Results for "Vallée+Ihlara+|+123+>+233"

Hi everyone,

As a senior woman, I’m planning a solo trip to Uzbekistan this time. I arrive in Urgench on April 18 and leave from Tashkent on May 9, so 3 weeks. 1 - Aral Sea: I’d like to start there. Has anyone had a recent experience to share? Depending on your feedback, I’ll decide whether to go or not—my whole itinerary shifts based on that! 2 - What’s the best way to get around between cities? The train seems preferable, but booking and paying from France is complicated… and I’d have to plan everything in advance 😕 3 - Has anyone gone directly from Samarkand to Fergana? If so, by what transport? Or is it mandatory to go through Tashkent? 4 - Any tips for the most frequent and reliable transport in the Fergana Valley? 5 - I’d also love recommendations for accommodations (hostels, guesthouses) and nice restaurants in the country!

Feel free to share whatever advice you can… Thanks so much in advance! 😉

The Afrosiyob races through a premature twilight, lashed by a blizzard of thick snow. In the endless gray, a monumental industrial complex occasionally emerges, ghostly. Here and there, in the middle of nowhere, a human silhouette appears (a soldier?), standing motionless by the tracks. On the screen mounted in the middle of the ceiling, a dashing Bollywood cat in vibrant colors writhes in all directions, throwing smoldering glances at a dancer on the verge of fainting. A server moves down the central aisle, offering crepes for sale—ones I suspect are stuffed with ground beef. I’m in Central Asia, in Uzbekistan, somewhere between Bukhara and Samarkand.

I chose the title "notes"—scattered thoughts, rough drafts. I’m not sure what I’ll write, but one thing’s certain: this won’t be a linear travel journal.

And a photo... there must be a photo, so here:



Local tourists between a Bactrian camel and an electric car, in front of ancient walls—it’ll do.

Hi, I’ll be arriving in Nice from Quebec on June 20th. I’m planning to rent a car for 7 days to do day hikes in Mercantour Park. Which village would be best to stay in? Saint-Martin-Vésubie? Barcelonnette? Or split my time between both to access different areas of the park and avoid too much driving? Also, are there hikes in lush, flower-filled valleys (like alpine meadows)? Thanks, Sylvie

Hi there,

I’m planning a trip to Panama in the summer of 2026 (2 adults and 2 kids, ages 9 and 6).

Here’s my first draft for the itinerary. Could you give me some advice, please?

Day 1: Panama City + night 1 Day 2: Departure for the San Blas Islands (I don’t have a transfer company yet and I’m hesitant to drive there myself in an SUV) + 1 or 2 nights depending on the price Day 3 (or 4): Return to Panama City + departure for Isla Grande (maybe too much in one day, so maybe an extra night in Panama City and leave the next day for Isla Grande) For Isla Grande, should I go through Portobelo? Day 3 or 4: Isla Grande + night Day 4 or 5: From Isla Grande to Lake Gatun for an Embera immersion (I haven’t checked the travel time yet) + night Day 5 or 6: Departure from Lake Gatun to El Valle de Antón + 2 or 3 nights Day 7 or max Day 9: Head to the Gulf of Chiriquí and Boca Chica + 2 or 3 nights? Day 9 or max Day 12: Boquete + 2 nights Day 11 or 14: Bocas del Toro (one of the surrounding islands) + 2 nights Day 13 or 16: Return to Panama City by plane the day before the international flight. I don’t have all 21 nights planned yet, but there are still some details to work out with your help ;)

Also, is it possible to rent a car in Panama City and drop it off at the Bocas del Toro airport? (I think so...) Finally, what are the steps for driving back from Bocas del Toro to Panama City (to avoid the domestic flight)?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

Here’s the itinerary I’ve planned for this summer. I’d love to get your thoughts and recommendations on it. We’ll be 2 adults and a 15-year-old teen.

