My Unforgettable Trek with Sunday Hikers: Conquering Raigad Parikrama!

One day, while scrolling through WhatsApp statuses, I saw my cousin striking a pose on a mountain, proudly wearing a bright yellow T-shirt. Curious, I reached out and discovered he was part of Sunday Hikers (Upcoming Hikes – Sunday Hikers) —a passionate trekking community. Intrigued, I filled out the registration form, and before I knew it, I became a proud member of this amazing group! ????

What are Sunday Hikers All About?

As the name suggests, we embark on hikes every Sunday. But it’s more than just trekking—we celebrate birthdays, water the trees we’ve planted, and most importantly, we support and motivate each other on and off the trails. Most hikes are within Pune and its outskirts, offering us a mix of scenic landscapes and challenging terrains. ???

My Raigad Parikrama Experience ???

What is Raigad Parikrama?

Raigad Parikrama involves trekking around the Raigad Fort, navigating through dense forests, rugged trails, steep slopes, loose soil, dried leaves, and rocky paths. Sounds thrilling, right? Well, I thought so too! ????

Preparing for the Challenge

After completing three city-based treks, I felt ready for a tougher challenge. I registered for Raigad Parikrama, asked a few questions, and convinced myself that I could do it. The real test was about to begin! ??

Trek Day: 2nd March 2025 ?

I had to reach the pick-up point at 2:35 AM. Despite trying to sleep early, anxiety and the MOMO effect (fear of missing out on moments) kept me wide awake. ??

At 1:30 AM, I got ready (thankfully, my trek bag was packed the night before). My son dropped me at the pick-up point, and soon, we were off to Raigad, picking up fellow hikers along the way.

My Trek Essentials

• 3 litres of water ??
• ORS (to stay hydrated)
• Dry snacks ??
• Torch ??
• First-aid kit ??
• Change of clothes and shoes ?? (CTR trekking shoes are great but feel like bricks by the end!)

After a short delay, we reached Raigad at 6:45 AM and had breakfast before starting our trek.

The Climb Begins

Initially, I felt confident and comfortable, walking at my own pace. The trail was anything but smooth—loose soil, slippery dried leaves, small rocks, and tree roots kept me on high alert. Yellow markings guided us, but I was so focused on my next step that I almost missed the breathtaking beauty around me. ????

As we progressed, the elevation became steeper, and my breathlessness increased. Just when I was struggling, a fellow Sunday Hiker came to my aid, held my hand, and motivated me to push forward. The power of a supportive community is unreal! ????

The Climb Down: A True Test

Descending was far tougher than expected. Fear crept in, and I found myself slowing down the group. I felt frustrated, vulnerable, and exhausted. But my fellow trekkers cheered me on, encouraged me, and patiently dealt with my state of mind and capacity of my body.

The downward trail was steep and unrelenting, pushing me beyond my limits. With frequent breaks and sheer determination, I finally made it to the finish line.

I reached home by 10:00 PM, had a hot shower, ate dinner, and slept like a log. The next day, every muscle in my body screamed in protest, but my heart was overflowing with gratitude and accomplishment! ????

Lessons Learned ??

1. Stay Hydrated: Take small sips of water and ORS to maintain energy.
2. Know Your Limits: Never overestimate your endurance.
3. Don't Give Up: There will be tough moments, but perseverance always wins.
4. Pack Smart: Carry carbs for energy and research the trek beforehand.
5. Trust the Process: Preparation and support make all the difference.

Hats Off to Sunday Hikers!

A huge shoutout to the Sunday Hikers organizers for their seamless execution! From registrations, planning routes, arranging buses, meals, safety measures, and mentorship, everything was meticulously organized and risk-managed. Even certificate distribution at the end felt like a true project closure moment! ????

Final Thoughts

This trek was a journey of resilience, teamwork, and self-discovery.

Have you ever challenged yourself beyond your limits? Share your experience in the comments! ????

#Trekking #RaigadParikrama #SundayHikers #Adventure #Resilience #NeverGiveUp