← All scenarios
🥾 You're lost on a trek in the hill tracts
⚡ Do this right now
- Stop moving once you realize you're lost — wandering further usually makes things worse.
- Check your phone signal and try calling or texting your guide/group immediately.
📋 Step by step
- Stay in one place if you have any working signal or expect your group to backtrack for you.
- If you must move, head toward the sound of water (a stream) — these usually lead back to villages or trails.
- Make yourself visible: bright clothing, or a whistle/shout at intervals so search parties can locate you.
- Conserve phone battery — switch to low-power mode and only check signal periodically.
- If night falls, prioritize shelter and staying warm/dry over continuing to search for the trail.
🚫 Do not
- Don't split from your group to 'find the trail faster' alone.
- Don't keep walking randomly in different directions — this makes you harder to find and wastes energy.
- Don't trek in these areas without informing your hotel/guide of your planned route and return time.
🎒 What you'll need
- A local guide (strongly recommended for hill tracts treks)
- A charged phone and a physical whistle
- Your planned route shared with someone at your hotel before setting out
📍 Need to share your location?
Generate a map link of exactly where you are, ready to send by SMS or WhatsApp.
✅ After it's over
Always confirm required permits for hill tracts areas before the trek — check with local authorities or your guide beforehand.
This page is general safety guidance, not a substitute for professional emergency services or medical advice. Always call official emergency numbers first.