Himalayan treks are notorious for the risks that they pose. These risks kept people from trekking in the Himalayas for a long time. It’s still what scares many people. 

But honestly, these are risks that can be dealt with. We ask all our trekkers to take it very seriously! All you need is 

There are multiple risks on a Himalayan trek. But I’m picking four of the biggest risks we see on our treks. I’ll tell you what could go wrong and how to avoid it. I want you to note this down: If you are on a trek with Indiahikes, we will empower you through information so you prepare well for your trek.

Terrain

If you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, it can pose a considerable risk. I’m going to share some thoughts by our founder, Arjun Majumdar, on this - 

“When I was much younger and I would trek, snow sections would terrify me a lot. There would be snow on a slope and we would have to traverse that on a narrow trail. When you step on this section and look down, you realise that with one misstep you could go down a long way. This is very common in the Himalayas. It’s not just snow, it might be a landslide section, loose boulders, scree, an overhang with a river flowing down in the valley.” 

So as a trekker, when you plan a Himalayan trek, get familiar with the terrain. Read about it, speak to people about it, watch videos, and study the terrain on Google Earth. 

Just understanding the terrain will mentally prepare you. You might also require special gear for some sections -- like microspikes for hard snow, gaiters for deep snow, ice axes to cut steps in snow or ice and ropes for river crossings or precarious boulder sections. 

The good part is, if you’re trekking with Indiahikes, we’ll take care of this. Care is one of our core values. So when you are on a trek with Indiahikes, we will take care of you and everything you need for a safe trekking experience. 

We have all the safety equipment you need to tackle any difficult terrain. All you need to do is learn about the terrain and then focus on Point 3, which I’ll get to in a bit.

This photo is from Pangarchulla Trek. Photo by Jothiranjan

Weather

The weather in the Himalayas could be your best mate or your worst enemy. The toughest part is that it’s almost completely unpredictable. Our co-founder, Sandhya UC, who has been trekking in the Himalayas for over 15 years now shares some insight here - 

“The weather actually defines whether your trek is going to be easy or difficult. Even an easy trek like Dayara Bugyal can become very dangerous in the middle of a thunderstorm. If there’s lightning in such an open meadow, it has the potential to take lives. Similarly, if there’s a sudden bout of dense mist, you can get utterly lost -- whether you’re in a forest or an open setting.

But it’s not just the danger that weather poses. It could also lead to an incomplete trek. We’ve had so many experiences where we’ve had to turn around in the middle of heavy snow or rain. Or sometimes, even if you go ahead and complete a trek in bad weather, the experience might turn sour. When we once went to the Kashmir Great Lakes, we trekked through rain for 6 whole days. It was cloudy and grey. We saw none of the colours and grandeur of Kashmir. So the weather really has the potential to change your trek altogether.”

The wisest thing to do to ensure good weather is to time your trek correctly. This is the most crucial part.

Every trek has a very specific window during which it is open (for many 15,000+ ft treks, this window lasts only a few months in a year). We open dates only going by the seasons, weather patterns, and the best time to do the treks. 

I’ve already shared a ready-reckoner table of the best treks to do throughout the year earlier with you. If you missed that you’ll find it here

Having said that, always carry rainwear with you -- summer, winter, autumn. It could rain any time, and your rainwear is your mandatory partner on a Himalayan trek.

This picture is from Kedartal Trek. The unpredictable weather brought snowstorms. Photo by Sushma Honnappa

Altitude

On a high-altitude trek, altitude sickness is another big risk. I’d like to start by sharing what the head of our Learning & Development team, Lakshmi Selvakumaran, has observed. She says & I quote - 

“On any given trek, we see at least 2-3 cases of mild Acute Mountain Sickness. These symptoms are usually headaches or lack of sleep. They are usually managed quickly and efficiently by our Trek Leaders. 

There are, however, some serious cases that require turning around from the trek. And we see these cases around once every week” 

Altitude sickness is one of the most underestimated and less understood risks of high-altitude trekking. And this lack of understanding is usually what takes lives.

If you’re trekking with Indiahikes, you don’t have to worry. Our Trek Leaders are repeatedly trained on handling altitude sickness, and they are equipped with extensive high-altitude medical kits and oxygen cylinders. They rarely have to use them though, because they are trained to treat the mildest symptoms and nip it in the bud, which they always do. 

