Doggos Day Out | Karjat Meadow Hike

8:45 am: Assemble at McDonald's. Let the pets say their hellos while we get acquainted, and then we head to the base village together.

9:45 am: Arrive at the base village, have a hearty breakfast at our local villager's house, and freshen up — the dogs too! After a short round of introductions and instructions, we're ready to take on the day.

10:15 am: We begin our hike and reach the meadow, where we take a breather, let the pets roam a bit, and settle in before moving on.

11:00 am: We start walking towards lush green landscapes, gushing streams, and all the good stuff the monsoon brings. Expect your pets to have a lot of opinions about every puddle along the way. 

11:30 am: We pause amidst open grasslands and sweeping mountain views. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air while the dogs run around, chase scents, and enjoy the freedom of the outdoors.

1:00 pm: Time to leash up and pack up. Once both you and your furry companions have had your fill of nature, we make our way back down to the villager's house for lunch. 

1:30 pm: A well-earned home-cooked lunch. Let the pets chow down and rest their paws while you refuel and wind down.

2:30 pm: With fresh monsoon memories, bid adieu to a bunch of new friends — and their very good doggos.

• Breakfast (Human: Poha, Tea/Coffee | Dog: Boiled Egg, Boiled Chicken, Broth)
• Lunch (Human: Dal, Rice, Roti/Bhakri, 2 Veg Sabzi, Chicken Curry, Papad, Salad | Dog: Boiled Egg, Boiled Chicken, Broth)
• Dog-focused games and activities
• Local trek guide charges
• Experience Managers from Vagabond
• Dog trainers from Packlife
• First Aid assistance

• Pet Parent: ₹2,500 /-
• Doggo: ₹1,800 /-
• Don’t Have A Dog But I Love Dogs: ₹2,500 /-

To register for this experience, please fill out this form to the best of your knowledge.

Once we receive your answers, our dog trainers will reach out to you for a follow-up call. You’ll receive a payment link after this process.

Meeting Point: We will meet at 8:45 am at McDonald's Nadhal Chowk, Karjat. Drive down to this location in your cars, and we’ll head to our base village together.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/56iLgWhJU44rYPCV7?g_st=ic 

Departure Point: Around 3 pm, after lunch at the base village, we can head home. We have kept this location undisclosed to make sure it remains uncrowded and peaceful.

Human checklist:

1. Snacks (non-perishable)
2. Dog meals (if your dog isn’t comfortable with what’s being provided)
3. Rainwear (rainjacket/poncho)
4. Drinking water (minimum 2 ltr)
5. Sturdy shoes with a grip
6. Sweets/Glucon D (optional)
7. Trekking pole (optional but very useful)

Dog checklist:

1. Long line for dogs
2. ⁠An extra set of leash and collar for emergency 
3. Water bowl
4. Food bowl
5. ⁠Towels
6. ⁠An old set of bedsheets for the car ride back
7. ⁠Treats for dogs
8. Raincoats for dogs (optional)

• To register for this experience, please fill out this form to the best of your knowledge. Once we receive your answers, our dog trainers will reach out to you for a follow-up call. You’ll receive a payment link after this process.
• This is an easy-to-moderate hike. We will be ascending and descending throughout the course of this hike.
• Along with the hike, dog trainers from Packlife Experiences will be hosting a couple of fun, low-pressure interactive sessions designed to help both dogs and humans connect with each other. During breakfast, we’ll kick things off with a relaxed icebreaker to get everyone acquainted, followed by a more engaging session over lunch that may involve both dogs and their humans. Participation is completely optional, and activities will be adapted based on the dogs’ energy levels and comfort on the day. The goal is simple: learn, connect, and enjoy the experience together.
• Please wear sturdy closed footwear that won’t tear. And do not carry sling bags or any bag which dangles. Try keeping your hands free at all times.
• Do not carry an umbrella to use on the trek. 
• Do not wear sandals/slippers
• Either you put your valuables (phone/wallet) in ziplock/reusable plastic bags and pack them into your bag, or purchase plastic pouches (Mostly sold locally during monsoons)
• For those who haven’t hiked with us before, don’t worry; we encourage you to take your time and have a great experience climbing with us. This hike isn’t about speed; it’s about the pet and parent experience. For those of us who have hiked with our dogs before, we encourage beginners and help them along the way.
• A day prior, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with all the other participants and your assigned Experience Manager. Further instructions will be shared in this group, and you can coordinate your travel with your co-travellers. If you have any doubts before this, feel free to WhatsApp us at +91 93218 04770

