K2S Night Trek on New Year Eve

The Katraj to Sinhagad night hike is a renowned adventure near Pune, particularly stunning under the enchanting glow of the moonlight. This trek is not just a simple walk; it involves traversing over multiple mountains, beginning at the Katraj tunnel and culminating at the historic Sinhagad fort. The journey spans approximately 15 kilometers, and despite its considerable length, trekking at night transforms the experience into a delightful escapade that not only challenges your endurance but also rewards you with mesmerizing views and a sense of tranquility that is hard to find during the day.

We commence the hike from the new Katraj tunnel, where the initial steep climbs set the tone for the adventure ahead. The ascent is invigorating, and as we gain elevation, the nighttime view of the Mumbai Pune expressway unfolds beneath us, creating a breathtaking panorama that is especially captivating under the starlit sky. The cool night air is refreshing, and the sounds of nature accompany us, enhancing the overall experience as we navigate the rugged terrain. The camaraderie among fellow hikers adds to the joy of the journey, as stories and laughter fill the air, making the trek not only a physical challenge but also a social adventure.

Note: 

• Please read the section How to Reach, especially if you are coming from Mumbai

• Please Have Dinner by 8PM or carry a packed dinner to eat in during the break

Highlights:

• K2S night hike

• Trail crossing the mountains.

Hiking facts:

• Grade: Medium

• Endurance: High

• The Highest Elevation: 1157M

• Total hiking distance: 15KM. Approx

• Start Point: Katraj New tunnel.

• End Point: Sinhagad Ghat Road.

Itinerary:

• Reporting time at K2S Trail start point - 10:00 PM (Refer how to reach section).

• Katraj to Sinhagad hike- 6 hours.

• Tea break at the hike end point - 30 minutes

• Travel by hired jeep to Askarwadi - 30 minutes.

• Breakfast at Askarwadi - 45 minutes.

• Buses are available for every 30 minutes to Pune city from Askarwadi, even intercity cabs are available.

How to reach:

From Mumbai:

By Train: Prefer DECCAN QUEEN EX (12123) from CSMT on Saturday departing at 17:10, Arrival time at Pune is 20:25, take local transport to Katraj Bus stand, from here Auto/ Taxi is available to Hotel Marathibana, Near Katraj New Tunnel.

By Road: Any outstation bus going towards Satara with stop at Katraj bus stop, from here Auto/ Taxi is available to Hotel Marathibana, Near Katraj New Tunnel.

From Pune

Report to our team at Hotel Marathibana, Near Katraj New Tunnel. Cabs, Auto Rickshaws are available from Pune or Katraj bus stand.

We will be creating a WhatsApp group for the registered participants where you can coordinate on sharing a ride, our team will be happy for any kind of assistance.

Pune to Mumbai:

By Train: Prefer MUMBAI EXP (17032) departing at 09:15 from PUNE Junction.

By road: Many outstation buses/ cabs are available from Pune Swargate bus stand to Mumbai.

Price: ₹600

Included:

• Hired vehicle from hike end point to Askarwadi

• Early morning Tea

• Breakfast at Askarwadi

• Our expertise

Excluded

Anything that's not mentioned in the Included section.

Registration Process:

Step 1: Book Your Seat

• Visit the event website and book your seat by completing the registration process. ( Refer to the Manual Payment if you want to pay using UPI/NEFT).

Step 2: Fill Mandatory Disclaimer Form

• After payment confirmation, participants will receive a participation disclaimer form.

• Fill up the form accurately to provide necessary information.

• Compliance with the disclaimer is mandatory for participation.

Step 3: WhatsApp Group Creation

• A WhatsApp group will be created in the evening on the day of the departure.

• All registered participants will be added to the group.

• This group serves as a platform for communication, updates, and coordination among participants.

Checklist

Clothing and Footwear:

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

• Full Sleeve Quick Dry Shirt/T-shirt:  Quick-dry fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable.

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

Things to carry in Rucksack:

• Water: Minimum 3 litres to stay well-hydrated during the hike.

• Cap/Hat: Protects your head and face from the sun.

• Food Items: Packed Lunch, Fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, and healthy snacks provide sustenance.

• Toiletry Kit and sunscreen lotion.

• Extra Set of Clothes: Useful in case you need to change.

• Extra Pair of Socks: Keep your feet dry and comfortable.

• Flip-Flops: During Travel.

• Hiking Pole:  Provides stability and support, especially on uneven terrain.

• Personal Medicines: Carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.

• Identity Proof: Carry a valid Government ID proof.

Participation Disclaimer:

• Mandatory Disclaimer Form: Accurate details in the online disclaimer form are mandatory. Inaccurate details will require refilling; no exceptions will be made.

• ID Card Requirement: Participant must bring an ID card for safety purposes.

