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The DRAKENSBERG, South Africa

I’ve hiked the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains) escarpment of South Africa only once. Fantastic.

For example, my Giant’s Cup Trail (2 days).

Logistics are easier than you might think.

I travelled solo with Bazbus. Stayed in their recommended hostels.

Not once did I ever feel unsafe traveling there.

Harmen Hoek was there, hiking solo for 8-days in March 2022.

World Wide Hearts traveled and hiked extensively in the Drakensberg. Here’s their advice.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

related – Our favourite hike in southern Africa is not here — but rather on the coast:

Otter Trail

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721m Sky Bridge, Czech Republic

Sky Bridge 721 is a suspension footbridge that is the longest of its kind in the world …

Built in the municipality of Dolní Morava, Czech Republic, the bridge is 721 metres long and is at a height of up to 95 metres off the ground. It first opened to the general public on 13 May 2022.

… spans the valley of the Mlýnský Stream, from the ridge of Slamník Mountain to the ridge of Chlum Mountain …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Cycling Vancouver Island

One of the main attractions of the Pacific Northwest is the opportunity to hike and cycle year round.

The climate is relatively mild, even on Vancouver Island.

Getting ready for my hiking / cycling adventures in Europe summer 2024, I put together this video in Parksville, B.C.

Mainly I wanted to test my NEW DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone “follow me” capabilities — as well as the obstacle avoidance.

Does it work? 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube to find out.

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TOP 10 hikes ➙ Glacier North Circle, Montana, USA

Glacier North Circle in Montana is one of our top 10 hikes in the world. Even better if you add a side trip to Waterton National Park in Canada.

Click PLAY or watch a 1 minute introduction on YouTube.

Glacier North Circle

Of the many great American Rocky Mountain hikes, this is our favourite.

Highline Trail vista

AT A GLANCE

  • 7 days, 6 nights recommended
  • 65miles (104km) plus side trips
  • best months July-Sept
  • well-signed
  • medium difficulty hiking
  • recommended for experienced multi-day hikers

Read more on our Glacier North Circle information page.

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TOP 10 Hiking Towns ➙  Namche Bazaar, Nepal

BAD NEWS.  As of April 1, 2023 the Nepal government required that major treks can no longer be done independently.  Hiring a guide is mandatory.  The obvious alternative for independent hikers is the Indian Himalaya.    

UPDATE April 2024. The Everest region refused to enforce mandatory guides. Hikers are doing Base Camp independently.

Every hiker dreams of trekking in the footsteps of Hillary and Norgay. Climbing to Mt. Everest Base Camp Qomolangma (Tibetan), Sagarmāthā (Nepali) should be on your bucket list.

Here is the finest alpine scenery in the world, we reckon.

Namche Bazaar … at 3,440 metres (11,286 ft) … is the main trading center for the Khumbu region with many Nepalese officials, a police check post and a bank. …

Namche has a permanent population of around 800.

Almost everyone trekking in the Khumbu region will visit Namche Bazaar, as it is the gateway to the high Himalaya.

More interesting photos tagged Namche Bazaar.

Want more information? Check WikiTravel – Namche.

Everest Base Camp – Khumbu Ice Fall

Our favourite hike hikes out of Namche are:

• Everest Base Camp / 3 Passes
• Everest Base Camp / Kala Pattar
• Everest Gokyo

Everest seen from Kala Pattar

Many consider the mountain people and Tibetan culture an even bigger highlight than the peaks.

Flapping

Best months are from October to early-December, cold but normally with clear views of the world’s highest mountains.

Spring is also a good time to visit the Everest region, though the skies may be hazy. Some argue that pastures are greener in the Spring.

Check the trip report posted by besthike editor Rick McCharles, Nov. 2009 – Everest Base Camp / 2 Passes

Or start on our Nepal information page.