Je pars au Népal pour 15 jours avec ma copine à partir du 18 Septembre prochain. J'y suis déjà allé en 2012, ou j'avais fait (sur conseil de ce forum) le trek Helambu - Langtang, qui reste un souvenir merveilleux. Cette fois ci on prévois d'aller dans la région des annapurna, sans guide ni porteur. Du coup j'ai quelques questions par rapport à ce trek :
1) J'avais fait Helambu Langtang en solo début septembre et j'étais quasiment le seul touriste, ce qui était à la fois agréable et dérangeant (me suis senti un peu seul parfois)
Sur les 10 jours, j'ai rencontré un groupe le 1er jour, un francais à mi chemin qui allait dans le sens inverse du miens, et un groupe vers la fin sur la partie Langtang. Je lis que la région des annapurna est très fréquentée. A quoi est ce que je peux m'attendre exactement à cette période de l'année? Toutes les 5 minutes je verrai un nouveau touriste ?
2) En fait je my perds pas mal dans tout ces trek. Il y'a l'annapurna circuit (=tour des annapurna en francais si j'ai bien compris) l'annapurna base camp (=abc), le sanctuaire des annapurna...
Chaque site que je trouve me donne une info différente. Est il possible de faire le tour des annapurna, lorsque l'on marche déjà relativement bien, au départ de Kathmandu, et avec une arrivée à Pokhara, en 9 - 10 jours?
3) Est ce que quelqu'un l'a fait récemment ? Je lis qu'il y'a une route nouvellement construite et qui peux gacher un peu le truc. Qu'en est il?
4) Sur mon précédent trek, je dormais gratuit. Dans les lodges ils me disaient tous que si je mangeais chez eux, ils me faisaient la nuit gratuite. C'est pareil sur les treks des annapurna ? (et avec tous ces touristes...?)
5) A cette époque (Fin sept), quelle temps est ce qu'il fera?
6) Je lis qu'il y'a dans les lodges, des prises pour charger son appareil photo, de l'eau chaude et même du wifi. Est ce vrai? Ca me semble juste bizarre parce que très différent de mon trek précédent ou c'était assez spartiate.
7) Pas de problème à cause du tremblement de terre dans la région des annapurna?
8) Pas de risque de se perdre sur ce trek, c'est bien indiqué?
Je te reponds car je suis deja passe par la il y a 2 ans (trek Naar-Phu/Tilicho) et que je fais le tour de l'Annapurna "short version" cette annee aussi.
1. La route est assez longue pour qu'elle ne soit pas une longue procession de trekkeurs allant tous dans le meme sens. Tu en croiseras quelques-uns sur le chemin si tu marches plus vite qu'eux, ou inversement certains te doubleront...Mais globalement vous vous retrouverez surtout dans les lodges/guesthouses.
Quoiqu'honnetement, de memoire, meme debut-octobre (periode normalement bien chargee) en 2014, on etait quasiment tout seul a Ngawal et Khangsar.
Sois sur qu'a Manang, il y aura pas mal de monde.
2. Annapurna circuit = Le tour de l'Annapurna, Annapurna BC et Sanctuaire des Annapurnas sont les memes.
Perso, je fais le Tour des Annapurnas en une 10aine de jour (du 5 au 15 septembre A/R a Kathmandu), il faudra prendre une jeep a Besi Sahar pour Chame et recuperer l'avion Jomsom-Pokhara.
3. La route denature en effet le "mythique" Tour des Annapurnas. On peut decouper l'itineraire en 3 segments : Besi Sahar-Chame (route, mais faisable via le NATT=New Annapurna Trail), Chame- Jomsom (pas de route, le segment sauvegarde), Jomsom-Beni (route, mais faisable aussi via le NATT). Donc en prenant en compte que tu ne fais que le segment Chame-Jomsom, tu n'auras pas vraiment de probleme avec la fameuse route.
(meme si en realite, la route peut maintenant aller jusqu'a Manang, il y a assez peu de jeep qui l'emprunte)
4. Dans certains lodges oui, dans d'autres non. Mais c'est jamais bien cher s'il faut payer pour la chambre, 100 ou 200rs maximum.
5. Quelques restes possibles de la mousson (nuages, pluies eparses), mais normalement le temps sera beau et chaud en journee, et evidemment frais le soir/nuit (c'est de la haute-montagne quand meme). C'est une bonne periode.
