Trek Vieng Phukha - plateau des Bolovens - Mille îles (Laos)
by Chrychry
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour,
Pour peaufiner les préparatifs de notre voyage de juillet voici quelques questions assez précises sur le nord et le sud:
- vieng puckha: qui pourrait me donner des détails /conseils sur le treck de 3j: guide, prix moyen par personne, difficulté, dénivellé heures de marche (on recherche qqchose de très sportif...), hébergement rudimentaire chez l'habitant...
peux t'on organiser ce treck en arrivant un dimanche soir pour le lundi matin car malheureusement nos jours sont "comptés"?
- muang ngoi: il semblerait qu'il n'y ai pas de bateau régulier pour y aller et ensuite redescendre de nong khiaw sur luang prabang(il faut en louer un à plusieurs et ce n'est pas donné); quelqu'un en sait un peu plus, et cela vaut 'il vraiment le coup pour aller à LP?
- Vang vieng: n'étant pas des routards "festifs" est ce interessant de s'y arréter sur la route de vientiane?
- plateaux des bolovens: aller en vélo jusqu'à taldo et se balader aux alentours pendant 2j en indépendant?
- les iles: peux t'on facilement y aller de Champassak sans remonter jusqu'à packsé (bus directs?): quelles iles à visiter pour nous nous qui sommes très " rando / nature /authanticité"?
est ce une bonne période en juillet malgré la mousson pour profiter pleinement des paysages/cascades...Humidité et chaleur supportables?différences avc le nord ou le plateau des bolovens? Combien de temps y passer?
- retour à bangkok : pour faire au plus vite, et sans trop de changement vaut'il mieux prendre des bus ou le train?
- une adresse d'herbergement entre 10/15 dollards à bangkok au calme ?
MERCI D'AVANCE pour vos réponses et conseils!
Chrychry
Bonjour:
Je réponds dans votre message aux questions que vous vous posez. Nous sommes restés au Laos durant 1 mois, il y a 3 mois maintenant.
- vieng puckha: qui pourrait me donner des détails /conseils sur le treck de 3j: guide, prix moyen par personne, difficulté, dénivellé heures de marche (on recherche qqchose de très sportif...), hébergement rudimentaire chez l'habitant... : Vieng Phuka est à mon avis une excellente option pour un trek, car peu de touristes s'y arrêtent. Vous trouverez dans le village, dans la rue principale près du marché une petite guesthouse vraiment pas chère, et vraiment roots.Il y en a 2 ou 3 autres, notamment une en contruction quand nous sommes passés, près de la rivière, qui semblait plus confortable. Il doit exister 2 ou 3 agences à Vieng Phuka pour les treks dont une située au fond du village "officielle" ou gouvernementale. Nous n'avons pas fait de trek, mais un québecois qui logeait avec nous partait 3 jours pour environ 45 euros par jour. Nous avons passé de très bons moments dans ce village et aux alentours. peux t'on organiser ce treck en arrivant un dimanche soir pour le lundi matin car malheureusement nos jours sont "comptés"? Cela me parait juste: si vous arrivez dans l'après-midi, vous aurez peut-être le temps de contacter et comparer les agences...si vous arrivez le soir... Peut être en contactant par e mail l'agence gouvernementale ??? NB: si vous stoppez à Luang Nam tha: louez un scooter pour vous promenez aux alentours dans les villages et allez jusqu'à Muang Sing à la frontière chinoise. - muang ngoi: il semblerait qu'il n'y ai pas de bateau régulier pour y aller et ensuite redescendre de nong khiaw sur luang prabang(il faut en louer un à plusieurs et ce n'est pas donné); quelqu'un en sait un peu plus, et cela vaut 'il vraiment le coup pour aller à LP? Nous ne sommes pas allés de ce côté - Vang vieng: n'étant pas des routards "festifs" est ce interessant de s'y arréter sur la route de vientiane? Pour ma part: paysages jolis, ambiance affligeante. Je me permets de vous suggérer un stop plus au Sud, entre Vientiane et Paksé: Kong LOR Cave, avec logement au village de Kong Lor, un détour qui à mon sens vaut vraiment le coup. Pour la grotte et la rivière souterraine, mais aussi pour les villages alentours et les paysages. - plateaux des bolovens: aller en vélo jusqu'à taldo et se balader aux alentours pendant 2j en indépendant? Cela semble faisaible, ca grimpe tranquillement de temps en temps. Nous ne sommes pas allés jusqu'à Tad Lo mais jusqu'à Attapeu, en moto. C'était très chouette. - les iles: peux t'on facilement y aller de Champassak sans remonter jusqu'à packsé (bus directs?): quelles iles à visiter pour nous nous qui sommes très " rando / nature /authanticité"? Oui, c'est possible. Pour les 4000 îles, on ne peut loger selon moi (mais je me trompe peut-être) sur 3 îles: Don det et Don khon et la plus grosse, plus au Nord, dont j'ai oublié le nom exact. Nous logions à Don Khon. Très agréable pour quelques jours de farniente. Ces îles vivent essentiellement du tourisme, très présent. Nous n'avons donc pas retrouvé les ambiances rencontrées plus au Nord. De la plus grosse île au Nord, il semble possible de louer un bateau pour pouvoir naviguer entre les îles, et avoir une vision plus globale. Ce n'est pas forcément notre meilleur souvenir du Laos. Notre coeur est resté accroché dans les montagnes du Nord. Pour la rando dans les îles, pas de souci. Cependant checker le temps, car les îles sous la flotte... est ce une bonne période en juillet malgré la mousson pour profiter pleinement des paysages/cascades...Humidité et chaleur supportables?différences avc le nord ou le plateau des bolovens? Combien de temps y passer? Voir la réponse du dessus. Effectivement, la question se pose, car il fait vraiment très chaud dans les plaines...Pour moi, les 4000 îles, c'est deux ou 3 nuits si on veut se reposer à la fin du voyage. - retour à bangkok : pour faire au plus vite, et sans trop de changement vaut'il mieux prendre des bus ou le train? De où partez-vous au Laos? - une adresse d'herbergement entre 10/15 dollards à bangkok au calme ? Villa Chacha (cherchez sur INTERNET). Petite cour intérieur avec piscine, bien calme, pour se poser à l'écart du bruit de la rue... MERCI D'AVANCE pour vos réponses et conseils! N'hésitez pas si vous avez d'autres questions, mes réponses manquent peut être de précision, nous sommes encore en route, et donc confusion parfois sur les noms... Cela étant dit, le Laos restera un souvenir exceptionnel dans notre voyage, profitez-bien. Et n'hésitez pas si vous avez d'autres questions... Cordialement Chrychry
- vieng puckha: qui pourrait me donner des détails /conseils sur le treck de 3j: guide, prix moyen par personne, difficulté, dénivellé heures de marche (on recherche qqchose de très sportif...), hébergement rudimentaire chez l'habitant... : Vieng Phuka est à mon avis une excellente option pour un trek, car peu de touristes s'y arrêtent. Vous trouverez dans le village, dans la rue principale près du marché une petite guesthouse vraiment pas chère, et vraiment roots.Il y en a 2 ou 3 autres, notamment une en contruction quand nous sommes passés, près de la rivière, qui semblait plus confortable. Il doit exister 2 ou 3 agences à Vieng Phuka pour les treks dont une située au fond du village "officielle" ou gouvernementale. Nous n'avons pas fait de trek, mais un québecois qui logeait avec nous partait 3 jours pour environ 45 euros par jour. Nous avons passé de très bons moments dans ce village et aux alentours. peux t'on organiser ce treck en arrivant un dimanche soir pour le lundi matin car malheureusement nos jours sont "comptés"? Cela me parait juste: si vous arrivez dans l'après-midi, vous aurez peut-être le temps de contacter et comparer les agences...si vous arrivez le soir... Peut être en contactant par e mail l'agence gouvernementale ??? NB: si vous stoppez à Luang Nam tha: louez un scooter pour vous promenez aux alentours dans les villages et allez jusqu'à Muang Sing à la frontière chinoise. - muang ngoi: il semblerait qu'il n'y ai pas de bateau régulier pour y aller et ensuite redescendre de nong khiaw sur luang prabang(il faut en louer un à plusieurs et ce n'est pas donné); quelqu'un en sait un peu plus, et cela vaut 'il vraiment le coup pour aller à LP? Nous ne sommes pas allés de ce côté - Vang vieng: n'étant pas des routards "festifs" est ce interessant de s'y arréter sur la route de vientiane? Pour ma part: paysages jolis, ambiance affligeante. Je me permets de vous suggérer un stop plus au Sud, entre Vientiane et Paksé: Kong LOR Cave, avec logement au village de Kong Lor, un détour qui à mon sens vaut vraiment le coup. Pour la grotte et la rivière souterraine, mais aussi pour les villages alentours et les paysages. - plateaux des bolovens: aller en vélo jusqu'à taldo et se balader aux alentours pendant 2j en indépendant? Cela semble faisaible, ca grimpe tranquillement de temps en temps. Nous ne sommes pas allés jusqu'à Tad Lo mais jusqu'à Attapeu, en moto. C'était très chouette. - les iles: peux t'on facilement y aller de Champassak sans remonter jusqu'à packsé (bus directs?): quelles iles à visiter pour nous nous qui sommes très " rando / nature /authanticité"? Oui, c'est possible. Pour les 4000 îles, on ne peut loger selon moi (mais je me trompe peut-être) sur 3 îles: Don det et Don khon et la plus grosse, plus au Nord, dont j'ai oublié le nom exact. Nous logions à Don Khon. Très agréable pour quelques jours de farniente. Ces îles vivent essentiellement du tourisme, très présent. Nous n'avons donc pas retrouvé les ambiances rencontrées plus au Nord. De la plus grosse île au Nord, il semble possible de louer un bateau pour pouvoir naviguer entre les îles, et avoir une vision plus globale. Ce n'est pas forcément notre meilleur souvenir du Laos. Notre coeur est resté accroché dans les montagnes du Nord. Pour la rando dans les îles, pas de souci. Cependant checker le temps, car les îles sous la flotte... est ce une bonne période en juillet malgré la mousson pour profiter pleinement des paysages/cascades...Humidité et chaleur supportables?différences avc le nord ou le plateau des bolovens? Combien de temps y passer? Voir la réponse du dessus. Effectivement, la question se pose, car il fait vraiment très chaud dans les plaines...Pour moi, les 4000 îles, c'est deux ou 3 nuits si on veut se reposer à la fin du voyage. - retour à bangkok : pour faire au plus vite, et sans trop de changement vaut'il mieux prendre des bus ou le train? De où partez-vous au Laos? - une adresse d'herbergement entre 10/15 dollards à bangkok au calme ? Villa Chacha (cherchez sur INTERNET). Petite cour intérieur avec piscine, bien calme, pour se poser à l'écart du bruit de la rue... MERCI D'AVANCE pour vos réponses et conseils! N'hésitez pas si vous avez d'autres questions, mes réponses manquent peut être de précision, nous sommes encore en route, et donc confusion parfois sur les noms... Cela étant dit, le Laos restera un souvenir exceptionnel dans notre voyage, profitez-bien. Et n'hésitez pas si vous avez d'autres questions... Cordialement Chrychry
Anne
Salut,
Je ne connais pas encore le Laos (on y va dans 1 mois, yeah !!!!!) mais j'ai lu en effet que les treks de Vieng Phukka étaient très sympas (en p.j., qqs "copier-coller" issus de différents forums). GH de Vieng Phukkas : http://www.luangnamtha.com/vpkgh.html
Par contre, je connais une GH à Bangkok, clean, pas trop chère, au calme et bien rodée : http://www.newsiam.net/ns/cf/index.php. Celle que je connais est Siam II. Les chambres ne sont pas très grandes mais c'est propre, bien insonorisé, bien entretenu, et il y a même une petite piscine !!
Pour le retour sur Bangkok, voici un lien sur les taifs et horaires des trains de Ubon Rachathani : http://www.railway.co.th/English/Time_HTML.asp
Bon voyage !
