Guide pour l'ascension du Kaçkar en Turquie
by Mycea
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
voilà je compte faire l'ascension du kaçkar cet été en guise d'acclimatation pour l'ararat, et je voulais savoir si certains d'entre vous y étaient déjà allé, et s'ils avaient des références de guides sur place à me donner, avec leur adresse e-mail si possible.
merci beaucoup!
A mon avis, possible sans guide sauf au printemps (encore trop de neige).
ok
je me doute que la difficulté est faible en été, néanmoins le lonely planet conseille de prendre un guide à cause du brouillard fréquent... si encore j'avais une carte détaillée de la région, avec boussole et alti pas de problème, mais bon là ...
mais j'hésite il est vrai
Bonjour Mycea,
J'ai fait le mont Ararat en juillet l'année dernière. Contrairement à ce que dit Willemspie, il est impossible de faire le sommet sans guide. Pour 2 simples bonnes raisons : le mont Ararat se situe dans le Kurdistan qui sort d'une période de conflits avec la Turquie. On ne peut pas faire le sommet sans guide car il faut une autorisation spéciale des autorités sur place (2 mois de délai pour l'obtenir à titre individuel) et un membre de la sécurité civile accompagne obligatoirement les personnes au sommet. il faut payer un permis d'ascension (environ 300€ par personne). en terme de logistique, il faut faire appel à des muletiers locaux. Si tu veux le faire à titre individuel, c'est à tes risques et périls (risque entre autres de se faire tirer dessus et je ne plaisante pas). Personnellement, autant faire travailler les locaux car il n' ya pas de navette qui permet de se rendre au point de départ. Au mois de juillet, il y a de la neige à partir de 4500m et il peut y avoir des chutes de neige même en plein été comme ce fut le cas l'an dernier). Je te donne les coordonnées du guide que j'ai eu l' année dernière. Il s'appelle Ince Ekrem et te donnera tout renseignement utile. Il travaille avec l'agence Sobek Travel qui a pignon sur rue en Turquie. Voici son adresse email : inceekrem@hotmail.com Je te souhaite un très bon trek.
Gisèle.
J'ai fait le mont Ararat en juillet l'année dernière. Contrairement à ce que dit Willemspie, il est impossible de faire le sommet sans guide. Pour 2 simples bonnes raisons : le mont Ararat se situe dans le Kurdistan qui sort d'une période de conflits avec la Turquie. On ne peut pas faire le sommet sans guide car il faut une autorisation spéciale des autorités sur place (2 mois de délai pour l'obtenir à titre individuel) et un membre de la sécurité civile accompagne obligatoirement les personnes au sommet. il faut payer un permis d'ascension (environ 300€ par personne). en terme de logistique, il faut faire appel à des muletiers locaux. Si tu veux le faire à titre individuel, c'est à tes risques et périls (risque entre autres de se faire tirer dessus et je ne plaisante pas). Personnellement, autant faire travailler les locaux car il n' ya pas de navette qui permet de se rendre au point de départ. Au mois de juillet, il y a de la neige à partir de 4500m et il peut y avoir des chutes de neige même en plein été comme ce fut le cas l'an dernier). Je te donne les coordonnées du guide que j'ai eu l' année dernière. Il s'appelle Ince Ekrem et te donnera tout renseignement utile. Il travaille avec l'agence Sobek Travel qui a pignon sur rue en Turquie. Voici son adresse email : inceekrem@hotmail.com Je te souhaite un très bon trek.
Gisèle.
bonjour arrossa,
je te remercie pour ces infos, mais concernant l'ararat j'ai déjà recueilli pas mal d'informations grâce à des personnes de ce forum. entre autres j'ai déjà les références d'un guide qui smeble très bien, mais je vais garder celle-ci pour le cas où! d'ailleurs, ça m'intéresse de savoir combien tu as payé exactement avec ce guide (tout compris). Moi on me demande 400 euros, autorisation et 4 jours avec bouffe et location matériel (crampons, piolets, matelat, tente et sac de couchage). Donc je suis toujours intéressée si je peux trouver moins cher bien sûr.
