Bonjour à tous et grand merci à tous ceux qui donnent des informations sur ce forum
Pour mon 3eme voyage en BIRMANIE , fin octobre 2013 , je souhaiterai passer du temps et faire des treks en Haute Birmanie et plus particulièrement autour de Pyin Oo Lwin , kyaukme, Hsipaw J’ai lu tous les posts sur VF mais je n’ai trouvé que peu d’infos sur les treks (et certaines contradictoires ) ou des infos pas très récentes, ci après j’ai fais une synthèse des infos que j’ai recueilli sur les treks dans cette région et des questions que je me posent
- Acces à Namhsan : possible, interdit ou soumis à autorisation ( à ce jour)???? Peux t on faire cette année le trek Kyaukme – Namhsan ( 3jours 2 nuits ? ) idem pour le trek Hsipaw- Namhsan ( 3jours 2 nuits ? ) Si oui peux t on enchainer les 2 ?
- J ai noté qu’il y a plusieurs treks très intéressants à la journée a Namhsan Y a-t-il une guest house ? Il me semble que oui mais je ne retrouve plus le post
- Hsipaw j’ai noté des treks vers Pandlong, ( 15 kms) Pankan ( 2jours 1 nuit ) Existe-t-il d’autres treks de plus d’une journée ?
Existe-t-il des guides a Hsipaw , en dehors de chez M CHARLES et de « son monopole » ?
- Kyaukme la compétence du guide JOY fait l’unanimité dans les posts mais peu d’infos sur les treks de plus d’une journée Celui-ci fait il aussi des treks autour de Hsipaw ?
- Pyin Oo Lwin je n’ai trouvé aucune info sur les treks au départ de Pyin Oo Lwin hormis les routes pour aller aux cascades
Je reviens de 3 semaines 1/2 en Birmanie, dont une petite semaine dans la région dont tu parles.
A mi-août, l'accès à NamSan était fermé aux étrangers.
J'ai trekké 3j avec Joy autour de Kyaukme : le plus simple est de lui mettre un mail, il connait très bien la région et peut t'organiser un trek complètement sur-mesure selon ton temps et tes envies. Si c'est ton 3e voyage en Birmanie pas la peine de te prévenir, mais au cas où pour les autres : ce genre de trek est quand même très roots (il faut aimer faire pipi dans la nature et dormir à même le sol avec une famille birmane autour du feu dans une maison en bamboo ;))
Pendant notre trek nous n'avons pas rencontré de soldats Shan rebelles, mais c'est fréquent (ils ne veulent rien aux touristes cependant).
Notre itinéraire dans la région :
- taxi collectif Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin puis journée à Pyin Oo Lwin
- train jusqu'à Kyaukme (très long, bien sûr en retard et dur dur pour les fesses en classe éco mais super expérience !)
- trek de 3j
- bus Kyaukme - Inle : direct, départ vers 16-17h (le bus arrive de Lashio) et arrivée à Swhenang à 6h environ
Je suis actuellement en Birmanie et m'interroge sur la suite du voyage, notamment sur le trek que je pourrai faire. Aurais-tu plus de détails à partager sur ton trek avec Joy ? Itinéraire, prix, email de Joy, ce genre de choses. Ca m'aidera peut-être à faire mon choix !
Si quelqu'un a un avis à donner d'ailleurs sur les mérites respectifs des treks de Kyaukme versus Hsipaw ou autre, ça m'intéresse 🙂 Mon ébauche d'itinéraire ici (j'en suis déjà à J3 héhé) : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6056681;page=last;#last
Il y a déjà pas mal d'infos sur le forum à ce sujet petite recherche trek+joy par exemple...).
Il fait tout sur mesure, donc le prix peut varier pas mal j'imagine, mais en gros pour nous c'était 30 000 Ks pour nous 2 par jour tout compris (transport, hébergement, guide, nourriture).
