Sunday, January 26, 2014

Lohagad

Trek to the Iron Fortress of Maharashtra - Lohgad

Grade: Easy.
Treks for the Summers and Monsoon..

Altitude: 3450 feet above mean sea level.


A trek back in time machine to a period of Satavahana, one of the well preserved forts of maharashtra dating back to 30 BC. Explore the Iron Fortress of Maharashtra.


Altitude: 3000 Feet above mean sea level
Experience Category: Trek easy grade climbing a hill fort (around one hour to one and half hour climb; less than one hour to descend; plus time spend exploring the fort).

Location: Approximately 12 KM from Lonavala just of Lonavala - Pauna lake Road.

Best Season: Round the year.

Duration: One Day trip from Pune / Mumbai.

Who is for? Families with kids / Individuals interested in getting first time introduced to trekking with easy grade. 



Planned schedule for November 5, 2016


6:00 am Start from Mumbai / Pune by your own car/volvo/train/ST/Share cab

9:00 am Reporting time at Lonavala - Meeting point near Shivaji Statue near Lonavala Police Station, Main bazar road, 5 minutes walk from Lonavala railway station.
9:15 am Start for base village of Lohgad (30 minutes drive).
10:00 am Lohgad trek.. 1 hour to reach the summit
1 to 2 hours exploring the fort
12:30 pm start our descent from fort
01:30 pm start back from base village for Lonavala
02:00 pm Lunch at Lonavala, near Shivaji statue
Explore Lonavala market.. end of trek..

Trek fee:

Rs.800/- per person. (Rs.200/- discount for those who are travelling by their own transport till base village).

Includes: Travel from Lonavala to base village and back; Lunch at Lonavala; Trek management and guide; first aid; safety rope.


Excludes:

Travel from Pune/Mumbai to Lonavala.
For return trip travel from Mumbai to Lonavala by volvo add Rs.1,000/- extra. (valid only if you payment for trek and bus tickets are done in advance on or before October 20, 2016).
anything that is not included is excluded.
cancellation terms are applicable.


Click here for registration / bank details

Click here for other scheduled treks/camps/road trips/travel 


Click here for One Day Trek Checklist 

Experiences:


Easy Trek, Ancient Fort Exploration and Exploring Rural Countryside.


Scroll down to know more about Lohgad and places around Lonavala.. also if you would like to plan a custom trek for a group.






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Planned Schedule for custom trem:

Reporting at Lonavala 8:30 - 9:00 am

Departure to Lohgad by Local Transport (Van or Jeep)
09:30 am to 01:30 pm Trek to Lohgad and Exploring the Lohgad fort
01:30 pm Drop at Lonavala

Can also be done Noon to Evening Trek..

Start the descend post sunset.. ideal setting.


Rs.650/- per person. (Minimum billing for 6 persons to 10 persons) - 1 Guide Guides

Rs.550/- per person. (Minimum billing 11 persons to 25 persons) - 2 Trek Guides
Rs.450/- per person (Minimum billing 26 persons to 40 persons) - 3 Trek Guides

Click here for procedure for Registration / Bookings


Cost year 2015 includes:

Trek Support, Guide, and first aid.

Extra costs:

Transport by Non-AC transport from Lonavala to Base Village and Base Village back to Lonavala 
Per Non AC Vehicle cost -  Maruti Wan / Car Rs.2,000/- , Sumo - Rs.2400/-, 
Village Lunch: Rs.200/- per person. (veg).
Village Breakfast: Rs.75/- per person. (veg).


Commercial Terms / Cancellation Policy for One Day Trek Click Here


For transport cost (Ex. Mumbai / Ex. Lonavala) click here














Village food can be organised for an additional cost on advance notice:
Lunch Rs.300/- per person.
Breakfast Rs.100/- per person.

About Lohaghad Fort

One of the better preserved forts of the region it retains most of its medieval distinctive defense features and some of the spirit and gloss of its past grandeur. Must have been built during the reign of the Satavahana Empire (30 BC to 200 AD ) or possibly even before that.