Sinon, dans ce topic je me renseignais plus précisément sur des guides pour les kaçkar. Et à ce sujet je suis toujours preneuse d'infos d'ailleurs. Même si vous n'avez pas de nom de guide à me donner, ça m'intéresse de connaître votre expérience si vous avez déjà randonné dans ces monts brumeux...
Sinon, dans ce topic je me renseignais plus précisément sur des guides pour les kaçkar. Et à ce sujet je suis toujours preneuse d'infos d'ailleurs. Même si vous n'avez pas de nom de guide à me donner, ça m'intéresse de connaître votre expérience si vous avez déjà randonné dans ces monts brumeux...
ok merci beaucoup donc je vais contacter ce guide aussi.
et puisque tu as fait les kaçkar je vais te poser uelques questions: combien tu as payé avec ce guide? et est-ce que tu as eu du beau temps ou est-ce qu'il y a du brouillard tous les jours? quelle T° as-tu eu au minimum (la nuit surtout)? merci d'avance!
Bonjour amis forumeurs!
voilà je relance un peu ce sujet car finalement j'ai décidé de faire les kaçkars sans guide.
j'ai réussi à trouver une carte sur internet, mais j'aimerais avoir le plus d'informations possible sur la rando: l'iinéraire est-il facile à trouver? par où passe -t-on pour accéder au sommet? y a t-il des difficultés techniques à franchir?
est-il possible de trouver des livres (en français, anglais ou turc) qui fassent des topo rando sur les kaçkar?
d'un point de vue logistique, est-ce qu'on peut louer du matériel au pied des montagnes (tente, matelas...)?
toute information est bienvenue, merci d'avance!
toute information est bienvenue, merci d'avance!
Bah je me pose à peu près les mêmes questions : je vais dans le nord-est pendant une dizaine de jours début juin et j'aurais bien fait une rando sur 2 ou 3 jours dans les mont kaçkar. Je suis pas un habitué de ce genre d'activités donc les services d'un guide me semble nécessaire.
Selon vous, peut-on se pointer dans le coin sans rien prévoir et trouver au dernier moment un guide ? Depuis quel ville ? Sinon, je suis preneur de toute adresse de guide qui pourrait correspondant à ma recherche.
Merci d'avance.
Selon vous, peut-on se pointer dans le coin sans rien prévoir et trouver au dernier moment un guide ? Depuis quel ville ? Sinon, je suis preneur de toute adresse de guide qui pourrait correspondant à ma recherche.
Merci d'avance.
Comme je l'ai écrit plus haut, nous avons décidé d'entreprendre la rando seuls sans guide et ça me semble à présent largement faisable. La question principale est celle de l'orientation puisqu'il n'existe pas de carte potable (c'est l'armée qui les a); pour ma part j'ai trouvé une carte russe que l'on trouve facilement en faisant une recherche google, et mon copain l'a retravaillée précisément en recoupant les infos avec d'autres cartes: ça donne un truc pas mal avec courbes de niveaux, altitudes, etc. que je peux filer sans problème à qui me le demanderas...
sinon y a des guides que tu peux acheter sur amazon:mountains of turkeytrekking in turkey (plus réédité, tu peux le trouver d'occaz par ex sur amazon.com ou sur des réseaux de bouqinistes)y a un bouqin en turc uniquement sur les kaçkar, Kaçkar daglari mais chaud à trouver.
si tu veux plus d'infos sur ces bouquins demande-moi là j'ai pas toutes les références à côté.
apres je pense qu'on peut trouver un guide au dernier moment là-bas mais n'y étant jamais allée je ne peux l'affirmer (c'est ce que laisse entendre le lonely planet en tout cas). Il y a ce site où tu peux trouver plein d'adresses de guides: http://www.kackarlar.org/english/index.php sinon dans le lonely planet ilsen indiquent pas mal aussi mais là je ne l'ai pas sous les yeux; j'en avais contacté un, tur@turkutour.com, qui m'avait répondu ceci:
Firstly, we thank you to think coming Kackar. Our tours which you see in our web site, are generally for 1 week. But if you want, we can do a special tour for you for 4 days. We prepared this program for 2 persons, but if somebody join this tour, we can reduce the price.
