Je souhaite me rendre en Inde durant 5 ou 6 semaines et consacrer tout ce temps uniquement aux seules régions tribales du sud de l'état d'Orissa.
Je tiens impérativement à m'y déplacer seul (sans agence et sans guide), à me rendre dans les villages les plus isolés (à pied) et à loger toutes les nuits chez l'habitant.
> La question des autorisations obligatoires ne me préoccupe pas trop, je suis prêt à m'y risquer sans les détenir.
> Par contre on parle beaucoup de risques potentiels d'agressivité de ces populations vis-à-vis de l'étranger.
Parmi ceux d'entre vous qui y sont allés (seuls ou avec une agence), pouvez-vous m'en dire un peu plus là-dessus : sur l'attitude des locaux face aux touristes et si vous y avez eu perception d'un sentiment d'hostilité quelconque.
Merci d'avance pour tous vos commentaires.
Bonnes Routes,
321
200 jours à pied,
seul, sans guide,
aux confins du Laos : CLIC
😕😕 bonjour,
nous sommes rentrés il y a quelques jours d'un périple en Inde et nous avons passé 2 semaines en Orissa dans le secteur des zones tribales. Actuellement il y 2 problèmes :
dans la région de Baliguda, des maisons et les églises des villages Chrétiens ont été incendiées par les Hindouistes (suite à un différent électoral), il y a eu mort d'homme et les accès sont contrôlés par l'armée qui protège les populations chrétiennes
au sud de Jeypore, les factions armées maoïstes (environ 400 hommes) ont attaqué des postes de police, il y a eu 14 morts dans les rangs de la police, autant dire que la chasse à l'homme est ouverte, nombreux check-point le long des routes
voila pour la situation mi-février
En ce qui concerne les visites des villages, nous avions une voiture avec chauffeur mais pas de guide permanent, à chaque fois que nous voulions aborder un village autorisé, nous prenions un accompagnateur local qui parlait le dialecte (c'est fortement recommandé). Tous les villages ne sont pas accessibles aux étrangers (même indiens), ils se trouvent entre 15 et 30 Km du bourg le + proche, en général l'endroit où a lieu le marché hebdomadaire, si tu veux on pourra te communiquer les jours.
Actuellement les villages "Bondas" sont totalement interdits à la visite, nous avons vu ce groupe etnique au marché de ONDUKELI tous les jeudis.
L'accueil des étrangers par les minorités est difficile, en particulier en ce qui concerne les hommes qui sont alcoolisés dès le matin et très agressifs, voir menaçants, les femmes elles, sont plus faciles d'approche, elles ont compris qu'elles peuvent tirer qq roupies des visiteurs.
Nous avons aussi visité les minorités du Nord Laos, mais ce n'est pas la même approche, aller dans les villages de L'Orissa sans autorisation est passible de poursuites et actuellement vu le contexte, il y a beaucoup de contrôles....
Tu peux à Bubaneshwar aller au "tribal museum" qui en + des infos sur les minorités possède une librairie (bâtiment à gauche dans l'enceinte du musée), en prenant ton temps tu rencontreras certainement comme nous des étudiants en ethno. qui préparent leur doctorat, ils sont très sympathiques et se feront un plaisir de te renseigner sur les zones que tu souhaite découvrir. Dans cette même librairie, tu peux acheter les publications ethnologiques sur les différents groupes de minorités, c'est très bien fait et plein de renseignements (on ne peut se les procurer que là)
A ton service pour d'autres renseignements, on pourra te communiquer nos coordonnées privées
Amitiés voyageuses
Le voyageur parfait ne connait pas sa destination... (Li Tseu)
C'est vraiment chouette d'avoir pris le temps de me répondre aussi longuement et précisément.
Désolé, là j'ai pas trop de temps. Je te recontacte d'ici fin de semaine, promis.
A +
321
200 jours à pied,
seul, sans guide,
aux confins du Laos : CLIC
Je suis intéressé par ta proposition de donner les jours de marché afin de rencontrer ces populations tribales. Je compte visiter cette région en compagnie d'un indien du sud. Faut-il prendre également un guide ? Enfin, dernière question où se trouve Onkuli (où un marché se déroule le jeudi).Merci
Alain
😉😉 jours de marché dans l'Orissa (ceux que nous avons pu visiter)
le mardi : Dukum (à 60 km de Rayagada) tribu des Desia Khonds
le mercredi : Chatikona (entre Rayagada et Jeypore) tribus des Dongariya Khondas
le jeudi : Onkudelli (au sud de Jeypore) tribus des Bondas-Gadabas-Didayis **pour nous le + typique, remonter le long des chemins à la rencontre des minorités qui ont fait entre 15 à 30 km à pied poue se rendre au marché
le vendredi : Kunduli ( au sud de Jeypore) tribu des Parojas et Mali
il vaut mieux prendre un guide où à défaut un chauffeur qui connait les jours et lieux de marchés. Pour info, les routes sont en très mauvais état et en cours de réfection (à la main, pas de machines pour donner du travail aux populations locales), compter environ 30 km/heure. Pour visiter les villages accessibles, prendre un guide local (donner entre 50 à 100 Rs).
