Pune: Every year, International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 to honour women, their rights and their achievements. The day also celebrates the social, cultural and political achievements of women. It also commemorates the achievements of women in the field of sports.

Talking about athletes, women have broken down the barrier to mark their dominance around the world which was once regarded as a male domain.

As the world celebrates International Women's Day on Monday, Pune based girls, in a unique challenge, scaled one of the most challenging peaks situated in Lonavala, Pune. They climbed the Sahyadri Nagfani, popularly known in one hour while they came down in seven minutes (via rappelling)! Well, the twist here is that they climbed the peak, not in some athletic clothing, but a saree! Yes, you read it right! While many of us struggle to walk in it, these girls surpassed the peak in a saree.

The trek was organised by Pune based company, India Treks, on Monday. The roadway to the hillock is quite steep, and thus it was a great challenge for these young-brigade.

Around 40 girls based in Pune participated in this unique challenge. The participants also expressed their satisfaction over the thrilling experience of the campaign. One of the participants Sonal Alhat said, "This trek makes an amazing adventure. On Women’s Day, I wonder not to sit around in the comfort of your own home, in PJ's. Thus, I decided to take a tiny dose of adventure."

"We decided to wear saree to take the experience of how Hirkani in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Kingdom would climb the peak without any support and that too in a saree. It was a mesmerising experience. In future, we will plan many more treks like this,” she added. Sarvesh Dhumal and Shweta Mirajkar were the instructors.

ABOUT DUKE’S NOSE

'Duke's Nose' was named because of its shape like the nose of Duke of Wellington. Also called Nagphani, because the peak seems to be shaped like the hood of a serpent. The hill-top is located between Lonavala and Khandala.