Naneghat Trek

Type: Ancient Trade Route Pass Grade : Medium Height : 2800 feet Region: Malshej Ghat Base Village: Bhoir wadi Duration : 2 to 3 hours

History It's the one of the ancient trade routes, existing right from the Satvahanas, which ghats and was in extensive use to transport goods arriving at the Junnar which was then a flourished market place. 100's of years gone but still villagers at the ghat area use this pass to reach konkan. It reflects how the emperors use to skillfully choose locations

Naneghat trek is one of the best Monsoon treks. Naneghat speaks very old history which is hardly clearly known to commons. This ignored pass once served a vital trade route between Kalyan and Junnar. Naneghat trek is simple and enjoyable. Way is clearly marked and passes through dense teakwood forests. Climbing from the forest you reach to the base of ‘Nanacha Angatha’, which is pinnacle of Naneghat plateau.
From this base, a 2 meter wide pass connects to the actual plateau. This pass called as ‘Naneghatachi NaLi’ ( ) has been carved and cut in stones by emperors of that time. This 60 meter long pass takes you to the Naneghat plateau.

Naneghat Caves

The cave was artificially made and acted as a resting point for this Naneghat trade route long time back. It was currently maintained by the government. There is also an village which is arond 5 kms away

Camping Guide Tips

For a safe and memorable camping trip follow are some basic camping tips and guidelines :- 

BEWARE OF THE ITCH

1. While being on a camp, avoid contact with oil secreting trees which in turn causes blisters on the skin.
2. Use medicated soaps, ointments and cleansers to rinse off the poisonous oil from your skin or to help drying out itch from the skin.
3. Do learn how to identify such poisonous plants and trees.

BEWARE OF UNWANTED WILD ANIMALS

1. NEVER feed wild animals and birds as they can attack or harm you in return.
2. Do not leave your food inside the camp. Keep all food items inside car or hang it on trees. Animals can damage your camp if they smell or discover food inside the camp.
3. Always move with family or friends, avoid being alone.
4. Take flashlights and whistle with you while traveling at night.

CARRY A SLEEPING BAG

1. Do carry a sleeping bag along with you while camping.
2. If going out for backcountry camping trip, opt for light weight and small sized sleeping bags.
3. If going out with whole family, do carry spacious and comfortable sleeping bags. Larger sleeping bags can provide ample space or can also be used as blankets.

COOKING WHILE CAMPING

1. Always keep your food items with proper measurement. Keep all ingredients in zip lock pouches and bags.
2. Try to label all bags and pouches to avoid confusion and to save time.
3. Never forget to take foil papers, paper napkins or disposable handkerchiefs with you.
4. Be cautious of gas cylinders. Keep them in an open area and always check for any kind of gas leakage.
5. Keep dirt and dust away from cooking area. Always cover your food after cooking it. Uncovered food can easily invite insects and wild animals.
6. Use easy to cook and ready to make meals to save time and energy.
7. Never throw away the left over food and garbage at camping point. Properly dispose off the left over food or garbage. Preserve nature and environment by keeping the surroundings neat and clean.

CAMPING WITH TODDLERS

1. Try to be patient and share your knowledge and experiences with them while being on camping. Make them aware of natural surroundings.
2. Teach your kids how to set up a tent while being on a camping trip.
3. Take along few games to play.
4. Plan several fun activities to avoid boredom and to make your trip unforgettable.
5. Take loads of snacks and eatables for your kids.
6. Teach them how to respect nature and save environment.
7. Do go for small route hiking with your kids.
8. Light a born fire to have fun and enjoyment.
9. Do carry extra clothing and shoes for your kids. Never forget to take insect repellent and first aid box for emergencies.
10. Give your children disposable cameras. Give them chance to shoot the trip on their own way.

Climbing Guide Tips

Follow some basic tips and guides for a safe and enjoyable climbing adventure.

