Harishchandragad via Nalichi wat

Still confused. How and where to start? This trekking, I just strike with most memorable experience I got at the end of the day, Saturday. In my guides words, here it is. "Experienced flash flood like situation first time in my life during harishchandragad nalichi wat trek... Where dry route turned into roaring waterfalls and water level raised to up to 3 ft in less than 5 minutes.. This happened at 8 in the night.. It was completely dark in the jungle.. It was horrifying and unique situation.. Another memorable experience added - Prasad." Nothing was ever thrilling in my life before this experience. Hats off to Harishchandragad.

Trek was beautiful, horrifying, demanding, challenging, testing and tough and blah blah blah. No words. The most important thing I realized, This trek taught me so many things. So many things I never taken much seriously before. It changed my view of judging myself. It changed me internally. I am so sure when I will be standing in those Sahyadry Hills, I would not be me, I would become one of those Hills. I want to be like it. "Mighty". I am sure, I will cry one day on return from the trek that why it ended and why I couldn't stay there? I feel this time, that hills are live. alive. I wanted to talk to it. I feel that Sahyadry is one of my friend now and I miss him a lot.

Well, we started our journey from Pune on Saturday morning. Reached belpada village  around 12. Prasad gave us short introduction about hill fort and our trek route. Kokankada was looking beautiful from base like cobra hood. Taking steps, one by one, I came till Nali. Expecting two patches of vertical rock to climb while actually faced with 4. so, first was much high and tough. It was getting dark when we were climbing to it. and after that, within 10 minutes it goes completely dark. we covered second patch too. Team organizers were always there to help us get through. We took torch out. Everyone was asking how much remained to climb and only one answer - "10 / 15 minutes." lately realized, question is not right now, we have to do it. weather it would take on hour, two hour or whole night. but hoping that it will end soon.

And here, Rain started. Within really, five minutes, water level increased. we were crossing same path followed until, with little difference, water... Level up to knees. We could see nothing. Torch was helping a little. Taking support of trees side by, avoiding big floods, but when no option, go through it. We took stop at waterfall. I was thinking that we would might take turn here, so everyone stopped. but... My heart stopped when I saw a waterfall the way that, we have to climb on it. And now, no back out. It was like, oh my god. I decided in mind, that I will climb first. Just to avoid fear. I was third climber and I know, how much I was scared to death. I reached on top, fully exhausted. But literally thrilling. Same patch could became easier if water was not there. But...

And unexpected, I followed Prasad for next route, and I slip. Picture of waterfall strike my mind, and I was just my god I am going to go down from where other people are climbing up. but It was little patch. So I stopped. I don't get any injury externally, but mad me, I was holding torch in my mouth to keep my hands free while climbing, and torch it hits inside my mouth and there started bleeding. World spins around me. I started crying. It was so painful. I took water took two minute break. And I realize, I have to reach till tent. I grab my Didi's hand. and after half an hour, we reached till base. whole road I was so scared to make steps. I was just following her. Trailer ended.

I was not able to eat. So I slept in the condition only. Bleeding stopped around after two hours completely. It was not paining. so I tried one bite of food wishing if I could eat. And... That was my big mistake. It was horrible. Pain was straight through head. 30 people of group were around me. And again, I couldn't stop. I get shawl around me, and burst and cried. I cried almost for two minutes. No one could do anything. After that, I didn't even dare to take pain killer. Thinking it can make situation worse.

Trek organizers, Pooja and all girls were so nice. They took so much efforts to build a camp site. Which doesn't last long after evening heavy rain. after rain passed, they again make it to spend night in. We were thinking ourselves lucky enough that at least got place to keep out head on. Three sisters together in one tent. Thanks to Didi to consider me for this trek. It was really supportive that I am on trek with family. Didi who takes all possible care she could take of me. She gives so many instructions before any trek and that are helpful too. And I do realized that how much that really mean. We should be prepared for any worst case situation during trek incidents.

