Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Peth Kotligad - Night Trek

Peth - Kothligad Night trek

The Adventure:

Kothligad is a fort in the shape on an inverted funnel. Situated at the base of the fort is the village Peth hence the fort is often called as Peth fort as well. At the base of the hill is the village Ambavali.

At a distance of 15 km from Karjat station this is a fort for any trekking enthusiast. A gradual ascend to the village Peth and then a short steep climb to reach the base of the funnel. The most interesting part of the fort is the funnel which is carved from within thus making a hollow in the center. There are stairs leading to the top where you reach the top of the pinnacle. From here is visible the Tungi fort, Padargad fort and Bhimashankar platue. Since this is very close to the Bhimashankar forest there have been instances of spotting the Shekru (giant Indian squirrel) in this region.

The Schedule:

Date: 4th & 5th April, 2009

4th April

9.00 pm – Start from Andheri East-West connecting flyover
9.30 pm – Bandra Kalanagar Juntion
10.00 pm – Chembur Akbarally’s juntion
10.20 pm – Under Vashi flyover
12.00 am – Start trek from Ambavali towards Peth village

5th April

2.00 am – Reach Peth village and lights out
7.00 am – Wake up call
7.30 am – Breakfast
8.00 am – Start trek for Kothligad fort
9.30 am – Reach the fort – Rest and Exploration
10.30 am- Start back for Peth village
12.00 pm- Freshen up at Peth and start the descend towards Ambavali
2.00 pm - Reach Ambavali for Lunch
3.00 pm – Power nap
4.00 pm – Start for Mumbai
7.30 pm – Home sweet home!

Clothing

Track pants, full sleeves t-shirt spare shorts, socks.
Bedding

Carry two bedsheets or a sleeping bag. Accommodation shall be in tents or village houses.
Packing your stuff

Pack all to carry items in Backpack; lightweight on bottom and topside of bag; heavy items towards shoulder and closer to body. Use compression straps if you have them in your backpacks. Capacity of bag should be 40 to 60 liters.

Foot wear

Sports shoes with rubber sole or trekking shoes; carry spare slippers or floaters. No high heals allowed.

Other essentials in your survival kit

1) 3 meter x 3 meter plastic sheet (will be available in any hardware store) or local market
2) Hand Sanitizer
3) Torch
4) Pocket Knife
5) Towel (light) and carry one cloth, useful for wiping dirt.
6) Walking Cane (should be 65% to 70% of your height – strong and light)
7) Emergency money (Rs. 500/- per head)
8) One bundle of 5 mm Nylon or 3 mm Karnamental ropes (around 10 meter).
9) Carry a note pad and two ball pens for your diary writing.
Goodies & nice to have
You may also carry goodies like camera; small - binoculars, magnifying glasses and pocket field guide to make most of the trip.

Cost:

Rs. 875/- Members get a discount of Rs. 100/-

The cost includes Sunday breakfast & lunch, transport by non-ac bus , service tax and event management charges. It does not include Saturday dinner or anything else not mentioned here.

Registration and Cancellation

How to Register?

Draw cheque in favor of “Nature Knights – ICICI Bank A/c No. 041205000027”

Drop the cheque in any ICICI ATM Cheque drop box

OR

Simply make electronic funds transfer (EFT). Our Banking branch is Versova.

Please note: Participants doing Electronics fund transfer from bank other than ICICI Bank, need to add Rs. 25/- extra per transaction.

How to complete registration?

(Note: Registration will only be complete after we receive your payment and details in the format given below; for communication contact us at contact@natureknights.com ).

Registration Format:

Subject of mail: Event Registration – Event Name and Date.

1) Event Name
2) Event Date
3) Your name & Email ID of all participants
4) Number of Participants
5) Chq. Amount / Cash Amount
6) Chq. Date
7) Bank Name

Cancellation Charges

Cancellation

more than one month in advance 20% of the camp fee
Less than one month and more than 20 days in advance 30% of the camp fee
Less than 20 days and more than 7 days in advance 40% of the camp fee
7 days in advance or less in advance (Last minute cancellation) 80% of the camp fee


Indemnity bond

All participants have to sign a Indemnity bond (for all participants whose age is less than 17 their parents have the indemnity bond).

For further clarification contact

Asif - 9821081566
Nimesh – 9820169693
Dnyanesh - 9820834622

Eco-Tourism Etiquettes

Camps organized by “Nature Knights” are in the eco / culturally - sensitive area like Sanctuaries, Jungles, and places of Historical importance. While visiting these places we should blend into the community of Original inhabitants and respect their culture and sentiments.
We strongly believe in traveling in small groups, and follow the principle leave only footprints and take only memories.

Eco-Adventure Code

Forest and mountains by its very nature implies certain code of conduct to be adhered and we need to blend with these rules to make the trip safe and enjoyable for individuals and the groups

Don’ts

No littering we take back all that we carry.
Do not shout at, harass or feed animals. Your silence will help you appreciate and enjoy the jungle environment better. Do not carry radios and walkmans, the sound may not only distract animals but also you would not be able to hear / senses the beauty or the beast in the Jungle. Unless necessary; do not pick up dead wood, chop wood or pick flowers and plants. This may seriously damage the forest ecosystem balance.
Alcohol / Drugs not allowed
Avoid smoking during nature trials, this could cause forest fire or also distract the animals, as their sense of smell is far greater than ours. Do not carry very expensive items which are not necessary like jewelry, very flashy clothes etc. At the end always report on time for scheduled events and do not forget to enjoy selves and have a great adventure with new and old friends in Nature Knights Family.

Dos

Take initiative in participating for all group activities, your team initiatives will make the trip more memorable for you and others. Be a team player, do not be a city snob. Be responsible for yourself and others. Stay withthe group; never cross the designated lead person and never lag behind the last person designated. Remain with the group, venturing out on your own could prove to be dangerous.
How to prepare your self for any treks?
Go through the “What to carry?” matrix while packing yourbackpack.
Carry personal medical kit, even though general first aid kit is available with the group. Rehearse packing and un-packing of your bags with proposed items to be packed (Remember - every item has a place, every item in its place); check the weight of your bag. You have to carry this weight for 2 to 3 hours of trek; do not carry items not required.
Fitness – Most important
1) Start walks 3 to 4 times per week; go for 45 minutes to 60 minutes brisk walk. If you can go for walks with your backpack or smaller bags, it would be the best way to prepare.
2) Do stretching exercise (stiff body can break down easily).
3) Built strength training (weights or GYM or at least do Surya Namaskar; Pushups; Squats and Stomach Crunches). 20 minutes 3 to 4 times per week.
4) Eat good food (have 3 to 4 servings of vegetable or fruit salads per day).
5) Pranayam – Breathing exercise for developing stronger lungs. Research – Browse net; talk to friends who may have gone to proposed location; investigate publications etc. If you have purchased a new shoe for trek, start wearing it at least 10 to 15 days in advance to get used to the new shoe.
6) Most important; reach at the designated meeting place on correct place; time and date.

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