Ahupe Ghat | A mysterious adventure |Beautiful lovely valley

Dear Readers, a hearty welcome to my blog. Hope you have enjoyed reading my other posts. This time I will be sharing my trek experience to Ahupe Ghat. So, without any delay, lets read it:

It was 2nd Sep 2017 (Saturday), I didn't plan any trek that weekend due to my physical status (not feeling good), so not decided any trek for coming Sunday. While I was resting at my room, got a call from Tushar (my office mate) asking me to plan for a trek, I suddenly surprised to hear that as Tushar never joins with us for trek, rather he prefers staying at room and take rest. How this time he voluntarily asking for the same, I asked him again for the reconfirmation, are you sure and correct state of mind? he replied yes Sumanta Bhai, I am sure. As somebody triggers me to arrange trek, so I agreed on him & informed him I would let him know about the plan. Then I checked my plan list of treks, I shortlisted the Ahupe Ghat, near Murbad. As last time when visited Gorakhgad, I have spotted 5 trekkers heading towards Ahupe & I kept that in my trekking list. Therefore, I informed Tushar about the same and we checked with other friends, but none had shown positive signal, though it was late night of 22:00 Hrs, other might not have the preparedness. So, we two only decided to go. Then I checked with internet and other blogs about the place and collected some general information and informed Tushar about the plan.

3^rd Sep 2017, got up at 5.45 am, called to Tushar but he didn’t respond, I thought he wouldnot go, as I was mentally prepared to go so planned to go alone if Tushar not joining so, started preparing. Later Tushar called and informed that he prepared and heading towards station, I was surprised to know that any way I also prepared. We got the 06:21 am Local from Koperkhairne (Navi Mumbai) station to Thane. That was less cloudy morning, outside greeneries adding boost to mind & I was so excited to see greeneries during the trek and explore more things.

We reached Thane & go another Local to Kalyan 06.50 am (it reached delayed of 10 min), now reached at Kalyan at 7.30 around. Then ran to the bus station to catch bus to Murbad, there was a bus waiting & we boarded on the bus, which started at 7.45 am. Now the journey had begun, the same lush green everywhere, though no symbol of rain anywhere, probably rain God has poured all the water last week which caused Mumbaikars suffered water log (10-12 death reported too & high alert was issued on 29^th Aug 2017 suspecting cloud burst and 2005 like situation though nothing much happened as expected) ohh! I am deviating from point sorry for that.

After around 40 min of travel, the bus stopped a normal halt at Potegaon (5-6 km from Murbad), suddenly we heard a Bang sound, but couldnot understand what caused the same, someone told a vehicle hit our bus from behind. We thought it might be truck, we came outside to check, found that bust rear guard was damaged and Pick up van hit to the bus. The van totally damaged from front, the engine totally damaged, when we looked to the driver seat found that the driver was seriously injured, he was bleeding from mouth (due to internal injury somewhere in face), he was sitting quietly, another person was seating near to him he also seating calm and seemed to be not injured none of them reacting. Few people offered water to the driver, but the bleeding still continuing, both doors also locked (jammed due to damage), the driver managed to come out by the window, but later he was down due to pain and injury, the steering might have hit in his chest/belly. He lied down on the road,later came to know that the driver was feeling sleepy and driving which caused the accident.  I thought of calling Ambulance/police (108/100) but the bloody network operators saying “Appne ek Galat Number dial kiy ahai, kripaya number jaanch lijiye”, what nonsense!, at this critical time network operator making fun, don’t know who should be blamed for this, anyway Tushar tried several times & luckily the call connected to Ambulance & after explaining the location & patient details, they arranged an ambulance and would start shortly, later people shouted on the other person in the vehicle & asked him to carry him to nearby hospital by auto or any other available transport. So, he took him to the hospital. I never seen such kind of accident nor had any desire to see such. Also, I dint took any photos as I understand the seriousness of the situation rather than taking photos and showing to others, which maximum people of the generation doing (they should educate their culture first)

Anyway our bus conductor arranged another bus for us. Now we reached at Murbad by 8.50 around. My mood was totally off due to the accident, I was thinking about the injured person and wishing for his cure.

Now we bought some snacks, fruits & water and boarded on the ST bus to Gorakhgad which started by 9.20 (actual timing is 9.15am). Now we were approaching toward the base village. That was 2^nd time I was travelling on the bus. Surprised to see the add of entertainment, that turn on your wi-fi and enjoy movie, entertainment, I thought it maynot be possible in ST bus at least. But surprisingly it was working, I just checked and stopped as I prefer to enjoy the nature rather than sticking to the mobile device. SO just watching the outer beauty, the greenery, green cultivation, farm house, water flow.. all these are really making the place more beautiful.