The fort has 4 successive entrances or Darwajas, the Ganesh Darwaja, the Narayan Darwaja, the Hanuman Darwaja and the Maha Darwaja. All the doors are still quite strong and are located on the serpentine ascent of the fort. The hanuman darwaja is the oldest of the quartet The remaining three doors were built by Nana Phadnavis, The space between the second and the third door contains some cellars used as granaries. On entering the Maha Darwaja there is a structure that houses some tombs. Further along the fortification is a spacious rock cut cave called the Lomesh Rishi Cave.

Many water tanks dot the area one with a natural spring in it containing fresh clean water. A Mahadev temple adjacent to which is a tank with steps descending to the water. A narrow spur of the fort stretches westwards in sweeping curves both sides are girded with fortification and the westernmost tip is guarded with a bastion. The spur seems worthy of its name ‘ Vinchu-Kata’ (the scorpion’s sting) From here one can descend to the ‘Gai - Khind’ a col and head towards Visapur.



Lohagad is 3400 feet high and is very wide spread fort.

Located about 52 km from Pune, around 15 km from Lonavala and approximately 115 km from Mumbai.






More information on Lohgad



From Mumbai, you can take a train to Lonavla. Malavli is the next station from Lonavla in the direction towards Pune, you can take a local train from Lonavala or Pune to reach here. 

From the Malavli railway station, the fort is hardly 9 km away. Vehicles can reach the foot of the hill. From there, which is near a village called Lohagadwadi, there are steps to the fort, numbering approximately 500.

However, people can also walk all the way to the fort. Bhaja Caves is on the way to Lohagad if a small diversion is taken. This walk is a particular favorite of trekkers, especially in the monsoon season. It is a simple and easy trek and the distance from Malavli station to Bhaje gaav takes about 20 min. The distance between Malavli and Lohagadwadi can be covered in around 2-2.5 hrs. The trekking route becomes mucky when it rains and trekkers will have difficulty walking to the fort. The walk is very enjoyable, especially the picturesque scenery, lush green grass, cool mountain air, and the pleasant salubrious climate. A variety of birds and insects can also be spotted in these hills. There is a way to reach by road. There are two different routes to reach the base of Lohgad by car.

For people traveling from Mumbai, the route is via Lonavala. If starting from Pune, take old Mumbai Pune highway. Just after you cross the toll plaza before lonavala, keep to your left until you cross “Manshakti”. There is a Y-type left turn just after “Manshakti”. Take that left and drive for another 200 odd meters to take the very first left again. You are on the way to lohgad after crossing the place called “Bhangarwadi” from where it is just 8–10 km. If you come across a railway crossing and Mumbai-Pune highway twice, you are on right track. You are on way to Paud, continue until you reach “Dudhiware Khind”. Just before it, take a left for Lohgad. From there it is around 4 km max. The road ahead is very steep with couple of sharp turns, but safe.

For people traveling from Pune city, the route is via Chandani chowk, Pirangut and Paud. After reaching Paud, take a right and drive for around 40-odd km. Just after you cross “Dudhiware Khind” you will reach the same place. Take a right for Lohgad base.

It is a tar road and you can comfortably reach the “Paytha”. It’s a wonderful place and should be tried in between mid August to mid September, when you can still have rain but the intensity diminishes.

When it rains, the top of the fort is covered with mist and clouds and becomes particularly wet. It is advisable to carry protective gear during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September). Further, food is not easily available on the route. Most of the food stalls sell water, poha, tea/coffee, snacks, and soft drinks.

A panoramic view of the Pawna dam can be seen from the fort.

Near by experiences: (Be a exploring traveler)


Lohgad Boat club with Farm House Dhaba on banks of Pauna Lake is a cool experience to explore.


One can also drive on the other side of the hill to explore ancient Bhaja and Karla Caves.


Option only for good trekkers can try climbing Visapur fort the twin fortress next to Lohgad fort.


Lonavala is a good place to have your breakfast before you head for Lohgad for a trek and during evening try famous Chikki and Fudge at Lonavala market.


