Yesterday’s flash flood in Uttarkashi has left the trekking and mountain community shaken. The unnerving video circulating online, showing the sudden surge of water and the destruction in its path, is a stark reminder of how fragile mountain ecosystems are and how vulnerable communities living in these regions have become.

These incidents also bring an uncomfortable truth to the forefront: natural disasters in the Himalayas are becoming more frequent. Just in the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts.

This made me want to understand: Is this simply because we now have more access to news? Or are these events truly becoming more common? And what does this mean for trekking?

I decided to speak to someone who has been observing the mountains more closely than most, Arjun Majumdar, our founder at Indiahikes. Over three decades of trekking, he’s seen Himalayan landscapes and seasons shift dramatically. I wanted his perspective on what’s changing, how Indiahikes is navigating these realities, and what the future of trekking looks like.

Q: You’ve been trekking in the Himalayas for more than 30 years. Are natural disasters like flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts happening more often now than before?

Arjun:
If you’re asking whether natural calamities are happening more often now than in the past, my answer is overwhelmingly yes.

Even the changing of the seasons has become very unpredictable. Earlier, in the first few years of Indiahikes, I could predict the first snowfall to almost the exact date — plus or minus one or two days. For example, around the 4th or 5th of December, we’d get the first Western Disturbance of the season.

Now, there’s no way for me to predict when we’ll get the Western Disturbances.

Earlier, there were very clear seasons. When Indiahikes was younger — in 2008, 2009, 2010 — we had six distinct seasons. You could predict when one would start and when one would end. It went like clockwork.

Now, seasons are extended. I’m getting heavy snowfall in March and April. The monsoon doesn’t seem to end, or it starts much earlier than expected.

Q: What’s changed apart from the seasons becoming unpredictable?

Arjun:
The frequency and intensity of natural events have increased.

Earlier, we would get heavy downpours in monsoon, which was expected. But now, these downpours sometimes result in cloudbursts or landslides.

Earlier, I could predict where landslides would happen: certain sections of the road were prone to them. We even used to joke about it, saying, “You know you’re going to spend half an hour there because the road will be blocked.”

Now, landslides can happen anywhere. Our trekkers and staff are getting stuck in places they never imagined, sometimes for hours, because a landslide just doesn’t stop. There’s rolling of boulders, the JCB clears it, and then fresh boulders fall on the same place.

Flash floods, swollen streams, and rivers are destroying bridges or wooden logs that we use as crossings. They just get smashed, and you’re stuck.

From the archives: Right before our trek leader's eyes, buildings have been washed off by flowing rivers. Picture by Lay Naik shot on the Pin Bhaba Pass trek from 2023

Q: Did you see this coming? Or is this a surprise to you?

Arjun:
It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve been talking about climate change for a long time, and these are the results of climate change.

It’s not just climate change. It’s also the unprecedented construction in the mountains. In places where we shouldn’t be constructing anything, construction has almost tripled or quadrupled since we started Indiahikes.

Q: Are you referring to tourism infrastructure, tunnels, or road development?

Arjun:
The bigger losses are actually happening in towns and villages, where construction is coming in the path of the natural flow of things.

Earlier, if there were 100 people in a village, now there are 500, probably catering to tourism. They cut trees, change land use, and the soil becomes weak.

Nobody is happy with a single-storey house, so they build double-storey houses, again weakening the foundation. These places are not meant for such constructions.

On top of that, climate change is here, and not in a good way. Rivers are more swollen. Dams have been constructed everywhere. Rainfall is heavier.

Q: We’ve been talking about trekking and safety, but what about the people living in these mountain regions? Even our own staff? How are they coping with these changes?

Arjun:
Local communities are at the frontlines of these disasters. A flash flood or landslide doesn’t just disrupt a trek; that’s the least of anyone’s concerns. It can wash away homes, farmland, and sometimes livelihoods overnight.

Many villages have had to adapt, shifting their farming cycles, building temporary infrastructure, or in some cases, relocating entirely. Tourism is both a support and a pressure point. It brings income, but it also adds to the strain if it’s unmanaged.

As trekkers, we need to be mindful that we are visitors in these regions, and our presence should support their resilience, not add to their challenges.

Q: Apart from these events, have you personally witnessed other impacts like glaciers receding?

Arjun:
Definitely, many of the glaciers we used to trek on have shrunk in size. The Gangotri Glacier itself is an example. 