6. Dans certains lodges, il y a en effet WIFI, electricite et eau chaude. Mais tout cela se paie. Le "hot bucket" a Khangsar c'etait 200rs, comme la recharge d'une batterie a Ngawal. Le WIFI ne sera vraiment accessible qu'a Manang (je ne l'ai pas personnellement vu ailleurs).
7. Aucun probleme du au tremblement de terre.
8. Impossible de s'y perdre, il suffit de suivre la vallee.
Merci beaucoup pour tes réponses détaillées qui m'aident à y voir beaucoup plus clair!
J'en ai deux dernières (enfin j’espère que c'est les dernières) :
- Je lis qu'il faut prendre une sac de couchage car les nuits sont très froides. Je me souviens qu'a mon trek dans le langtang, la nuit pouvais être vraiment très froide également, mais du coup il suffisait de demander plein de couvertures aux lodges. Ca sera faisable également, non?
Je demande car on aimerait vraiment emmener le moins de choses superflues possibles, pour alléger le sac. On a un sac à viande (genre de sac de couchage très fin).
- Est ce qu'il y'a des lodges toutes les heures environ par exemple, ou bien est ce que c'est vraiment découpé en étapes, et donc il est impossible d'aller un peu plus loin un jour ou l'on a envie de bien marcher (parce que le prochain est a 5h de marche par exemple)
- Pour le sac de couchage, en fait, il y a 2 raisons a mon sens de le prendre avec soi. Premierement parce que tous les lodges ne disposent pas forcement de couverture (A Thorung Phedi ou Thorung BC, au Tilicho BC egalement), et secundo, s'ils en ont, elles ne sont pas forcement de la 1ere fraicheur, lavees ou meme exemptes de petites bestioles inamicales (bedbugs, puces).
Bref, ce trek etant particulierement frequente, tu peux imaginer que si tout le monde les utilise, le risque niveau hygiene est assez eleve.
De memoire, je n'ai pas utilise de couvertures (stops a Ngawal, Khangsar et Tilicho BC) car il n'y en avait pas dans les chambres. On n'a pas pense a demander car on avait nos sacs de couchage + sacs a viande.
- Il y a des lodges a tous les villages de la boucle. Ils sont espaces, jusqu'a Manang, de 1h-1h30 pour les plus eloignes, mais c'est plutot 30-45 minutes pour la plupart. Apres Manang, c'est plutot ~2h. (avant le col du Thorung La ou le lac Tilicho, des 2 cotes c'est pareil).
Les lodges sont plutot bien equipes jusqu'a Manang, un peu plus depouilles apres. Les lodges des BC (Tilicho BC et Thorung BC) ont juste l'essentiel (des lits et a manger).
Citipati, je reviens t'embeter car j'ai du mal à planifier...
Je prends le bus le matin tot depuis KTM vers Besi Sahar (combien de temps est ce que ca prends?).
Ensuite, si j'ai bien compris je dois trouver une jeep a Besi Sahar, qui remonte la route jusqu’à Chame (ou même avant si je veux marcher un peu plus)
Est ce qu'il est possible de faire KTM -> Chame dans la meme journée, ou bien je dois passer une nuit à Besi Sahar? Combien de temps prends le deuxieme trajet, Besi Sahar -> Chame ?
Aussi, sur la fin du trek, j'ai vu qu'on peut prendre l'avion depuis Jomson vers Pokhara. Est ce qu'il est possible d'acheter à prix correct le billet au dernier moment ? Y a il plusieurs vols par jour?
Je demande car il est possible que je veuille pousser le trek un peu plus loin que Jomsom, car apparement ca vaut pas mal le coup après aussi.
Par contre ce que je ne sais pas, c'est si je fais ça, comment je fais pour rejoindre Pokhara ensuite? J'imagine qu'il y'a des bus, mais j'ignore combien de temps ça prends. 😐
- KTM-Besi Sahar en bus prend environ 6 a 7h. (moins en voiture privee)
Tu devras ensuite trouver une jeep a Besi Sahar. De memoire il y a un comptoir specifique pour ca, mais on a releve pas mal d'arnaques niveau prix par le mec qui tient le comptoir. Si possible, il faut negocier directement avec les "drivers".
Il est possible de faire KTM-Chame en 1 journee (depart tres tot et arrivee de nuit, la nuit tombe vers 18h), mais c'est vraiment dans le meilleur des cas. Et c'est rarement possible, il faut etre honnete...
Entre les glissements de terrain, la route pourrie et dangereuse et la jeep elle-meme, tu risques d'etre depose entre Chyamje et Timang.
