Monday, January 27, 2014

Rappelling @Dukes Nose, Khandala

Dukes nose is a huge pinnacle which can be seen while travelling between Mumbai and Pune. It’s shape is like a nose or a thumb. The sights from the top are unique and magnificent as one sees a vast landscape and the winding Mumbai Pune Express Highway cutting through the ghats and trains chugging along the tracks. It is famous for rock climbing, valley crossing and rappelling adventure activities. 


We went to Dukes nose rappelling with YHAI (Youth Hostels Association of India)and the team arranging actual activity was YUGA. We wanted to start rappelling early morning 06:30 AM, so we started from Malad at 1 AM on Friday and after resting at Lovavala for 1 hour and reached the base village at 05:30 AM.
 


Sunrise from Duke's Nose Base Camp. Good to be awake at such early hours after long
The rappelling spot view. Rappelling starts from top and goes on till the bet in lower mid portion. There is a 2000 ft steep fall after it which make rappelling even more thrilling



The day started with night trek to the base camp, it took around 1 hour to reach the base camp. The actual Rappelling started at 7 AM after breakfast and team served by YUGA team, early morning hot breakfast felt too good at such location.





The Rappelling was a thrilling experience with 320 ft rappelling hanging on 2000 ft valley. 










Thanks a ton to YHAI and YUGA team for such a thrilling experience. The team is highly technical and experienced; they have been conducting Rappelling at Duke’s Nose for last 16 years. Safety is their first priority and they are very good at what they do.


Tikona camping and trek