Trekking peak sans guide ni porteur? (Népal)
by Jeromedu64
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour
je recherche des temoignages de personnes ayant fait un "trekking peak" comme l'imja tse ou le mera peak sans guide ni porteur.
Si tu en trouves un, tu nous le dira, hein, car il est formellement interdit (sans compter que cela serait incroyablement stupide et dangereux) de "faire" un sommet de "randonnée" sans guide...
Marc de Montréal
Marc de Montréal
La vie étant particulièrement imprévisible, vaut mieux manger son dessert en premier, et garder les navets pour la fin...
tu m'expliquera ou est la stupidite et la dangerosite de faire de la montagne sans guide!!!
"Faire" de la montagne à plus de 6000 m sans guide relève de la S-T-U-P-I-D-I-T-É pure et simple!!! et si tu as besoin d'une personne pour t'expliquer pourquoi, alors tu as intérêt à te rapporter illico à l'hôpital psychiatrique le plus près de ton domicile.
Marc de Montréal
Marc de Montréal
La vie étant particulièrement imprévisible, vaut mieux manger son dessert en premier, et garder les navets pour la fin...
il 2 possibilités
1 ou tu est habitué à faire du solo en course de neige et glace dans les Alpes passage de rimaye , crevasses and co et tu connais les risques .......
2 dans le cas contraire tu est inconscient surtout au dela de 6000 m
1 ou tu est habitué à faire du solo en course de neige et glace dans les Alpes passage de rimaye , crevasses and co et tu connais les risques .......
2 dans le cas contraire tu est inconscient surtout au dela de 6000 m
Hasta la vista
marc
si tu ne te sens pas capable de faire de la montagne sans guide, c'est ton probleme! je suis monte plusieurs fois a + de 6000m, sans guide et sans jamais me faire insulter.... et je ne pense pas etre le seul dans ce cas.
magne2
hypothese no1, mais je n'ai pas parle de 6000 en solo, juste sans guide ni equipe de porteurs. en autonomie, comme on peut le faire dans les andes.
Les trekking peaks du Népal.
Créer en 1978, ces « petits » sommets ont hérités d’un nom particulièrement mal adapté à leurs réalitées.
S’il sont soumis à autorisation, cette contrainte à été simplifiée au maximum et les coût de royalties sont très minimes. Ces royalties alimentent d’ailleurs les caisses de la NMA, qui parmi bien d’autres initiatives, met en place des formations aux métiers de la montagne pour les népalais.
Les formalités sont simples, mais obligent à utiliser les services d’une agence népalaise pour :le règlement de royalties , 350 $ pour 4 personnes, puis 40 $ en plus par personnes de 5 à 8, et enfin 25 $ par pers. en plus de 9 à 12. l’engagement d’un « Sirdar », ayant suivi les stages de formation et enregistré à la MNA. les assurances pour toute l’équipe et pour les porteurs d’altitude au dessus du camp de base. un compte rendu succinct au retour. L’autorisation est valable un mois avec une extension possible de 15 jours. Le temps d’ascension se calcule à partir du camp de base.
Elle est donnée pour un groupe jusqu'à 12 personnes.
Mais pour choisir un sommet, encore faut-il avoir un minimum d’informations.
Le livre de Bill O’Connor, « The trekking peaks of Népal », aux éditions The Crowood Press , reste la référence incontournable. Mais certaines informations sont peu précises, a vérifier, surtout pour les sommets les moins classiques.
Voici des tableaux regroupant tous les sommets par difficulté, avec le nombre de camp nécessaire au dessus du camp de base.
Nom du sommet
Altitude
région
difficulté
nb. de camp
HIUNCHULI
6441 m.
Annapurna
D/TD
2 ou 3 camps
SINGU CHULI
6501 m.
Annapurna
D/TD
2 camps
PISANG
6091 m.
Annapurna
PD/AD
du CB
CHULU EST
6584 m.
Annapurna
PD
du CB ou 1 camp
CHULU WEST
6419 m.
Annapurna
PD
depuis le CB
PARCHAMO
6187 m.
Rolwaling
F/PD
du CB
RAMDUNG
5925 m.
Rolwaling
F
du CB
IMJA TSE
6160 m.
Khumbu
AD
du CB ou du CBA
LOBUCHE
6119 m.
