YHAI Malad Unit Quarterly Circular (October-December 2025)
Unit Details
Youth Hostels Association of India Maharashtra State Branch, Malad Unit (027/MAH/53)
Address: Hanuman Nagar Sahkari Gruhnirman Sanstha B-16, Hanuman Nagar, Pump House, Jijamata Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400 093. Email: maladyha@gmail.com Ref No: YHAI/MAH/MLD/25-26/03 Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yhaimalad/ yhai_malad_unit
HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL
Dear Members,
We are pleased to publish the circular for the next quarter of 2025 (October – December 2025). The details of the programs for the next quarter are as follows.
Programs for October – December 2025
(Fees are excluding Travel Charge)
1. Kojagiri Pournima (PR NO. 1010) 11-Oct. 2025
- Location: Mumbai
- Date: 11-Oct. 2025
- Level: No
- Fees: ₹500.00*
- Participant: 30
- Description: This festival is also known as Kojagiri Purnima and is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin. People worship Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bless them with wealth, prosperity, and happiness. The Kojagiri Festival will be celebrated with various Games, Songs, Raas Garba and a communal meal.
- Leaders: Vaishali Shinde (Call: 88791 25193), Bindu Shirke (Call: 99875 59297)
2. Hadsar, Chavand, Nimgiri Fort (PR NO. 1009) 25-26th Oct. 2025
- Location: Malshej (Junnar)
- Date: 25-26th Oct. 2025
- Level: Moderate
- Fees: ₹1200.00*
- Participant: 20
- Description: Hadsar fort is among the many forts in the Junnar region of Pune district which were meant for protection of the ancient commercial trade route from Mawal region to Kalyan via Naneghat. There is a marvelous sculpture design of the bastion and the fort entrance, which is not seen elsewhere. They are all carved from a single rock. The Chavand trek is a moderate, single-day trek to a historical fort in the Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra, located near Junnar. The trek is known for its rock-cut steps and a final rocky patch with railings, offering views of the Manikdoh Dam and surrounding scenery. Nimgiri and Hanumantgad forts are located opposite to Harishchandragad fort and is known for its rock cut stairs.
- Leaders: Shruti Sawant (Call: 83560 11528), Aakash Wakchaure (Call: 77388 24095)
3. Vasota Fort to Nageshwar (PR NO. 1011) 8-9 Nov. 2025
- Jungle trek to Vasota Fort and the sacred Nageshwar Caves
- Location: Satara – Ratnagiri
- Date: 8-9 Nov. 2025
- Level: Moderate
- Fees: ₹1500.00*
- Participant: 20
- Description: The Vasota-Nageshwar trek is a popular adventure in Maharashtra’s Satara district, combining a boat ride across Koyna backwaters with a jungle trek to Vasota Fort and the sacred Nageshwar Caves. The trek, which can be done as a day trip or with camping, involves moderate difficulty and is best suited for the dry season, as entry is restricted during the monsoon and on New Year’s Eve. Key highlights include the dense forest of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, panoramic views, and the spiritually significant Nageshwar Caves.
- Trek Route: Bamnoli to Choravne
- Leaders: Rupesh Desai (Call: 90290 10834), Nishant Sawant (Call: 72088 84979)
4. Tandulwadi Fort (PR NO. 1015) 16 Nov. 2025
- Location: Palghar
- Date: 16 Nov. 2025
- Level: Moderate
- Fees: ₹500.00*
- Participant: 20
- Description: The first known history of the fort was in the 15th century (about 1429) during the rule of Jafar Khan, son of Ahmed Shah of the Gujarat Sultanate. It was used as a reconnoiter fort to keep a watch on neighboring forts and the Arabian Sea. In 1454, one of the Sardar named Mallik Allauddin was made chief of Tandulwadi fort. The Portuguese took the fort in 1557 and established a stronghold at the nearby Vasai area. The Portuguese lost control of the area to the Marathas in 1737 after the battle of Bassein.
- Leaders: Adv. Shekhar Dhumal (Call: 98695 00885), Adv. Deven Rathod (Call: 98707 78888)
5. Trekking cum Training: Alang, Madan, Kulang AMK (PR NO. 1014) 22-23 Nov. 2025
- Location: Aahilya Nagar
- Date: 22-23 Nov. 2025
- Level: Difficult
- Fees: ₹2000.00*
- Participant: 20
- Description: Alang Fort is one of the three forts, the others being Madangad and Kulang, in the Kalsubai range of the Western Ghats. They are the most difficult to reach forts in Nasik District.
- Kulang fort: Climb to Kulag is the most difficult. On the way up climbing we come across patches of rock cut steps. It take 6 hours to reach from Kulanwadi to the fort.
- Madan fort: The climb preferred is usually between Madan and Alang. Over here rock climbing would be required as the wall of the steps was destroyed during the cannon fire. Use of a fixed rope is required.
