Sahyadri Speed Hike-Day 4: Shidobachi Dhar
If you’re into adventure, this trail could be a great choice. And if you don’t have a local guide with you, get ready for plenty of bushwhacking, hehe!
Date: 26 Dec 2024
Start: Binderwadi
End: Ahupe
Distance: 7 km
Elevation gain: 911 m
Duration: 2 hrs : 21 mins
Level: Moderate or Difficult (maybe)
Season: Dec-Jan (it won’t be too hot/cold)
Navigation: Now the trail is well marked by Manav on OSM. Here is the GPX file of Shidobacha Dhar & Gorakhgad Circuit trail. Shidobachi Dhar (Strava) & Gorakhgadh (Strava)
Shidobachi Dhar is probably not used frequently, or the trail may have been washed away by the rain, which is why the trail was in such poor condition. Steep slope and bushes made the hike a bit difficult for me, but when you have good co-hikers, the journey becomes easier. I think I would have enjoyed the descent more (from Pimpalghani to Binderwadi), as I really love long, steep descents.
Route Planning
Starting from » Binderwadi » ascend to Pimpalghani (via Shidobachi Dhar) » Ahupe » Gorakhnath circuit » plan the route for the next day » sleep! sleep!"
Shidobachi Dhar
We started early in the morning. A local elderly man (Kaka) joined us as a trail guide since he knew the route to Pimpalghani well, I guess we paid him for this help. Initially, the trail was manageable, but it gradually became steeper and more challenging. To be honest, it didn’t feel like a proper trail at all. Thankfully, Kaka knew exactly where to go, so we just followed him.
Most of the hike involved pushing through dense bushes. While the trail itself was beautiful, I couldn’t enjoy it much for a few reasons; mainly the steep incline and the thick shrubs that constantly got tangled in my hair and sleeping mat. For almost half the trail, I was hunched over, trying to push aside the bushes to make way. My mat kept getting stuck, and whenever it got stuck, it would pull me backward along with it.
I also realized I hadn’t eaten properly that morning; it was dal-chawal, which I don’t particularly like, so I was low on energy. I lagged behind, with Kshitij and Shravan a little ahead of me.
At one point, I was using the bushes to pull myself up when my mat got stuck again. I kept pushing forward, but the force from behind, thanks to the tangled bushes, was too strong. I experienced Newton’s third law (every action has equal and opposite reaction) in action that day, as much as I pushed forward, the bushes pulled me back just as hard. And then... I fell.
Falling wasn't the issue. The real problem was that I tumbled off the trail onto a much steeper slope; easily an 80°incline. As I slid down, I grabbed onto a bush, but that sudden pull caused a sharp jerk in my shoulder. Still, I kept trying to hold onto the bushes to stop my fall, which only worsened the pain in my shoulder. It was ironic; those same bushes that made the climb so hard were now letting me fall without resistance, awesome!
My leg got stuck at one point, which finally stopped the slide, but with this my lower back muscles had also stretched badly, just like my shoulder. I called out to Kshitij, who was ahead. He came back to help and guided me back to the trail, but I couldn’t climb on my own; he had to pull me up. I started feeling a burning sensation in my right shoulder and lower back. The pain wasn’t too intense at first, but it kept increasing, and soon I found it hard to move my shoulder at all. Shravan slowed down to stay with us too.
When they asked, I told them about my shoulder injury. After getting past the bushy section, we reached a boulder area, which added more strain to my shoulder due to the climbing involved. At one point, we even had to do a 10m rock climb. I began losing confidence in tackling that section, but both Kshitij and Shravan were incredibly patient and supportive, helping me climb it slowly and safely.
There were a few more tricky climbs where Kshitij had to pull me up again. They kept offering to carry my bag, but I refused; I didn’t want to burden them. Later, I realized I wasn’t properly communicating what I was going through or how they could help. I was being stubborn; something that doesn’t help in the outdoors, where teamwork and communication are essential. I kept rejecting any help they offered, even when I really needed it, stupid me! Despite everything, they remained calm and supportive.
Eventually, we reached Pimpalghani. By then, my shoulder was completely stiff, so I decided to end my hike there and go to the nearest town to see a doctor. When Manav asked if someone should go with me, I initially refused again, not wanting anyone to cut their hike short because of me. I also felt sure it wasn’t a fracture; if it had been, I wouldn’t have even been able to speak at all because of the pain. Still, the pain and restricted movement made it clear that seeing a doctor was necessary.
I gave up my stubbornness and eventually agreed with the team; someone should go with me. Kshitij volunteered to come along. We took a bus from Ahupe to Manchar town while the rest of the team continued on to complete the Gorakhnath circuit.
I later heard that the Gorakhnath trail was beautiful. You can ask Manav if you want to know more about it.
About The Trail
Wilderness : Chances of — bushwhacking: not really || wildlife encounters: nope
Hiking Techniques/Gyan:
Is the sleeping mat an issue? Sometimes, attaching the sleeping mat horizontally to your backpack can be a disadvantage, especially when the trails are filled with bushes and shrubs.
Ego issues? Being stubborn on the trails or failing to communicate in a timely manner can unnecessarily put both yourself and your co-hikers at risk.
Problematic hair? Sometimes, small forehead hair can be an issue for women while hiking. It can obstruct visibility and increase the chances of slipping. A bandana might be a better option than just a hat in such cases.
Low energy? Proper nutrition is crucial on the trails; don’t miss breakfasts :)
Just because something is an adventure for someone else, doesn’t mean it’s adventurous for you too.
Nutrition & Hydration : We carried snacks & water
Backpacking : Sleeping bag/mat || hat/bandana || pair of quick dry clothes
Highlights : Hiking with Shravan & Kshitij
Lowlights : Of course the fall :(
Things We Avoided : Littering around the mountains || Disturbing wild/village life
Moral Of The Day : Sometimes, it's better to let go of your stubbornness :)
Gorakhgad was indeed beautiful.
You would have definitely enjoyed the steep climb and descent and the exposed sections of the trail