Sandhan Valley Trek

Sandhan Valley trek takes you to the beautiful Sandhan Valley with water-carved canyon, around 200 feet in depth, close to the peaceful village of Samrad. Surrounded by multiple forts, it is located in the Bhandardara region and is 2 km long.

This area is also called the Valley of Shadows, thanks to the high walls of rock that tower over you as you walk through the valley. These walls block out the sunlight, keeping it dim and cool while you trek. This is one of the most unique treks in Maharashtra, due to this rare landscape.

About the trek

This is a one or two, moderate to difficult trek and is recommended for more experienced trekkers up for a challenge. There may be some sessions of rock-climbing or rappelling involved, depending on how deep your trek takes you into the Valley. The Sandhan Valley area also features Ratangad, Ajoba and Kalsubai mountain ranges, and is flanked by the massive forts of Alang, Madan and Kulang, amongst others.

There is no ascent during the trek; instead, your trail takes you along the valley floor for about 7 hours. At the end, there are clear pools that you can swim in. As night falls, you’ll set up tents and spend the evening exchanging stories by a warm campfire. At night you’ll sleep in tents in the lap of nature

Route for the trek

The Sandhan Valley trek is a one or two day trek depending on your location. From Pune, the trek begins at 11 am at the starting point, which is a base village named Samrad. After breakfast, participants start the trek and halt for lunch. There’s a short rappelling session over rock ledges.

After exploring the area, you'll head for base camp by 4.30 p.m. Enjoy some snacks at the campsite, and then explore some of the surrounding sights like the pinnacle point and the pool. You’ll set up tents for the night, eat dinner around a campfire, and then tuck yourselves into your tents for the night.

The next morning, after having breakfast, you'll begin trekking to the base village, and then depart for Pune by late afternoon. Alternatively, to go for the Sandhan Valley trek from Mumbai, participants must gather at Kasara at 01:20 hrs, to travel to Samrad in a private vehicle. Reach by 4 am, grab a bite and rest for a while. Begin your trek at 7 am, with some rappelling, and then continue on to explore Sandhan valley, eating lunch en route. Reach the camping site by 6 pm. Here you can eat, relax, admire your surroundings, and settle down around a bonfire

Best time to go

For the best Sandhan Valley trek experience, you should go during the winter months. The days are pleasant and the nights are cold and delightful. The valley remains closed during the monsoon because the numerous waterfalls thundering over ledges and the falling boulders make it dangerous.

Sandhan Valley trek summary

• State: Maharashtra
• Nearest city: Mumbai, Pune
• Total days: 2 days
• Grade: Moderate to difficult
• Total trekking distance:9 km
• Season: Winter
• Avg temperature: 15-30 degrees Celsius

Best time to go/Weather

The trek experience here is the best during the winter months. The days are pleasant and the nights are cold and delightful. The valley remains closed during the monsoon due to landslides and heavy flow of waterfalls into the valley floor which is your trekking path