Je projette de partir randonner dans la Nam Sam National Protected Area, au Laos, à la frontière vietnamienne, près de Vieng Xai (où il y a les grottes qui servaient de refuge aux communistes pendant la Secret War). J'ai choisi ce coin car je recherche une zone qui n'est pas dénaturée par le tourisme. Or, au Laos comme souvent en Asie du Sud-Est, l'éco-tourisme, souvent, n'est qu'un pseudo éco-tourisme, où les minorités ethniques sont un peu comme les animaux d'un zoo qu'on regarde avec des yeux de merlan frit car ils ont des vêtements originaux. Revers de la médaille de mon choix : très peu d'info dans les guides touristiques et sur Internet à propos de cette Nam Sam National Protected Area. Quelqu'un connaît-il ce coin ? Des tuyaux ? Des rando intéressantes ?
S'il existait des infos là-dessus, tu n'y serais pas seul. Donc réjouis-toi de ne pas trouver d'infos et sois certain de te retrouver seul touriste là-bas.
Alors tu n'as que commencer par rejoindre Sam Teu (aussi appelé Sam Taï), tu n'auras pas de transport mais ça se fait à pied en 1 ou 2 jours et à partir de là, c'est comme toujours : tu empruntes n'importe quels sentiers qui semblent mener à des villages, et dans les premiers hameaux traversés, si tu crains de te perdre pour la suite, tu recrutes un ou deux villageois comme guides. Inutile d'essayer d'en recruter un à Sam Neua ou à Vieng Xaï car c'est comme toujours, ils seront totalement incapables de te guider car ils ne suspecteront même pas l'existence des villages dans la réserve de Nam Sam (ça c'est le nom de la rivière, la réserve est aussi appelée Na Meo).
A savoir quand-même que c'est pas le meilleur coin pour la richesse et diversité culturelles (ethnique), tu n'y rencontreras "que" des Hmongs.
A savoir quand-même que la région est peu habitée et que faut pas que t'aies peur de te retrouver devant des "néants" (c'est à dire de grands territoires vierges, inhabités, et totalement impénétrables pour toi). Si tu y vas pour la nature, fais toi bien voir chez les Hmongs et essaye de partir chasser avec eux 3 ou 4 jours en forêt. Mais attention, y'a préalablement une énorme confiance à gagner.
A savoir quand-même (et surtout) qu'il est formellement indispensable que tu saches te présenter et expliquer tout de suite (en lao) tes intentions pacifiques et désintéressées au moindre villageois que tu rencontreras (sous peine de lever d'innombrables soupçons), que tu as intérêt à savoir demander ton chemin en lao (et de plusieurs manières différentes), que tu as intérêt à ne pas craindre de "perdre plusieurs journées à te perdre" et donc de disposer de beaucoup de temps, que tu as intérêt à savoir solliciter hébergement et nourriture en lao, que tu as intérêt à ne pas craindre la vie "à la dure" dans les villages. Car, dans ce genre de coin, ne t'attends pas à tomber dans un cirque galvaudé comme Muang Sing ou Vang Vieng mais saches que dans certains villages tu seras le premier blanc à y revenir, depuis plusieurs années parfois.
A savoir quand-même que ça paranoïe énormément dans le coin (beaucoup de pavot + frontière proche + activités policières douteuses). En 2002 je m'y suis déjà fait ramasser par une "patrouille" de 5 hommes (en tenues militaires dépareillées…) alors que je crapahutais depuis deux jours dans les montagnes au sud de Vieng Xaï (retour dare-dare escorté à Vieng Xaï, interrogatoire et obligation du repartir vers Sam Neua dès le lendemain…).
Voilà, si tu penses pouvoir réunir toutes ces conditions, alors vas-y, fonces. Ca va être exceptionnel.
200 jours à pied,
seul, sans guide,
aux confins du Laos : CLIC
Pour avoir une idée, combien paies-tu un guide local par jour ?
Je ne parle pas lao. Je parle anglais et un peu khmer mais j'imagine que les gens de cette région peu touristique, même dans les petites villes, ne maitrisent pas ces langues. Crois-tu donc qu'il faille renoncer à mon projet ?
