Of Plateaus & Planets | Stargazing & Astrophotography

7:30 pm: Meet your Vagabond EM at the CSMT ticket counter at 7:30 pm. Board the 7:50 pm Karjat (Fast) local from CSMT. Can’t make it from CSMT? No stress—hop on from wherever and meet the Vagabond team at the Neral station ticket counter at 9:45 pm. That’s where the adventure (and a quick round of intros) kicks off.

10:00 pm: We jump into our pre-booked cabs and head towards Matheran, the trailhead to our night in the wild.

10:30 pm: A quick briefing, and we’re off. The forest walk begins—think flashlight beams, hushed laughter, and the kind of peace you don’t get in the city.

11:30 pm: We hit our destination and settle in under the stars. Our stargazing expert sets up the telescope, and the skywatching begins. Learn about the galaxies, summer constellations and mythical stories of the celestial bodies.

3:00 am: While the constellations slowly roll overhead, we light up a cosy campfire. Cue a round of marshmallow roasting, light painting attempts, games and constellation tales that go way beyond just “Orion’s Belt.” Try your hand at some astrophotography if it tickles your fancy!

05:30 am: The horizon starts showing off. Watch the sky shift from ink to gold as the sun rises over a sea of green. Breathe it all in—this is the good stuff.

07:30 am: Time to head back. We begin our exit through the forest, still riding that cosmic high.

08:30 am: Back in Neral, and straight to breakfast. Hot food. Full hearts. Slightly sore feet. Perfect combo.

10:00 am: Final hugs, group selfies, and we board the train back home. Sleepy heads, happy memories, and maybe a few new stargazing buddies.

• Transport from Neral station to Matheran and back (private taxis)
• Expert-led stargazing session
• Use of professional equipment
• LIVE astronomy talk by expert educators
• Astrophotography session
• Campfire & marshmallows
• Breakfast
• Refreshments
• Trek guide charges
• Assistance by Vagabond EMs
• First Aid assistance

• Regular: Rs. 1,850/- (+5% GST)
• Vagafam*: Rs. 1,700/- (+5% GST)

*Vagafam is anyone who has joined us on 3+ experiences in the past

Let’s not be the person who forgot their flashlight or showed up in flip-flops. Here’s your go-to list, Vagabond-style:

• Walking/Sturdy shoes – Your feet will thank you on the forest trail.
• Headlamp or torch – So you can see where you're going and avoid stepping on your new friend's foot. One with a red light would be great.
• Water bottle – Hydration is underrated.
• Dinner – Please carry a packed dinner that will not get spoiled, or eat and then join us.
• Warm layers – It gets VERY windy and cold up there. Hoodies, windcheaters, that jacket you secretly love? You will regret not bringing them.
• Mat/shawl/blanket/bed sheet – For lounging on the plateau like the starchild you are.
• Snacks (optional) – We’re serving breakfast, but if you run on midnight munchies, pack something.
• Professional camera/smartphone/tripod (optional) – For stargazing snaps, fire-lit moments, and light painting fun.

• Book your return tickets and meet your Vagabond Experience Manager at the CSMT station ticket counter at 7:30 pm sharp.
• Please DO NOT miss the 7:50 pm Karjat Fast from CSMT. Feel free to board this train from any other station (Byculla 7:57 pm, Dadar 8:03 pm, Kurla 8:11 pm, Ghatkopar 8:15 pm, Mulund 8:27 pm, Thane 8:31 pm, and so on), but if you miss this train, you will NOT be able to join us.
• Gather at Neral stn ticket counter by 9:45 pm. Plan accordingly.
• Please eat or carry dinner and join us. Once we start the trail, there will be no amenities for food.
• This is a forest trail and not a trek. We will be walking through a dark forest for over an hour.
• Please wear sturdy closed footwear with a good grip and one that won't tear.
• Please feel free to carry your professional camera and tripod for the astrophotography session.
• We will not be camping in tents or having any shelter. This experience expects you to stay up through the night (if you want to participate in all the activities organised). Alternatively, you could carry a mat/bed sheet and take a nap under the stars.
• This experience is perfect for anyone interested in stargazing. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned sky-watcher, this event is perfect for all ages.
• 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 on this group and you can coordinate your travel with your co-travellers. If you have any doubts before this, feel free to WhatsApp us on +91 93218 04770

• How long and difficult is the trek?

