Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Kalsubai

Trek to Kalsubai Highest Peak in Maharashtra (One Day Trek with Overnight Travel).


Experiences: Adventure Trek, Scrambling, Summit Climb, drive to the base village goes through rural countryside of Maharashtra.

Custom Trek.. 




Trip Fee:
Rs.2000/- per head. (Multiples of 6 persons), Transport Tavera / Scorpio equivalent. will accommodate upto 6 participants + 1 Guide. for group size of 12, 2 guides..

Rs.1750/- per head. (Multiples of 20 persons). Mini-Bus will accommodate upto 20 Participants + 2 Guides.

Includes: 

Travel by private transport.
Guided Trek
Village Breakfast, Fixed packed dry Snack for trek from our side (note: we recommend that you carry personal snack pack like chocolates; salads; fruits; dry fruits etc) and Evening village Tea/Snack.

Excludes
Meals during transit, bottled water; or any-other items not specified.
Un-utilized resources will not be refunded.

100% Advance for registration

12:00 am Pickup at Andheri West, S.V. Road, Near Merwans Bakery
12:45 am Ghatkopar on Eastern Express Highway
01:00 am Mulund-Thane Toll Naka (Eastern Express Highway)
Route - Andheri  - Ghatkopar - Mulund - Thane - Kalyan (on highway) -  Igatpuri -  Bari



05:00 am arrival at Bari, rest and refresh at Temple / School Complex in village.
Village Breakfast
07:30 am Trek starts at Bari
11:30 am / 12:00 pm Expected to reach summit
01:30 pm Start Back
04:30 pm Back at Bari
Return Journey after tea at village.
09:30 pm / 10:00 pm Expected back in Mumbai
Return journey bus will take the same route as while going

Check list:
Attire - Trekking shoe / tough canvas shoe 
Cap; Track Pants or Leggings; Full Sleeves T-Shirt (preferably dry fits)
Rain Wear - Poncho or Rain Jackets
Rain Cap; Normal Cap
Personal first aid; (General 1st aid will be available with team).
Change clothes.. small towel (Leave back the change clothes in the Tempo).
Water bottles per person (Carry 4 of them) 2 of them for trek.
flash lights
Back pack to carry your person stuff for the day.

3 Plastic Bags.. 1 for keeping our change clothes and 2 for double protection to keep all your belonging before you tuck them into backpack.



Kalsubai

Kalsubai Peak (Marathi: कळसूबाई शिखर) is the highest peak (1646 meters / 5400 feet) of the Sahyadris in Akole Taluka, of Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, an Indian state.

'Kalsubai' temple is located at the topmost peak Kalsubai, a local deity.  A traditional prayer (pooja) service is held every Tuesday and Thursday by a local priest. On Navratri occasions many stalls are set up atop the summit for the pooja materials. During the Navratri period, for all nine days, special poojas are carried out and idol is fully decorated.

To reach the summit there are various trekking routes and animal tracks. The main route starts from the village of Bari which is about six km from Bhandardara. To reach Bari, one has to travel to Igatpuri on the Mumbai Nasik route. From Igatpuri take the early morning bus (at around 5.00 am from the Igatpuri Bus Stand) going towards Pune and alight at Bari. Those who want to reach from Mumbai, easily travel through local train in morning hours and get down at Kasara station. From Kasara one can get buses and share taxis to get down at Bari. 


The main route to the temple is at small climbing slope. It usually takes three  to four hours to reach the top from Bari. Soon after leaving Bari, a small stream is crossed followed soon after by a Hanuman temple. The route from behind this temple takes the hiker straight to the summit. There are three iron ladders along this route. There is a well near the last iron ladder as one approaches the top but the water is not potable during the summer. The rest of the route is without water, so it is best to fill water bottles in Bari. It is an easy hike, but parts of it are quite steep in places.

The vastly spread out backwaters of Bhandardara attracts ones attention from the top. To the north of the mountain range forts such as Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai can be seen. To the east one can spot Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad, to the west Alang, Madangad, Kulang, Ratangad (south west) and to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad can be seen.


