Night Trekking to Sahyadri with Wild Voyages

Beautiful horizon before sunrise

Capturing Sunrise early morning

On 13th and 14th May 2023, my parents planned for me to go on night trekking arranged by Wild Voyages with my friend Ansh.

We both took train from Surat to Valsad with Sapna Aunty ( Ansh's Mom) on 13th May and reached Wild Voyages office around 1.30 p.m. where aunty dropped us.

Around 2 p.m. our First “SOLO” (without our parents) journey started alongwith other trekkers who were all elder than us. We both were the only kids in the lot. Both Ansh and I enjoyed the journey. We passed so many cities and villages along the way. But my favorite was admiring the trees and forest along the road to Pimpla which was 4 hours drive from Valsad.

Once we reached our Base camp, we were given refreshments. I witnessed putting up tent for the FIRST time.

Then we had orientation and camp briefing . Vaibhav Sir who was also our Trek leader made us aware of the history about forts around the Sahyadri range. He also informed us how trekking has also helped in income generation for the local people living around as trekkers and tourist often visit these mountains. Sir also informed us about the flora – fauna and the wildlife around these area. It truly was very informative.

Sunset in the wilderness...😍

After orientation we explored the biodiversity and looked around the beautiful view. It was kind of trekking rehearsal. Once we came down we got fresh. Dinner was yummy made by local village aunty.

Then we played games. I am shy by nature so sir made few jokes and helped me break the ice with others. After chit chat, we headed into our tent to take rest as we had to wake up around 2.30 a.m.. Since both Ansh and I are kids we were made to share tent with elder co-trekkers. I shared tent with Sidharth bhaiya and Ansh was in tent next to us with another bhaiya. Kinjal didi even gave me her mobile to speak with my parents.

We were woken up around 2.30 and from there we travelled in our bus to Pimpla fort also known as Kandala Fort. Our trekking started. It was very windy. We were kept in middle in the line. It took 2 hours to reach the fort.

It’s almost 3700 feet high from sea level. While trekking Virag bhaiya (co-trekker) helped me by carrying my bag. The path had rocks which was man-made cut and our trek leader advised us to walk on that as this was our first time trekking. We sticked to the left side of the path to avoid tripping or falling as right side of the path was valley while climbing up. It was so windy that my hair changed its style from Tapeli cut to Faux Hawk !

Kandala fort provided great viewing of different mountain, pinnacles and forts in the region such as Salher, Salota, Hatgad, Satmal range, Ikahara etc.

I even took pictures of lights that were lit, down in the village.

Pimpla or Kandala fort is also famous for the natural cave in form of a hole in the rocky wall at highest natural ledge (narrow piece of rock that sticks out on the side of a cliff or mountain). Its so big that we all could sit under the shade and enjoy the breathtaking view.

We also had our breakfast there and great

photography session.

One bhaiya even played flute.

The view from the other side of the hole towards the sky and down below from the mountain seemed like Passage to Earth!!!

The view and experience was so mesmerizing I dint even realized we were awake since 3 a.m. and I had lost track of time completely. Once Malav sir (photographer) asked me aren’t you feeling sleepy to which I replied it must be 10 or 11 its not the time to sleep. To my surprise Malav sir showed me it was

7.30 a.m.

Capturing breathtaking view in mind and after taking numerous photos and videos of the magnificent landscape we hiked down to camp base at around 11 a.m. Vaibhav sir asked all to give a round of applause to us as we were first time trekkers and 10 year kids who came alone without parents or guardians. Kinjal didi and other staff helped aunty with lunch preparations. We had yet another yummy meal and returned to our bus and reached Valsad Wild Voyages office where my dad was waiting for us.

Malav sir and driver uncle gave us lift till Valsad railway station. Malav sir even shared with my dad about my SHY nature. Malav sir train came before ours we said our Bye and then boarded our train to reach Surat.

Wild Voyages made my First Solo Trekking so very memorable. Grateful to each and every staff and all the Bhaiya (our co-trekkers) who were with us and took such good care of me n my friend.

Every journey has something to teach us. Am so glad I could witness such beauty of nature on this trek and overcame my fear of height as well. Thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful adventurous trek thanks to the amazing and caring team of Wild Voyages🥰. Looking forward to yet another trip with @wildvoyages team.