I had missed this trek two years ago and was determined to not miss it this year. Rajgadh to Torna range trek is one of the treks which need good amount of endurance. The steep climbs of Rajgadh and Torna forts and the equally steep descends pose a challenge on fitness. To add, it was very humid that evening, we were sweating heavily. And soon it rained, thankfully we were in a shelter so the sweat did not meet the rain. A twist of turn was the ASI guard at Rajgadh top denying to open the darwaza leading us to the road for the ridge at Sanjeevani Machi. No persuasion convinced him to accede. But we were not to be denied the pleasures of the trek we had envisaged, the pro climbers came up with an alternate route, though a little circuitous it did serve our purpose. Now we descended into Pali village from Rajgadh and trudged on a concrete road for 4 km till we reached our point of salvation, a small climb and we had reached the ridge between the two forts, finally some fresh breeze calming our nerves and our bodies.
No trek is devoid of some adventures or unexpected events, one of our fellow trekker's shoes decided to cave in. Trekking shoes if not used for long tend to cause this attention seeking behavior when they get a chance. No workarounds could keep the sole and shoe together, they had to part ways! And here came the savior who offered his shoes to help and put on the humble floaters to walk the way ahead. Trekking is one sports ( I call it a team sport) which is purely a team effort, no one is left behind and everyone crosses the finish line.
The ridge was a beautiful walk, faint lights could be seen on both sides, at times the trail was so narrow and the valley so close that even one miscalculated step could have sent anyone to heaven! The sweat had now turned cold due to the cold breeze, there was a time when the wind in our ears felt too much. Taking some breaks in between, enjoying mid night snacks of gulpoli, chikki, chips, chana etc., sipping away on electral water we reached the final steep summit of boulders at Budhala Machi. It was beginning to light up by the time we reached Torna top, though the sun was hidden behind the ever present clouds. We finally got a glimpse of the sun around 7. Tired but happy, Sleepy but radiant we pushed our way through the final descend down the fort Torna. Holding on to the railings and climbing down rocks and boulders, traversing scree we reached down. The hearty meal which followed was the most delicious of my meals. With a full heart and full tummy we started back towards Pune.
