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! 🙂

Hi everyone,

I’m just at the very beginning of my research, so I’m coming straight to you for some info. I’d like to visit Morocco to discover a bit of the country. I’ve just found out about the Toubkal circuit, which I’d love to do in January/February. I’m open to going independently with a tent, food, etc., and also open to whatever other possibilities this circuit offers that I don’t know about yet... Could you share any random tips or info? I’d also love to hear your opinions? What I like about this circuit is that it’s fairly accessible and seems interesting for many reasons. I’ll leave it to you to share your thoughts—thanks in advance for your help! 🙂 Wishing you all lots of exciting plans for the new year ahead!

Nicolas

Hi there, I’m ready to set off on the Peaks of the Balkans trek from June 18 to July 3. I’m used to long distances, elevation gain, and self-sufficiency. The last thing holding me back is overcrowding. Have any of you done it recently? Could you give me some insight on that and any other tips that might be useful? I’ll be arriving in Tirana, and any advice on getting to Theth would be a huge help too. Thanks for your replies. Alain

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.

Hi everyone,

I’m finalizing my trip plans for Sumatra in June. I’m trying to lock in a trek (around 5 days), but I’m not really finding what I’m looking for.

The idea is to really go "off the beaten path" (I’m not a fan of the phrase since it’s lost all meaning, but anyway...). However, I’m struggling to find destinations or programs that are even slightly original.

We’re leaning toward a jungle trek starting from Ketambe—it seems nice in itself, but it feels a bit repetitive. All the guides offer the same packages: stops at fixed camps, you settle in, walk around the camp, eat, sleep, then move on the next day for 2-3 hours with the same routine. After all my research, I feel like I’ve already seen it all because every guide and tourist posts the same photos (hollow tree, hot springs, etc.).

Anyway, do you know of a guide or agency that offers a *real* trek (meaning you walk all day until you find a spot for the night, from a starting point A to an endpoint B) in an area that’s a little different from where everyone else goes? (Gunung Leuser or similar, though for transport and time reasons, I’d ideally like to stay in northern Sumatra.)

Thanks, and if you have any good tips about anything related to Sumatra, I’m all ears.

Have a great day,

Hi there, This August, I hiked the Vosges section (Vosges massif) of the GR5 (Lauterbourg-Wissembourg-gr53-gr5-Belfort) using the TopoGuide "Traversée du Massif des Vosges" (ref 502, April 2024 edition). My experience was partly ruined by a few things I feel I should share here to help others avoid the same pitfalls—or at least disappointments.

Having used "TopoGuide" books before, I’d always trusted them for organizing treks lasting several weeks, or even months.

Beyond the satisfactory mapping (reproductions of IGN 1:25,000 maps), these guides include route descriptions that are usually enough to find your way. On that point, I have no serious criticism of the Vosges crossing guide.

In addition to the route details, the guide provides "average" time estimates for traveling from point A to point B—useful info for gauging effort and planning likely stages. However, I eventually realized I couldn’t rely on these time estimates. I’d assumed they were calculated by the FFRP, considering that 100m of positive elevation gain roughly equals 1km on flat terrain, with an average walking speed of 4km/h. So, I’d recommend anyone using this guide to recalculate all the time estimates to avoid nasty surprises on tight stages. 🤪

Another key feature of the guide, in my opinion, is its info on accommodation options—especially budget-friendly ones suited for long-distance hikers on a tight budget. A section called "préparation des étapes" includes a table with a column meant to highlight "refuges" and "gîtes d'étapes." That column had me feeling optimistic: these budget accommodations were listed as plentiful along the route. After all, we were in the territory of the famous Club Vosgien—it made sense there’d be plenty of hiker-friendly lodging options. The reality on the ground was quite different. The TopoGuide wasn’t really to blame here, except that a serious warning wouldn’t have hurt. First, regarding the "refuges," most were run by associations. With rare exceptions, the volunteers only opened them on weekends. You can’t really blame people for not volunteering on weekdays, but it makes things tricky when the info about weekend-only openings often turns out to be wrong. As for the "gîtes d'étape," I was mostly disappointed when I was told that a place was booked for weeks: the vast majority of what was listed as a "gîte d'étape" turned out to be "gîtes ruraux." The advice here? If you don’t want to—or can’t—camp, double-check all the accommodation details before you set off. It’s time-consuming and tedious, but if you can, camping is still the best option. 😐 On a brighter note, during the first part of my trip, I came across several cabins that offered alternatives to camping. 🙂

P.S.: Even the youth hostel in Saverne was closed in the middle of August... 😕

Hi there, We’re spending a month in northern Vietnam this coming November and we’d love to do some day hikes around the village of Mu Cang Chai to see the famous spiral terraced rice fields. We’ll most likely be staying in Mu Cang Chai itself and we don’t have a car. It’s really tough to find a route online. Any tips would be great. Thanks in advance.

A message in a bottle: For a three-week trip in November... is it possible to go hiking without a guide in northern Vietnam, getting around to the hiking sites by public transport, bikes, or on foot? And if so, which areas specifically? Thanks to anyone who replies!8

Hi there, I’m looking for organizations that specialize in walking safaris, but not at the price points I’m seeing online. I’m after a truly immersive experience in the wild, with the option to sleep in very basic tents and help prepare meals... Ideal duration: 7 to 10 days. I’d rather avoid the super touristy destinations (Kenya, Tanzania, etc.). Thanks for any tips you can share! !

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

Hi everyone, and happy New Year! Can you find screw-on gas canisters for camping stoves in Turkey? Thanks in advance, and safe travels! David

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!