On second day, I was just taking lemon juice, buttermilk, and juice. We came descend via Khireshwar route. It was nice day. I won't forget Kokankada. It was really beautiful. base village, we took lunch. I eat rice. It was nice. and back to Pune till 7pm on Sunday. In bus, people enjoyed  a lot, me too. Memorable and learning trek it was.

Now, as I keep on saying I learnt and realized so many things, few to share :
1. Never underestimate your(myself) effort, power, stamina and willpower. You(myself) are a positive thinking person and will always be helpful to others too.
My confidence on myself increased a lot.
2. I want to learn to use climbing rope. I wish to learn cycle and bike and drive. It can be helpful any time in life.
3. I want to bring there paint and canvas. I want to draw live paint there.
4. I got new friend. Sahyadry Parvat. First time I feel that though done with 20 around treks. now, Himalaya is calling me. I am wondering how beautiful it would be, and how It will treat me? Will it give me so many nice experiences? Will it be my friend too? How It would be?

Tikona Fort

A long pending fort to see, accomplished this weekend. Tikona. Nearby and easy. We took route from Chandani chowk. 7 people. We took snacks at Chandni chowk Pune. And headed towards Kamshet. I was meeting after a long time to my Garware college friends. It was nice. Climbing fort was easy. Route was totally covered with trees. Fort is really clean.
I feel very good after talking to Gadpal(). He is really doing a great job. I liked temple and around place. There is drinking water on fort, kept by Gadpal. We neither see any monkeys over there nor faced any major problem. While coming back, we faced heavy rain and lost each other. Then again get together at sai-leela dhaba at somatne phata, took dinner there and get back at home.

In my Didi's words -
One of d koolest trekky fort n finally done as it was one of d longest pending in d list wink emoticon wohha d koolest bike ride in mansion dayz( yeah which turned as if d route z not gonna to ever end though while returning... ) Tired N Exhausted faces still cherished one..Awesome one.

White river rafting at Kolad Kundalika river

It feels good to be lost in right direction.

First time done white water river rafting at Kundalika river near Kolad. Enjoyed its fullest.
Joy of doing something new gives me feel like, I am happiest person in the world. And amazing feeling like, Nothing could be more beautiful than this.
About a day, I planned it two times, postponed and finally, left to Kolad at 1 October. Their timing was sharp. So we left in the morning 4am. Started journey towards Kolad. View and climate at Tamhini ghat was refreshing. Looking sunrise through trees was nice. We took some photos nearby dam. I enjoyed the view. It was nice to be together. Enjoyed sister's company. It feels complete with all of them.

We reached to rafting starting point at 8.30 sharp. We just had little snacks and not much more. And, it was little scary when our guide was giving us instructions about everything. He teach us first, what is rafting like. Mug up with instructions like - back raft, forward raft, get down, stop, and hold. How to not panic if someone fell in the water. How to hold on paddle. How to help other person if I am on boat. And after that we started with "Ganapati Bappa Moraya".

We took photos before rafting. We gave camera to our guide for photo session in between rafting. For some time, we practised commands in calm water. Jyo didi was so scared that time. So I encouraged her as much I can. That was our starting point, one person from their group was alone in one boar before us for any instant help when needed. An ambulance was there for any help. we were on with life saving jacket and helmet. And, time was up. Second boat, having 7 people on it, gets ready after us and we get through river. Waves were just playing with us. We were right in middle of river. Rafting forward and experienced 12 points one by one.

After first two rapid flow points, guide makes us do "Mundi snan." scaring as hell. Specially for Deepali. He make us dip our heads in water in apposite direction. Water gone through nose, mouth and literally shivering. Water was cold. We were yelling and doing hoo-hoo-haa(3).... throughout three hours. After that, we did rounding boat around ourselves. Left side people keep rafting forward and right side people backward, and boat simply spins then. That was cool. One of person from our team, Reshma was made as titanic. She was at head of boat and one feels water mostly every time. Waves were going onto the boat. We crossed 6km.

