24 September,2026 10:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Trekkers navigate the challenging terrain leading to Sondai Fort. PICS COURTESY/MOUNT ME
"We relied too much on AI [Artificial Intelligence] rather than our own critical thinking." Earlier this month, three novice trekkers made this humble confession to forest rangers at Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County, Northern California. Google's AI bot, Gemini had severely miscalculated the 16 hour climb, leaving the group stranded in the dark without food and supplies. An overnight search-and-rescue mission followed.
Chirag Dhabalia
"Every mountain has its own rhythm, and you must respect it. At high altitudes, there's rarely a second chance when you make a mistake. Technology can be treated as a navigation aid, not as a substitute for research, judgement, local knowledge and real-world experience," warns Chirag Dhabalia, trek leader and founder, Mount Me.
To simulate how a similar crisis could unfold in the Western Ghats, we asked an AI model to plan us a trek to the beginner's favourite Sondai Fort in Karjat. Dhabalia decodes the risks
The AI-generated map
>> Verdict: The map reflects the general view that Sondai is a beginner-friendly trek. However, when I took a group of trekkers there during the monsoon this year, several sections had become significantly more challenging due to changes in the terrain and rock formations.
>> Landslides, erosion, loose rocks, mud, water flow and altered trail conditions can completely change the character of a route. The map shows the same old route, but the reality on the ground can be different. This is where on-field experience, existing terrain assessment and local knowledge become critical. Never dismiss advice from a local guide who knows the mountain like the back of his hand.
Across the Sahyadri mountain range lie trails where GPS signals can often fail amid deep gorges, dense terrain, and unpredictable landscapes. On such trails, seasoned trekkers might have to leave useful technology aside. Some of these treks are Alang Madan Kulang Range Trek, Harishchandragad Trek, and the Kohoj Trek.
The trek leader suggests a few handy non-AI apps and gadgets that seasoned trekkers rely on in high altitudes
Windy App: The app provides high-resolution weather models, altitude-specific data, and visual map layers to track changing mountain conditions.
Satellite devices: The Garmin inReach Mini 3 uses two-way communication to reach loved ones or emergency services in case something goes wrong on an expedition.
Smartwatches: Garmin and Amazfit Trex provide offline navigation, environmental and altitude monitoring, safety and health metrics with extended battery time for long treks.
Karoli Valley
Difficulty: Easy
Duration:
4 to 5 hours
Kalu Waterfall
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Aadrai Jungle Trek
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
ON Every Friday and Saturday
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