Located in Khodkona village, Asherigad is a fort that represents a layered slice of the history of Maharashtra. The fort itself was built 800 years ago under the Shilahara kings. Since then, the fort has been ruled by the Portuguese, the Maratha Empire, and the British. 

At close to 2000 ft above sea level, the summit offers a gorgeous view of the Manor area and a birds-eye view of the busy Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. Witnessing the sunrise with such a view is always special.

About the trek:

Difficulty: Moderate

Base village: Khodkona

Summit height: 2000ft

Time taken to climb/descend: 2-2.5 hrs climb / 1-1.5 hrs descent

Total distance of trek: 3 km

Duration: 1 day

Meeting point: Churchgate Station ticket counter (10:45 pm)

Departure point: Churchgate Station ticket counter (2:00 pm)

Itinerary:

10:45 pm: We will meet at the Churchgate station ticket counter by 10:45 pm, and board the 11:23pm Virar Fast. 

1:00 am: We arrive at Virar station. You can also choose to join us here directly. We’ll board our private jeeps that will take us to the base village of Khodkona.

3:00 am: Arrive at the base village. We’ll do a quick round of introductions, some warming up and start our trek to the summit. Torches out. Let’s go!

6:00 am: After a long climb through cobblestoned trails and steep ladders, we will reach the summit. It’s hard to imagine how they must have built something like this in the first place!

6:30 am: As we await the sunrise, we will find a place to relax. You can walk around the spacious fort, imagining the rich stories that the fort holds. This fort is also home to an ancient rock-cut cave temple of the local village deity. This is contrasted with the presence of a giant canon from colonial times. 

7:00 am: As the sun rises, the details of the fort will become clearer. Look out for the Portuguese coat of arms carved into the wall. It is also time to hog on the breakfast we have arranged for you at the summit!

8:00 am: We start our descent back to the base village.

9:30 am: Just as we had arrived, we will board our jeeps and start our journey back to Virar station.

11:30 am: Reach Virar Station. It`s time to bid adieu! Goodbyes are a reminder that we shall meet again. Until next time, Vagabonds!

Inclusions:

1. Train transport (General compartment) from Churchgate to Virar and back

2. To and fro transport from Virar station to the base village (private taxis)

3. Breakfast

4. Refreshments

5. Trek guide charges

6. Assistance by Vagabond EMs

7. First Aid assistance

Things to Carry/Wear:

1. Snacks (non-perishable)

2. Headlamp/torch (mandatory)

3. Drinking water (minimum 2 ltr)

4. Warm clothing (sweater/jacket)

5. Sturdy shoes with grip

6. Trekking pole (optional but very useful)

7. Camera (optional)

Important Notes:

1. Meet your Experience Manager at the Churchgate ticket counter at 10:45 pm sharp. Please DO NOT miss the 11:23 pm Virar Fast from Churchgate station. Feel free to board this train from any other station (Please check M-Indicator) but if you miss this train, you will NOT be able to join us for the trek.

2. If you are joining us at Virar station directly, please note that we will gather at Virar station ticket counter by 12:55 am. Please plan accordingly. 

3, Please eat dinner and join us for the trek. Once we start the trek, there will be no amenities for food.

4. This is a trek and not a nature trail, we will be ascending and descending slopes through the course of the trek.

5. Please wear sturdy closed footwear with a good grip and one that won`t tear.

6. Do not carry sling bags or any bag that dangles. Try keeping your hands free at all times.

7. For those of you who haven`t trekked before, don`t worry, we at Vagabond encourage you to take your time and have a great experience climbing with us. A Vagabond trek isn`t about speed, it`s about the group experience. For those of you who have trekked before, we encourage you to encourage the beginners and help them through the way.

8. A day prior, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with all the other participants and your assigned

9. Experience Manager. Further instructions will be shared on this group and you can coordinate your travel with your co-travellers. If you have any doubts before this, feel free to WhatsApp us on 74000 54929

Cancellation Policy:

1. Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will incur a 20% cancellation.

2. Cancellations made within 3 - 6 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

3. Cancellations made within 48 hours to the event will receive no refund.

4. 3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable.

5. Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website