We have been on a number of treks in the Sahyadris and hence thought of putting some tips that might be useful for fellow trekkers. These are some real basic trekking tips that will be helpful for any trekker. You do not want to end up messing up your entire trek because you did not follow the basics.
If you have not been on treks before then you should definitely start with easy treks which require less time for hiking. Also ensure that your group members are at your level so that you can learn together. We remember starting with easy forts like Sinhagad or Lohgad near Pune and then going for tough treks like Torna and the Mighty Salher.
Shoes, Clothing, backpacks, water containers, everything is important on treks. Ensure that you have the right gear for both one-day and multiple-day treks. Never go unprepared.
Always keep a checklist of items that you need to carry and ensure that you pack your stuff the night before your trek. If you have no idea what trekking gear is required, you can check our Trekking Equipment page for more details.
Packing stuff effectively is also an important step while preparing for a trek. Most people, pack their backpacks in a hurry and end up not taking the essentials. Here is where the right gear comes into the picture, If you do not use a proper trekking bag, then there are chances that you might not be able to pack things properly. There are brands that make bags specifically for trekking and outdoor activities. Consider investing some money in such bags if you intend to do trekking often.
We have some top items for every category. You can browse through them to find the perfect trekking gear for your next trip
Not all places are free to campsites. At some places which are marked as protected reserves, camping or night trekking is Banned. Do your research online and find places where you can actually go camping or hiking. As our site is mostly about Trekking in Maharashtra, we have shortlisted the following places for Camping near Pune.
While camping, ensure that you do not disturb the locals in any way. Also, try to find information about the wild life in that area. This will hep you in setting up your campsite at the right place and take proper precautions for safety.
Keep a check on each other's activity while trekking. Do not try random things beyond your limits like climbing extreme rock patches, crossing waterfalls, standing on the edge for clicking selfies, etc. There have been incidents with us where a few members were stuck on rock patches while trying to go through shortcuts. Time shouldn't be a factor in Trekking. Shortcuts are a strict NO.
If you have been on 5+ treks then we think you do not need an Organizer, given that you can take care of group members who might not have enough trekking experience. For beginners, we would recommend that you go with trekking groups at first and then try doing things alone. The only con with going with an Organizer is that they have a very strict schedule and you have to stick to it. it Can be a bit annoying sometimes when you want time on your own for photos or whatever is personal.
If there are kids with you, then definitely go with an Organizer. They have ample of safety equipment and have experienced staff who can help you with almost everything on a trek.
If there are females in your group, it's highly recommended that your group size should be large. There should be at least 8-9 males in the group. The crime rate is definitely going high these days and you do not want unwanted trouble on your treks. Also, ensure that you avoid going to very isolated locations for trekking. Rural Police do not have enough manpower to keep a watch on everything.