11/07 Calgary - arrival around 9 PM 12/07 Calgary - exploring the city 13/07 Calgary : Stampede 14/07 (Canmore) Banff - Kananaskis Valley - Town of Canmore - Banff Centre - Upper Hot Spring (pool) 15/07 Banff - Johnston Canyon - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake 16/07 Banff - Banff Gondola with ridge walk (1 km) - Lake Minnewanka 17/07 Yoho (Field) - Herbert Lake - Yoho Valley Road (before Field) - Field - Natural Bridge - Emerald Lake + hike to Takakkaw Falls - night at The Crossing 18/07 Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Herbert Lake - Bow Lake - Peyto Lake viewpoint (15 min from the parking lot) - Saskatchewan River Crossing - Columbia Icefield with the Skywalk - Sunwapta Falls - Goat and Glacier Lookout - Athabasca Falls 19/07 Jasper - Maligne Valley - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake 20/07 Jasper - Whistlers Peak - Miette Hot Springs 21/07 Wells Gray - Yellowhead Highway 22/07 Wells Gray - Helmcken Falls - Dawson Falls - Spahats Falls - Clearwater Lake 23/07 Hat Creek Ranch 24/07 Whistler 25/07 Whistler 26/07 Nanaimo - Sea to Sky Highway - 1.5-hour ferry 27/07 Nanaimo - North Coast - Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park - Old Country Market - Goats on Roof - McMillan Provincial Park - Cathedral Grove 28/07 Victoria - Kinsol Trestle - Malahat Skywalk 29/07 Victoria - whale watching 30/07 Victoria - Inner Harbour - Chinatown - Fisherman’s Wharf floating houses 31/07 Vancouver - 3-hour ferry 01/08 Vancouver 02/08 Departure

We’re being really careful not to spend more than 3 to 4 hours driving between stops. We want to take our time. Thanks for your input....

Namaste everyone,

We went to Nepal last October and literally fell in love with this country (like so many others, it seems). During our trek, we had the chance to meet and travel with an incredible independent local guide, Apsara Luitel. She told us about a unique project she’s organizing starting mid-May, and we wanted to share it in case it interests anyone. We mentioned it on another travel forum, but just in case, we’re posting it here too to reach as many people as possible.

Apsara, who knows the Api mountain valley (a name as joyful as it is intriguing!) in Nepal’s Far West (on the border between India and Tibet, at the edge of the world) perfectly, is offering an off-the-beaten-path trek for a group of 3 to 8 people max. The program? An authentic and preserved itinerary combining homestays and small mountain lodges, all the way to the Api base camp. Once at base camp, locals will guide us to secret spots only they know, where we’ll harvest yarsagumba (those famous caterpillar-fungi, rare and prized for their medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine—they were going for $20,000 per kilo last year!).

Mid-May is the ideal time to discover this almost unexplored region and take part in harvesting these natural treasures. This kind of adventure, led by an inspiring young woman like Apsara, is rare, and we think it could appeal to Nepal lovers and those who enjoy authentic treks far from the usual tourist routes.

No matter how many participants there are (between 3 and 8), there will always be two guides: Apsara, who speaks English (and is learning French!), and a French-speaking guide. The dates are flexible around May 15th, depending on the availability of those who’d like to take on the adventure.

Hi there,

We’re heading to Ouarzazate and southern Morocco in 7 days. Here’s our route (map). We’re a family of 2 adults and 3 kids (11, 9, and 5 years old). Could you let me know if there are even more scenic roads to take, and any must-see spots, please? 😉

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dadès Day 2: Dadès + Todra Day 3: Tinegir – Djbel Saghro – N'Kob Day 4: Tazzarine – M'Hamid (overnight in Erg Lihoudi) Day 5: M'Hamid – Draa Valley – Agdz Day 6: Agdz – Fint – Ben Haddou Day 7: Telouet – Ouarzazate

Hi there,

A group of 11 of us will be spending a week in Marrakech in May. I’d love your thoughts and advice on these excursions I’ve shortlisted—or any others I might not have considered:

- Visiting Marrakech: with or without a guide? Is one day enough for the main sights? - Essaouira: Is a day trip a good option? Is the journey scenic? - Ouzoud Waterfalls: Is the place worth the trip? - Agafay Desert: Any recommendations to avoid the tourist crowds? - Imlil Valley and Mount Toubkal: A worthwhile detour?

