Panhala to Pawankhind Mohim

जुलै १६६० मध्ये सिद्दी जोहर याने पन्हाळगड ला जबरदस्त वेढा दिला होता. मुसळधार पाऊस आणि अंधाराचा फायदा घेत छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज, बाजीप्रभु देशपांडे आणि काही मोजके मावळे पन्हाळगडावरून निसटले आणि विशाळगडाकडे जायला लागले. मात्र, शत्रूच्या सैन्याला याची कुणकुण लागली आणि सिद्दी जोहर च्या सैन्यांनी त्यांचा पाठलाग सुरू केला.

शत्रूला रोखण्यासाठी अत्यंत अरुंद अशा घोडखिंडीत बाजीप्रभु देशपांडे व बाकी मावळ्यांनी आदिलशाही सैन्याला थोपवून धरले. आपल्या महाराजांना विशाळगडावर सुखरूप पोहोचता यावे, यासाठी सुमारे ३०० मावळ्यांनी आपल्या प्राणांची आहुती दिली. त्यांच्या बलिदानाने आणि पवित्र रक्ताने ही घोडखिंड इतिहासात पावनखिंड म्हणून अजरामर झाली.

पन्हाळगड ते पावनखिंड हे पायी अंतर अंदाजे ५० किलोमीटर इतके असून ही वाट, मसाई पठार, तसेच काही गावातून जाते. पावसाळ्यातील हा प्रवास खूप आव्हानात्मक असून तो चालणाऱ्याची शारीरिक तसेच मानसिक कणखरता तपासतो.

ही मोहीम म्हणजे केवळ पावसाळी पर्यटन नसून, स्वराज्यासाठी लढलेल्या मावळ्यांच्या त्यागप्रती कृतज्ञता व्यक्त करण्याचा मार्ग आहे. या ऐतिहासिक वाटेवरून चालताना शिवरायांची युद्धनीती व मावळ्यांनी निष्ठा क्षणोक्षणी जाणवते

In July 1660, Siddi Jauhar laid a fierce siege to Panhalgad Fort. Taking advantage of the torrential rain and darkness, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, and a select group of Mavalas (loyal soldiers) headed towards Vishalgad. However, the enemy got wind of their escape, and Siddi Jauhar’s forces began to pursue them.

To halt the enemy's advance, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and the Mavalas held off the Adilshahi army at the extremely narrow Ghodkhind pass. Around 300 Mavalas sacrificed their lives to ensure their Maharaj could reach Vishalgad safely. Through their sacrifice and sacred blood, this pass was immortalized in history as 'Pavankhind' (the Sacred Pass).

The trek from Panhalgad to Pavankhind covers a distance of approximately 50 kilometers, passing through the Masai Plateau and several villages. Undertaking this journey during the monsoon is highly challenging, testing both the physical and mental resilience of the trekkers.

This expedition is not merely a monsoon trek; it is a way to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by the Mavalas who fought for Swarajya. Walking along this historic route allows one to feel the brilliance of Shivaji Maharaj’s military strategy and the unwavering loyalty of his soldiers at every step.

Highlights:

• Historic Trail

• Masai Pathar

• Pawankhind

• Rustic experience

Trek Facts:

• Grade: Medium

• Endurance: High

• Highest Elevation: 899M

• Distance: Day 1: 20KM, Day 2: 20KM

• Trek start point: Panhala fortress

• Trek end point: Pawankhind

Itinerary:

Day 0

• Depart by hired Non-AC Vehicle, below are the pickup points & tentative timings:

• 10:00 PM - Dadar East TT Circle

• 10:20 – 10:25 PM – Chembur (Naturals Ice-Cream)

• 10:45 – 10:55 PM – Vashi (Shivneri Vashi Bus Stop)

• 11:15 – 11:25 PM – Kharghar (Shivneri Stop Kharghar)

• 11:40 – 11:45 PM – Kalamboli (Shivneri Panvel Stop)

• 01:30 – 01:45 AM – Bhumkar Chowk - Pune

• 01:45 – 01:55 AM – Wakad bridge - Pune

• 02:00 – 02:05 AM – Chandini Chowk - Pune

• 02:25 – 02:30 AM – Vadgoan bridge - Pune Note: Timings are tentative as they depend on traffic conditions. Trek Leader will share the live location from the first pickup till the last pickup point. Exact locations will be shared with registered participants in the WhatsApp group and are also available in the disclaimer form.

