Neral-Peb Fort Trek
Date: 17-6-2017
⦁ What to do in vacation?4th semester is over........Let's make a plan to go somewhere. But "where?" was the question before us. We chose to go for trekking for some adrenaline rush and scenic views from the top of mountains and forts. But again the same question, "where?" We wanted to make a plan soon because after that people were having some other plans for the vacation.
⦁ The planning phase.
So we decided to make a small group for planning. After planning we were going to inform everyone, saving them from the most important task that is planning. Only the over enthusiastic people undertook this task. They were so many options available for us.... Salher (Maharashtra's second highest peak), Rajmachi, Prabalgad, Kalvantin durg, Mahuli, and so many others. We decided to choose Mahuli because of proximity and would be easy to plan for. But we knew it wouldn't be an easy trek there and the risk factors involved. So I confirmed with my cousin who is a local there. He warned us saying "don't even attempt this fort in monsoon. Every year someone dies." So our plan got canceled. Now we were searching for some other nearby Fort. We shortlisted Prabalgad and Peb fort and finalized Peb fort.
⦁ Finalizing.
Now the task was to dig out all the information about this place from different sources. Literally sat till late nights forwarding links to each other and planning.
Finally, we decided everything... what to eat, which route to take, train timing, what to wear, trip cost, what to bring, itinerary Now the task of framing proper message and forwarding in all groups.
Finally got a list of people interested. Everything was planned. The night before the trek everyone had their bags packed. Final confirmation time! Ankita fell ill. At the same time, she was going through a struggle with health and her wish to be part of the trek. Juily was experiencing headache full day before our trek day but wanted to come anyway. But even her health started deteriorating late night.
Note: Trekking tests your endurance, stamina and limits. Hence you must go for a trek only when you are completely fit.Be ready to face any worst case scenario.
⦁ The trek day.
Early morning we realize that we were only 4 left from 9. We had prepared so much for this trip that we decided to go and not postpone it.
No one missed the train so we were on Time. After reaching Nerul Station we decided to ask a few locals and gather some more information.
⦁ Deciding the route
There are two routes towards Peb fort-
1: tower route(difficult one)
2: track route (easy one).
We had planned for the easy one. But an auto rickshaw driver told us that one group had just gone before us and he was manipulating us a little. So we decided to go by the tower route and follow the other group that went before us.
The other group was insight so we decided to click few pictures, but meantime the other group was proceeding forward. We also started trekking following that group but the distance that we were imagining to decrease started increasing and soon they became out of sight. Now it was on us to find our own way. After reaching a bit on top we saw another group coming behind us. So we planned to move ahead. Peb Fort is visible from the base village but the route is very long and at the same time interesting at each turn.
⦁ Wandering.
We were moving ahead following a small foot trail. But after an hour the path disappeared. I had seen in videos that we were supposed to follow the electric Towers. That was the only thing we knew. So we kept on moving forward tower by tower. But the route from one tower to another also passed through dense vegetation. We could even hardly locate our next tower we had to move towards or the previous one which we had moved ahead from. Now we had started to get confused about the path we were supposed to follow, so we were just following our intuition of the path we assumed to be right. At many points, we were clueless where to proceed. We came across a path were there was a waterfall track climb or there was another down path which my friend Ankit taught was right.
⦁ We were lost.
But this was our wrong turn. We were moving ahead on this path and we came below the next tower. Now it was time to proceed to next tower which wasn't visible from where we were standing. But we could have followed the overhead electric wires from that tower but that route was through very dense growth which was obviously not the path we were supposed to take. So making our own way we came out of the forest in open space and so to our next tower. The next tower now was right on top of another mountain. We knew probably it might be our last tower but there was no way to reach there. We were on another mountain and thought climbing it to the top might take us towards the tower. So we began to climb. Our climb was getting tougher and tougher. There were all kinds of insects, cactuses, thorny plants etc.
Note: Always wear full sleeves T-shirts and track pant preferably to reduce exposure of your body to such things.
⦁ Exhausted.
The trek up the hill was testing all our endurance, stamina, mental strength, consciousness etc. At some places, there was nothing to hold on and pull our self up. At some places, there were only cactuses and had to make our way to them. There wasn't any flat surface on this part to take a break and rest. But we were so exhausted that we had to stop. Somehow we adjusted ourselves on the slope and Chetan removed his dabba and me a can of Pepsi. We had some refreshments and relaxed for a while.
⦁ Taking the decision.
