My first Trek-Bhira Tamhini

Washing mud from my feet and grime from my tired body, the memories came rushing in. Initially in sequence and later in bursts and flashes. So decided to pen them down before aging memory fails me. It already started to look like a dream now but was not so dream-like when we were out there doing it. It was real, perhaps more real then the mere existense of our day-to-day life.

What started as a 5 day trek to Sahyadri, became a toil which opened all the joints of my body and sensitised some deep corners of my mind. From the outside, through our city blinded eyes, these places looks barren, down-right poor and less fortunate. But staying there, living their life, eating their food and breathing their air make you realise the richness. The richness of life, richness of heart, richness of time and richness of stories.

So here are some glimpses of that richness which touched me, overwhelmed me and made me a follower with the mud on my feet.

The day started with me luging my ruck-sack which contained all that I need for next 7 days. Phew, my needs are heavy.

Reached this small but story-book railway station of Mangaon. It already started appearing soothing due to the greenary around. The journey ahead is un-reserved and going to be fun.

Changing multiple means of transport of reducing number of wheels (train-bus-auto), finally reached the base-camp site. 

Doesn't look like much but the surroundings more than made up for it.

One of the various schedules to be followed at every camp-site from now on.

Tha TATA power hydel plant discharge area was close by and an evening stroll was in order. 

Well fed with simple breakfast and heavy adrenaline, we started our trek through rough but inviting terrain. 

The terrain and the trail can make a thinker out of anyone.

After a relatively moderate trek of 6 hours, we reached our first camp, Pimpari village. Had bath at a Hand-pump (remembered good old days) in a school premises nearby (luckily it was a holiday for school). 

Here we came across this remarkable story of survival of a Rottweiler dog. This dog belongs to the hotel owener, on whose property our camp was situated. Usually ferocious, this dog was very quite for his type. His owner recounted the story of this dog being picked up by a leopard, his entire families' effort in creating as much noise as possible and ultimate survival of the dog. She recieved many stiches and treatment subsequently and became real quite after the incedent. Only when we tried to touch her favourite tennis ball, we could see the glimpses of her earlier ferocious self. It was amazing to hear the story and to see the love and attachement on the face of the owner. These tales of these simple folks is what makes the ordinary seems extra-ordinary.

The next morning was relaxed as the trail next day was small. Its amazing to realise, how much distance is covered in a small span of time.










It's always good to fall behind and enjoy the beauty around.

After a short trail of around 6 hours we reached our next camp, Nive village.

Had bath in this inviting rocky pond which was located after a lot of struggle. 

The major attraction of the next day was Plus-Velly. It's a velly formed by four mountains and apprear as a '+' sign from the top. I couldn't believe until I saw this.

The trek down was tough and demanding, but the thrill of going all the way down was beyond logic and reason. We climbed down to the point, where there was no further down and were rewarded with some crystal clear elixir of life.

Another rewarding experience was the Fish-pedicure for free.

One can let their imagination run wild in these places. I for one imagined this rock like a face. can you?

From here on it was climb to the heaven (the highest point of the trek). The tired feet has the entire story of the climb written on them by mud.

One can see the next camp from afar and this sight has different effect on different people. Some will be rejuvenated and some will start feeling too tired to lug. I belong to the second category and was literally dragging myself now.

The next camp site (Tamhini village) was having five star facilities in Vinjhaya Mata temple.

Next day was a long but moderate trail. With a bit of cloud cover, things were relatively easy in the start. We could enjoy many such sites along the way. 

Some of the natures traps you would definitely want to avoid.

Irresistable streams like these are hard to avoid and are a respite for aching feet. 

The large stretch of Mulshi reservoir can be seen from one of the high points.

After a long trail which kept on getting longer in the end, we reached our next camp site, Dapsare village. 

A cold but refreshing water stream was waiting for us to wash away the tiredness of the day. 

The camp leader went out of his way to create a small scale model of our next/last days trek. Someone even offerd to take 7 rounds of this model and finish the trek. 

The next morning we passed through one well of historical importance, but left in dilapidated state by all and everyone.

The trail for the day was relatively simpler until we reached the foot of Konkan Diva fort. The fort look un-attainable as it might have appeared to enemies during old war times. 

Climbing to the Fort was tough but reaching the top was equally satisfying. Touching that flag was highlight of the entire trek. The 360 view from the top was really worth all that we have been through.

The trail back to the discharge camp (Sandoshi Village) was long and tiring. The tired body from last few days effort was giving up part-by-part. The refreshed mind was controlling it step-by-step. Finally reached our last camp and discharge location for this trek.

Another open-air bath facility was waiting for us. 

As it was still early and not yet sunset, decided to explore the village which was by far the best in terms of infrastructure (had a post-office and an ST stand, talk about luxary). 

It's been a year since then and by the speed it's all going, it'll be years within no time. Some faces and some stories still lingers and bring a smile on my face. A couple, tired of city life, decided to sattle in their native village, opened a shop and rarely seen charging anything from their neighbours. The conversation started with their car being of Navi Mumbai registration and ended with them calling at-least 4-5 people, when asked to arrange some bananas for an upset stomach. 

Another old lady (most of the folks remained in the village are old. Young ones are gone towards city for a better life) with a bunch of Merigolds in her yard asked me to take as many of them as I want. I, who always believe that the flower belongs to its branch, couldn't refuse the toothless smile and oblidged by picking one. 

The story (or stories) of Sushila Tai, an Anganwadi sevika, who is the mother of 40 (along with her own 2 daughters) in a region of approx 150 km. Stories of her being swept by a strong current and being licked (yes, licked) by a snake were mind-blowing. 

Story of an anonymous school principal who runs a school for three kids with 1 teacher in one class-room. His challenges of managing different school activities and the efforst which are being put to celebrate upcoming Republic day in his school.

Story of a retired District Collector, who donated his life-savings in making a temple complex, a hub of activity in his remote village. 

Many such stories. The best ones end-less, continuing and engaging.

Full of conflicting emotions, the joy of going back home on one side and on another the pain of leaving this paradise. All one can do is to make a promise. Promise never to take our mortal conforts for granted, always be thankful for what the life has given us, and most importantly to count our blessings. There are people who are living a full and content life within very limited resources.

The smiles of little kids playing around, shyly accepting chocolates from us and calling out to their freinds for more will always remain with me.

Thanks for reading.