Want to go on a summer trek? Here's a guide to help you get started this season

I climbed to the top of the plateau that you see behind me 

For most beginners like me, the idea of a trek in the scorching summer conjures up images of relentless sun, sticky clothes, dehydration, and exhaustion. The assumption is that if it's not the cool, postcard-perfect Himalayas, it's probably not worth the effort. But that belief doesn't quite hold up. Speak to anyone who has actually attempted a summer trek (me), and suddenly it seems like a pretty "cool" thing to do in the season.

Last week, my mum and I set out on the Jor to Mahabaleshwar jungle trek, expecting to endure the worst of the season. It was an all-day trek, the kind that would typically intimidate a first-timer. But instead of harsh sunlight beating down constantly, I found myself walking through dense green canopies that filtered the heat into something softer, almost pleasant. The jungle had its own climate. Cool air brushed past as we weaved through winding trails, careful with each step but never overwhelmed. The experience was about being present. Listening, observing, and adjusting. At the end of it, none of us could remember the discomfort as much as the beauty of the entire journey.

Planning your first summer trek

If you're hesitant, think of summer trekking less as an endurance test and more as a curated outdoor experience. Opt for jungle or forest treks over exposed mountain routes. Start with half-day or easy-grade treks. Begin before sunrise or early morning to avoid peak afternoon heat. Carry at least 2-3 litres of water. Hydration is completely non-negotiable here. Add electrolytes to prevent fatigue. Dress smart. Light, breathable fabrics and a cap or hat is essential.

From the expert himself

"Where in winters and monsoon you can't see any view properly from heights, summer provides you with that visibility," says Viraj Gadekar, a trekking guide and social media handler of Giripremi, a leading mountaineering club in Maharashtra. "The rock textures are better in the summer for treks as well." He also talks about the beauty of sunrise and sunset during the season. "The orange-pinkish colour makes the skies look like a painting. These are just few of visual images I'm talking about. There are countless more in the journey." The peace and rejuvenating activity takes you out of your corporate cubicles and everyday hustle in the city.

Yes, the view is always worth it, as the clear sky allows you to see far and wide

A reset in the outdoors

The hesitation around summer trekking is understandable, but it's also limiting. By dismissing an entire season, we miss out on a completely different version of nature - one that is vibrant, textured, and surprisingly gentle if approached correctly. My trek was also a reset. For someone who doesn't like being out in the sun for long, I treasured basking under it while climbing in and out of the flora.

If you're lucky, you'll find a sugarcane juice seller waiting for you at the peak. Pics/Tanisha Banerjee

Why summer treks are underrated

Summer is when nature is at its most expressive. It brings out a different personality in the outdoors. Trees are dense, providing natural shade. Native fruits begin to appear along trails. The air carries distinct earthy and floral scents. You feel nature through multiple senses. Unlike colder months, where silence dominates, summer feels alive. Contrary to popular belief, not all summer treks are gruelling. Many forest trails are shorter, well-paced treks around the terrain - especially in Western Ghats regions - and are often manageable. The key is choosing the right trek instead of avoiding the season altogether.