- Leaders: Pramod Vaidya (Call: 98331 00401), Mukesh Shinde (Call: 74987 45438)
6. Trekking cum Training: Kalsubai Peak (PR NO. 1013) 14 Dec. 2025
- Location: Ahilya Nagar
- Date: 14 Dec. 2025
- Level: Moderate
- Fees: ₹500.00*
- Participant: 20
- Description: Kalsubai Peak Trek with a height of 1646 meters or 5400 Feet is famous as the highest peak in Maharashtra. Kalsubai Mountain lies in the Sahyadri mountain range falling under Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. Since Bhandardara Dam and Kalsubai Peak are extremely famous, enough effort has been made to make this trek easy. There are steel railings, chains, and ladders at places where it is difficult to climb.
- Leaders: Pravin Khochade (Call: 93228 69061), Chandrakant Nachnekar (Call: 77961 46256)
7. Dakshin Digvijay – Gingee – Thanjavur Heritage Tour (PR NO. 1012) 24-30 Dec 2025
- Location: Tamilnadu
- Date: 24-30 Dec 2025
- Level: Moderate
- Fees: ₹10500.00*
- Participant: 20
- Description: Explore South India’s Glorious Past! Step into the world of the mighty Cholas (9th-13th century CE), whose naval strength, temple architecture, and cultural brilliance influenced lands as far as Southeast Asia. Walk through the legacy of Vijayalaya Chola, Rajaraja Chola I, and Rajendra Chola I—from the grandeur of the Brihadeeswarar Temple to the historic capital of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Witness how the Marathas shaped this land—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Dakshin Digvijay brought him to Gingee, which became a second capital. The Bhosle rulers left a lasting imprint on Thanjavur. Gingee Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a proud testament to this era.
- Leaders: Madhukar Dhuri (Call: 98203 20295), Ganesh Agre (Call: 900400 9040)


Rules & Regulations
- Smoking and Drinking of Alcohol is prohibited, if found the membership will be cancelled.
- Unit is not responsible for whatsoever mishap during its Program at all levels.
- YHAI Membership is compulsory for participation in any event. Bring your YHAI Identity Card while attending any Program.
- YHAI Malad Unit Members will be given first preference for each program (in the first week from date of registration of any program) and second preference will be to YHAI Members of any other unit.
- 10 to 15 days advance booking for 2-day treks & 7 days adv. booking for 1-day treks is must.
- Confirmation of names for participation is subject to payment of advance wherever stated.
- Cancellation Policy:
- On cancellation of participation 7 days before the trek, 50% of the adv. will be forfeited.
- On cancellation of participation 3 days before the trek, 75% of the adv. will be forfeited.
- Unit has the authority to make any kind of changes in the Program without prior intimation.
- Complete Covid-19 vaccination is mandatory for individuals interested in participating in all the events of YHAI Malad Unit.
- Wear full sleeves clothes and full pants to prevent Sun burn, insect bites.
Things to carry for One-day trek:
One-time lunch, Emergency food, Water Bottle, Torch, Trekking Shoes, Face Mask, Sanitiser, Sun Cap, Ruck Sack, personal medicine, etc.
Things to carry for Two-day trek:
One-time lunch, Emergency food, Water Bottle, Plate, Glass, Spoon, Torch, Trekking Shoes, Cap, Ruck Sack, Face Mask, Sanitiser, Carry mat, Shawl, Extra pair of clothes, personal medicine, etc.
YHAI – MALAD UNIT’S COMMITTEE CONTACT DETAILS
| Designation | Name | Contact Number |
| President | Mr. Pramod Shirke | +91 98693 43203 |
| Vice – President | Dr. Ashish Nanabhai | +91 77388 11186 |
| Vice – President | Adv. Shekhar Dhumal | +91 98695 00885 |
| Chairman | Mr. Vishwas Sawant | +91 80976 93432 |
| Treasurer | Mr. Rupesh Desai | +91 90290 10834 |
| Secretary | Mr. Ganesh Agre | +91 90040 09040 |
| Org. Secretary | Mrs. Vaishali Shinde | +91 88791 25193 |
| Program Officer | Ms. Uditi Jaiswal | +91 93266 26923 |
| Member | Mr. Raju Salve | +91 97574 22624 |
| Member | Ms. Shruti Sawant | +91 83560 11528 |
| Member | Mr. Pravin Khochade | +91 93228 69061 |
| Member | Dr. Priya Malgundkar | +91 98195 80347 |
| Member | Ms. Megha Bandi | +91 88795 20846 |
| Member | Mr. Pramod Vaidya | +91 98331 00401 |
| Member | Mr. Mukesh Shinde | +91 74987 45438 |
General Secretary Contact (for more information):
- Mr. Ganesh Agre (M: 90040 09040)
Program Officer Contact:
- Ms. Uditi Jaiswal (M: 93266 26923)
Other YHAI Programs & Contacts
- YHAI India National Trekking Programs: www.yhaindia.org/national-level-program.php
- YHAI Maharashtra State Branch Trekking Programs: http://yhaimsb.org/StateLevel.aspx
- Maharashtra State Office Contact: Mr. Vishwas Sawant (Mob: 8097693432, Tel.: 022-24183750)
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