Sandhan Valley Trek: A Complete Guide to the Valley of Shadows
If you’re looking for an adventure, Sandhan Valley Trek is the perfect way to quench your thirst. The valley, also known as the Valley of Shadows, is one of Maharashtra’s most challenging treks in the Sahyadri mountain range.
With its rugged terrain, steep slopes, and deep gorges, the trek offers a thrilling experience.
This article provides a complete guide to the Sandhan Valley trek, including the best time to visit, the trekking route, accommodation options, and safety measures.
Sandhan Valley, also known as the Valley of Shadows, is a 200 feet deep 2 km long canyon carved by the water over the years. It is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India.
The trek takes you through the rugged terrain of the valley, which offers a unique experience to the trekkers.
The valley is also famous for its steep rock walls, natural caves, and waterfalls, which add to the adventure of the trek.
Best Time to Visit
- The best time to visit Sandhan Valley is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the valley is lush green. The temperature ranges between 15-25 degrees Celsius during this period, making it perfect for trekking.
- The valley remains closed during the monsoon season (June to September) due to the high risk of flash floods.
- You can also trek here during May & first 2 weeks of June to enjoy the Fireflies festival.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season: Winter (November – February)
- Ideal For: Everyone
- Base Village: Samrad
How to Reach Sandhan Valley
Sandhan Valley is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The base village of the trek is Samrad village, which is well-connected by road and rail.
Via Public Transport:
- You can take a local train from CST/Dadar to Kasara; the return fare is INR 75. It will take about 3 hours to reach via train to Kasara.
- From Kasara, the best option is to take a shared jeep or a private jeep(if you are 4-8 friends) to Samrad village. The distance is around 90 kms and will take 2.5 hours to reach.
- The jeep will cost around INR 2500 – INR 3000 for a drop to Samrad village. You can negotiate cheaper by booking the return with the same person if you are going for a half decent.
- The jeep from Dehne village (for the entire descent) for Asangaon will cost you around INR 1500.
Via Private Vehicle:
- The distance to Samrad village from Mumbai is around 190 kms and will take 5-5.5 hours to reach. Get Directions.
It is advisable to only travel in a public vehicle if you plan to do the full descent.
Trekking Route & Difficulty
The Sandhan Valley trek can be done in either Half Descend or Full Descend.
The Half Descend starts and ends in Samrad village, and the entire descent starts in Samrad village and ends in Dehne village.
The trek is considered to be a moderate-level trek. It will take around 3-4 hours to complete, including rappelling, covering a distance of approximately 8-9 kms.
- You can hire a local guide to conduct rappelling and help throughout the trek for about INR 600 – INR 800 per person.
- If you want to avoid crossing the water streams in between, a local will help you cross those streams in a boat for INR 20.
Difficulty Level
The trek is considered to be a moderately difficult trek. The trek requires a good level of physical fitness and stamina. The steep climbs, descents, and rocky terrain make it challenging for the trekkers.
The trek also involves rappelling and crossing water streams, which adds to the adventure of the hike. However, the rappelling should only be done under proper expert guidance, or it should be done with a trekking group.
Additional Information
Accommodation Options
Several accommodation options are available near the base village of Samrad, including tents, homestays, and guesthouses. The trekkers can choose to stay in tents, which are provided by the local villagers or can opt for homestays or guesthouses.
Note: The locals will charge you anywhere around INR 400 – INR 600 for a tent.
Things to Carry for the Sandhan Valley Trek
Carrying the right gear and equipment while trekking in Sandhan Valley is essential. Some must-carry items include a sturdy backpack, trekking shoes, warm clothes, raincoats, torches, water bottles, and snacks. If you plan to camp overnight, you should also carry mosquito repellent, a sleeping bag & a tent.
Safety Measures
Trekking here can be dangerous without proper care and attention. Some safety measures that need to be taken while trekking include:
- Staying on the designated trekking route
- Avoiding shortcuts
- Carrying enough water and snacks
- Wearing appropriate trekking gear
- It is also advisable to hire a local guide who can assist you during the trek.
Tips for First-Time Trekkers
If you’re a first-time trekker, preparing yourself mentally and physically for the trek is essential. Some tips that can help you during the trek include carrying enough water and snacks, wearing comfortable trekking shoes, and carrying a torch. It is also advisable to take a first-aid kit and any necessary medication.
Conclusion
- Sandhan Valley Trek is a thrilling adventure that offers a unique experience to the trekkers.
- The valley’s rugged terrain, steep slopes, and deep gorges make it one of the most challenging treks in Maharashtra. However, proper preparation and safety measures can quickly complete the trek.
- The trek offers a perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and test your endurance and strength.
FAQs
Sandhan Valley is located in the Sahyadri mountain range in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated near the village of Samrad in the district of Ahmednagar. The valley is approximately 180 km from Mumbai and 200 km from Pune.
Sandhan Valley trek is considered to be a moderately difficult trek.
Sandhan Valley is famous for its natural beauty and adventure activities. It is a 200-foot deep canyon located in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India. The valley is surrounded by rocks and boulders, with a flowing river at the bottom, making it a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and adventure enthusiasts. Sandhan Valley is also known as the Valley of Shadows due to the narrow canyon walls that block sunlight during certain times of the day.
Sandhan Valley is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
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