Garbett Plateau is a famous trek in the Matheran region of Maharashtra and one of the best treks for beginners. July-September is the best time to do this trek, as the entire area is lush green & the climate is also pleasant.
The main Garbett point is at an altitude of 2625 ft.
The trek starts from the beautiful Dhom lake, a sight in itself during the monsoon season.
If you want to enjoy a day away from the hustle-bustle of city life, this should be your go-to trek in the monsoon.
This trek is easily accessible via public transport if you are from Mumbai or Pune. Diksal is the base village which is near Matheran.
Public Transport:
The best way to reach Diksal is to take a train to Bhivpuri via Dadar or CST; you can download the M-indicator app on your phone for the train schedule.
It will take around 1.3 hours to reach Bhivpuri via train & will cost INR 40 for a return ticket to Dadar.
After finishing the trek, you can go towards Matheran & then take a shared cab or rickshaw to Neral station & take the train to Dadar. The taxi will cost INR 80.
If you come from Pune, you can take trains coming towards Mumbai & get down at Neral & take another local train or taxi to Bhivpuri.
Private Vehicle:
Distance from Mumbai is around 70 kms & will take around 1.5-2 hours to reach.
The distance from Pune is about 110 kms & takes around 2.5 hours to reach.
Ideally, it would be best if you did this trek via public transport because this trek starts from one point and ends at the other point, so in case you come via Private vehicle, you will have to descend the same path to where you have parked your car/bike.
It is a good trek for physically fit beginners who can run 5 kms in under 40 mins or are moderately active.
The hike is around 10 kms long, but after reaching Garbett Point, it is a straight walk towards Matheran.
It will take about 4 hours to get the top from Diksal.
During monsoons, you can also enjoy the season Diksal waterfall just when you start the trek.
In recent years, the trek has become pretty famous, and now the trail is appropriately marked & hence you do not require a local guide to do the hike.
The first part of the trek from Dhom lake to Sagachiwadi is easy and doesn’t require much effort.
Sagachiwadi is almost at the 50% mark of the trek; one can take a break for some time because the climb to Garbett point from this village is steep & will require 1.5 hours to reach the plateau & another 30-40 mins to get to the end.
The final patch from Garbett point to Dasturi Naka (Matheran) is approximately 3kms, a gradual walk.
While embarking on the Garbett Plateau trek, it is crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some essential safety precautions and tips to keep in mind:
Trek with a certified guide who is familiar with the route and terrain.
Wear appropriate trekking gear and clothing to protect yourself from injuries and harsh weather conditions.
Stay hydrated throughout the trek by drinking water at regular intervals.
Pace yourself and take breaks whenever needed to avoid exhaustion.
Do not litter; respect the natural environment by carrying back all your waste.
Follow instructions from the guide and stay on the designated path.
In case of any emergency or discomfort, inform the guide immediately.
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