Original post
We watched the show "Rendez-vous en terre inconnue" in Guizhou Province, China. Those stunning landscapes really made us want to go trekking in the region.
Do you have any valuable tips to share to help us plan this trip?
Trekking in Guizhou Province, Southern China
by Genetam
Translated into English.
Yes, it's a really beautiful report. The reporters spent an enormous amount of time finding these kinds of remote villages. In other words, they're still inaccessible for the average tourist because there's no road infrastructure or accommodation. But for backpackers, absolutely.
All the accessible and well-equipped areas are often heavily altered by mass tourism and bear no resemblance to the villages in "En terre inconnue" (Unknown Lands).
I'll be in Guizhou in May. Following the tourist circuit of Miao or Dong villages isn't my thing. I plan to use Zhaoxing—a hyper-touristy Dong village—as a base for comfort, internet, etc. From Zhaoxing, I intend to explore on foot and backpack through the small, lost villages in the mountains south of Zhaoxing. I've created my own highly detailed maps, which are available on my smartphone. I plan to set off for several days on small mule trails, moving from village to village without being sure of comfortable food or lodging. In short, adventure far from the tourists.
All the accessible and well-equipped areas are often heavily altered by mass tourism and bear no resemblance to the villages in "En terre inconnue" (Unknown Lands).
I'll be in Guizhou in May. Following the tourist circuit of Miao or Dong villages isn't my thing. I plan to use Zhaoxing—a hyper-touristy Dong village—as a base for comfort, internet, etc. From Zhaoxing, I intend to explore on foot and backpack through the small, lost villages in the mountains south of Zhaoxing. I've created my own highly detailed maps, which are available on my smartphone. I plan to set off for several days on small mule trails, moving from village to village without being sure of comfortable food or lodging. In short, adventure far from the tourists.
It’s definitely a stunning place to visit, but it’s not easy. This is China’s poorest province, and tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites). It’s really tough to explore in an interesting way without some Mandarin skills. I wouldn’t recommend it for a first trip to China.
Yes, really beautiful report. The reporters spent an enormous amount of time finding this kind of remote village. In other words, it's still inaccessible for the average tourist because there are no road infrastructures or accommodation. But for the backpacking adventurer, yes.
All the accessible and equipped areas for visitors are often heavily modified by mass tourism and no longer resemble the village from "En terre inconnue" (Unknown Lands).
I’ll be in Guizhou in May. Doing the tourist circuit of Miao or Dong villages isn’t my thing. I’ve planned to use Zhaoxing—a hyper-touristy Dong village—as a base to have comfort, internet, etc. From Zhaoxing, I intend to explore on foot and with my backpack the small, lost villages in the mountains south of Zhaoxing. I’ve made my own highly detailed maps available on my smartphone. I plan to set off for several days on small mule trails, going from village to village without being sure of eating or sleeping comfortably. In short, adventure far from tourists.
Thanks for your reply.
We’re used to doing itinerant trips off the beaten track, away from road infrastructures, and occasionally doing without modern comforts and technology. Because of this, your adventure of setting off for several days really interests us. Would it be possible, please, for you to share your experience afterward? We’re thinking of doing this trip next autumn. Thanks in advance, Geneviève
All the accessible and equipped areas for visitors are often heavily modified by mass tourism and no longer resemble the village from "En terre inconnue" (Unknown Lands).
I’ll be in Guizhou in May. Doing the tourist circuit of Miao or Dong villages isn’t my thing. I’ve planned to use Zhaoxing—a hyper-touristy Dong village—as a base to have comfort, internet, etc. From Zhaoxing, I intend to explore on foot and with my backpack the small, lost villages in the mountains south of Zhaoxing. I’ve made my own highly detailed maps available on my smartphone. I plan to set off for several days on small mule trails, going from village to village without being sure of eating or sleeping comfortably. In short, adventure far from tourists.
Thanks for your reply.
We’re used to doing itinerant trips off the beaten track, away from road infrastructures, and occasionally doing without modern comforts and technology. Because of this, your adventure of setting off for several days really interests us. Would it be possible, please, for you to share your experience afterward? We’re thinking of doing this trip next autumn. Thanks in advance, Geneviève
It’s indeed a stunning place to visit but not easy. It’s the poorest province in China, and tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites). It’s really hard to visit (in an interesting way) without some Mandarin. Not a destination I’d recommend for a first trip to China.
Thanks for your reply. You mention: - “tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites)”. Which ones, please? - “hard to visit without some Mandarin”. Is it possible to find a local guide? Do you have an address? Thanks in advance. Geneviève
Thanks for your reply. You mention: - “tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites)”. Which ones, please? - “hard to visit without some Mandarin”. Is it possible to find a local guide? Do you have an address? Thanks in advance. Geneviève
It really is a stunning place to visit, but it's not easy. It's the poorest province in China, and the tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites). It's very difficult to visit (in an interesting way) without some knowledge of Mandarin. I wouldn't recommend it for a first trip to China.