If you are trekking on your own, however, it’s imperative that you know about treating altitude sickness. You will find relevant information here.

For now, let’s move on to the next risk. 

Trekker's Behaviour

This might seem a bit surprising, but often, under-prepared trekkers are the biggest risk to themselves. Underprepared in terms of fitness, trekking gear, and knowledge about the trek. The head of our Learning & Development team, Lakshmi Selvakumaran observes:

“Not being fit slows trekkers down. It doesn’t allow them to maintain the required mountain timings. They reach the next camp late and don’t have enough time to acclimatise. On the other hand, if they have no knowledge about high altitude, they might wave off a headache as dehydration, not thinking about it as altitude sickness. 

They draw a lot of attention and care from the Trek Leaders and guides, leaving the other trekkers unattended. Not only do they pose a risk to themselves, but they pose a risk to the entire team.”

Why do you think I am informing you about the risks of Himalayan treks?

We have always said and believed that a knowledgeable trekker is a safe trekker. And our vision is to ensure every trekker going into the Himalayas is well-informed. 

While there are many other risks on Himalayan treks, they usually tend to fall under one of these categories. And they differ from trek to trek. 

At Indiahikes, we’ve been documenting the terrain, weather, altitude sickness and trekker behaviour for over a decade and we’ve been able to master the art of tackling each of these risks. 

We work with a vision to solve the problems of the trekking world. With all the information, resources, and technology, we try & make trekking an accessible & minimalist sport.

I’d say it’s still a work in progress, as we’re constantly defining the future of trekking, but if you’re trekking with Indiahikes, or using our information, consider yourself well-informed, well-prepared and safe on a trek. 

We've listed four of the biggest risks we see on our treks. We have always believed that a knowledgeable trekker is a safe trekker. And our vision is to ensure every trekker going into the Himalayas is well-informed.

4 Biggest Risks While Trekking The Himalayas

trekking risks, risk in treks, biggest trek risks, trek risks, trek risks in India

Like every year, trekkers are again making a rookie mistake this winter. 

They are completely missing out on trekking in early December and choosing the peak holiday season (late December) for a winter experience. They are under the impression that late December is what makes for the best winter experience. 

Not many trekkers know this, but early December offers one of the most unique winter experiences.

I understand that many are concerned about the lack of snow and not getting leaves from office. 

While you cannot do much about the leaves, for other issues, you have your answers. Read on. 

It’s a myth that you do not find snow in early December. 

"Though not much, we start getting the first bouts of snow in mid-November. In early December there is a good deposit of snow, especially in the upper reaches above 10,000 feet, but not the thick heavy blanket. In these settings it is better to go on a trek in early December," shares Akshay Upreti, who has been a slope manager in many of our winter expeditions.

Explaining the thought he adds, "Waiting for peak winters means risking instances of heavy snowfall which could disrupt your trek. If you ask me, I would prefer to trek in a period where there has been a basic amount of snowfall and chances of getting a clearer sky are higher. And for me, late-November and early-December is that period."

Last year, the Kuari Pass trek received its first snowfall as early as October. The frequency of snowfall gradually increases by December. By early December, most treks have a good dusting of snow in the higher reaches.

But this snow is not deep. Between snowfalls the snow melts quickly exposing the vibrant colours of autumn. And that makes for some of the most beautiful and unique sights in the Himalayas.

Winter treks are popular for sprawling white landscapes. But on the flip slide, too much snow makes it difficult to complete the trek.

Heavy snowfall can disrupt the trek. And it could take days to open the route again. Unfortunately, chances of a heavy snowfall increase post-mid-December. This is because the Western Disturbances start to take a more defined shape in the later part of December. 

Under circumstances when it snows heavily, it is normal to change routes and campsites, moving to a more compatible route. Sometimes trekkers even have to return to the base camp without completing the trek. 

But the situation is not so in early December when winter is just beginning to set in.

A slight dusting of snow in early December at the Khorurai campsite of Brahmatal. Photo by Nitesh Kumar

“The probability that you would complete the trek in early December is much higher. You don’t get big amounts of snow on the ground. This doesn’t hamper your trek,” says Arjun Majumdar, Founder-CEO, Indiahikes. 

