Ovenight Trek to Bhimashankar on 19th & 20th July 2014

The rains along with the month of Shravan are one of the best times to go to Bhimashankar, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. But at the same time the pilgrimage is crowded with people who come to visit the Shiva Temple. To avoid this crowd, we have decided to head to Bhimashankar just before the Shravan starts. 

We invite you all for the overnight trek to Bhimashankar via adventurous route of Nisanichi Waat (Shidi Ghat) on 19th & 20th July 2014.

About Bhimashankar:

Type: Pilgrimage

Height: 3500 Feet above MSL (Approx)

Grade: Medium

Region: Karjat

A beautiful temple of Lord Shiva at Bhimashankar is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga in India. After getting angry, Lord Shiva killed Tripurasura and heat generated during the war caused the origin of river Bhima thus the name Bhimashankar. The entire region is a thick forest which is home for a state animal - Indian Gaint Squirrell, also known as 'Shekru'. The topmost point is known as Nagphani.

Photographs - Bhimashankar Pics 2008

Plan:

Meet at Dadar station (Central) at 6.15AM sharp on PF.4 on Saturday, 19th July 2014 with your own train ticket till Neral.

The train that we will be taking will be 6.30AM Karjat Fast, halting at 
Kurla - 6:37 am
Ghatkopar - 6:43 am
Thane - 6:56 am
Dombivali - 7:08 am
Kalyan - 7:16 am 
Those staying along the route can choose to board at any of the stations mentioned.

Saturday, 19th July:

• Travel by train from Dadar to Neral (~1.75hrs)
• Round of Introductions and Rules & Regulations
• Travel by private Jeep to Khandas (~1hrs)
• Trek from Khandas to Bhimashankar via Shidi Ghat (~4 hrs)
• Lunch & Rest (Carry your own Lunch for Saturday)
• Visit the temple, Gupt Bhima etc.
• Stay in the Home stay / Dormitory (As per availability)

Sunday, 20th July:

• Wake up early by 6:00 am & Freshen up
• Proceed for Sightseeing to Nagphani; the heighest point
• Breakfast & Tea
• Start the descent back to Khandas via Ransheel OR Ganesh Ghat
• Reach Nandgaon / Khandus village by 1:00 pm
• Lunch at the base village
• Travel to Karjat by private jeep
• We should be back at Karjat station at 4.00 pm (Subjective)

The cost of this Event would be Rs. 1000/- only.

Members Discount Rs 50/-

The above cost includes:

> Travel from Neral to Khandas & Back to Karjat by Private Transport.

> 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch  and 1 Dinner.

> Stay at Bhimashankar (Home stay)
> NB Expertise & Guide charges

Note: Everyone has to carry their own Lunch.

To register for the event, contact - 9167966042/ 9892992868 / 9619848367

Note: One has to handover or transfer full amount for registration which will be non refundable in case of cancellation.

Hand over the cash in Person in co-ordination or transfer the amount to the account - 

Name of A/c Holder: Parag Vartak
Bank: ICICI Bank
Branch: Thakur Complex, Kandivali
A/c Number: 037601504142 (Savings)
RTGS/IFSC code: ICIC0001074

Here is a list of the things to be carried for the trek –

1. Haversack (with rain cover) to put in everything to be carried for the trek
2. Lunch for Saturday unless you plan to go hungry
3. Water - 2 liters at least
4. Extra clothes, Towel / Napkin, Wind cheater / Rain cheater
5. Bedding Material
6. Wear good quality sport shoes / floaters
7. Torch with extra set of batterries
8. Personal medicine required if any
9. Identity Proof
10. Camera with extra batteries
11. Something to munch on (Toffees, Chocolate, Chikki, Biscuits etc.)
12. Wrap everything in the plastic bag to protect from rain

Few rules that we would like people follow -

• Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the event and would lead to expulsion from the event.
• Smoking will only be permitted while we stop at a clearing, after consultation with the ‘Leader’ and the person will have to move away from the group to smoke.
• The Leaders decision will be final and binding on all members. No arguments will be entertained.
• It is of utmost importance that all participants stick together in the group. 
• In the event of any Mishap/Eventuality, Nisarga Bhraman and/or its Leaders will not be held responsible.
• Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
• Please do not wear any jewelry or gold chains/rings.
• Please do not litter, we strongly believe in the saying, “Leave only Footprints, Take back only Memories”