Of course, I don’t plan to do everything in one week, but your input will help me decide... Thanks in advance! !

I'm planning a short stay in Ladakh from August 12th to 23rd, 2026. Delhi to Leh to start. I don’t have all the details yet, but I’m planning to visit Thiksey Monastery and other monasteries. Accommodation: guesthouse at Thiksey Monastery Accommodation: Nyerma Nunnery ETC....

Everything needs to be planned and organized. I’d love to hear your suggestions and experiences.

Thanks, Dewa

Hi there, Can you tell me if the road between Zagora and M'Gouna is easy or difficult for a 4x4? How much time and how many kilometers should I plan for? I’m traveling in May. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a short trip—max one week—to connect to the Dolce Via starting from La Voulte and then link up with the Dolce Fluvia. I’d like to head up via Le Puy and was wondering if it’s best to make the connection by going through Saint-Agrève, then up to Chambon/Lignon, and finally to Raucoules. Does anyone have a nice route suggestion? I’m traveling with a loaded touring bike (a Farrad TX800 with two rear panniers), but I’m limiting my load to 13 kg. I’m aiming for around 70 km a day, max 80 km, and I usually sleep at campsites or in a guest room if the rain’s too heavy.

On my way up to Le Puy-en-Velay, I plan to come back down through the Ardèche mountains, then head to Aubenas and the Rhône Valley. Does anyone have route ideas with scenic roads (like Lac d’Issarlès) or any other suggestions?

Thanks for all the tips!

Christian

Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Cairo in April 2025 and would love to do a 3-day desert excursion. Either the trip to SIWA or the classic "Bahariya Oasis and White Desert" circuit, ideally private or in a small group.

We’d prefer to go through a local agency in Cairo. Does anyone know a reliable one?

Thanks in advance!

Gaby

Hi everyone, After already exploring the West, which was amazing, I’ve got a new plan—I’d like to visit Texas and Tennessee. I want to start in Las Vegas, revisit Monument Valley, and head toward Dallas, stopping in Albuquerque and other cool spots along the way. Then, I’ll leave Dallas for Nashville, with several stops in between—any suggestions on where to go? Do you think 20 days is enough for this trip? Thanks for your input!

Hi there,

I’ll be traveling to Peru in August 2025. Unfortunately, I only have 12 days to visit this amazing country. I’m torn between doing a fast-paced trip where I see every sight but don’t really soak it all in, or going for a lighter itinerary that lets me enjoy the moment more.

Right now, I’ve narrowed it down to three options and I’d love to hear your thoughts on which one to pick.

Option 1 August 14, 2025 Flight Canada – Lima Visit Lima Stay in Lima August 15, 2025 Flight Lima – Cusco Visit Cusco Stay in Cusco August 16, 2025 Visit Humantay Lake Stay in Cusco August 17, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Ollantaytambo August 18, 2025 Visit Machu Picchu Stay in Ollantaytambo August 19, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Cusco August 20, 2025 Visit Rainbow Mountains Stay in Cusco August 21, 2025 Flight Cusco – Lima Bus Lima to Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 22, 2025 Visit Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 23, 2025 Visit Paracas Stay in Huacachina August 24, 2025 Bus Huacachina – Lima Visit Lima Stay in Lima August 25, 2025 Flight Lima – Canada

