With plenty of rainfall, mountain ranges of Maharashtra have come alive.
Like every year, the green and fresh look of the mountains has made them an attraction for the trekkers this year too. Since the hilly roads become accident prone during monsoons, lots of care, a mature attitude and strict self-discipline are needed for those who think of adventure.
Monsoon trekking is also a craze among those who love greenery and waterfalls through the mountains. Of late, there is a trend to go trekking in the rains.
Many people drive down to Nashik to be amidst the lush green hills surrounded by clouds and waterfalls seeping through them. Though it is a picture-perfect scene of nature, many enthusiasts go throw caution to the winds while enjoying. That is the reason why so many accidents involving trekkers are reported.
“Monsoon trekking is tricky,” says Keshav Ugale, a trekker and trek organiser. “It is the waterfalls that invariably attract the youth and they try to go near it. The risks at different waterfalls are different. One shouldn't venture into a waterfall on one's own. It is important to know its depth, the speed of water and the terrain surrounding it. Therefore, it is best approached with the help of local guides, who know the area well,” says Ugale, a teacher, NCC master and organiser of treks through his trekking group Durgraj.
“It is not only the water and the slippery ground but also the haziness that surrounds waterfalls and mountains at the top which make it dangerous,” opines Sagar Marathe, an avid, qualified trekker and trek organiser through his group Sahas Camps.
Both the experts agree that more than the seasoned trekkers, it is the amateur enthusiasts who take off during the rains. “Such people have no respect for nature and they litter the place they visit with empty liquor bottles, stale food and garbage. These people do not follow any of the rules of trekking,” observes Ugale.
Thumbs up
Plan your trek properly after studying the area you intend to visit
Trek during normal rains
While crossing valleys or trekking to waterfalls, let an experienced guide lead
Carry necessary equipment
Follow all the ideal rules of trekking
Be patient
Respect nature
Thumbs down
Trekking during the beginning of the monsoon and during heavy rains
Consumption of alcohol or any form of intoxication
Littering the hills with bottles, leftover food or garbage
Disturbing the flora and fauna
Over-enthusiasm and excitement
Golden rule of trekking
Trekking or hiking is not a race. Never run
Don't take anything from or leave with the green mountains
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