Finally reached at Gorakhgad stop at 10:10 am (Dehri Village), now we asked about any vehicle to Khopivali, the bus conductor guided us the direction, thanks to him. Now we got a local jeep plying towards vaishakhare, It took 10 min to reach at the base village, though we adjusted ourselfs in the rear seat of the jeep with 3 person at one side (but this another kind of fun), one person in the jeep asked about our plan, we replied him that we were planning to go Ahupe, he asked what to see there, we told don’t know but good trekking place, then suggested visting Gorakhgad & Siddhagad. As I already visited Gorakhgad, so informed him that I may plan Siddhagad, but post monsoon as it’s too much risky to go there in monsoon, said thanks to that person for his suggestion & guidance & we got off from the jeep.

Now we could see the stand tall hill cliffs at so height, clouds below the mountain what a scenery!, excited to reach at the top. Also, we could see the twin mountain Gorakhgad & Machhindgad, explained Tushar about the difficulty level of Gorakhgad & how we successfully completed that on 6^th Aug 2017. The village is small one with max 100 houses, village in the green farming of paddy/wheat doubling the beauty. Now walked in the village checking for the way to Ahupe Ghat, one old woman shown us the direction. That was 10:30 am, now we were walking in the green cultivation, fencing were made to protect the cultivation from the walkers & animals. We couldnot find any other trekkers, but I was sure to meet any as during the weekend any trekking place I found other trekkers. Now the confusion started, the trail was bifurcated, but I applied my idea by checking the wrappers of toffee, biscuits and footprints & following that trail. We reached at the small stream, stopped and did photography as view was very good, my camera also turning on which was not working before few moment (due to charge problem). Then moved ahead, now were at the big water stream with gorgeous view, the water very clear and colour is blue. Now started the photography & Photo session, I slipped in the rock as the shoes slipping once got wet so, carefully posing for photos. We took around 30 min there for only sake of photos (one should blame us for the same!!), the water stream photo I have seen in the internet and now I am at same place, nothing great than this.

We spotted one couple having one kid of 4-5 years heading towards the Ghat, we checked with them about the way, they guided us the direction. Tushar astonished to the see them as he considered them as they came to pick their kid from school. Though later it was proved that it’s not possible, they might have come for other reason.

We stopped the photo session and started the walk, we entered into the deep forest with darkness due to less sunlight, there was no person visible from there and the couple with kid seemed to be disappeared. It was very tiring as humidity level was more and sweating making us exhausted very fast. We taking rest and proceeding, the only way was to follow is by following the trail where wrappers found which is the proof of any trekkers might have followed the trail. The way now became narrow, the trail might have made due to rain water flow, we reached at place, where a sign board by forest department was there with notice written in Marathi, Tushar made me understand that the notice warns people to not go inside without permission and don’t hurt wild animals etc.

Again climb started, after some time I spotted one person standing at far distance, I though they are also trekkers, when we reached there, found 3 person, one is the visitor and other 2 were the guide, the person seems to be photographer in profession or by hobby (as he was having DSLR). They informed us about their plan, they were heading towards Gorakhgad, I surprised to know as they have to cover lot of distance and the place is too difficult and risky, I just warned them. Actually they came from Ahupe Ghat & kept their vehicle at the village & they had to return back to the village any how by today. It seemed very tuff but let see how they are managing to do the same.  We asked them about the Ahupe ghat, the black person from the group replied by scolding to the mountain, idiot person, may be they had bad time during the trek, but we were not demoralized at all. One more guy joined with us but later he ran away as he had to catch the bus at 12:30pm & that was 12 pm. We don’t know how he would reach in 30 min as the giant hill still to cover 60% distance (seemed from the height). Later the person disappeared, we were in normal speed and taking rest and again climbing, as the humidity slowing down our pace as there was no rain & no wind.

Now we found two Chacha’s (Uncles) who greeted us by saying "Ram Ram", we reciprocated same manner, they were descending & gave us good moral support by saying its easy and not so far. Good some positive thing during the trek.

Though the trek was not difficult but lengthy, trails made clearly without any confusion, somewhere rocks arranged to protect from slip/fall,  it was first time for Tushar so I was allowing him to take sufficient rest whenever he was requiring. Now we reached at a spot where,  a tiny water fall was there and below a cistern made and upper roof covered by concrete, may be the same made to store water for passerby using this route, that’s great.

Again continued the climb, now the path was like Zig-zag, this is to avoid steep climb, we were just climbing, somewhere getting wind and also could expect the rain in some time. SO far we have crossed two waterfalls, where little risk of slipping is there but we completed carefully. Met with another person who carrying one bag in his shoulder, may be some goods, he told it took 1 hour for him to descend and may take 1.5 to 2 hour for us to ascend. We thought he is joking but later we realized. Tushar was feeling frustrated as the climbing not coming to an end, earlier we set our target to 1 pm at top which we have failed,  then set target by 2 pm still failed as the trek not coming to end. Tushar asking me Sumanta Bhai, are we on the correct path, I just assuring him by saying that there is no other route to follow, this must be the only route and nothing to be worried when I am there. He was saying intermittently, this is my first and worst trekking , yes I can understand the pain of first time trekker and the level of frustration for him. Now the rain also started, the path became slippery so careful attention was required. I was climbing fast and waiting for Tushar to reach me. Now it was around 2:30 pm still no sign of reaching at top as the hill top looking still at height. I was saying to Tushar that when the twin hills top (Gorakhgad & Machhindragad) would be seen below our level then, there could chance that we are at top of the hill, now the twin hills (Gorakhgad & Machhindgad) seen below our level but we were not at the top, after some climb, I could see the day light at other side of the hill which means the top not far, also I made sound expecting response from others who available at the top, after long time someone responded. That’s great signal, within no time I reached at the top (at 3:05 pm).

Wow what a scenery, we were at the highest point of the place, there is no further climb required. Tushar also ran towards the top & started dancing in joy. Yes, I could understand the happiness of first time trekker, after covering such distance of 4.5 hours he must dance in joy & rejoice.

I just had an initial look, the mountain cliff stretching with parallel to other cliffs at other side of the hill. Ohh!, what I saw, Its rainbow as the rain stopped and sun ray came causing this beautiful natural phenomenon & he same appeared between two big mountain cliffs. Really, I forgot all the pain and labor to see the view which is one billion dollar worthy view. There is a village at other side of the hill (at equal height and easily accessible), there are temples, school & colleges visible. The village is very beautiful; I wish I could be there at the village (Just planned to have one more visit with night stay at the village & to explore other part of the valley)

 Just stretched the hand with satisfaction & gratitude, started enjoying the great view. The village Khopivali visible from the top, twin mountain visible but looking very small as we were at great height and distance.

The mesmerizing cool wind, breath-taking views, lush greenery in the valley, I couldn’t stop myself to stay there for at least 1 hour though we were running out of time. The clouds gathered at the top of other hills giving a gorgeous view which we might have seen in the movies; now time to watch the same in real life, that’s great achievement & matter of great pleasure for an enthusiast like me. It was not possible to cover other valley cliffs by reaching the village due to time factor which not much in hand and lot more distance to be covered while descending and darkness may cause hurdle to the descend and there could be chance of getting lost in the darkness in the deep jungle. We had the foods we carried with us. There is another satisfaction by having your favorite food at such height under the lap of greenery and nature.

The village is connected to Junnar & Pune (with very less frequency transport). People earlier doing trading between the upper and lower region by transporting goods (by human only). Though now also the same is being observed, that’s great.

When we are at the top of the Gorakhgad mountain, we were taking photos and background as this hill and luckily, we were at the same hill now, earlier we thought its not possible to reach at this top, but now we made it possible, this proves nothing is impossible in this world.

Then we headed toward the other side of the valley, found there is big waterfall, no one can reach at the bottom as we were at height of 3885 Ft & straight fall is there from the cliff. Little mistake would take you to the straight bottom and might worth your life. So, we enjoyed the view from far, of course we had photo session too there. We were still not satisfied and wanted to stay more, the clock ticked 4:15 pm. It’s too much delayed, we must return to base village before the sunlight goes off otherwise it may be very risky to walk in the jungle in darkness which may prone to wild animals & other threats.

Without making any further delay, we started returning at 4:15 pm, now the path was more slippery due to rain, we were descending carefully, now were not taking rest, just moving faster. By 5:10 pm, we reached at the water cistern & took rest for 10 min and again started. The day light was still there.

After continuous descend, we reached at the large water stream, there is no threats as we completed the descend & most difficult part in 2 hours, thats great & the time was 6:15 pm. Now we enjoyed the water stream for 30 min around. Now it was getting darker, so without making any delay we started. When we looked back we couldn’t believe ourselves that we reached at such height which seems to be impossible.