A drive from lonavala towards Ambi Valley will bring you across Lion Head Point of Tiger Valley that has an enchanting view from an altitude of over 3000 feet.


Driving further towards Khandala on the way back one can also stop over at Rajmachi View, to get a glimse of Rajmachi Fort (Shrivardhan and Manranjan)



Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):
Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA
Account No.: 50200006370273
Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited
RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019
Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD., 
JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,
WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA


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Tikona

Trek Category: Easy to Moderate

Next Schedule Trek Date: July 3rd, 2016.


Hanging high dauntingly at 3500 above mean sea level There is lots of archaeological treasures yet to be discovered in this Pyramid mountain fort that promises lot of adventures and surprises as one climbs up till the summit.


Experiences: Nice Road Trip along the approach road while reaching the base village (view of mountains; valleys and lakes); Hill Climb, Exploring Fort, the summit has a great 360 degree view of the surrounding region.


Grade: Moderate


Altitude: 3500 Feet


Location: 20 KM from Lonavala and 60 KM from Pune.


Season: Round the Year (Magical in Monsoon)..

Follow Asif's board Nature Knights - Tikona Fort on Pinterest.

The main ridge connecting Tikona Man Entrance


Celebrating after Bale Killa Conquest
Suggested Planned Schedule: (July 3rd, 2016)

Start time for travellers from Mumbai 5:45 am
Pickup points:
6:00 am Andheri West (Opp. Merwans bakery, SV Road, 5 minutes walk from station; opp. Bhrahmakumari Hospital)
6:00 am Andheri East, Near Bislery factory, Western Express Highway near Signal.
6:10 am Along highway (Vileparle; Santacruz and Bandra - Kalanagar Bus Stop).
6:20 am Sion Station.
6:40 am Chembur (After Diamond Garden Signal).
7:00 am Vashi (Junction of Station road and Highway).
7:30 am Mc Donald (at Junction of Express Highway; before Panvel)
8:15 am Arrival at Food Court.. Freshen up and Breakfast break
9:10 am Lonavala (near Kumar Resort) Highway
10:10 am Arrival at Base Village
 Start Trek to Tikona Fort
12:30 pm reach summit, explore fort
Carry Packed lunch / Snack for meal break at fort
02:30 pm Start return trek
04:30 pm Arrival back at base village
Return journey to Lonavala / Kamshet
Evening Tea/Coffee at Food Court 
9:00 pm Arrival back in Mumbai


Trip Fee: (July 3rd)

Rs.1200/- per head.
Includes
Trek Management
Safety Gear
Travel by private vehicle (Mumbai - Lonavala - Tikona Peth and Back)
Packed breakfast
Evening Tea / Biscuits 

Excludes
Meals 
Bottled Water

Checklist for Tikona Trip July 3rd, 2016

Loose comfortable clothes 
- Track pants or Leggings or Comfortable trousers
- T-Shirt (Dry fits preferred); or Comfortable shirts (full sleeves)
- Trekking Shoe or Tough Canvas Shoes
- Cap or Hat
- Rain Wear (Rain coat or Poncho). Small umbrella for people who like photography 
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water (in proper pet bottle - not disposable bottles) - 2 liters per head.
- Snack Bag (Dry Fruits; Chocolates; Sandwiches; Fruits; Salad item; anything easy to prepare and carry).
 - personal medical kit
- all items to be packed in backpack
Do not carry music system or any thing that makes sound.



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Checklist for one day treks





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Overnight Camping with meals:  click here

Note: Our guide/s will travel with the guest from Mumbai.


Exclusions:

Bottled Water or other beverages other than mentioned above not included, Tips not include.
Anything that is not included is excluded.

To design Custom trips for large group kindly get in touch with us separately.




About Tikona Fort

Tikona  also known as Vitandgad is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km from Pune 20 km from Lonavala, around 120 km from Mumbai. The village nearest the fort is called Tikona-Peth or Tokono-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle".

The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', a water tank and some Satvahan caves. The fort summit also has a commanding views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur.  There is a small ponds and water reservoirs  at and near the summit.