A titre d'info, les travailleurs (hommes ou femmes) embauchés pour la réfection des routes touchent 50 Rs/jour pour 8 à 10 heures de travail (mais que fait la CGT locale ?).
A +
Le voyageur parfait ne connait pas sa destination... (Li Tseu)
Bonjour,
Nous avons traversé il y a 2 ans l'Orissa en vélo en nous "enfonçant" un peu dans la région. Nous n'avons personnellement eu aucun problème avec les habitants. Une règle en Orissa est de ne surtout pas dire que vous êtes chrétiens. Nous avons dormis dans deux église et le prêtre s'était déja fait tirer dessus, sa maison incendié... Nous ne conseillons toute fois pas forcément le coeur de cette région dont la situation reste tout de même critique. En vélo, tout est parfois bien plus simple et l'acceuil moins rétiçant. Nous dormions en tente dans les villages, pas de guest house... Notre site avec photos:
www.ventdularge.fr.st
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Hi everyone,
I’m leaving on Monday, August 3rd for my very first long-distance trek: the GR223 from Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel, over 6-7 days (~11-14 miles/day), solo.
I’m looking for tips from people who know this section well (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer → Hauteville-sur-Mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → bay crossing):
Budget-friendly accommodations: I’m struggling to find affordable stopover lodgings (a lot of what I find online are expensive vacation rentals, not really suited for a solo hiker). If you have any great spots (hostels, hiker-friendly B&Bs, nice campgrounds), I’d love to hear them!
Bay crossing: Any feedback on guides/providers leaving from Genêts for the final crossing?
General tips for a first long-distance trek: What you wish you’d known before your first time, pitfalls to avoid, etc.
Hi,
We’re planning to do the 4-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli without an agency. The descriptions mention that there are accommodations at each stop, but we can’t find any details about them. Has anyone got info or feedback on this route?
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028.
I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄).
This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont.
The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips.
We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries!
Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike.
It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge.
I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle.
In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details:
We arrive in early August and leave in early September.
We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery!
We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat?
Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations.
Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July.
I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route.
Can anyone give me some info on this?
Thanks!
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there?
A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions?
For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip...
Thanks for your tips!
Have a great day,
Anie, Toulouse
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice?
Best regards,
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish.
I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips?
Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina?
At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Morocco in August and we’ll start with a stop in Chefchaouen (we’re driving).
My question: can anyone suggest a 5-to-7-day loop hiking route from Chefchaouen in Talassemtane Park, ideally passing by the God’s Bridge? Or a paper guidebook that covers a few options?
We prefer wild camping and guesthouses.
Thanks in advance
Hi there, for those who’ve been recently—is it possible to find other solo travelers in March on the island to share transport or room costs? It doesn’t seem easy to travel on a budget.
If you have any recommendations for simple lodgings or places with dorms, I’d love to hear them.
For those who’ve done multi-day treks while moving around: do you need to bring your own sleeping bag? I’d love to hear about itineraries you’ve done without a guide, just with a map and GPS.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Hi everyone!
We’re planning a 15-day road trip to Scotland this summer, specifically to explore and hike on Lewis and Harris—places we’ve never been before. We’ve visited other islands on previous road trips in Scotland (we usually go in April for a week). This would be our first time in Scotland in the summer and for 15 days. We’re looking at late August to early September.
I’m currently drafting the itinerary. We’d be crossing from Ullapool and were thinking of spending 3 nights on Harris and 4 nights on Lewis.
Does that sound balanced to you? Is it better to keep the same accommodation on Harris and the same on Lewis to explore the area? I’d love to hear about any past experiences you’ve had on these islands.
Thanks!
Hi there, I’m trying to leave for 15 days very soon to São Vicente. I’m either looking to join an agency or figure things out on my own to go hiking on one of these islands or both. From what I’ve seen, it’s not easy to organize with local transport, so it gets expensive. Can I use the services of a small local agency? I’m looking for the simplest way to hike for several days. Also, how do you get from São Vicente to São Nicolau? Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Aichatou
I’ve been wanting to do this for several years, and this year’s the one. Next September, I’ll be trekking in Tusheti (Georgia), from Omalo to Shatili.
Of course, I won’t be renting a vehicle that’d just sit unused. No problem getting to Pshaveli, but from there to Omalo, it’s a dirt road (still the case?)
There must be some form of public transport since there are so many guesthouses, and not all travelers come in a 4x4.
If any of you have been to Omalo, could you confirm that these shared transports exist and how often they run?
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?
