Vagabond Experiences presents,

Highland Hopping (A Secret Monsoon Hike)

Nestled amidst the towering Matheran mountains, with the serene Morbe dam on one side and the majestic Garbett plateau running parallel, this secluded hike near Karjat promises an unforgettable experience. This winding trail through lush meadows offers panoramic views of verdant landscapes adorned in vibrant greenery, especially during the monsoons. The trek is characterized by refreshing rains, accompanied by cool breezes that carry the invigorating scent of petrichor. As you traverse the path, you'll encounter charming small streams to cross, sauntering ridge walks, and picturesque farmlands. This journey through nature's bounty promises to be a unique and rejuvenating adventure.

• Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate
• Summit height: 550 ft (approx)
• Time taken to ascend/descend: 2-2.5hrs climb | 1-1.5hrs descend
• Total distance of trek: 4kms (approx)
• Duration: 1 day
• Meeting point: Karjat station (8:10 am)
• Departure point: Karjat station (5:00 pm)

For further inquiries, feel free to Whatsapp/call: 74000 54929

Itinerary

8:15 am: Board the 6:10 am Karjat (Fast) and reach Karjat stn by 8:10 am. Meet the Vagabond team at the Karjat station ticket counter at 8:15 am

8:30 am: Assemble & get into our taxis that will take us to the base village. Enroute we will stop for some hearty breakfast.

10:30 am: Reach our base villagei, stretch and warm up a bit. After a short round of introductions and instructions, we are ready to take on the day!

11:00 am: We begin the trek, and pass through a jungle patch, lush farmlands and small streams and waterfalls.

01:30 pm: Reach the last meadow on top from where the views of the surrounding peaks are just stunning! We will have our lunch here.

02:30 pm: Breathe in the fresh air and views one last time, as we start to make our descent.

04:00 pm: Reach the base village and head back to Karjat station in our privately booked cabs.

05:00 pm: With fresh monsoon memories bid adieu to a bunch of new friends.

Inclusions

• Transport to and from Karjat Station (private taxis)
• Breakfast
• Refreshments
• Trek guide charges
• Assistance by Vagabond EMs
• First Aid assistance

Things To Carry/Wear

• Snacks (non-perishable)
• Rainwear (rainjacket/poncho)
• Packed lunch
• Drinking water (minimum 2 ltr)
• Sturdy shoes with a grip
• Sweets/Glucon D (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Trekking pole (optional but very useful)

Important Notes

• Please DO NOT miss the 6:10 am Karjat Fast from CST station. Feel free to board this train from any other station (Byculla 6:18 am, Dadar 6:24 am, Kurla 6:31 am, Ghatkopar 6:35 am, Thane 6:49 am) but it WILL be crowded and if you miss this train, you will NOT be able to join us for the trek. Meet us outside Karjat station near the rickshaw stand by 8:15 am. Plan accordingly.
• This is a trek and a nature trail, we will be ascending and descending through the course of this trek. 
• Please wear sturdy closed footwear that won’t tear. And do not carry sling bags or any bag which dangles. Try keeping your hands free at all times.
• Do not carry an umbrella to use on the trek. 
• Do not wear sandals/slippers
• Either you put your valuables (phone/wallet) in ziplock/reusable plastic bags and pack them into your bag or purchase plastic pouches (Mostly sold locally during monsoons)
• For those who haven’t trekked with us 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 beginners and help them through the way.
• A day prior, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with all the other participants and your assigned 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 at 74000 54929

Who is this experience best suited for?

• There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20-32 years old. The experience involves a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion. 
• It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while traveling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.
• Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travelers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more. 
• We try our best to be responsible travelers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all of our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
• It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things to do and places to go to. However, if you are that kind of traveler, on almost all of our trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.
• At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to be open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per the plan. The essence of traveling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leaders to make the most informed decision for the group.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will incur a 20% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made within 3 - 6 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made within 48 hours to the event will receive no refund.
• 3.8% of all payments are payment gateway charges and is non-refundable
• Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website

Get In Touch

For further inquiries, feel free to Whatsapp/call: 74000 54929

PS: We respect and love our personal lives. Please get in touch with us only between 11 am and 7 pm on weekdays. 

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DM us on Instagram anytime @vagabondexperiences