In fact, early December offers a perfect introduction to winters in the Himalayas if you are new to trekking. 

Reason 3: The weather is drier, more comfortable

Another aspect that works in favour of early December is the precipitation. “There is almost no, or very low precipitation in early December. This means no overcast skies or wet terrain. This is much more comfortable for someone who is just starting to trek in the Himalayas,” shares Sandhya UC, Co-Founder and COO, Indiahikes. 

“Late November and early December is my favourite time to lead a trek. At this time, you can see a transition between seasons on the same trek. At the lower campsites you see the orangish hues. The last touch of autumn is still there. But as you climb higher, you also get the feeling of winter,” shares Shachi Tripathi, Trainer and Slope Manager at Indiahikes.

Treks become much more challenging during peak winters. There's deep snow everywhere around, often seeping into your shoes. Shoes become wet and a nightmare to trek in. 

It’s also more comfortable to trek in early December because temperatures are still manageable. “In early December, the minimum temperature you encounter is around -2 degree Celsius. There is a sharp, delicious chill in the air which you enjoy in early December.

A star-lit sky captured during the Collaborative Leadership Program that took place in early December 2021 at Dayara Bugyal. Photo by Izzat Yaganagi. 

Later in December the temperature drops to -8. And many trekkers don’t realise that this difference is huge. It’s four times colder,” shares Arjun. 

"In early December the cold is not as annoying. It’s just the right amount of cold, which is very refreshing!" says Shachi remembering the days she had spend on treks in early December.

6 Himalayan Treks you must experience in early December

If you are planning a trek in early December, these six treks should be on top of your list

Truth is, this is a very narrow window -- between autumn and peak winter -- and very few trekkers get a chance to see it this way. 

During this time, you have higher chances of experiencing the first snowfall, and that too in comfortable weather. Lesser snow on the trail also increases your chances of having a successful winter trek. That's the beauty of trekking in early December. 

early december; treks in december; less crowded treks; 

Why Early December is better than Late December for Trekking

UPDATE: Many trekkers wrote to us after reading the mail/blog. I have updated this blog with some of their responses.

I am writing this blog as a concerned trekker. 

You see, too many trekkers are offloading their backpacks on treks. 

This season, one out of three trekkers offloaded their backpacks on an easy-moderate trek like Beas Kund. The case was similar on the Bhrigu Lake trek. Thankfully on the difficult treks, like Kedartal, less than 25% of trekkers offloaded.

If you’re wondering what is ‘offloading’, it is the act of letting a mule or porter carry your backpack, instead of you carrying your own load on a trek.

This trend is worrying because the social and environmental impact of offloading doesn't seem to bother anyone. 

And today, I want to share why offloading your backpack is not okay. 

To understand the core of the concern, it is important to look at various aspects of offloading. The reason behind offloading, its consequences, what happens when you don’t offload. I’ll touch upon all these aspects. 

Some insights and observations shared in the blog about offloading will surprise you. I'll get to them in a bit. 

But first, let’s begin with the ‘why’.

15 years ago, it was a norm to carry your own equipment, ration, tent and personal gear while trekking. Porters or mules came along only to carry bare essentials that couldn’t be carried by the team. 

But things changed when organised trekking grew in our country. 

“Modern trekking changed the concept of service. People expect more comfort while trekking. They don't want to carry their backpack if they can pay someone else to do it for them,” says Arjun Majumdar, Founder-CEO of Indiahikes.

This is the case even when their backpacks are light, devoid of any camping equipment. 

“In modern trekking, you don’t carry the full load of 15-20 kg that you carried while trekking on your own. You are only carrying your clothes. They don’t weigh more than 8-9 kilos,” points Arjun.

Despite the light weight of the backpack, offloading is becoming a trend because of a false belief.

“Trekkers, especially those who are new to trekking, assume that they’d be more comfortable if they’re not lugging their backpacks on the trek. They look at the backpack as luggage, not something that’s integral to their trek,” points Shefali Joshi, Experience Coordinator. 

This situation can be credited to a big myth circulating among trekkers, especially among those who are new to trekking. 

Big Myth - Carrying Your Backpack on a Trek is Difficult

Many people who are considerably new to trekking assume that carrying a backpack is cumbersome. This is a false notion. 

