Sahyadri range in Maharashtra offers various treks and every place has historic importance Bhimashankar trek is one the trek where you can enjoy dense forest,breathtaking views and test your endurance level.
How to reach base village:
If you go from Mumbai the following is the best way to reach the base village -Khandas.You will require around 2.5 hours time from Mumbai to reach base village.Road quality is not that good it will take more time than suggested by Google map.
How is the trek:
Bhimashankar trek is considered as one the tiring and longest treks in Sahyadri.Its moderate level trek which includes stream crossings, climbing ladders, simple rock climbing and walking through thick forest.
There are two trek routes -Ganesh ghat and Shidi ghat.One requires around 3.5 hours to ascend via Shidi ghat (ladder way ) and around 4 hours via Ganesh ghat. Approximately 2 hours are required for coming down.While going up we went by Ganesh Ghat way but came down by Shidi ghat.Shidi ghat trek is thrilling and adventurous.
We recommended that one should ascend via Shidi ghat and descend via Ganesh ghat keeping in mind that both ends at different points with a distance of about 2 km apart at base.
While ascending both trails merge, considered as halfway point of the trek from where there is only one path to reach the top.
For both trails, there are identification marks along the path so a trek guide is not mandatory.
Important tip:
There is one rock patch near the ladder which is risky and should be extremely careful. Rope is recommended for safety but not mandatory.
Food and water:
During trek you will hardly get anything to eat.We recommend you to carry Cary 2-3 liters of water. In monsoon, you can refill your water bottles from seasonal streams.At halfway local vendors sell water bottles and some packaged snacks items but availability is not guaranteed.
It is recommended that one should carry snacks to eat on the path. After reaching the top,there are few hotels and restaurants where you will get food.
Accommodation:
If you are planning to stay at the top near the temple,there are hotels,lodges.You can stay inside temple premises also.
If you want to start trekking very early in the morning, you can stay in a Temple at base village (Khandas), reaching before night.
Miscellaneous information:
Keep in mind that this trek requires a very long and tiring walk, one has to prepare beforehand.
We recommendation that one should try to stay near Bhimashankar temple or at base village or plan a two day trek if you want to visit all points and places at the top and on the way.
At base Village Khandas, there is a stall where you can have lunch,breakfast and refreshments.
Contact: Akshay Chinese centre
Dasharath Ainkar-8888449434, 8888125825
You can call and pre order the food.