After that, guide make us stand on boat edge. He showed us how to lock paddle on apposite side and stand on keeping body weight forward. We took photos in that position. Then, everyone settled down again. Then, he said to leave paddles in boat. We turned to outside the boat and left our feet into the water and guide pushed my Didi - Jayashri into the water. That was unexpected. One by one, he made us all to leave boat and we have to swim for around 2 km from there. Reshma was facing trouble that time. But Rajendra helped her understand how to cross water and she made it. She came till the end by swimming all by herself. I feel really proud for her. We do masti in water, took photos.

In the end, our boat and another one collide with each other, we teased each other, make race and attacked on them with water, taking it in helmets. Enjoyed that time. For the last time we do, hoo-hoo-haa and round spinning. Finally, at 12.15 we came out of water. We carry boat a little till road. We took a break there for half hour. Everyone was feeling warm outside since it was almost first half, spent in cold water.

Coming back, we took lunch at some dhaba. Gossip on way, sing songs in van and dropped home at 6pm nearby. Enjoyed the day a lot.
I wish to do rafting in future too, want to do 10 days rafting course so that I can learn techniques of rafting. However, want to do adventure rafting than on commercial one like this !!
I said yes to new adventures. so what you are waiting for?

Adventure Plus

It is a commercial adventure activity spot near Bhor in Pune. You can definitely enjoy a day there.
I was so excited for the trip. Because first time I was going to experience new adventures such as rope climbing and rock climbing. But experience was different.

The main attraction there was rock climbing. But when I was there, I felt, I saw that I might not be able to do it. Not now. I don't know why I feel like that. I observe others climbing up for an hour. After that, I decided to go for it. I tried. But I failed. I tried three times and I failed three times. Why did this happened? I know I want to do that and I will. How? Do I think I need guidance?
Rope activities were so nice and I liked all. Zip line was nice. I didn't do rafting. Actually I didn't have enough time.
Adventure plus me aur kuch bhi adventure nahi tha. But I don't feel crazy to go there again unless no other plans.
Bus traveling was nice. I did have got nice company of friends. And, I was happy throughout the journey. :)

Torna: Real beauty of Sahyadry

TORNA was the first fort taken by Shivaji Maharaj. It was garland of his first victory on this fort and therefore the name –TORNA. TORNA is also called prachandgadh because of it vastness. Torna fort is the best fort in Pune. It offers spectacular views of Sahyadri Mountains. Once you reach the top, there is a lot more to discover. 'Dhanya aahat tumhi shivray. Itkya kmi vayat sar kelat'.
We planned to leave Pune city at 6:30 am. Quite as expected, Jayesh - as usual time vr aala tr shappath. And he didn't pick up a call till 7. All other we were gathered at Shiwajinagar. We waited for then to come until 9am. So we were 8 people. Reshma, Chandya, Rajendra, Jay, Hemant, Deepali me and Ranga.

We took difficult road to the town. Torna is situated at Welhe taluka. It was really nice road. Climate was cloudy, and refreshing weather. We took breakfast and started to trek. First time for any trek I give shouted in name of Chatrapati Shiwaji maharaj.
All my friends got mixed up well. We did lots of gossiping while climbing up.
I didn't find Torna difficult to climb up. When coming down - one patch is really tricky, where we came down with the help of ropes. At high peak, everything was foggy. The thing to remember was earth and sky was feeling one. There was no difference between. That view was unique and wonderful. Which made me forget any worries, any tensions.
Water on leafs, sound of trees, raining and cold wind. Everything made Torna an awesome place.
That was one of nice trek I have done. I will always miss this climate over a year. I would like to see Torna again and again.
 We took dinner on coming way via Nasarapur highway. It was almost 9 pm when we reached to the city.
 I feet clear difference in surrounding. Looking into sky, I saw stars. That was amazing feeling. I have done with Torna. With new dream in mind - Shivneri now.

Highest peak of sahyadry - Mount Kalsubai

Somewhere deep in mind, every trekker wants to visit specific place. Heartily wishing to visit that place. One of such peak is Kalasubai. Most challenging and unique in its own ways.