Carrying your backpack on a trek is not difficult. In fact, even on our most difficult trek — Kedartal (highest altitude: 15,500 ft) — trekkers carry their backpacks.

Trekkers crossing the treacherous Spider Wall section on the Kedartal trek while wearing their backpacks. Photo by Sudheer Hegde

Carrying your backpack on a trek is doable. In fact, it is an integral part of trekking. 

Many trekkers who opt for offloading overlook the fact that backpacks are designed to be carried on a trek. 

If you wear your backpack well, you'll notice it is engineered to distribute the weight across your hips and shoulders (especially if you are carrying an internal frame backpack, as most of you will). It is the hip that is actually doing most of the lifting. Hips are the strongest bones of your body and can carry a lot more than the 8 – 9 kg of your backpack.

Due to the design of the backpack, carrying it on a trek is not difficult. 

A trekker, Rashmi Suresh, who recently trekked to Nafran Valley trek shares her experience here. Nafran Valley is not an easy trek. But Rashmi carried her backpack throughout the trek.


But many trekkers, who are just starting to trek, look at offloading differently. Quite a few times, they do not even consider carrying their backpack as they view offloading as an add-on service. Something that can be availed because the option exists. 

Offloading has grim consequences — socially and environmentally


1. Offloading creates very low level employment

When you offload your backpack, a muleman or porter takes up the job of carrying it on the trek. But it’s not a happy situation. 

No one wants to be a porter or a muleman. People living in the remote Himalayan villages have limited employment opportunities. They carry your personal belongings for a meager fee simply because of lack of better opportunities. This generates a very low level of employment.

This morally disturbs us at Indiahikes. 

“Just because it is affordable, especially in countries like India and Nepal, trekkers feel it is okay to handover their belongings to someone else — a person or a mule. That’s morally wrong. By making someone else — a person or mule — carry your personal belongings you are degrading more and more humans to do the lowest form of work,” points Arjun.

Unfortunately trekkers feel that by offloading their backpack they are helping to generate work for the locals. 

In reality while work is being generated, we must look to grow ‘skill level’ work and not low level work that does not help society. Skill based work has a future.

Skill based work opens up opportunities for the local people in the organised sector. Upskilling can help an assistant camp manager become a camp manager, then trek coordinator and so on and so forth. It happens all the time at Indiahikes. This is the true form of upskilling. 

We have stellar examples of how some of our local staff, who started as porters, got out of the role to grow professionally and become Trek Coordinators. 

We have also designed training programs to upskill our guides and cooks. These certified programs are aimed at honing the guiding and cooking skills of our staff in the mountains. Upskilling in these areas not only helps them to grow within Indiahikes, but also opens opportunities for them in the booming trekking industry. 

Unfortunately, mulemen and porters come under the category of daily-wage workers. Their association with us is limited to just one trek. This leaves them with almost zero opportunities to upskill or engage with any organisation.  

With this background in place I want to pose this question to you: As trekkers, are you okay engaging people in an employment — one devoid of personal growth and security — just to be more comfortable on the trek?

Offloading also negatively impacts the environment, especially when you have mules to carry your backpack. 

“Each mule weighs around 300-350 kilos. It carries around 45 kilos of weight. When such heavy pack animals go on trails, there’s a big trampling effect on the trails. They have metal hooves that damage the earth. The more the number of mules, the more the trample effect,” says Lakshmi Selvakumaran, says Head of Green Trails, Indiahikes.

It isn’t just the number of mules. The mules feed on the grasslands as fodder. This harms the grasslands the most. It also increases the number of muleteers on trails as well — who need to be fed and taken care of. They in turn add to the human pressure on the trail, including adding to the human waste. It is a vicious circle. The entire offloading ecosystem becomes heavier rather than minimal on the environment.

And then it’s not just about ‘one backpack’.

Mules carrying backpacks on the Kuari Pass trek. Photo by Sudipto

“Offloading has a cascading effect. You need a mule to carry your backpack, the mule needs a muleman who is also carrying his own resources on the trek. So in the end, it ceases to be just-a-backpack.