By this time we were lost.We didn't know whether climbing right to the top would be practically right or should we start to descend from here itself. We were completely doubtful about the path we had chosen. If we chose to climb up and if we didn't see any signs to move ahead then it would be a great amount of loss of time and energy more than that I knew the difficulty with which we had climbed this mountain would be many times even more difficult to get down. Anish had internet working on his phone. I decided Let's Google something, at the same time decided to send the location to our friend Juily who was at home. Also, we called her and asked her to help us by searching something. The map was showing we were 50 kilometers from Nerul Station. Also, the direction towards the peb fort from our location was absurd. It was obvious we wouldn't find a trek route on Google Maps but still to get some idea we were still searching. Juily called back saying that we had to follow the towers up to the mountain and from there we would see peb fort and then proceed accordingly towards it.
After our break, we were too relaxed to get up and start moving again. Chetan had already started giving up but we finally got up and started climbing again. Within 5 minutes or less we again stopped being exhausted. Now we had stopped at a more steeper slope. My whole body weight was just on one foot. We were messed up, lost and scared. Chetan noticed the gray clouds arriving and told it might rain anytime and we might get stuck and was suggesting that we must start moving down . Meanwhile we also saw some wild monkeys on remote mountain which was the second thought that was freaking us.
I was confused thinking to myself "we have made such a wrong decision, this my last trek, we would have to call the Rescue Team" and god knows what not. We were in real bad situation. Ankit and Anish were shouting at Chetan to stop flooding his mind with negative thoughts and motivating him to think positively now the question came to me "what to do?" I told we could at least climb to top of that mountain and then decide. I decided that because climbing up would give us a complete view of our surroundings and help us take better decisions.
Ankit and Anish were fully determined to move ahead. Ankit told us he would go ahead to check the route and asked Anish to come along. Chetan and I were still resting and shouting out in between to see whether both were within a safe distance from us.
⦁ Rescued!
After some time Ankit replied there was a flat space up there and he could see people. I shouted out asking him to stop them and tell them that we were coming. Now I was motivated to climb up so made Chetan ready and we both began climbing again.
Sooner after reaching up, there were no bounds for our happiness. We were never happier to see unknown people ever before. We could also see our destination from the cliff which was yet on another mountain. I was waving Anish's fluorescent cap towards them asking them to stop for us. Now we were completely relieved and experienced the satisfaction of being rescued. There weren't just a few people but many. Different groups had come for the Trek. Now we knew we were going to complete our Trek towards peb fort and also reach home safely.
⦁ The fun begins now!
Now there was Ridge walking down the hill. After this, there was jumping across two stones. A short jump would end you down right in the valley. There was also another path to go there but I decided to take the leap for some adventure. And felt the sense of achievement after that successful jump.
Again Ridge walking up another mountain. Few uneven step climbing. Then there was Rock climbing-a straight climb. There was a small rope attached to that rock for support but this was difficult part and needed the help of another person from the top of Rock to give you a hand.
⦁ The phone just saved.
I wanted to call home and was using Ankits phone. Chetan asked me to throw my bag up before climbing. The phone was still in my hand. It accidentally fell from my hand and was just saved from going down hill. But later realized I had lost his power and volume metal keys which were loose.
⦁ Moving on.
There was a flag hoisted on the apex of Mountain. Clicking a few pictures We moved ahead. Now again we had to move towards next mountain this part was most difficult in the entire trek We had to stick to the rock and walk sideways as there was valley right behind us. A single wrong step would end us in the valley. Now we came across caves built by disciples of great Saint Shree Swami Samartha. This was our next resting place before we reached Peb Fort.
We took all food out of our bags. Each one of us had brought different things from home for making sandwiches. We had decided we would make it there but this was also not an appropriate decision by us because as we were already very tired and lazy to make stuff and there was no water to clean our hands so had no choice other than using our dirty hands.
Note: Always carry ready-made food for treks and lots of glucose and ors.
We made sandwiches and I keep a track of how much water we had in total.We just had one and a half bottle left. I knew it wasn't enough because we were yet to descend also. Hence we didn't eat much of dry stuff and spicy food. After resting for a while we wore our shoes and got ready to move ahead.
The caves are good even for someone who would like to take shelter for one night. Moving ahead we had to climb our first dangerous ladder. It was only supported on wires. Only one person at a time and one step at a time. Slowly and steadily we were moving ahead.
⦁ Interacting with others.
Anish was entertaining us with boring songs "Sonu tuza Maza Maza var Bharosa Nay ka, swag wali topi" etc. Others were about to beat him.
We met a group of boys whom we were interacting with; where you guys came from? Which train? And talking to them we realized that we had already become popular among other groups as the Lost group. They asked us what we were doing. We replied that we were doing engineering. They simply started laughing. We realized even they were engineers.
⦁ The final patch.
Now the Final climb of 15 to 20 minutes to peb Fort top. The last part was also exhausting but looking at our destination so close there was an Adrenaline Rush which forced us to keep on climbing.
