Almost 70 percent of the trail is through trek paths and village mud; 30 percent passes through village tar roads. You will also pass behind the tributaries of River Ulhas. Enjoy the beauty of trail and the challenge though lows and uphills; but always be aware of your surroundings, respect the local communities and be kind to the local flora and fauna. Here is a short guide to what you can expect from the tough but certainly beautiful trail.
Gajanand Vidyalaya – Village Kadav to Shri Datta Samant School – Village Vakas
Cumulative Total: 11.2 KMThe tone of the challenge will be set from the very start. So gear up from the word Go! A short walk with a beautiful view of the valley leads to Village Chandahi. The trail descends gradually through farmlands, crisscrossing through Village Salvad and Village Nasrapur. Crossing the river bridge en route is sure to refresh you early on, with water gushing through the bridge as the mist in air sets the temperature cool. Cross over coconut grooves through the farmlands and you are welcomed into the Village Vakas.
Shri Datta Samant School – Village Vakas to Destination – Village Poshir
Cumulative Total: 24.80 KMThis is one of the most amazing sections of the trail as it loops around River Chillar and takes you through the scenic views of the riverbed alongside. Views of Matheran Mountain Range capped with clouds give a sigh of fresh air as you tread the beautiful path. The trail takes you through plains and uphills via villages Kolivali, Pimpoli, Bhakarikapada, Talwade and Jhandechiwadi to reach CP2.
Destination – Village Poshir to Matheran Valley School – Village Umberwadi
Cumulative Total: 31.73 KMThis is the shortest section of the trail and passes through Villages Poshir and Devpada - an ancient forest trek route connects the two villages, so be ready for an exciting time! Forest trek and semi tar road bring you to the next checkpoint.
Matheran Valley School – Village Umberwadi to Government Primary School – Village Gudwan Wadi
Cumulative Total: 40.34 KMThis trail route leads into a forest trek path and takes you through village mud paths, semi tar road, across fields and narrow trek paths, and a plateau. You will cross through villages Vanjharpada and Antrat to reach Village Gudwan Wadi.
Government Primary School – Village Gudwan Wadi to Government Upper Primary School – Village Kashele
Cumulative Total: 49.44 KMQuite similar to the previous stretch, the path traverses a variety of landscapes. Cross villages Gudwan and Borivali to reach the halfway mark, your CP5 at Village Kashele.
Government Upper Primary School – Village Kashele to Government Upper Primary School – Village Kothimbe
Cumulative Total: 56.44 KMThe second shortest stretch of the trail is quite enjoyable. From Kashele, you walk through a dry river bed and banks of River Chillar, pass through open farmland and a stunning green forest trek towards CP6.
Government Upper Primary School – Village Kothimbe to Abhinav Gyan Mandir School – Village Gaulwadi
Cumulative Total: 69.44 KMThis pretty straightforward part of the trail offers a pleasant, comfortable journey as you walk through plains, forest, villages with overlooking mountains enhancing the scenery. You pass villages Savula and Mandwane en route to CP 7 in Village Gaulwadi.
Abhinav Gyan Mandir School – Village Gaulwadi to Government School – Village Potal
Cumulative Total: 81.34 KMWalk through a canal, and mud path with some streams crossing the way. Throughout this stretch, you will see a canal following you in either direction. After crossing villages Vaijanath, Bhevpuri, Humgaon and Palli, you reach Village Potal.
Government School – Village Potal to Swami Vivekanand School – Village Gaurkamath
Cumulative Total: 91.94 KMA very satisfying section of the trail, especially for people who love to walk the plains with beautiful mountains running all along the trail. The trail follows the canal mud path that stays with walkers all through the way, across a vast open pasture and scrub land. Some parts of the trail open up to spectacular valley views. On a full moon night, this trail will be a delight to walk on. En route, we cross villages Ambot, Sapele and Tambas.
Swami Vivekanand School – Village Gaurkamath to Pinewood Resort – Varai
Cumulative Total: 100 KMRocky path, few uphill and downhill hikes await. Though not too difficult, but this will be a testing stretch! You will be nearing the end of your journey, and this path will mark the culmination of emotion, physicality, excitement, relief and much more.
Be careful while walking this part especially if you are covering this section in the night. The trail passes through mountains with Bhivgad Fort overlooking the trail. Covering villages Gaurkamath, Injiwali and Varai, you inch closer to the finish line. As your team crosses the finish line with tired legs, big smiles and laughing hearts, we will greet you with open arms at Pinewood Resort, Varai :)
Disclaimer Note: There may be minor alterations in the trail route owing to weather/ circumstantial reasons. Final trail route details will be updated closer to the event.
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