Night Trek to Naneghat

Naneghat pass

NaneGhat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats in Pune, in the Indian state of  Maharashtra.  As decided, we gathered at Kalyan Bus Depo on 8th November night.  At around 10.30 PM, we took a bus from Kalyan Bus stand to Naneghat. 

After 2 hours journey, we reached the entrance of Naneghat.  This was the starting point of the trek. We went in a circle listening to everyone’s introduction, one by one. Later we started our trek towards Naneghat via Vaishakhare route at around 12.30 AM. The huge gate showed the way for Naneghat.  Nice cool breeze spread across the valley making our walk enjoyable. The moonlight was helping us with the route.

We could see Nanacha angatha (Thumb shaped pinnacle of Naneghat), the peak of Naneghat, from the starting point of trek, which motivated us. After walking for few minutes, we reached a small plauteau where we took rest for some time.

Thumb shaped mountain peak

We had to make stops at regular intervals to rejuvenate ourselves. As we moved further into the forest, the path started to turn into big stones.  Every time we reached a certain point, we would shout out to our group members, so that they would know where to go.  The climb to final patch over uneven rocks which turned into flight of stairs, was tiresome.

It was around 3.30 am.  After climbing for about 3 hours, we reached the Naneghat  pass which is a narrow entrance carved in rocks.  There were few caves, at the edge of the rock which were artificially made and provide a place for temporary rest and shelter for travellers and traders.

Naneghat Caves

We  were all very tired. There were other groups also sleeping inside the cave.  We put all our luggage down and found some place to sleep until sunrise. The air was chill and crisp. I went to sleep.

water tank near Naneghat Caves

After taking rest for around 2 hours, we could see some ray of light.  By that time somebody made black tea by taking water from the water tank and a common pot used by other travellers. Then we went to see sun rise. The sun was spreading in a mix of orange and red colour light all over the horizon. All of us were busy capturing this beautiful scenary.

 Sunrise

After clicking in and around the plateau, we headed to a nearby village house for breakfast.  They had arranged poha and tea. At  around 10 am we went ahead to explore the plateau.

REVISITING HISTORY

According to the legend, Naneghat is the one of the ancient trade routes between Kalyan and Junnar. Naneghat pass was  extensively used to transport goods arriving at Junnar which was then a flourished market place.

view of Naneghat pass from the plateau

Nane means "Coin" and ghat means "pass". The name was given because this path was used as a tollbooth to collect money from traders crossing the hills. The entry to  Naneghat is marked by a single earthern jar, that was used to collect toll.

Rock cut pot used to collect toll money from the travellers in ancient times

Further  Brahmi script was seen carved on the cave wall. This script consists of Numeric information, detailed information on Satvahan kings.

Ganpati murti carved in a small cave

We spotted lot of birds during our walk. We began to climb to the top of Nanacha angatha which we saw at the beginning of the trek. The climb was quite steep. From the top we got the view of the entire valley and the plateau. The beauty of the place stunned me. We sat on top of  Nanacha angatha for sometime and had a group photo.



distant view of Nanacha angatha

In the distance, I could see one of the amazing carvings by nature.  Such tremendously beautiful formation of nature is something to cherish.

beautiful carvings by nature

Just opposite, we could see Jivdhan fort. We took rest for a while enjoying the fort and the scenery.

view of Jivdhan fort from Naneghat plateau

After exploring the plateau, we headed for lunch. They had arranged bhakri, koshimbir, papad, bhajya, aamti and pithla etc. Everything  served  was hot and fresh. Post lunch, we started our descend via Borandyache Daar at around 1.30 pm.

Naneghat plateau

Descending was not easy over big uneven rocks. There was a small rappelling patch which we crossed  with the help of a rope.

By around 5 pm, we reached the base village Bhoir wadi.  By dusk we reached back to Kalyan. A memorable trek with a wonderful experience that can be cherished for long.