PUNE: Trekking activity was gradually picking up at popular spots like Sinhagad, Rajgad, Torna and Lohegaon in Pune district as well as at Pratapgad, Vasota, Anjinkyatara and Sajjangad forts in Satara district, after a three-week lull forced by the third wave of the pandemic, forest officials said.
Groups that organize trekking on weekdays have started taking a limited number of bookings now.
Umesh Zirpe, a veteran from the Giripremi mountaineering club, Pune, said, “As the day and night temperatures of Pune are cold, these are the perfect weather conditions for trekking. The activity is getting a positive response from enthusiasts. The reopening of the forts for trekking was necessary also for businesses that are dependent on the activity. There are several eateries at the foothills that earn a livelihood through visitors.”
At several sites in Maval, Mulshi, Bhor, Velhe, and Junnar tehsils, people can opt for night trekking and take overnight halts at forts. Some even opt for camping at the dam site, said forest officials.
“We have observed a rise in visitors to Sinhagad, which is closest to the city, over the last one week. A similar response is seen at Torna, Rajgad, Lohegad, Vispura, Tungi and Tikona forts,” said a senior forest official.
Ashok Pathare, who runs a restaurant at the foothills of Tung fort in Maval, said, “Many trekkers have started visiting the fort ever since the restrictions have been lifted. Tung for is one of the toughest forts to scale in Maval tehsil.”
Some trekkers’ groups take utmost precaution to ensure that travel guidelines are followed.
“We allow only fully vaccinated trekkers to participate, and give them instructions in advance before coming to the campsite at our venue. Still, we are getting an overwhelming response,” said Somnath Jadhav, who organizes treks in Satara district.
Trekking to Vasota is another favourite among trekkers. “Mostly aficionados come from Pune and Mumbai cities. They stay overnight in tents. Since the fort is situated in the backwaters of Koyna dam, trekkers need to go to the foothills by boat. This particular aspect draws in more people,” Jadhav added.