(il y a 2 ans, on est descendu a Chyamje et on rejoint Tal directement avec une bonne partie a la lampe-frontale). :)
Logiquement, si tout se passe bien, le trajet Besi Sahar - Chame prend de 6 a 8h.
- De Jomsom, tu as en effet 2 choix, soit prendre l'avion direct pour Pokhara (20 minutes de vol), soit prendre un bus/jeep pour descendre par la route (compter 8h), ou encore descendre a pieds pour marcher un peu plus longtemps et prendre une jeep/bus plus bas pour rallier Pokhara.
Il est possible de prendre un billet a Jomsom au prix normal, sauf que c'est un peu les billets qui restent. Les vols ne sont pas reguliers, ils dependent de la meteo (vent/brouillard/nuages/pluie) car le vol est effectue "a vue". Les rotations sont effectues entre Pokhara et Jomsom (1er depart de Pokhara) avec le meme avion qui embarque des passagers a chaque atterrissage. A savoir que c'est la regle du "premier arrive, premier servi". Ceux qui auront un billet pour le vol de 6h (les rotations sont entre 6h et 10h seulement) seront prioritaires sur tous les autres, c'est-a-dire que meme s'il n'y a qu'un seul vol a 9h, les premiers a le prendre seront ceux du vol prevu a 6h. C'est plus un ordre de passage qu'autre chose.
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We're planning to go at the end of November/beginning of December to visit (with a rental car) and hike on La Palma and El Hierro for 15 full days, including 1 day for inter-island ferry transfers. What’s the best split between the two islands—8 days on La Palma and 6 on El Hierro, or even more time for La Palma? Should we have one or two home bases on La Palma? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
Hi there,
I’m planning to cross the Gourgs Blancs Pass at the end of the month, from La Soula Refuge to Portillon Refuge. On this section near the pass, I don’t have any trail marked on my IGN map. Is the path well signposted, or should I use a compass?
Also, beyond the physical effort, are there any technical, exposed, or vertigo-inducing sections on this part?
Since I’m finding very little info, I’m being thorough with my questions.
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.
hi there
I’m heading to Uzbekistan for three weeks from mid-September to mid-October 2026—a country I haven’t visited yet.
I’d love to do a few multi-day hikes in the mountains without going through a tour operator or hiring a guide. Has anyone here done this?
It doesn’t have to be all trekking; day hikes are great too.
I’m open to any tips!
Also, I see there are lots of train options if you book well in advance—does that only apply to the "fast" trains? Are there buses as well?
hi how can I get internet when I arrive at Haneda? I mean in areas without free wifi. Is it more interesting to buy a SIM card? If so, at the airport? thanks for your help
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!
Hello,
In mid-November, we’ll be in Mindelo and Santo Antão.
We’ve booked transportation with Kapverden Tours.
One trip is from Porto Novo to Ponta do Sol, including the hike from Corda to Coculi.
What’s the trail like?
Then we’ll be staying in Ponta do Sol,
Here’s what we’re planning:
A hike to Fontainhas—what’s the best direction, considering we’re not great with climbs? No problem with flat terrain or descents.
Take an aluguer to Ribeira Grande and continue along the coastal road.
With the agency:
An excursion to Cruzinha with a short walk.
Return to Porto Novo via the path from Cova to… I’m not sure where yet, to pick up the car for Porto Novo, since we’ll be taking the ferry that evening.
We’ll have a guide for this hike.
We’d love to spend a day in Tarrafal, but getting back requires a boat or taxi, and it’s really expensive!
We’re a couple, 78 and 76 years old.
What do you think of this itinerary?
Not very well known: Hokkaido Island has national parks that rival those in North America. Hiking there is free (even many mountain huts) and requires no formalities. These treks are described in the LP *Hiking in Japan* guide—you can just buy the Hokkaido PDF. It’s way better than Mount Fuji. Of course, everything depends on the weather, which is very unstable in the Japanese mountains (frequent strong winds). The trails are often obstacle courses.
The Daisetsu Zan traverse is a stunning hike through volcanic terrain with a remote section in the middle that requires at least one night of camping (there are basic huts for the rest, which is popular with Japanese hikers): 4 to 6 days.
The Shiretoko traverse takes 2 days with views including an island in Russia, but the ridge is brown bear territory—there are even more here than in Denali National Park in Alaska (brown bears and grizzlies are the same). I ran into 7 in just 6 hours of hiking!
Hi,
Since I can't take on long treks, I'd love to know if there are any nice hikes around Pokhara—or maybe in another region of Nepal. Day hikes or two-day trips would be perfect.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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?
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 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?