It took two days to complete the throughout the journey there. We started travelling from Pune late night around 11pm. Gossiping throughout the journey, I didn't notice when morning came. I can still see that green view out of window in the morning 5-6 I was watching. Everything was becoming more and more clear. Bus was passing through all hills.

At the start you can see a huge mountain before you and your heart stops when getting to know that we have to climb its double height. Upper half of it was invisible and surrounded by clouds. Way was all green. Narrow passage to pass through all trees. Yup, you take almost 4-5 hours to reach to the top. I haven't even noticed that I Ascend this much height. Surprisingly covering distance step-by-step, I was reached to the top.

And, I feel there - power and speed of wind, because of which you are not able to stand up literally. I was scared that place is too small. Suddenly
I saw the thing that I will not forget for entire life. First time, I saw clouds in front of me. No I was not in that cloud. It was in front of me, and around me little clearance was there. It was huge cloud. Suddenly cold wind blows within that cloud. It moved to other side and a beautiful showering gets on village right below. I was watching raining from above cloud. It felt like I was not standing on earth, but in heaven.

Descend was memorable because of ladders. Ladders we crossed were on some height from ground, and long enough. They make me catch my breath. While descending down, feet became senseless. But sensations of epic happiness was flowing throughout the body. I was never this much happy for any trek before.

It was a unique experience I have ever had.

K2S Monsoon adventure race (CPX)

It was mixture of all feelings, little scared, lots of happiness, worried, unsure, nervousness, Exciting and thrilled.
(fog, cloud and dark, rain, descend, this time other competitors too and your patience). Challenge was all about your passion. Passion of trekking. Passion to test your stamina.

Race was getting conducted in different groups such as Intercollegiate, corporate all men, corporate mix (min one girl), open mix, and 40+ etc. 
Flag off was at 4.30. We started in corporate mix group. Unfortunately I am very slow on ascend. I was feeling so wrong, unwell that I was last one trekker in our group.
But then I thought about one who said 'don't compare'. Give your best. You have to prove yourself to only you and none other.
Taking in one pace all the time I do not stop more than a minute.
That's it. My head started spinning because I was climbing up. After taking water and reaching top, I was feeling good. After that, I didn't stop. Not even to take full breathe. I know, I was only thinking about end point where I wanted to reach in less than five hours. Doubtfully whether I will do it or not, I did it. We were at road until 9 pm.
Walking in the night I saw full moon. Lighting reddish-orange, rising, shining. Half covered with clouds which added more beauty to it by spreading its light throughout. It was most beautiful thing in world around me. I can just sit watching it infinitely. After two minutes, clouds took full cover we were moving on.

Surprising things get to happen almost for every trek. My friend Vivek who can do Himalayan treks also successfully suddenly got cramp in right foot. It was becoming very difficult for him to descend in such condition. We did have spray with us which helped us a lot. He didn't quit. Even he didn't say, he can't do ever throughout the trek.

And then comes tragedy. What route we descend, was unexpected, slippery. Totally challenging. Weather the trek is gone good for health too? Someone should not get hurt.  But willpower was all over mind because of which only we climb up on Sinhagad.
The fort which people used to cover in an hour or less, unfortunately we took five hours. I still can't believe.
Every step for me was heaviest. But in mind destination was fixed to reach. No matter what. And, I do. Though I was totally exhausted, hungry. When we reach on top, and got medal and certificate, that was awesome. More than awesome.

Suraj was the one, having full energy all time while trekking. Encouraging me to talk, to compete and to keep going. After all we are 'Trekkers Feet'

I wanted to scream loudly. As I always do, but this time I didn't have energy at all. We eat some snacks in cold at 2 am. We go to sleep in hut. But how can you can sleep. It was like one of my dream came true. I was in heaven. After an hour I was literally shivering because of cold so I went in hut where people were making rotis so it was warmer there.
I spend 2 hours there and in the morning 6 we came back to a city. My god, Sun and sunshine that was feeling warm and very nice.

I would like to come again and again to get such a thrilling and wonderful experience. Life should keep on teaching me to handle even the worst situations.