Sandhan valley is 200ft water carved valley in the western side of Bhandardara region of Western Ghats. The splendid canyon of Maharashtra is a perfect combination of rugged boulders and lush green hills. This deep natural crack on the Sahyadris mountain range provides unique adventurous trekking, rappelling and camping experience. The valley is so narrow that even the sun’s rays do not penetrate the base and so the valley is also known as the “Valley of Shadows“. The started our journey from Nasik, the closest railway station. Samrad is the adjacent village to the valley which is a two hour drive from Nasik.
Day 1: Descend the Boulders
We started our trek around afternoon after a satisfactory meal in Samrad. The task for day one was to start descending the valley crossing the rugged boulders and the water pools to reach the camping site in the heart of the valley. We were already behind schedule due to the delay caused by train and so we had to speed up to reach the camp site before sunset. The descent was steep and we even encountered small water creeks between two rock patches. There were a couple of sharp falls as well close to 50 feet and we had to rapell down in those patches. By night we were still not able to reach the site and so we decided to sleep on the boulders itself. It was a full moon night and the silver light made the surroundings glow up. Sleeping there under the sky on a moon-lit night was an altogether different and amazing experience.
Day 2: The base of the valley and ascend via Karoli Ghat
The next morning we rappelled down to the base of the valley. We prepared vegetable maggi for breakfast which was obviously delicious, all of us being hungry. The ascent was planned via Karoli Ghat which would complete a circuit in the valley. It is a 4 to 5 hours climb on the green mountains to reach Samrad. By next day noon we were back in Samrad.
After freshing up and the amazing meal we left for Nasik for our way back.
How to reach: Nasik is the closest town. One can take a car from Nasik to Samrad. The valley is at a distance of mere 180Km from Mumbai and 220Kms from Pune.
Food: Food is provided by local villagers and one may just have to rely solely on them. Sufficient water should be carried as you may not find water throughout the trail.
Best time to visit: November to March.
Nomadic Zeal 