Best Regards.
Mehmet DEMİRCİ Gn.Mng. Türkü Tourism Travel www.turkutour.com
Day 1: Çamlıhemşin, Ekodanitap Natural Life, Dinner, Accommodation. Day 2: With jeep, Ayder, A.Ceymakcur, Y.Ceymakcur Plateaus, Blacksea Ice Lake, Naletleme Pass(3450mt.), Dilberdüzü, Base Camp (6 hrs.) Day 3: Sea Ice Lake (3400 mt.), Adsız Ice Lake, Top to Kaçkar (3937 mt.), Return, Dilberdüzü Basecamp (9 hrs.) Day 4: Olgunlar Village (4 hrs.), Transfer to Yaylalar.
Tour Price (Two person for): $1150 (Full Pension, Tent, Sleepingbag, Mat, Transfers and Guiding) Tour Prices(3 person for): $1250 " " (4 person for): $1350
sinon y a des guides que tu peux acheter sur amazon:mountains of turkeytrekking in turkey (plus réédité, tu peux le trouver d'occaz par ex sur amazon.com ou sur des réseaux de bouqinistes)y a un bouqin en turc uniquement sur les kaçkar, Kaçkar daglari mais chaud à trouver.
si tu veux plus d'infos sur ces bouquins demande-moi là j'ai pas toutes les références à côté.
apres je pense qu'on peut trouver un guide au dernier moment là-bas mais n'y étant jamais allée je ne peux l'affirmer (c'est ce que laisse entendre le lonely planet en tout cas). Il y a ce site où tu peux trouver plein d'adresses de guides: http://www.kackarlar.org/english/index.php sinon dans le lonely planet ilsen indiquent pas mal aussi mais là je ne l'ai pas sous les yeux; j'en avais contacté un, tur@turkutour.com, qui m'avait répondu ceci:
Firstly, we thank you to think coming Kackar. Our tours which you see in our web site, are generally for 1 week. But if you want, we can do a special tour for you for 4 days. We prepared this program for 2 persons, but if somebody join this tour, we can reduce the price.
Best Regards.
Mehmet DEMİRCİ Gn.Mng. Türkü Tourism Travel www.turkutour.com
Day 1: Çamlıhemşin, Ekodanitap Natural Life, Dinner, Accommodation. Day 2: With jeep, Ayder, A.Ceymakcur, Y.Ceymakcur Plateaus, Blacksea Ice Lake, Naletleme Pass(3450mt.), Dilberdüzü, Base Camp (6 hrs.) Day 3: Sea Ice Lake (3400 mt.), Adsız Ice Lake, Top to Kaçkar (3937 mt.), Return, Dilberdüzü Basecamp (9 hrs.) Day 4: Olgunlar Village (4 hrs.), Transfer to Yaylalar.
Tour Price (Two person for): $1150 (Full Pension, Tent, Sleepingbag, Mat, Transfers and Guiding) Tour Prices(3 person for): $1250 " " (4 person for): $1350
Je suis preneuse de ta carte détaillée, car je dois y aller en Juillet.Peux tu me le faire parvenir en pièce jointe sur turkishgo@yahoo.fr ou par courrier aprés photocopie à
Claire Bonnet
Lycée Pierre Loti
P.K.164
34433 Beyoglu
Istanbul
Merci d'avance. J'ai aussi trouvé des cartes approximatives sur terraanatolia.com
Merci
salut, pas de problème donc en fait là j'ai mis la carte sur flickr comme ça elle est accessible à tout le monde:
il y a ce plan large
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=459166991&size=l
et celle-ci plus détaillée autour du kaçkar dagi
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=459167001&size=l
merci beaucoup. Si tu as d'autres infos...