Day 1

• 6:00 AM – Reach Panhala

• Fresh‑up & Breakfast – 45 min

• Trek Briefing & Safety Instructions – 15 min

• Trek: Panhala → Karpewadi – ~8 hours

• Packed Lunch Break – en route

• Rest at Villager’s Home

• Dinner Break – 1 hour

• Overnight Rest

Day 2

• 5:30 AM – Wake‑up call

• Trek: Karpewadi → Pawankhind – ~8 hours

• Packed Lunch Break – en route

• Conclude trek at Pawankhind

• Travel: Pawankhind → Pune/Mumbai – ~8 hours by hired vehicle

Price: ₹3300

Included

• Travel by hired Non-AC vehicle from Mumbai

• Breakfast, Packed Veg Lunch on Day 1 & 2

• Evening Tea, Veg Dinner & Homestay at the Villagers House on DAY 1

• Our Certified Team expertise

Excluded: snacks break, Personnel expenses like cold drinks, snacks, packaged water bottles.

Price: ₹2900

Included

• Travel by hired AC vehicle from Pune

• Breakfast, Packed Veg Lunch on Day 1 & 2

• Veg Dinner & Homestay at the Villagers House on DAY 1

• Our Certified Team expertise

Excluded: snacks break, Personnel expenses like cold drinks, snacks, packaged water bottles.

Registration Process:

Step 1: Book Your Seat  

• Scroll below and select your ticket. Click on Checkout, fill in your details, and choose your preferred mode of payment. (Refer to the Manual Payment option if you wish to pay via UPI/NEFT.)

• For manual payments, your initial registration email will show the status as Not Paid. Once your payment is received and verified, the status will be updated to Paid.

• Once completed, you will receive an email containing your ticket and the mandatory disclaimer form.

Step 2: Fill Mandatory Disclaimer Form  

• After payment confirmation, participants must complete the participation disclaimer form accurately to provide necessary information.

• Compliance with the disclaimer is mandatory for participation in the event.

Step 3: WhatsApp Group Creation 

• On the day of departure, a WhatsApp group will be created in the evening.

• All registered participants will be added to the group, which will serve as the official platform for communication, updates, and coordination during the event.

Checklist

👕 Clothing & Footwear

• Trekking/Hiking Shoes: Sturdy shoes with strong grip, suitable for rough terrain.

• Full Sleeve Quick‑Dry Shirt/T‑shirt: Keeps you dry and comfortable.

• Full‑Length Hiking Trousers: Protects legs from scratches and insect bites.

🎒 Things to Carry in a Rucksack

(Tip: Pack with 1–2 waterproof layers to protect clothes and valuables)

• Water: Minimum 2 litres.

• Cap/Hat: Shields head and face from sun.

• Head Torch/Torch: Essential for night treks.

• Sleeping Bag/Blanket: For resting at villager’s house.

• Food Items: Fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, healthy snacks.

• Toiletry Kit & Sunscreen Lotion.

• Rain Gear: Jacket or poncho for unexpected showers.

• Extra Clothes: 2 sets including innerwear.

• Extra Socks: Minimum 2 pairs.

• Flip‑Flops: For travel and base village.

• Hiking Pole: Provides stability on uneven terrain.

• Personal Medicines & First Aid Kit.

• Foldable Compact Backpack.

• Identity Proof

Event Disclaimer:

• Disclaimer Form: Every participant must complete the online disclaimer form with accurate details. Ramblers India will not be held responsible if incorrect details provided by a participant affect emergency response or assistance.

• ID Card Requirement: Carrying a valid government‑issued ID is mandatory for verification and safety purposes.

• Punctuality: Timely reporting is essential to respect the schedule and fellow participants. Late arrivals may cause delays and disrupt the group experience.

• Water Safety: All participants must exercise caution around water bodies and follow the instructions of trek leaders at all times. Non‑swimmers are strictly prohibited from entering the pond/ river.

• Parental Consent: Participants under 18 years of age must provide parental consent to join.

• Itinerary Changes: Any modifications or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances will be communicated in advance.

• Weather & Authority: Ramblers India reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any event due to weather conditions or local authority restrictions. Please note that Ramblers India, trek leaders, or local guides cannot be held responsible if governing bodies deny entry to the event location on the day of the event.

• No refund will be provided after reaching the destination if the place is closed by any governing or local authority.

• Equipment Care: Participants must handle provided equipment responsibly to avoid damage.

• Damages/Loss: Charges apply for damage, loss, or theft of equipment.

• Participants unable to maintain the required pace may be asked to retreat and return home from the nearest village for their safety and the group’s progress.

• Facilitiy Information: Stay: Accommodation is very basic. All trekkers will be accommodated together in a room. Please carry your own blanket or sleeping bag for comfort. This is a rustic village experience — please do not expect hotel‑style facilities during the trek.