The snow bridges on Rupin Pass are another example. There used to be a huge snow bridge immediately after the coniferous forest, about half a kilometre long, and then seven other snow bridges.

Now, the snow bridge after the forest has reduced to a tiny winter patch, and the seven bridges have reduced to two or three. The rest have melted by the time we reach them.

This receding snowline is visible on all our treks.

Snow bridges were one of the most common sights on the Rupin Pass trek. Of late, we see very few of them, giving us a clear picture that the snowline is receding. Picture by Jothiranjan

Q: With these changes, what is Indiahikes doing to keep trekkers safe?

One: move the crowd away from danger zones.
Two: be prepared for dangers if they happen.

We’ve increased our investment in equipment, disaster management, and training three or four times over. (Read about our Safety Protocols here.)

But that’s only one part of the solution. The other is to actually have other zones to trek where it’s not so disaster-prone.

That’s what we’re doing: exploring new trails in rain-shadow areas like Lahaul and Spiti, in Central India, and other parts of the country where people can trek without being exposed to such dangers.

Q: When a disaster occurs or bad weather is forecast, how does Indiahikes decide whether to cancel or modify a trek?

Arjun:
We have a very clear safety-first protocol.

We monitor weather systems constantly, both from local ground reports and multiple forecasting models. Our mountain teams send daily updates from the slopes.

If there’s a credible risk, whether it’s a landslide-prone road, flash flood warnings, or unsafe snow conditions, we don’t hesitate to call off a trek. It’s never an easy decision, but safety comes before schedules.

Sometimes we may reroute to an alternate trek that’s safer, but the decision is always based on ground reality, not optimism.

Q: You mentioned earthquakes. Is that a concern too?

Arjun:
Yes. There’s one danger nobody talks about: earthquakes.

That danger is hanging over our heads like a knife. It can happen anytime because India is on fault lines that have been under tension for many years.

There is an imminent earthquake likely to happen in the Himalayas. We don’t know whether it will be next week, next month, next year, or in two years. Nobody can predict it, but we know one is imminent.

In all our campuses, you will not find concrete structures. We have made fabricated structures in such a way that they shake but don’t collapse heavily on your head. Even if they collapse, you are most likely to get away.

This was a conscious decision taken five years ago. We will not have any concrete structures in our campuses.

The Indiahikes Campuses are a way for us to move from concrete structures to safer structures in the mountains, helping us be prepared for earth quakes. Picture by Abhishek Tiwari

Arjun:
Be mindful and aware that these things are happening. Don’t go by some past experience of a trekker who suggested a trek based on conditions years ago.

For example, someone might tell you they did Kedarkantha in winter and saw lots of snow. You may just land up and find nothing.

I’m not saying it’s a bleak picture. Trekking is still wonderful, and you must do it. Just be aware of what’s happening.

Q: What’s the light at the end of the tunnel?

Arjun:
The light is more zones for trekking, and different kinds of treks.

Change also forces exploration. Because certain zones are becoming more unpredictable, we’re discovering new trekking regions — rain-shadow areas, Central India, and trails that were not traditionally on the radar.

Trekkers are also becoming more open to different kinds of experiences — forest treks, meadows, even winter treks without deep snow. This flexibility enriches trekking, because the mountains have so much more to offer than just one type of landscape.

If you are open to all kinds of trekking, then trekking remains beautiful.

Talking to Arjun left me with two big takeaways.

First, natural disasters are undeniably increasing in the Himalayas. But this doesn’t mean trekking is unsafe — it means trekking is changing. Routes are shifting, seasons are unpredictable, and trekkers need to adapt.

Second, preparation is everything. As an organisation, we’re investing heavily in safety systems, training, and exploring new trekking zones. But as trekkers, the responsibility is ours too — to stay informed, be flexible, and approach the mountains with awareness.

The mountains are changing. And so must the way we trek in them.

Indiahikes founder Arjun Majumdar shares how climate change and construction are increasing disasters in the Himalayas, and what it means for safe trekking.

How Nature’s Unpredictability is Changing Trekking: An Interview with Arjun Majumdar

cloudburst, landslides, natural disasters, interview, arjun majumdar

An interview with Arjun Majumdar, Founder, Indiahikes

How Nature’s Unpredictability is Changing Trekking: An Interview with Arjun Majumdar, Founder of Indiahikes

One of the most common questions we get asked about our Central Indian forest treks — like the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek or the Pench Tiger Trail — is around safety.

