Monsoon Trekking In Sahyadris: Must-Follow Safety Do’s and Don’ts

Pune, 17 June 2025

With the arrival of monsoon, the Sahyadri mountain ranges transform into a lush green paradise. Streams, rivulets, and waterfalls overflow with water, enhancing the natural beauty of the region. As a result, many tourist destinations witness a significant influx of visitors eager to enjoy nature’s splendor.

However, it is equally important to exercise extreme caution while exploring the wilderness during the monsoon. Trails in the Sahyadris become slippery due to rainfall; dense fog and overgrown grass often lead to disorientation; heavy rain on the hilltops causes streams and waterfalls to swell rapidly, and sudden cloudbursts can result in flash floods. There is also the risk of landslides and falling rocks, especially around fort walls and steep cliffs. Therefore, monsoon treks and adventures must be undertaken with utmost care and preparedness.

While the Sahyadris offer countless opportunities for adventure, one should avoid taking unnecessary risks. It is strongly advised not to venture alone, regardless of the season. Numerous trekking groups and organizations have been offering selfless rescue services across the Sahyadris. Yet, it is heartbreaking for these rescuers to retrieve individuals injured or deceased due to reckless adventure. 

Organizations such as the Guardian Giripremi Institute of Mountaineering and the Maharashtra Mountaineers Rescue Coordination Center, operated by the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh, coordinate rescue operations across the state. Hundreds of trained mountaineers volunteer their services as a social responsibility, often risking their own lives in the process.

While it is indeed worth experiencing this breathtaking natural beauty, it must be done with a sense of responsibility — towards both personal safety and nature.

To promote safe monsoon tourism, the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh — the apex mountaineering federation of Maharashtra — has released a set of safety guidelines and protocols. All tourists and trekkers are urged to adhere to these regulations before planning their trips.

“There has been a noticeable rise in accidents during monsoon treks in the Sahyadris. Many individuals attempt to take selfies at dangerous spots like cliffs, fort bastions, and slippery edges. Others venture under gushing waterfalls or explore unfamiliar and remote locations, often resulting in serious accidents or fatalities. While the monsoon brings out the mesmerizing beauty of the Sahyadris, the joy of seeing a waterfall is best enjoyed from a safe distance. Slippery trails, landslide-prone zones, fog-covered paths, and strong currents of streams and waterfalls should be strictly avoided.

To enjoy monsoon adventures to the fullest, without inviting danger, one must act wisely and cautiously. Following the safety advisory issued by the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all, ” informed Umesh Zirpe, President – Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh.  

Guidelines for Monsoon Trekking

Go on a trek with the people you know and are experienced trekkers

The number of people in the trek should be limited and manageable

First Aid should always be carried on a trek

Location, Duration, Leader and the information related to the trek should be shared with family/friends

The Members of the trek should be walking in between the First Man and Last Man

Even if the trek is of a day a good quality Head Torch should be carried 

If required or felt necessary accompany yourself with a (local) guide to avoid going off route

Plan for the trek according to the rain forecast

There is a possibility of going off route due to the whiteout, be careful and attentive while walking in such conditions 

Do not climb over fort doors, ledges, or other debris as lose rocks can cause an accident

Carrying a walking stick is recommended as it eases the climb, descent and balancing whilst the trek 

Take extra care while walking on mossy routes

Cover the electronic gadgets with sufficient waterproof layers as they can be useful in an emergency

Carry a power bank on the trek 

Avoid taking photos in risky or dangerous places

In case of lightning stay in a dry and safe places, do not wait in an open or wet space

Do not party or cause chaos at trekking places

Do not litter on forts, near waterfalls, or in jungles and pick up the litter if seen any

The levels of rainfall in watershed areas is not understood which can lead to increase in sudden flow of water, in such situations do not get into water pools, waterfalls or crossing rivers

Avoid places with high waterflow as there’s a possibility of rockfall 

Avoid going into natural pools, waterfalls if you can’t take the guess of it’s depth

Avoid going at crowded places

Inform your close ones if any last minute changes are made in the trek

Inform your close ones once the trek is completed or if possible when you have reached at the base

Keep excess dry clothing and other relevant dry accessories with you as it can be useful in an emergency

Pack your belongings with plastic covered layers to avoid them getting wet

If any unfortunate occurrence takes place you can contact the below mentioned 24*7 helpline number