Gorakhgad trek notes

                The third weekend of November loomed just like every other  usual weekend. Possibility of it being a sleepy one. For starters, I couldn’t make the road trip with my friends on the previous weekend, 12^th November, 2011. That ruled out plenty of options as trips on consecutive weekends wasn’t quite favourable to any of my friends.  Then, as quickly as plans do get cancelled, a plan materialised when one of my friends suggested a day trek on 20^th November, 2011. We zeroed in on ‘Gorakhgad’; situated at a distance of 100-110 kms from Mumbai around the Malshej Ghats region. Perfect way to unwind from the stress of the last one month.

                Vinay Kumar, my friend, got out his bike from ‘Andheri’ and the two of us biked it the whole way to the base village of ‘Dehari’. A bike ride saved us a lot of time, approximately couple of hours,  compared to the hassles of using public transport. Leaving Andheri at 5.30 AM, Vinay, picked me up from ‘Chembur’ at 6.00AM. Winter still prominent in the city, a nice early morning bike ride was a welcome change. An underestimation of the early morning winter got me back to reality. Shuddering all along sitting pillion. The usual route of Kalyan- Murbad was chosen. A quick stopover at ‘Thane’ and we were soon on our way. The roads were not that great, being just after the monsoons, but so were the condition of the bike tyres. 

                Gorakhgad is one half of the twin pinnacles. The other being ‘Machindragad’. Situated at a height of 1200 meters above sea level, it is a comparatively easy trek of approximately 2 hours. We reached the base village at 9.35AM. The base village were keeping a record of all trekkers trying to scale either of the two peaks. We were requested to note down our names and emergency phone numbers, in case of any mishaps. This was a real surprise to us. Starting the trek at 10.00AM, it was a complete change from the early morning weather which quickly changed into a hot sultry morning. Finding our way became a strenious task with multiple paths all seemingly possible trek paths. We kept choosing one through a trial and error basis, but, realized all these paths ultimately converged up ahead. Approaching the twin pinnacles, Gorakhgad seems too technical; a sharp conical structure, but once at the base village, you wouldn’t miss out noticing the width of the pinnacle. A complete contrast from the earlier sight. It, by the way is also the higher of the two pinnacles.

                 Continuing ahead, we kept good pace, though were getting dehydrated quickly with the sun bearing down at us. Vinay, having trekked quite a bit at Himachal Pradesh wasn’t feeling the brunt as much as me. We reached the entrace of the cave at 11.30AM. Took a small break before the final ascent of steps to the caves on top. Reminscing the trek, we were brought back to reality when we saw an elderly lady descending the steps after attending a religious ceremony at one of the caves. The lady completing the climb and descending struck us hard. The caves isnt exactly the actual pinnacle, but there is a 40 feet of rigorous rock climbing. Steps cut out onto the rock face, the need of ropes is mandatory. This rock climb would not be recommended during the monsoons with water and moss covering every bit of the way. This was my second climb to Gorakhgad, first being during the monsoons. Both of us were enthusiastic of climbing the final rock climb after reaching the summit. Climbing 10 feet, we decided not to risk it further. Apparently, there is a temple on top.

The adjoining view of ‘Ahupe Ghats’ were spectacular. We decided to rest for a couple of hours. Time was what we had on our hands, primarily due to the bike ride. Strong winds, shade provided the perfect setting to clear our thoughts. A welcome change from the hot sunny weather. We decided to start our descent at 2.30PM. Descent always proves to be tricky, especially the rock patches which kind of seems easy during the climb. Vinay, who was descending ahead of me, grew confident and in a moment of lapse of concentration, missed a footing and slid down 10 feet along the rock face. Luckily, the trek path snaked around the rock face which brought an end to his minor fall. Minor cuts and bruises proudly displayed; no major injury. It was a clear 60 feet drop if the trek path had not snaked across his fall. A scary moment nevertheless. We reached the base village at 4.00PM. Gathering our breath, we decided to head back to the city. Weekend traffic at ‘Kalyan’ hampered our entry into the city, but reached back home safely by 9.00PM.

                 The road route that we took was the Eastern Expressway to Thane, continuing all the way to Kalyan. A right turn towards Murbad needs to be taken. The left turn at Mhasa village needs to be taken. The right turn at Mhasa village would lead you towards base village for ‘Ganpati Garad’ trek. http://www.prashsubramanian.blogspot.in/2011/10/ganpati-garad-trek-notes.html 

A right turn needs to be taken at ‘Shivle’ village leading you towards the base village ‘Dehari’.  Cost was minimal since we dutched the petrol cost. 2 litres of water per person is highly recommended. We decided against carrying any food items since it adds to the weight and both of us weren’t going to eat much at all. These costs can be factored in on the per head basis. The cost incurred per head would amount to Rs. 200-250 per head based on what we expended. 