It’s a fair question. These trails are set deep in wildlife zones, home to animals like tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. For trekkers who haven’t walked these jungles before, it can feel a little intimidating.

1. We Trek with the Forest Department — Always

At Indiahikes, every single one of our forest treks is conducted in collaboration with the Forest Department. This is not just a permit on paper — it’s an active, on-ground partnership.

Forest guards and rangers accompany our groups throughout the trek. These are not just staff in uniform — they are highly skilled individuals who are trained in the region, and many of them have been walking these forests for a long time. 

They know the terrain and the behaviour of the wildlife like the back of their hand. These guides are not just walking alongside — they’re the eyes and ears of the group. Their understanding of the jungle is extraordinary. We’ve seen guards pause mid-trail, crouch quietly to study a pugmark, and tell us — with complete accuracy—not just which animal it belonged to, but how old it was, its gender, and when it passed by.

They’re able to do this not just for big cats like tigers and leopards, but even for smaller animals like porcupines, cheetahs, or sambars. Their knowledge of animal behaviour and movements is what allows us to trek safely through these protected lands.

And here’s something important — based on fresh sightings or recent movements, the number of forest guards is increased or reduced accordingly. It’s an active process, and the decision lies with the experts.

You might spot signs of the wild while trekking — like this Hyena pugmark (from Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek) etched into the forest floor. Photo by Nitesh Kumar

Another important layer of safety is how we walk on the trail. Unlike Himalayan treks where trekkers may naturally spread out a bit, in forest treks, we stay together — no exceptions.

Because wild animals rarely attack groups. That’s a behaviour pattern that holds across species. Animals are wary of groups — it triggers a flight response, not a fight one.

This is also why you’ll find our Trek Leaders and Forest Guards doing regular headcounts, asking everyone to stay close, and ensuring the group remains intact at all times. It’s a quiet but crucial protocol.

This is Day 4 on the Pench Tiger Trail — and you can see the forest closing in around you. Photo by Ankit Chippa

One of the lesser-known but most effective things we do is with our campsite selection.

We never camp inside active wildlife zones.

Our campsites are always set up in buffer zones — areas slightly removed from animal movement routes. This isn’t something we take lightly. Every site is chosen with input from the Forest Department, and the location is approved based on recent activity patterns.

And even at camp, we have the forest guards around, adding another layer of safety.

That’s the Nayegaon Campsite (from Pench Tiger Trail) you’re spotting—tucked beside the lake, right at the edge of the forest. Photo by Ankit Chippa

Safety Comes from Awareness and Partnership

These three layers — walking with trained forest guards, trekking in tight-knit groups, and camping in non-active zones — are not just checkboxes. They’re part of a larger system of mutual respect and preparedness.

It’s why we’ve been able to conduct treks in these jungles for over years without a single incident.

Maybe once or twice. But not every time. That unpredictability is part of what makes these forests so fascinating.

What’s certain, though, is that you’ll walk away with a whole new understanding of what forest trekking really is. You’ll see that the Central Indian forests aren’t just about wildlife — they’re about deep silence, rare plant life, ancient trees, and a kind of biodiversity that’s hard to find anywhere else.

And most importantly, you’ll see that safety isn’t just about staying away from danger — it’s about stepping in with awareness, humility, and the right support.

That's what makes these treks truly meaningful.

How Indiahikes Ensures Safety on Central Indian Forest Treks

Central Indian forest treks, Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, Pench Tiger Trail, Trekking with Forest Department, Trekking in Wildlife zones, Safety on Inidahikes Treks, Safety on Central Indian Forest Treks

What is the Role of a Teacher on an InSOUL Programme?

Teachers often accompany students when schools sign up for an InSOUL Outdoor Experiential Learning Programme. What role do you play in this unique learning environment?

Not long ago, we had a teacher join us on an InSOUL Programme who, instead of enhancing the experience, unintentionally disrupted it. She projected her own fears onto the students, intervened at the wrong moments, offering snacks while they were pitching their own tents, and even brought school politics and drama into the outdoors. 

Rather than encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones, she loudly complained about the struggle of doing so. While the students themselves were eager to learn, her presence acted as a dampener rather than a source of support.

Teacher and students excited and eager prior the start of their trek.

With facilitators, trek leaders, and safety experts handling different aspects, where do teachers fit into an InSOUL Programme?

