RAIN-CHECK BEFORE THAT RAIN TREK

Trekkers and experts share why monsoon trekking is fraught with risk and how, if you must, to navigate it

- Ismat Tahseen

No matter how much the silver skies and lush greenery beckon you on a monsoon trek, red is always the underlying tone of the season. The destruction caused by landslides and flash floods that swept through Himachal Pradesh recently was a reminder of that. As calamities continue to unfold in hilly regions, authorities have tightened curbs all over the country. In July, trekkers to Dudhsagar Falls (Goa) were made to do sit-ups as punishment by the local railway police on account of trekking being banned in the area. The video went viral, spotlighting a key issue - why do people throw caution to the wind in favour of thrillseeking? Travel enthusiasts who have been through a few eye-opening incidents, share their lessons.

WHAT FUELS THE DANGER?

Trekking expert Sarfaraz Baghdadi calls out the rush to go trekking for social media content, especially since monsoon is said to enhance scenic beauty. "Thousands of youngsters turn up at the same spot to emulate their favourite influencer, and that is scary," shares Baghdadi.