One Day Trek to Peb Fort on 27th July 2014

The fort of Peb, located conveniently close to Matheran is a wonderful weekend getaway for most Mumbaikars and Punekars; interested in trekking. The hike to the fort is of medium grade and takes around 2.5 hours if climbed from Neral or 1.5 hrs from Matheran, which allows one the experience of walking on the tracks of the Neral - Matheran Mini Train. The fort is impressive and the view from the top is mind blowing. 

Nisarga Bhraman is heading to the Fort Peb / Vikatgad near Matheran on Sunday, 27th July 2014 for a one day trek. We will be climbing it from Matheran route. Join us for this enjoyable yet adventurous hike.

Here is some Info about Peb: 

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 2100 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Easy
District: Raigad
Region: Karjat
Base Village: Neral 

Fort Peb: Located in the same mountain range as Matheran, Peb fort is a enjoyable trek for a days outing. The fort derives it name from the Goddess 'Pebi'; Peb is also called 'Vikatgad' for its supposed shape of the Elephant Headed God, 'Ganesh'. The trek to the top involves surmounting a small rock patch and a ladder. The fort is famous for its caves which are maintained by disciples of Swammi Samartha and the meditation chambers carved out from the rock inside the mountain.

To get inside the meditation chamber, one has to crawl through a narrow passage in the rock and then climb down into the meditation chamber. The  chamber is very well maintained with tiles on the floor for ppl to sit and meditate. The fort also has a temple dedicated to Swammi Samartha on the top and has the footwear or 'Padukas' worn by the great saint kept on the top. 
The view of the entire Neral and Karjat region from the top is worth the climb. Another attraction of the trek is the only standing Bastion or Buruj facing the Panorama point of Matheran, the view from here is just too beautiful to describe.

Photographs: Photo Link of Peb Fort

Plan: 

Rendezvous: 06.15hrs (Sharp) on Sunday, 27th July 2014 at Dadar Station (Central) P.F no.4 twds to Extreme Thane (North) end with your own Return Ticket till Karjat. The train is a Karjat Fast leaving Dadar at 6:30 hrs, halting at Kurla, Ghatkopar, Thane, Dombivali, Kalyan, and all stations there after. 

The itinerary for the Trek is as given below: 

Sunday, 27th July 2014

• Meet at 06.15hrs Sharp @Dadar 
• Train journey to Neral (~1.5hrs) 
• Breakfast
• Travel to Dasturi Naka, Mathran by Jeep (~0.5hrs)
• Round of Introductions and Briefing on Rules and Regulations(~0.25hrs)
• Trek to the fort (~1.5 Hours)
• Have Lunch and explore the fort (~ 2.5 Hours)
• Start of the descend back to Matheran by 3:00 PM 
• We should be back at Neral about 5:30 PM

The cost of this event would be Rs.300/- only.

The above cost includes:

> Travel from Neral to Matheran & Back

> Morning Breakfast and Tea 
> All expertise and guide charges

Note: Take your own return ticket till Neral

If interested, please contact on the nos. below for registration:

Hemant Naik: 9819786136
Sashank Acharekar: 9869509488

Those interested in having a look at the aerial view of the region can click on this link: 

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=19.029868&lon=73.278122&z=15&l=0&m=a&v=2

List of things to be carried for the trek: 

1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried....so that one has ones hands free while trekking. Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas.
2. A bottle of water(2.0 Ltrs)
3. Lunch for the day
4. Wind/Rain cheaters

5. Camera and something to munch on (Optional)
6. Plastic bags to wrap cellphones/clothes to keep them dry

Few rules that we would like people follow:

1. Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the trek. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the trek.
2. Smoking will only be permitted when we stop at the clearing and after consultation with the Leader. The person will have to move away from the group to smoke.
3. The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
4. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
5. Please do not wear any jewelry or gold chains/rings.
6. Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, “When you go to the mountain leave only your footprints and bring back only memories”