Sandhan Valley trek from Pune is a one-night, one-day half trek and rappelling trip to the Sandhan Valley canyon, about 200 feet deep and 1.5 km long, near Samrad village in the Ghatghar-Bhandardara region. The group leaves Pune the night before from McDonald's, Deccan, reaches Samrad around 5:00 AM, treks to the valley entry, rappels once with certified safety equipment, has lunch and is back in Pune at about 9:00 PM. Difficulty is moderate to difficult with medium endurance. The full valley descent is not part of this trip.
Sandhan Valley, also called the Valley of Shadows, is one of the Sahyadris' most dramatic canyons: a narrow, deep cleft carved into the rock near Samrad village. Our Sandhan Valley trek from Pune is the short version. You travel overnight from Pune, do a half trek to the valley entry and rappel in under expert guidance, then are back in the city by evening.
Rappelling is done with certified safety equipment and a guide at every step. Each participant rappels once, to keep the group safe and on schedule. This trip covers the half trek and the rappel only; the complete valley descent is not included.
Want more time in the canyon? Take a look at our longer Sandhan Valley Trek and Camping, a two-night trip with tent camping.
Event Details: Sandhan Valley Rappelling
- Region: Ghatghar-Bhandardara
- Base village: Samrad, about 200 km from Pune
- Duration: 1 night, 1 day
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Endurance level: Medium
- Departures: Every Saturday and Sunday
Sandhan Valley Half Trek and Rappelling Itinerary from Pune
Day Zero: Overnight drive from Pune
- 9:45 PM: Meet at McDonald’s, Deccan
- 10:00 PM: Depart toward Samrad, the base village
- 10:20 PM: Pickup at New Shivaji Nagar bus stop
- 10:40 PM: Pickup at Nashik Phata
Day One: Half trek, rappelling and return to Pune
- 5:00 AM: Arrive at Samrad village, the base village for Sandhan Valley, and rest after the overnight drive from Pune
- 6:00 AM: Freshen up and have a light breakfast
- 7:00 AM: Start the half trek to the valley’s entry point, with views over the canyon. This trip is a short trek plus rappelling, not the full valley descent
- 8:00 AM: Begin the Sandhan Valley rappelling, the highlight of the trip. An expert guide leads each rappel using certified safety equipment, and every participant rappels once
- 12:30 PM: Finish rappelling and walk back to Samrad
- 1:00 PM: Vegetarian local lunch
- 2:00 PM: Start the return journey to Pune
- 9:00 PM: Reach Pune (approximate, depending on traffic)
What is included in the tour
- Pune to Pune travel by private non-Ac vehicle
- 1 veg breakfast and 1 veg lunch (local thali)
- Activity - Rappelling (one time)
- Treks and Trails expertise charges
- Guide Charges
What is NOT included in the tour
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
- Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
- 2/3 liters of water
- Sturdy Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on trek
- Good Torch must with extra battery
- Proper full sleeves and full pant attire for rappelling event
- Jacket
- Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars
- Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets
- One Day Backpack 20 to 30 liters
- Sun Cap and Sunscreen
- Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
- Identity Proof
- Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles
Cancellation Policy
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If Trek gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only.
- If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.
Treks and Trails Event Rules
- Kindly carry one Identity proof, at least for the trek with your address.
- We all are going for an adventurous and exciting trekking expedition; please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR.
- The leader's decision will be final, and all the members should abide by it.
- We do not destroy or dirty the archaeological, historical monuments, natural habitat on the trek.
- Swimming is not allowed in the lake or water tank on the forts. Locals use that water for drinking.
- Putting your feet in water tanks or on the canon is not allowed on our treks.
- Any addiction is strictly prohibited, e.g. drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco anyone caught doing it will have to exit the trek without a refund and travel back on own expense.
- People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.
- Please do not carry or wear any valuables, ornaments, jewellery, etc. If carried, then we Do Not take any liability for the same.
- Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking, or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events, you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner.
- We should strictly follow the code of conduct to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.
- Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.
- Bluetooth speaker not allowed inside the homestay or camping tents.
- Drinking/smoking,/eating is not allowed inside the tents.
- If you damage the tent, break the tent poles, you will have to pay us for the whole new tent on MRP.
- If you are late for the bus pickup and are not reachable on the phone during your bus pickup, the trek leader will leave without you, and we will provide no refund.
- Please check things to carry and wear trekking shoes on our treks.
