Unwritten Rules to Avoid Unspoken Gaalis: Hiking Etiquette 101

Whether you’re trekking through the Western Ghats, scaling the Himalayas, or just taking a walk up to your neighborhood fort, it seems some folks could use a crash course in ‘How Not To Be A Nuisance’. So, for the sake of nature and our collective sanity, here’s a guide to hiking etiquette in India. Let’s get those basics down, shall we?

1) Stay on the Trail | This isn’t a shortcut to your tapri

Yes, I know you’re a master of jugaad, but no, this doesn’t mean you should “find your own way” through the forest. That marked trail is there for a reason—mostly to prevent you from wandering into a bear’s backyard or crushing a bunch of plants that take years to grow. But sure, go ahead, take the shortcut through that clearly off-limits area. I’m sure the forest will forgive you. (Spoiler: It won’t.)

Vaga’ Tip: Stick to the path. It’s not just about keeping you safe but also protecting the fragile ecosystem. And let’s be honest, no one has time for a Sahyadris rescue operation in the middle of an intense monsoon season.

2) Respect Uphill Hikers | Cause what goes up, eventually comes down

When you’re hiking down from the peak after enjoying that perfect Instagram-worthy chai and maggi, don’t forget to give some respect to the poor souls climbing up. They’re already questioning their life choices with every step; the last thing they need is you barging downhill like you’re delivering tiffins in South Bombay.

Vaga’ Tip: Yield to uphill hikers. Trust me, they’re not climbing just to admire your face. Step aside, let them pass, and enjoy that guilt-free descent.

3) Carry Your Trash Back | No, nature is not your dustbin!

Let me guess, your plastic wrappers, bottles, and snacks are biodegradable, right? Wrong! That trash isn’t going to magically disappear because you threw it under a bush. And yes, that includes the banana peel you swear will decompose in a few days (it won’t). Leaving it behind isn’t going to help you reach nirvana—it’s just going to make the trail a mess.

Vaga’ Tip: Pack your trash out. Every last bit of it. Even the organic stuff (It takes decades to decompose in high altitudes). Because we’re trying to enjoy nature here, not sift through a pile of Kurkure wrappers.

4) Turn Down the Bass | The hills are alive with the(ir own) sound of music

We get it—you love your music. But does the entire valley need to hear it too? There’s nothing like hiking in the mountains, soaking in the tranquility, only to be interrupted by someone’s blasting playlist of 90s Bollywood hits. While Shah Rukh Khan dancing on a train is iconic, you don’t need to turn the trail into a walking disco. Trust me, the birds are judging you (and so are we).

Vaga’ Tip: Keep your music to yourself. Nature has its own soundtrack, and it’s pretty epic. Invest in earphones or, better yet, just enjoy the sound of silence.

5) Watch Your Group Size | This isn’t a baraat!

You’ve assembled your crew for a trekking adventure. Great! But when the entire neighborhood, extended family, and that one uncle who brought his tiffin show up, you’ve gone a little overboard. Hiking doesn’t have to feel like navigating Chandni Chowk on Diwali. Let’s keep it low-key, people.

Vaga’ Tip: Smaller groups mean a better experience for everyone. Plus, you’re less likely to disrupt wildlife or clog up the trail like it’s an Andheri West traffic jam.

6) Don’t Befriend the Wildlife | Even if there’s a resemblance

India’s trekking trails are full of wildlife, and yes, that includes monkeys. But before you get any ideas about sharing your snacks with our primate friends or getting close for a selfie, remember: these are wild animals. The only thing worse than a hangry monkey is one that’s learned to steal your lunch.

Vaga’ Tip: Admire wildlife from a distance. Feeding or disturbing animals disrupts their natural behavior and digestive habits. Plus, nobody wants to deal with a monkey snatching their samosas.

7) Take Your Time at the Summit | But don’t pitch a tent for a photoshoot

You made it to the top—congrats! Now, go ahead, snap that triumphant selfie. But maybe don’t spend the next 45 minutes staging a full-on fashion shoot, blocking everyone else’s view of the sunrise. The mountains aren’t going anywhere, but your patience might.

Vaga’ Tip: Soak in the view, snap multiple pics, then let others have their moment of glory. There’s no need to act like you’ve booked the peak for a private event.

8) Politeness on the Path | Yes, even if you’re in a hurry to catch the last bus

Nothing screams “I’m new to hiking” like shoving past someone on a narrow trail without so much as an “excuse me.” Yes, you’ve got a bus to catch, but that doesn’t mean you can bulldoze through fellow trekkers. It’s a mountain, not Sarojini Market on a weekend.

Vaga’ Tip: Passing on the trail is part of the experience. Just be polite—announce yourself and wait for a wide spot before trying to overtake someone. Simple, right?

So, whether you’re trekking to Triund in Himachal, hiking Garbett Plateau in Maharashtra, or joining any of our Back-Pack-Go and Into-The-Wild adventures, a little consideration goes a long way.

Remember, the mountains may be calling but don’t let anyone call you out for disrespecting them!

Elton Mendonce