Overview
Sandhan Valley is one of the most intriguing natural features in India. This deep canyon in the Sahyadri Mountains is one of the most dangerous and difficult trek routes. Because sunlight does not reach the valley floor, the Valley of Shadows gets its name.
Sandhan Valley is a short distance from Bhandardara and Igatpuri. The Sandhan Valley trek is more than just a hike; it also includes rappelling, rock climbing, bonfires, and stargazing. Three forts surround the Sandhan Valley: Alang, Madan, and Kulang. The three forts are referred to as the AMK forts.
Why Should You Go on the Sandhan Valley Trek?
Walking through the narrow valley with 200-foot rock walls on both sides is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Descending the entire Sandhan valley is always a memorable adventure, and staying overnight along the reservoir side under the starry sky is the icing on the cake. Sandhan valley is located near Samrad village on the western side of the beautiful Bhandardara region.
The valley is surrounded by the mighty forts Alang, Madan, and Kulang, which form the AMK trek, Sahyadri’s most difficult trek. Ratangad, Ajoba, and Kalsubai Peaks are the highest 5400-foot peaks in Maharashtra’s mountain ranges. The nearby Ghatghar dam is a great undiscovered camping spot in Maharashtra.
Trekking Season in Sandhan Valley
There is no time limit for beginning this adventure. This is something that can be done at any time of year. You should, however, avoid doing so during the summer. As the temperatures rise, it will be difficult to enjoy the trek. The majority of your energy will be expended by enduring the heat. The trek is best done during the winter, autumn, or monsoon season.
Sandhan’s Rappelling
In some places, its width is less than three feet, and sun rays cannot even reach the ground. To reach the gorge’s end, you must pass through two water pools, the level of which varies depending on the season. In the winter, water reaches the waist, and in the summer, it reaches the knees.
With high cliffs and deep valleys, the view from the valley’s end is spectacular. You must rappel down one patch up to 45 feet in height as well as the famous Sandhan Valley rock patches.
Driving Directions to Sandhan Valley
Road distance between Mumbai and Sandhan Valley is 199 km
Sandhan Valley can be reached via Igatpuri and Bhavali – Kalyan – Kasara – Igatpuri – Bhavali – Ambewadi – Vasali Phata – Varaghushi Phata – Shendi Bhandardara – Panzare – Udhawne – Ghatghar Dam – Samrad village
The total distance between Pune and Sandhan Valley is 248 kilometres.
Via Sangamner Pune – Narayangaon – Alephata – Akole – Rajur – Randha falls – Ratanwadi phata – Shendi Bhandardara – Panzare – Ghatghar Dam – Samrad
Samrad Village is accessible by train
The best way to get to Sandhan Valley from Mumbai is to take a Central Railway train to Kasara. The train ride takes about two hours and forty minutes. It is best to check the Kasara train schedule ahead of time. A train to Igatpuri is another option, but Kasara is a better option because it has more local trains than Igatpuri, which only has outbound trains.
Places of attraction :
The Valley of Shadows and its environs
Bhandardara, a popular hill station 30 kilometres from Samrad, is an intriguing new discovery. It is less crowded than other Maharashtra hill stations. Sandhan Valley is an excellent location for taking in the rugged but beautiful scenery. In Bhandardara, the Wilson Dam, which was built on Arthur Lake, is well-known.
Bhandardara Lake also has camping facilities. There are hundreds of campsites nearby, though from a drone camera, they may not appear to be camps. The majority of Bhandardara’s campsites provide good food, barbeque, boat rides, and a safe place to camp with family, friends, or solo travellers.
Temple of Amruteshwar
11th century Shiva Temple in Ratanwadi village, 10 kilometres from Samrad. Ratanwadi is also the starting point for a trek to Ratangad.
The difficulty of the Sandhan Valley Trek
Treks are generally physically demanding. Every day may include walking for 6 or more hours across a variety of terrain. All of these trips require previous trekking experience. Please be in excellent physical condition, have all necessary equipment, and have planned adequate time for acclimatisation.
This is a difficult trek. Despite the fact that the majority of the trekking here is downhill. We must navigate massive boulders. The use of ropes and rock climbing raises the difficulty level a couple of notches. This trek received a rating of 3.7 out of 5 on a scale of 5.
Summary of the Journey
The Sahyadri trek is an unforgettable adventure that combines outdoor activities like rappelling with time spent in nature. Samrad village is surrounded by the AMK forts of Alang, Madan, and Kulang. Descending further from the pond leads to Dehne village, which serves as the starting point for the Ajoba hill trek.
State buses run from Dehne village to Asangaon railway station. It takes another four to five hours to return from the pond by climbing Karoli Ghat and arriving at Samrad village. Samrad Village is located in Ghatghar District, Ahmednagar State, India. Samrad is located near Rajur, Sinnar, Sangamner, Nashik, Junnar, and Shirdi.
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