Trek to Duke's Nose

Hi Friends,
I've arranged a trekking expedition to Duke's Nose in Khandala region.
Duke's nose is a dream trek of Pune-Mumbai trekkers. They go for this trek at least once in their life time. The trek starts at historic village of Kurudwande, which lead to the Umberkhind Pass, at end of which the famous battle of Umberkhind was fought. The trek is through jungle and gravel patches. You require expertise or expert guidance to complete this trek safely. It is therefore not recommended for first timers. However we have not restricted entry to first timers. First timers can enjoy and get good trekking experience on this trek. We'll trek by the easy route, as compared to medium-difficult route, that was used last time.

1) Date: 8 Nov 2009
2) Fees of the trek :
    Rs. 160/- (for Pune Participants).
    Rs. 120/- (for Mumbai Participants)
3) Difficulty Rating: Easy.
4) Time:
    6:00 a.m.(For Pune Participants).
    8:00 a.m.(For Mumbai Participants)
5) Meeting Point:
    Pune Station. (For Pune Participants).
    Lonavala Station (For Mumbai Participants)
Registration: 26th Oct 2009 (Monday) to 5th Nov 2009 (Thursday).

Please read the instructions carefully because though, you may feel its the same set of instructions, they change from trek to trek. No complaints will be entertained later, if you do not read it properly, and face any problem.

For Pune Participants: Fees include travel (from Pune Station to Lonavala and back, and travel to base village),  morning snack (Single), tea, printed material, guidance fees. There will be no provision of food.
For Mumbai participants: Fees include travel (travel to base village),  morning snack (Single), tea, printed material, guidance fees. There will be no provision of food.
The participants will need to get their own lunch (vegetarian). We won't stop at Lonavala so there is no chance to buy lunch.
The participant from Pune will have to reach Pune Station by 6:00 a.m.
The participant from Mumbai will have to reach Lonavala Station by 8:00 a.m. (Indrayani reaches by 8:00 a.m. at Lonavala Station)
This being the month of November, the climate will be, strong Sun during afternoon, and maybe some clouds, hence participants should wear cap/hat or some protection from sun, you can bring folding umbrella. Participants should dress comfortably, avoid wearing jeans, suggested clothes are cotton pants, track suits, jogging suits, half pants or three-fourths, t-shirts (preferably white or light colours, avoid black colour).
Also carry 2-3 litre of water as there is no water supply at that place. Use electral/glucose-d/ tang to revitalize your self.
Apart from this you can get biscuits, dry fruits, chocolates, chikkis to munch on the way.


Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the activity:

1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried..so that one has their hands free while  trekking. Please do not carry Sling bags, Jholas, handbags/shoulder bags etc
2. Shoes with Good Grip for trekking(necessary). (Sports/Jungle/Trek Shoes). Please do not wear sandals, chappals or floaters, girls are requested not to wear high heel footwear.
3. Water bottle (Minimum 2 litre). (you can carry two 1 Litre bottles)
4. Lunch (vegetarian) for the day (compulsory). Biscuits or other snacks, chocolates, fresh fruits (optional).
5. Caps/hat (anything to shade you from sun).
6. Optional things: Camera, Binoculars, Extra pair of clothes if u want.
7. Those who have knee problems should wear knee caps 
8. Other optional accessories are fingerless leather gloves, sunglasses.

A Few rules that need to be followed are:

1. The Leader's decision will be final & binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
2. Smoking will not be permitted. Smokers please do not register, if you can not control your urge for one day.
3. Alcohol will strictly be not permitted on the event. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the activity.
4. It is important for all participants stay together in the group, in the event of any deviation by the participant without the consent of the leader, he/she/they will be considered as 'Independent/s' & will no longer be considered as a part of the group. No refund of fees will be given in case the person is expelled from trek for above 3 reasons.
{Deviation: E.g.: Participant decides to go sightseeing on his own, decides to stray away from the group, decides to trek on route other than instructed by Leader, etc}
5. In the event of any Mishap, Leaders will not be responsible.
6. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety & baggage.
7. Each member MUST get his own lunch (vegetarian), snacks, & eatables (vegetarian).
8. Avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments.
9. Do not tease, argue, play prank on any villager,specially women, at the place of trek. If you do so and get beaten-up by the villagers Leaders will not interfere nor take any responsibility for it.
10. Do not try to enter restricted area of INS Shivaji. The navy has right to arrest and punish anyone trying to do so. Leaders do not take responsibility of anyone who gets caught trying to enter the restricted area.

Please remember trekking is not a picnic, its an adventure, hence do not take instructions casually, defying them may prove harmful.


Many trekker find it difficult to bring lunch as they are unable to cook early in the morning. Here are few quick tips for things you can get for lunch. you can get Bread &  Butter/Jam. There is ready-to-eat food of various brands like MTR, Kohinoor, etc. and you can get this packet for just Rs. 35. It is readily available in retail shops like Food Bazar, Spencer, Foodland, Reliance Fresh, More. You can also bring ready made parathas or theplas (you can get them at above mentioned store or any sweet shop or Hot Chips store). Or You can cook Pulav in 15 min using a pressure cooker.
For recipes visit blog: foodfortrek.blogspot.com

Registration and cancellation procedure

Registrations starts on 26th Oct 2009 (Monday)
Registration has to be done by paying fees before 5 Nov, 2009 (Thursday) by 4:30 p.m.  Registration is compulsory. We will not be able to accommodate anyone after this date.  Registration is on first come first serve basis.
Mumbai participants can register over phone.
We reserve the rights to deny entry to any participant.

Cancellation Procedure:
1. If you cancel the registration before 5 Nov, 2009 (Thursday) by 5:00 p.m., entire fees will be refunded.
2. If you cancel registration on/after 6 Nov, 2009 (Friday) after 5:00 p.m., no refund of fees. This is applicable even if you are late and miss the transport.
Cancellation has to be done personally, on phone, e-mail cancellation not allowed


Trek Schedule
Meet at Pune Station Platform Number 1 at 6:00 a.m.
Board the local and reach Lonavala by 7:30 a.m. (Meeting of Mumbai participants)
Reach Kuruwande Village, in private transport, by 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast at Village.
Start climbing Duke's Nose by 9:00 a.m.
Reach the Top by 9:30 a.m.
Sight seeing
Proceed to Duchess's Nose and sightseeing from there.
start to descend by 11:00 a.m.
proceed towards Khandala via jungle route.
Lunch by 1:00 p.m.
Reach waterfall by 1:30 p.m
Rest and proceed towards Khandala by 2:00 p.m.
Reach Khandala Station by 2:45 p.m.
Board the Karjat passenger to return to Pune
reach Pune by 5:30 p.m


You can forward this to others with similar interest.

For Registration Contact
Amit M Kamble on 9372412386



For Photos see 
http://picasaweb.google.com/amit.trek/DukesNose02#