Travelling to the mountains this monsoon? 5 precautions one must follow to be safe

Monsoon has wreaked havoc across the country. While many love exploring beaches and mountains during monsoon and being a part of monsoon tourism, it is dangerous and life-threatening. Many tourists across Himachal Pradesh are stuck after a cloudburst resulted in heavy rains and massive landslides.

However, if you have to travel to the mountains this monsoon, make sure to follow a few precautions to remain safe.

Precautions to keep in mind if travelling to the mountains in monsoon

1. Always be updated with the weather

When heading to the mountains, make sure you are always up to date with the weather conditions. Follow local news channels closely and talk to the locals for time-to-time updates. If heavy rain is forecasted, trust it and look for a safer spot to stay.

2. Waterproof clothes, appropriate shoes

When heading to the mountains, do not compromise on your clothes and shoes. When planning for the trip, avoid carrying heels, open shoes, cotton clothes and flared pants. Instead, invest in waterproof shoes that will protect your feet.

Make sure to also carry synthetic clothes, raincoats and wind-cheaters when heading to the mountains.

3. Do not explore hidden paths, stay away from waterfalls

Unlike what Robert Frost suggested, do not take the road not taken when travelling in the mountains. Avoid unknown roads and do not let your adventurous side out during the monsoon.

Make sure to avoid going to waterfalls as they are unpredictable and waterflow may change in seconds without prior warning.

4. Thorough checking of vehicles

It is better to be safe and be doubly sure about your vehicles. Make sure to check your bike or car's skid properties, optimal tyre pressure and wheel balance. One should also check the headlights and fog lights to see if they are in working condition.

5. Avoid camping in low-lying areas

With landslides and flash floods frequent in monsoons, avoid camping in low-lying areas or near the river banks.

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