Pune-based mountaineering club, Giripremi—led by mountaineer and Padma Shri-awardee Umesh Zirpe—hosted the Indian Mountaineering Foundation Mountain Film Festival on Sunday, March 16, this year in Pune. The festival featured a collection of adventure films produced by Indian filmmakers, showcasing the remarkable journeys of Indian mountaineers across diverse and picturesque landscapes of India.
In this film festival, screenings of films pertaining to adventurous hikes were showcased. These included Ek Salute, Fastest Known Time, The Ascent of Mt. Meru, Dirt Nuggets, Life Uphill, Ganga Girls, and A Himalayan Gamble.
THE WEEK spoke to Zirpe about the challenges and thrills of mountaineering in Maharashtra and his thoughts on how the state should promote the sport.
Q/ Being an avid and renowned mountaineer, what are some of your favourite spots around Maharashtra?
A/ Maharashtra is home to some of the most beautiful and historically significant trekking spots. Each of these places has its own charm, and picking a favourite is tough. But if I had to name a few, they would be Rajgad, Harishchandragad, Raigad, Sindhudurg, Vasota, and Shivthargad. These forts and natural landscapes have so much history, adventure, and beauty packed into them that every visit feels like a new experience.
Q/ What are the many challenges in pursuing mountaineering in Maharashtra?
A/ Mountaineering is not just about climbing peaks it’s an adventure that demands skill, training, and respect for nature. But with the growing craze for social media content, trekking has become more about capturing pictures than truly experiencing the outdoors. This rush has led to overcrowding, irresponsible tourism, and even damage to our forts and natural heritage. It is important that we don’t let this sport turn into just another trend. Instead, we should focus on responsible trekking, understanding the importance of training, and preserving the rich history and environment of Maharashtra’s mountains.
Q/ As we enter the summer season, what places do you recommend for enjoying a hike in Maharashtra while surviving the heat?
A/ The summers in Maharashtra have been getting hotter every year, with temperatures touching 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Trekking in such conditions brings its own set of challenges dehydration, heat strokes, honeybee attacks, and more. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors. The best way to trek in the summer is to go for sunset treks or overnight treks, where the temperatures are lower, and the experience is just as magical. Some great options include Korigad near Lonavala, Kothaligad near Karjat, and Naneghat. In Pune, Giripremi Adventure Foundation is one of the best organizations conducting such treks with a strong focus on safety and experience.
Q/ What are the must-haves in one's backpack before setting off for a mountain hike?
A/ No matter the season, being prepared is the key to a great trekking experience. Some important things every trekker should carry are- enough water to stay hydrated, dry snacks and energy boosters to keep going, a first-aid kit for any minor injuries, a cap and sunglasses to protect from the sun, an extra pair of clothes especially during monsoon or winter treks.
Q/ What are some of the best places in Maharashtra to hike during the monsoons?
A/ There’s something magical about trekking in Maharashtra during the monsoon. The entire landscape turns lush green, waterfalls start gushing, and the mist-covered trails make for an unforgettable experience. Some of the safest and most beautiful places to trek in the monsoon are the Lonavala region, Tamhini Ghat, Fort Rohida, Fort Sinhagad, Andharban Forest, Aadrai Trek, Madhe Ghat, Sondhai, Kusur Plateau, and Bhorgiri-Bhimashankar. Each of these places has a unique charm, and if you truly want to experience the beauty of Maharashtra, monsoon is the best time to explore.
Q/ According to you, how can the Government of Maharashtra best promote mountaineering in the state?
A/ We are incredibly lucky to have the Sahyadri mountain range right here in Maharashtra. This approximately 700 km stretch is not just a trekking paradise but also a region full of history, biodiversity, and adventure. 11 forts from Maharashtra are nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, and the variety of landscapes rock cliffs, dense forests, pinnacles makes it one of the most unique ranges in India. But beyond adventure, the Sahyadris also employ thousands of locals, supporting tourism and the economy.
Recognizing this, the Maharashtra government is working on making adventure tourism safer and more sustainable, with better connectivity, improved infrastructure, and strict regulations to protect our natural and historical heritage.
The key is to balance exploration with conservation so that future generations can continue to experience the beauty of these mountains just as we do today.