Thanks for your reply. You say: - “the tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites)”. Which ones, please? - “difficult to visit without some knowledge of Mandarin”. Is it possible to find a local guide? Do you have an address? Thanks in advance. Geneviève
Hello,
I confirm Jianadaren and Danniello’s answers. The village featured in this amazing report reminded me of the hamlets around Zhaoxing, but much more isolated.
I have doubts about the possibility of finding a local guide who speaks a language other than Mandarin, but with the tourist development in Zhaoxing—which was still very remote when I visited—who knows...
Thanks for your reply. You say: - “the tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites)”. Which ones, please? - “difficult to visit without some knowledge of Mandarin”. Is it possible to find a local guide? Do you have an address? Thanks in advance. Geneviève
Hello,
I confirm Jianadaren and Danniello’s answers. The village featured in this amazing report reminded me of the hamlets around Zhaoxing, but much more isolated.
I have doubts about the possibility of finding a local guide who speaks a language other than Mandarin, but with the tourist development in Zhaoxing—which was still very remote when I visited—who knows...
Hi Genevieve,
Guizhou really isn’t easy to get your head around if you don’t speak Mandarin. I went there in 2015, around the village of Jiaju. You’ll find several isolated villages with no roads—they even hide the kids when you arrive. No hotels or restaurants either. Take a look at my travel journal here (page 2):
http://voyageforum.com/discussion/morceaux-chine-bout-sichuan-guizhou-d6937738-2/
Guizhou really isn’t easy to get your head around if you don’t speak Mandarin. I went there in 2015, around the village of Jiaju. You’ll find several isolated villages with no roads—they even hide the kids when you arrive. No hotels or restaurants either. Take a look at my travel journal here (page 2):
http://voyageforum.com/discussion/morceaux-chine-bout-sichuan-guizhou-d6937738-2/
Ma Galerie Photos
In Guizhou, it's important to distinguish between visiting well-known, well-organized tourist spots and exploring lost villages like those in *En terre inconnue*. On these tourist circuits, don’t expect to find the same atmosphere as in the show’s villages. It’s not easy to mix the two.
In the France 2 program, you see villagers who are super welcoming and very communicative. But the director came three months earlier to prepare the villagers to host the two volunteer tourists. In reality, arriving in a lost village in China is completely different. The villagers won’t come to you. You have to find a way to make contact. Speaking Mandarin definitely helps break the ice more easily. All young Chinese who go to school speak Mandarin fluently, while those over forty struggle with it or don’t speak it at all.
Since last year, a new TGV connecting Guangzhou to Guiyang and a brand-new highway have further widened the gap between remote areas and tourist zones. On this map http://goo.gl/tD8i7u, you can see these tourist zones radiating around Guiyang and scattered along the rail line.
Here’s another map of the main tourist areas: http://goo.gl/DHxGH7
For explorers of lost areas, the stretch between Xijiang and Zhaoxing is where you should go.
In the France 2 program, you see villagers who are super welcoming and very communicative. But the director came three months earlier to prepare the villagers to host the two volunteer tourists. In reality, arriving in a lost village in China is completely different. The villagers won’t come to you. You have to find a way to make contact. Speaking Mandarin definitely helps break the ice more easily. All young Chinese who go to school speak Mandarin fluently, while those over forty struggle with it or don’t speak it at all.
Since last year, a new TGV connecting Guangzhou to Guiyang and a brand-new highway have further widened the gap between remote areas and tourist zones. On this map http://goo.gl/tD8i7u, you can see these tourist zones radiating around Guiyang and scattered along the rail line.
Here’s another map of the main tourist areas: http://goo.gl/DHxGH7
For explorers of lost areas, the stretch between Xijiang and Zhaoxing is where you should go.
I watched the show you mentioned, and they really did find a beautiful spot. From my own experience in Guizhou, it’s not that hard to come across places like that—around the small village of Jiaju, where I stayed for a few days, I was able to walk through or see villages quite similar to the one in the report. That said, staying overnight in those villages is a different story if you don’t speak the local language (not everyone speaks Mandarin in the remote villages). But with a base in a slightly more accessible village like the one I stayed in, you can easily explore these kinds of places without any issues.
Ma Galerie Photos
My last post tried to explain the difference between following the classic tourist circuit and an adventure circuit. Toth, your trip to Guizhou really highlights all the implications and challenges of a truly custom journey.
If you're planning a trip to Guizhou, make sure to read Toth's travel journal. Look for: *Morceaux de Chine, un bout de Sichuan et du Guizhou*
If you really want to venture into remote villages like in the France 2 show, it's not easy, but it's definitely doable. However, this kind of trip requires a bit more preparation and often finding private transportation.
As a photographer myself, I really appreciated your high-quality photos. They make me want to get lost in the depths of Guizhou.
If you're planning a trip to Guizhou, make sure to read Toth's travel journal. Look for: *Morceaux de Chine, un bout de Sichuan et du Guizhou*
If you really want to venture into remote villages like in the France 2 show, it's not easy, but it's definitely doable. However, this kind of trip requires a bit more preparation and often finding private transportation.
As a photographer myself, I really appreciated your high-quality photos. They make me want to get lost in the depths of Guizhou.
