Photo Credit: Priyank Pamkar   

On Friday December 16, my colleague Priyank and I set out on our Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, the Indian La Poderosa to Dhak-Bahiri from Mumbai. Dhak-Bahiri is about 150 Kms from Mumbai. There are three access routes to the fort namely Jambhiwali, Rajmachi and Sandshi. Since Sandishi hill has been in news recently due to the disappearance of an IITB student, we decided to explore the hill. To reach Dhak, one has to take a diversion from Karjat to go to Sandshi village, at the foot hills of Dhak-bahiri.

The Dhak-Bahiri trek is one of those treks which are known for its difficult terrain. It is also one of the most exciting and challenging treks in the Karjat region.  Dhak-Bahiri is located in the middle of a cliff of Dhak fort. There is a water hole in the cave on the peak. The cave also has a temple dedicated to Lord Bahiri.  The actual trek is almost a vertical climb to the peak. The total elevation to be covered is of about 2,700 feet. The lower reaches of the peak are full of thick vegetation. It is a steep gradient of 85-Degree to be undertaken only with proper rock climbing equipment.

In Karjat town, we realised that roads were quite confusing. With one road leading to three different ones, we considered it prudent to ask a local. We stopped at a nearby shop selling dry fish and asked for directions. The shop-keeper in his inimical way, advised us against going to Dhak. According to him, villages around Dhak have a history of robbery and murder. He opined that, if people from Mumbai like us visit the hill, their fate is definitely uncertain. Fortunately for us, through acquaintances in Karjat it was confirmed that it is a safe place to go. 

On exiting Karjat, we were stranded at a tri-junction as the road to Sandshi was not known. Just then we saw a bus with “Sandshi” written on it pass by. We got our bike roaring and started following the bus. Riding along the river Ulhas on a ‘kachha’ road, we at last had arrived at Sandshi village after three and a half hours. At Sandshi, we met our guide Sameer, a young adult who makes ends meet by doing night duty at Karjat railway station and takes trekking enthusiasts to Dhak Bahiri in his free time. While briefing us about the trek, Sameer was taken aback when he noticed only the two of us coming for the trek. He advised us that a trek like Dhak-Bahiri is best done with a group as it is more enjoyable and safe. Sameer also went onto describe his recent interaction with an IIT-Bombay student who was negotiating the Dhak-Bahiri trek. An avid trekker, the student unfortunately died. We realised that Sameer was talking about B. Srinivas, whose story had appeared in the newspaper recently. Comprehending the severity of the trek we decided to come back with a pack of friends and make most of the challenging trek.

While on our journey back, we stopped at a ‘tapri‘ to rejuvenate ourselves with a ‘pyali‘ (cup) chai. Feeling refreshed, we continued our journey. As it was getting dark, we thought of taking a short-cut through the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to save time. But we were stopped by the highway police! “Two wheelers not allowed on expressway” they said.

Oh no man! We had to go back about 5 Kms to take the route through Panvel. Finally, we made to Mumbai by 8 in the evening feeling relieved.