We reached at the village too, now checked for vehicle, they said no vehicle now. We thought they must be joking, but later came to know that they were true, once Guy named Ganesh helped us by taking us to the Dehri stop to catch 7.15 Bus to Murbad, but we failed as we reached at the stop by 7.20 pm. As the person was going towards Siuli stop (highway) by guiding his tractor driver (they were going to bring some goods), the kind hearted fellow decided to drop us at the highway, we couldn't find any words to say him thanks as in bike doing tripling under bad condition no one would agree but he voluntarily helped us, such kind of person are very rare in the world. That was totally night and darkness everywhere, we could see the moon at the top. After 1 hour of bike ride, we reached at the highway. Said thanks to the person, Tushar said you are Lord Ganesh for us. Also he waited for us till we get the bus,  we requested not to do more favour as we wouldn’t able be to return the help which he has he has given to us us. By giving some suggestion, he left, God do well for his favor.

Now, we got an auto to Murbad, then got another bus to Kalyan. Finally reached at home by 11 pm.

This is all about the great trek with Tushar to Ahupe Ghat.

Hope, you enjoyed reading this post. Please comment with your suggestion and feedback.

Below are the photo section:

Lush green land and the hill covered with Cloud..just heavenly

Target is too far but the  greenery adding the boost

Great View right?

The View from the Base village

What a great location of the Small house...I wish I could be there....Love this place

Simple road toward the jungle

Best capture of Tushar bro, here we stopped for Photo session and later came to know there is another great waterfall near to this place

Left side hill top is our target, to far and too much height to cover!!

This beautiful waterfall..mostly the great color of water...

Twin hills Gorakhgad and Machhindagad

Couldnot resist myself for posing....

Tushar Bhai......!

Cool!!!

This place i have seen in the internet and now time to see in own eyes

Please try to read and follow....

This kind of scenery I have seen in Thai movies...where Hills covered with such green grass

Take rest bro...no need to hurry....

Gorakhgad....

Straightaway...

This is the water cistern I was talking about....made for the passer by

Towards the top

Tushar is taking Electoral powder for rehydration

Easy climb but many such to cover and it tests you level of patience

Twin Hills under the Lens, the twin hill were the reference for us to estimate the height have been covered

Seems no regular used road...but this way is only road to follow and to reach at the top

To reach top, much distance to cover...

Road toward top though the deep jungle.

He he.....me exist 

Ohh....I see -( ) ( )-

Not that two man!, its two for Victory sign...never mind..

Waterfall...tu kyun bar bar ati hai aur humara time waste karti hai...we cannot stop ourselves without taking photos....

Its my turn now

Haan Malum hai..aap niche se aye hue hai...aap ki himmat ko tarif karni padegi...

Stacked rocks....to ease the climb..but be careful as rocks are slippery as they are wet

Simple path but long and many to over such....

Thake hue time bhi photo ke liye pose...kya baat hai...

Rain God shown mercy for us..it just started raining when we were almost at the top..Spot Tushar...under umbrella...

Moss covered rock wall...looks like the proper deciduous forest area 

Finally at the Top..can you spot the Rainbow please...its thousand Dollar view....I love it very much

What a view...great!!!

Lovely....

Me not t best....simple pose....with smile in face with satisfaction

The beautiful village at the other side of the Valley, cant go today..in future for sure..

PANORAMA......

Kya smile hai aap ki.....kya baat hai tum bahot muskra rah ho....I see

Koun hai udhar???

Risky place..but dared to pose...

Man on top of Green Carpet...Not on Red Carpet for which I am not eligible...but happy to stand on green carpet....@

What a jump...

Again twin hills...we were at much height than these two hills height...

Uff...

Once more...

Zoomed to capture the lake at the bottom part..

OK

The narrow waterfall but at too much height...

Another view of the waterfall...

The Beautiful location of the Temple...morning enchanting of the Priest would make this place more divinely...Love to live there 

Its me guys..trying for a good pose...best effort of Tushar Bhai

Great Effort of Tushar Bhai, please don't go off the valley...your marriage date is approaching...be careful!! he he 

Admire to the pose or Photography...I think all at their Best...Tushar Bhai at his Best!!

Evening View before the darkness hide the beauty

The view can rejuvenate you heart and mind...most lovely view most beautiful memory to cheris 

Thinking something..hmm....please continue

Thaka hua insaan..but never let the chance to go for posing

Serene water flowing gently and feeding to all the flora and fauna below....wonder of nature.

Evening time the view of waterfall..like water flowing down from snow..love this view..