Sandhan Valley Trek With Rappelling

In this article, you'll find out about the most amazing trek you could ever embark on - a Sandhan Valley trek. Many people have heard of this beautiful destination, but not many people have actually visited it. If you're looking to make the journey yourself, then read on for some helpful tips!

About Sandhan Valley

Sandhan valley is known Wonder of nature & splendid of Sahyadri (Western Ghats).Water carved valley of 200 ft deep and about 1.5 long. Sandhan valley is located on the west side of beautiful Bhandardara region, near Samrad village. Valley surrounded with mighty Alang , Madan & Kulang (Known as AMK- toughest trek in Sahyadri) Ratangad, Ajoba& Kalsubai (5400 ft. highest peak in Maharashtra) mountain ranges. 

Brilliant & deep narrow rock floored ravine between the two high walls of mountain range. At some places its width is less than 3 ft so that at some places sun rays unable to reach. So it’s called valley of shadow. You can enter in Sandhan valley but it is accessible throughout the year except monsoon. To go at end side of gorge you have cross 2-3 water pools, water level changes according to seasons, in winter it is up to waist & in summer it is up to knee height. At the end of valley you get magnificent view of high cliffs & deep valleys. To reach up to this point you don’t need any trekking equipment. This is called Sandhan Valley trek.

From that point ahead to reach the base of Sandhan Valley & Karoli Ghat you have to go ahead on the same path. This is known as ‘Sandhan Valley to Karoli Ghat’ trek. This is a challenging phase of that trek which has steep descend with big rocks as we reach closer to Karoli Ghat. That route look like a Harishchandragad “nalichi vaat”. You have to rappel down 3-4 small patches (max height. 40ft) to reach Base camp. Very few people have taken up this phase as it is considered to be very tough. From base camp its takes 4 hrs trek to reach back to Samrad Village via Karoli Ghat or else from Base camp we can head south towards Dehane village (Base of Ajoba fort) in Thane district. 

Sandhan Valley Trek Overview

Sandhan Valley From Pune, Mumbai and Nasik Road Map

Location : Samrad Village, Bhandardara, District: Ahmednagar, State Maharashtra, India.

Getting there:
1. From Pune -
Via Sangamner – (Total Distance – 248 km)
Pune – Narayangaon – Alephata – Sangamner – Akole – Rajur – Randha falls – Ratanwadi phata- Shendi Bhandardara – Panzare – Udhawne – Ghatghar Dam – Samrad village 
Via Bota – (Total Distance – 200 km) Recommended Route
Pune – Narayangaon – Alephata – Bota – Bramhanwada – Kotul – Kotul Phata – Rajur – Randha falls – Ratanwadi phata – Shendi Bhandardara – Panzare – Udhawne – Ghatghar Dam – Samrad village 
Via Otur – (Total Distance – 200 km)
Pune – Narayangaon – Alephata – Otur – Bramhanwada – Kotul – Kotul Phata – Rajur – Randha falls – Ratanwadi phata – Shendi Bhandardara – Panzare – Udhawne – Ghatghar Dam – Samrad village

2. From Mumbai-
Via Igatpuri & Bhavali – (Total Distance – 181 km)
Kalyan – Shahapur – Kasara – Igatpuri – Bhavali – Ambewadi – Vasali Phata – Varaghushi Phata – Shendi Bhandardara – Panzare – Udhawne – Ghatghar Dam – Samrad village 
Via Ghoti (Ghoti- Bhandardara Road) – (Total Distance – 199 km)
Kalyan – Shahapur – Kasara – Igatpuri – Ghoti (Ghoti- Bhandardara Road) – Vasali Phata – Varaghushi Phata – Shendi Bhandardara – Panzare – Udhawne – Ghatghar Dam – Samrad village (Pl. refer Map No.1)

3. From Nasik – (Total Distance – 93 km)
Nasik – Wdhiware – Ghoti (Ghoti- Bhandardara Road) – Vasali Phata – Varaghushi Phata – Shendi Bhandardara – Panzare – Udhawne – Ghatghar Dam – Samrad village

Time to Reach :

For Sandhan Valley –

From Samrad Village to Sandhan Valley entrance = 30 min
From Sandhan Valley entrance to end of the Sandhan Valley gorge = 1 – 1.5 hrs.
Total 3 – 4 hrs are sufficient to explore Sandhan Valley

For Sandhan Valley To Karoli Ghat Trek (For group of 10 persons)

From Samrad Village to Sandhan Valley entrance = 30 min
From Sandhan Valley entrance to end of the Sandhan Valley gorge = 1 – 1.5 hrs.
From end of the Sandhan Valley gorge to Sandhan Valley base (Karoli Ghat) = 4 – 5 hrs.
Back to Samrad village from Sandhan Valley base via Karoli Ghat = 4 hrs.
Total Time=11-12 hrs

Best time to visit

For Sandhan Valley - November, December, April & May (winter is always best for changeling treks, floral beauty with green landscapes with great atmosphere. In hot summer if you want some chill out with adventure, Sandhan valley & Bhandardara backwater is best place to visit.

Things you can do in the area

• -Camp in the sand dunes or on the banks of the river
• -Enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle through the valley
• -Visit the many waterfalls and hot springs
• -Capture the natural beauty of the area with photography
  

What to take on the trek

It is always advisable to have a full list of items that you will need for a trek, but for the Sandhan Valley trek it is particularly important to remember to pack:

• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• a hat
• a jacket or sweater
• real water bottles (not those travel or sports bottles)
• snacks (granola bars, apples, bananas, trail mix)
• any medications you may need (antihistamines, painkillers)
• spare clothes in case of bad weather or ripoffs at the lodges

Weather predictions for the trek

The weather in the Sandhan Valley can be unpredictable, so it is important to plan your trip around the weather.

The trekking route is hilly and there are frequent ascents and descents. It is also humid and hot, so be prepared for a sweaty hike. The best time to go would be from October to March, when temperatures are milder and the humidity is lower.

If you’re planning on visiting the valley during monsoon season, be prepared for heavy rains and flooding. And if you choose to go during winter, expect cold temperatures and difficult trekking conditions.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to explore some of the most picturesque and stunning landscapes in Maharashtra, then the Sandhan Valley Trek is definitely worth considering. The trek takes you through forests, meadows, and valleys full of scenic beauty that will leave you feeling inspired. So if you’re looking for a thrilling adventure that will leave your senses blown away, then the Sandhan Valley Trek is definitely the trek for you!