Trekking in the Sahyadris...!!: Garbett Point

Trek to Matheran via Garbett Point

Date: 20.12.2015

Height: 2625ft (800mts)

Difficulty: Medium. Though the last rock patch towards the point is a bit scary for first time and inexperienced trekkers and the rest of the trek consists of strenuous walk from bhivpuri till the end.

Duration: 4Hrs min

Cost: Rs.200 (which includes 60 for local train tickets both sides, 70 for breakfast, 70 for cab ride from Dasturi Naka to Neral Railway Station).

Trek Route: Bhivpuri - Sagachiwadi - Garbett Plateau - Garbett Point - Dasturi Naka - Neral

Route Details:

On reaching Bhivpuri start walking towards SH79 which is just 2mins away from the station. Find your way through the Diksal village which is not that difficult, you can even ask the locals for the way. After crossing Diksal arrives a very huge manmade lake. You have to walk through the length of the lake as seen in the map below until a stream arrives. Cross that stream and take the slope which leads to a very huge tree on top that hill (which is your first landmark as said in some blogs). It's the only tree standing tall on the hill which you can easily see from far. In this region you can easily find kaccha roads frequented by the villagers. Using these kaccha roads you then reach a village called Sagachiwadi. Make your way through the village to arrive at a huge well (which is the 2nd landmark as again said in many blogs). As soon as you cross this village, start walking in the west direction a medium slope starts which leads you to the Garbett Plateau(this slope is the least confusing among the routes, the map shows the exact route). Once you reach the plateau the route ahead is clear and visible throughout the way. For people heading towards Matheran, the route towards the right at garbett point goes to dasturi naka.

From Bhivpuri to Garbett Pt.

Pointers:
* Carry Minimum 2-3lts of water as there is no other water source on the way. Even the water in the village well does not seem potable
* Make arrangements for your own lunch as you won't get any along the route
* One should take utmost care while climbing the last rock patch towards Garbett Point, experienced trekkers should help first timers through this.
* Though i've read in many blogs that it took them 3-4hrs to complete the trek but it may be stretched to 5hrs depending upon your capability to walk.(it took us 5hrs too :P )
* There are arrows marked along the way on stones upto Garbett point by some samaritans. Look out for them. These arrows are throughout the route from Diksal village so we didn't find any difficulty to find our way to the plateau

The Experience:

The trek to Garbett point is one of the longest walks you may have in your life. You may think you have covered great distance but then the peak will mock you by showing how far it still is. We started at 8am from Bhivpuri and reached the peak at 1pm, 5hrs for the whole trek. This trek takes you through various high low slopes/hills, some provide with breathtaking views. It might get scary in few patches as all you have on one side is the valley.

You will come across Sagachiwadi which seems untouched by time, because it still looks like one from the past.

The last rock patch is really scary as first timers may find it difficult. But then this is what you seek when you go out for an adventure. You feel like On Top of the World once you climb this. This is what I feel as one of the highlights of the entire trek. After this the way is quite easy.

For people coming back via Matheran, After you reach the peak, the road towards the right takes you to Dasturi Naka (The point where no motor vehicles are allowed further into Matheran). This road is easy but beautiful as it's covered by forests on both sides. It may take 30mins for you to reach there. The cabs take Rs.70/head upto Neral Station (No discount no matter how big your group is).

To summarise this, it’s a perfect one day trek for people in Mumbai. Be careful on the rock patches, Explore the vast expanse of Garbett Plateau (it’s really unique).

Some photos from the trek: