L'île d'Hokkaïdo du 16 août au 5 septembre 2015 (3 semaines).
Découverte sac au dos de l'île d'Hokkaïdo: un trek renommé dans le Daisetsuzan NP (le plus grand parc national du Japon), quelques jours dans les îles du nord-ouest: Rebun et Rishiri. Et pour terminer, visite de la péninsule de Shiretoko classé par l'UNESCO.
La particularité de ce voyage est probablement le trek du Daisetsu-Zan Grand Traverse (5 jours en autonomie) que je j'ai fais en partie... 4 jours sur les 5 pour cause de conditions météo épiques (pour ne pas dire épouvantable)... donc si vous avez des questions, c'est plutôt sur ce trek que je vous répondrai.
Quelques photos sur ma page web (ce n'est pas un descriptif complet mais seulement quelques points marquants) et mon itinéraire Google Map sur mon site web : http://wildescapesoverland.com
Nous sommes un couple de très bon marcheurs, habitués au voyages, et nous serons a hokkaido cet été au mois de juillet. J'avais du coup quelques questions.
Nous voyageons sac au dos, et voyageons sans tout planifier et en profitant souvent de ce qui s'offre a nous, mais je voulais quand même avoir ton opinion:
- combien de temps penses tu nécessaire pour profiter de cette ile (dans l'optique de voir des choses différentes aussi).
-quel itinéraire conseillerais-tu? Quelles randos?
- nous ne pensions pas spécialement prendre le japan railpass pour hokkaido, surtout puisque nous allons passer pas mal de temps à randonner… mais entre les différentes randos, l'autostop te parait-il envisageable? j'ai lu qu'en dehors des grandes villes, cela se fait assez bien. Y a-t-il des bus sinon (dont le budget reste raisonnable?)
- Peux-tu m'en dire plus sur les détails des randos (nous pensons dormir en tente)? Logement, ressources en eau et nourriture?
- combien de temps de marche par jour as tu parcouru?
-les sentiers sont-ils bien indiqué?
-as tu utilisé des cartes ou un gps? Que recommanderais tu?
Enfin voilà, comme tu peux le lire, on est preneurs de toutes les infos possibles!
J'ai deja donne des infos dans la discussion http://voyageforum.com/discussion/randonnees-sauvages-ours-ile-hokkaido-japon-d7158862/ .
Commence par acheter le pdf Hokkaido du guide LP Hiking in Japan. Au Japon, ils vendent de bonnes cartes topographiques, mais tout en Japonais. J'ai passe presque 3 semaines a Hokkaido, mais cela inclut les iles de Rishiri et Rebun, qui sont eloignees. J'ai voyage en bus et train, je n'ai fait de l'autostop que localement sur qq kms. En plus de Daisetsu Zan, Shiretoko, lac Akan (et les autres lacs du coin). J'ai pris un vol lowcost Tokyo Sapporo, et j'ai quitte par le ferry pour Niigata pour aller dans les Alpes japonaises apres.
Pour Daisetsu Zan, il y a un long trajet sans eau, y compris une nuit de camping, j'ai emporte 3 litres au dernier point d'eau.
Pour les ours a Shiretoko, ils etaient au sommet de la crete vers fin aout, mais il semble qu'en d'autres saisons ils sont ailleurs, dependant de la nourriture.
Pour une rando dans les Alpes japonaises, achete aussi ce pdf la du LP. Tu peux commencer a Murodo. Apres la tranquille Hokkaido, on est choque par la foule dans les Alpes japonaises.
Et tu avais pris un japan railpass pour ces trajets? ou ça vaut pas la peine?
Et a part les alpes, as-tu été ailleurs au japon? Shikoku nous attire aussi, puisque même si ce sera plus "couru", ce serait l'occasion de découvrir des paysages très différents de hokkaido.
Deja a Hokkaido les trains ne vont pas partout, il faut aussi prendre des bus. Et les Pass ne sont valables que si on voyage beaucoup, pas si on s'arrete plusieurs jours pour faire du trek.
J'etais deja alle ailleurs au Japon, mais c'etait en 1979.
Nous voyageons sac au dos, et voyageons sans tout planifier et en profitant souvent de ce qui s'offre a nous, mais je voulais quand même avoir ton opinion:
- combien de temps penses tu nécessaire pour profiter de cette ile (dans l'optique de voir des choses différentes aussi).
J'y ai passé 3 semaines... mais une de plus, pourquoi pas, pour visiter le sud-ouest.
- nous ne pensions pas spécialement prendre le japan railpass pour hokkaido, surtout puisque nous allons passer pas mal de temps à randonner… mais entre les différentes randos, l'autostop te parait-il envisageable? j'ai lu qu'en dehors des grandes villes, cela se fait assez bien. Y a-t-il des bus sinon (dont le budget reste raisonnable?)
le railpass impose des jours contigus donc je ne l'avais pas pris,
autostop: un peu surpris, je n'ai pas le souvenir d'avoir vu d'autostoppeur (j'avais loué une voiture 1 semaine pour la péninsule de Shiretoko)
bus, oui, j'en ai pris. Abordable mais attention aux fréquences hors itinéraires principaux (A comparer au train sur certains trajets)
- Peux-tu m'en dire plus sur les détails des randos (nous pensons dormir en tente)? Logement, ressources en eau et nourriture?
en tente, si les conditions météo sont OK mais dans le cas contraire, il faut oublier. J'ai eu une nuit très critique à la mi-aout. Début aout 2015, il y a eu une queue de typhon au-dessus d'Hokkaido. Attention aux horaires des japonais dans les huttes: 19h = couvre-feu, et 3h= préparation du petit déj pendant 1h30-2h...
