Mostly trekking implies an arduous and long journey to regions where there is no regular means of transportation available. Treks are conducted usually on foot. You can go on treks alone or in groups.

If you are going on trekking like trekking near Mumbai especially alone, you may follow certain tips. You must begin the trek with proper planning. Here are some tips to follow:

• Determine the place and do research on facts:

You are planning a solo trek. You must decide the place carefully. You must conduct proper research on location and climate of the place. You should make further plans only after this.

• Design a schedule

You must make a proper design of iterinary while planning. The schedule must be designed as per the climatic conditions. You must travel only when the climate is suitable.

• Budgeting

While determining the budget, you must never forget to include vital points like food expenses, accommodation expenses etc.  It is good to double the budget as per your estimation as there may be many unforeseen expenses.

• Do expert packing

When you are trekking alone, you must remember that there will not be anyone else to help you with food stuff or clothing during the trek. You should pack gear with enough clothes to cope with the climate. Pack sufficient quantity as per the time spent on the trek.

Packing enough clothing  will be useful as you may face the problem of washing and drying of clothes. So you must be well prepared. When climate is cold, you must pack two sets of socks- an inner sock and an outer woolen one. This will protect your feet well. Also carry a basic medical kit.

• Positive frame of mind

When you embark on a solo trek, you need to know that there will not be anyone else to help you. You must have a positive frame of mind in addition to your physical preparation.

In case you feel frustrated, keep calm. Plan enough time in your iterinary, so you don’t feel upset when plans go awry. Do not attempt to cross fast flowing rivers or streams; you run the risk of spraining ankles which will conclude the trek. Hence, have a positive frame of mind always.

• Consult weather report

Your first concern must be safety. You should always ascertain how the weather is going to be. Don’t try to be adventurous if weather does not suit trekking. Attempt a trek only when the weather is suitable.

• Carry GPS and guidebooks

You must carry GPS- or Geographical Positioning System while embarking on a trek. It will help identify current position, initial position and also your path. In case you lose your way, you may use its help and get the right direction. But you cannot rely completely on GPS as you run the risk of empty battery. Hence you should also carry guidebooks. For navigation, you can also make sure you get reliable directions from someone who has been on the trail. You may also speak to and confirm with multiple people. Mostly, trail navigation is a combination of analysis of maps, a good sense of direction and common sense.

You must also embark on the trip only after informing a relative or friend about your where abouts. Keep them informed as they can help you when in trouble.