From a larger perspective, if every trekker carried his/her own backpack, there would be at least 3 less mules for every team of trekkers. If this becomes a practice in Indian trekking, it would go a long way in protecting these fragile ecosystems, reducing the overall carbon footprint,” says Sandhya UC, Co-Founder and COO, Indiahikes

On the other hand, carrying your backpack makes you a better trekker

Carrying your own backpack helps you connect better with the trek. We saw a beautiful example of this on the Tamenglong Trek in Manipur. On this trek, apart from their personal belongings, trekkers had to carry their own gears and camping equipment. This did not weigh them down. Instead, carrying all their load liberated them. They tasted their freedom as a trekker. 

“As we were carrying our own equipment, we could stop anywhere! So one afternoon we simply decided to cook food by the Alangta waterfall. It was an incredible experience to have the freedom to do it as we were carrying our own kitchen equipment, ration, gears,” shares Dhaval Jajal, Senior Trek Leader and Filmmaker who led the trek.

Trekkers enjoying the kadhi-khichdi they cooked by the Alangta waterfall on the Tamenglong trek. Photo by Dhaval Jajal.

Even on the usual trek, carrying your backpack gives you the freedom to access all your gear at any point on the trek. 

For example, a backpack gives you access to your warm clothes. Often there is a burst of rain or a long cloud cover that sweeps over the trail. The temperature plummets. Access to your warm clothes and rain gear is of utmost importance in such circumstances.  

The thought of carrying your backpack instantly makes you more mindful about what you put into your backpack. “I’ve noticed that trekkers who carry their own backpack ask better questions. They are more thoughtful about what they put in the backpack, how they pack,” shares Shefali. “Invariably they carry lighter backpacks.” 

These are essential skills for a trekker. If you are not carrying your backpack, you miss out on honing these skills. 

Carrying your backpack has a direct effect on your pace. 

“Many don’t know about this, but a backpack helps you to maintain pace on a trek. You cannot rush ahead if you are carrying your backpack. This compels you trek at a steady speed,” shares Arjun.

 Trekking at a steady pace has its benefits. It makes you more observant. You take in the trail, notice the turns, the mountain views. 

Carrying your backpack also builds your core strength. This in turn has a direct impact on your balance. Good core strength helps you balance on steep descends.  

When you miss out on carrying your backpack for one trek, you miss out on these essential stepping stones that make you a better trekker.

At Indiahikes we discourage offloading even when it is a source of revenue for the company. We do this because offloading does not align with the true spirit of trekking. 

Offloading is not a service. It’s not an add-on.

Many trekkers wrote back to us sharing how they felt about carrying their own backpack. 

"I carried my own backpack on Rupin Pass trek for two reasons. First, for a sense of achievement. It gives a different feeling that if I am completing the trek, I will do it with my backpack. I don't want to achieve it in an easy way. It's a matter of pride. Second, I can't imagine human being or a mule carrying my load. Especially I can't look at mules, I really feel guilty as a human being when we make harmless souls work for us. Anyway, humans and mules end up carrying equipment and rations which is unavoidable. Let's not make them carry more," shared Shantanu Javdekar. 

Quite a few even suggested, 'If offloading has such dire consequences, why not do away with the option altogether?'

In a country where the culture of trekking is just setting in. Many people across all ages are getting introduced to trekking. And some have genuine concerns. 

58-year-old trekker Mr JS wrote back sharing his concern. 

"Over the past couple of treks with IndiaHikes, some friends in my age group have joined me and I have actually been thrilled at their enthusiasm and willingness to trek - for several of them it's been a novel and exhilarating experience, and the sheer joy on their faces at accomplishing a stretch goal is something that perhaps those with the benefit of youth will never be able to comprehend or appreciate (at the moment).  

Some of them battled through physical pain - back and knee issues - without any complaints, and with a singular focus on the end goal. I feel their enthusiasm and resolve should be lauded and encouraged. The question is whether we encourage such participants with the offloading option, or demotivate them by insisting everyone carries their own packs," he wrote. 

Trekking is growing in our country. People from various age groups are getting introduced to trekking for the first time. And in light of such concerns, the option of offloading works as a safety net. Not to be accepted as a norm, but as an exception in genuine cases.  

Having said that, the trend for us to set must be to carry one's own backpack. Not as a choice, but as a norm.