1. Being fit and healthy is the first and foremost necessity to experience safe and successful rock climbing adventure. Therefore, do warm-up and stretching exercises prior to climbing. It improves the blood circulation in the body and brings flexibility needed for climbing. Proper warm and exercise helps preventing serious injuries and reduces muscle strain.
2. Do get an idea of all possible physical climbing techniques and moves before heading for climbing sport. Do make points in your mind on how to reach the top with least possible difficulties. Do preview the whole route before climbing at it.
3. Do take a look at the climbing route from the ground before you begin it. Ascertain of what you want to take along.
4. Always check safety knots before starting climbing. Also check that the ropes are properly tied through both the harness leg loops and waist loop.
5. Before heading for climbing do check whether the harnesses of both the belayer's and climber's buckles are doubled back.
6. While climbing, do check the rope position. Climbing rope should be tied over your legs rather between or behind legs. Wrongly positioned rope can be dangerous if you fall down as it can slip upside down and could bang your head with the cliff.
7. Opt for a climbing helmet for safety while climbing. Climbing helmets keep you safe from falling rock pieces or head injuries.
8. Do choose a lengthy rope while climbing. Be sure that your climbing rope is long enough to reach the lower back down on a belay ledge on multi pitch routes.
9. While climbing, if you have even a slightest doubt of rope being shorter than expected do apply stopper knot at the end point of the rope to avoid falling down the cliff.
10. Avoid over-gripping as it can over strain your forearms and makes you tired. Just relax and remain conscious of your grip and force you applied to hold yourself at that point. Make a balance and ameliorate your endurance. Keep your back and shoulders as relaxed as possible.
11. If you are climbing in a group, do always pay attention to all the instructions provided by the leader or instructor climbing above.
12. Do not take your leader off belay unless you are sure enough that he is safely tied.
13. Be sure that you have clipped your climbing rope properly through quickdraws and carabiners accurately. Do use locking carabiners at right areas of rope.
14. Avoid back slipping your rope. Make sure that your climbing rope runs back to front rather than front to back.
15. Do use safety anchors while climbing. After reaching at the top of route do use at least two anchors. While being on a sport route, use locking carabiners when lowering down off the anchor's top rope.
16. Finally, observe and learn from experienced and good climbers. Do practice good rock climbing techniques while climbing. Constant practice will certainly improve your performance.

Wildlife Adventure Guide Tips

Following are few wildlife adventure trip guidelines and tips :-

1. Before you depart, do research on the destination and the wildlife spot you want to visit. Do plan your trip at the peak wildlife season of the year.
2. Do research on wildlife and their habitat before planning the trip.
3. Never forget to spot the best possible place for viewing wild animals and birds.
4. Opt for early morning or late night wildlife trips. During these timings you can spot maximum number of wild animals.
5. Prefer hiring a guide or outfitter who can make you see all popular wildlife spots and could share his experiences with you.
6. If traveling with kids, try to engage them by introducing them to various animals and birds.
7. Always maintain a self control over your kids..Make them learn to be patient and alert along enjoyment.
8. Do carry all emportant stuff in your daypack including field guide, binocolors, animal and bird checklist, digital camera, topographic map, compass, GPS unit and optional notebook to make a note of what you see.
9. Never land off your vehicle while watching wild animals or to click snaps of them. It could turn out to be very dangerous as you may get attacked by wild animals. It can endanger your life as well.
10. Try to maintian appropriate distance from wild animals. Make slow and silent moves while watching wild animals.
11. Never feed wild animals with eating stuff you carry. Make your kids also learn the same. Wild animals can hurt you if get irritated or agitated.
12. Always treat wild animals with utmost care and respect. Never make fast movements and loud noises as it can disturb and annoy them. Be cautious and try not to disturb them or come in the way of rhinos and hippopotamus. They are very dangerous and can pose a threat to your life.
13. Try to remain unscented and wear natural shade clothes. Avoid wearing loud perfumes and bright colored clothes.
14. Never forget to take along wild life expert or guide along with you. Never hesitate to seek any kind of advice in concerned with wildlife.
15. Learn to be patient on safari tours. It can take few hours or days to capture the pics of all wild animals in your camera.
16. Do click photographs from proper distance.
17. Binoculars are must to becarry while being on wildlife trip. Binoculars are a great help for spotting or sighting far away wildlife creatures and animals.
18. A lightweight flashlight or torch with a red lens is must for nighttime viewing. It will not frighten wild animals and birds.

