Trekking is one of the best activities for adventure lovers. The feeling of reaching the top of a mountain or hill, and overlooking the surroundings, is one of the most empowering feelings ever. A Trek, whether an easy one or a challenging one, has its own charm. There are many trekking spots near Mumbai, Pune and all over India as well. These spots attract tourists due to the adrenaline rush they provide.
However, you need to follow some safety tips for trekking, so that you don't harm yourself or ruin your experience. To make your experience safer, you need to follow some trekking tips to make your adventure safe and sound!
10 Safety Tips For Trekking
By following these safety tips for trekking, you will be able to enjoy trekking and be safe at the same time. Fun without safety is no fun after all!
1. Do Your Research
Before you start your trek, you should research the various trekking spots. If you head toward a mountain without any knowledge of its difficulties and equipment requirements, you will be greeted with unpleasant surprises. There are many sources on the internet that can give you information about trekking in general and the various trekking spots, like this blog!
With proper research, you will be able to trek safely.
2. Always Trek With Company
Trekking in the mountains all alone, in solitude, maybe everyone’s dream. But it is always better to go trekking with the company. In case of any emergency, a companion, or several companions, can help you avoid or escape from danger. It is one of the most important safety tips for trekking. Along with safety, trekking with friends can make the whole experience more exciting and memorable.
3. Always Have A Plan
This point is related to the first one. When you and your friends' research trekking options, devise a trekking plan along with it. Your plan should include the trekking spot, the path you are going to take and the estimated time. You need to also take into account the amount of time you should be spending on the trek, especially if it starts getting dark.
Of course, it is impossible to know the exact time it will take to finish the track, especially in the mountainous terrain. However, having a rough place will always give you a rough idea and a benchmark to follow. If you want to assign special responsibilities to your trekking friends and want some for yourself - make it clear beforehand. Keeping a plan handy is among the best safety tips for trekking.
4. An Emergency Plan
An adventure actively like trekking can have many risks associated with it. Hence having an emergency plan is one of the most safety tips for trekking. You and your friends need to decide what all of you are going to do when things go south. There are some of the things you need to take care off:
Is there any reliable cell service in the area?
Is anyone bringing a portable charger or a fully charged phone?
Does your tour operator/organizer have an emergency number?
In case of any emergency event, is there any emergency number or procedures established?
5. Carry A First Aid Box
This is one of the most important safety tips for trekking. Trekking, being an adventure activity, is filled with injury and uncertain physical ailments. Some of the things that should be in your first aid kit are bandages, adhesive tape, gloves, an instant cold pack, antiseptic wipes, safety pins, triangular bandages, emergency contact information, and elastic bandages.
The first aid kit is the first thing that will save you in case of any medical emergency. One should remember that it is the only first step, you need to contact medical care in case of serious injury and/or for further treatment.
6. Check The Weather
On hilly and mountainous terrain, you need to be extra careful of the weather. During rains, there is a high chance of landslides and many other natural disasters. This is why you should avoid trekking if the weather conditions are not favourable.
Especially in India, the monsoon season is a time of heavy rainfall, which can cause the soil on the mountains to loosen up, causing landslides. Follow this safety tip for trekking judiciously to avoid any mishap.
7. Stay On The Trail
This is one trekking safety tip that most people ignore at their own peril. It is always better to follow the official routes, since they have been certified to be safe, and many people have used these trails. In case of any emergency, you can be easily tracked by the rescue time.
For those who are too adventurous, this is especially important. You may feel tempted to change the path, and explore new paths to the same destination. However, this can be risky. You have a higher chance of getting lost and untraceable by the rescue team.
8. Carry Proper Trekking Gear
If you are going on a difficult trek, you will need to carry proper trekking gear for your own safety. The gear will keep you safe and protect you from harsh weather. Some of the trekking gear you need to carry are:
Trekking Shoes
Backpack With Rain Cover
Walking Pole
Head Touch
Water Bottle/Thermos
Personal Medical Kit
Trekking Pants And T-Shirts
Fleece Tees and Jacket
Thermal Inners
Backpack With Raincover
9. Practice Trekking
We can understand that you feel like trekking in the Himalayas and enjoying the scenic view from the ranges. However, before you do that, one needs to ask - ‘Are you proficient enough to trek in these high mountains?’
Before you take on challenging treks, you need to start trekking on easier mountains and hills. One needs to build stamina to go on long treks. If one does not prepare themselves, it can lead to exhaustion and drainage. By practising on simpler routes, you get a hang of trekking which can help you in undertaking bigger treks.
10. Know When To Stop
Reaching till the very end is tempting for sure. However, you need to know when to stop. Many trekkers make the mistake of pushing themselves too hard, and not realising when it’s the time to go back. Remember that you are on a trek to enjoy yourself, not to prove anything to anyone. This is among the most underrated safety tips for trekking.
With these safety tips for trekking, you can go trekking anywhere and make beautiful memories. Read our blogs to know more about the various holiday getaways near Mumbai and Pune, along with other travel tips.