Chanderigad, Challenging the invincible

Chanderigad, Challenging the invincible

24^th Dec 2017

It has been quite some months since I had my last trek to Vikatgad on 10^th Sep 2017 (second time visit). I have been searching for the opportunity to have another trekking. Though the health issue preventing me to plan somewhere and not getting the perfect opportunity.

Last week the plan to Siddhagad, Murbad cancelled due to health issue. I thought of going there with groups with night stay at the Sidhhagadwadi village for more enjoyment, so I kept the same reserved for next with group. Max friends are reluctant for trekking; rather they prefer watching movies, hanging around with girls etc... But my passion is something different, like scavenger who looks for new places to explore and to do some adventure. Always thinking about nature and new novelty to explore.

This was long 3 days holiday, I have saved my energy by taking rest on the 1^st day of the holiday from 23^rd Dec 2017 to 25^th Dec 2017. Throughout the Day, I was checking for a suitable place to visit for the trek. At last, shortlisted the Chanderi which is located near to Badlapur/Vangani of Maharashtra. After checking different blogs found that Chanderi is the toughest trekking place than other and very difficult required high level of endurance, brave and patience, some blogs termed the place as “Invincible”, the final part of the trek is too difficult and without safety harness it is like impossible however, if you are the experienced then can think of climbing the final part without any harness. As I am well experience with numerous trekking and I have been to Kalavantin, Harihar & Gorakhgad, which are too difficult and dangerous place so, why to worry about the risk? Let’s plan. I have collected ample data about the place and planned for the solo trip as I was sure that no one would agree to go to such dangerous place.

Packed the essential things and food items. Had the sleepless night as usual. Whole night thinking about the place how to what to do etc.

Got up at 4:30 am, it was chilled morning as winter was at its pick. Prepared and boarded on the 1^st local at 5:08 am to Thane from Koparkhairne station (Navi Mumbai), it was too chilled outside and I haven’t brought my winter Jacket as I was supposed to reduce the weight of the knapsack and jacket would be burden for me contributing its load. Trying to find the place where less wind and little warmer. Alighted at Thane by 5:26 am and hopped to platform no.3 to catch the Karjat Local which was at 6:28 am, got the train in running condition, now got the seat, as the local was slow so now ample time to reach the Vangani station, closed the windows near to me and listening to the music.

Got down at Vangani at 6:28 am. I was among few person who alighted at the station, there was no single trekker spotted. I was the lonely trekker for the place, which seemed from there. It was too cool outside and the daylight not yet reached the earth’s surface. I could hear the voice of chanting of the Pundit in loudspeaker, may be some Puja was going on. I just came outside the station and headed towards the Badlapur-Neral highway from where probably I could get some lift to The Kasgaon. The climate outside was too chilled which like perfect winter and the temperature here very less compared to Mumbai which may be due the population effect.

Now, after a little walk of around 5-6 Min, I was at the highway. Waited for any lift, meanwhile go an entertainment there, there was a police Jeep standing. The cop inside the vehicle was blowing whistle after looking to any truck or Goods vehicle, they stop the vehicle and give some money to the cop (not straight, by hiding money in palms like they were handshaking, passing the money and then going to their destination. See what is the role of Indian police officer? He was not coming outside the Jeep and checking whether trucks carrying some illegal things or not rather, sitting inside the jeep and collecting the bribe. This is why I hate police officer because they wrongly utilize their power rather than utilising for controlling the crime. Yes, there are some genuine police officers are there but like pearl in the ocean. I watched the scene for 3/4 cases then the Police officer driven his jeep to some other good place to collect the toll. Now I got an auto by which a hawker was going to deliver some goods (morning Pav for Vada pav etc.) to different shops. I asked the Auto driver whether he would take me to Kasgaon, he replied going to Goregaon and maynot carry me. He suggested me to wait there and there is much chance that I wold get similar auto who would take me to the Kasgaon.

The auto stopped after few yards and offered me lift to Kasgaon by paying him Rs 20, I immediately agreed on him and sat near to him. The cool wind was hitting my face like bullet and very intolerable somehow managed.