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Exclusions:
Food and Transport as per policy in inclusions para.
Food in transit not included (unless specified)
Bottled Water; Beverages not included (unless specified)
Tips; shopping; cost of insurance not included.
Road Tolls; Parking; etc not included (unless specified).
Anything that in not specifically listed in inclusions is excluded.
Any kind of insurance is not included.

cancellation policy with respect to your date of booking:
25% deduction of total camp fee booking amount for cancellation done before 21 days
50% deduction of total camp fee booking amount for cancellation done before 5 days 
No refund for an cancellation done in last 4 days before your event.
Un-Utilized Resources will not be refunded.


All cancellations have to be made by sending an email to asif@natureknights.net with CC to info@natureknights.net and offbeatmandala@gmail.com

Subject of Cancellation Should mention: Cancellation of Trip (Trip Name; Trip Date).
The email should also have your cell number and other contact details.

Check list for the trek (Dry season).
Attire

  • Track-pants; Leggings; Three-fourth pants
  • T-Shirt (Cotton or Dry-fits preferably full-sleeves)
  • Trekking Shoe or Tough Canvas Shoe with Socks
  • You may carry spare floaters 
  • Hat or Cap; Sunglasses
  • Rain Wear / Light woollens depending upon the season of trek


Other Essential

  • Pack everything in a proper haversack or backpack
  • Water bottles or Hydration pack
  • Personal medical kit
  • Flash light
  • Hand Sanitizer, Sun Screen, Sun Glasses etc.


Nice to have

  • Field Guide
  • Binoculars
  • Camera



Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Mountaineering Workshops 1 day

Introduction to Mountaineering Basics,  Introduction to safety equipment , Safety Protocols, Basic / Elementary Rock Climbing Techniques, Rappelling, and few Knots.

For Beginners.

Date: June 21st, 2014

Location Sanjay Gandhi National Park.







Planned Schedule

7:30 am Sanjay Gandhi National Park Main Gate
Introduction / Induction
Basics of Mountaineering
Boundering / Rock Climbing / Rappelling

3:00 pm Windup

Camp Fee: Rs.750 per head.
Limited Capacity

Camp Fee: Includes (Safety Equipment, Expert Resources, Activities and Workshop as mentioned in the scope).

Exclusions:
Travel cost not included: Drive down in your own vehicle or Car Pool.
Food: Carry packed breakfast and lunch; 3 liters water per head.

Scope 

Introduction to basics of Mountaineering
Safety Equipment's 
Basic Technique
Team Work
Team Work and Protocols
Basic Knots

Adventure Activity Basics (Basic Rock Climbing for beginners and Rappelling)



Little Tibet 2014

May 9, 2014  (Ex. Mumbai)

May 10, 2014 (Ex. Delhi)
May 11, 2014 (Ex. Mc Leod Ganj) 

Mc Leod Ganj, Dharamshala, Dharamkot, Triund,

Every House has a story; every village a legend..

A spiritual holiday with Walks in some of the Rich Conifer Forest, markets streets and hamlets soaked in three distinct cultures Tibetan, Himachal and Kashmir 

A Trek over the tree line; opportunity to stay in a forest lodge over looking Mighty Dauladhar Range

Home Stay in Forest Lodge McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot .. 

Write a whole new book in memories of your holiday library. An Offbeat Journey to the, "Little Tibet of India"



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Html Link of Widget: 

Camp Fee


Rs.16,500/ per head. (Delhi to Delhi).

A family with over three members will get 20% discount from 3rd member on-wards sharing the same room.

Delhi to Delhi (8 Days) May 10 to 17, 2014.


