Trek to Naneghat

Today it was proved that we as parents always underestimate our kids. We worry too much about them all the time and hence hesitate to let them explore things thinking it might not be safe for them. Unless we dont give them a chance, we will never know their true potential.

This time we decided to Trek to Naneghat, also known as "Nanacha Angtha" (Nana’s Thumb). It is actually a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range near Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. Knowing this will be a longer and much tougher trek (about 2750 ft high) as compared to those we have done before, I was skeptical if the kids could climb all the way up and down. Let me tell you, I was wrong. On the contrary I was totally thrilled looking at the enthusiasum and energy my kids potrayed on this trek. As a mother, I feel super proud of them today.

We left Mumbai early morning at 7am knowing that it will be a good 3 hour drive. The route we followed was Thane - Kalyan - Murbad - Saralgaon - Tokawade - Vaishakhare Village. Little ahead of this village is the trekking point to Naneghat.  There is a very prominent signboard that marks the starting pointing of the trek. You will find a few stalls at the base point where you can have light breakfast and buy water. Items sold are like maggie/wada-pav/chips/tea/coffee etc.

 

 

The target point was high up, so we commenced our trek around 10.30 am. As it was monsoon, the surrounding was covered with a green carpet which was a satisfying feast to the eyes. The initial half hour is a gravel road which is like a narrow trail in the jungle. Not to forget, there is also a small kids park that has few swings and sea-saw and rope-climbs.

 

We crossed about 2-3 water streams on the way which is also a very good spot to click pictures. The gravel road continued for another one hour with a combination of rocky and slippery muddy path. Many a times, we had to get on all our fours(both hands and legs) to prevent tripping down the hilly slope. Also its a good idea to carry trekking poles if you have them as they were quite helpful to me (My kid called me "Dadima" for carrying the trekking pole :) ).

 

 

 

Most of the latter part of the trek is rocky steps both big and small. Even though the rocks were mostly covered with moss the kids easily climbed them while continuously chatting with fellow trekkers from other trekking groups.

 

 

 

 

It took us good 3 hours to reach the top. At the top there are caves where people can relax for some time and have their lunch. The cave has various inscriptions in Brahmi language. Please be careful of the monkeys around the cave as they can snatch your food in hand. Not much food options were available at the top except for a cart selling few chips and bhutta(corn). We were lucky to have contact of a local fellow who arranged home cooked food(chicken :)) and drinking water(not mineral water) for us. It was a total different experience to eat inside a cave. As there is no water source, its a good idea to carry ample amount of water with you especially if you visit here during summer. Although you may come across some natural springs and water tanks/kund, they seemed to be polluted and also have some tiny fishes.

 

After our lunch we were ready to explore the place around. We crossed the mountain pass to reach the beautiful open plateau with a simply breath-taking view.

 

It was very windy and we could barely walk and the children thought they would be swept away by the wind:). Also one can hike the slope of the peak called thumb point for an even more stunning views of the Sahyadris. I personally also found the pass quite magnificent. This route was once an ancient trade route which was extensively used to transport goods arriving at Junnar and the locals still use this pass. The huge pot used in olden days to collect coins(called as nane's) as toll while using the pass, still exists at the top.

 

 

While exploring, we saw a small Naneghat Resort on top which can be helpful for overnight staying or one can even camp inside the cave. Public bathrooms with water facility are available at the top near the resort.

Other places to visit on the top are -
Return waterfall (just a km away) - The water splashes upwards due to strong wind.
Mind-blowing konkan valley.
A Ganesh Mandir.

After spending some time at the top we started our descend journey at about 3.30 pm and reached the base ground around 6 pm.

I find treks as a way to rejuvenate myself and also it helps to spend quality time with your friends. This is the time when we can be one with the nature leaving behind our daily lives' struggles and move far away from the techno-savvy world. This is the time when we actually get talking with one another and build lovely memories with family and friends to be relished forever.

Below is the map to help you with the directions. Happy Trekking to you :)