Extreme Adventure at Chanderi

Trek to Chanderi fort's top - tough trek over an exposed route. Only for the experienced trekker !. Trekking time 8 hour. Location : Travel from Karjat (120 km from Mumbai, Maharashtra) to Vangani by local train, to Goregaon and then to Chinchli village by auto. To avoid the hot sun (cannot hold the rock when it is hot) and the strenous 8 hour trek in a day, one can climb to the cave for a night stay. Then climb the Chanderi top in next day morning and return the same day back.

Walk down to the water nullah (dried) to climb the small hill on the other side. The long ridge is parallel to the ridge coming from Mhasmal. Mhasmal is on the left side of Chanderi. Follow the cart road along the ridge to reach a water nullah. Approach the col of Chanderi - Mhasmal by following arrow mark on boulders. From the col follow the left track
to climb to the base of Chanderi rocky massif. The track on right side leads to a water tank and cave temple. From here one can see the exposed traverse route leading to a projection of the ghats where a flag and water tank are located.

The route up to the fort is through forest and is difficult to find, even though arrow marked by trekkers. So it is advised to take a Guide to climb to the top from the base village. Settle the guide fee (Rs 100) before starting the climb and communicate the intention of climbing to the top of the fort to reach the Shivaji statue. The climb to the cave at the base of the massif takes 2 hour trek. The route beyond this cave is forbidden for the inexperienced (a warning from the experience).

Take rest at the cave for an hour. From the cave the real thrilling climb starts. From the cave traverse the rocky massif. After 15 m walk the track climbs down to reach a track below over an exposed traverse of the rock wall. The route leads to a projection where there is a flag and a water tank are located. On the steep route facing the water tank, one can see finger hold carved in rock in the form of a 1.5 metre long horizontal track. From there, a rock staircase leads to the top in a very exposed route. be careful in the climb as the gradient is high and the route is exposed due to insufficient holds. The route leads to a water tank with drinking water and then to the top. On top, at extreme end one can see the Shivaji statue and fluttering saffron flags. Nice view of the surrounding hills like Mhasmal, Haji Malang, Tavli, Peb fort, Matheran etc.

Climb from the cave to the top and back takes 2 hour. Take rest at the cave and resume the trek to reach Chinchli village. If you are in a privatre vehicle, you have to walk towards Goregaon (1 hour).

If you want to paticiapte in the trek on 30 April to 1 May 2007, contact 9323731063 (Info from net). One have to carry food, water, Glucose and good climbing shoes.

Chanderi trek photos