Khumbu
PD/AD
1 ou 2 camps
MERA PEAK
6654 m.
Khumbu
F
1 camp
KUSUM KANGURU
6367 m.
Khumbu
D/TD
2 camps
KWANGDE
6011 m.
Khumbu
AD/D
1 ou 2 camps
Nom du sommet altitude région difficulté nb. de camp POKALDE 5806 m. Khumbu PD du CB KONGMA TSE 5849 m. Khumbu PD du CB NAYA KANGA 5844 m. Langtang PD du CB MARDI HIMAL 5587 m. Annapurna F du CB THARPU CHULI 5663 m. Annapurna PD du CBA PALDOR PEAK 5896 m. Ganesh Himal PD 1 camp Le nombre de camps nécessaires à l’ascension est un élément important à prendre en compte pour définir la complexité d’organisation. La région de localisation et le type de marche d’approche, (fréquenté ou non, équiper de lodges ou non), sont aussi des critères important de cette complexité. Au delà des voies normales, qui sont souvent très intéressantes dans leur niveau de difficulté, les informations sur les autres voies ou sur les autres versants de la montagne sont très limités. Par exemple, qui connaît l’arête nord de l’Island peak, une course d’arête somptueuse, sur le sommet le plus fréquenté du Khumbu.
Nom du sommet altitude région difficulté nb. de camp POKALDE 5806 m. Khumbu PD du CB KONGMA TSE 5849 m. Khumbu PD du CB NAYA KANGA 5844 m. Langtang PD du CB MARDI HIMAL 5587 m. Annapurna F du CB THARPU CHULI 5663 m. Annapurna PD du CBA PALDOR PEAK 5896 m. Ganesh Himal PD 1 camp Le nombre de camps nécessaires à l’ascension est un élément important à prendre en compte pour définir la complexité d’organisation. La région de localisation et le type de marche d’approche, (fréquenté ou non, équiper de lodges ou non), sont aussi des critères important de cette complexité. Au delà des voies normales, qui sont souvent très intéressantes dans leur niveau de difficulté, les informations sur les autres voies ou sur les autres versants de la montagne sont très limités. Par exemple, qui connaît l’arête nord de l’Island peak, une course d’arête somptueuse, sur le sommet le plus fréquenté du Khumbu.
Hasta la vista
merci pour toutes tes precisions. je connais un peu le nepal et me suis deja renseigne sur la question du permis. d'apres toi celui qui ouvre une voie TD ou ED a l'amada blam fait suivre l'officier de liaison et le guide nepalais sur sa corde ?
pour l'Ama Dablan on est en sommet d'expedition .
donc l'Oficier de liaison obligatoire reste au camp de base meme pour la voie dite normale sur equipée en cordes fixes , de toute façon il est la pour te surveiller 😏
respect de l'itinéraire quel face quelle arete ets entre autres 😉
donc l'Oficier de liaison obligatoire reste au camp de base meme pour la voie dite normale sur equipée en cordes fixes , de toute façon il est la pour te surveiller 😏
respect de l'itinéraire quel face quelle arete ets entre autres 😉
Hasta la vista
bon, mauvais exemple pour l'amada blam qui n'est pas dans la meme categorie! alors pour un trekking peak NMA, le guide t'accompagne obligatoirement au sommet ?
d'apres toi, mon projet n'est pas realisable et n'a donc jamais ete realise ?
apres le camp de base ( ou le guide népalais peut rester ) c'est réalisable sans porteur et sans guide
Hasta la vista
bonjour,
j'ai rencontré un anglais qui "faisait" l'Imja Tse avec juste un guide et un porteur. Ils n'ont pu aller au sommet (cause météo) mais ce qui compte (comme indiqué par "Magne2") c'est la relation que tu auras avec la compagnie et le guide.
après, si c'est un sommet fréquenté, il est habituel que la voie soit équipée par les équipes présentes. si vous êtes seuls sur une voie, c'est peut-être négociable.... mais je pense de toutes façon que la compagnie est un peu responsable de ce qui se passe. Je crois qu'il faut avant tout répondre à la/les question(s) (je pèse mes mots, et je ne souhaites en rien de ce qui va suivre) : si tu est accidenté et tu n'appelle pas toi même les secours, est-ce que c'est la mission de ton équipe? si tu n'en reviens pas, comment sera traité ta disparition et l'équipe pourrait-elle être considérée comme responsable ? en tous les cas, je pense qu'il faut que tu ai de bons contacts à Katmandou.
bon courage
dominique
j'ai rencontré un anglais qui "faisait" l'Imja Tse avec juste un guide et un porteur. Ils n'ont pu aller au sommet (cause météo) mais ce qui compte (comme indiqué par "Magne2") c'est la relation que tu auras avec la compagnie et le guide.
après, si c'est un sommet fréquenté, il est habituel que la voie soit équipée par les équipes présentes. si vous êtes seuls sur une voie, c'est peut-être négociable.... mais je pense de toutes façon que la compagnie est un peu responsable de ce qui se passe. Je crois qu'il faut avant tout répondre à la/les question(s) (je pèse mes mots, et je ne souhaites en rien de ce qui va suivre) : si tu est accidenté et tu n'appelle pas toi même les secours, est-ce que c'est la mission de ton équipe? si tu n'en reviens pas, comment sera traité ta disparition et l'équipe pourrait-elle être considérée comme responsable ? en tous les cas, je pense qu'il faut que tu ai de bons contacts à Katmandou.
bon courage
dominique
bien sur que je ne veux pas engager la responsabilite d'une equipe nepalaise... c'est pour ça que je me renseigne si il y a un moyen legal de faire une ascension en autonomie, sans tente cuisine, sans me tracter sur une corde fixe.....etc.
qu'entends tu par "de bons contacts a ktm" ?
re,
j'entends juste des gens que tu connais et qui te connaissent.
dominique
j'entends juste des gens que tu connais et qui te connaissent.
dominique
tu penses qu'il y a moyen de s'arranger avec une agence?
Je pense que c'est possible. faut-il les avoir rencontrés et négocié avec eux (je réitère "connaissance mutuelle").
Perso, je ne connais pas d'agence sur ce créneau.
dominique
dominique
je ne connais personne de confiance a ktm. sur VF j'ai trouve une personne qui a pu avoir le permis et partir en autonomie en "s'arrangeant" avec une agence. j'aurai aime avoir d'autres temoignages dans ce sens.
"Faire" de la montagne à plus de 6000 m sans guide relève de la S-T-U-P-I-D-I-T-É pure et simple!!! et si tu as besoin d'une personne pour t'expliquer pourquoi, alors tu as intérêt à te rapporter illico à l'hôpital psychiatrique le plus près de ton domicile
🤪😠😕
C est plutot ce genre de propos qui relève de la stupidité. Ces insultes montre que tu connais pas vraiment la montagne...
🤪😠😕
C est plutot ce genre de propos qui relève de la stupidité. Ces insultes montre que tu connais pas vraiment la montagne...
merci zouzouch.
Bonjour,
A propos la question si le guide accompagne ou pas jusqu'au sommet. Il y a des guides qui accompagne pendant tous le trek sauf l'ascension et l'ascension se passe avec accompagnement de Climbing Sherpa(de 200 à 300 $), il a la formation et le permit de l'etat. Vous pouvez en trouver un guide qui peut être climbing Sherpa mais il réclamera pareil le salaire de l'ascension.
Paras Neupane
Rester c'est exister. Mais voyager c'est vivre. - Georges Brassens-
merci pour tes precisions.
penses tu qu'il soit possible de partir pour un "trekking peak" sans guide ni porteur?
Rebonjour,
Je ne vois pas la possibilté sauf un arrangement avec une agence de trekking qui soit d'accord pour prendre ce risque.
Paras Neupane
Rester c'est exister. Mais voyager c'est vivre. - Georges Brassens-
reste a trouver une agence......
Si tu en trouves un, tu nous le dira, hein, car il est formellement interdit (sans compter que cela serait incroyablement stupide et dangereux) de "faire" un sommet de "randonnée" sans guide...
Et peut-être de surcroit sans emporter des barres chocolatées , de la purée d'arachides et du lait concentré ! c'est vraiment insensé non?
Et peut-être de surcroit sans emporter des barres chocolatées , de la purée d'arachides et du lait concentré ! c'est vraiment insensé non?
Pour ton info je suis monté ( en 1974) au Mardi Himal sans guide sans porteur et sans barres chocolatées mais je reconnais mon degré d'inconscience!
d'apres toi, mon projet n'est pas realisable et n'a donc jamais ete realise ?
Lorsque je suis monté ( en 1974 avec un ami) au Mardi Himal au départ du camp de base de l'Annapurna je n'étais pas au courant de la règlementation... je ne la connais pas plus actuellement pour ce qui est de l'ascension des pics mais ce que je sais c'est que contrairement à ce qui est couramment dit sur ce site il n'est pas obligatoire d'utiliser les services d'une agence et d'avoir un guide officiel pour se rendre dans les restrected areas tels que Mugu, Dolpo, Tsum valley, Mustang etc.. Il suffit de passer à l'agence pour obtenir le permis ( moyennant un backchich) et une fois le permis en poche on peut partir avec une connaissance Népalaise de son choix qui n'est pas forcement guide... De plus j'ai croisé à 2 reprises 2 couples de russes sans "accompagnateur " dans ces régions... A ta place je m'adresserais à une agence à KTM pour essayer d'obtenir le permis et je me renseignerais pour la suite...
Lorsque je suis monté ( en 1974 avec un ami) au Mardi Himal au départ du camp de base de l'Annapurna je n'étais pas au courant de la règlementation... je ne la connais pas plus actuellement pour ce qui est de l'ascension des pics mais ce que je sais c'est que contrairement à ce qui est couramment dit sur ce site il n'est pas obligatoire d'utiliser les services d'une agence et d'avoir un guide officiel pour se rendre dans les restrected areas tels que Mugu, Dolpo, Tsum valley, Mustang etc.. Il suffit de passer à l'agence pour obtenir le permis ( moyennant un backchich) et une fois le permis en poche on peut partir avec une connaissance Népalaise de son choix qui n'est pas forcement guide... De plus j'ai croisé à 2 reprises 2 couples de russes sans "accompagnateur " dans ces régions... A ta place je m'adresserais à une agence à KTM pour essayer d'obtenir le permis et je me renseignerais pour la suite...
Les barres chocolatées c'était une boutade pour Marc.... Personnellement quand je suis allée au camp de base de l'Annapurna puis de là au sommet du Mardi himal ( en 1974) il n'y avait pas de distributeurs de snack! ça existe? Le dernier village où l'on pouvait se ravitailler en dal bath et chapatis ( uniquement )était Chomrung et après plus rien....
salut tony
merci pour l'info. c'est un sommet nma et tu es parti sans guide? comment ça c'est passe pour le permis?
salut jalma
merci egalement pour ton aide. s'est dingue cette manie qu'on beaucoup de gens a vouloir te decourager dans tes projets qui sortent un peu de l'ordinaire. j'ai lu sur ce forum un gars qui conseillait de prendre une agence pour un trek car s'est "vraiment pas evident de prendre l'avion pour lukla tout seul"...... he oui il faut parler anglais!
depuis 1974 je crois que les choses ont change. il faut maintenant un permis pour tous les sommets et la presence d'un guide semble obligatoire a moins de magouiller avec une agence ou de faire le sommet ni vu ni connu.....
Salut,
Oui te décourager c'est une chose... dont je me moque un peu. Mais bien souvent aussi te faire la morale, te qualifier d'inconscient ou de fanfaron ( j'y ai eu droit aussi!) et également te dicter ce qu'il convient de faire! Et ça j'aime moins!
salut tony,
tu me racontes un peu comment tu as eu le permis ?
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
More discussions
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?
Thanks
Cat, Bruno.
Thanks
Cat, Bruno.
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.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
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.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Hi everyone!
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)?
Thanks in advance for your advice! 🙂
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)?
Thanks in advance for your advice! 🙂
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!
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!
Hello,
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
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.
Spots where we could pitch the tent near a stream
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.
Hi there,
I’m looking for half-day hikes near Karakol (not Jety-Oguz, since I’ll be heading there separately—max 30 minutes’ drive to the trailhead).
I can find longer treks, but nothing for a short outing!
So, if you’ve got any ideas...
Thanks! :)
I’m looking for half-day hikes near Karakol (not Jety-Oguz, since I’ll be heading there separately—max 30 minutes’ drive to the trailhead).
I can find longer treks, but nothing for a short outing!
So, if you’ve got any ideas...
Thanks! :)
Hi everyone,
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?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
Pascal
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?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
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


