Sandhan valley is called “The Great Canyon” in the Sahyadri ranges in Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. Sandhan valley is a beautiful carved valley in magnificent Sayhadri mountain range, which is part of Western Ghats in Maharashtra. It is combination of a canyon and a valley. It is located near the famous fort of Ratangad. Surrounded with mighty and jaw-dropping mountains of Ratangad and Kalsubai, the valley stands at the height of 4255 ft high above sea level, which is the perfect spot for trekking and other adventure activities. The trek goes through 200 ft deep and 2 km long gorge carved by water between the narrow walls. The adventurous part of the trek kicks in, when trekkers have to rappel down the 100 ft rocky patch with the help of experienced guides, ropes and other equipment.
Sandhan Valley, also known as Valley of suspense or Valley of Shadow, is one of the greatest canyons in the splendid setting of Sahyadri Western Ghats. At some places, its width is less than 3 feet and at some places, sun rays are unable to reach the ground. Which gives it the name, valley of shadows. Easily accessible from Mumbai/Pune; entry to Sandhan Valley is free, people who are just visitors and not prepared for the hike are recommended to not venture beyond the lake. While on the trek, its must to carry sleeping bag, sleeping mat, food. It is must that trekkers, are accompanied by professional guides. The trek is ideally suited for rappelling and here are few spots that are perfect for it.
Ideally suited for a weekend trip, the trek starts with a camp in Samrad village where facilities to stay are good. This village is located in Akole Taluka of Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is 147 km far away from the Mumbai that is the state capital of Maharashtra. Unlike all treks, trekkers descend down in valley on the first day and climb up the next day; while descending, there are 3 spots to rappel down. This trek is not for people who want to give up halfway. The valley is surrounded by mighty Alang, Madan, and Kulang that are rated as the toughest trek in Sahyadri range as well as hills such as Ratangad, Ajoba & Kalsubai, the 5400 feet highest peak in Maharashtra. This valley is situated near the Bhandardara dam near Igatpuri.
The trek route of Sandhan valley is one of the most challenging and enjoyable treks of the Sahyadri region. Another specialty of Sandhan Valley is its campsite. To reach for camping first, trekkers have to rappel down one patch of 45 feet and the other patch with the help of ropes. When you climbed down the second patch, there is a flat surface suitable for camping. During monsoon season this area receives heavy rainfall which makes it lush green and heavenly place. The reverse waterfall Sandhan Valley is one of the wonders you can experience during the monsoon season.
Besides trekking, camping, and rappelling, trekkers can enjoy stargazing at night as well as stunning sunrise, sunset from Konkankada viewpoint. To reach Sandhan Valley trekkers have to reach Kasara Railway station from either Mumbai or Pune, from Mumbai it takes around 2 hrs to reach; and from Pune it takes 4-5 hrs to reach. On reaching the Kasara railway station, trekkers can hire a private jeep to reach the base village of Samrad. Its best to spend two days in Sandhan valley. Homestay in Samrad village cost anywhere from Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 per night. Bhandardara budget stays start from Rs. 1000 onwards. If trekkers haven’t got theuir food readily available, food can be arranged at Samrad village and it cost anywhere from Rs. 200 to Rs 600 during the journey. Trek operators usually charge anywhere between Rs. 1600 to Rs. 2000 per person.
Any time of the year is good to trek to Sandhan Valley, except summer. It gets hot and humid and all the energy is sapped by enduring heat, making the trek less enjoyable. Winter, autumn and even monsoon treks to Sandhan Valley are extremely memorable and enjoyable. Trekkers can start the trek at Samrad and within the first few hours, trudge through shallow water bodies 2 to 4 feet high. Upon the descend they come across Tarzan Swing Point, where they have to rappel down using a rope ladder after which there will be some cave crawling. Then slope down and hike among rock patches. There are deep water pools to wade in, followed by wide rocks and then they reach the camping spot.
Safety & Travel Tips
1. First-time trekkers should not attempt this trek without a guide or a trekking operator.
2. The trek tests stamina to a great extent. Avoid if you have a medical condition or a weak heart, or blood pressure.
3. Carry energy bars, mosquito repellents and a windbreaker.
4. Pack light and carry a comfortable backpack.
5. Carry a power bank and a DSLR camera if possible.
6. Carry enough water from Sandhan village. Water from the trail streams may not be pure to drink.
7. There are no restrooms on the trail unless the trek operator has set up a porta potty.
Other Places Of Interest
AMK Forts
Trek uphill to discover the ancient forts of Alang, Madan and Kulang or AMK Forts, only if you as a trekker are not exhausted completely from the Sandhan Valley Trek. These are demanding climbs, so better rest in Bhandardara for a day and then go trekking again.
Ratangad Fort
Undertake yet another exhilarating trek in Bhandardara to Ratangad Fort, through a moderately steep ascent.
Nanhe Ghat Waterfalls
Visit this beautiful waterfall in Ratanwadi, a few kilometres away from base camp.
Bhandardara
Visit the beautiful waterfall at Bhandardara, such as Umbrella Waterfalls, Randha Waterfall. Don’t forget to visit Kalsubai Peak, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake and walk around the charming village of Ratanwadi.
Igatpuri
Travel to Igatpuri which is located a couple of hours away from Samrad, and explore Myanmar Gate, Tringalwadi, Ashoka Waterfall and Thal Ghat.