• Punctuality: Respect the schedule and other participants' time; avoid causing delays.

• Parental Consent for Under 18: Participant under 18 years old must have parental consent to participate.

• Itinerary Modifications/Cancellations: Participant will be informed in advance about any itinerary changes or event cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Weather and Organizer Authority: We have the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unexpected weather changes. Team Ramblersindia or the Outdoor leader or the local guide at the site may not be held responsible if the entry is closed by local authorities or governing bodies.

• Expense Responsibility: Participant is responsible for expenses not mentioned in the event fees. If extra expense occurs when the location is changed, then every participant had to pay the extra expense incurred that will be notified by our team.

• Misconduct and Prohibited Activities: Misconduct will not be tolerated. Strictly no alcohol consumption, smoking, or any kind of intoxication. Participant must refrain from playing loud music or teasing animals during the hike.

• Personal Hygiene: Avoid using deodorant or perfume on the event day. Strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles; do not litter plastic.

• Facility Information: A basic washroom facility is inadequate. Participant should exercise caution when hiking through forest areas. We aren't visiting Sinhagad fort in this hike, if a participant intends to visit, they need to bare the to & from travel and breakfast expense.

• Group Coordination and Cooperation: Participant should coordinate, maintain discipline, and work together as a team. Appreciate cooperative behavior with fellow participants.

• Safety Disclaimer: While safety is prioritized, Ramblersindia and its hike leaders, hired local guides are not responsible for severe injuries or fatalities.

• Eligibility & Participation: All participants must meet the physical and mental fitness levels required for the activity. By registering, participant confirm they meet these requirements and understand the risks involved.

• Withdrawal: Participant is liable for any emergency evacuation costs and any legal proceedings arising from accidents or injuries during the hike or rappelling activity. Ramblersindia, along with its hike leaders and hired local guides, will not be held responsible or accountable for any such incidents.

• Liability & Risk: Please be advised that if a participant decides to withdraw from the activity at any stage, they will be solely responsible for making their own travel arrangements from that point onward. Our team will not be liable for any transportation, lodging, or other related expenses due to the participant’s decision to exit.

• Personal Belongings: We are not responsible for personal losses such as theft or damage to personal belongings. Participant is usually expected to take personal responsibility for their belongings and exercise caution to prevent such incidents.

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

Payment Policy:

• Third-Party Payment Gateways:  We utilize third-party payment gateways to simplify the registration process. The convenience fee, along with the main event fee, is included and will be displayed at checkout. This fee is to be borne by the customer.

• Manual Payment Option: Participant has the option to make a manual payment for their ticket. This might involve transferring funds via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) or NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) referencing a provided transaction ID or reference. The manual payment option is valid for only one hour from the time the ticket is marked as unpaid. This means participants have a limited window to complete the payment process. If the participant fails to make the payment within the specified time frame, the order will be automatically marked as cancelled.

• Transaction Confirmation: Participant paying through UPI/NEFT to our current account (where the convenience fee is nil) must provide the transaction reference via email/WhatsApp for confirmation.

• Service Availment:  No concessions or discounts will be provided if participant choose not to avail of specific services offered during the event.

• Withdrawal: If a participant withdraws from the event after registration, carry forward of the amount is not available. Refunds will be provided as per the refund policy at the time of withdrawal.

Refund Policy:

• Refund Medium: Refunds will be processed through the same medium the payment has been made.

• Processing Time: Refund will be issued only on the Event Date or Next Business Day. Refunds may take between 3 to 10 working days to be processed. If the amount hasn't been refunded within this period, the paid recipient needs to check with the payment gateway support for assistance.

• UPI and Current Account Payments: Refunds will be Issued on the Event Date or Next Business Day, it will be processed within 2 days and transferred to the UPI ID if paid through UPI or transferred to our current account. We will be requesting either the UPI ID or Bank Account Details to process the refund.

• Refund can't be issued to the Payment wallet or Phone number; Only UPI ID is valid.

• Refund Issuance: Refund will not be issued in cash or coupons unless agreed upon with the participant. A refund will not be processed on weekends due to unavailability of the team.

• Exclusion of Convenience Fee: Refund exclude the convenience fee. This is applicable for those who paid through third-party channels or payment gateways, which includes an extra convenience fee. For instance, if the event price is 1000 and the convenience fee is 5%, making the total paid amount 1050, during the refund, only the event fee of 1000 will be considered, excluding the convenience fee.

• Refund Percentages: 50% refund for cancellation three days or more before the event. 40% refund for cancellation two days before the event. 30% refund for cancellation one day before the event. 20% refund on the day of the event. No refund for a no-show.

• Event Cancellation:  Full event fee will be refunded if the event is cancelled, excluding the convenience fee. Any personal transportation costs (e.g., train, bus, flight, or cab) will not be refunded.