On the other hand, when it comes to staying in these villages, without speaking the local language (not everyone speaks Mandarin in remote villages), there’s little chance that’ll happen.
That’s what I’m gonna try this year.
That’s what I’m gonna try this year.
There’s no particular issue with finding accommodation in China, even without speaking Mandarin. It’s actually much easier to get lodging in China without speaking the local language than in some regions of India, for example.
I quickly checked out F2’s thing. The Miao is the Chinese name for the Hmong—it’s actually the main ethnic group in Laos. So if you want to meet Miao people, you just need to look for Laotians in France, and 9 times out of 10 they’ll be Hmong.
It’s not as isolated a village as they make it sound. They’re exaggerating the idea of remoteness. For example, the arrival trail obviously isn’t the real path connecting the small hamlet to the road.
I quickly checked out F2’s thing. The Miao is the Chinese name for the Hmong—it’s actually the main ethnic group in Laos. So if you want to meet Miao people, you just need to look for Laotians in France, and 9 times out of 10 they’ll be Hmong.
It’s not as isolated a village as they make it sound. They’re exaggerating the idea of remoteness. For example, the arrival trail obviously isn’t the real path connecting the small hamlet to the road.
Yeah, I think they exaggerate the isolation aspect too, and there’s probably a dirt road leading to the village. To get to the village where I was, we stopped on the road and then walked for two hours through the rice fields, but a dirt road did lead to the village. It’s the same for all the other surrounding villages I visited—they all had electricity and a dirt road. This is China, and connecting minorities by road and electricity is also a way for the government to control these ethnic groups. Even this village—https://www.flickr.com/photos/romimages/16171639631/in/album-72157647312223634/—which was across from my village and looked quite small and isolated, had a road and electricity.
Ma Galerie Photos
Yes, I can confirm that every village, no matter how small, has a motorable access road.
I’ve just planned a route that’ll take me through about ten remote villages. Everywhere, there are these roads that were recently built in a rush. But the old, charming paths connecting these little villages are still there.
Personally, I use Google Earth, Google Maps, and Baidu.com to plan my hiking routes. It's not comparable to our famous French IGN maps, but I haven't found anything better.
Hi there,
Genetam’s post might have inspired some of you to check out this documentary. For the past few days, the DVD of this show has been available on Amazon for around 10 € and on iTunes for about 2 €.
The village’s location at the top of a hill is truly idyllic. I’m sure this show will make a lot of people want to go discover this little village. In the episode, they don’t mention the name of the village (I wouldn’t either, to respect their peace and quiet). It’s tucked away in the YueLiangShan mountains, about sixty kilometers south of Rongjian. With such difficult access, it’s clear that travel agencies won’t be offering it to tourists anytime soon.
The village’s location at the top of a hill is truly idyllic. I’m sure this show will make a lot of people want to go discover this little village. In the episode, they don’t mention the name of the village (I wouldn’t either, to respect their peace and quiet). It’s tucked away in the YueLiangShan mountains, about sixty kilometers south of Rongjian. With such difficult access, it’s clear that travel agencies won’t be offering it to tourists anytime soon.
I quickly checked out the F2 thing. "Miao" is the Chinese name for the Hmong; actually, they're the main ethnic group in Laos. So if you want to meet Miao people, just look for Laotians in France, and 9 times out of 10 they'll be Hmong.
Generally, a Hmong person prefers to be called "Hmong," which means "free man" in their language, rather than "Miao." In Chinese, "Miao" has a pejorative connotation, implying uncivilized or raw (like "young shoot" in the rice fields). Originally, "Miao" didn’t even refer solely to the Hmong people.
http://www.toguizhou.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=16&id=25
There are three linguistic groups of Hmong in China (West, Central, East). I doubt those in Laos would understand the ones from the Moon Mountains featured on F2.
Generally, a Hmong person prefers to be called "Hmong," which means "free man" in their language, rather than "Miao." In Chinese, "Miao" has a pejorative connotation, implying uncivilized or raw (like "young shoot" in the rice fields). Originally, "Miao" didn’t even refer solely to the Hmong people.
http://www.toguizhou.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=16&id=25
There are three linguistic groups of Hmong in China (West, Central, East). I doubt those in Laos would understand the ones from the Moon Mountains featured on F2.
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
Could anyone point me to sources for detailed maps of the area?
Oh, maps!!!
Commercial road maps are already inaccurate. You shouldn’t rely on them too much: http://www.ilc.net.cn/map/GuiZhou/QianDongNan.jpg
Generally, online maps aren’t very precise either.
There are some old Russian maps that are quite detailed, but I’ve forgotten the site. You’ll need to adapt to the unique phonetics.
Billy ZHANG has a large, fairly detailed old administrative atlas of the region. Maybe the Chinese military maps...
Oh, maps!!!
Commercial road maps are already inaccurate. You shouldn’t rely on them too much: http://www.ilc.net.cn/map/GuiZhou/QianDongNan.jpg
Generally, online maps aren’t very precise either.
There are some old Russian maps that are quite detailed, but I’ve forgotten the site. You’ll need to adapt to the unique phonetics.
Billy ZHANG has a large, fairly detailed old administrative atlas of the region. Maybe the Chinese military maps...
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
You said:
- "the tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites)". Which ones, please? —
- "difficult to visit without some knowledge of Mandarin". Is it possible to find a local guide? Do you have an address?
"The tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites)". Which ones, please? —" When it’s not minimal... it’s because it’s too touristy!!!
For guides at the CITS in Kaili who speak at least English, or even French, you can find Billy ZHANG and WU Zeng Ou.
Billy ZHANG is a Hmong who speaks fluent English and is improving in French (you can test his current level). I met Billy ZHANG (his Hmong name is Vai) by chance in October 2007 because we were staying at the same guesthouse. He’s the reason I fell in love with Qiandongnan (literally Southeast Guizhou) because he told me about a festival that was about to take place in a village with no road access (you had to navigate a maze of terraced rice fields) in Rongjiang District in the Moon Mountains. I hesitated to go. I didn’t regret it. It was 9 nights staying with locals, completely off the grid. The biggest festival I’ve ever seen there. Very little water to wash with, but one of the most beautiful memories of my life (I’ve had others in the region). That’s why I’ve spent 2 to 5 months in the area every year since (this year, I’m "late" to go).
I can’t find his French introduction anymore. Here’s the English version: http://www.toguizhou.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=40 Here’s a non-exhaustive list of festivals in French on his site: http://www.toguizhou.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=14&id=56
WU Zeng Ou’s office is next to Billy ZHANG’s. WU Zeng Ou is Dong. (He’s been to France before: https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/s960x960/11794442_1441480326180372_7645766029878104334_o.jpg)
His website seems to be down: http://www.minority-tour.com/
So here’s a backup: https://www.tourhq.com/guide/cn27568/zeng-ou-wu and his Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009552548535
"The tourist infrastructure is minimal (except for a few sites)". Which ones, please? —" When it’s not minimal... it’s because it’s too touristy!!!
For guides at the CITS in Kaili who speak at least English, or even French, you can find Billy ZHANG and WU Zeng Ou.
Billy ZHANG is a Hmong who speaks fluent English and is improving in French (you can test his current level). I met Billy ZHANG (his Hmong name is Vai) by chance in October 2007 because we were staying at the same guesthouse. He’s the reason I fell in love with Qiandongnan (literally Southeast Guizhou) because he told me about a festival that was about to take place in a village with no road access (you had to navigate a maze of terraced rice fields) in Rongjiang District in the Moon Mountains. I hesitated to go. I didn’t regret it. It was 9 nights staying with locals, completely off the grid. The biggest festival I’ve ever seen there. Very little water to wash with, but one of the most beautiful memories of my life (I’ve had others in the region). That’s why I’ve spent 2 to 5 months in the area every year since (this year, I’m "late" to go).
I can’t find his French introduction anymore. Here’s the English version: http://www.toguizhou.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=40 Here’s a non-exhaustive list of festivals in French on his site: http://www.toguizhou.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=14&id=56
WU Zeng Ou’s office is next to Billy ZHANG’s. WU Zeng Ou is Dong. (He’s been to France before: https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/s960x960/11794442_1441480326180372_7645766029878104334_o.jpg)
His website seems to be down: http://www.minority-tour.com/
So here’s a backup: https://www.tourhq.com/guide/cn27568/zeng-ou-wu and his Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009552548535
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
Personally, I use Google Earth, Google Maps, and Baidu.com to plan my hiking routes. It's not comparable to our famous French IGN maps,
Yeah, heading out with just a backpack and embracing the adventure seems best to me... and I don’t have the courage or time to prepare maps...
Yeah, heading out with just a backpack and embracing the adventure seems best to me... and I don’t have the courage or time to prepare maps...
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
As a Hmong person who has done some research on my ethnic origins (particularly in China), I’d like to add some thoughts on what’s often said: the meaning "free man" isn’t certain—it’s more of a recent interpretation without real foundation...
We shouldn’t confuse the terms Miao and Meo. The latter is seen as pejorative by the Hmong, but it’s only used in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. During my encounters with Hmong and Miao people in Yunnan and Guizhou, no one gave me the impression that the term Miao had a negative connotation.
It’s important to understand that "Hmong" is the term used by some Miao groups to refer to themselves in their own dialect, just as other Miao groups use different terms in theirs. There aren’t three linguistic groups for the Hmong, but rather for the Miao. The Hmong speak one of these dialects—the western one (Yunnan, Guangxi, western/southwestern Guizhou).
The Miao featured in the France 2 show are "Hmu" Miao from Qiandongnan, so their dialect is quite hard for a "Hmong" Miao from Laos or even Yunnan to understand.
We shouldn’t confuse the terms Miao and Meo. The latter is seen as pejorative by the Hmong, but it’s only used in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. During my encounters with Hmong and Miao people in Yunnan and Guizhou, no one gave me the impression that the term Miao had a negative connotation.