Once the driver dropped the Hawker at Goregaon, we headed towards Kasgaon. Meanwhile, I asked him whether he would take me to the village Chinchavli or not. He told I pay Rs 150 then he may take me there. Thought of agreeing with him otherwise I would have to walk for a distance of 4.5 Kms and I may be delayed for the trek and waste my energy, so agreed on him. He took me there, once we entered into the village area taking left diversion from highway at Kasgaon, the road was bad and very dusty. Finally we reached at the village Chinchavli at 7.04 am. Very quickly we reached which is good. The driver shawn me by looking to another Auto who dropped few person that they might be for the trekking and I may join with him. I off boarded from the auto and by saying thanks to the driver I headed for the group, after enquiring with them came to know that they are also going to the Chanderi trek and having 6 person in the group. They welcomed me to their group to start the trek togather. They surprised to see me alone there and going to such difficult trek , I replied them that I had done many such treks alone and that’s new for me.

We started at 7:10 am, the daylight slightly reached Earth’s surface, we enjoyed the great view of sunrise. After some walks, hike started and again flat surface, there were many places where villagers burnt the grasses so , ashes making the land looks like black though big plans not effected due to fire which may be low intensity fire and due unknown reason they might have put fire. We were wasting some time by taking selfies, photos etc. One person named Sushant Veer from the group have been to this trek earlier and today second time for him, that’s good we may not require the guide. But later we realized that he came to this place 5/6 years back ad lot of things might be changed. Now we reached at the grass field where grasses dries and few patches ashes of the grass visible. Now searched for the route to enter into the deep jungle. After lot of search we were unable to find and guessed a route and walked, there was no proper road nor any direction seen. After walking some distance, we realized that we were on the wrong track as there was no single direction/arrow mark found after walking of around 30 min. After having some checks, we guessed the route and came back to a place from where we spotted the small board written as “Om Nama Shivay”, so were on the right track now. After walking further, we couldn’t find any direction. Again we had to gues the route as per Sushant, we had to follow a waterfall route which would take us straight to the hill top. We got the a water stream (dried now) and walked further and noticed that again we missed in the jungle. I suggested them to wait and came forward to check the route, no sign was there nor any chocolate/biscuit wrapper there in the patch. Walked around 15 min deep in the jungle and couldn’t find any such route. As there was no other way than going back, I suggested them to go deep in the jungle where we may find the route. So we started entering into the jungle, there was no proper path, place was covered with dried leafs, sticks etc. The shrubs were thorny, I wounded my hand in the wild thorny fruit, didn’t know whether that’s poisonous or not but hurting very much. Thanks to my shoes as they provided my support in the deep jungle otherwise it would be very difficult to walk.

After walking around 20 min in the jungle by guessing the path, we reached at one of the dried water stream. Once we looked to the hills, it seemed we supposed to take the left route, but there was no other way than climbing down the waterstream and which might lead us to another water stream about which Sushant was talking about. But we were pondering if the water stream would led us to a straight fall, still we wanted to have a chance and I leaded the same. After few yards of walk in the dried water stream, we reached at the place where there was small arrow mark visible in the trunk of the tree which pointing towards another water stream, and we got our path and our guess too worked this time. We were at the main waterstream, where big rocks are there. The place was cool and we decided to take a halt there for some drinks and snacks. Before that we had small photo session and started having the drinks session. We have passed almost 3 hours this way since the clock was ticking 9:50 am. After having the quick snacks session, we started again and we set our target to reach at the top by 12:00 pm. None of them planned to go to the top due risk so my plan to go to the top was fading out, still I was thinking to go there myself if none is agreeing. Now, were following the arrow and not going any other way than the arrow pointed route. There are lot of big rocks and boulders there making the climb difficult, due to big size rock, more pressure on thigh was applied.

Now there were no arrow sign and we moved to another route which was too much difficult climb as the big rocks were not there rather the small rocks there and making the way too slippery. The bushes at both side having poor root and coming out if we were taking thee support, some bushes were thorny, some rocks were loose, coming out while holding the grip. It was too scary as were at much height and it may lead to straight fall if slipping. We reached at a place from where further climb was not possible, so again we were lost due to wrong path taken, this very bad as we have been wasting time by following wrong route. There we two came forward, me followed the left path another guy followed the straight path. The guy stopped after concluding there is no way top. SO, I have to scavenge for the path. Though initially it looks impossible, still I tried to find the path because all declared that there is no other path and suggested me to find the path around my way, I climbed on the very risky way though the slippery small rock, thorny shrubs and climber far and concluded that there no path and it was too much dangerous to go further as many loose rocks waiting for me. So, I informed them to find way as there no way here. Now it was more tricky to climb down as it slippery and no herb/plant to rely for grip, some plans dried with roots intact, but the roots also less anchorage, very carefully I climber down.