Are you here solely to represent the school? To watch over students? Or is there something more?

A teacher’s role in the outdoors is far more than just observing. You, as a teacher, play a key part in shaping the learning experience. 

The first and foremost step in this is to understand that outdoor learning is not the same as classroom learning.

In this new learning environment, the four walls of the classroom dissolve, replaced by open skies and unpredictable weather conditions.

This physical shift alone plays a role in transforming the way students learn. 

It also changes the role of the teacher from that of an instructor to an enabler, someone who supports adaptability and helps build a genuine connection to the outdoors.

MIS students on an outdoor learning programme in the Himalayas. Picture credits: Vishnu Sivanandan

Support the Spirit of Adventure in Students 

As a teacher your instinct is to protect your students. 

In the outdoors however, learning happens when students take calculated risks. 

They must assess situations, make decisions, and face real consequences to their actions, all within safe limits.

Risk-assessment is a life skill. Children are built to exercise it. It is how they learn about the world around them and their own limits. It helps children build confidence in their own capabilities.

As a teacher, allow students to navigate challenges rather than stepping in too soon. Let them experience the joy of learning through trial and error.

If they want to pick up a millipede to observe the legs closely, let them. If they want to try climbing a tree, let them. We're always looking out for them, making sure they have a safe space to practice assessing risks on their own.

Students from The Aalam International School climb a tree in Odisha under the supervision of our trek leader. Picture credits: Ankit Chippa, Trek Leader at Indiahikes.

In the outdoors, things don’t always go as planned. A sudden downpour. A detour. A steeper climb than expected.

When it drizzles, do you rush students to shelter? Or do you embrace the moment? 

We have seen that students on their own are not averse to a little shower or trekking in misty weather.

Every challenge is an opportunity to teach adaptability. 

When students see their teachers handling uncertainty with calmness and curiosity, they learn to do the same. Adversity becomes a lesson, not an obstacle. 

It is in such conditions that you see your students grow, adapt and rise to the challenge. As Namitha Thimmaiah (Teacher at Daffodils School, Bangalore) said “Students on a trek become very independent. For the first time they learn to do the simple work on their own. 

It really boosts their self confidence. I have practically seen how trekking instills values of empathy and generosity in them. 

Students are always very comfortable in their house and they get what they want. But when they come out and trek they face all kinds of hardship, such as sleeping in a sleeping bag on the hard floor, using minimal water, washing their own plates etc. 

They get to know each other at a much deeper level. Trekking really helps students in their overall development.”

Mindset makes all the difference. A little challenge here and there can be a lesson in adapting, and every setback is a chance to learn.

Students trekking in the rain. Picture credits: Vishnu Sivanandan, photo trekker, Indiahikes

Model Curiosity – Learn Alongside Students

For teachers who join an InSOUL Programme, it is an opportunity to model curiosity. It is an opportunity to be more than passive observers and become active participants in the learning 

Don’t stand back as an observer. Engage with the environment. Ask questions. Explore.

When students see you excited about engaging learning, they ease into the experience too.

We’ve seen the opposite as well, with teachers clicking selfies or asking students to make reels. 

This takes away from the experience and it is disrespectful to the outdoor learning environment.

Instead, step in. Take part. Let your enthusiasm for the programme set the tone for students to follow.

In the outdoors, the teacher’s role shifts from instruction and delivering information to facilitating exploration and reflections. 

 Refrain from too much focus on maintaining “discipline” or punishing students who are a little extra excited. 

Be open to the possibility that students who are known for being troublemakers in school or students who are not engaged, could be very different in the outdoors.

The InSOUL team of trek leaders and  facilitators will take care of the mental, physical and psychological safety of the students as well as their overall experience. 

As a teacher joining the programme, encourage exploration and reflection and allow them the space to discover how they feel about their new environment and themselves.

Teachers don’t need to lead the learning experience but they need to be present, supporting how students experience it. Their attitude can shape how students see the journey.

Many times, while trekking with schools, we’ve noticed a troubling pattern of teachers using ‘negative motivation’ to push students along the trail. 

It usually sounds something like this: “Aren’t you ashamed that a girl is trekking faster than you?”, or “You won’t get any cake if you don’t complete this,” or even, “You’re so slow, you’re completely useless here.” We’ve heard several variations of these taunts, intended to encourage, but often having the opposite impact.

