An Epic Trek To Alang Madan

Being a newbie at the trekking scene, I was very much excited for the Alang Madan Trek. Specially for the highlight activities involved in this epic Trek. We are supposed to go though a series of dangerous trek patches at the heights as above as 4800ft. Rock climbing, Rappelling and finally Flying Fox at 4500ft from Madan mountain top to Alang mountain top.

Starting the bus road trip from Mumbai with 26 amazing people whom I was meeting for the first time. We reach the base village Ambewadi at 5:30am. Most people took a nice long rest in the bus but some of us were just too excited to explore the village. While some captured the stars in a clean non polluted sky, I was in my own musical trance enjoying the silence of nature.

As the sky slowly started to turn purple, I could see the beautiful mountain range of Alang Madan and Kulang. The trio mountains are said to be a must to do treks in Maharashtra. To my surprise we were treated with a tasty breakfast and a perfectly strong tea to kick off the tiredness. 

We started our Trek journey to summit the Madan mountain. Trailing across beautiful lush green farms and forests, there was never a view that wasn't captivating. From walking around the scrapped mountain trails  as we ascended towards Madan there is a valley that leads to both the mountains. Alang and Madan. And that valley was the beginning of thrill. Our Trek managemenhooked us up with safety harness as the trail to the top was going to be a bit dangerous or in my perspective super adventurous. This trail was clearly the most scenic one as you are walking on a half a feet trail with flat mountain on your left and a 3000ft valley  on the other. I could see the tiny tombs of temples at Ambewadi base village.

It was roughly 11am by now and we were close to the mountain top. But as we got closer to the top the difficult the trail started to get. With broken trails and carved steps on the rocky mountain we were presented with the first challenge, Rock Climbing. We had to climb 30ft approx. Though when I looked at the climb it seemed quite easy and specially when our Trek Lead climbed it in merely 40 seconds. Man I was so wrong. Even though it was very much difficult the trek management support team who were taking care of our safety made sure all of us reached the top safe and sound.

And after a short trail I was there on top of Madan. At 4800ft the world looks so beautiful and different. I could see the layers of mountains with crystal shining lakes and little villages and farms. It was as if I'm living inside a painting. A view like that just energized me. It's 1pm in the afternoon and after a long challenging Trek all of us were hungry as a pig. The lunch was on its way but until then all of started sharing whatever food, snacks and fruits we had. It's event like this that brings together 26 stranger as a big supportive family. Joking and talking  about fears and fun moments of the trek the food was also arrived. Clearly one of most tastiest lunch I've had on treks. Specially after an exhaustive day. Each one of us had a feast on top of a beautiful mountain with a stunning view. I challenge even a seven star restaurant won't satisfies as this lunch and the setup did.

So after the lunch feast it was time for the second activity, the flying fox. We were at 4800ft and Alang mountain was at 4500ft and in between there was this huge Valley. The only thing that held on to us were those trust worthy ropes and the management people who made sure all our harnesses we in place. And it was time. Time to swing and fly to the other mountain. Just to add more adventure we were greeted by thunders and mild rains. As I was getting hooked up to flying fox ropes, I could smell the fragrance of first rain on the mountains. What better setting could it be to enjoy and be adventurous in the nature itself. And there, 3, 2, 1 go..  As I lean on to the harness the slope pulled me away from Madan and in seconds I was I the middle of two iconic mountains, Madan and Alang. I looked down and there was just beautiful forests and gods carvings on mountains. I could feel the wind and the flight, as if I'm a part of this nature and the nature speaks back to me. Those 40 seconds reminds me of how alive I am. And how thankful I'm to acknowledge the beauty of nature.

As I touched down Madan, I was in a totally blissful Zen experience. Each one of us had a really special and unique experience. Our relationship with heights was getting redefined. With joy excitement we then started our final walk for the day to the caves of Alang. The caves that were going to be our apartment for the night.

With stories of ghosts, beliefs, experiences, adventure and Travel around the camp fire, the day was setting down for yet another feast. Amazingly cooked food in the caves by the localities. After munching in the delicious dinner it was time to snug into our sleeping bag and recharge for the next day. Decent from Alang to base village.

After the super adventurous flying fox and rock climbing it was the day to decent back from Alang mountain to Ambewadi base village. Waking up in a cave. Just writing it makes me so much happier. It was the first time in my life that I've slept in a cave. And that too waking up to the fragrance of boiling strong tea in a cave. Now that's what you call, Wow.

As the tea was getting ready we went to catch the sunrise at the Alang mountain top. The golden grass and the Golden sky was just perfect to get us all charged up for final challenge. All of us packed our bags and headed towards the the downhill patch. There were carved steps some broken some intact. Safe but when you first look down its scares  your stomach out. Though we had our harnesses on and hooked to a supportive rope on the side the rocky patch was actualy very fun. Not too exhaustive in the beginning. After a few minutes of rocky downhill patch there was a tiny trail that lead to a cave which stands exactly above a 90ft flat surface rocky Mountain that is at roughly 2800ft.

There were two professional guys who then hooked us to the Rappelling ropes. Instructed us on how to rappel down. Even though I had done two waterfall Rappelling this one was a different experience. And after the rappel it was all jungle trail to the base village. 

One of the best thing about these Trek is the amazing people I get to meet. The self proclaimed singers kept us entertained throughout the scorching afternoon heat until we reached Ambewadi our base village. All exhausted and tired, all of us freshened up for our last meal at Ambewadi. And yet again we were served with the most tastiest lunch I've had on treks.

Great people, outstanding management, breathtaking views, adventurous activities and amazing food made this one, the most memorable treks I've done yet.

For every adventure junky, this is must to do treks in maharashtra.

Special Credits to Trek Mates India for arranging such an awesome Trek.

"Adventure is within us" - Vishal Bhanushali