Sandhan Valley is otherwise called the Valley of Shadows (as the sun’s beams don’t reach the ravines). It is a terrific canyon in the Sahyadri Mountains. It is quite possibly the most difficult and charming trek in Sahyadri.
Situated close to Bhandardara close to Igatpuri, Sandhan Valley offers an adventure experience like no other. You don’t simply trek, you rappel, rock climb, enjoy bonfires, and camp under the brilliant sky. This trek is acclaimed for its unexplored status, excellent photo ops, and a path that is off the beaten path.
Best Time to visit
Any season is good to trek to Sandhan Valley, except summer. It gets hot and muggy and all your energy is sapped by persevering through the warmth, making the trek less enjoyable. Winter, autumn and even monsoon treks to Sandhan Valley are very essential and pleasant.
How to reach there
To get to Samrad village, you will have to arrive at Kasara or Igatpuri first.
- Road: Book a self-drive vehicle and drive down to Samrad village. The distance between Mumbai to Sandhan Valley is approximately 200 kilometers that can be covered in 4 to 5 hours. Or else, from Mumbai or Pune, you can take a state transport to Igatpuri-Ghoti from where buses are accessible to Bhandardara and take a common jeep from that point to Samrad village.
- Rail: You can take a train from Mumbai to Kasara. Take a Kasara Fast train from CST. Get down at Kasara and book a common jeep to Samrad. A lot of shared jeep rides are easily available. You can also use a long-distance train which stops at Igatpuri.
- Flight: There are no flights to Sandhan or closeby villages.
Trekking Route
Trekkers begin their trek at Samrad and within the first few hours, you’ll walk through shallow water bodies 2 to 4 feet high. Upon the slide you will go over Tarzan Swing Point, you will rappel and use a rope ladder after which there will be some cavern crawling.
At that point, you will slope down and climb among rock patches. There will be deep water pools to swim in, followed by wide rocks, and afterward, you will arrive at the camping spot.
Places of Interest
1) AMK Forts
At AMK Forts, Trek uphill to find the ancient forts of Madan, Alang, and Kulang, just in case you’re not exhausted completely from the Sandhan Valley Trek. These are demanding climbs, so maybe rest in Bhandardara for a day and afterward go trekking once more.
2) Ratangad Fort
Embrace one more exhilarating trek in Bhandardara to Ratangad Fort, through a moderately steep climb.
3) Nanhe Ghat Waterfalls
Visit this wonderful waterfall in Ratanwadi, a couple of kilometers from the base camp.
4) Bhandardara attractions
Visit the various mesmerizing and pleasant waterfalls in Bhandardara, like Umbrella Falls, Kalsubai Peak, Randha Fall, and furthermore visit Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake and walk around the enchanting town of Ratanwadi.
Food
There will be no food available as it is a shadowed gorge trek, with no residence around. However, there are a lot of home-cooked meals offered by Samrad village locals who cook new and hot Marathi food, including bhakhri, poha, upma, bhaji, dal, and rice. Have a healthy and full breakfast before you start the trek, carry food with you for the night, and upon descent, have a decent lunch in Dehne or Samrad. Trek operators will give you food if you travel in a group trek.
Return Journey
Keep descending from the pond through delicate slopes and a river bed trek and arrive at Dehne town, from where buses are accessible to Asangaon station. On the other hand, return through a similar path back to Samrad and return a common jeep to your location, or stay at Bhandardara for an extended vacation.
Safety & Travel Tips
- First-time trekkers should not try this trek without a guide or a trekking operator.
- Carry energy bars, mosquito repellents, and a jacket.
- Pack light and carry a comfortable backpack.
- Carry a power bank and a DSLR camera if conceivable.
Try not to pass up the opportunity to explore this trek at the most punctual. It has rave review from trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, and normal voyagers as well