What we’ve seen, time and again, is that this kind of motivation backfires. It leaves students feeling small, embarrassed, and discouraged. When other students notice a teacher teasing a fellow student, they are encouraged to laugh at them instead of helping them. And worst of all, it takes the joy and spirit out of the experience.

At the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning, we see trekking as a deeply personal journey, where every child finds their own pace, their own strength, their own story. 

We’ve found that when students are encouraged gently, when they’re trusted and supported, they often surprise us with how far they go. It’s this nurturing, respectful environment that builds confidence and resilience, not fear or shame.

On a trek and in the outdoors students start seeing their teachers beyond the “strict classroom authority” role. Trekking together removes barriers. It opens up conversations that don’t have space in the school setting. 

It is also an opportunity to see your students in a very different light and discover their skills and aptitudes outside of what you gauge in the classroom. 

Recently in Kodaikanal, a teacher who joined an overnight camping trek mentioned how one of the students who usually sleeps in class and is perpetually bored or distracted, came alive in the outdoors. 

He was always ready to help his friends, climbed confidently and was so immersed in all the natural elements he could find all along the trail. 

She said, "I have never seen him so engaged. I now know how to guide him in the future."

During a trek, students begin to see their teachers as approachable, relatable, even “cool.” And this dynamic often carries back into the school environment.

What we notice is that when teachers are onboard with the objectives of the outdoor learning programme, and are aligned with our approach to facilitation, the support makes a world of a difference in the success of the programme. 

An InSOUL Outdoor Experiential Learning Programme is full of opportunities, not just for students, but for everyone involved. 

As facilitators, each group we work with is unique, challenging us to grow in leadership and empathy. Likewise, teachers tell us how these experiences help them understand their students better and learn alongside them in a whole new setting.

As Renu Dimri Ma'am, Principal of DPS Bangalore West says "When children feel learning is in their own hands and not controlled by teachers, it makes a huge difference. They come back much more engaged. Learning imbibed through first-hand experience remains with you forever. A classroom provides only one type of atmosphere where the academically inclined tend to thrive. Children who are quiet in class often get overlooked. The same children come back more confident after trekking. The trek perhaps gave them opportunities to achieve something significant, such as helping others".

So, the next time you join an InSOUL trek, step in fully. Be present. Engage. The impact will stay with you long after you're back in the classroom.

What Is The Role Of A Teacher Who Joins An InSOUL Programme

Over the years at Indiahikes, we have observed reservations among trekkers about insects on a trek. This insight applies not only to kids and teenagers but also to adults.

We share trekking trails not only with our fellow trekkers but with the diverse insects that inhabit them. When we venture into the outdoors, we inevitably encounter some common insect bites and understanding this reality is key to enjoying our time in nature to the fullest. 

In a similar context, recently when Lakshmi, Head of the Learning and Development team, was at Raithal, the base camp for one of our treks, she was accidentally bitten by a bee. The swelling lasted for almost four days, causing significant pain and itchiness. This experience made her realize how common insect bites are for trekkers and how important it is to know how to deal with them. 

The purpose of putting across this article is quite simple. All of us at Indiahikes believe that when you are empowered with information, you are less afraid of the things that can become a challenge for you on a trek.

Bee and Wasp Stings

This is a very simple formula for the outdoors: If you spot a bee or wasp nest, walk away calmly. They usually attack only when they feel threatened.

Moreover, the first signs and symptoms of an insect bite are crucial in identifying the cause. Whether it’s a bee sting or any other insect bite, recognising the symptoms helps in administering the right treatment.

Remove the stinger properly: Bees leave their stinger behind on your skin. Instead of using tweezers (which can push the venom deeper), slide a card or a hard object across your skin to dislodge it.

Apply a cooling cream: This helps with itching and swelling.

Take an antihistamine: If an allergic reaction occurs, antihistamines like Avil or Fexofenadine can be administered. Both Avil (Pheniramine) and Fexofenadine are antihistamines used to treat allergic reactions, including insect bites.

Monitor the swelling: It should subside within 4-5 days. If it persists, consult a doctor.

What to do if there are serious reactions?

In rare cases, an insect sting can cause anaphylactic shock, where your airways close up. Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur in response to an insect sting, particularly from bees, wasps, or hornets. It can cause airway constriction, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness.

People with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) and be familiar with its use. It's also crucial for trek leaders and teammates to know how to administer it in an emergency since anaphylaxis can escalate rapidly.

