Talking of fear I can not forget our
trek to Chawand fort. We were treking a very interesting group of forts in this region. It started with Nane Ghat then Jivdhan Fort, Chawand, Harihar and finally ending with Shivneri fort. These are all ancient forts guarding the famous 2000 year old trade route via Nane ghat. (From port of Kalyan to Major market at Junnar on Deccan plateau)
It is a short but difficult trek by any means because the route was destroyed by English army after capturing it. They destroyed approaches to many such forts to deter their use by any Indian king.
Over the years a route was developed by local people. It clinged to the side of the sheer cliff. The whole route was narrow and one wrong step would have taken us to a certain death. But that was not much of a issue since you are generally used to such routes if you trek in Sahyadri range.
Though this was a risky route even by Sahyadri standards, the real challenge lay ahead.
It is a short but difficult trek by any means because the route was destroyed by English army after capturing it. They destroyed approaches to many such forts to deter their use by any Indian king.
Over the years a route was developed by local people. It clinged to the side of the sheer cliff. The whole route was narrow and one wrong step would have taken us to a certain death. But that was not much of a issue since you are generally used to such routes if you trek in Sahyadri range.
Though this was a risky route even by Sahyadri standards, the real challenge lay ahead.
A little before fort entrance the route was totally blown off. There was gap of some 15-20 feet and through it we could see below a sheer drop of 500 feet or so. This gap was bridged by a rickety makeshift ladder made by local people. It was made of twigs and bamboo pieces tied together with thin ropes and vines. We stood there transfixed for some time. In fact there was not much space to stand. We had to lean on the cliff and stand clinging to it. (Those last steps can be seen in the picture below)
Finally Deepak ventured to take first step on ladder. It creaked and bent below his weight but held on somehow. Slowly he inched up and reached the other end safely. It was easier for us to follow afterwards. but I will never forget that bottomless chasm below the ladder.
After we returned back to base village, Villagers asked us about our experience. We knew why. They told us that some trekkers had turned back from the ladder.
Of course this was some 30 years back and situation has improved over the years. I checked on net and found that iron railings are now put in place there. That ladder would have been placed just outside the current railing.There is now a rope too for holding on but may be it is arranged by the trekking group.
 |
| This looks like the same spot where that ladder was placed. |
