Simple Ways to Prevent Monsoon Trekking Blunders

There's more to trekking than getting to the top. It's also about the journey, not just the summit, the ideal view, or the final destination.

When the monsoon arrives, nature dresses in its best attire and greenery covers every inch of the hills, mountains, and surrounding area. Waterfalls drenched the mountains and plains, left dry by summer heat.

You must do your research ahead of time for your trek to be memorable. Simple tricks and tips can make your monsoon walk easier and more comfortable, which allows you to enjoy the journey.

Trekking during the monsoon season may be thrilling and interesting. Preparation is essential to guarantee that nothing spoils this experience. After all, a stomach ache or a headache from a cold are the last things you want on a trip! So, before you go, add these to your checklist to tackle the mountains with passion.

While monsoon trekking is often exciting and fun, it can also be dangerous, especially for beginners. So, if you and your friends have decided to go on a monsoon trek, here is some important information and safety advice that will come in handy and keep you prepared in the event of a mishap.

We have compiled the most useful tips for a monsoon trip!

Select the best time to trek: Always be aware of the weather conditions for the day before beginning a journey. Ideally, start the walk early in the morning and relax in the afternoon.

During the monsoon season, a day trek is safer and more convenient than an overnight trip, especially if you are a beginner or traveling with your family.

Trek after an intense storm, as walking amid heavy rain makes the trekking trail unclear and harder to climb. You may also experience severe difficulty measuring the pressure and volume of water if you walk near waterfalls or streams due to heavy rain.

Don't hike alone, and get a local guide: It is strongly advised that you hike in a group. You should not take monsoon trekking lightly since even the most experienced hikers can get injured. If you have never hiked before and want to go on one, it is always a good idea to bring an expert or a local guide along with you.

It may sound exciting and adventurous to trek along an unfamiliar trail, but a terrible encounter could leave you terrified forever. Stick with well-known, well-explored trails with a large group and a guide. The local guide is familiar with the trail and can assist trekkers in an emergency.

Know the difficulty level: Treks are categorized into three types: simple, moderate, and challenging. During the monsoon, even an easy-looking trek may be challenging for those who are new to trekking. Choose the right place according to your level of comfort.

Collect data on the trek's destination: Before beginning a journey, it is vital to understand the trekking area, geographical conditions, and general environment, as the location plays a significant role in keeping you safe if something goes wrong.

Before you start, examine the map of the area and read about the general safety of the area as well as any accidents that have occurred there. Keep the map with you at all times and refer to it to avoid getting lost.

Learn about the plants and animals so you know what to look out for and avoid when trekking. In the monsoon season, wild vegetation emerges that can cause rashes when it comes into contact with your skin. So, knowing more about the trek area will help you avoid this.

Choose your shoes carefully: Always remember that you are going on a journey, not a fashion show; therefore, buy the best trekking shoes. When purchasing trekking shoes for a monsoon journey, keep two things in mind: quality and comfort. Lightweight shoes that are one size larger than usual are one of the best combinations to look for. 

The light weight keeps your feet from sinking into puddles and makes walking more pleasant. Walking causes your feet to swell at times. A shoe size larger than usual will help your feet breathe and avoid stress on your feet during this time. Furthermore, strong-grip shoes with optimal ankle height are required for any trek. If you can afford a pair of waterproof shoes with all these features, you should go for them.

Waterproof backpack & raincoat: Avoid carrying heavy backpacks during the trek. This not only makes traveling more difficult, but it also causes back pain. A lightweight, waterproof backpack is great for a monsoon hike. A lightweight poncho or raincoat that you can simply slip into because it can rain unexpectedly this time of year and you don't want to get wet. Cotton clothing is not recommended because it takes longer to dry. A spare set of plastic bags for separating damp and dry garments.

Antifungal Lotion: The humid conditions that prevail during rainy days are favorable for the growth of many fungi. As a result, fungal infections are extremely common during the rainy season. Bacteria and other pathogens thrive in humid environments. Inflammation and itching are common symptoms of fungal infections. Carrying anti-fungal cream can be life-saving if you become infected during the trek.

Monsoons are magical and romantic times that should be spent outside. Do not, though, take Mother Nature for granted and constantly follow the rules. 

Finally, don't allow these morbid warnings to scare you away from embarking on an adventure trek this monsoon.

We hope that these suggestions will make your trekking trip safe and stress-free.

Himalayan Runner, the leading trekking company in Uttarakhand, can help you plan a safe and successful trip.