Our observation regarding allergic reactions to insect bites

Trek leaders at Indiahikes are trained to handle such emergencies. Former Trek Leader and Experience Manager at Indiahikes, Sanjay Mistry, observed that “children are more prone to developing rashes due to insect bites, particularly from mosquitoes, ants, or bedbugs. Their skin is more sensitive, and frequent scratching can worsen symptoms.”

Additionally, It is always advisable for trekkers with known allergies to carry their prescribed medicines.

Leeches

Leeches are not common on many Himalayan treks except the Goecha La. They are especially prevalent in slushy areas of this trek, particularly during the first few days. At lower altitude treks like Benog Tibba (5600 feet) they are frequently found near streams. Other than that, in treks in South and West India, you will encounter leeches, especially during the monsoon.

how to prevent or treat a leech bite (video)

Leeches bite by injecting a local anaesthetic and an anticoagulant called hirudin, preventing the victim from feeling pain while the leech feeds. This causes prolonged bleeding once the leech is removed. Since the anticoagulant thins the blood, clotting takes longer.

Leeches can be removed using sanitisers or salt, but salt kills them, which is not a good idea. So, the reason why using salt is discouraged is salt dehydrates and kills leeches. It can make them regurgitate stomach contents into the wound, increasing infection risk. Vinegar, alcohol, or strong-smelling substances can have a similar effect.

Sanitiser may work due to its alcohol content, but: It can also cause the leech to vomit, raising infection risks. The safest method is to use a fingernail or flat object to gently push the leech’s sucker sideways until it detaches.

How to stop the bleeding from a leech bite?

Pressure dressings and non-porous bandages can be effective. However, our trek leaders have also observed that pressing a dry piece of paper onto the wound helps seal it. It is essential to use antiseptics to effectively prevent infection. 

To effectively prevent leech bites, applying tobacco directly to the legs and feet works wonders. High-ankle socks or leech-proof socks are essential for added protection. Tucking your trousers into your socks is another smart strategy that trekkers have been following and it definitely offers an extra layer of defence.

Ticks

If you have trekked in Central and South India, you need no introduction to ticks. Ticks can be dangerous as they carry bacteria and viruses that may cause infections. A few months ago, our CEO, Arjun Majumdar, had a similar experience from his Pench Tiger Trail trek. 

So, what becomes important is prevention and proper removal

Use insect repellent: Apply a repellent on your body to keep ticks away.

Wear full-coverage clothing: Ensure there are no exposed areas where ticks can latch onto your skin.

Remove it correctly: Pull the tick perpendicular to your skin using tweezers. This prevents the mouthparts from getting stuck, which could lead to infection.

Treat the bite area: If swelling occurs, apply a topical antihistamine ointment. Cold compresses or ice packs are more effective in reducing swelling. For severe itchiness, an oral antihistamine may help.

Monitor for symptoms: If the bite is followed by fever or fatigue, seek medical attention immediately. Tick bites can lead to illnesses such as tick fever.

Sanjay recounts an incident involving a tick bite that occurred with one of his fellow trek leaders at Indiahikes. Read through: “Having been a trek leader, I have encountered cases of tick bites among trekkers. However, one specific incident involved a trek leader named Aniket at our Manali campus during the monsoon season. Due to a tick bite, his entire leg was badly swollen and red, and it remained painful for 2-3 weeks.”

He continues, “If the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin and an infection develops, get medical intervention as soon as possible. It is always advisable to consult with a doctor if you suspect complications.”

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the most common insects you’ll come across during a trek. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid them completely, but you can take steps to minimize the risk of bites.

Prevention is always the key! Here are a few tips that have consistently aided trekkers in reducing the troubles posed by mosquitoes.

Check for mosquito presence: Before your trek, find out if mosquitoes are a problem in the region you’re visiting.

Use insect repellent: Carry a mosquito repellent, either as a roll-on or topical cream—whichever is more comfortable for you.

Wear appropriate clothing: Light-colored, fully covered clothing helps reduce access points for mosquitoes.

This was all you needed to know about common insect bites on the treks. Write to me if you have any doubts or concerns. I would love to hear about your encounters with insect bites and how you tackled them. It would also help your fellow readers to make informed decisions.

When we venture into the outdoors, we inevitably encounter some common insect bites and understanding this reality is key to enjoying our time in nature to the fullest. 

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