Summary of Planned Schedule
May 09 - Board Train for Delhi (Optional)
O/N Train
May 10 - Board Volvo for McLeod Ganj
O/N in Bus
May 11 - Exploring Foody Lanes of Dharamkot and Triund.. :)
May 12 - Little Tibet Culture Tour (Monastery, Museums etc)
O/N McLeod Ganj
May 13 - Dharamkot Circuit (Walking Trip in Conifer Trails)
O/N McLeod Ganj
May 14 - Triund Trek 
O/N Triund
May 15 - Return Trek / Evening Exploring Kashmir and Tibetan Markets
O/N McLeod Ganj
May 16 - Temple Circuit at Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj
Evening Volvo for Delhi
May 17 - Arrival in Delhi (Onwards Journey)

Details of Planned Schedule

Reach Delhi by Air or Train  

May 10, 2014 (Saturday)

Volvo from Delhi to McLeod Gang (Dharamshala), 

Overnight in Bus

May 11, 2014 (Sunday) 

Exploring the Unique Foody lanes of Dharamkot (The Lazy Home Restaurants on the edge of Valleys) and (The Terrace Top Cafes and Tibet Food Joints.. on McLeod Ganj's Colorful lanes .. :). The Bakeries etc.. 

May 12, 2014 (Monday)

Little Tibet Culture Tour (Monastery and Museums)



May 13, 2014 (Tuesday)

Breakfast at Forest Lodge

Exploring - Walking trip in Rich Confer forest trails of Dharamkot


Rest during noon

Evening Exploring Kashmir / Tibetan Market

May 14, 2014 (Wednesday)

Amazing One Day trek from Dharamkot to Triund and Back (A Walk above the clouds through the conifer trails).




May 15, 2012 (Thursday)

Return trek from Triund to McLeod Ganj

May 16, 2014 (Friday)

Local temple circuit and other places of interest.

Evening board bus for Delhi

May 17, 2014 (Saturday)

Arrival at Delhi.
Board train / flight for Mumbai..


Camp Fee Includes

Stay in clean self contained Forest Lodge Home Stay (Twin or Triple Sharing) - 4 Nights
Breakfast (As per standard menu agreed previous night)
Local site seeing Dharamshala (as per plan)
Trek to Triund (as per plan)
Overnight AC Volvo (Delhi to McLeod Ganj)

Does not include

Railway Transport (Approximate cost 3 Tier AC - Rs.1750/-).. Note: Train fare is subject to change.

Air Fare,
food during travel not included.
Lunch, dinner and evening tea not included.
Tips, personal shopping expenses, food had out side Forest Lodge
Does not include food during transit
Anything that is not included is excluded
Does not include any entry fee to Museum, Camera fee etc.
UN-Utilized resources will not be refunded.


SGNP First Monsoon Trek

June 22, 2014


Experiences.. The change of season, The First Booms of Monsoon, Peacock Dance, Abundance fresh sprout of greenery, Hill Climb, Exploring Heritage Caves that are over 2000 years old, First Blooms of the season, Plenty of flora-n-flauna 

Grade: Easy


Trip fee:

Rs.300/- 

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Includes Fee includes: Basic Breakfast at Kanheri Caves Canteen, Entry fee at Kanheri Caves, Management, Nature Excursion .. 

Breakfast - Sandwiches or Vada Pav or Kanda Poha with Tea. 

Exclusions:

Transport cost is not included in the trip fee (car pool or get your own transport).
Cost of any other item has to be borne by participant.  
Carry own packed lite lunch and water, rain wear. 

What to carry?
2 liters water per head (do not carry packaged mineral water; there are restrictions in all national parks regarding the same). Carry water proper PET Bottles or any other branded water bottle.
Carry packed brunch / snacks
rain wear for emergency.
person first aid; general first aid would be carried by the group lead.
Carry all items in backpack.
attire: Track-pant and full sleeves t-shirt (dry fits or cotton); canvas shoe or trekking shoe; cap or hat; apply sun screen; carry mosquito / insect repellent.
Nice to have: (Camera / Binoculars / field guide on nature / birds etc).

