Members: Amit Jagtap, Jitendra Jagtap, Rajesh Raut, Vishal Chaughule and Sambhaji Chopdekar
We reached Murbad at about 09.15 am. An ST bus going to Dehri, the base of Gorakhgad, was just waiting for us. We reached there at about 10.00 am. We got some time to have refreshments at a small hotel where the group has to register itself.
After having tea and Mugaachi Bhajji (thanks to Amit’s mother!), we started our trek at about 10.20 am. As per my friend, Sulekh’s advice, we took the correct way that goes from the right of the Gorakhnath’s temple. One should not go downwards-the mistake we had made in our earlier hike.
It is a hilly path and we thought as if we were heading for Sidhhagad. Soon the way diverted to the left. Now we could see both Machchhindragad and Gorakhgad to our left. We could easily make out the Chaphaa tree atop! There is one dumba to the right of Gorakhgad. One has to take traverse to this dumba as well. Now, the ever-inspiring Sidhhagad is always to our right and the range in which the Ahupe Ghat is situated is just superb! We crossed almost 10-15 dried streams through this jungle. We were on the right track as we were able to see the orange coloured temple at the top of Gorakhgad.
Soon we came at a spot where the actual way goes to the left. However, we were clueless, as the way had vanished ahead due to the thick bushes. Even I was confused about the next way. I was feeling that we should avoid this way and go straight and then we would get a diversion to the left for the gate while Rajesh was emphasizing that, it was the right track and we should go further through those bushes. He was perfectly correct as we lost almost 30-45 minutes in finding our way in that dense forest due to my fault.
Again, we came to our original spot and took the left diversion to find our way through those bushes. After some time, we could see the orange coloured gate and we felt relieved! After ascending some hilly region, we went to our right where we found a place with a Shivpindi and some stone-carved idols. From here, a way leads us straight to the Gorakhgad and the opposite track goes to a small hut. We did not go there as we were running short of time (13.15 pm).
Hence, we went straight to find the ruined Mahadev temple. The rock-hewn steps lead us to the orange-painted gate. The gate reminded me of Peth. Then came the second rock-patch. On one of the steps, there has been something written in Bramhi Lipi. After so much of trouble, we were through and went to the right to have the much-needed rest in the well-carved excavation.
The water in the nearby tank is potable but the level had dropped. Therefore, we went ahead to the north to find a water cistern that satisfied our need.
At about 15.00 pm, Vishal and I decided to climb the top of the Gorakhgad while others were happy to be at the excavation. One has to climb the 50 odd rock-hewn steps. It was frightening to look downwards while ascending. I was also in a confused state of mind, as we had not taken any safety equipments such as rope. Still, we climbed the steps very carefully to reach the top. The view atop is simply fantastic!
There is an orange coloured Gorakhnath’s temple with a Shivpindi and Nandi in front of it. We could see Naneghat and Jeevdhan but could not make out Dhakoba. The view of both Siddhgad and Machchhindragad is just amazing! And, least to say about the Ahupe wall. The time that we spent there was quite mind-fresh!
Then, the real test began! Descending the rock-steps has now become one of my memorable moments. The deep valley was somewhat discouraging, but then, there was no option. We were fortunate that though it was somewhat cloudy, there was no sign of raining. We took utmost care and helped each other to land safely. It was almost 16.00pm and we were quite relaxed and happy after doing such an adventurous job!
We started our return journey at about 16.20 pm. Soon the entire region was covered with black clouds. We were fortunate (again!) that it did not rain until we reached the dilapidated temple! Then there was the real fun! It started raining and quickly it took its pace. It was pouring! We could easily make out the way through the small running streams and within 30 minutes, we came to our original spot(from where I had misled my team!).
From this, the next way was not so difficult. The view of the waterfalls on the Ahupe wall delighted us a lot. We reached the Gorakhnath temple at about 18.00 pm and quickly found a jeep coming from Dhasai that carried us to Mhasa. From here, we settled in another jeep going to Murbad.
Note: To see the snaps of this trek, please visit the following link...snaps by sambhaji & vishal!...