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

Hi there, I’m planning to do the Zanskar crossing from Lamayuru to Darcha in August 2026. I know the route has changed quite a bit in recent years, and I’m struggling to find reliable info on whether it’s possible to do this trek independently with just two people—sleeping and eating with locals each day. I’m also open to hiring a muleteer or going through an agency, so I’d love any recent and trustworthy recommendations on that too. Thanks in advance, Jean-Marc

My husband and I are planning a 10-day trip to Northern Vietnam in November, traveling independently (no agency organizing everything) and using local buses. We’d like to spend at least 3 days in each place (including Meo Vac). We’re wondering if it’s possible to find local guides for day hikes, and if so, in which towns/villages (Meo Vac plus one or two other spots to explore the surrounding area). Thanks!

Hi there, I’d like to spend a week in the Dolomites (4 days of trekking and a few day hikes). Unfortunately, it’ll be in August (no choice). My questions are: - For a first time in the Dolomites, which 4-day trek should I pick? I’d love the most spectacular and varied landscapes possible. Around 1,000m elevation gain per day. - Is it busier the first or last week of August? - Will it still feel "quiet" while hiking? Not like a conga line in August...?

Thanks so much for your help! !

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! :-)

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

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

Hi, I’m planning the Switzerland-Paris hike for 2026. If any of you know a route where I can stay with locals or in other lodging (no camping), I’d really appreciate your tips. Thanks! M Brunner

hi there I live near Dole, so not too far away, and I sometimes go hiking (Camino de Santiago, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, etc.), and I’d love it if someone could suggest a trek in the Vosges—I really don’t know the area well. (Yeah, I know, I’m a little embarrassed about that.) If you could recommend a nice route. Arrival by car or train, doesn’t matter. Thanks so much!

Hi everyone. I’ve been dreaming of this trek since my first trip to Nepal: either joining an existing group (I’m 70, so the pace will be adjusted accordingly...), or organizing it myself with the same guide who accompanied me on the Annapurna Circuit and in Mustang (putting together a group of 2 or 3 people). Who’s interested??? Jules. Agnes

Hi there, My wife and I are heading to Norwegian Lapland for a week soon. We arrive in Tromsø on January 9th and plan to visit Senja Island. We’d love to go snowshoeing there and would appreciate some tips: 1. Is it possible to go snowshoeing without a guide this time of year on Senja Island? Are there well-marked trails? If not, could anyone recommend some good local guides? 2. We’d also love recommendations for great snowshoeing routes on the island if possible. 3. Is 5 days in Dovær in the northern part of the island too long at this time of year? 4. Renting snowshoeing gear in Norway is super expensive—does anyone know a good place to rent between Tromsø and Senja Island? Thanks!

Hi there,

I’ll be in Nepal in October. I’m planning to do the Annapurna trek and climb Mera Peak. From what I’ve heard, it’s one of the most accessible 6,000m peaks and doesn’t require a mandatory guide? The info I’ve found is pretty scattered—mostly just travel agency blogs. :-) Has anyone here already done this climb? I’ve heard you can find guides in Khare for just the final part of the ascent (which is way cheaper).

Thanks for your feedback!

Can’t wait to be there! :-)

Hi, We’re planning to spend 3 nights (4 days) in the Banaue area. We’ve booked 1 night in Banaue, 1 in Batad, and the 3rd back in Banaue. We’d like to get from one village to the other on our own (tricycle + hiking). Does that sound doable? Where can we find a hiking route so we don’t get lost (is Maps.me enough?)? The 2-day trek offered by guides is a bit tough and, above all, too expensive for us (83 €/person). Thanks for your feedback and experiences!

I want to do sections of the Collioure-Cadaqués trail. I plan to stay in Collioure first to hike the paths on the French side using the bus. Speaking of which, I’m wondering if it’ll be easy to find a seat on the buses at the end of April, beginning of May.

After that, I’ll head to Figueres to do sections of the trail on the Spanish side. I’m worried the buses might not be too crowded at the end of April.

Here’s what I’m interested in: Llanca - Port de la Selva: Figueres - Llanca by train in the morning and Port de la Selva - Figueres on the way back Port de la Selva - Cadaqués: Figueres - Port de la Selva in the morning and Cadaqués - Figueres on the return trip

I’d also like to go to Cadaqués from Figueres as a day trip. I’m concerned about how busy this route might be at the end of April.

I’m wondering if I need to get tickets in advance and where to buy them.

Hi there, we’re planning to do the Valley of Roses trek without a guide. Which village should we start the trek from? Is the route easy to find? Will 3 to 4 days be enough? (We’re experienced hikers and good walkers.) Which stopover villages would you recommend?.....Thanks! FG

hi there (mid-August 2025), I’m arriving in COLCA CANYON from PUNO by bus to stay for 3 days I’ll be on foot what’s the best place to sleep since I’ll be hiking then I’m taking a bus to AREQUIPA but I can’t find any info about it only thing I’ve seen is that I’ll find a collectivo in CHIVAY can you give me some tips to organize this as smoothly as possible thanks ISABELLE

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!

Hi there! Discussions are rare and not recent, so I’m giving this a little bump—hope some folks are still around! ;-) I’d love to head to Wamena and trek south through the Valley over 5-6 days on foot. From what I’ve seen, finding your way isn’t exactly straightforward, and it seems best to hire a guide. I’ve never done that before because the encounters just aren’t the same...

Has anyone here explored the area? Is it feasible to trek down along the Baliem River, from Sogokmo to Kulise, then to Wamerek, cross over, and head back up along the river?

I’ve heard you should bring supplies to offer your hosts, which I’m happy to do!

What do you all think? The carefree spirit of my 20s is long gone, but I’d love to find it again, even just for a little while. ;-)

Thanks so much in advance for any tips or advice! Juliette