Le plus simple est bien sûr de le contacter directement (son email circule aussi sur le forum)
De retour de Birmanie je vous propose un petit compte rendu des treks que j ai réalisés et quelques informations utiles sur la région
IMPORTANT ;
Compte tenu des zones interdites a ce jour en particulier Namshan le nombre de trek est très limité à kyaukme et à Hsipaw ( voir ci-dessous)
Kyaukme Pour y accéder : depuis Mandalay le train inconfortable et très long (10 h) , ou bus confortable (6h) ou Van (7 personnes) un peu plus rapide ( voir Power k ) Hôtel pour l'instant un seul choix A Yone Oo Guesthouse : réserver à l'avance pour pouvoir bénéficier de chambres correctes 35 dollars et éviter les "chambres ?" cellules de 4m2 Hôtel sale, organisation défaillante et situation de monopole ( jusqu'en 2014)
Trek : chaussures de rando indispensable
- un seul trek de 2 jours ! Départ de Kyaukme en moto ( 2h30) avant d’arriver au village de départ du trek puis 2 villages le premier jour ( 4h30 de marche) , nuit chez l’habitant puis 2 autres villages ( 4h de marche) et retour au point de départ pour refaire 2h30 de moto
Paysage moyen et un peu monotone les plantations de thé dominent un peu partout Les points de vue sont rares ( sauf un la première heure du 2 eme jour ) les villages traversés déserts car à l’exception des personnes âgées et des enfants tout le monde est dans les plantations pour la récolte de thé ( 9 mis sur 12) Point positif la soirée passée avec les habitants Au retour à 30mn de Kyaukme et 5mn de la route superbe rizière , petit village et pont en bambou A voir absolument surtout au coucher du soleil ( tous les villageois regagnent le village et passent sur le pont )
-Un seul trek d’une journée Départ et retour de Kyaukme en moto ( 45mn) 4 villages ( même remarques que ci-dessus) et paysages sans grand intérêt
Ne pas hésiter a contacter le guide Joy ou son assistant Harry
Hsipaw est a 1h de bus de kyaukme
Hôtel: je vous recommande Lily guesthouse ( anciennement nommé Nam khae Mao) Très propre , calme, excellent rapport qualité prix, plein d’informations et des guides disponibles Une grande carte à la réception vous permet de visualiser les treks
Malheureusement un choix très limité entre 2 treks de 2 jours qui ont une partie commune (la première journée) puis divergent 6h+5h pour le premier que j’ai réalisé (8het 7h pour le 2 eme)
Départ de Hsipaw à pied 5 (petits) villages visités sur les 2 jours nuit chez l’habitant , paysage moyen plus intéressant le 2eme jour retour à Hsipaw en moto taxi ( 45mn)
Il m’a été aussi proposé un circuit d’une journée en moto ( très peu de marche) pour voir d’autres villages Deux personnes venant de faire cette ballade me l’on déconseillé : intérêt limité
Possibilité aussi de faire Hsipaw kyaukme en 3 jours 2 nuits ( ce qui ne m’avait pas été proposé à Kyaukme )
Pyin Oo Lwin malgré les infos du Routard « de la marche et du vélo ! Nombreux villages très reculés d’ethnies différentes » je n’avais trouvé aucune info sur les treks au départ de Pyin Oo Lwin (hormis les routes pour aller aux cascades) Je me suis donc renseigné à plusieurs endroits à Pyin Oo Lwin et tous m’ont fait la même réponse : ces villages n’existent pas ! Dons aucun trek et de plus de mon point de vue, ville sans grand intérêt !
Je pars en Birmanie en novembre. Dans mon circuit, j'avais demandé un trek de 2 jours à Kyauk me mais à cause des conflits récents, notre agence nous propose…
J'aimerai savoir si des treks partent de hsipaw en ce moment (vu les événements) Et si jamais d'autres options? Un trek sympa à faire, lac inle peut être?
Nous allons partir fin novembre en Birmanie pendant 14 jours et nous souhaiterions faire un trek de 2 ou 3 jours. nous avons vu que beaucoup partait de Kalaw…
Je ne suis pas une grande « marcheuse » mais j’aimerai faire un trek en Birmanie à la rencontre d’ethnies locales. Le trek kalaw- inle est « touristique » mais…
Nous allons passer 3 semaines en Birmanie en janvier et projetons de faire le "fameux" trek entre Kalaw et le lac Inle. Le thème a déjà été abordé sur ce forum…
Bonjour à tous,
Je pars le lundi 3 août pour ma toute première grande randonnée en itinérance : le GR223 de Coutances au Mont Saint-Michel, sur 6-7 jours (~18-22 km/jour), en solo.
Je cherche des conseils de gens qui connaissent bien ce tronçon (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer→ Hauteville sur mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → traversée de la baie) :
Hébergements pas chers : je galère un peu à trouver des gîtes d'étape abordables (beaucoup de ce que je trouve en ligne, ce sont des locations de vacances chères, pas vraiment adaptées à un randonneur solo). Si vous avez des bonnes adresses (gîtes d'étape, chambres d'hôtes randonneurs, campings sympas), je suis preneuse !
Traversée de la baie : des retours d'expérience sur les guides/prestataires au départ de Genêts pour la traversée finale ?
Conseils généraux pour un premier trek en itinérance : ce que vous auriez aimé savoir avant votre première fois, pièges à éviter, etc.
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?
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
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)?
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,
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?
