Stairway To Heaven: Trek to Twin forts - Visapur & Lohagad

Event Name: Stairway To Heaven: Trek to Twin forts - Visapur & Lohagad
Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate (Beginners who are physically fit are welcome)
Max Altitude:
Lohagad Fort: 3,389 feet
Visapur Fort: 3,556 feet
Who Can join: Anyone form ages 10 to 50 Yrs who are physically fit.
Event Duration: 1N /2D
Total Trekking Distance: Approx 10 kms over 2 days.

About:
Lohagad Fort:
Lohagad Fort, built around the 11th century, was expanded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. It played a key role as a treasury during Shivaji's reign and was strategically important for controlling the region. The fort was captured and recaptured multiple times by the Mughals, Marathas, and British. It stands as a symbol of Maratha valor and is now a protected monument.
Visapur Fort:
Built in 1713 CE by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of the Marathas, Visapur Fort served as a defense to protect Lohagad Fort. The fort was part of a twin fort system and was also captured by the British in 1818 after a prolonged siege. It features remnants of old Peshwa structures, British barracks, and large water cisterns.

Tentative Itinerary
Day 0: Friday Night — Departure from Hyderabad

• 9:30 PM – Board 22731 - Hyderabad – Mumbai SF Express from Nampally for an overnight journey.

Day 1: Saturday — Lohagad Fort Trek

• 10:00 AM – Arrive at Lonavala Railway Station. Freshen up and have breakfast at a local eatery.
• 11:30 AM – Travel to Lohagad Fort Base (Malavli or Bhaje Village) by auto, jeep, or taxi (Approx. 20 km, 40 minutes).
• 1:00 PM – Start trek from Bhaje village to Lohagad Fort.
• Trail: ~2.5 km, Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours (moderate level).
• Highlights: Ganesh Darwaja, water cisterns, panoramic viewpoints.
• 6:30 PM – Return to base village. Check into homestay/guesthouse.
• 8:00 PM – Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Sunday — Visapur Fort & Bhaje Caves

• 8:00 AM – Depart from homestay to start Visapur Fort trek.
• Trail: ~3.5 km one way, Duration: ~2 to 2.5 hours (moderate to challenging).
• Highlights: Water cisterns, Peshwa palace ruins, British-era barracks.
• 12:00 PM – Visit Bhaje Caves (near Malavli Station).
• Explore 22 Buddhist rock-cut caves, known for the Chaitya hall and carvings.
• 1:00 PM – Return to Lonavala. Lunch at a local restaurant.
• 2:00 PM – Explore Lonavala market for chikki, fudge, and souvenirs.
• 4:30 PM – Depart from Lonavala on Train 22732 - Hyderabad Express.

Day 3: Monday — Arrive in Hyderabad

• 4:30 AM – Arrive at Hyderabad (Monday).

Event Cost: ₹5,700/-

Please make the full payment of ₹5,700/- to confirm your slot. Alternatively, you may secure your spot with a non-refundable advance payment of ₹2,700/-. However, full payment is preferred to ensure a smooth booking process.

Please note that the spots are limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis only after payment is received. RSVPing on Meetup without payment does not guarantee your spot.

For participants who join later, if tickets are unavailable due to the waiting list, we will attempt to book Tatkal tickets a day before the journey. Additional charges may apply (Approx. 630/-) , and ticket availability is not guaranteed until confirmed.

Payment details:
PhonePe: Sasikanth - 8885241042

Refund Policy:

• A refund, excluding ticket cancellation charges, will be provided only if ClimbOn cancels the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
• The advance amount is non-refundable.
• If the booking is canceled more than 7 days before the event and the full amount has been paid, the amount excluding the advance will be refunded. No refund will be provided after that.
• No refund will be given in case of a no-show.

📌 Inclusions:
✔️ 3AC Train tickets from Hyderabad and to Hyderabad
✔️ Local transportation
✔️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 1
✔️ Breakfast, Lunch - Day 2 (5 times food on us)
✔️ Home stay/Tents/Cottages etc.
✔️ Basic first aid, if necessary
✔️ Expert organizers
✔️ Club fund

📌 Exclusions:
❌ Meals not mentioned above
❌ Any personal expenses
❌ Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Things to Carry: Less Luggage, Easier Hike
Mandatory:
✔️ Photo ID
✔️ A rucksack (30-50L) with rain cover. No trolley/briefcase.
✔️ Trek shoes with extra pairs of socks.
✔️ 2 pairs of clothes (full sleeves preferred; no jeans).
✔️ 3 liters of water (no compromise), plate, and spoon.
✔️ Rainwear (raincoat/umbrella/all-weather jacket).
✔️ Head torch with extra batteries.
✔️ Sleeping bag/blanket.
✔️ Plastic cover to carry trash.
✔️ Toiletries: paper tissue, brush, toothpaste, sanitizer, towel.
✔️ Personal medication, if any.
✔️ A trash cover to carry your trash.
Optional:
✔️ Some snacks to eat along the hike.
✔️ ORS or Glucon-D powder.
✔️ Flip-flops to change over at night.
✔️ Power bank and charging cable.
✔️ Hat/sun cap, goggles, sunscreen.
✔️ Mosquito repellent cream.
Note: Pack everything separately in plastic bags before placing them in the rucksack as they may get wet during rains.

Important Terms🚨⚠️

• Strictly no alcohol, intoxicants, strong drinks, or smoking from the start to the end of the event.
• Firefly sightings are natural and beyond our control. Please understand if they're fewer than expected.
• All members should exercise social responsibility during treks and refrain from littering, shouting in wilderness areas, or engaging in any activities that could disrupt the natural ecology.
• All meals during the event will be vegetarian.
• This is not a luxury trip, but all care has been taken to make your trip comfortable.
• Event Hosts retain the authority to adjust the itinerary as needed, including the addition or exclusion of members, and modifications to routes, activities, timings, and durations, depending on prevailing circumstances and weather conditions.
• The Event Host's decision is final in all matters. Our primary concern is ensuring everyone's safety, and we greatly appreciate your cooperation in this regard.
• Cross-check the 'Things to carry' list and pack your bags accordingly.

By RSVPing to this event, you agree to the above terms and to sign a full disclaimer before the start of the event.
For any queries, contact (WhatsApp Preferred):
Sasikanth - 8885241042
Kushal - 8074861 152