It’s important to understand that "Hmong" is the term used by some Miao groups to refer to themselves in their own dialect, just as other Miao groups use different terms in theirs. There aren’t three linguistic groups for the Hmong, but rather for the Miao. The Hmong speak one of these dialects—the western one (Yunnan, Guangxi, western/southwestern Guizhou).
The Miao featured in the France 2 show are "Hmu" Miao from Qiandongnan, so their dialect is quite hard for a "Hmong" Miao from Laos or even Yunnan to understand.
Hi,
I also spotted this travel agency that’s been around for a while: http://villagechina-travel.com/category/trip They’re based in Guiyang. Even if you don’t want to book with an agency, it might give you some ideas. Siya
I also spotted this travel agency that’s been around for a while: http://villagechina-travel.com/category/trip They’re based in Guiyang. Even if you don’t want to book with an agency, it might give you some ideas. Siya
2017 nouveautés yunnan tarifs des sites et transport Kunming
http://chine-ethnic.pagesperso-orange.fr/
I’m planning to go trekking there. If I run into any issues, can I ask for your help? Of course, if you’re available
Hi Cécile, I posted a message some time ago about Guizhou Province. And finally, we’ve booked our flight tickets for next April... Right now, there are 3 of us going. Have you managed to do any trekking in that area yourself? Best regards, Geneviève
Hi Cécile, I posted a message some time ago about Guizhou Province. And finally, we’ve booked our flight tickets for next April... Right now, there are 3 of us going. Have you managed to do any trekking in that area yourself? Best regards, Geneviève
Personally, I use Google Earth, Google Maps, and Baidu.com to plan my hiking routes. It's not comparable to our famous French IGN maps, but I haven't found anything better.
In France, I use Maps.me on my phone, but in China...
Following the latest "movement" in this discussion thread yesterday, I just took a look at 高德地图 (Gaode Ditu), which I'd heard great things about years ago. I tested two routes that are "dear" to me:
On the computer version, it looks very clear.
For example, to get to the magnificent Gaopai festival in late December 2007 (9 nights on site), I had to get off the bus at 兴华 Xinghua, then leave the road (Gaopai was far from any roads back then) for a 3-hour walk (in theory, because I ended up taking 9 hours due to "wandering" and arrived in the middle of the night. The women in the fields didn’t understand Chinese. There was no path). On the way back, I followed locals who knew how to walk along the edges of the terraced rice fields without any signs (I think this type of route isn’t accounted for in this software).
Xinghua-Gaopai route: 3h 15, 1km http://gaode.com/dir?from%5Badcode%5D=522632&from%5Bname%5D=%E5%85%B4%E5%8D%8E%E6%B0%B4%E6%97%8F%E4%B9%A1&from%5Bid%5D=B03570N5AC&from%5Bpoitype%5D=190106&from%5Blnglat%5D=108.16245700000002%2C25.831805&from%5Bmodxy%5D=&to%5Bname%5D=%E9%AB%98%E6%8E%92%E6%9D%91&to%5Blnglat%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&to%5Bid%5D=B0357000TY&to%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&to%5Badcode%5D=522600&to%5Bmodxy%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&type=walk&policy=0&dateTime=now
Three years ago, I was in 脚车 Jiaoche, a pretty "well-preserved" village that, I was told, isn’t so "preserved" anymore. I knew there was a path leading to nearby Gaopai (for pedestrians but not accessible to vehicles). Here it is:
Jiaoche-Gaopai route: 1h10, 5.9 km http://gaode.com/dir?from%5Bid%5D=B0357001AO&from%5Bname%5D=%E8%84%9A%E8%BD%A6%E6%9D%91&from%5Blnglat%5D=108.204894%2C25.929347&from%5Bmodxy%5D=108.204894%2C25.929347&from%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&from%5Badcode%5D=522632&to%5Bname%5D=%E9%AB%98%E6%8E%92%E6%9D%91&to%5Blnglat%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&to%5Bid%5D=B0357000TY-to&to%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&to%5Badcode%5D=522600&to%5Bmodxy%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&type=walk&policy=0&dateTime=now
Well done, Gaode. I haven’t found any paths more clearly marked in China’s mountains.
On the other hand, it must be much less practical on the phone version (small screen, limited battery life, and how to use Perakun or similar for characters you don’t know?).
I’ll check it out during my next trip to Qiandongnan when I go pick up my new passport, which is ready.
In France, I use Maps.me on my phone, but in China...
Following the latest "movement" in this discussion thread yesterday, I just took a look at 高德地图 (Gaode Ditu), which I'd heard great things about years ago. I tested two routes that are "dear" to me:
On the computer version, it looks very clear.
For example, to get to the magnificent Gaopai festival in late December 2007 (9 nights on site), I had to get off the bus at 兴华 Xinghua, then leave the road (Gaopai was far from any roads back then) for a 3-hour walk (in theory, because I ended up taking 9 hours due to "wandering" and arrived in the middle of the night. The women in the fields didn’t understand Chinese. There was no path). On the way back, I followed locals who knew how to walk along the edges of the terraced rice fields without any signs (I think this type of route isn’t accounted for in this software).
