How My Trekking Journey Began

How My Trekking Journey Began

It was an ordinary afternoon back in 2015 at my office when my colleague and close friend, Datta Khot, casually asked me to join him for a weekend trek. He was heading to Kalsubai Peak with a trekking group based in Pune. I had never been on a trek before—completely unfamiliar with trekking culture—and naturally, my first response was a firm "no." But Datta was persistent. He kept encouraging me, assuring me that I should give it a shot.

At that time, I didn’t even know what Kalsubai was. Later I learned it's the highest peak in the Sahyadri range, often referred to as the "Everest of Maharashtra." After registering somewhat half-heartedly, I told a few friends about my plan. Their reactions made me nervous—“Kalsubai is not for beginners,” they warned. “You should start with something simpler.” I even watched some YouTube videos and almost decided to back out.

To add to my hesitation, I was also dealing with a knee problem. Every day, I kept telling Datta I wouldn't go—but he never gave up on me. His words of confidence slowly pushed me to say, "Jo hoga dekha jayega." And so, I finally agreed.

That Saturday night, we boarded a Tempo Traveller and reached Bari—the base village of Kalsubai—early the next morning. We stayed in a broken village house, slept on sleeping mats, and went to nearby farms for our morning rituals. Everything about it was unfamiliar and a bit uncomfortable, but it was a unique experience—completely outside my comfort zone.

At 7:00 AM, after a brief group introduction (we were a group of 20), we started our ascent. Back then, trekking wasn’t as popular, and we were the only group attempting the climb that day—very different from the current times when trails are flooded with trekkers, thanks to social media platforms like Instagram.

The climb was tough. As a first-timer, I found it exhausting, especially under the sunny and humid January weather. But after nearly three hours of effort, we reached the summit. The feeling was indescribable—standing at the top of Maharashtra felt like being in heaven. That moment sparked something deep inside me.

However, the real challenge began while descending. My knee started acting up, and I struggled. A group of young trekkers noticed and immediately came to my aid, offering me a trekking pole and walking alongside me to ensure I made it down safely. That selfless gesture and the spirit of camaraderie touched me deeply.

Despite the physical struggle, I had fallen in love with trekking.

The very next weekend, I joined the same group again—this time for Sandhan Valley, where I rappelled 350 feet, and then followed it up with the iconic Ratangad trek. From there on, it became my weekend ritual. Trek after trek, I discovered a part of myself I never knew existed.

Along the way, I met incredible people who shared my newfound passion. Among them were Bunny, a chemical engineer actively involved in organizing treks, and Dhiraj, an IT professional and certified Advanced Mountaineer. We connected instantly. Soon, the three of us decided to start something of our own.

In July 2016, Sahyadri Adventure Club was born in Pune—started by just the three of us, and today, we are a family of 15 trek leads and over 5,000 members. Over the past nine years, I’ve personally completed more than 150 treks in the Sahyadris—ranging from simple day hikes to the most challenging routes. I’ve even ventured into the Himalayas. As an organizer, I’ve organized over 200 treks and adventure events.

What makes trekking so special to me is how every season transforms the same trail into a completely new experience:

• Monsoon treks are magical—the greenery, the waterfalls, the clouds rolling over forts, and slippery climbs add a thrill of their own.
• Night treks in summer let you escape the heat, with cool breezes and starry skies keeping you company as you hike under the moonlight.
• Winter brings technical climbs and long-range treks, often covering multiple forts across a rugged landscape. The crisp air and clear views make them unforgettable.
• I’ve done treks on full moon nights, where the silver glow on the Sahyadri rocks creates a surreal experience, and also on pitch-dark new moon nights, where every step teaches you trust, teamwork, and fearlessness.

Every trek has a story to tell. Some forts I’ve climbed multiple times, yet each time they reveal a new side of themselves—new weather, new people, new lessons. Trekking has not just been an activity for me—it has become a way of life, shaping my perspective and bringing me closer to nature and myself.

And to think—it all started with one friend’s unwavering belief in me.