We reached up, finally, we were there! Just lied down! Completely exhausted! What a feeling! Satisfaction! The sense of great achievement! Happiness beyond our known boundaries! Laughing like mad! What a beautiful scene! Pristine covers of the sahaydris! The cool winds but at same time Sun right on top.
Everyone started calling home and informing. Later Chetan called Juily and Anish and Chetan were making her jealous by explaining the beauty of the place. There is a small Temple named after the Goddess Pebi. That's where the name of peb fort is derived from. The top offers a scenic view of the Matheran hill range and many other places. The panoramic view was very much satisfying. After Resting for a while we started moving down.
We were informed there was some place from where we could fill our water bottles. After reaching the place Chetan took our bottles to fill water. Later he called me to come with other bottles. After seeing the place from where he was filling water I was stunned. It was a kund. There were fishes, spiders, dirt and all kind of stuff in that water. He asked me to taste it saying that it tasted good. When I took the bottle it had a spider in it. I threw that water and he gave me another bottle. Usually, we don't even drink water from our college water coolers but we were in a different situation now all together. I told him to fill 3 bottles and I would drink only in case of emergency. We had to Tie a rope to the bottleneck and fetch water from it just like we do in a well. Refilling our bottles We moved ahead.
⦁ The second wrong turn.Now we were supposed to go to Matheran that was across another mountain. We could see our route and people on that mountain, but we were thinking how did they reach there? There was no clear visible path. Anish taught the path was from uphill and then downhill. Other few groups had also come for the first time and were following us. But we were ourselves exploring. Again we were on wrong track. We had reached the cliff of the mountain where strong wrongs were blowing. I was enjoying the weather.
⦁ Right path found.
Again we had to find another path towards Matheran. The other path we followed had two ladders which we had to get down. This was the right path. Dangerous ladders again. It was exciting. Now it was a walk on a small patch on the mountain with a valley on one side and Mountain on another. We had to cross this entire mountain this way. But truly it was beautiful. At the same time, it was a long path. Again got exhausted after 30 minutes. I had made up my mind not to drink that water but my body had given up, I had to at the end. I had 1 packet of Tang which was very refreshing.
⦁ On the tracks.
After taking another break we climbed on to the Matheran railway tracks. This is near the Nisarg Raja Ganpati -the tall idol which is visible from almost all the locations. You don't have to go exactly near it but climb before it comes. Now we had to walk along the railway tracks. Slowly and steadily we were walking one behind the other. Ankit was playing songs on his phone. Also, we exchanged our bags throughout the trek because some bags were extremely heavy while others were extremely light. We were also recording our experience on videos throughout our trek. Finally reached Matheran van spot.
I decided to click few last snaps, relax and move ahead. We recorded our last video took last photos and took a van back to Neral. The fare was 80 RS per person. Near Neral railway station we went into a hotel. Then rehydrating ourselves at caught a train back to Mumbai.
⦁ Home sweet home.
Reached home tired but filled with awesome memories of entire trek experience. Learning a lot about life......learning to respect it. We learned to support each other, offering a helping hand, motivate others, overcome our fears, negative thoughts, think positively, moving ahead, keep moving, having fun, respecting nature and is endless Beauty.
⦁ Our framed message
@@@@@ Peb (Vikatgad) trek @@@@@
Basic information: Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you trek to the amazing Vikatgad Peb Fort. The Fort lies in Matheran region of Raigad district in Maharashtra. One of the top things to do in Matheran, this trek is perfect for a day's outing. Explore this beautiful hill fort with your friends and be assured that this trek to Vikatgad Peb Fort will be a memorable experience. The tour involves basic rock climbing, ridge walk, and forest trail, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers in Mumbai.
Date- 17-6-2017
Trek cost- 200rs/-
(inclusive of traveling from neral, snacks, first aid)
Train time-5.26 am vikhroli 5.43 thane 6.5dombivli 6.33 badlapur 6.50am neral local( check for timings for respective stations)
Itinerary-
>introduction and breakfast at neral railway station;
>start trek towards peb;
>reach on top of peb fort;
lunch on peb fort, rest, play games and photography;
>start descending;
>reach neral station;
Difficulty level: moderate
Things to carry:
1.Haversack to keep hands free
2.Water bottle 3lts.
3.Please carry one time lunch for this trek
4.Umbrella or wind sheater
5.Plastic bags n few newspapers
6.Sweat towel
7. Id card
8.cap imp
What to wear?
Any comfortable clothes(preferably shorts/three-fourths or track pants and t-shirt), good grip shoes!
Event risk: Please take care of our own safety and n other fellow trekkers. Everyone joining this trek abides by that he is responsible for his own safety!
Contact no:
Rushank Karekar-8898038299
Juily Whaval- 86555 52991
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