Water Sports Guide Tips

While being out for experiencing the thrill and excitement of water sports, consider keeping in mind all guide and tips.


SAILING AND YACHTING
To experience the thrill and exhilaration of sailing and yachting, one needs to be a good swimmer.
If you feel motion sickness or get afraid of being in enclosed or narrow spaces, try to find a dryer and safe destination.Try to move in constant speed and live in little tight quarters.Do carry sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen lotions to avoid sunburns and to get protection from sun glare or harmful ultra violet (UV) rays.

SCUBA DIVING
Beginners and non swimmers can also go for scuba diving with the help of a self controlled breathing device.Before heading for scuba diving underwater, make sure that you carry all essential equipments including wetsuits, life jackets, repair guide, fins or booties, dive computers, dive watches and scuba regulators.Do carry image capturing devices to click pictures of the exotic flora and fauna present underwater.Make sure that professional scuba diving experts are there to guide and help you. Always follow their instructions.Do learn clearing the mask when it's filled with water and reinserting the regulator when it falls out of mouth.

SEA KAYAKING
Keep a record on when to stop while kayaking inside an ocean.Beginners can opt for training programs at local paddling clubs to learn this sport.Experienced paddlers should go for it only after proper planning. Do take into account changing weather, shipping routes, sea conditions, currents, tides, safety spots and reachable local agencies to be contacted during emergencies.Always take flashlights, self-rescue aids, rain gear, extra clothing, first aid kit, snacks and drinking water.

SNORKELING
Prefer to carry a snorkeling mask and a dry or semi-dry snorkel which could easily fits on face. Choose a proper fitted snorkeling mask.Beginners should choose a calm water points for snorkeling sport.Never touch sea creatures as they could turn out to be very harmful.

WHITE WATER RAFTING
Make sure that you are provided with everything required for white water rafting including rafts, lifejackets, paddles and wetsuits by instructors or professional rafters.Always wear PFD (personal flotation device) when onboard.Children above two year of age can also experience joy and fun of white water rafting sport if accompanied by their parents. They can go for float trips along with easy to handle Class I and Class II rapids. Kids are restricted to Class III rapids.Opt for comfort fit life jackets, loose jackets will not be of much help in case of emergency.

TREKKING HEALTH GUIDE AND TIPS

Accessories add grace to your personality. So during travel keep such accessories which are easy to carry and may add grace to your overall look.

While planning your trekking trip, it is preferable to have a medical fitness check up done. It is most essential to be fit and fine before heading for trekking. You may also prefer to have medical precautions against diseases like malaria, cholera, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis. Do arrange and carry medicines related to ailments from which you are previously suffering.
If suffering from any kind of ailment, do carry proper prescribed medicines to prevent serious health problem including heatstroke, sever headache, cough, dehydration and hypothermia.
Always wear proper trekking shoes while trekking. Uncomfortable pair of shoes can harshly hurt your feet and can lead to serious foot injuries while trekking. Therefore do spend some time to arrange proper and comfortable trekking shoes before heading for trekking tour.
Choose those trekking shoes that are a half-size bigger than your regular shoes to allow space for some swelling caused while trekking and to hold heavier trekking socks.
Do carry food items which carry larger amount of carbohydrates.
Always take important medicine and first aid box with you.
Do always cover your neck area, particularly in frequently changing weather .It can lead to serious neck problems and pains if left uncovered.
Do wear thick woolen socks or stockings while trekking. Synthetic blended socks can be used for trekking purpose, as these socks are specially designed to preclude feet moisture.

Proper health and fitness is must for every trekker. Therefore always try to be in proper and fine state of health.

