There is nothing like the thrill of trekking through the jungle looking for a spring, pond or river and knowing that these nature's wonders could be waiting for you. Trekking is one activity that allows one to take the road less travelled and at the same time find peace in the beauty of nature.
Keeping this in mind, Eco Treks is taking nature seekers on a jungle trek from Kumthal to Sonal, which is unique and popular among trekkers. The trek allows one to traverse the shallow and cool water of river Mandovi on foot.
The best part of the expedition is trekkers will be allowed to swim in the river, only if they follow safety norms put in place by the volunteers of Eco Treks and later savour scrumptious food served on banana leaves or plates.
And, before reaching the starting point of the trek, one will travel the nature-laden and oldest highway between Goa and Karnataka.
Eco Treks avows that after completing this trek, one will be a different person -- a true nature lover. That's why the trek has been named 'Khushhal Kumthal'. This village (Kumthal) is 71 kilometres from Panjim by bus.
This is the first trek of Eco Treks for 2024 and overall 160th. Happening on January 7, 2024, it is one of the easiest treks with the highest elevation of just about 20 metres.
The 4.8-km trek starting from Kumthal and ending at Sonal involves walking on a dirt trek into a lush green and thick forest area of Valpoi-Sattari. At the end of the trek, one is welcomed by the river Mandovi.
Although the river bed is quite broad, one will be surprised to know that its depth at the crossing point during this time of the year is a maximum of 3.5 feet. So it is safe to cross but swimming or venturing into an area other than one marked by the volunteers of Eco Treks may prove fatal or suicidal.
Those interested in swimming will have to carry an extra set of clothing. Female participants will be provided a makeshift tent for changing clothes.
After a good swim in the river, participants will be served homemade food in a village house where they will have to squat on cow dung-covered floor, either in a matov (makeshift shelter) or veranda.
This trek is open to all age groups and a maximum of 60 participants will be allowed. Special buses will leave from Panjim Heera Petrol pump at sharp 7.10 am; from Mapusa Gandhi Circle at 7.30 am; from Bicholim 8.10 am and from Sanquelim at 8.15 am.
Although the walking distance is short, trekkers are requested to carry their own drinking water. Shoes are not must for this trek.
Those interested will have to pay Rs 1,000 per head which covers to and fro travel, breakfast, lunch and evening tea.
Keeping in tune with Eco Treks' love for the environment, participants are requested to carry their own plates (not throwaway paper or plastic plates) from home and also extra water to wash them.
Eco Treks is completely opposed to any kind of littering or any other activity that can harm the environment. Also, the consumption of alcohol, drugs, smoking or chewing tobacco in any form is not allowed during the trek.
For bookings and payment, contact Durgadas Parab 9422445444/ 7588445444 (Mapusa), Rajesh 9833155713 (Porvorim), Nitendra 8698757744 (Vasco) and Sulekha 9764965195 (Margao).
