Discover the Serene Beauty of Garbett Plateau

Overview

The Garbett Plateau Trek is a scenic and thrilling adventure in the Matheran range of Maharashtra.

Located near the town of Matheran, this trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

In this blog post, we will discuss all the details of the Garbett Plateau Trek, providing you with all the necessary information to plan your next adventure.

Garbett Plateau Trek Summary

Here's a quick overview of the Garbett Plateau Trek to assist you in your planning:

Things to Carry

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek to Garbett Plateau Trek, here are some essential items to pack:

• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Water bottle/hydration pack
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, fruits)
• Lunch (if not available at the base village)
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Extra clothes, socks
• Headlamp, torch
• Personal medication

Food:

• Carry snacks and water
• Lunch is available at the base village (optional)
• No food is available during the trek

Animal Presence:

• Yes, wild animals like snakes, monkeys, and birds
• Be cautious and make noise while trekking
• Keep a safe distance from animals

How to Reach

From Mumbai to Diksal Village:

By Train:

• Take a train from Mumbai's CST or Dadar station to Neral
• Get down at Neral Railway Station
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Diksal

By Bus:

• Take a bus from Mumbai's Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand to Matheran
• Get down at Matheran Bus Stand
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Diksal

By Road:

• Take the Mumbai-Pune Highway
• Continue on the NH4 towards Karjat
• Take a right turn at the Karjat signboard
• Follow the village road to reach Diksal

From Pune to Diksal Village:

By Train:

• Take a train from Pune's Railway Station to Neral
• Get down at Neral Railway Station
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Diksal

By Bus:

• Take a bus from Pune's Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand to Matheran
• Get down at Matheran Bus Stand
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Diksal

By Road:

• Take the Pune-Mumbai Highway
• Continue on the NH4 towards Karjat
• Take a right turn at the Karjat signboard
• Follow the village road to reach Diksal

Itinerary

• 6:00 am - Depart from Mumbai/Pune
• 09:00 am - Arrive at Diksal
• 09:30 am - Start trek
• 12:30 pm - Reach summit
• 2:00 pm - Lunch
• 4:00 pm - Descend
• 6:00 pm - Arrive at Diksal

Key Insights from My Research and Reviews

Trek Difficulty and Experience:

• The trek is of easy to moderate difficulty, with a few steep sections that might be challenging, especially for beginners. It’s recommended for intermediate trekkers.
• There are two main routes: Bhivpuri to Garbett Plateau, which is longer (about 11-12 km) and takes 5-6 hours.Aman Lodge to Garbett Point, a shorter and easier option (30-45 minutes).
• Monsoon season enhances the beauty of the trek with lush greenery, waterfalls, and foggy vistas, making it a popular time to visit.

Scenic Views:

• The panoramic views from Garbett Point are one of the highlights of the trek, offering breathtaking sights of Matheran mountain range, Morbe Dam, Sondai Fort, and lush valleys.
• The trek is described as mesmerizing, especially during the monsoon when the landscape is covered in vibrant shades of green and waterfalls flow down the hillsides.

Unique Features:

• The trek offers a blend of nature and adventure, with dense forests, wildlife, and bird-watching opportunities.
• There are waterfalls, lakes, and streams along the route, adding to the charm of the trek.
• Garbett Plateau and Point are less crowded compared to other trekking spots, making it a peaceful retreat.

Best Time to Visit:

• Monsoon (June to September) is considered the best time to visit for the full experience of greenery, waterfalls, and a cool climate. However, heavy rain may make the trail slippery and more difficult to navigate.
• Early morning is recommended for the best sunrise views, while evening treks may be enjoyable but can be challenging in low light.

Safety and Preparation:

• The trail can be isolated with limited shops and resources on the way, so it’s essential to carry enough water, snacks, and supplies like torches for night treks.
• Guides are recommended, especially for night treks or for those unfamiliar with the route, as the paths can be difficult to follow.
• Leeches may be present during the monsoon, so carrying salt is advised.
• Camping is possible at the plateau, making it a great spot for an overnight trek with bonfires.

Amenities:

• There are village stalls at intervals along the trail offering refreshments like tea, Maggi, and water.
• Toilets are available at some of the villages along the trek, and the plateau is suitable for camping, though it’s advisable to go in groups for safety.

Notable Points:

• The trek is popular for sunrise and sunset views, and some trekkers opt to start their trek at night to reach Garbett Point by dawn.
• While the trail from Bhivpuri offers a longer, more adventurous experience, the Aman Lodge route provides a quicker, simpler hike for those with less time.

Challenges:

• The trek can be hot and tiring during non-monsoon months due to the lack of shade, so hydration and sun protection are essential.
• The terrain can be slippery and risky during heavy rains, and trekking poles and proper shoes are advisable.

Google Map of the Location

Conclusion

Monsoon season elevates its beauty with green carpets, waterfalls, and cool breezes, making it a highly recommended trek for nature lovers and trekkers alike. Preparation, timing, and safety precautions are crucial to fully enjoy the trek’s beauty while staying comfortable and safe.

If you have any doubts, need any guidance, or have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

FAQs:

1. Which railway station is near to Garbett Plateau?

Ans: Neral Railway Station is the nearest station to Garbett Plateau.

1. How do you get to the Garbett Point?

Ans: Take a local taxi or rickshaw from Neral or Matheran to Diksal, and then start the trek to Garbett Point.