Option 2 August 14, 2025 Flight Canada – Lima Bus Lima – Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 15, 2025 Visit Huacachina Bus Huacachina – Arequipa Overnight bus August 16, 2025 Visit Arequipa Stay in Arequipa August 17, 2025 Colca Canyon Transfer Arequipa – Puno Stay in Puno August 18, 2025 Visit Lake Titicaca Bus Puno – Cusco (7:00 AM) Overnight bus August 19, 2025 Visit Humantay Lake Stay in Cusco August 20, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Ollantaytambo August 21, 2025 Visit Machu Picchu Stay in Ollantaytambo August 22, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Cusco August 23, 2025 Visit Rainbow Mountains Stay in Cusco August 24, 2025 Flight Cusco – Lima Visit Lima Stay in Lima August 25, 2025 Flight Lima – Canada

Option 3 August 14, 2025 Flight Canada – Lima Bus Lima – Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 15, 2025 Visit Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 16, 2025 Visit Paracas Stay in Paracas August 17, 2025 Bus Paracas – Lima Flight Lima – Cusco Stay in Cusco August 18, 2025 Visit Cusco Stay in Cusco August 19, 2025 Visit Humantay Lake Stay in Cusco August 20, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Ollantaytambo August 21, 2025 Visit Machu Picchu Stay in Ollantaytambo August 22, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Cusco August 23, 2025 Visit Rainbow Mountains Stay in Cusco August 24, 2025 Flight Cusco – Lima Visit Lima Stay in Lima August 25, 2025 Flight Lima – Canada

Hi everyone,

We're heading to Hakone in April with two kids aged 6 and 11. We’ve decided to spend 2 nights in the area, but I’m struggling to pinpoint the best spots to stay. Is it better to stay in Hakone Yumoto? I’ve also seen Moto Hakone, which looks nice, or Gora. Since we’ll be using public transport, we need somewhere easily accessible (with restaurants and shops close to the accommodation if possible). We’d love to treat ourselves to a ryokan in this area—ideally with a nice view and a private onsen. Is it better to be near the lake and the boats, or does it not matter? If you have any tips or accommodation recommendations, I’d love to hear them! :)

Thanks in advance!!

Hi there, I’m reaching out to get your thoughts on an upcoming trip to Peru. The issue is that I unfortunately don’t have enough time to do everything. I’ve put together four itineraries and would love your feedback on them.

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Day 1 August 14, 2025 Flight Canada – Lima Bus Lima – Huacachina Accommodation Huacachina Flight Canada – Lima Bus Lima - Huacachina Accommodation Huacachina Flight Canada – Lima Bus Lima - Huacachina Accommodation Huacachina Flight Canada – Lima Bus Lima - Huacachina Accommodation Huacachina Day 2 August 15, 2025 Visit Huacachina Bus Huacachina – Arequipa Overnight bus accommodation Visit Huacachina Accommodation Huacachina Visit Huacachina Accommodation Huacachina Visit Huacachina Bus Huacachina – Arequipa Overnight bus accommodation Day 3 August 16, 2025 Visit Arequipa Accommodation Arequipa Bus Huacachina – Lima Flight Lima – Juliaca Accommodation Puno Visit Paracas Accommodation Paracas Visit Arequipa Accommodation Arequipa Day 4 August 17, 2025 Colca Canyon excursion Transfer Arequipa-Puno Accommodation Puno Visit Lake Titicaca Accommodation Puno Bus Paracas – Lima Flight Lima - Cusco Colca Canyon excursion Accommodation Arequipa Day 5 August 18, 2025 Visit Lake Titicaca Bus Puno-Cusco (7:00 AM) Overnight bus accommodation Bus Puno - Cusco Visit Cusco Accommodation Cusco Visit Cusco Accommodation Cusco Flight Arequipa – Cusco Visit Cusco Accommodation Cusco Day 6 August 19, 2025 Visit Humantay Lake Accommodation Cusco Visit Humantay Lake Accommodation Cusco Visit Humantay Lake Accommodation Cusco Visit Humantay Lake Accommodation Cusco Day 7 August 20, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Accommodation Ollantaytambo Visit Sacred Valley Accommodation Ollantaytambo Visit Sacred Valley Accommodation Ollantaytambo Visit Sacred Valley Accommodation Ollantaytambo Day 8 August 21, 2025 Visit Machu Picchu Accommodation Ollantaytambo Visit Machu Picchu Accommodation Ollantaytambo Visit Machu Picchu Accommodation Ollantaytambo Visit Machu Picchu Accommodation Ollantaytambo Day 9 August 22, 2025 Bus Ollantaytambo - Cusco Visit Sacred Valley Accommodation Cusco Bus Ollantaytambo - Cusco Visit Sacred Valley Accommodation Cusco Bus Ollantaytambo - Cusco Visit Sacred Valley Accommodation Cusco Bus Ollantaytambo - Cusco Visit Sacred Valley Accommodation Cusco Day 10 August 23, 2025 Bus Cusco – Vinicunca Visit Rainbow Mountain Accommodation Cusco Bus Cusco – Vinicunca Visit Rainbow Mountain Accommodation Cusco Bus Cusco – Vinicunca Visit Rainbow Mountain Accommodation Cusco Bus Cusco – Vinicunca Visit Rainbow Mountain Accommodation Cusco Day 11 August 24, 2025 Flight Cusco – Lima Visit Lima Accommodation Lima Flight Cusco – Lima Visit Lima Accommodation Lima Flight Cusco – Lima Visit Lima Accommodation Lima Flight Cusco – Lima Visit Lima Accommodation Lima Day 12 August 25, 2025 Flight Lima - Canada Flight Lima - Canada Flight Lima - Canada Flight Lima - Canada