Tikona Fort as seen from a distance - has Trigular shaped like Pyramid hence the name "Tikona"

How to reach there?
From Lonavala take left from Kumar Resort after Shivaji Putla at Lonavala follow Pawna Road after crossing Pawna Dam take the road on the right going towards Paud. The vehicle will climb ghat road to road till Tikona Peth (Base Village); take the village road going straight going towards the start of the trek. Lonavala to Tikona Petch (distance 20 km).
From Kamshej take Paud road, after Panna Nagar follow Paud Road till Tikona Peth. From Kamshej to Tikona Peth approximate distance 15 km.


View from Summit


History
Little is known about the origins of this fort. There is a Vihara on the fort datable to circa seventh-eight centuries A.D. Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and annexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657, Shivaji brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohgad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur. This fort was a strategic nexus: the centre of control for the entire Pawana Mawal region. In 1660, Dhamale family one of the Deshmukh from Maval region was charged with ensuring the security of fort Tikona. Jaysingh invaded the region in 1665 and the local villages were by Dilerkhan but the forts held out. Tikona fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region together with Halal Khan and others, according to the Treaty of Purandar signed on 12 June 1665. Kubad D Khan took over the fort on 18 June but it was later recaptured by the Marathas.

Click here for Camping and Adventure Sports Options



Tikona down hill during nigh trek
Climbing up the exposed steep stairs
One of the many secret caves at Tikona Fort
More picture




The Chakki




View from Tikona



Entrance to Bale Killa (The fort inside fort)

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Ladakh 2014 - Stok Kangri Base Camp Trek

Promo 009 : Stok Kangri Base Camp Trek

Tour Code: Ladakh 2014 - SK-9N10D

July 25, 2014 (Fixed Departure)



Day 1 Arrive Leh Airport and Transfer the Hotel rest for acclimatization, evening visit Shanti Stupa back to the hotel. O/n Leh

Day 2 Tour of Hemis, Thiksey , Shey monastery, 3 Idiots School Campus Sindhu Darshan back to hotel O/n Leh

Day 3  Drive to Shang 12,000 ft to Shang Phu 14,250 ft (5 - 6 hours walk)
An hour drive to Shang. The 6 hour trek is a gentle ascent all along. The trail is a well paved for the first hour and a half.
Continues on the stony stream bed and finally an ascent over meadows to reach Shang Phu. Grade: easy

Day 4 Shang Phu 14,250 ft to Matho Doksa 14,500 ft , viaShang Phu La 16,750 ft (6 hours, walk )
A steady ascent over surprisingly green flowery meadows. The trails climbs steadily till Shang Phu La and then follows a quick steep descent.
The last hour is a gentle walk down to the camp site.

Day 5 Matho Doksa 14,500 ft to  Gangpoche 14,550 ft via Matho La.14,850ft (3 hours walk)
Ascent to Matho la followed by a descent and mild ascent again to Gangpoche.

Day 6 Gangpoche 14,550 ft to Stok Kangri Base Camp (16,300 ft) (7-8 hours walk)
Long ascents and descents to Stok Kangri base camp.

Day 7 Rest day at Stok Kangri Base (16,300ft)

Day 8 Stok Kangri Base (16,300ft) to Stok village (11,800ft) and drive back to Leh. (6 hours, 12kms)
Long gentle descent with intermittent ascents.O/n Leh

Day 9 Free Day in Leh O/n Leh


Day 10 Drop at Leh Airport Services ends 

We also have fixed departure on July 25th, 2014.
Minimum bookings 6 persons for fixed departure.
Rates for fixed departure: Rs.34,000/-. for individuals on twin sharing basis under Deluxe Category.