TREKKING SAFETY GUIDE AND TIPS

To make your trip more adventurous and safe, do follow certain safety guidelines and tips mentioned below:-

1. Before heading for your adventure trekking trip, do study weather forecast of that area. Avoid trekking during bad weather or adverse climatic situations.
2. Newbies should always carry a raincoat or windsheeter with them. Climate can change frequently in several trekking points.
3. Do carry multi-pocket carry bag engrafted with zipper closure and cushioned shoulder straps, especially for trekking trips. The bag should be spacious enough to carry all the important trekking essentials while trekking.
4. Must keep a lighter, Swiss army knife, space blanket, water bottle and winter attire in your carry bag or pocket before heading for trekking.
5. To prevent insect bite, do wear full sleeves shirts and full pants.
Do carry sleeping bag and trekking rope of about 50 meters of length with you.
6. A direction compass and topographical map is must while trekking in mountains.
7. An ice cutting axe should always be carried if heading into snowy terrain.

Ulhas Valley/ Rajmachi / Kondhane Caves Trekking

Ulhas Valley/ Canyon Valley/ Tiger Valley

Ulhas Valley, also known as Canyon valley or Tiger valley, in Khandala. Ulhas Valley comprises the area of Ulhas River. The area is filled with lush greenery and rich fauna. This trek is entirely through jungle. There are 10-12 rock patches to ascend and descend. The valley of the Ulhas river springs to life in the monsoon with hundreds of streams and waterfalls tumbling over the rich green mountainsides.
Its only and different of its own kind because on this trek when you start a trek you first Descend in the valley, and when you finish trek you climb up, kind of Opposite of regular treks where you first climb and then descend, all in all its fun because there is water everywhere, right from the beginning till you finish, and there is huge water fall down in the valley and river.

Rajmachi

Rajmachi (Udhewadi) is a small village in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri . There are two forts - the Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan fort ,which were built by Emperor Shivaji during 17th century.It is a famous spot for trekking,located near two famous hills of Maharashtra, Lonavala and Khanadala.It is about 15 km treking distance from Lonavala. Rajmachi fort is a strategic fort overlooking Borghat(ghat between Mumbai and Pune) . In rainy season this place is filled with giant waterfalls and greenery.

Kondana Caves

Kondhane Caves are ancient Buddhist caves of 200 B. C. period,  offers the ancient lifestyle of Buddhist followers.These ancient rock cut caves enclose sculptures, vihara, cahitya and stupa. Sculptures and stupas are specimens of the ancient period Buddhist architecture.There was a natural disaster in the form of an earth quake in early 1900 by which many stupas, front entrance and floor of the caves were damaged.

What Are the Different Types of Trekking Equipment?

The type of trekking equipment one will bring on a trip will depend on what kind of trekking is being done. The equipment necessary for a bicycle trek, for example, will be different than the equipment necessary for a backpacking trek, or for a guided trek. Most people think of trekking poles when they think of trekking equipment, and while this is certainly a very common choice of equipment, it is by no means the most important. Some vital pieces of trekking equipment include sleeping bags, backpacks, water filtration systems, cooking equipment, maps or Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and proper clothing for the climate.
Moisture wicking clothing is perhaps the most important trekking equipment one will need for any type of trek. People will sweat while they hike or bike, and if the weather cools, that sweat can cause one's body temperature to drop. Moisture wicking clothing keeps sweat and other moisture away from the skin, keeping it dry and allowing the body to regulate its temperature more easily. Such clothing is made from synthetic materials, and tends to be more expensive than other materials such as cotton, but the investment will prove itself well worth it in inclement conditions.
Water filtration systems allow a trekker to purify water for drinking. Naturally occurring water sources can be a breeding ground for bacteria, particularly giardia, an organism that can infect the intestines. Water filtration systems allow a trekker to pump water directly from naturally occurring water sources into water bottles after the water has passed through several filters meant to kill most bacteria. It is an indispensable piece of trekking equipment, since regular, filtered water sources are rarely available to people on treks.
Backpacks or other storage units are vital pieces of trekking equipment for anyone. Bike trekkers will use specially designed pannier packs that mount onto racks affixed to bicycles, while backpackers will carry the backpack on their backs. In either case, the packs should be made from rugged materials that are water resistant or waterproof to protect the contents of the pack. Many packs are made from ripstop nylon that helps prevent tearing during adverse conditions. Backpackers should choose packs that fit their bodies properly, and the packs should feature internal frames made from lightweight aluminum or plastic that helps support the weight of the pack while it is being transported. Many backpacks also feature bladder systems for hydration; the bladders are filled with water and connected to a hose that can be used to deliver water for drinking.

