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

Hi there,

We’re planning to hike the GRR2 this summer with a local agency that offers a self-guided south-to-north route. We’re active and hike regularly, but we’ve never done a trek just the two of us without a guide.

I’d love to know if this trail has any dangerous areas? Drop-offs? Are there spots where it’s easy to lose the path?

I’ve seen that some agencies offer a GPS app—does the signal even reach everywhere inland? 🤪

Thanks! 😄

Looking forward to hearing from you! !

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 visit several islands in the Cyclades in late June - early July 2026 for about 15 days. Stay 3 to 4 days on each one and do some hiking. Your suggestions are welcome—islands, accommodation, hikes, or anything else. Thanks in advance. Twizzle

Hi there, We’re heading to South Africa in August 2025 and planning a classic loop that I’d love to finish with the Drakensberg (I’m a big hiking fan) before returning to Johannesburg to catch our flight. I’ve got 3 nights for this part of our trip. But I’m wondering if it’s actually a good idea to hike in the Drakensberg in August, since it’s the Southern Hemisphere winter (I’m from Réunion and we hike year-round there, but I don’t know what the climate’s like in South Africa, especially the Drakensberg). I’m particularly worried about getting stuck because of snow and missing our flight... ;) I’ve read so many different things that I’m totally confused! If it’s okay to hike at this time of year, what would you recommend? I’m torn between Champagne Valley and Royal Natal National Park. Thanks in advance for your firsthand tips! Malijp

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!

Hi! In March, we’ll be spending two weeks in the Drakensberg region and Golden Highlands National Park (Clarens). From what I understand, you have to pay to hike if you're in a national park. I can’t find the rates or info on whether there are multi-day passes if we hike for several days. Could you help me out, please? Thanks

Hey everyone,

My plan for next November is to head back (yet again) to the Annapurnas to complete a route I’d always promised myself I’d do one day. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Start from Sikles and join the Annapurna Circuit by first going through Kori, then the Namun La (or Namun Bhanjyang). It’s a bit of a forgotten route, and I haven’t found much info on it—no .gpx files or firsthand accounts. Still, I’ve roughly mapped it out using different sources.

2. After that, I plan to head up to Phu to do the direct Phu Pass/Naar Pass traverse to Naar. It’s doable in 2 days, but why not in 1 if the weather’s good and I set off early enough?

3. Finally, I’ll head toward the Mesokanto North Pass (after a short camp at Tilicho North BC) to descend the entire Gandaki Valley down to Nayapul.

I’m obviously looking for any tips or feedback (if you’ve got any), and maybe a travel buddy who’s up for a little off-the-beaten-path adventure. 😄

Hi there. Is it legally possible to do this hike without a guide? Thanks.

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!

Hi there, we’re heading to Sri Lanka in early February for 15 days. We’d like to do a few days of trekking and thought we’d need an agency and a guide, but we’ve heard about the Pekoe Trail—a long-distance trail that’s supposedly well-marked. Is that accurate? Is it doable on our own? I’d love to hear from anyone who’s familiar with it. Thanks!

Hi there, We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?

A few details: We arrive in early August and leave in early September. We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery! We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat? Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!

Thanks! :-)

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

Thanks so much for your help! !

Hi, Could recent travelers let me know the price for the 2D/1N trek in the rice terraces when booking directly on-site upon arrival? Is it possible to join a group? Thanks for your replies, best regards

hi everyone,

we’re a group of 10 adults who hike together every year, and we’re looking for our next destination for October. Our main criterion is avoiding crowds, even if it means not being at the most wow-worthy spot. Is there still a chance to find some solitude in Madeira, or has it become difficult? Would Cape Verde be a better bet if we pick the right islands?

I know it’s a very personal opinion—super subjective depending on how much company you can tolerate—but it’s really our top priority.

Thanks for any recent insights; it seems like tourism in Madeira is really booming!

have a great day,

Sandra

Hi there,

I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge. I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle. In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

hi, we’d like to do a trek in Nepal, and we’re thinking of the Annapurna Circuit—it’s cheaper than the Everest trek. Our plan is to do it without a guide or porter. We’re used to the mountains, not so much to high altitude, but if we acclimate well, there’s no reason it should go wrong ;)

No guide = handling permits, transport, and accommodation on our own...

So my question is: is it possible to book lodges in advance before departure? Or, even better, day by day?

I’ve read some older posts, so I’m asking again to get up-to-date info on what’s happening now. We’re planning to go mid-November 2026 or March 2027.

Thanks for your tips! :)

Hi there, We’re planning a two-week couple’s trip hopping between the Cape Verde islands at the end of November 2025. Our arrival and departure airport will be on the island of SAL. We’ve got some hikes lined up. Based on your experiences, what recommendations and suggestions do you have? Thanks in advance for your valuable tips!

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

hi 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

Bonjour, Nous souhaitons faire le trek de 4 jours reliant Mestia à Ushguli sans agence. Il est précisé dans les descriptifs qu'il existe des hébergement à chaque étape, mais on ne trouve pas d'info sur ces hébergements. Quelqu'un a-t-il des infos et un avis sur ce parcours?

Merci

Cat, Bruno.

Tu trouveras des renseignements sur cette discussion https://voyageforum.com/forum/trek-en-svanetie-georgie-d8780835/

Hey everyone! I’m heading to Morocco in 2 weeks to climb M'Goun. Which side is the most practical for logistics, please? I’ll be hiring a muleteer/cook. I’m torn between starting from the Happy Valley (Agouti, Aït Bouguemez) or the southern slope (Skoura, Kalaat El M'Gouna). I tried to go 5 years ago, 2 weeks before COVID, and ended up switching to Siroua based on Willempsie’s advice, given the season... but mid-May should be fine now, right? Thanks for your help, Pacoloco

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking for a bus that takes me from Colca Canyon to Arequipa—I can’t find anything online (I only see Chivay to Puno, but I’m doing it the other way around).

Hi there, Apart from the few short hikes I’ve ticked off around Ampefy (Lily Falls to the Third Falls, geysers), do you have any must-do recommendations for a day hike between Ampefy and Antsirabe or around Antsirabe itself? I’m looking for a big, full-day trek, even if there’s a lot of elevation gain. P.S.: I’ll have a private driver. Thanks in advance! !

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

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

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

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

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

Hello,

We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots? Thanks in advance for your tips. We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries! Claire and Albert

Hi there, I’d like to hike The Narrows in mid-June. Has anyone done this hike and can share their feedback? I’ll be hiking up to the narrowing, and I saw there’s an outfitter that rents the right gear—I plan to get equipped. Though it depends on a lot of factors, what’s the average water level like at that time of year? Thanks

Hello, I’d like to know what small gifts I could bring for women, children, and men in the Surma tribes of the western Omo Valley. Usually, I bring pencils, pens, perfumes, and cigarettes, depending on the country.

What do you recommend?

Philippe Departure on 11/13/24

Bonjour,

Dans presque toutes les villes où il y a des circuits de trek (huaraz, cusco, arequipa, la Paz, etc.) vous trouverez des agences locales avec des départs privatifs ou des départs en groupe pour les circuits les plus commerciaux.

Honnêtement ces agences vendent des circuits très commerciaux et fréquentés et la plupart sont opportunistes plus que passionnées de trek ou de montagne !

Pour des itinéraires plus qualitatifs je recommande d'anticiper et de passer par une agence francophone spécialisée, par exemple Panacca ou Yunka au Pérou ou Thaki en Bolivie.

Amicalement.

Thomas