Package Type 009
Min. 02 pax
Min. 04 pax
Min. 06 pax
Min. 08 pax
01 Vehicle
01 Vehicle
01 Vehicle
01 Tempo Traveler



/ Maxi Cab
Standard
Rs. 43,965/-
Rs. 31,879/-
Rs. 27,570/-
Rs. 25,013/-
Deluxe
Rs. 45,865/-
Rs. 33,983/-
Rs. 29,742/-
Rs. 27,183/-

Ladakh 2014 - Golden Trans Himalayan Safari with Tsomoriri

Promo 008 : Golden Trans Himalaya Safari with Tsomoriri Lake
Ex Chandigarh Ladakh Tsomoriri  Srinagar

Tour Code: Ladakh 2014 - GTH-11N12D



Day 1 Chandigarh  to Manali We start to head towards Manali the central destination of Himachal Pradesh to drive through Mandi Swarghat  O/n Manali

Day 2 Manali Solang Valley Rohtang Pass Koksar Keylong O/n Keylong

Depart Manali early in the morning our first halt is Marhi A barren landscape offering extensive views of the valley and the mountains. We proceed to Rohtang Pass 3790 M is most popular with visitors, being one of the highest road point and gateway to LAHAUL and SPITI valleys. Pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snow from November end to May end. Visitors can drive upto MARHI below ROHTANG with similar high altitude topography, forest of Birch, Fir and Spurce.Once we cross the Rohtang Pass border we are in the Barren Himalayas with the landscape completely changing Khoksar is the first village and gate way to Lahaul Night stay in Keylong

Day 3 Keylong Jispa Darcha our drive through Baralacha Glacier Mountain cross over, zing zingbar water fall our destination Sarchu O/n Sarchu Swiss Camp

Enroute Darcha is situated at the junction of Yotche nullah and the Zangskar chhu which takes off from the Shinkun la. Both these nullahs meet with the main river Bhaga at this place. The valley broadens out from Darcha. The altitude of Darcha is about 3500 m. which makes it an ideal base camp for acclimatisation. Darcha is the jumping off point for treks to Padum over the Shinkun la or Baralachala and Phirtse la and for treks or mountaineering expeditions to Leh and peaks of Chandra Bhaga series. However no tourist bungalow or rest house facilities are available on either side of the nullahs. A police check post is also there. Darcha is the last village where one can see sparse growth of trees. Beyond Darcha not even a single tree can be seen on either side of the highway. Landscape starts looking desolate and absolutely barren. Glance  at JISPA. This beautiful spot is 22 kms away from Keylong and 4 kms ahead of Ghemur The village is situated at the junction of two nullahs with the main river Bhaga. Jispa has a very large dry river-bed, a rarity in Lahaul.Jispa is a new tourism centre coming up with the monasteries of Yarji and Photang where his Holiness the Dalai Lama gave the Kal Chakra sermon a few days back to the Buddhists all over the world. The mountaineering Institute of Manali has a sub centre here for adventure tourism. Sarchu is the last inhabited point in Himachal Pradesh on the Manali-Leh route- which is regarded as one of the highest highways in the world. Arrive in Sarchu and check into your Camp.  Overnight in Camp

Day 4 Sarchu to Tsomoriri Lake Tsomori-ri is the Biggest Brackish water Lake O/n Tsomoriri Swiss Camp

Early Morning afer breakfast drive from Serchu to Tsomoriri passing Puga  (Sulphur Mine), Tsokar Lake, Skyang chu Thang Skyangchu Thang (Biggest and Highest Plateau on Stretch of 42 Kms, Enjoy your pack lunch at Pang, post lunch leave for Tsomori-ri arrive at the lake campsite by evening

Day 5 Tsomoriri Lake Karzok Mahey bridge to Leh . O/n Leh

Day 6 Depart by surface .Tour ofKhardungla Pass ( Highest Motorable road) Nubra Valley and Hundur Sand Dunes   O/n Swiss Camp Nubra Valley