Xinghua-Gaopai route: 3h 15, 1km http://gaode.com/dir?from%5Badcode%5D=522632&from%5Bname%5D=%E5%85%B4%E5%8D%8E%E6%B0%B4%E6%97%8F%E4%B9%A1&from%5Bid%5D=B03570N5AC&from%5Bpoitype%5D=190106&from%5Blnglat%5D=108.16245700000002%2C25.831805&from%5Bmodxy%5D=&to%5Bname%5D=%E9%AB%98%E6%8E%92%E6%9D%91&to%5Blnglat%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&to%5Bid%5D=B0357000TY&to%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&to%5Badcode%5D=522600&to%5Bmodxy%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&type=walk&policy=0&dateTime=now
Three years ago, I was in 脚车 Jiaoche, a pretty "well-preserved" village that, I was told, isn’t so "preserved" anymore. I knew there was a path leading to nearby Gaopai (for pedestrians but not accessible to vehicles). Here it is:
Jiaoche-Gaopai route: 1h10, 5.9 km http://gaode.com/dir?from%5Bid%5D=B0357001AO&from%5Bname%5D=%E8%84%9A%E8%BD%A6%E6%9D%91&from%5Blnglat%5D=108.204894%2C25.929347&from%5Bmodxy%5D=108.204894%2C25.929347&from%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&from%5Badcode%5D=522632&to%5Bname%5D=%E9%AB%98%E6%8E%92%E6%9D%91&to%5Blnglat%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&to%5Bid%5D=B0357000TY-to&to%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&to%5Badcode%5D=522600&to%5Bmodxy%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&type=walk&policy=0&dateTime=now
Well done, Gaode. I haven’t found any paths more clearly marked in China’s mountains.
On the other hand, it must be much less practical on the phone version (small screen, limited battery life, and how to use Perakun or similar for characters you don’t know?).
I’ll check it out during my next trip to Qiandongnan when I go pick up my new passport, which is ready.
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
Copying and pasting the link below "as is" into the address bar should work better than above:
gaode.com/dir?from%5Bid%5D=B0357001AO&from%5Bname%5D=%E8%84%9A%E8%BD%A6%E6%9D%91&from%5Blnglat%5D=108.204894%2C25.929347&from%5Bmodxy%5D=108.204894%2C25.929347&from%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&from%5Badcode%5D=522632&to%5Bname%5D=%E9%AB%98%E6%8E%92%E6%9D%91&to%5Blnglat%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&to%5Bid%5D=B0357000TY-to&to%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&to%5Badcode%5D=522600&to%5Bmodxy%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&type=walk&policy=0&dateTime=now
gaode.com/dir?from%5Bid%5D=B0357001AO&from%5Bname%5D=%E8%84%9A%E8%BD%A6%E6%9D%91&from%5Blnglat%5D=108.204894%2C25.929347&from%5Bmodxy%5D=108.204894%2C25.929347&from%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&from%5Badcode%5D=522632&to%5Bname%5D=%E9%AB%98%E6%8E%92%E6%9D%91&to%5Blnglat%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&to%5Bid%5D=B0357000TY-to&to%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&to%5Badcode%5D=522600&to%5Bmodxy%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&type=walk&policy=0&dateTime=now
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
Same here
gaode.com/dir?from%5Badcode%5D=522632&from%5Bname%5D=%E5%85%B4%E5%8D%8E%E6%B0%B4%E6%97%8F%E4%B9%A1&from%5Bid%5D=B03570N5AC&from%5Bpoitype%5D=190106&from%5Blnglat%5D=108.16245700000002%2C25.831805&from%5Bmodxy%5D=&to%5Bname%5D=%E9%AB%98%E6%8E%92%E6%9D%91&to%5Blnglat%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&to%5Bid%5D=B0357000TY&to%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&to%5Badcode%5D=522600&to%5Bmodxy%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&type=walk&policy=0&dateTime=now
gaode.com/dir?from%5Badcode%5D=522632&from%5Bname%5D=%E5%85%B4%E5%8D%8E%E6%B0%B4%E6%97%8F%E4%B9%A1&from%5Bid%5D=B03570N5AC&from%5Bpoitype%5D=190106&from%5Blnglat%5D=108.16245700000002%2C25.831805&from%5Bmodxy%5D=&to%5Bname%5D=%E9%AB%98%E6%8E%92%E6%9D%91&to%5Blnglat%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&to%5Bid%5D=B0357000TY&to%5Bpoitype%5D=190108&to%5Badcode%5D=522600&to%5Bmodxy%5D=108.182244%2C25.904095&type=walk&policy=0&dateTime=now
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
And finally, we booked our flight tickets for next April...
In April, there’s the 姊妹饭节 Jīmèifàn Jié (Sisters’ Meal Festival), a festival in 施洞 Shídòng (renowned for its textiles) from April 10 to 13, 2017. http://www.toguizhou.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=1&id=223
It actually takes place in Taijiang (where there’s an administration that funds the festival), Laotun, and Shidong proper. https://www.google.fr/maps/place/Qiandongnan, +Guizhou, +Chine/@26.8274151,108.295687,13.38z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x36bc4735621b44fb:0x565795e391383062!8m2!3d26.583442!4d107.982859
A detailed program is released each year with times and locations for the activities.
