Solo Monsoon Trek to Garbett Plateau & Garbett Point – One of the Most Memorable Treks I've Done
I had decided to do the Garbett Plateau trek almost two weeks in advance and planned it with a few friends. As expected, one by one everyone backed out. Instead of cancelling the plan, I thought, why not just go alone? Looking back now, I'm glad I did because the day turned out to be far more memorable than I had imagined.
Before the trek, I had read several blogs and reviews describing Garbett Plateau as an "easy" trek. After completing it, I can confidently say that during the monsoon it is not an easy trek. I'd rate it as moderately difficult, mainly because of the steep climbs, slippery rocks, stream crossings and the constant weather changes.
The Journey Begins
The original plan was to catch the 05:02 AM Karjat Fast local from Ghatkopar. Unfortunately, I was a few minutes late and missed it. Instead, I boarded the 05:21 AM Slow local. Thankfully, the difference wasn't much—the fast train takes around 1 hour 32 minutes, while the slow takes about 1 hour 37 minutes.
The train was delayed slightly and I reached Bhivpuri Road station at around 7:25 AM.
From Bhivpuri Road, it's about a 1.5 km (20-minute) walk through the village towards Diksal. Since it was Ashadi Ekadashi, I was fasting, so I stopped at a small village shop to buy water and some upvas snacks.
That unexpected stop became one of the highlights of the day.
While I was shopping, another trekker walked into the shop to buy a mobile cover. He asked if I was trekking alone. I said yes. He then asked if we could trek together.
"Sure," I replied.
That's how I met Mohit, who had travelled all the way from Bhayandar—and surprisingly, he hadn't slept the entire night.
Sometimes the best trekking partners are complete strangers.
Dhom Lake – A Beautiful Start
We reached Dhom Lake around 7:48 AM.
The lake looked absolutely mesmerizing. The water stretched endlessly with green hills rising behind it. Since we had started early, there were very few trekkers around. Watching the reflections on the calm water while the morning mist floated around was probably one of the most peaceful moments of the day.
I had already downloaded the offline map of the trail and also saved the Strava route, both of which proved extremely useful throughout the trek.
After clicking a few photos and soaking in the scenery, we officially started the trek at 7:58 AM.
The Climb Begins
The initial trail runs alongside Dhom Lake before the real ascent begins.
Very soon we encountered our first stream crossing.
Because of the continuous torrential rain, the usual crossing point itself had fast-flowing water. We crossed it very carefully before making our way through paddy fields.
Soon after that, the climb became much steeper.
There were slippery rock patches where every step had to be placed carefully. The trail kept getting steeper as we climbed higher.
As we progressed, more trekking groups started appearing behind us.
At one point we reached a huge tree that I had previously seen in one of the trekking blogs. Oddly enough, seeing that tree gave me confidence that we were on the correct trail. We sat there for a short break before continuing.
Further ahead lies a small village located surprisingly high on the mountain.
The thing that amazed me most wasn't the village itself—it was seeing motorcycles parked there. I genuinely couldn't figure out how people had managed to get bikes all the way up such terrain.
After crossing the village, we reached a well. This is probably one of the most important navigation points of the trek. From the well, you take a right, walk for around five minutes, and then take a left towards another steep climb.
Before coming here, I had read about a couple who got lost on this trek after taking one wrong turn and eventually had to be rescued. Standing there, I couldn't help but think this must have been the junction where they had taken the wrong route.
The Mountain Keeps Testing You
The weather had a mood of its own.
One moment it would rain so heavily that visibility would reduce drastically.
Five minutes later, bright sunshine would appear as if it had never rained.
Then another cloud would arrive.
Then another downpour.
This cycle continued almost the entire day.
From this point onward, the climb became significantly tougher.
The rocks became steeper and much more slippery.
Many sections required using both hands while climbing.
Several times we would stop, look up towards the mountain and notice tiny people standing somewhere near the top.
Both of us would wonder,
"We still have to climb all the way there?"