How Do I Choose the Best Trekking Boots?

When shopping for trekking boots, the most important thing to remember is that there is no such thing as a perfect pair of boots. Personal comfort and fit must be considered. Boots should be matched to the conditions in which they will be used, with allowances made for warmer or colder climates and greater and lesser degrees of humidity. Quality of construction is a crucial factor when shopping for trekking boots, and personal preference and aesthetics need to be factored in when making a decision.
Trekking boots are heavy hiking boots, intended for long periods of strenuous hiking. As such, they offer excellent support and protection for the foot but are not as flexible or forgiving as lighter boots. This means that the fit of the boots is extremely important, and this type of boot will take a very long time to stretch out to fit a foot, if it ever does. Many hikers prefer to buy this boot at least half a size larger than normal, to allow for a more comfortable fit and to permit the use of thick socks for insulation, as this style of boot is normally not insulated. In any event, a pair of trekking boots must fit comfortably.
Hiking conditions should factor into a purchasing decision. Hikers planning to spend most of their time in damp conditions should probably consider boots with venting material that allows moisture to escape from the boot. Synthetic waterproofing materials are a good choice if boots are likely to come into contact with water very frequently. Solid leather construction may be more durable, as leather is very rugged and solid construction requires fewer seams. This type of construction should be chosen when boots will not need to vent or resist moisture on a regular basis.
All trekking boots should be very sturdily constructed. An experienced hiker will usually develop a preference for a particular brand, but most name-brand trekking boots are quite durable. Both local hikers and the Internet can be useful resources for finding out more about a brand of boots before purchasing them.
This type of boot is usually made of either smooth or nubuck-finish leather. Both types of leather work well, although the former, if properly maintained, has a slight edge in repelling water. In any case, the stitching on a boot should be strong and tight.
Aesthetics also matter when shopping for trekking boots. Personal taste and preference are important, since a hiker will typically be spending a great deal of time in a pair of boots, and nobody likes to wear footgear that makes them blush with shame at the thought of meeting another hiker.

How Do I Choose the Best Trekking Pants?

The best trekking pants will depend on the type of trekking you will be doing. You will need to consider the conditions in which you are likely to trek, as well as the general temperature of the region or regions through which you will trek. In just about all cases, you will want to choose trekking pants that are waterproof or water-resistant, and breathable to allow sweat to escape the pants. Lightweight trekking pants are a good choice if you will be hauling your own gear, though in snowy conditions, you will want to consider a high quality pair of snow pants.
Trekking can be a highly physical activity, which means the body is likely to sweat, sometimes profusely, during the trek. A good pair of trekking pants will be breathable, or able to allow moisture from sweat to escape the fabric used to make the pants. This keeps the skin dry, which means the skin will stay warmer in cold weather and more comfortable in warm weather. Synthetic materials specifically designed to wick moisture away from the skin may cost more than natural materials, though the investment will be well worth the extra comfort and body heat regulation.
Be sure the trekking pants you are considering are made from waterproof or water resistant materials that are fast-drying. In some regions, you will be likely to get wet, so choosing pants that can keep that moisture away from the skin can enhance comfort and your ability to regulate body temperature. If the pants do get wet, make sure you have chosen synthetic materials that will dry out quickly, or natural materials that will be warm even when wet. Most trekkers will wear the trekking pants for several days in a row, so it is important to be able to dry them out and stay warm and dry for several days.
Consider trekking pants with zip-off legs. These pants allow you to remove the lower portion of the pant legs, thereby making the pants into shorts. This is handy for trekkers who will be going through regions with temperature fluctuations, or for trekkers who tend to have large swings in body temperature during different levels of physical exertion. The lower pant legs can be stowed in a backpack and zipped back on should the weather change again, and in some cases, the pants will feature large cargo pockets in which the lower pant legs can be stored when not in use.

