Thane - Gumtara Fort, Bhiwandi
Date : 28,29/05/2021
Starting Point : Majiwada Signal, Thane.
Destination : Gumtara Fort, Bhiwandi
Camp Site : Gumtara Fort Base.
Distance : 35 Km.
Trekking Point : Gumtara Fort.
Altitude : 590 m
Another day another expedition. Due lockdown and increase in cases of Covid-19, The Expeder did not organise any cycling expedition or camps for couple of months, so last week I and Om Pawar decide to go for a small cycling route of 30 km, and trek to Gumtara Fort, Bhiwandi. We decided and on 28/05/2021 we packed our bags and took way to the Gumtara Fort base. Some essential things, Tent and some food stuffs thats it and we were ready for the route. We started our journey by 2200 Hrs. Started our journey from the Majiwada signal.
By crossing the Kasheli, Kalher, Rahnal, Narpoli etc. we continued on the highway under the moonlight and entered Bhiwandi.
We kept on cycling by cracking jokes and talking with each other. Took some stops ate chips and drunk energy drink. The climate was little bit warm so I got completely exhausted and so was very thirsty. But fortunately we got the pots of water where we refilled our water bottles and rehydrated ourself. I was stopping after riding few Kilometer. And by taking stops and drinking water we finally took a divergence and left the highway. We started riding on off-road. It was very fun and enjoyable moment, no cars, no heavy vehicles, no streetlights or no polution. Finally we reached the base after crossing Ghotgaon Village. Pitched a tent and for the first time we did not struggle for bonfire. We ate the food and took some rest. Woke up in the morning by 0530 Hrs. and after packing up everything got ready for trek by 0630 Hrs. We found the starting point of the trek after parking our cycles.
We met one native old man and asked him about the route, he explained and we started our trek then. After walking few meters because my stupid decision we lost in jungle. Climate got humid and again I got dehydrated and really wanted to quit the trek and go back but om told me to take rest and he went to look for the footpath, but after 30 minutes of difficult climb in jungle we finally found the footpath to the top.
The route was very thrilling and adventurous also climbed the rocks and finally we saw the ramparts. Again to reach the top we have to climb the rocks and then finally we reached at the main gate of fort. On the top of the fort, we saw Hanuman Temple, Water Tanks and finally reached at the top and took rest.
After clicking pictures and taking some more rest we started our way back to the base. Again while getting down we lost the footpath and went on the backside of the fort. But again got on the way and safely came down. My situation was not well at all, and wanted to drink water. After coming down we found a tap in the village where little girls were filling the pots. We went there drunk water and refilled the bottles. After starting our return journey we stopped at a shop and drunk some energy drink. Finally by taking some stops on highway and covering some distance we reached home safely. And its was the another day whe We Explored By Compass And Not By Clock. Also I gave one tag to Om Pawar, I call him Battlefield Brother, because as on battlefield if a soldier falls down his buddy carries him instead of leaving him alone behind in pain and danger situation. Buddy carries the fallen soldier to the base. Om did the same thing, this happened for the first time, because of my recent illness I was not feeling well while climbing up, but instead of complaining he stood up with me and successfully we completed the trek and cycling expedition.
So eventually I Explored By Compass And Not By Clock With The Battlefield Brother.
- SgtRMPathare.