Hello! I’m so excited to be back on this forum—it’s helped me so much in the past! I need your expert advice for our next trip, which will take us to Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

We have a month, and here’s the itinerary I have in mind: Arrival in Tashkent – 2 days Bukhara – 2 days Samarkand – 3 days Panjakent – 1 day The Seven Lakes + Iskanderkul – 3 days Khujand – 2 days Fergana Valley – 3 days Song Kol Lake – 2 days Issyk-Kul Lake – 3 days Charyn Canyon – 1 day Kaindy Lake – 1 day Altyn Emel Park – 1 day Almaty – 1 day and departure

I know the travel times, especially in the mountains, can be long, but I’ve tried to optimize it so we can rest after the long drives. Our family includes three kids aged 5, 13, and 17. We’re used to backpacking. But I have *so* many questions: -Will it be extremely hot in Uzbekistan, but manageable in the other regions on my itinerary? -I’ve read conflicting things about trains in Uzbekistan: is it possible to book train tickets in advance from France? -For the Seven Lakes and Iskanderkul, do I need to hire a driver? Is it easy to find one? Since there are five of us, we’d need a large car… or is it possible to rent a car in Panjakent and drop it off in Khujand? -What’s worth visiting in the Fergana Valley? -I’d prefer to avoid domestic flights, so I planned to break up the Osh-Issyk-Kul Lake route by stopping at Song Kol Lake and taking a horseback ride. Is that realistic? Again, do I need to find a driver, or can we do it independently? -Where’s the best base for Issyk-Kul Lake? The main goal is to relax and swim (is it acceptable for women to wear swimsuits in these regions?) -For the last part of the trip—Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake from Issyk-Kul—is it doable, or do I need a driver once more? -Is Altyn Emel Park doable in the summer, or is it too hot? The idea is to see the views and do a short 3-hour hike.

Thanks so much for any firsthand tips or experiences you can share!