Here's an in-depth blog on why offloading goes against the spirit of trekking

Why You Should Not Offload Your Backpack

offloading backpack carrying mules porter offload 

It's a rainy day in Bangalore. Our office balcony has taken on a green glow from all the lushness around. The beech tree in our garden is heavy with the weight of rain. Tiny raindrops are glistening at the tip of every leaf. The smell of wet earth is intoxicating. 

Our office team is getting ready to head out this weekend on a lovely trek near Bangalore.

I can't help but think about what the hillsides must be like right now. Cool and misty forests, tree trunks laden with velvety moss, lush grasslands teeming with flowers and tiny critters, rolling green hills in the distance. It's such a wonderful time of the year to trek. 

That's why I thought that today, I'd talk about some offbeat treks you can do on your own. Not in the Himalayas, like I usually share. But somewhere close to your home, where you could trek to a hill, a lake, a river or a forest.

Of course, I cannot cover all states across the country, so today, I'm going to talk about some off-beat trails around popular regions -- Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Calcutta. I’ll share three treks around each of these regions, so that you have options. I hope this fills up your upcoming weekend. :)

Top 3 Offbeat Monsoon Treks In Karnataka 

This is an all time Western Ghats favourite at Indiahikes. The grasslands on this trek are other worldly. Once you step into them, you’ll never want to leave. Yet, as you carry on, the trail gets better and better, because within hours, you reach the Bandajje waterfall, not the base of the waterfall, but the very snout of the waterfall! 

It takes a weekend to do this trek. You will need to camp at the base and have cooking gear with you. Typically you take an overnight bus on a Friday to Mudigere, trek on a Saturday and get back home by Sunday. 

Starting point of the trek: Kalabhyraveshwara Temple, Durgadahalli, Mudigere
How far is it from Bangalore: 280 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/CG8Fg6yiD49yf834A

Find all details about the trek here - https://indiahikes.com/ballalarayana-durga-bandaje-falls-trek

Watch how to do Ballalarayana Durga on your own:

Ballalarayana Durga boasts of a few of the best meadows in the Western Ghats. Picture from Indiahikes archives.

 We all have heard of the Kudremukh trek endlessly, (so much so that the forest dept. has introduced a daily limit on the number of trekkers who can go on the trail). But here’s a trek hidden within the Kudremukh National Park, yet treading a completely untrodden trail. 

It takes you through incredibly dense forests, usually thick with fog at this time of the year, beautiful streams that form the Bhadra river, and finally up a steep climb through meadows to get to the peak. The view from the top is similar to what you see from Kudremukh — endlessly rolling hills with unreal shades of green. 

Starting point of the trek: Bhagavathi Nature Camp, Kalasa Main Road
How far is it from Bangalore: 310 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/LM4ov9QJXAJFW7H9A

You’ll find all details about this trek here - https://indiahikes.com/kurinjal-peak

A view from the first viewpoint on the Kurinjal Peak trek. The view only gets better and better. Picture by Naveen Ganiga

If you are not looking for an overnight trek, this is a wonderful option. It’s a day hike near Kolar, just around 2 hours away from Bangalore. You could easily take your family early in the morning and return by evening.

The initial trail starts with forests all around, and opens out into a mix of boulders and grassy knolls. It’s a breezy 1 hour trek, with terrific views from the top. You can easily spot the Nandi Hills range, including Skandagiri, Brahmagiri and Channagiri from here. As the name suggests, there are ruins of an old fort at the top, along with a small shrine dedicated to Anjaneya (Hanuman). 

Starting point of the trek: Vaddahalli, Kolar
How far is it from Bangalore: 80 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/Ae41nPmTxX9Xs5qn9

You’ll find all details about this trek here - https://indiahikes.com/ambaji-durga-trek

Other good one-day trek options around Bangalore: Harihara Betta, Minchikall Betta, Channarayana Durga

Watch this video where we talk about 10 best day treks around Bangalore:

The initial climb towards Ambajidurga through sparse forests and bushy trails. Picture by Jothiranjan

Click on this link for 7 best monsoon treks in Karnataka that you must do

Top 3 Offbeat Monsoon Treks In Maharashtra

Disclaimer: In Maharashtra, rarely are treks offbeat, but well, these are not as common as the usual ones :)

This is a short trail in the Sahyadris situated 35 km from Lonavala. The trail takes you to Ghangad Fort, which sits on top of a hill shaped like a trapezoid. Its unique shape and structure make it stand out, and it's tough not to notice it and be awed by its imposing size. 