A quoi ressemblent les paysages ? J'ai lu que c'était splendide. Tu confirmes ?
Pour avoir une idée, combien paies-tu un guide local par jour ?
Pour ce genre de balades, je donnais entre 1, 5 et 2, 5 € par jour/par personne (il ne s'agissait pas de guides mais de "simples" villageois qui acceptaient de m'accompagner ; j'en changeais dans chaque village (mais je me déplaçais aussi souvent seul, certaines journées). Il s'agissait de villages très reculés, des endroits où l'argent "n'a pas la même valeur" qu'ailleurs (car ça peut sembler faible comme somme, mais donner plus eu pu être indécent vis à vis des autres villageois).
Je ne parle pas lao. Je parle anglais et un peu khmer mais j'imagine que les gens de cette région peu touristique, même dans les petites villes, ne maitrisent pas ces langues.
Déjà, on ne parle pas de villes, même Sam Teu n'est qu'un village. Evidemment personne ne parle un mot d'anglais dans ces coins. Saches que tu y seras "l'extra-terrestre" et un "évènement" depuis plusieurs mois. Il faudra absolument pouvoir t'expliquer.
Crois-tu donc qu'il faille renoncer à mon projet ?
Sincèrement, sans savoir demander (en lao) ce que je disais dans mon premier message, alors oui : tu peux abandonner tout de suite la visite des coins comme les alentours de Sam Teu. Mais pour une première fois, va au moins à Vieng Xaï et essaye, de là, d'atteindre les villages Hmongs les plus proches, à la journée. Les grottes ? bof pour ma part, sans intérêt à moins que la période historique t'intéresse. Et là, à Vieng Xaï, ce n'est pas comme Sam Teu, ils en voient passer quelques touristes, et puis tu rencontreras 2 ou 3 jeunes parlant anglais : ceux qui font les guides pour les visites des grottes ; il doit bien y avoir un Hmong parmi eux : "utilises-le" pour préparer une suite...
A quoi ressemblent les paysages ? J'ai lu que c'était splendide. Tu confirmes ?
Aux alentours de Vieng Xaï : formations karstiques (montagnes en "pains de sucre"), splendide sous certaines lumières et génial pour observer les oiseaux. Plus loin : collines, montagnes, forêts très denses et préservées, magnifiques villages perdus...
Bon voyage !
200 jours à pied,
seul, sans guide,
aux confins du Laos : CLIC
avril 2003 je suis passé a SAM NEUA puis VIENG XAI.A VIENG XAI visite des grottes qui ont été bombardées durant + de 10 années...3 million de tones B52...Bon c est du passé...mais c est sur il n y pas grandes choses a manger🙁sinon le paysage c est plat puis des pics de colline ou montagnes comme dans la bai d halong au vietnam qui regorge de grotte...faut dire que c est un peu dangereux de s aventurer dans la region a cause des bombes...vaut mieux quelqu un qui vous accompagne ou alors rester bien sur le chemin du sentier..mais la region est peu visitée a cause de la paranoia du communisme cela se comprend car ils ont établient a VIENG XAI comme ville de REBELLION contre le gourvernement a l époque...
dans la region vaut mieux dormir local et manger local...bonne visite
Nous partons pour le Laos via la Thailande pour une durée de 3 semaines environ. Entrée par Huay Xai vers le 20 juin. En fonction de notre mode de voyage et de…
Je suis actuellement au Cambodge et vais arriver dans quelques jours au Laos, par le sud donc. Le lonely (oui oui je sais) semble enthousiate sur le parc…
Nous partons bientot au Laos pour decouvrir la Nature principalement. Nous allons donc privilegier les ballades dans les Zone Nationales Protegees. Nous avons…
avec mon ami apres etre allés au vietnam et en thailande on a tres envie de repartir cet été. On avait d'abord pensé au laos mais finalement la malaisie nous…
Je souhaiterais partir 12 jours fin mars au Laos ou Cambodge, j'hésite ´pour faire de la randonnée.merci pour vos conseils, sur l'itinéraire et peut être sur…
Hi,
We’re planning to do the 4-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli without an agency. The descriptions mention that there are accommodations at each stop, but we can’t find any details about them. Has anyone got info or feedback on this route?
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont.
The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips.