We took this trip from September 12 to October 7, 2022. I didn’t post this travel journal earlier in Voyage Forum because the site wasn’t back up yet (and also because I was short on time). Then, at the end of 2024, I made a promise to a friend: to publish my travel journal on VF. So here it is! We took off from Paris in the late afternoon on September 12 and arrived in Tashkent around 7:15 AM on the 13th. This trip was the result of long contemplation and preparation (it was originally planned for the year of the lockdown (2020) and was prepared with the help and advice of Nasrullo Jumanov from Turquoise Travel. Stages and Itinerary Stage 1: Tashkent - September 13 and 14 Stage 2: Ferghana Valley – September 15 to 17 Stage 3: Nukus and Moynaq - September 18 and 19 Stage 4: Mysterious Khiva - September 20 to 22 Stage 5: Holy Bukhara - September 23 to 26 Stage 6: Asraf - September 27 and 28 Stage 7: Mythical Samarkand - September 29 to October 2 Stage 8: Tersak (via Shakhrisabz and Urgut) – October 3 and 4 Stage 9: Samarkand – October 5 and 6 Stage 10: Tashkent/Istanbul/Paris – October 6 and 7 Stage 1: Tashkent September 13 At the airport exit, we were greeted by the owner of our B&B (B&B Gulnara). Today was all about recovery and our first steps in the capital. Our first currency exchange made us feel like sudden millionaires. Our first stroll down the avenue leading to Chorsu Market introduced us to the fact that 80 to 90% of the cars here are white Chevrolets. A walk under the arcades facing Chorsu: hardware stores, cabinetmakers, lute makers (one of them gave me a little concert/demo of a few string instruments).





As we entered the market, many vendors called out to us, including this florist who asked where we were from: ‘France? Ah! Macron! PSG!’ He then recited a list of players from the Parisian team as well as past (Platini, Zidane, etc.) and current (Giroud, Griezmann, Mbappé, etc.) French national team players. Since we’re more into rugby (we live near Toulouse), he knew more players than I did!

The market sprawls outside around the large circular, multi-story hall. We bought some grapes and bottles of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice for just a few sums. This evening, we had a meet-up with Nasrullo. The reunion was very warm: we’d been exchanging messages for over two years, and I’d been ‘torturing’ him with changes to our itinerary and trip duration. We were finally eager to meet, and honestly, I wasn’t disappointed—in fact, it was the opposite. Nasrullo was very attentive throughout our trip and always made sure, even from a distance (and most often from a distance!), that everything went smoothly. His goal was for us to leave delighted with our trip and, why not, indirectly become ambassadors for this destination. September 14 Breakfast with Nasrullo, then we set off with him by taxi to explore some of the capital’s sites.



We started by visiting the Khazrati Imam complex, which includes the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, the Barak Khan and Muyi Muborak madrasas, and the great Khazrati Imam Mosque with its immense prayer hall.





In the Muyi Muborak madrasa, now a museum, you can see the oldest Quran in the world. It was written by three religious scholars, including the secretary of the Prophet Muhammad, on large ‘pages’ made of antelope skin. Next, we explored Soviet-era Tashkent, discovering its parks, canals, and squares: Independence Square with its storks and phoenixes, Amir Temur Square with its large statue and, in the background, the massive Soviet-era hotel that has become one of Tashkent’s iconic buildings. Nasrullo took us through Broadway Boulevard and along what he calls ‘Tashkent’s Montmartre’… Well, it’s far, very far from Montmartre (in every sense of the word!). Then we took the metro to Chorsu station. Rush hour is pretty much the same everywhere in the metro… When we arrived at Chorsu, it was time to say goodbye. Nasrullo had to head back to Samarkand. Before leaving, he recommended some chaikhanas at the end of the galleries facing the market. We ate there for just a few euros (2 or 3 € for two people). After eating, we headed back to our room to cool off (our B&B is about a 10-minute walk away).



Around 4 PM, we set off to visit the Kokeldash Madrasa, which is still active. On the way, we stopped to watch some bread vendors and take a few photos. We were hesitating about buying some for our evening picnic when a young woman approached us. In perfect English, she asked: ‘Are you looking for something? Do you want to buy bread? Which one? How much?’ She then spoke to one of the vendors and negotiated the price. ‘Do you want one?’ And she took two. She paid directly. I took out my wallet to reimburse her, but she refused. It’s on the house! Then the vendor asked where we were from. And off we went again: Macron, PSG, football players… We’ll have to get used to it. The young woman smiled at the questions and comments, barely gave us time to thank her, and left as quickly as she had approached us.

