AMK (Alang Madan Kulang) - Toughest Trek of Sahayadri Ranges ! Part 1

Packing bag with essential things like sleeping mat, torch, eatables, water bottles, energy drinks, extra clothes; we started our journey from Pune on 22nd night at 11pm. A formal yet friendly introduction was done by the group leader by welcoming all of us to Explorers family and instructed that from now on each member will be called as Explorer. This itself made us feel more comfortable within the group. After 8 hours of journey we reached in Ambewadi village which was the base village of Alang fort. As we had enough sleep, we all were fresh and ready to achieve what we dreamt off since days. We got down from Bus and freshen up ourselves. Pohe and tea were served as breakfast which poured in more energy in us. We packed our bags properly as it’s important to distribute weight properly of the bag. Our Leader gave initial instructions and with a Jaighosh of “Ganapati Bappa Moraya” we took our first step towards the fort. It was very pleasant environment around the village with massive hills surrounding it. It first took us through the jungle trek which was very dense for one hour and then the climbing started. Though it wasn’t directly vertical but later it started with all difficult rock patches. As the trek was going along through the tough patches, at about 11:30AM we had to halt for lunch. “Explorers” had given us packed lunch at the time when we had left from Pune. It included 2 chapatis, shrikhand, peanut chatni and pack of frooti. As you need energy and have proper level of sugar in body, this lunch was perfect to emphasize it all. Finishing it off we started with further adventure. In all this, I got to know much more about different trekkers as to how they started their journey, their different experiences, their profession etc. we reached the ladder at around 1 PM which was a bit of risky as it had broken edge, hence if you miss even a one step it will take directly down, hence we all carefully climbed it. Then the thrill started, the traverse. I must say, the traverse through which you reach Alang fort is the one which gives you an opportunity to show how fearless trekker you are.

We reached Alang at around 3pm. There are big caves at Alang fort which serves you as a shelter. We cleaned the entire cave and chose ourselves place to sleep. We kept our bags and sleeping mat and went to get fresh to nearby water reservoirs of the cave. All the water reservoirs on the three forts are clean to drink and get fresh. As all were mesmerized by the beauty of the Alang, immediately after getting fresh we went on to explore the other side of the fort wherein you can witness beautiful sunset. Trust me, the overall environment was so peaceful that it touched our innerself and rejuvenated us. Nobody wanted to leave the spot, but had to leave as we had to do preparation of dinner. The menu of dinner was Pav Bhaji and Gulab Jamun. Can anyone image, having this at the peak of Alang was lit. Our stomach was filled by heart still wanted to have more. Cleaning up all the utensils we did a bonfire and started with Antakshari. It proved that all were not just bathroom Singers but had a talent to give tough competition to each other. Rounding up at 9 PM, we all went to bed (sleeping mats) to take some rest as the next day adventure was awaiting us.