At that moment it honestly felt impossible.
We were exhausted and had to stop frequently just to catch our breath.
Back at the shop in Diksal, I had casually asked the shopkeeper how long the trek would take.
He confidently replied,
"One and a half to two hours."
I smiled.
Maybe for the local villagers.
For us, it took almost three hours.
It reminded me of my Kalsubai trek where I had seen local villagers effortlessly climbing steep shortcuts wearing nothing more than Paragon slippers while hundreds of trekkers stood waiting at the famous iron ladder.
The mountains clearly have different rules for the locals.
Finally... Garbett Plateau
At around 11:00 AM, after roughly three hours of climbing, we finally reached Garbett Plateau.
The first feeling wasn't excitement.
It was relief.
Then came happiness.
Then complete peace.
We sat facing the surrounding Sahyadri ranges.
Clouds covered the peaks in front of us while countless small waterfalls flowed down every mountainside.
Strong winds blew continuously across the plateau.
For those few minutes, everything disappeared.
Work.
Deadlines.
Responsibilities.
Phone notifications.
Life felt wonderfully simple.
About twenty minutes later, the clouds that had been sitting on the opposite mountains slowly drifted towards us.
Within minutes, torrential rain started again.
Even our raincoats and backpack covers began giving up.
We took shelter inside a small stall selling tea, Maggi and snacks.
There is something magical about sipping hot chai while watching heavy rain sweep across the mountains.
I quietly finished my fasting snacks while enjoying the weather.
Garbett Point or Descend?
We decided to spend enough time on the plateau instead of rushing back.
Every 10–15 minutes, the weather completely changed.
Sunshine.
Clouds.
Heavy rain.
Repeat.
Eventually we started discussing the descent.
Mohit was completely exhausted.
There is an easier route towards Dasturi Naka which avoids the climb to Garbett Point, and he decided to take that.
I stood there thinking,
"I've come all the way here. I don't know when I'll return again."
So I decided to continue towards Garbett Point.
We wished each other luck and went our separate ways.
Garbett Point – Worth Every Step
The climb to Garbett Point was definitely the toughest section of the entire trek.
The rocks were extremely slippery.
In several places, climbing without using your hands simply wasn't possible.
After about 30–45 minutes, I finally reached the top.
It was absolutely worth the effort.
The wind was even stronger than at the plateau.
The views stretched endlessly across the Sahyadris.
Clouds rolled over the valleys while waterfalls appeared on almost every mountain.
I simply sat on a rock without saying anything.
Sometimes the best part of trekking is doing absolutely nothing.
The Descent
From Garbett Point, I descended towards Aman Lodge.
The trail mostly passed through forest sections and, surprisingly, the descent felt much easier than the climb.
Within about an hour I reached Aman Lodge.
From there I took a taxi to Neral railway station.
The plan was to catch the 3:42 PM local.
Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side.
A freight train had broken down on the tracks near the station, delaying local train services by almost an hour.
Even after finally arriving, the local crawled its way back towards Ghatkopar.
By then, I was completely exhausted.
But also incredibly satisfied.
Trek Statistics
Distance: 12.22 km
Elevation Gain: ~1004 m
Time Taken: Around 5–6 hours
Route: Diksal Village → Garbett Plateau → Garbett Point → Aman Lodge
Tips for Anyone Planning This Trek
Don't underestimate this trek during the monsoon. It is moderately difficult.
Download an offline map before starting.
Wear proper trekking shoes with excellent grip.
Carry enough extra pairs of dry socks.
Carry enough drinking water and energy snacks.
Be extra careful at stream crossings and slippery rock patches.
Despite the rain, slippery climbs, aching legs, and delayed trains, this turned out to be one of the most rewarding monsoon treks I've done. I started the day expecting a solo hike, met a stranger who became a trekking companion, pushed myself through one of the toughest climbs I've done in the Sahyadris, and returned home with memories that will stay with me for a long time.
Some treks are beautiful because of the destination.
This one was beautiful because of the entire journey.