Dos and Don'ts 
We follow all rules of eco-tourism (minimum impact tourism)
Avoid causing any damage to flora, fauna and/or any monuments of archaeology and heritage significance. 
We take back only memories and leave only footsteps 

Meeting Place: SGNP (Main Gate, Borivali East) 

Travel arrangement (Car Pool) and/or Public Transport 

Kindly if you are travelling by your own transport or making a request for car pool.

Planned schedule: 

7:30am assemble at Main gate of SGNP (Borivali East) 

Travel Mode (get your car / bike / transport or Public Transport till Kanheri Caves)

Induction / Introduction 

Nature Trek

Exploring Uncharted .. 


Small Hill climb 


Small Snack Break / Team Games at Turning Point 


Return Trek 

Kanheri Caves Exploring

Windup 1:30 pm at Kanheri Caves


Expected time to be back at SGNP Main Gate 2:00 pm 



















Leisure Cycling

Cycling is one of the fastest growing sports in India and majority of these people are leisure cyclist who train regularly and take part in leisure events throughout the year at locations all in and around Mumbai also exploring in Konkan Regions and Hills Near Mumbai and Pune. 

There are few good challenging cycling routes in Himachal and Ladakh for a regular leisure cycling to go on a multi-day cycling trip.





Sleeply Colaba Pasta Lanes -Grand Regal Circle - Oval Maidan - Mantralaya - LIC HO - Air India Bldg - Marine Drive (queens necklace) - Chowpaty - Walkeshwar Road - Governor Hsg - Teen Bati - Baan Ganga - Hanging Gardens - Kemps Corner - Opera House - Marine Lines - Metro - BMC / VT CST Station - DN Road - Fountain - Kalaghoda - Prince of Whales - Pasta Lane - Cafe Mondegal.. click here to read on




Leisure Cycling - Mud Island Portuguese Route

Start from Andheri to Versova (Yari Road) and reach Versova Jetty. Cross the creek with your bicycles on ferry boats on the other side to Madh. Start cycling through fishermans’ small locality near madh to reach madh fort and madh island. Explore the virgin land with pin drop silence and unexplored land route. The fort is secluded and difficult to reach; explore old Church; Sleepy Hamlets; Koli Villages all along. click here to read on



Backpacking on Cycles (Fixed Schedule).
The World is the limit..

to be announced soon...


Experiences
Leisure Cycling in coastal cross country; Ferry ride; backpacking; Dhaba and rural food; culture; exploring coastal fort; sea fort; sailing the ancient way; beaches; cycling in sanctuary; Ancient Temples; Farms; Nature etc..



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Other Cycling Routes Recommended 
(Only Custom Events listed below with prior bookings, minimum lead time 7 days).

Lonavala - Rajmachi (Off Road Cycling, Trek and Fort Exploring)
Konkan Coast - Bhau-Cha Dhakka - Rewas - Nagaon - Revdanda - Korlai Fort and Light House


Leisure Cycling - Mud Island Portuguese Route

Cycling-Adventures


Start from Andheri to Versova (Yari Road) and reach Versova Jetty. Cross the creek with your bicycles on ferry boats on the other side to Madh. Start cycling through fishermans’ small locality near madh to reach madh fort and madh island. Explore the virgin land with pin drop silence and unexplored land route. The fort is secluded and difficult to reach; explore old Church; Sleepy Hamlets; Koli Villages all along.

Cycling at Mud-Island
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(Cycling at Mud-Island).

Versova - Mud Jetty - Mud Fort and Shiv Temple -  Dana Pani - Airangal Beach - Aksa Beach - Mud Jetty

Trip Fee:
 Rs.1500/- per head.

(Minimum 6 persons group).

Trip Fee includes:
Camp Fee includes breakfast and one unit of coconut water.
Cycle Rentals; Drop and pickup of cycles at Versova.
Ferry Charges 

Those who do not have cycles kindly get in touch with us well in advance for cycles on rentals.