Pendant les randos, j'avais des rations lyophilisés
Eau de source... mais filtrée (risque Echinococcus)
-les sentiers sont-ils bien indiqué?
Oui, en kanji 😉
-as tu utilisé des cartes ou un gps? Que recommanderais tu?
il faut acheté les cartes Mapple 1:50 000... toute en kanji 😉
Pas de GPS... mais une boussole
Pas sur que j'aurai eu envie de faire Hokkaido sans planifier un minimum (je le fais dans certains pays) : hors de certaines villes importantes, pas de solution de replis d'hébergement - abordables - dans les villes.
Hors Sapporo, j'ai du croisé une quinzaine d'occidentaux en 3 semaines, peu de japonais anglophones, accueil poli mais de là à espérer "en profitant souvent de ce qui s'offre a nous", je suis curieux d'avoir votre retour 😎
en vrac:
Grand Traverse : terrain difficile car pas entretenu (enneigé une bonne partie de l'année)
Sommet de l'île de Rishiri (hutte d'urgence pour la nuit 😉 ),
Shiretoko : beau sentier si vous avez pas peur des ours : qq photos https://wildescapesoverland.com/fr/japon.html
ok merci pour toutes ces précisions c'est sympa!
ça donne envie en voyant tes photos!
mais pour les ours… moi je flippe a mort (cliché féminin oblige) mais mon mec me dit qu'il faut juste être prudent mais que ça va… toi tu as l'air d'en avoir vu un de près!!! Non? ça se passe comment?
si j'ai d autres questions, je te les poserai volontiers une fois qu on va organiser un peu plus. mais a voir ce que tu écris tu avais réservé toutes tes nuitées?
ok merci pour toutes ces précisions c'est sympa!
ça donne envie en voyant tes photos!
mais pour les ours… moi je flippe a mort (cliché féminin oblige) mais mon mec me dit qu'il faut juste être prudent mais que ça va… toi tu as l'air d'en avoir vu un de près!!! Non? ça se passe comment?
si j'ai d autres questions, je te les poserai volontiers une fois qu on va organiser un peu plus. mais a voir ce que tu écris tu avais réservé toutes tes nuitées?
J'ai reserve pas mal de nuits au Japon juste qq jours avant, meme la veille, sur booking.com. Et la plupart des hebergements permettent l'annulation gratuite jusque la veille, ce que j'ai fait aussi. J'ai aussi campe.
Le weekend, les hotels sont souvent pleins, et aussi beaucoup plus chers.
Seulement a Sapporo il n'y avait rien de bon marche sauf un Capsule Hotel (hommes seulement) donc j'ai essaye cela pour une nuit (Sapporo n'a aucun interet).
Apres la traversee du Daisetsu Zan, j'ai loge au Log Yukari a Furano.
Effectivement, il y a une différence entre une peluche et un vrai ours... pas de geste brusque mais ça reste une bête sauvage.
Lors de la descente du Mt Shuru, j'ai été bloqué avec d'autres randonneurs pendant env. 1h30 par un ours qui mangeait ces baies et qui empêchait notre descente (dans un couloir). Un autre japonais à contre sens a pu le filmer pendant 50mn à qq mètres (<10)... et nous parler assez fort sans l'effrayer. Les clochettes vendues 'bear bell' n'ont aucun effet dissuassif...en tout pour celui là.
Pour les campeurs, il y a des boites métalliques (robustes) pour y mettre la nourriture.
J'avais effectivement réservé mes nuits à l'hôtel en ville : 7 nuits sur 19.
Pour alléger temporairement mon sac à dos, j'avais expédier un colis de qq kilos par la poste à un hôtel (déposer dans ma chambre à mon arrivée ! ).
Je pars durant tout le mois de Septembre pour le Japon, afin de découvrir le pays sous un autre jour que mon premier voyage l'an passé (qui était plus centré…
J'ai la chance de pouvoir partir au Japon entre mai et juin. J'aimerais beaucoup aller faire de la rando. L’ile d'Hokkaido me tente beaucoup. Elle me semble…
Je prévois partir au Japon pour une durée de 1 mois, de mi-septembre à mi-octobre environ, avec mon équipement pour dormir en camping, pour essayer de ne pas…
Je m'apprête à faire 5 jours de trek sur le début du pèlerinage des 88 temples sur Shikoku au Japon. En faisant les 17 premiers temples autour de Tokushima. Je…
Auriez vous des infos sur le pélerinage des 88 temples, je compte m'y rendre en juillet et aout 2014, je crois qu'il fait trés chaud à cette saison mais qu'il…
Hi,
Since I can't take on long treks, I'd love to know if there are any nice hikes around Pokhara—or maybe in another region of Nepal. Day hikes or two-day trips would be perfect.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m leaving on Monday, August 3rd for my very first long-distance trek: the GR223 from Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel, over 6-7 days (~11-14 miles/day), solo.
I’m looking for tips from people who know this section well (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer → Hauteville-sur-Mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → bay crossing):
Budget-friendly accommodations: I’m struggling to find affordable stopover lodgings (a lot of what I find online are expensive vacation rentals, not really suited for a solo hiker). If you have any great spots (hostels, hiker-friendly B&Bs, nice campgrounds), I’d love to hear them!
Bay crossing: Any feedback on guides/providers leaving from Genêts for the final crossing?
General tips for a first long-distance trek: What you wish you’d known before your first time, pitfalls to avoid, 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?