Tour of Khardungla Pass 18832 Ft , Nubra Valley and Hundur Sand Dunes  Drive 120 Kms 4/5 Hrs ( Temperatures below Freezing point at Khardungla Pass) ensure to carry heavy winter clothes as most of the time this pass has snow .Khardungla is the World's highest motorable road at 18832 feet above sea level. At Khardungla pass the snow capped peaks and the mountain views are amazing. The road then passes through a bridge laid on Glacier which finds its way in Guinness Book of world records , Drive through the Valley which is extremely beautiful for photography.Nubra Valley is the Oasis of Ladakh as you see some colourful trees in this region. Later reach your camp  visit the Sand Dunes if lucky you will get the sight of the Two Hump Bacterian camels, enjoy time at  the Sand Dunes of Nubra valley spread across Hundur Village . Over Night at the camp

Day 7 Deskit Khardungla Pass back to Leh Hotel O/n Leh

After Breakfast proceed to  Diskit monastery which is 515 years old situated on a hill top giving panoramic view of the valley later walk around the town of Diskit which has a small village market. Proceed back to Leh cross Khardungla Pass once again and reach Leh. Later we will visit Singhu point (Indus river where all the Singhes pay holy bath) and Stok Museum. The Stok palace and museum is around 200 years old. The palace and museum at Stok is a showpiece for the royal tankhas, royal crown, dresses, coins, precious stones and turquoise head dresses.return back to the hotel for Dinner over Night at the Hotel in Leh.

Day 8 Tour of Pangong Lake Changla pass Man Village . Explore Pangong Lake O/n Swiss Camp

An early start to the day for our visit to Pangong Lake at a distance of 155 kilometers. This beautiful turquoise colored is worth its drive and time. Its value for your effort and money. Half of this beautiful lake is in under the Chinese occupation The visit to the lake involve crossing of Changlha pass. Enjoy Sunset and Sunrise with changing colours of Pangong Lake. Camping overnight at Pangong lake is a life time experience.

Day 9 Pangong experience the Turquoise lake sunrise  back to leh via Thiksey Monastrey and enjoy Free time O/n Leh

Day 10 Leh Magnetic Hill Pathar Sahib Alchi Lamayuru monastery the oldest in ladakh Moonlanscape Mulbek reach Kargil O/n in Kargil 

After Breakfast drive to Indus River. Rafting for 4 to 5 hrs And sightseeing points Basgo Palace, Liker Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar SahibMagnetic Hill,

Sightseeing tour of Moonlandscape, visit LAMAYURU)The Oldest Monastery of Ladakh Giant Statute of Maitreya Buddha in Mulbekh check into your hotel in Kargil Overnight in Kargil  


Day 11 Kargil Drass War Memorial  Zojila Pass Sonmarg ( meadow of Gold ) evening 30 mins Shikara Ride . O/n Srinagar House Boat

5.00 am proceeds to Srinagar via Drass. The second coldest inhabited Place in the world. Experience the splendid view of Kargil famous Peaks Tiger Hill and Tololing Peak. At Vijay Smarak we shall pay homage to the martyrs of the Indian army. Arrive Srinagar by Afternoon. Rest day for free to do your own activities. Overnight in Srinagar House Boat


Day 12 Srinagar Airport transfer Services ends




Package Type 008
Min. 02 pax
Min. 04 pax
Min. 06 pax
Min. 08 pax
01 Vehicle
01 Vehicle
01 Vehicle
01 Tempo Traveler



/ Maxi Cab
Standard
Rs. 79,708/-
Rs. 50,702/-
Rs. 41,033/-
Rs. 41,274/-
Deluxe
Rs. 82,785/-
Rs. 53,779/-
Rs. 44,110/-
Rs. 44,351/-
Super Dlx
Rs. 83,121/-
Rs. 54,114/-
Rs. 44,446/-
Rs. 44,687/-
Luxury
Rs. 87,798/-
Rs. 58,791/-
Rs. 49,122/-
Rs. 49,364/-
Premium
Rs. 96,721/-
Rs. 67,714/-
Rs. 58,046/-
Rs. 58,287/-
Ladakh Sarai
Rs. 85,770/-
Rs. 56,764/-
Rs. 47,095/-
Rs. 47,337/-
Zen Resort
Rs. 94,043/-
Rs. 65,037/-
Rs. 55,368/-
Rs. 55,609/-