
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Arrive at Kasara Railway Station. Drive to Bari.
Arrive at Kasara Railway Station by 10 pm. Our vehicles will pick you up and drive you to Bari. It is a 3 hour drive.
Bari to Kalsubai to Lake Arthur
You will arrive at Bari by 1 am. Relax and take a brief power nap. Have breakfast by 6:30 am and start your trek to Kalsubai. You will reach Kalsubai Top by 11 am. We will trace our way back to Bari Village and have lunch by 1 pm. You will be picked up by our vehicles at 2 pm and we drive to Bhandardara Dam. We reach Muthkil Village at Lake Arthur by 3 pm. Spend the evening playing games and sit by the lake to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the plains. Have dinner and retire for the night. Overnight in tents.
Drive to Pachnai. Trek to Kokankada.
After morning tea and breakfast, we drive to Pachnai village. it will take about 4 hours. Arrive by 1 pm and have lunch at Pachnai Village. We start the trek by 2:30 pm and we reach Kokankada by 5:30 pm. Have tea and relax. Settle in camps and have dinner. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Harishchandragad. Drive to Samrud.
After tea and breakfast, we start our trek to the top. Its an easy 2 hours hike. We return and explore the caves, Harishchandragad temple and Kedareshwar shivling. Have refreshments by 12 pm and head back. Reach Pachnai by 2 pm and have lunch. We will then drive to Samrud. Arrive by 6pm, have tea followed by dinner. Overnight in tents.
Trek from Samrud to Sandhan Valley and back.
After tea and breakfast we start the trek to Sandhan Valley from Samrud itself. We walk through a river gorge with high walls on either sides. Frequently you will rappel through waterfalls, descend huge boulders and walk through shoulder-deep water. We will reach the bottom of the valley by 3 pm and have lunch by the river. Reach Samrud by 7 pm after a steep climb. Have dinner and retire for the night. Overnight in tents.
Trek from Samrud to Alang and Madan
We will start early today. We drive till the end of the road and start the trek to Alang by 6am. Have breakfast on the trail. We will trek to Alang top by 12pm and explore the area and soak in the beautiful views from the top. We will then rappel down to Madan base where we will break for lunch. We will trek to Madan top and reach there by 4pm. Have dinner at the camp and overnight in tents/caves.
Trek from Madan to Ambevadi via Kulang. Drive to Kasara Railway Station.
Have tea and breakfast in the morning and descend back to Madan Base. We will continue our journey to Kulang Base and then climb to Kulang top by 11am and explore. We will descend another steep set of stairs to reach the Kulang base where we will break for lunch. We will continue our trek to Ambevadi and reach there by 4pm. Our vehicles will pick you up and drop you at Kasara Railway Station by 7-8pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Experience required
Since it is a beginner’s trek, you need no special prior experience. Although one is required to have mental preparedness and stamina before he begins the trek. Running exercise is recommended.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
1. How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
2. How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Great Sahyadris Trail
Meant for both beginners and experienced trekkers who wish to explore the best of the Western Ghats, the Great Sahyadris Trail offers you impressive views of some of the greatest spots of Sahyadris. The trek covers Kalsubai, Harishchandragad, Sandhan Valley and Alang, Madan and Kulang treks which will take you through a roller coaster ride. From rappelling and rock climbing, walking through gorges, to climbing over boulders and wide spread plains, the Great Sahyadris Trail is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
The best months to do the Great Sahyadris Trail is from October to March.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for text packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The base of the trek is Kasara which is around 104 km from Mumbai and is well connected by daily trains and local buses.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
Intermittent cellular network.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
Accommodation on trek days is in tents on a twin/triple sharing basis.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We use four-season Gipfel tents and sleeping bags. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward, provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
There will be no snow on this trail.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
Monsoon season will see a significant amount of rainfall with temperatures ranging from 30 to 20 degree celsius. Winter months will be much cooler with temperatures dropping down to as low as 10 to 15 degrees at night.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
No, there will be no snow on this trek.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
No, there is no option to offload your backpack.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
No, trekking pole is not necessary.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
It is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last-minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
You will be picked up at Kasara Railway Station and dropped at the same location.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Kasara Railway Station by 7-8 pm.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
No mandatory documents needed for the trek.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Meals during Trek
- Safety Equipment
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges , if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Services of a Trek Leader
- Trek guide, cook, helpers.
- Accommodation during the trek (Tents/Guesthouses)
- Transportation from Kasara Railway Station and back to the same.
Whats Not Included?
- Meals during road journeys
- Cost of any kind of travel insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- Portage of personal rucksacks
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
How to Choose the perfect pair of Trekking Shoes?
Sarthak Madan 21 May 2021
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Your choice of trekking shoes can make your trek a blissful or blister-full experience based on how well it fits you. A good pair of trekking shoes is the most essential piece of equipment you will use while hiking.&n
Read More
Experiential
