#gumtara

We 4 friends on 5th August 2018, Sunday explored a new place called Gumtara fort, with help of our guide.

↑ The tallest mountain in the photo is Gumtara ↑

Grade: Medium - as it has a quite steep ascent continuously and a slippery terrain in the monsoon.

Altitude: 1925.925 ft.

Distance: One way trek = 3.43 km & total trek = 6.86 km.

Time taken for trek: 3 hours ascent & 2 hours descent in monsoon.

The blog post is divided as follows:

1) How to go (with Google Map & GPS trail)

2) Experience in photos.

3) Expenses.

4) YouTube video.

1) HOW TO GO?

Base railway station: Virar.

Base village: Dugad.

Route: Virar West Bus depot > Ambadi > Dugad Fata > Dugad > Gumtara & backtrack.

↑ Bus time table at Virar west bus depot (just outside platform number 2) ↓

2) EXPERIENCE in photos:

↑ Rock begonia locally known as Khadak ambadi ↑

↑ A signature spider with 4 signatures! ↑

↑ Honey combs ↑

↑ The KARVI plant that blossoms once in 8 years was seen in blossom! ↓

↑ The toughest part of the trek is just before the top of the fort ↓

GUMTARA FORT:

↑ He who charmed the snake away ↑

↑ Clean potable drinking water was available in this water cistern atop the fort, during the monsoon & its guardian ↓

↑ Usgaon lake and dam seen from Gumtara ↑

Indian Moon Moth: The moth with the most awesome nose!

3) EXPENSES:

60/- Rickshaw from home to station & back.

15/- return train ticket.

60/- bus ticket from Virar to Dugad fata.

10/- in shared rickshaw from Dugad fata to Ambadi.

55/- bus ticket from Ambadi to Virar.

55/- snacks.

40/- guide fees (100/- + snacks bought for them).

Total = 295/-.

4) VIDEO: showcasing the beauty of the trek - it is less than 45 seconds.