There has been a rise in the number of mid-night treks in and around Pune. Despite safety concerns, women are taking the risk and going all out to experience the wilderness through adventure treks that happen during nights.
Despite safety concerns stemming from recent cases reported around the country, many women are exploring adventure sports by going for night treks to nearby forts of Pune. Satish Maratha,of Giridarshan Trekking company said, "In these summers, night trekking is advisable as it is refreshing and does not cause dehydration." Frequent night treks are organized by adventure companies to Torana, Raigad and other forts in the vicinity of the city. The blistering heat of Pune is too harsh for day treks`and more and more women adventure enthusiasts are opting for night treks.
Staying overnight at a fort has its own advantages according to Ishani Sawant, a mountaineer and adventure sports organizer. She said, "It is amazing to see the sun rise right in front of your eyes from the fort." Another aspect that makes night treks worthwhile is that one gets to socialize with the locals over breakfast after the trek. "This is a new experience for people who live in the city," she added. Games are also an integral part of these treks, "Treasure hunts are even more interesting at night," she added.
Night treks are preferred by women employees as these are organized during the weekend. "This way, they are well rested for the next week at work," said Nature Knights adventure organizer, M. Asif Ibrahim. While night treks are more fun and more popular especially in Summer, organisers don't compromise on the safety of women. They ensure that the trek is led by people who know the area very well. "We make sure that we have a person leading and another following the trekkers", said Ibrahim. Measures are also taken to curb drinking and unruly behaviour. "We have a female co-organizer, who warns all the girls to not share their number with anyone unless they are confident about the person", said Pranav D, an organizer with Backpackers. "I find it these treks very safe as I go with my friends and we also inform the local Sarpanch and government authorities before the trek," said Sharaddha Mehta, a frequent hiker.
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