User submitted article: Dr. Sumit Kesarkar

Short Summary of Naneghat

Naneghat denotes ancient trade route which joined the Ghat areas of Shivneri, Junnar to the coastal areas. In ancient times every trader who used this route had to pay some fare for travel. A big container sculpted out of stone is constructed just at the entry point (for us our end point) in which the traders use to put some money and pass on. In Marathi coins are known as Nane and since the area resides in the hilly (Ghat) regions it is termed as Naneghat. The highest point we recorded was 790 mts which was at the very point this structure stands.

Warming to the Trek

The summer heat was getting to us and we were dragging on our lives with the anticipated excitement of oncoming monsoons which bring with them fresh air, the aroma of wet soil and of course treks. This year the monsoon kept us waiting a bit longer. However with the first sight of the much awaited black clouds we planned our trek schedule for the season (2007). The first trek was Peb fort at Neral, an easy one just to warm up for the season. The YHAI Goregaon unit decided to visit the place on 24th June 2007 and since it was meant to be an easy walk we had certain newcomers with us, especially 4 Chinese people. Excitedly we boarded the second train to Neral from Dadar at 6:02 am. The rains were flushing in between but we had no idea what was in store for us. The previous night it had rained heavily and the tracks were submerged in water. Our train approached Kalyan with constant halting and very miserly speeds before finally dying out at Kalyan junction at about 9 am. During this ordeal it hit us that Peb fort was a long gone option and we had to quickly decide between returning back or something else. s a determined group we decided to go on with a new trek come what may. Ideas for a change of venue like Hajji Malang, Chanderi etc. were constantly thrown up by fellow friends but after a brief scan of the Kalyan – Morbad area map we finally decided on Nane Ghat. A concerned thought for our Chinese friends crossed my mind as they had come mentally prepared for a stroll at Peb and had no idea of our devil plans. However the trek fever had completely gripped us by then to even think about taking them into confidence. As we approached Kalyan bus depot we were lucky enough to find a ST bus standing right there for our destination. We chatted with the conductor about our  alighting  point and shelled out 45rs each for our journey. Before we left we had a quick snack comprising of customary Vada-Pav and tea. Our journey started and with few yawns and sleeps we reached Morbad at 11:30 for a short snack stop by the ST driver. After 10 - 15 mins we again boarded the bus to reach the base point of our trek. The base point is marked "NANEGHAT" with a red arrow which directs towards the off road leading to the ancient trade route. It was 12:00 pm and we started our trek.

	At 12: 15 pm we were merrily on our way towards Naneghat. The base height recorded by us was 235 mts and the air pressure was 980 mmof Hg. The initial patch (235mts) is a flat plain surface to stroll. After a few curves the rocky, slippery trail to Naneghat came in view which we had to climb.Our Chinese friends were a bit skeptical but they decided to pull on. After walking for 30 mins we reached a small stream from where the trail took a right turn and ascent begin.
At the stream we had our customary group introduction where 14 people including myself exchanged acquaintances, a few group photos and we were off. After another 40mins of strenuous walk from the stream we reached the base of the rocky cliff at 460m. It was 1:30 pm and the air pressure recorded was 970mm of hg. It was overcast which ensured that we were not physically drained. However one of our Chinese friends Steve seemed to have had enough of the walking as he was totally exhausted and decided to stay at the base. But we pegged him up by stories of leopards lurking around which was enough to give him an adrenaline shot.  After some rest we started our approach towards the cliff trail. Here the route becomes a bit tricky as you have to go in circular fashion over slippery rocks. A careful look at the trail suggests that during monsoon a strong stream must be flowing over the rocks and that made us think about the excitement and possible bruises we may suffer while coming down. However that thought was far from our minds as we started our ascent. At every sharp curve we could see the magical landscape and with a comfortable cool breeze blowing we did not feel exhausted. In between we stopped to taste the magnificent flowing water and splash our faces with it which made us feel fresh. After an hours climb we reached a point what we may denote as a second base at 2:30pm. It is a small rocky plain extended in front of a cliff. It has a small stone grave which serves as a water tank during monsoons. The height recorded by us here was 610 mts and the air pressure was a cool 950 mm of Hg.
	At the stream we had our customary group introduction where 14 people including myself exchanged acquaintances, a few group photos and we were off. After another 40mins of strenuous walk from the stream we reached the base of the rocky cliff at 460m. It was 1:30 pm and the air pressure recorded was 970mm of hg. It was overcast which ensured that we were not physically drained. However one of our Chinese friends Steve seemed to have had enough of the walking as he was totally exhausted and decided to stay at the base.But we pegged him up by stories of leopards lurking around which was enough to give him an adrenaline shot.  After some rest we started our approach towards the cliff trail.

Here the route becomes a bit tricky as you have to go in circular fashion over slippery rocks. A careful look at the trail suggests that during monsoon a strong stream must be flowing over the rocks and that made us think about the excitement and possible bruises we may suffer while coming down. However that thought was far from our minds as we started our ascent. At every sharp curve we could see the magical landscape and with a comfortable cool breeze blowing we did not feel exhausted. In between we stopped to taste the magnificent flowing water and splash our faces with it which made us feel fresh. After an hours climb we reached a point what we may denote as a second base at 2:30pm. It is a small rocky plain extended in front of a cliff. It has a small stone grave which serves as a water tank during monsoons. The height recorded by us here was 610 mts and the air pressure was a cool 950 mm of Hg. 

We were astonished to see that 3 of our Chinese friends were the first one to the top but I would also put that the 4th Chinese friend (Steve) was painstakingly last. The caves were found really clean to our amazement. We had a deserved lunch of sandwiches, cakes etc. A few snaps, change of clothes and we moved towards the top. We had to hurry as we were short on time.

At the Top

We reached the top after a steep climb of 15-20mins from the caves at 4:15pm. The topmost height recorded by us was 790 mts and the air pressure showed 900 mm of Hg.  This point is exactly where the money collection container is located. Just opposite to it you can see a huge cliff of the shape of a thumb. There is a small Hanuman temple at its base. A tricky slippery trail leads upto the highest point over that cliff  which I assume to be at 850 mts. This point must be accepted as the highest point of Naneghat. We were short on time and hence did not take up the challenge of reaching there. From the top you can view several peaks, Jivdan being one of them. Jivdan infact is another 1-1.5 hr trek from Naneghat top. Meanwhile our Chinese friends were very proud on their achievements of reaching the top.. They were also happy to see the motor able road at the top and thought we were going that way. But when we suggested we go the same way down they gave some really photographic expressions. We clicked some group photos (visit photo gallary), congratulated everyone on their achievement and started our descent as the job was half done.

Journey back to the base

The descent was really difficult with strong winds blowing. The extremely slippery stones cautioned our every step as one slip and a steep fall to heaven awaits your company. Every step we negotiated took lot out of the knees and ankles.  After a careful walk we reached the first base at 410 mts at 5:45pm. We had a small rest and started on our way back to the start point as we knew that with every passing moment we could lose a potential ferry back to Kalyan. We reached the start point at 6:30 pm. We again congratulated everyone, especially Steve for completing the trek against all odds. From there we took a ride in a pickup truck up to a bus stop.

Back Home

We got 7pm Bus to Kalyan. Since it was packed many of us had to stand for another gruelling 2 hours till Kalyan with aching legs. We reached Kalyan at 9 and took the train to Dadar. The train schedule seemed to be normalised by then. We continued our journey home with wonderful thoughts of nature, rains, aching legs, a warm bath and a hearty dinner meal awaiting us.

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