Rajdher-Koldher-Indrai-Chadawad Trek :)

Reason to Smile: A Nasik Range trek from Shikhar Vedh did not excite me much after my last trek at Uttarakhand really. Not because of the difference in zones, but because of the difference now in my stamina. I had realised in UK itself that treks are now getting difficult for me :P

It was Krupa and Vikas, my trek friends who insisted I join them. I did it just for a shot. I was confident I will anyways not be able to complete all four, but even if I could make it for two I would feel glad was my option at heart. To my surprise I could almost complete two and half out of the three forts - Rajdher, Koldher, Indrai Trek in the Nasik Region. We dropped out Chadawad due to lack of time. We instead checked out a beautiful palace called the Ahilyabai Holkar Mahal at Nasik :)


We first attempted to climb Koldher which is a two hour ascend that includes about 50% traverse and then followed by the rock carved steps that lead you to the base of the fort wall, vertically flat enough which needs a full freehand or a rope climb. The climb was not a part of the trek. We descended back to the base, had lunch and started for Rajdher. From Koldher to Rajdher it is again a huge traverse which I somehow managed and broke down for a rest while the others climbed the fort. I learnt that it had a thrilling ladder climb followed by the rock carved steps and up at the top had many water cisterns, caves - good enough for accommodation, Shiva Temple. The fort is indeed huge enough to explore (it can take about 2 hrs only to explore the top).

Indrai Fort took us about 1hr 30 mins to reach the rock carved steps. From the base of the steps it is the caves located horizontally covering the huge area of the fort below. So while four of us started climbing the steps from the left side of the caves, others moved ahead, explored all the caves and other reminiscent and climbed from the rear end of the right side. We explored the fort that has a huge plateau, water cisterns, caves, temple and a big square shaped pond in the middle of the fort at the temple side itself. It was cold, breezy and very pleasant when we reached there - at about 11 AM.

We then had to descend to the base of Chadawad Trek. - Chadawad Village. So the descend probably took more time than our climb. We reached the base, had lunch and decided to move towards Chadawad Temple. The temple is very much close to the fort. It covers almost 50% of the trek where the vehicles can be parked. However since we were running out of time, Jagdish decided we drop out. But it is only Shikhar Vedh who never manages to disappoint anyone. While the hardcore trekkers did feel sad about not attempting for the Chadawad fort, Jagdish tried to cheer them up with somewhat under construction, yet the very elegant & beautiful - Ahilyabai Holkar Palace !  This thoughtfulness and consideration on the sentiments of the trekkers can be expected only and only from Jagdish Patil. Hats off !

Infact, more than anything they say, it is the will to complete the trek which makes you do wonders. For me, I think its always Shikhar Vedh - Jagadish Patil. The way he remains so calm, composed and energetic throughout the trek, not only makes me wonder what he eats to be so fit, but also leaves me aghast at how wonderfully he manages year after year to do unlimited treks at his own will. What I adore about him is that - the never give up attitude in him is not only self centered to himself, he passes it on to everyone ! My big time salute for this Man who makes it 'right' always :)

Today while I am writing this with all freshness in the morning, I am glad that even at my own sweet snail's pace, being the last of the gang - I could complete the trek with whatever little endurance I could maintain :) All thanks to all the 13 trekkers who were encouraging :)

Some Pics on FB :)

Till my next 'shot', Keep Smiling :)