We started this trek from Kasara but for me it was right after my shift. After office hours I was on the first train to Kasara. The whats app group created by co lead had nominated me as the leader of the day. After reading the message my first thought was with great power comes great responsibility Peter Parker Spider man movie Reached Kasara and we had a smallest introduction. A great relief to know 4 members for the team successfully completed Basic Mountaineering Course phew. Reached Samrad village after a 2 hour drive by local private jeep.

A short nap before a morning wake up call helped to start a brand new day afresh. Breakfast was the usual with Poha and Tea. As we got ready for the small excursion, there was lots of background work being done equipment, food, assistance, dry ration, menu etc?

We started out trek at 08:15 am what a way to begin with the view of the mighty AMK, Alang Madan Kulang,
Ratangad was inspiring. We had not yet entered the valley and there was small prick in my shoe: did try to ignore it however could not for a long time.So I sat down BAU (business as usual) and removed a thorn that was pricking me.Ledge walking this is an awesome way to begin our trek, Ledge walking if you miss then stamp in the water and your shoes are wet. . This initial excitement was a Kick which helps to complete trek to Sandhan Valley.                                                                                                                                                               Slowly and steadily we marched together as team clearing the water walk. There is a small section that is filled with water around 15 feet.So we removed our shoes and stepped on this cold water walk. Our feet washed on wards we move and the small fishes in the water clean your feet of the dirt. As we navigated huge boulders there is an amazing view that encompass us. The entire valley seems so different at different angles and at different times. With all the effort required on a full descend trek we wonder what it would be had it been a uphill trek in the Summer.Finally we reached out first mark. Rappelling down 40 feet approx.                                           Trek Leader gave a small demonstration about the basics of Rappelling before the team started to descend down one after the other. Our team continued to move forward clearing the "S" rock slide successfully.Descending slowly we reached a spot where the only way forward if you were tall to wriggle or else crawl through. A little rock climbing is required here say 4 steps and you need to maintain your body weight by hands

We decided to take some rest as were already well ahead of time. Thou the participants were requested to carry pack
lunch for the day. I am sure there had not anticipated such an activity.  "SURPRISE" Had requested the villager from the base village to pack us something to eat like few chapati and one cooked vegetable. To our surprise this good man had packed exactly 2 chapatis for each one of us and awesome potato and groundnut vegetable.Post lunch break we were charged up and ready for our march further, but our fears were put to test.The last rock climbing patch 20 Feet was calling.   At this point we all rejoiced in a small way Sandhan Valley was conquered. Walking gradually  toward the valley exit, the size of the bolder now growing smaller. Our presence was met with a warm welcome  by local Rhesus Monkeys.

They seem to say intruders were not allowed Sandhan Valley is a sacred place. Seeing us drop and not making any movement or create or destroy even they let the warriors of Sandhan Valley full descend rest for the night.  We all sat at this water source yes in May summer time and it was clear cold water running.This water then empties into a bigger open water tank not suitable for drinking. As everyone waited to see feel the Sun set behind the mountain ridge. And this is that time where you have nothing to do but wait for the night to absorb you completely. As if time has slowed down and we were waiting for life to happen.

Before daylight ends we pitched up a tent, as one small cloud was seen hovering above us and we wanted to be prepared tent stay was not a part of the itinerary. Tent was pitched at nice spot on high ground close to dining area and water. As only four could fit in the tent at least the rest could sleep around it.Only two of us decided to sleep in the tent. The rest wanted to sleep out in the open. The 2nd Surprise came just then, hot and sour soup.But be rest assured whenever we shall have hot and sour soup for the rest of our lives it shall always be compared to this overnight trek to Sandhan Valley.                                                                                                                          It tickled the right taste buds for sure and everyone did take a second helping yummy. The best was yet to come our guide did an awesome work with dinner, Curd curry, rice, vegetable, roti, thecha smashed green chillies and pickle. It was a celebration after the conquest of Sandhan Valley and the gods were happy. Googly was that I had forgotten sleeping gear. And not wanting to put others who had done their home work of carrying bed sheets slept on the bare ground. But the rain Gods had other plans, and soon it started to rain. We gathered out things, bags, shoes, sleeping bag, all in the tent.