Ghangad is a short but an 'all in one package' trek, which can be done in a day or with camping. It has a forest section, a surprise at the boulder section, an adventurous climb up a steep metal ladder and a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains from the top. It is suitable for both fit beginners and experienced trekkers. 

Starting point of the trek: Ekole, Pune
How far is it from Pune: 102 km from Pune 
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/C4vmKZk6pA6nFjt79

You’ll find all details about the trek here - https://indiahikes.com/the-complete-guide-to-ghangad-fort-trek

Part of the Ghangad Fort Trek gives you a view of the Mulshi dam in the distance. Picture by Swarada Ghangurde

When I asked a couple of hardcore trekkers from Maharashtra for a monsoon trek recommendation, this particular trek was right on top of their minds. Also called Vicitragad, this is one of those go-to treks in monsoon. 

If you have never experienced raging winds, they say that you will see waterfalls billowing upwards, so fierce is the wind here.

Along with this, some breath-taking views of the farms and water dams can be seen from the bastions. There are a total of six bastions covering the fortification wall. All of these are still strong.

Starting point of the trek: Bajarwadi, Ratnagiri
How far is it from Pune: 62 km from Pune
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/7wJ5q66xW8Mm3jfPA

You’ll find all details about the trek here - https://indiahikes.com/rohida-vichitragad-trek

The approach towards Rohida in monsoon. Picture source: Wikimedia Commons

This trek is not off-beat by any means, but I cannot leave it out of a list of the best monsoon treks. Set in Karjat, this trek bursts to life with a wall of waterfalls during monsoon.

Not just that, the initial part of the trail is through dense jungles, further taking you to the fort, which is an architectural marvel. This fort was primarily used as a watchtower & ammunition depot by the ruling armies. The strategic location of the hill provides a commanding view of Padargad, Malanggad, Siddhagad, Chanderi fort, Bhimashankar & Matheran plateau in clear weather.

The Indiahikes Western Campus sits very close to the base of the trek at the campus of the Vijay Bhoomi University. We often take our trekkers on this trek. Everyone simply loves it!

Starting point of the trek: Ambivli, Karjat
How far is it from Mumbai:  90 km from Mumbai 
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/zFiPygp7tQWGrgsF6

You’ll find all details about the trek here - https://indiahikes.com/kothaligad-peth-fort-trek

A faraway view of the Kothaligad fort. Picture by Shardul Neswankar

This is a trek we documented recently, with the help of an ardent explorer of treks in Tamil Nadu. This trek takes you to a gem of a waterfall in Kodaikanal. Despite Kodaikanal being one of the most popular hill stations in South India, this waterfall is a less-visited one, since it is a 6 km trek to the waterfall. 

The trek starts at a lovely lake, called the Kookal Lake and then winds through dense forests most of the way. It finally enters some thick bushes until you hit the waterfall. You can hear the roar of the waterfall throughout the forest, which not only excites you, but also tells you that you’re on the right path. In monsoon, the waterfall is going to have swelled with rainwater, which is a huge reward at the end of the trek. 

Starting point of the trek: Kookal, Kodaikanal
How far is it from Chennai: 559 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/UC5xMMa7riz36MwF7

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/kookal-waterfalls-trek

The multi-layered Kookal Waterfalls. Picture by Parthiban

Musattu is a small hill hidden away in Krishnagiri. It’s largely a day hike, which you can do within a day and come back home. Bangalore trekkers can take advantage of this. 

The beautiful multiple farmlands, untried dense forest trail full of flowers and butterflies, a pretty isolated temple, and a spectacular view of mountain ranges are all you can expect from the Musattu hill trek.

Starting point of the trek: Varatanapalli, Krishnagiri
How far is it from Chennai: 255 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/9KCGfidm3Mq7PEkn7

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/musattu-hill-trek

A view of the Musattu Hill in Krishnagiri. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

Here are some great offbeat treks to do during monsoon around your city. You can easily do these on your own over a weekend or in a single day.

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