In Laotun, the hand-fishing in a muddy pond is “spontaneous.” The participants are super motivated. It’s a bit “touristy”—the dance floor is often overrun by Chinese photographers. There might be groups of Western tourists (though not the year the Icelandic volcano kept them at home). Since it was built, I’ve gotten into the habit of staying at a newer hotel at the entrance of Shidong (coming from Kaili). It’s cleaner than the guesthouses in central Shidong. But I come one or two weeks early to book a room—I want to be sure I get one. Prices skyrocket during the festival.
I’ve heard there are some great hikes along the river in the Shidong area.
In April, there’s the 姊妹饭节 Jīmèifàn Jié (Sisters’ Meal Festival), a festival in 施洞 Shídòng (renowned for its textiles) from April 10 to 13, 2017. http://www.toguizhou.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=1&id=223
It actually takes place in Taijiang (where there’s an administration that funds the festival), Laotun, and Shidong proper. https://www.google.fr/maps/place/Qiandongnan, +Guizhou, +Chine/@26.8274151,108.295687,13.38z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x36bc4735621b44fb:0x565795e391383062!8m2!3d26.583442!4d107.982859
A detailed program is released each year with times and locations for the activities.
In Laotun, the hand-fishing in a muddy pond is “spontaneous.” The participants are super motivated. It’s a bit “touristy”—the dance floor is often overrun by Chinese photographers. There might be groups of Western tourists (though not the year the Icelandic volcano kept them at home). Since it was built, I’ve gotten into the habit of staying at a newer hotel at the entrance of Shidong (coming from Kaili). It’s cleaner than the guesthouses in central Shidong. But I come one or two weeks early to book a room—I want to be sure I get one. Prices skyrocket during the festival.
I’ve heard there are some great hikes along the river in the Shidong area.
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
From my personal experience, gaode.com and map.baidu.com are starting to be quite detailed, especially in urban areas. It seems that Google Maps (ditu.google.cn) is still better in rural zones, even though it hasn’t been updated in China since 2008.
If you want to post a really long URL on a forum, use Google’s URL shortener. Otherwise, with Gaode, it’s impossible to use a translator like Perakun, which is a browser extension, while Gaode is a website.
If you want to post a really long URL on a forum, use Google’s URL shortener. Otherwise, with Gaode, it’s impossible to use a translator like Perakun, which is a browser extension, while Gaode is a website.
With Gaode, it's impossible to use a translator like Perakun, which is a browser extension, whereas Gaode is a website.
Yes, you can. In two steps. First, click the name on the map, then hover the cursor over the information.
Yes, you can. In two steps. First, click the name on the map, then hover the cursor over the information.
«Pourquoi voyageons-nous? Afin de rencontrer des êtres
qui ne s'imaginent pas nous connaître une fois pour toute » Max FRISCH
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
«Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages... mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux» Marcel PROUST
Oh yeah, interesting!
I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the info
Hi there,
I’m bumping this thread because I’d like to do a 2-3 day trek through the small villages in the mountains south of Zhaoxing.
Could you share your experience, Danniello, please? What route did you take? Where did you stay during your stops? If anyone else can help me get a clearer picture, that’d be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Notre année autour du monde en 2006 :
http://surnotreroute.free.fr
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Bonjour à tous,
Je pars le lundi 3 août pour ma toute première grande randonnée en itinérance : le GR223 de Coutances au Mont Saint-Michel, sur 6-7 jours (~18-22 km/jour), en solo.
Je cherche des conseils de gens qui connaissent bien ce tronçon (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer→ Hauteville sur mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → traversée de la baie) :
Hébergements pas chers : je galère un peu à trouver des gîtes d'étape abordables (beaucoup de ce que je trouve en ligne, ce sont des locations de vacances chères, pas vraiment adaptées à un randonneur solo). Si vous avez des bonnes adresses (gîtes d'étape, chambres d'hôtes randonneurs, campings sympas), je suis preneuse ! Traversée de la baie : des retours d'expérience sur les guides/prestataires au départ de Genêts pour la traversée finale ? Conseils généraux pour un premier trek en itinérance : ce que vous auriez aimé savoir avant votre première fois, pièges à éviter, etc.
Hébergements pas chers : je galère un peu à trouver des gîtes d'étape abordables (beaucoup de ce que je trouve en ligne, ce sont des locations de vacances chères, pas vraiment adaptées à un randonneur solo). Si vous avez des bonnes adresses (gîtes d'étape, chambres d'hôtes randonneurs, campings sympas), je suis preneuse ! Traversée de la baie : des retours d'expérience sur les guides/prestataires au départ de Genêts pour la traversée finale ? Conseils généraux pour un premier trek en itinérance : ce que vous auriez aimé savoir avant votre première fois, pièges à éviter, 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.
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Hi everyone!
