GayBombay Anniversary Trek to Sudhagad on Sunday 23 September 2007 Gay men have never been afraid of challenges. Be it cruising the hunk your eyes happen to fall upon in the train, or fighting the archaic Section 377.
On the occasion of its 9th Anniversary, GB invites you to take on another challenge, a fun challenge of conquering the Sahayadris! Challenge to shed the comfort and security of your home, challenge to venture beyond the blue ranges on the horizon to discover new valleys, forests, rivers and high mountains. So buckle up, strap on your hats, and get ready for adventure - take on the challenge of trekking to Fort Sudhagad. Sudhagad is situated near a village called Pachapur near Pali in Raigad District of Maharashtra. The height of this fort is around 2030 feet and is well fortified by steep cliffs. Due to its qualities Sudhagad was actually proposed to Shivaji to make it his Capital. Shivaji surveyed Sudhagad, but chose Raigad because of its central location. Sudhagad like Raigad is a huge fort. An easy trek leads to Mahadarwaja, Pant Sachivwada, Takmak Tok (Echo Point), Bhoraidevi Temple, Shiv Temple etc. There also are lakes on the top of Sudhagad.. The monsoons is the best time to trek Sudhagad, as the whole region offers a spectacular view with picturesque surroundings. From the top, other forts like Sarasgad, Korigad, Dhangad, Taila-Baila can be seen. Never Trekked earlier? Worried about falling off the cliff? Relax! This trek according to trekking standards is designated as 'Easy'. We are also accompanied by 5 professional trek guides and trainers who have travelled far and wide in the Sahyadris and the Himalayas, for over 10 years. This treks is organised in a way that you get the real trekking experience'. At the end of the trek every queen can claim to have done the 'Man' thing. Due to logistical limitations imposed by the trek guides and trainers, this trek is strictly open to the first 50 who register and pay. Guys from Thane, Pune, Nasik, Raigad and Ratnagiri Districts can also join us. Schedule: We shall depart Dadar Station on a semi luxury bus parked outside Swaminarayan Temple, Dadar Station (East) at sharp 7:00 am. The bus shall take the Sion - Panvel Highway unto MGM College, Kamothe. Than by the Mumbai Pune Expressway to take the Khopoli exit and than to Pachapur. Breakfast shall be served en route to Pachapur, Lunch atop Fort Sudhagad and evening tea and snacks at the Base Camp. We shall on our way back take a brief halt at the famous Pali - Ballaleshwar Temple, which is one of the Ashtavinayaks. We shall return to Mumbai by 8:30 pm. Costs: Rs. 500.00 per head The charges include: 1. Transport to Base Camp and Back 2. Veg. Breakfast 3. Veg. Lunch 4.Tea and Snacks in the evening 5. Professional trekking guidance and advice 6. Trek safety equipment wherever necessary. 7. First Aid if necessary Registration & Payments: To join this trek you need to register your name and pay in advance. To Register send an email to Jayesh at de.joy.gb @ gmail.com or events @ gaybombay.org or call us on the Picnic Infoline: 9867734639 To pay catch us at the following venues: 1. GayBombay Bar Nite on Friday 14 September 2007 between 9:00 pm and 1:30 am at Zouk, Andheri 2. GayBombay Anniversary Film Fest on Sunday 16 September 2007 between 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm at National College Auditorium, Bandra Things to do: 1. Carry the following things with you on the trek Cap, Knapsack (preferable water proof), Plastic Sheet/Bag to line your rucksack Special Medication or Food if you need any, Biscuits (as a light snack), Water (2-3 litres), A plate, mug, and spoon, Change of clothes and Towel (must as you will need to change), Walking shoes or Good Floaters (No Chappals or Formal Shoes), Rain Gear (No Umbrellas please, they will be blown away if we encounter strong winds). Binoculars and Cameras if you are interested. 2. GB, as a support group, has created this comfort/safe space for gays. Many people at the event may be "newbies" (those still coming to terms with their sexuality and/or those who have mustered the courage to come to such an event for the first time). We request you to be sensitive to the comfort levels of others and to behave and dress accordingly. 3. You have to be above the age of 18 to attend this event Things not to do: 1. Wear jeans or body hugging attire that will restrict full movement of your body (Track bottoms or light cotton trousers is better option) 2. Litter the place. 3. Indulge in hanky-panky. 4. Deface or damage any monument by writing or scribbling on them. 5. Consume intoxicating items before or during the trek. Suggested Reading http://deepabhi.tripod.com/sudhagad.html http://www.bhramanti.com/sudhagad.html http://wakdtalk.blogspot.com/2006/07/sudhagadh-trek-day-1.html http://onkarjoshi.wordpress.com/2007/03/14/trekking-to-sudhagad-fort/ http://ashishsapre.blogspot.com/2006/12/night-trek-to-sudhagad.html http://www.ruturaj.net/sudhagad-trek http://www.konkandarshan.com/tourist/ri_t_pali.htm Suggested Viewing http://community.webshots.com/album/150950968xBwsTF http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/556807413mtKsbG?start=0 _______________________________________________________________________________________ This event is organized by: http://www.gaybombay.org. Right of admission reserved.