We continued our walk. Visited the madrasa. Then we crossed the boulevard to see the Tashkent Circus. I would’ve loved to go in and visit, but the ticket seller wouldn’t hear of it. We carried on around what should’ve been a park with old-fashioned rides and attractions. All we found was a construction site. Oh well! Back at our hotel, a message from Nasrullo was waiting for us. He had managed to change our train ticket for the next day. Instead of taking the 6:00 AM train, we’d take the 8:00 AM one. And instead of second class, we’d be in first class! Great! This evening, we had a picnic at one of the breakfast tables in the B&B courtyard. Under a shelter, the owner and his family were celebrating a birthday. The owner started by offering us some tea. Then they brought us some fruit (watermelon and melon). Finally, after the song, candles, and cake cutting, they brought us two generous slices of that beautiful birthday cake. Delicious!

Hi everyone,

I’m just at the very beginning of my research, so I’m coming straight to you for some info. I’d like to visit Morocco to discover a bit of the country. I’ve just found out about the Toubkal circuit, which I’d love to do in January/February. I’m open to going independently with a tent, food, etc., and also open to whatever other possibilities this circuit offers that I don’t know about yet... Could you share any random tips or info? I’d also love to hear your opinions? What I like about this circuit is that it’s fairly accessible and seems interesting for many reasons. I’ll leave it to you to share your thoughts—thanks in advance for your help! 🙂 Wishing you all lots of exciting plans for the new year ahead!

Nicolas

Hi there! I’m planning a trip to Central Asia in July 2025. If two people are interested in joining us, we can share a car with a driver for the first part of the trip (Almaty, Charyn Canyon, and Kaindy Lake in Kazakhstan), then the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and Son-Kul Lake, all the way to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. After a flight from Bishkek to Tashkent in Uzbekistan, we’ll explore Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva on our own (train tickets booked through a local agency). Thanks! 😊

Hey fellow travelers! 🙂 I’m heading to India in January with a tourist multi-entry ETA (is it still called an e-visa?). First things first, if I’ve understood correctly: I can enter and exit India as many times as I want, as long as my total stay doesn’t exceed 180 days in a full year and no single stay goes over 90 days. Okay, that’s the theory. Now, how does it work in practice? I plan to spend 3 months in India (Rajasthan, then the Ganges Valley up to Varanasi, then Sikkim), then head to Nepal for another 3 months (Kathmandu, Pokhara), and return to India for 3 more months before flying back to France. But here’s the thing—I’ve got the impression (maybe I misunderstood) that renewing the Indian visa has to be done in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and only in one of those two Nepali cities. Yet, on *Le Routard*, I thought I read that you just need to "cross the border and come back," meaning you can enter Nepal at any border point, which would be way more practical... Imagine someone who wants to spend 6 months in northern India and starts from Shimla—they’d have to travel all the way to Kathmandu, then back to Shimla, crossing a big chunk of Nepal just to renew their Indian visa. That seems pretty convoluted, especially since the northwest border with India is so far from Kathmandu. I used this example because I originally wanted to spend 6 months only in northern India, and while waiting for clear answers, I’ve planned an alternative route (the one I described at the start of this post).

Could someone explain exactly how this Nepal border crossing thing works for renewing an Indian visa (and getting another 90 days, within the 180-day annual limit, of course)? How long does it take? How much does it cost?

Can’t wait to hear from you, and thanks in advance for your valuable insights! 🙂 !

Hi everyone, The years go by and Machu Picchu has been on our "to-do list" for a few decades now... But Peru is, fortunately, so much more than this legendary site...

We went as a couple for a 15-day trip. For the first time, we delegated the logistics to a local agency (Paprika in Arequipa). This agency offers "classic" small-group tours and the option to do it privately, which we chose.