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028. I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄). This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
Thanks in advance for your advice! 🙂
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028. I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄). This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
Thanks in advance for your advice! 🙂
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont. The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont. The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
Hello,
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots? Thanks in advance for your tips. We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries! Claire and Albert
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots? Thanks in advance for your tips. We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries! Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
Spots where we could pitch the tent near a stream
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
I’m looking for half-day hikes near Karakol (not Jety-Oguz, since I’ll be heading there separately—max 30 minutes’ drive to the trailhead).
I can find longer treks, but nothing for a short outing!
So, if you’ve got any ideas...
Thanks! :)
I’m looking for half-day hikes near Karakol (not Jety-Oguz, since I’ll be heading there separately—max 30 minutes’ drive to the trailhead).
I can find longer treks, but nothing for a short outing!
So, if you’ve got any ideas...
Thanks! :)
Hi everyone,
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike. It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
Pascal
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike. It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
Pascal
Hi there,
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge. I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle. In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge. I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle. In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details: We arrive in early August and leave in early September. We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery! We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat? Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Thanks! :-)
A few details: We arrive in early August and leave in early September. We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery! We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat? Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Thanks! :-)
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations. Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations. Thanks so much for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July. I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route. Can anyone give me some info on this? Thanks!
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July. I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route. Can anyone give me some info on this? Thanks!
hi there,
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there? A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions? For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip... Thanks for your tips! Have a great day, Anie, Toulouse
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there? A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions? For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip... Thanks for your tips! Have a great day, Anie, Toulouse
Hi,
I’d like some advice on doing the Camino de Santiago—or part of it—from the Basque Country.
Best,
Hi there,
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice? Best regards,
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice? Best regards,
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish. I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips? Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina? At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
Thanks in advance!
Caro
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish. I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips? Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina? At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
Thanks in advance!
Caro
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Morocco in August and we’ll start with a stop in Chefchaouen (we’re driving).
My question: can anyone suggest a 5-to-7-day loop hiking route from Chefchaouen in Talassemtane Park, ideally passing by the God’s Bridge? Or a paper guidebook that covers a few options?
We prefer wild camping and guesthouses.
Thanks in advance
Hi there, for those who’ve been recently—is it possible to find other solo travelers in March on the island to share transport or room costs? It doesn’t seem easy to travel on a budget.
If you have any recommendations for simple lodgings or places with dorms, I’d love to hear them.
For those who’ve done multi-day treks while moving around: do you need to bring your own sleeping bag? I’d love to hear about itineraries you’ve done without a guide, just with a map and GPS.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Hi everyone!
We’re planning a 15-day road trip to Scotland this summer, specifically to explore and hike on Lewis and Harris—places we’ve never been before. We’ve visited other islands on previous road trips in Scotland (we usually go in April for a week). This would be our first time in Scotland in the summer and for 15 days. We’re looking at late August to early September.
I’m currently drafting the itinerary. We’d be crossing from Ullapool and were thinking of spending 3 nights on Harris and 4 nights on Lewis.
Does that sound balanced to you? Is it better to keep the same accommodation on Harris and the same on Lewis to explore the area? I’d love to hear about any past experiences you’ve had on these islands. Thanks!
I’m currently drafting the itinerary. We’d be crossing from Ullapool and were thinking of spending 3 nights on Harris and 4 nights on Lewis.
Does that sound balanced to you? Is it better to keep the same accommodation on Harris and the same on Lewis to explore the area? I’d love to hear about any past experiences you’ve had on these islands. Thanks!
Hi there, I’m trying to leave for 15 days very soon to São Vicente. I’m either looking to join an agency or figure things out on my own to go hiking on one of these islands or both. From what I’ve seen, it’s not easy to organize with local transport, so it gets expensive. Can I use the services of a small local agency? I’m looking for the simplest way to hike for several days. Also, how do you get from São Vicente to São Nicolau? Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Aichatou
Hi there,
I’ve been wanting to do this for several years, and this year’s the one. Next September, I’ll be trekking in Tusheti (Georgia), from Omalo to Shatili. Of course, I won’t be renting a vehicle that’d just sit unused. No problem getting to Pshaveli, but from there to Omalo, it’s a dirt road (still the case?) There must be some form of public transport since there are so many guesthouses, and not all travelers come in a 4x4. If any of you have been to Omalo, could you confirm that these shared transports exist and how often they run?
I’ve been wanting to do this for several years, and this year’s the one. Next September, I’ll be trekking in Tusheti (Georgia), from Omalo to Shatili. Of course, I won’t be renting a vehicle that’d just sit unused. No problem getting to Pshaveli, but from there to Omalo, it’s a dirt road (still the case?) There must be some form of public transport since there are so many guesthouses, and not all travelers come in a 4x4. If any of you have been to Omalo, could you confirm that these shared transports exist and how often they run?
hi
we’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and hoping to do a three-day backcountry hike if we get a permit. if any of you have done this before, could you let me know if it’s possible to find water along the way? And if we can transport it, are we allowed to use a stove?
thanks for any tips!
sandra
we’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and hoping to do a three-day backcountry hike if we get a permit. if any of you have done this before, could you let me know if it’s possible to find water along the way? And if we can transport it, are we allowed to use a stove?
thanks for any tips!
sandra