Meeting Points:

6:30 am Seven Bunglows (Near. Costa Coffee, Nana Nani Park)
6:45 am Versova (Mud Jetty)
7:30 am Mud Fort and Shiv Temple
8:30 am Dana Pani Beach / Airangal Beach
9:30 am Aksa Beach (The Resort)
11:30 am Mud Jetty (We call it a day)..




Preparations and things to carry:


Minimal weight of your rucksack is recommended as load starts feeling later once you cycle further. Water bottle, sunscreen Cream, extra money, headgear/cap and sunglasses are must recommend. Avoid wearing dark color clothes and slippers/ sandles /heels. Jogging shoes are best for cycling. Waist pouches too can come very handy for things that require frequent usage during the day. You can carry packed lunch on morning till evening cycling days.


Be a Proud Eco Adventurist!


Bicycles provide numerous benefits compared to motor vehicles, including exercise, an alternative to the use of fossil fuels, no air or noise pollution, much reduced traffic congestion, easier parking, greater maneuverability, and access to both roads and paths. The advantages are at less financial cost to the user as well as society (negligible damage to roads, and less pavement required). 

Lesuire Cycling on Heritage Route - South Mumbai

Leisure cycling along Mumbai Heritage Route, with hearty breakfast at Irani Restaurant 


Experiences.. 


Route Redefined Sleeply Colaba Pasta Lanes - Apollo Bunder  / Gateway of India / Taj Hotel - Maharashtra Police HQ - Regal Circle - Museum -  St. Andrews Church (Scotts Kirk Church)  - Town Hall (Asiatic Library) - Horniman Circle - St. Thomas Cathedrel - Flora Fountain - D. N Road - Victoria Terminus (CST Station) -  Crawford Market - BMC HQ - Metro - Marine Lines - Chowpathy - Wilson College - Malabar Hill / Teen Bati - Kamla Nehru Park - Marine Line Stretch - Churchgate - Eros - Oval Maidan - Mumbai University / High Court - Regal Circle - Colaba and wind up at Irani with lite Breakfast (Tea/Coffee with Bun Maska or Caramel Custard). 

Date: Custom Trip.

Reporting Time: 6:40 am (Near Kailash Parbat Restaurant, Pasta Lane, Colaba)

Total Cycling distance: Approximately 20 KM at leisure pace.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

Endurance Rating for the trip:  Easy to Moderate 


Fixed Schedule Trip Fee - Rs.1000/- per head), for individuals.

Custom Trip Fee: 
3 hours - Rs.750/- (Only cycling in heritage route - Maximum 3 hours). 
4 hours - Rs.1200/- per head. (Cycling in heritage route - Maximum 4 hours with breakfast).

Extra Hour (Rs.200/- per hour per person will be charged).

Minimum Group Size: 6 Persons for custom trips.

Trip Fee includes: Cycle Rentals; Guided Cycling Tour; Breakfast at Irani Restaurant (Bun Maska + Coffee or Tea); with Double Omelette or Pudding or Custard.

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

Checklist for cycling:
  1. Cycling Shorts or Leggings or Shorts
  2. T-Shirts (Dry Fits); or Comfortable Cotton T-Shirt
  3. Rain Jackets
  4. Small Backpack to carry you personal stuff while cycling
  5. Carry few munchies like Chocolate Bars or Dry Fruits 
  6. Water (1 Liter per head)
  7. For Night Cycling also carry (Head Lamps)
  8. Sports Shoe
  9. Cap 
  10. Sun Glasses


Optional items recommended: 
  1. Cycling helmets
  2. Knee/ Elbow Guard
  3. Personal medical kit


Cancellation and other Terms:
  1. 100% advance to confirm your bookings.
  2. Un-utilized resources will not be refunded
  3. All cancellations to be done by sending email to info@natureknights.net with cc to asif@natureknights.net 
  4. Cancellation charges 20% of the total trip fee if done 30 days before trip date
  5. Cancellation charges 40% of the total trip fee if done between 29 to 15 days before trip date
  6. Cancellation Charges 60% if done between 14 to 5 days before the trip date
  7. No refund if cancellation is done less than 5 days from the trip date


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