Claire
oui je peux avoir d'autres infos dans les bouqins que j'ai achetés
(références plus haut): ça dépend de ce que tu veux faire, il y a des
descriptifs de courses relativment précis je peux t'en faire part si tu
veux.
Salut à tout le monde!
je reviens juste de mon voyage en turquie et c'était absolument formidable! je tiens à remercier tous les forumeurs qui m'ont aidé à l'organiser au mieux (MCN, Willemspie, arrossa, tatra, carogunaydin...)
J'ai donc fait l'ascension du mont kaçkar et de deux autres sommets, sans guide et cela ne pose aucun problème: pour le mont kaçkar, le chemin est balisé et il y a beaucoup de monde ce qui fait qu'il est difficile de se perdre.
En revanche pour les deux autres sommets il vaut mieux disposer des cartes dont j'ai donné les références plus haut, et avoir un bon sens de l'orientation car il n'y a aucun balisage; parfois quelques sentiers mais c'est tout.
Nous avons dormi au bord du lac deniz golu: c'est un lieu superbe que je conseille vivement à la place du lieu habituel de camping, situé plus bas mais toujours bondé et pas particulièrement beau.
Pour le temps, nous avons eu tous les jours beau temps le matin et pluie/orage l'apres-midi.
Les T° sont des T° normales, comme dans les alpes en été, donc assez chaud, mais il faut avoir polaire et gore-tex au cas ou.
N'hésitez pas à me contacter pour tout renseignement complémentaire!
Bonjour, Il faut y aller en hiver, c'estplus le fun : http://picasaweb.google.ch/patrick.schoeneich/PolyathlonDOrient
Bon voyage.
bonjour,
chouettes photos! C'est vrai que ça donne bien avec de la neige.
(néanmoins quant à savoir si c'est plus ou moins "le fun" qu'en été, je laisse ça à la discrétion de chacun 😉)
Orage presque tous les jours en aout, mais cela ne dure que 2 heures environ. Le reste de la journee est beau.
Effectivement, je confirme : le temps est beau et plutôt sec, mais il est difficile d'échapper aux ondées de l'après-midi. Ce n'est pas trop gênant si tu as une bonne tente ! En plus, c'est l'heure de la sieste.
En revanche, de l'autre côté (côté mer noire), je crois savoir que ça peut être pluie non stop.
Salut,
Est-ce que tu peux m'envoyer le carte russe dont tu parles SVP ?
cedrichenet@gmail.com
Merci
Comme je l'ai écrit plus haut, nous avons décidé d'entreprendre la rando seuls sans guide et ça me semble à présent largement faisable. La question principale est celle de l'orientation puisqu'il n'existe pas de carte potable (c'est l'armée qui les a); pour ma part j'ai trouvé une carte russe que l'on trouve facilement en faisant une recherche google, et mon copain l'a retravaillée précisément en recoupant les infos avec d'autres cartes: ça donne un truc pas mal avec courbes de niveaux, altitudes, etc. que je peux filer sans problème à qui me le demanderas...
sinon y a des guides que tu peux acheter sur amazon:mountains of turkeytrekking in turkey (plus réédité, tu peux le trouver d'occaz par ex sur amazon.com ou sur des réseaux de bouqinistes)y a un bouqin en turc uniquement sur les kaçkar, Kaçkar daglari mais chaud à trouver.
si tu veux plus d'infos sur ces bouquins demande-moi là j'ai pas toutes les références à côté.
apres je pense qu'on peut trouver un guide au dernier moment là-bas mais n'y étant jamais allée je ne peux l'affirmer (c'est ce que laisse entendre le lonely planet en tout cas). Il y a ce site où tu peux trouver plein d'adresses de guides: http://www.kackarlar.org/english/index.php sinon dans le lonely planet ilsen indiquent pas mal aussi mais là je ne l'ai pas sous les yeux; j'en avais contacté un, tur@turkutour.com, qui m'avait répondu ceci:
Firstly, we thank you to think coming Kackar. Our tours which you see in our web site, are generally for 1 week. But if you want, we can do a special tour for you for 4 days. We prepared this program for 2 persons, but if somebody join this tour, we can reduce the price.
