What trekkers need to know before planning tripsFirst-ever SOPs for trekking
Announcing the decision, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre said that trekking will no longer be permitted without a certified nature guide on any trail approved by the Forest Department. “No one will be allowed to trek without a nature guide,” he stated while launching the SOPs.
Solo trekking restricted amid rising missing cases
Under the new system, all trekkers must register in advance with the Forest Department before starting their trek. Authorities have made it clear that violations will attract strict action which includes blacklisting of organisers and agencies that fail to follow the rules. Solo trekking without supervision is effectively not allowed anymore, as even a single trekker will be assigned a guide.
GPS tracking now compulsory for trekkers
The SOPs also introduce a mandatory tracking mechanism. Every trekker will have to install a tracking application on their mobile phone, allowing officials to monitor movement in real time and respond quickly in case of emergencies. Additionally, there will be one certified nature guide for every 10 trekkers, and all guides will be equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies.
The decision follows a series of incidents that exposed gaps in safety and monitoring. In a recent case, a tech professional from Kerala went missing during a solo trek at Tadiandamol, a popular but challenging trail in Kodagu. She had reportedly strayed from the designated path during descent and got lost in dense forest terrain. With no guide and limited mobile connectivity, she remained untraceable for several days before being found weak and dehydrated after a large-scale search operation.
In another incident in the Chadradrona ranges, a teenage girl from Kerala went missing during a family outing. Delays in locating her led to an extended search, and her body was later found in a ravine near the trekking stretch. Officials said such incidents highlighted the need for structured systems and stricter oversight.
Karnataka government’s move to prevent trekking incidents
The new SOPs also include additional safety and infrastructure measures. At base camps, trekkers will be briefed about route details, terrain, duration and safety protocols, including how to handle wildlife encounters. Facilities such as drinking water, toilets, signposts and designated rest areas will be developed along trekking routes.
Further, minors will need parental consent to participate, while senior citizens must provide fitness certificates. Nature guides will carry first-aid kits to manage medical emergencies on the trail.
The government is also integrating all forest trekking routes into an official online portal. This will enable advance bookings, regulate visitor numbers and ensure better tracking of footfall across forest tourism destinations in the state.