We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries!
Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike.
It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge.
I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle.
In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details:
We arrive in early August and leave in early September.
We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery!
We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat?
Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations.
Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July.
I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route.
Can anyone give me some info on this?
Thanks!
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there?
A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions?
For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip...
Thanks for your tips!
Have a great day,
Anie, Toulouse
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice?
Best regards,
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028.
I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄).
This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish.
I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips?
Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina?
At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Morocco in August and we’ll start with a stop in Chefchaouen (we’re driving).
My question: can anyone suggest a 5-to-7-day loop hiking route from Chefchaouen in Talassemtane Park, ideally passing by the God’s Bridge? Or a paper guidebook that covers a few options?
We prefer wild camping and guesthouses.
Thanks in advance
Hi there, for those who’ve been recently—is it possible to find other solo travelers in March on the island to share transport or room costs? It doesn’t seem easy to travel on a budget.
If you have any recommendations for simple lodgings or places with dorms, I’d love to hear them.
For those who’ve done multi-day treks while moving around: do you need to bring your own sleeping bag? I’d love to hear about itineraries you’ve done without a guide, just with a map and GPS.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Hi everyone!
We’re planning a 15-day road trip to Scotland this summer, specifically to explore and hike on Lewis and Harris—places we’ve never been before. We’ve visited other islands on previous road trips in Scotland (we usually go in April for a week). This would be our first time in Scotland in the summer and for 15 days. We’re looking at late August to early September.
I’m currently drafting the itinerary. We’d be crossing from Ullapool and were thinking of spending 3 nights on Harris and 4 nights on Lewis.
Does that sound balanced to you? Is it better to keep the same accommodation on Harris and the same on Lewis to explore the area? I’d love to hear about any past experiences you’ve had on these islands.
Thanks!
Hi there, I’m trying to leave for 15 days very soon to São Vicente. I’m either looking to join an agency or figure things out on my own to go hiking on one of these islands or both. From what I’ve seen, it’s not easy to organize with local transport, so it gets expensive. Can I use the services of a small local agency? I’m looking for the simplest way to hike for several days. Also, how do you get from São Vicente to São Nicolau? Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Aichatou
I’ve been wanting to do this for several years, and this year’s the one. Next September, I’ll be trekking in Tusheti (Georgia), from Omalo to Shatili.
Of course, I won’t be renting a vehicle that’d just sit unused. No problem getting to Pshaveli, but from there to Omalo, it’s a dirt road (still the case?)
There must be some form of public transport since there are so many guesthouses, and not all travelers come in a 4x4.
If any of you have been to Omalo, could you confirm that these shared transports exist and how often they run?
we’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and hoping to do a three-day backcountry hike if we get a permit.
if any of you have done this before, could you let me know if it’s possible to find water along the way? And if we can transport it, are we allowed to use a stove?
Hello,
I’ll be in Nepal from March 6th to 29th (we’re flying into Kathmandu via Varanasi and leaving via Delhi).
I’m a bit confused about the regulations requiring a guide.
My wife and I (we’re 63 and 64) aren’t experienced trekkers—we’re more used to walking on terrain with very moderate elevation changes. I’m looking for fairly easy hikes, possibly day trips.
Here are my questions:
- Does the Poon Hill trek from Pokhara require a guide, or is it better to go through a local agency? (I’ve seen a lot of them offering 4-day packages)
- I’d like to do a few multi-day hikes around Jomsom (Kagbeni, Mukitinath, Lupra, Marpha)... Do you need a guide for those, and can you find accommodations easily without booking in advance?
Last question—I’m really hesitant to lug around a sleeping bag or down jacket during our 6 weeks in India. Can you easily find these kinds of items at reasonable prices in Pokhara?
Thanks in advance for any tips you can share!
Yann
I’m a 56-year-old man who’s done several treks in Nepal and elsewhere. Also passionate about photography.
I’m looking for one or more people to form a group for a trek in Nepal. The trek is the Annapurna and Manaslu circuit (24 days), including a stop at Tilicho Lake. I’ve got a great itinerary and the local company seems solid. The price is around $1600.
I’ll be in Nepal from April 5 to May 12, 2026, so the trek would need to happen within those dates.