"Penchés comme en une nonchalance de rêve sur les petits murs terreux, les amandiers pleurent leurs larmes blanches sous la caresse du vent..." Isabelle EBERHARD
merci beaucoup pour vos réponses!
je vois que le laos vous a beaucoup plu, surtout le nord: où êtes vous allé mis a part vieng pucka dans le nord?avez vous pris un guide , ou vous êtes vous toujours balader en indépendant?
etes vous arrivé par la thailande avec un vol intérieur? nous on veut prendre air asia pour chang rai.
on repartirait du laos des iles, direction bangkok; on m'a dit que les agences t'organisent le trajet entier en bus(environ 20h arrivée à 5h du mat) pour 16/18euros avec l'avantage de ne pas devoir aller ds les gares ferroviaires excentrées: quelqu'un peut confirmer et nous dire si le trajet est "agréable"...et la saison des pluies sur les iles?
bonne fin de voyage
Salut Chrychry,
Je pars au Laos en février 2010. En voyant ton message, je ne me suis pas trouvée très originale...
On a en effet l'intention de faire plusieurs des étapes que tu as cité...
Peux-tu donc me donner tes retours sur:
- Vieng Phukha, on l'on aimerait faire 3 jours de treck
- Muang Ngoi Neua, pour un treck
- le plateau des boloven
- les 4000 milles iles
Nous sommes très rando, vélo, et pourquoi pas un peu de moto dans le sud, sachant que nous restons 2 semaine dans le Nord et une dans le Sud.
J'espère que ton voyage c'est bien passé en tout cas.
Merci de tes réponses!!!
bonjour,
Notre voyage au laos était vraiment super: la zen attitude!
A vieng phukha nous avons fait un treck difficle (akha treck) de 3 j avec l'agence postée sur la grande route (la seule ouverte à notre arrivée par le bus un dimanche après midi...): il faut insister pour qu'ils nous proposent un treck assez dur: nous avons du décalé d'une journée le début de treck pour cause de pluie mais ils s'adaptent sans problème; ce ne sont pas des grosses structures...Nous sommes partis avec 2 guides: le jeune "commercial traducteur"à qui on a eu affaire pour le choix du treck et un guide du village connaissant le treck en soi.
3 jours de marche (8h de marche par jour)dans la boue, franchissement de rivières, pont de singe, accompagnés des petites sangsues...Treck vraiment authentique avec nuits dans 2 villages différents avec un coup de coeur pour le village mhong par rapport à celui des akhas dont le mode de vie et d'hygiène très "rustique" contrastent trop avec leur téléphone portable!!!
pas allés à muang ngoi, mais du vélo autour de muang sin à la frontière chinoise.
sur le plateau des bolovens, on voualit se balader et faire du vélo mais la pluie incessante nous a fait modifié notre programme: du coup on a pris "une excursion" pour voir les plantations thé café et les différentes chutes de la région.
sur les 400iles, on est resté 2j et demi sur don khon la plus tranquille des iles on s'est beaucoup balader à pied voir les chutes, la plage, fait le tour de don det...on peut aussi louer un vélo mais c'est plat...
sinon pour le vélo autour de uang phrabang ya de quoi faire...
bon voyage
Salut,
merci beaucoup pour tes réponses!!!
Pour combien en avez-vous eu à 2 pour votre treck?
Avez-vous fait d'autres trecks?
Etais-tu avec une femme? les 8h de marche ont- elles été difficile pour vous?
dernière question ;-) etes-vous arrivés à Vieng Phukha par Huay Xai? est-il facile d'y accéder?
merci d'avance!
salut!
cout du treck :1600 000 kips pour nous 2 tout compris départ tôt le matin en camion pour aller au départ du treck, rentrés tard le 3ème jour.
Je suis une femme et on aime les trucs un peu extrèmes et hyper sportifs: cela a été un peu dur le dernier jour car on a marché au moins 10h et on manquait un peu d'eau à la fin!bref, treck authentique et rudimentaire chez l'habitant.
on n' a pas fait d'autre treck avec guide, seulement des rando à la journée à pied ou vélo.
on est arrivé à vieng puckha par huai xai sans aucun problème: visa et change à l'arrivée .
bon voyage.
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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?
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Pascal
Hi there,
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!
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!
Thanks! :-)
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!
Thanks! :-)
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 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!
Hi there,
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 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!
hi there,
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’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
Hi,
I’d like some advice on doing the Camino de Santiago—or part of it—from the Basque Country.
Best,
Hi there,
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,
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
Hi everyone,
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?
Thanks in advance!
Caro
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?
Thanks in advance!
Caro
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!
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
Hi there,
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?
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?
hi
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?
thanks for any tips!
sandra
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?
thanks for any tips!
sandra
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
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