• Dog parents looking to spend uninterrupted quality time with their furry companions away from the chaos and distractions of city life.
• Those wanting to trade traffic and concrete streets for open meadows, fresh air, and a chance for both themselves and their dogs to truly unwind.
• Pet parents who love the outdoors and want their dogs to experience new sights, smells, streams, and trails in nature.
• Anyone seeking a meaningful weekend escape focused on slowing down, bonding with their dog, and making memories together.
• Those who enjoy immersive experiences and don't mind getting a little muddy, crossing streams, and embracing the outdoors with their four-legged companion.
• The facilities on this experience are rustic rather than luxurious. They may be basic, but they're comfortable, welcoming, and chosen to keep you close to nature. If you prefer luxury and don't enjoy compromising on comforts while travelling, this experience may not be the right fit for you. 
• We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all of our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
• It’s important to be open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per the plan. The essence of travelling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leaders to make the most informed decision for the group.

1) How many dog experts will be joining us for this experience?

There will be 2 professional dog trainers accompanying the group throughout the experience to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of all participating dogs.

2) What is the group size?

We will be a maximum of 6 dogs and 10 -15 humans, excluding the organisers.

3) What are the qualifications of the dog trainers?

Trainer Priyanka has over 5 years of experience working with and training dogs, including handling a wide range of behavioural challenges. Jigeesha also has 4–5 years of experience working with dogs of different breeds, temperaments, and behavioural needs. Together, they have extensive experience understanding dog body language, social dynamics, and behaviour management.

4) What arrangements have been made to ensure strays or other animals do not provoke or attack my dog?

The Packlife trainers will remain with the group throughout the trek. They will actively monitor the surroundings and take necessary precautions to prevent any direct interaction between stray animals and participating dogs. The team will also carry deterrent sprays and safety equipment to help maintain a safe distance if required.

5) Will food be provided for my dog? 

Yes, meals for your dog will be provided during the experience. We understand that every dog has different needs, so if your pet follows a specific diet, has allergies or sensitivities, is a picky eater, or is used to a particular brand of food, we strongly recommend carrying their regular meals and treats. Sticking to their usual diet can help keep them comfortable and avoid any tummy troubles while travelling and being active outdoors. 

6) If my dog falls sick or requires medical assistance, what is the protocol?

The team will carry a basic first-aid kit and can assist with minor concerns such as small cuts, scrapes, or mild stomach upsets. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be disclosed before the event. Owners are responsible for carrying any prescribed medications or special medical supplies their dog may require.

7) Will there be ticks on this trail?

As this is a natural outdoor environment, it is naturally not possible to guarantee the absence of ticks. We recommend using your preferred tick-prevention products before the trek. If your dog is comfortable wearing boots, they may provide additional protection. A thorough post-trek check and bath with a tick-control shampoo is also recommended.

8) What is the terrain like? Will my dog need to walk the entire route?

Our curated trails are more often than not secluded and beginner-friendly. We pick locations that are cut off from the general crowds and not technically challenging. However, dogs are usually great outdoors and are, in fact, better than humans at navigating a path. 

9) Are there broken glass, sharp objects, or hazards on the trail? Does my dog need boots?

As with any outdoor environment, there is always a possibility of encountering natural hazards such as rocks, thorns, or other sharp objects. While the route will be assessed for safety, no outdoor trail can be guaranteed hazard-free. Boots are optional and can be used if your dog is already comfortable wearing them. The team will carry a basic first-aid kit to handle minor injuries if needed.

10) Does my dog need to be very social to enjoy this hike?

