Hello adventure seekers, Rishi is here!!!
I am your travel buddy who is here to share my adventurous experience of trekking in Maharashtra. We had a group of 23 enthusiasts from different regions of Maharashtra come together on this trek in just two days. This exhilarating journey takes trekkers through an ancient trail, offering breathtaking views, historical significance, and a test of physical endurance.
Route to Alang Madan Kulang: A Trekker’s Adventure
My journey began with four of my friends riding our bikes from Pune, covering approximately 200 kilometres to reach the base village of Ambegaon. The fuel cost for our journey was Rs. 600 per person, considering an average fuel efficiency of 35 km per litre.
Some of my friends from Nashik, Mumbai, and Pune went to Kasara and got a private Jeep for Rs. 3,500. It fits 8 people, but the rate covers up to 12. From Kasara, there are numerous transport options available for booking assistance.
Discovering Serene Accommodation Near the Alang Madan Kulang Trek :
Upon reaching the base village, we arranged for a local guide and a tent stay at the top of the Alang Fort. The guide’s services, which included breakfast, lunch, evening refreshments, dinner, and technical support for climbing and rappelling, cost Rs. 1,200 per person. Our experienced guide, Vitthal Kekakre, made sure of a safe and memorable experience for our group.
Enjoyable 2 days itinerary for the Alang Madan Kulang Trek:
- Day 1: Starting the Alang Madan Kulang Trek:
We started trekking at 8 a.m. after breakfast at the base village. Our first stop was Alang Fort, reached after a 1.5-hour trek. We left our stuff in a cave and moved on to Madan Fort for the night. The trek to Madan involved a tough 50–60-foot climb and rappel. At Madan, we checked out historical spots like water tanks, caves, and palaces.
Later, we went back to Alang for lunch and grabbed our bags. Then, we climbed a 90-foot section to reach the top of Alang Fort, where we enjoyed the sunset. In the evening, we pitched tents, had snacks, and had dinner before calling it a night in our tents.
- Day 2: Visiting Kulang Fort
The next morning, we woke up early to catch a stunning sunrise from the fort’s top. After exploring more of the fort and having breakfast, we descended to Kulang Fort, which took about an hour, and explored the area before starting our trek back to the base village. A Brief History of the Kulang Fort was built in the 17th century to protect the old trade route between Nashik and Kalyan. Legend has it that the Mughals handed it over to the Peshwa. Later, the British took control in 1818 and destroyed the fort’s steps.
Upon returning to the village, we relished a satisfying lunch, after which we began our journey home.
The most popular Hidden Gems: The Forest Trails
The forests surrounding Alang and Kulang forts at the Sahyadris’ base are like hidden gems. They’re packed with rocks, boulders, and seasonal streams and teeming with plants and animals. If you keep a keen eye out, you might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife among the trees.
Best time to visit the Alang Madan Kulang Trek
The best time to embark on the Alang Madan Kulang Trek is from October to February. During these months, the weather is typically cooler and more pleasant.
Necessary things to pack:
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Identity Card
- Cap, Scarf, Bandana, and Sunglasses
- Water (a minimum of three litres) and snacks
- Quick-dry T-shirts are preferable to cotton tees.
- A warm layer- a sweater, or a jacket
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sleeping Mat
- Sleeping Bag
- Tent (3-person or 2-person, depending on the number of people sharing)
Tips for travellers:
- Please carry 2-3 litres of water, as there are no water sources along the trekking route.
- Bring a good torch with extra batteries (mobile torches may not be reliable).
- Wear shoes with excellent grip to navigate the rugged terrain safely.
- Note that there are no restrooms available during the trek, so plan accordingly.
- This trek demands high endurance due to challenging terrain and long distances.
- Your body mass index (BMI) should be below 30 for optimal trekking conditions.
The Alang Madan Kulang Trek left an indelible mark on our hearts. The total cost for this exciting adventure ranged from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 per person. It was one of the most thrilling adventures I’ve ever had.Searching for captivating travel adventures? Visit https://sowl.in/stories for breathtaking accounts! Safe travels and happy exploring, everyone!