Later one more guy discovered another path to top, where one point was risky, we helped each other by a strong stick holding both side while crossing. Now, we could hear the sound of other trekkers coming towards the top, but they were coming from the another route, probably they were following the right route.

Any way we also got the path now from where the cave was straight climb on narrow path in shrubs. There is another path snaked towards Panvel.

This time got sever cramps in my both thighs and couldnot walk a single step. I lied down holding the thighs, I was pondering how to cover remaining distance and return as I was not in a position to walk a single step. This may be due strenuous climb and more pressure on thighs due to the big rocks. Sushant helped by massaging the thighs. After 10-15 min I felt little well and we started climbing further. Now the path was straight and there was no chance of getting lost. After some climb, we reached at the place from where right part of the hill was visible, the cave was little far from there. The temple is at the right side and small rocks are below, as said by somebody there rocks are worshiped during the Mahashivaratri.

When we looked to left side of the place, the big hill was visible and there was flag seen at the top, probably that is the place where Shivaji statue placed. But climb to that place was more than impossible as the hill was straight and no inclined slope seen.

After little careful climb, we reached at the base of the hill. The place was too cool, felt relaxed as we covered much distance under the sun. Then we moved to the Cave. We found a small water cistern available at the entrance of the cave, some fishes also there. Now we entered into the cave and it was 12:16 pm which took almost 5 hours to reach there. However, almost 2 hours wasted as we lost the path.

Now we relaxed there, it was not that much cool there but manageable. There was lord Shiva lingam available and getting worshiped by trekkers and villagers. There are some other statues also available like Lord Ganesh, Shivaji Maharaj etc. The area near the Shiva Lingam floored with the granites but dusty we, cleaned and sat. Now time to relax, we had the snacks shared; I took the fruit juice, cakes that I shared among ourselves. Once we relaxed our tummy, tried to sleep for around one hour by setting the target to return by 12:30 pm. Looking around, I also decided not to try for the top as there was no clear route seen.

After some time one more group came, they were planning to go to the top. SO, I thought of going with them, few from our group also agreed to go. When I asked one person about the difficulty to the top, he replied it’s easy. This boosted me and I confirmed myself to go to the top.

Once they have done with their lunch, we started at 13:20 hrs. we total 10 with one local guide started towards the top. Once I enquired with the local guide it was the route we had follow which looked impossible before few times. Don’t know how we would be able to make it.

We crossed the thorny shrubs, the climbed down on a slippery rock. Right portion fully straight and slipping will make you to reach at the bottom having lot of fatal injuries. The place was scary and rope support was more essential there but none was having the rope. We managed to cross the risky path.

Now reached at a place from where there was no route visible and thining how to go up? The guide told the left portion is the path leads to the top. OMG! What he was talking about!, no its not possible, there is no way to go up, straight rock is there too much risky to go up without any rope support.

After looking to the path, many of us quitted including me as it nothing but putting the life in very risky situation. Some of us planned to go to the top, one person from our group already left during the initial risky point and now two denied having climb to the top. One person told, I haven’t married yet & don’t want to risk my life to go up. Some of them filled the water from the water cistern available near (little descend requires towards right).

After thinking many times, I decided to go up as I never quitted before and didn’t want to break the record and why I was worrying about the life. The life without any risk is not worthy. Finally we 6 agreed to climb. Few of us collected some water from the cistern available, the water is cool and without any odour.

Now, we 7 person started climbing towards the top, came to know that there is tree with a saffron flag at the middle of the climb up to which most risky climb is there and later there is no such risk comparing to the initial climb. One more person quitted so, we 6 remained for the climb.

We were helping each other by guiding for proper steps as each step of the climb with risk and little mistake would lead to straight fall. We were checking the grip for hand then moving further step, completed first part successfully, we had climb further where rock wall was at right side and left side straight down. There was no chance to take the support of the wall as it would push you outside and chance to slip down was more, rather climb freely by bowing down position and applying pressure on both the hand and legs. When there was no climb was possible, we had to climb in hanged position by holding grip on small hole carved in the rock. Again slippery climb came to reach at the tree, small piece rocks are the on the way and careful climb was required. Now we reached safely at the tree, this time again got the second and severe cramps on thighs and unable to move further steps. Just took there rest for some time and worrying whether I would able to climb further or not and whether I would be able to return both way hard route is there. After some time felt good and started climbing further.