Your dog does not need to be extremely social, but they must be able to comfortably coexist around other dogs and people without posing a safety risk. Any history of aggression, severe reactivity, or behavioural concerns must be disclosed during registration. The trainers will review each case individually and determine suitability for the event.

11) Is there space for dogs to move at their own pace? How strict is the schedule?

This is a group experience, so the group will generally move together. However, there will be designated opportunities for dogs to sniff, explore, rest, and enjoy the environment. The Packlife trainers and Vagabond Experience Managers will manage the pace based on safety, trail conditions, and the needs of the group.

12) Will the male dogs joining the trek be neutered? How do you ensure my female dog is comfortable and safe?

All participants will be required to provide detailed information about their dogs during registration, including whether they are neutered or not. Neutering status alone does not determine behaviour. The trainers will closely monitor interactions between dogs throughout the experience. If any dog displays inappropriate behaviour, such as persistent humping or not respecting boundaries, management measures such as leashing or increased supervision will be implemented immediately.

However, the responsibility also lies in the hands of the attending pet parents in order to handle their dog and respect what the team has to say. 

13) Can my dog be off-leash if they are trained, or must all dogs remain on leash?

At the beginning of the trek, all dogs will remain on leash while the group settles and the trainers assess both the environment and group dynamics. Once the trainers are confident that it is safe, certain dogs may be allowed off-leash based on their recall reliability, training level, age, and overall behaviour. If off-leash freedom is not appropriate, dogs can still enjoy greater freedom using a long line. The final decision will always be made by the trainers, with safety as the top priority

Packlife Experiences is a dog-first community that creates outdoor adventures for dogs and their humans. Through nature hikes, trails, and immersive outdoor experiences, we provide dogs with opportunities to explore, sniff, problem-solve, and engage with the world beyond the city. Our events combine enrichment, adventure, and community, bringing together dogs and pet parents who love experiencing nature together.

• Years of experience: We’ve been leading trips around the country since 2014. Our time in this field has helped us learn things about places and people that would not be possible without the amount of experience we have. This knowledge about the destination contributes to a more wholesome and enriching group experience.
• Footfall: Since our inception in 2014, we’ve led more than 4,500 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and outdoor experiences. Rest assured, we’ve dealt with all kinds of people.
• Safety first: Given the time we’ve spent in the travel field, we know and believe in the importance of safety. All our Experience Managers are first-aid certified and carry a well-equipped first-aid kit on every trip.
• Solo / female traveller friendly: Over the years, we have noticed a trend in the increasing number of solo and female travellers on our trips. Many of our trips end up having a good number of solo female travellers.
• Group size: We’ve come to realise that taking large groups of people compromises an intimate interpersonal experience. Thus, our trips are led with a fairly small group of travellers who find it easier to get to know each other over the course of the trip.
• No discrimination: At Vagabond, we believe that your age, social class, gender or sexual orientation shouldn’t determine if you’re allowed on a trip or not. Anyone and everyone should feel safe and welcome to experience and explore new places.
• Flexible itinerary: On a Vagabond experience, you’re free to stray away from our scheduled itinerary and explore the place on your own. You do you. We’re not your travel guides. We’re here to facilitate a better understanding of the location and help you experience it in your own comfort zone.
• Mindfulness of nature: Over the years, we’ve seen the places we visit turn filthier and less pristine. We don’t want to contribute to that any further. At a Vagabond experience, we encourage you to reduce your waste and leave the place cleaner than it was. Check out #LeaveNoTrace
• In-depth research: We're not a tour & travel agency. Every experience we offer you has been researched and experienced firsthand by our core members. We visit the locations ourselves and curate an experience that we believe to be in sync with our ideologies.

• Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will incur a 20% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made within 3 - 6 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made within 48 hours to the event will receive no refund.
• 3.8% of all payments are payment gateway charges and is non-refundable
• Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website

• All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
• Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
• By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.

For further inquiries, feel free to WhatsApp/call: +91 93218 04770

PS: We respect and love our personal lives. Please get in touch with us only between 11 am and 7 pm on weekdays. 

or DM us on Instagram anytime @vagabondexperiences @packlife_experiences