• Toilets: Basic toilet facilities are available at the villager’s house.

• During the trek, participants should attend to nature’s call outdoors respectfully and discreetly, ensuring minimal impact on the environment and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

• Extra Expenses: If any additional expenses are incurred during the event (for example, due to changes in location, unforeseen circumstances, or services not included in the event fee), each participant will be responsible for bearing their share of the extra cost. Our team will notify participants immediately if such expenses arise.

• Misconduct: Alcohol, smoking, intoxication, loud music, and teasing animals are strictly prohibited.

• Respect Local Customs: Participants must honor local traditions and follow site rules.

• Personal Hygiene: Participants are advised to avoid using deodorants or perfumes on the day of the trek. This helps maintain a natural environment, prevents attracting insects, and supports adherence to Leave No Trace principles..

• Trail & Wildlife Caution: Stay on marked routes, avoid solo night treks, and exercise caution in forested areas.

• Group Coordination: Discipline, cooperation, and teamwork are expected at all times.

• Safety Disclaimer: While safety is prioritized at all times, participants acknowledge that trekking and associated transport involve inherent risks. Ramblers India, trek leaders, and guides are not liable for severe injuries or fatalities that may occur during the trek or while traveling to and from the event.

• Eligibility: Registration confirms participants meet required physical and mental fitness levels. Trekking is a rigorous physical activity that requires adequate preparation. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to join. Ramblers India is not liable for any health issues arising during or after the trek. To avoid fatigue and ensure safety, participants are strongly advised to be well‑rested the day before the trek.

• Withdrawal: If a participant withdraws mid‑event, they must arrange their own transport and lodging. Participants are liable for emergency evacuation costs and legal proceedings arising from accidents.

• Personal Belongings:Ramblers India is not responsible for theft or damage to personal items during the event. Participants are advised to carry only essential belongings and safeguard them at all times.

• Payment and Registration: Participant is responsible for bearing convenience fees charged by payment gateways.

• Acknowledgement: Registration confirms acceptance of the Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

• By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and have reviewed all relevant terms, risks, and responsibilities associated with the activity.

• Minimum Strength: A minimum of 8 participants is required for the event to proceed.

Payment Policy:

• Third‑Party Gateways: Registration fees include a convenience fee charged by payment gateways, borne by the participant.

• Manual Payment Option: UPI/NEFT transfers are available for one hour after a ticket is marked unpaid. Failure to complete payment within this time cancels the order.

• Full Payment: Partial payments are not accepted.

• Transaction Confirmation: Manual payments must be confirmed via WhatsApp/email with transaction reference.

• Service Availability: No refunds or discounts for unused services.

• Price Revision: Ramblers India reserves the right to increase the price of event at its discretion.

• Withdrawal: Fees cannot be carried forward to future events. Refunds follow the refund policy.

Refund Policy:

• Refunds are initiated on the event date or the next working day.

• Standard processing time is 3–10 working days, depending on the payment gateway.

• Weekend/Trail Policy: If our team is not reachable on weekends, do not worry — we may be on the trails. Refunds will be processed on the next working day. Ramblers India is a customer‑oriented organization, and participant interests are always prioritized.

• Manual Refunds: In certain cases, if the payment gateway has already refunded the amount to our bank account, we may process the refund manually. In such situations, our team will reach out to you requesting your UPI ID or bank account details to complete the transfer, and the refund will be made directly from one of our authorized team member’s accounts.

• Refunds will not be issued in cash or coupons unless explicitly agreed upon with the participant.

• Refunds exclude the convenience fee charged by third‑party payment gateways.

  • Example: If the event fee is ₹1000 and the convenience fee is ₹50, only ₹1000 will be refunded.

• Refund Percentages:

  • 50% refund: cancellations ≥ 5 days before departure

  • 40% refund: 4 days before departure

  • 30% refund: 3 days before departure

  • 20% refund: 2 days before departure till departure day

  • No refund: no‑shows

• If the event is canceled by Ramblers India:

  • The full event fee will be refunded (excluding convenience fee).

  • Personal travel expenses (train, bus, flight, cab, hotel) are not refundable.

• If the event is forwarded to another organizer:

  • Participants must pay any difference if the new organizer’s fee is higher.

• If minimum attendance is not met:

  • For morning events, cancellation decisions are announced the evening before.

  • For night events, cancellation decisions are announced the same evening.

• If the event is canceled midway due to unforeseen circumstances:

  • No refunds will be issued, and no amount will be transferred to other events.