Here point to note, the one tree is a saviour as it helps you to take rest under its shade after the critical tricky climb also the path we covered fully on sun light of the late noon. To gather further courage we must take rest and the tree provides you full support that great.

Now we were climbing on the scree of around 75⁰ in the alley but loose rocks and thorny herbs, till the third water cistern we climbed by helping each other then took rest there. Had the cool water of the water cistern. Taking some time rest we again started further climb on the alley and scree and reach at the point from where few yards straight walk and again climb. One by another we were climbing, now the risk part was at the right side as the fall will be at right side but not that much dangerous than previously covered path. Few tricky climb led us at the extreme top from where there was no further climb required, the Shivaji statue was visible from there which was around 250 mtr distance and straight walk was required to reach there.

Just we had the view of surroundings and how top we reached; really it’s scary as we were at the top covered pretty height. We spotted few eagle flying around the top. Far Surrounding are with the hills covered, like the Haji Malang, Irshalgad, etc.

Now without any further delay, we started completing the reaming part of the hike to make the trek successful and memorable one. The walk is straight, only at the end, there single rock to cross which is little risky but we crossed that easily and carefully. Now we were at the feet of Shivaji statue at 2:30 pm and with double happiness as we made the trek success and we were the luckiest person to reach at the top out of all the trekkers. The happiness can’t be compared with any other success, a trekker can explain the level of happiness by reaching at the top of mountain. With full satisfaction and gratitude we shouted with joy.

The surroundings looking more beautiful than visible from the bottom of the mountain. Because the view added with success and satisfaction of great achievement. So, this proved that “Dar ke age Jeet Hai”, we were getting scared to climb, now see we won the challenge to the invincible climb.

We took rest there, had chit chat, photo session. Still there was little worriedness in everybody’s mind that return would be more risky and tricky and its better to complete the same asap and get out of this tension.

Clock ticked 3 pm and we decided to return back without any further delay. Though descending was risky but quicker than ascend, quickly we reached at the water cistern where we took rest and had water. In 3:30 pm, we started again the descend with extra cautious mind as there would be mistake accepted otherwise straight fall down. At risky parts, we were guiding each other and this way we reached at the bottom quickly and safely. So, the tension was over and we were feeling little relaxed as no more risky ascend/descend is there.

Then returned back to the cave though the walk was little risky but compering the risk part we covered it was feeling nothing and easily we crossed, though again got the sever cramps in the thighs and further walk was impossible, gathered the courage and reached at the cave in very difficult and painful walk. Just laid down on the floor and there was no power to walk further and the 3^rd cramps made me too weak.

Other people were waiting for us and cheered us for the success, still in pain I expressed my happiness to them and thanked them for their support. Really its very much cooperation from both the group without whom today success was not achievable, both of them gave me cooperation, company and confident to achieve the same.

Clock ticked 4 pm and my group asked me to join with them and return, as they were waiting for me so I joined with them and by saying bye to another group (with whom I climbed top) we started the descend. Though we were supposed to meet somewhere at the bottom.

There may not be further chance for getting lost otherwise it may more delayed as the darkness almost approaching and in winter darkness reaches very quick at the afternoon and mostly in the jungle. Now we got the correct path which was on the gully and straight forward and without any confusion, we could have saved our energy if we followed the path while ascending any way that’s another way of memory.

With continuous walk we were getting down and the group also quickly reached us and we together walked down. It was very lengthy route, after 1.5 hour of descend, we reached at the point where we took the wrong diversion.

Took some time halt there and again started descend, the descend was seemed to be more lengthy and not finishing. The darkness reached and we had to start our torch to walk further. Finally at 7 pm we reached at the bae village.

The first group took an auto to Badlapur station I couldn’t accommodated in the auto as already 5 members were there, said good bye to them and exchanged our contacts. I took lift from the person of the second group until Vangani station. Really they are very cooperative without whom it was more than impossible from me to make the trek successful. We too exchanged our contact number keeping in mind that on next trek we would check with each other.

That’s really great memorable and extreme adventurous trek I had in my life time indeed a thrilling experience and lot of great memory to cherish. Though this is not the end of the game, I am too much enthusiast for next such treks and no moral was down at all rather the moral got boosted to do some more like “Yeah Dil Maange More”

I was too much exhausted due to 12 hours of trek and all body parts started answering and no power to walk further, still gathered the courage and boarded in the train and after exchanging one more train, reached ay my destination

This way the great successful trek finished with lot of memory to cherish.

My same dialog, Love nature, care nature and save nature as we came from the nature only.

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