Where is Sandhan Valley located?
Sandhan Valley is a canyon in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, near Samrad village in the Ghatghar-Bhandardara region of Ahmednagar district. Samrad is the base village for our trek, and we share the Google Maps location after booking.
How far is Sandhan Valley from Pune?
Samrad village, the base for the Sandhan Valley trek, is approximately 200 km from Pune. Our group travels overnight and reaches Samrad around 5:00 AM, then returns to Pune at about 9:00 PM the same day, depending on traffic.
How far is Sandhan Valley from Mumbai and Nashik?
Sandhan Valley is roughly 180 to 190 km from Mumbai, and Kasara is the nearest main railway station. From Nashik it is about 75 km by road. This trip departs from Pune; the Sandhan Valley Trek and Camping departs from Mumbai by train.
Why is Sandhan Valley called the Valley of Shadows?
The canyon is very narrow, and its tall rock walls block direct sunlight for much of the day, so the floor stays shaded and cool. This is why it is known as the Valley of Shadows.
How deep and long is Sandhan Valley?
The canyon is about 200 feet deep and 1.5 km long.
What is the Sandhan Valley trek and rappelling from Pune?
It is a one-night, one-day trip from Pune that combines a short half trek to the valley's entry point with one guided rappel. An expert guide leads the rappel using certified safety equipment.
Will we be descending the complete Sandhan Valley?
No. This event focuses on Sandhan Valley rappelling and a short trek. The complete Sandhan Valley descent is not included in this itinerary. For a longer trip with a night of camping, see our Sandhan Valley Trek and Camping.
How many times can I rappel?
Each participant rappels once, for safety and time management.
How difficult is the Sandhan Valley trek, and is it suitable for beginners?
The difficulty is moderate to difficult with a medium endurance level. The trek to the entry point is short, but the rappelling and rock sections need focus and reasonable fitness. If this is your first trek, email highfive@treksandtrails.org before you book so we can advise you.
Is Sandhan Valley rappelling safe, and do I need a guide?
Rappelling is done under an expert guide with certified safety equipment, and a guide is included in the package. You must follow the guide's safety instructions throughout, and the activity is done at your own risk. We do not recommend visiting Sandhan Valley without a guide.
Is there a weight limit for the rappelling activity?
Yes, a weight limit applies for Sandhan Valley rappelling due to safety guidelines. Please email highfive@treksandtrails.org for detailed information before you book.
What is the best time to visit Sandhan Valley?
October to March is the usual season, when the weather is cool and dry. The monsoon brings a risk of flash floods in the canyon, so do not plan a monsoon visit without checking with us. Our Pune departures run every Saturday and Sunday.
Where are the Pune pickup points?
The group meets at McDonald's, Deccan at 9:45 PM, with further pickups at the New Shivaji Nagar bus stop at 10:20 PM and Nashik Phata at 10:40 PM. Each pickup has a Google Maps link in the itinerary.
Can I drive directly to the Sandhan Valley rappelling spot?
We strongly recommend joining the group transport from Pune. The region has heavy fog, rainfall and poor mobile network connectivity. If you drive on your own, you will need to manage navigation independently, as our team may not be reachable. The Google Maps location is shared only after booking confirmation.
How much does the Sandhan Valley trek from Pune cost, and what is included?
The cost is Rs 1,899 per person, and EARLY75 gives Rs 75 off per head. It includes a private non-AC vehicle from Pune and back, one veg breakfast, one veg local lunch, the rappelling activity, a guide and Treks and Trails expertise. Extra meals, soft drinks, personal expenses, and medical or emergency evacuation are not included.
What should I wear and carry for Sandhan Valley rappelling?
Wear a full-sleeve shirt and full-length pants for rappelling, with sturdy trekking shoes. Carry 2 to 3 litres of water, a torch with extra batteries, a jacket, snacks or energy bars, ORS or glucose sachets, a 20 to 30 litre day backpack, a sun cap, sunscreen, personal medicines and identity proof.
Are toilets and changing rooms available?
Yes. Basic Indian-style toilets and changing facilities are available at the base village. The facilities are simple and clean, and suitable for a forest area.
What is the difference between this trip and Sandhan Valley Trek and Camping?
This is a one-night, one-day trip from Pune that combines a short half trek with a single rappel. Sandhan Valley Trek and Camping is the longer two-night version with a night of tent camping, which runs from Mumbai by train on Saturdays.