What Is the Difference between Hiking and Trekking?

In terms of physical movement, there really is no difference between hiking and trekking, but the activities do differ rather significantly in other ways. Both hiking and trekking are activities in which one walks or hikes through the woods, but hiking is done more for leisure on man-made roads or trails, while trekking is done over a variety of terrain as a means of transportation, adventure, or challenge to the body and mind. Both hiking and trekking can be done over short distances in a day or two, or over a longer distance over the course of several days, weeks, or even months, but the day to day routines and activity associated with hiking will be different from that of trekking.
The biggest difference between hiking and trekking is the intensity. Hiking is generally easy to moderately paced activity, though some backpackers would argue that hiking is just as strenuous and difficult as trekking. Trekking, however, takes place over varied terrain; a trekker may travel on roads and trails for part of his journey, but he may also bushwhack through undeveloped terrain. He will often have to use maps and orienteering skills to find his way, and he must have first aid and survival skills at the ready for his trip. Hikers generally stick to established trails and do not travel over unmarked terrain.

When trekking is defined as a long-distance trip supported by porters or pack animals, the difference between hiking and trekking becomes even more vast. Trek adventures often feature people specifically hired to carry equipment, cook meals, set up tents, and so on over the course of a multi-day trip through a challenging terrain. A trekker in this case does not have to carry his or her own gear, and the activity is much less strenuous on the trekker. Compare that situation to a backpacker on a multi-day trip who has to carry his own food, clothing, safety gear, and shelter, and the difference between hiking and trekking becomes apparent.
The equipment one will need for hiking and trekking will vary according to the activity, as well as according to what type of trekking is being done. Trekkers who travel via unmarked paths will need durable equipment, and they will often need skills necessary to find or build shelter. Hikers and backpackers will need a sturdy backpack and hydration system and the physical fitness to travel the distances they have planned out beforehand.

Treking

Trekking is an activity in which people take multi-day hiking trips through rural, often rugged territory. Many people who are trekkers engage in longer trips through entire regions of the world, using trekking as a way of getting from place to place. It also can be incorporated with other outdoor sports, such as rock climbing or backpacking.

Interacting with Nature

This activity is different from other types of travel for several reasons. It tends to be less structured than other sorts of travel, because weather conditions and topography can influence trekkers' travel plans more than plane flights or hotel availability. As travelers move on foot through often-rural areas, trekking gives them an up-close view of the scenery. Many trekkers travel through isolated areas and get a travel experience that is much different from that of people who travel in organized groups to popular destinations. This often allows trekkers to interact with nature while doing things such as climbing a rock wall or navigating through a mountain range.

Trekking can be done anywhere in the world. Certain areas are particularly popular with trekkers, including mountainous regions such as the Himalayas in Asia and the Andes in South America. Treks also have been organized in other less-visited areas on almost every continent.
This type of trip can be as long or as short as participants decide, from a few days of hiking to an expedition that lasts more than a year. It also can be as athletic and adventurous as the participants decide. The less-structured nature of this activity and a world of possible destinations help attract a wide variety of participants.

Equipment

Several pieces of gear help make trekking more enjoyable for many people. One is a comfortably fitting backpack. Many trekkers travel for extended periods of time and need to carry all of their belongings with them. A sturdy backpack can comfortably fit at least 20 to 40 pounds (about 9 to 18 kg) of clothing and gear.
Another item that is considered important is a high-quality pair of hiking boots. When covering long distances, wearing the right pair of boots can make the difference between enjoying a trip and being in pain. Survival equipment such as warm clothing, a first aid kit and an emergency supply of food and water also are essential for trekkers.

Getting Started

Trekking experts recommend that a beginning trekker should go with someone who has experience or in a professionally led group. This can help introduce them to the special skills that are required to complete an overland journey of significant length. Many outdoor stores and organizations offer classes and plan trips that can help give someone an idea of the gear and physical ability that are required for trekking.