Best Regards.
Mehmet DEMİRCİ Gn.Mng. Türkü Tourism Travel www.turkutour.com
Day 1: Çamlıhemşin, Ekodanitap Natural Life, Dinner, Accommodation. Day 2: With jeep, Ayder, A.Ceymakcur, Y.Ceymakcur Plateaus, Blacksea Ice Lake, Naletleme Pass(3450mt.), Dilberdüzü, Base Camp (6 hrs.) Day 3: Sea Ice Lake (3400 mt.), Adsız Ice Lake, Top to Kaçkar (3937 mt.), Return, Dilberdüzü Basecamp (9 hrs.) Day 4: Olgunlar Village (4 hrs.), Transfer to Yaylalar.
Tour Price (Two person for): $1150 (Full Pension, Tent, Sleepingbag, Mat, Transfers and Guiding) Tour Prices(3 person for): $1250 " " (4 person for): $1350
Est-ce que tu peux m'envoyer le carte russe dont tu parles SVP ?
cedrichenet@gmail.com
Merci
Comme je l'ai écrit plus haut, nous avons décidé d'entreprendre la rando seuls sans guide et ça me semble à présent largement faisable. La question principale est celle de l'orientation puisqu'il n'existe pas de carte potable (c'est l'armée qui les a); pour ma part j'ai trouvé une carte russe que l'on trouve facilement en faisant une recherche google, et mon copain l'a retravaillée précisément en recoupant les infos avec d'autres cartes: ça donne un truc pas mal avec courbes de niveaux, altitudes, etc. que je peux filer sans problème à qui me le demanderas...
sinon y a des guides que tu peux acheter sur amazon:mountains of turkeytrekking in turkey (plus réédité, tu peux le trouver d'occaz par ex sur amazon.com ou sur des réseaux de bouqinistes)y a un bouqin en turc uniquement sur les kaçkar, Kaçkar daglari mais chaud à trouver.
si tu veux plus d'infos sur ces bouquins demande-moi là j'ai pas toutes les références à côté.
apres je pense qu'on peut trouver un guide au dernier moment là-bas mais n'y étant jamais allée je ne peux l'affirmer (c'est ce que laisse entendre le lonely planet en tout cas). Il y a ce site où tu peux trouver plein d'adresses de guides: http://www.kackarlar.org/english/index.php sinon dans le lonely planet ilsen indiquent pas mal aussi mais là je ne l'ai pas sous les yeux; j'en avais contacté un, tur@turkutour.com, qui m'avait répondu ceci:
Firstly, we thank you to think coming Kackar. Our tours which you see in our web site, are generally for 1 week. But if you want, we can do a special tour for you for 4 days. We prepared this program for 2 persons, but if somebody join this tour, we can reduce the price.
Best Regards.
Mehmet DEMİRCİ Gn.Mng. Türkü Tourism Travel www.turkutour.com
Day 1: Çamlıhemşin, Ekodanitap Natural Life, Dinner, Accommodation. Day 2: With jeep, Ayder, A.Ceymakcur, Y.Ceymakcur Plateaus, Blacksea Ice Lake, Naletleme Pass(3450mt.), Dilberdüzü, Base Camp (6 hrs.) Day 3: Sea Ice Lake (3400 mt.), Adsız Ice Lake, Top to Kaçkar (3937 mt.), Return, Dilberdüzü Basecamp (9 hrs.) Day 4: Olgunlar Village (4 hrs.), Transfer to Yaylalar.
Tour Price (Two person for): $1150 (Full Pension, Tent, Sleepingbag, Mat, Transfers and Guiding) Tour Prices(3 person for): $1250 " " (4 person for): $1350
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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.
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?
Thanks
Cat, Bruno.
Thanks
Cat, Bruno.
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 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