This is primarily a short hike—easy to moderate and suitable for beginners. The goal is to reach a dark-sky location (Garbett Plateau) with minimal light pollution for the best viewing experience.

• What will the stargazing session include?

The session has two components:

1) Laser-Guided Constellation Tour

1. Understanding why constellations were created and how ancient travellers and sailors used them for navigation.
2. Learning their importance and cultural significance across civilisations.
3. Star stories of major winter sky constellations, such as Cassiopeia, Perseus, Andromeda, Orion, and Taurus
4. Identifying major stars, directions, and patterns using a powerful green astronomical laser pointer.

2) Telescope Viewing Session

You’ll be using a 150 mm/6 inch reflector telescope (750 mm focal length) mounted on an equatorial mount with a 25mm (30x magnification) and 9mm (83x magnification) eyepieces. We will cover:

1. How a telescope works
2. How this model compares to modern space telescopes (Hubble, James Webb, etc.)
3. Why are equatorial mounts used for tracking objects
4. Understanding key optics concepts (aperture, light-gathering, magnification)
5. Objects we will observe (weather & timing permitting): Jupiter and some of its moons, Earth’s Moon (if visible): craters, maria, formation history, impacts, and interesting lunar physics, Star cluster: the Pleiades (Seven Sisters), Bright stars like Betelgeuse and Sirius, with their stories and scientific importance

• Will we be viewing deep-space objects like galaxies or nebulae?

No. This telescope is not designed for deep-space astrophotography or viewing faint nebulae or galaxies. The Andromeda Galaxy, for example, will not appear in its full spiralling shape. Faint nebulas and distant star clusters will not be visible clearly due to limitations of aperture, field conditions, and setup time. Since this is a trek location, carrying a very large, heavy, high-end telescope is not feasible. The focus of this experience is planetary viewing, bright star clusters, and constellation learning, not advanced deep-sky observation.

• Can I bring my own camera for astrophotography?

Yes! If you have either a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a mobile with manual/long exposure mode, and a tripod, you’re welcome to click the night sky. Our naturalists will guide you on basic night sky settings, capturing star trails or constellations, framing the Pleiades or Orion and avoiding overexposure and noise. However, please note that this is not primarily an astrophotography-focused workshop, and telescope-based astrophotography will not be conducted.

• Will we see the Milky Way?

Depending on the moon phase, clouds, and atmospheric clarity, we may see parts of the Milky Way band. Matheran’s lower light pollution improves your chances, but visibility is still weather-dependent.

• Is the session beginner-friendly?

Yes. No prior astronomy knowledge is required. The aim is to make the sky feel accessible, easy to understand, and exciting for everyone.

• What if it is cloudy or foggy?

We will continue with storytelling, mythology and the science of stars, navigation techniques, telescope demonstration, and sky orientation skills. Actual telescope viewing depends entirely on the sky being clear.

• Can children join the session?

Yes! Children who are comfortable with the short hike and nighttime activity are welcome. The content is easy to understand, engaging, and suitable for all ages.

• How long will the entire session be?

Approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on sky conditions and how long we spend on telescope viewing.

• There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20 – 32 years old. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.
• It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while travelling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.
• Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travellers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more.
• We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
• It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things-to-do and places-to-go. However, if you are that kind of traveller, on almost all trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.
• At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to stay open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per plan. The essence of traveling 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 leader to make the most informed decision for the group.

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, we’ve led more than 4,500 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and outdoor experiences. Be 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 amount of solo female travellers.

Group size: We’ve come to realize that taking large groups of people compromises on 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 to 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 booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not 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, unfavourable weather)
• In the event of a force majeure, Vagabond will make reasonable efforts to notify customers as soon as possible and, where feasible, offer alternative arrangements. However, Vagabond shall not be liable for any refunds, additional costs, losses, or damages incurred by the customer as a result of the force majeure event. Credit notes, if any, will be offered at the sole discretion of Vagabond and in accordance with applicable laws and supplier terms.
• 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 contact us only between 12 pm and 7 pm on weekdays.

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