No complaints—they were perfect for organizing transportation, hotels, and French-speaking guides.

The "classic" southern Peru loop is: Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca, Titicaca, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Cusco. Nothing very original... but why get creative when there’s already so much beauty to discover?

We opted for a shorter loop, skipping Paracas/Nazca because the small planes in Nazca weren’t a unanimous hit, and it saved us dozens of hours on the bus. But we added a stop at Palccoyo (the rainbow mountains) between Titicaca and Cusco.

It might seem like a shame, but we don’t regret it at all.

Hi everyone, for my 6th trip to India, I’ve chosen Ladakh and Zanskar. I’m planning a 15-day itinerary with a driver (one week in Ladakh and one week in Zanskar). I’m looking for info and tips from people who’ve recently traveled to these regions—anything that could help me prepare my route, must-see spots (or not!), accommodation advice, etc. Is it necessary to visit all three main lakes usually included in traditional circuits (Tso Moriri, Pangong, and Tso Kar)? In the Nubra Valley, the Hunder dunes with the camels don’t really tempt me given the mixed reviews... What do you think? Big question about altitude sickness—I’ve read that you should take it easy for a full day before hitting the road. Is that enough, or should I plan an extra day? Is it easy and quick to get the Inner Line Permit for the regions where it’s required? Thanks in advance for your tips!

Last October, we landed in Marrakech to spend a few days with family exploring Morocco’s roads. Transport: a rented Dacia. Accommodations: small guesthouses.

Our first stop was just a few kilometers from Marrakech, at a lovely house perfect for relaxing and recharging before continuing. It’s called Bleu House, a little paradise on the outskirts of Marrakech. The welcome was very warm, with a beautiful pool and a lovely garden.

Next, we headed toward the Tichka Pass. The road has really improved in recent years—it’s much easier to drive now. No more getting stuck behind trucks, and today, the construction is practically finished.

Morocco has turned green after the recent rains. It’s a joy for the herds and shepherds.

Hello,

We’re heading to Hurghada for the end-of-year holidays—could you recommend some excursions for us (we’re a couple with our 14-year-old son)? Any trustworthy agencies you’d suggest? Do we need a visa?

Looking forward to your tips. Best regards

For our first post-COVID trip outside Europe, we’ve chosen a North African destination: Morocco.

I’ve already visited this country four times, but my partner has never set foot there.

Since we both prefer wide-open spaces over even imperial cities, our itinerary will focus on nature and villages.

Starting point: Casablanca, easily accessible with a direct flight from Lyon.

Our ride: a Dacia Logan, perfect for navigating roads turned into Swiss cheese by corruption and the weather.

Stops: Demnate, Aït Ben Haddou, the Dadès Gorges, N'Kob, Zagora, the Todhra Gorges, the Merzouga dunes, Tinejdad, Agoudal, Lake Bin El Ouidane, the Vallée Heureuse, the Ouzoud waterfalls, and finally El Jadida.

Season: November, when there’s no tourist pressure. Sure, it can be chilly, but what peace and quiet!

You can find the details of our journey beyond the Rif here.

Happy reading!

And if you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate!

Hello, A few years ago, I visited Nepal. I have wonderful memories of it. My friend (77) and I (73) would like to go back. We’re still in good shape! But let’s not exaggerate either. So, we’re looking for a relaxed trek in the mid-mountains, in touch with the local people, passing near monasteries, and with beautiful views of the peaks. And no agencies! Can you give us some tips? Thanks a million

Hi there, I’m so excited to reopen the Asia/Indonesia forum! We’ve got a trip planned for spring, and we’re planning to spend a few days on Java before wrapping up in Bali. For Java: Yogyakarta / Bromo / Ijen For Bali: Ubud / Amed See you all on the forum soon!

Hi there,

I'm looking for hiking ideas starting from Valbonë.

No more than 500/600m of elevation gain, no more than 15 kilometers.

I don’t plan on doing the hike to Theth.

Thanks! 🙂