On most Sunday mornings, you have a few choices. Will you stay in bed, curled up and warm, waking up in the afternoon? Will you dive into another round of Adulting roulette with laundry, bills, and meal prep? Or will you try something new? I chose to go on my very first trek in Pune city – The Katraj to Bopdev trek with Adventure Pulse. While I wasn’t new to adventure or endurance activities, this would be my first climb higher than a local hill. However as someone who has been here their whole life, a trek in Pune is just as normal, given the city is blessed with the Sahyadris. As a beginner, I was lucky to trek with my good friends Laveena (an experienced trek leader) and Sauraj (an Everest summiteer), along with others.

How it Started

We began at 4:30 a.m., eager to trek in the dawn light. After an hour’s journey, we reached the Katraj ghat roadhead, where langurs greeted us. They were just as surprised to see us as we were to see them. This reminded me that nature doesn’t belong to us alone. Spending the next few hours on an untouched hill—with no construction, no pollution, and no politics—was exactly what I’d hoped for.

As we started the first hill, the distance from the city became clear. I chatted with the other trekkers, hearing stories of nearby treks like Katraj to Sinhagad (K2S), Andharban, and Devrai. We also had trekkers who had been to high-altitude treks with Adventure Pulse, like Great Lakes, Druk Path, and even Everest Base Camp!

I felt a bit intimidated by the mountain we were about to climb. But then I remembered: trekking, like life, is about putting one foot in front of the other and enjoying the view on the way up.

The Trail

The trail was well-defined, with a mix of lush green and golden grass. We had acres of empty land and a mountain backdrop behind us. It was hard to believe such beauty was so close to the polluted city of Pune. But this city was once a hill-station, and now, it’s a concrete jungle.

The morning was cold and chilly, so I wore my jacket. But within minutes, I began to warm up. That’s the funny thing about the Sahyadris. The trail seems flat, but it’s not. As we walked, I realized we were on a gradual uphill.

We soon passed a small temple, offered prayers, and continued ahead. We started climbing our first hill, which was tiring. I secretly hoped the view was worth it. To my pleasant surprise, it was absolutely gorgeous! The city, far in the distance, made me forget I was panting.

Reaching the peak was perfect: good company, comfortable temperature, some breeze, and the beauty of the Sahyadris. But little did I know, the climb up was the easy part!

After the first peak, we crossed some plains and a small forest, which was my favorite part. This small forest was spectacular. The temperature changed the moment we entered. Tall trees shielded us from the sun, creating a dreamy experience. We did a short meditation and forest bathing activity, making the experience top-notch.

After the forest, we faced another uphill. It was tiring and required focus to avoid slipping on gravel and loose rocks. Once we completed this, we approached our final descent.

Descending to Bopdev Ghat

The descent took us down to Bopdev Ghat, near Bopdev temple. Thanks to the early start, we completed most of this beginner trek before the sun was too harsh. Adventure Pulse’s packed breakfasts and juice kept us comfortable.

I wasn’t prepared for the difficulty of the final descent—mentally and physically! I put my camera away, not wanting to risk it on loose gravel. But our good spirits kept me going. Even when I fell, it reminded me of childhood playgrounds. Thanks to my fellow trekkers, I descended without twisting my ankle (something I’m prone to as a clumsy bookworm).

We finished the descent by 11:30, but it was lunchtime by the time the bus dropped me near my house. I had a hot meal and cold nimbupaani with my new friends! This trek was not just about testing my fitness and quieting my mind—it also allowed me to make new friends and experience the raw beauty of the Sahyadris at sunrise.

Parting Thoughts

This trek in Pune made me realize how much I love being in the mountains. It gets tiring at times, but the fulfillment and thrill of accomplishment make it all worth it. I look forward to many more adventures in the Sahyadris and beyond!

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