 

                The grade for this trek is simple, but be mentally prepared for a constant climb. Overall, a wonderful day trek organised at the last moment with just the two of us. The phrase “More the merrier” was something that wasn’t sorely missed; especially then and there.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Oktoberfest - Pune, India

“BEER! It is the best damn drink in the world!” as quoted by Jack Nicholson. Who wouldn’t agree to this thought when I personally do love beer. Oktoberfest, an annual beer festival in Germany is a melting pot for the beer lovers from all around the world to dwell on some freshly brewed beers. The beer festival had its very own Indian leg this year, at Mumbai and Pune on the 15^th and 16^th of October, 2011. My friends definitely weren’t going to miss out on this event this year.

            Mumbai, had the event happening at a suburban area, Bandra. Pune, though had it organized at ‘Corinthians’, a beer brewery. This brewery was located approximately 20 kms away from the city. The idea of the road trip to Pune for a day with some amazing beer, cancelled out the idea of visiting Mumbai’s version of the event. The plan, I must admit was made by my friends who arranged to hire a ‘Tavera’ car on the 16^th of October, 2011. Though, I was invited amongst the seven people; being the capacity of the car; I had my list of excuses ready on not making for the trip. I guess, I wouldn’t exactly know what made me change my mind, but, I confirmed my participation for the trip at the stroke of midnight. The start point for the hired car was from Panvel, where one of my friend resides. The tricky part about Panvel was that, it is located 80 kms away from Mumbai city and except for one friend from ‘Kharghar’ area in New Mumbai, everyone else were from suburban Mumbai. One of my friends Sunil, volunteered to pick each one of us up and take us to Panvel from where the journey would begin. The usual confusion of the number of people confirmed and the possible number of inductees made it a very stressful night for each one of us. Well, I can’t include myself in this as I wasn’t sure myself. The number confirmed was six from Mumbai on the day of departure, but we did have an additional friend to join in the festivities once we reached Pune. It was Vignesh, Sunil, Aroop, Srikant, Anand and myself from Mumbai with Girish joining us at Pune.

            The usual excitement for a road trip was imminent, but what made this trip special was that it was the 1^st time, except for Sunil and Aroop, I was involved with friends whom I haven’t been on a trip so far! Jokes and the usual banter on catching up on things were there, but more than eager to get our hands on the freshly brewed chilled beer. The day was hot and humid. Having adequate water resource was a complete necessity. The food court on the Mumbai- Pune Expressway sufficed our requirements. We don’t tend to realize the speed at which our car travels on the expressway, but it was expertly driven by our driver to reach Pune city by 3.15 PM leavin Panvel at 1.00 PM.

            Reaching Pune city was easy. Trying to find our way to Corinthians was difficult and took us about 40 mins to reach the place. An unexpected rain shower, a bumpy ride and finally at the brewery. The tables were booked weeks ago and as feared. We were ready to stand our way guzzling the beer. A last moment cancellation by one of the attendees luckily got us a table. The crowd started to gather as the evening wore on. A self titled and very ordinary standup comic act kicked off the evening. 'Irish red ale', 'Oktoberfest wheat beer', 'Apple cider', 'Smoked ale' were ready on our table. Rates were Rs. 70.00 for a pint and Rs. 100.00 for an English mug of 800ml during the happy hours which ran until 8.00 PM. A fusion live performance gave us the feel of an open air music festival.

            Exploring the brewery gave me an insight on the process of brewing, with placards placed all over the place. An X-Box kinect was installed with people battling it out over games of table tennis and boxing. A game of fooze ball with random opponents added to the joy. A separate pub with a whole different set of playlist was where the intial heartbeat was, but the open air feel, a barbeque kitchen and a live music act quickly changed things. 

            Our plan was to come back to Mumbai the very night itself. Leaving the place in the midst of the festivities was a pain, but also, a vindication in taking part in a beer fest. This was something that had been wanting for years. Leaving Pune at 11.30 PM, we reached Panvel at 1.30 AM. Reached home by 3.00 AM. Worthwhile experience and a ‘To do’ suggestion from me to all beer lovers.