Category: alpine

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I’m hiking Nepal November 2019

by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

I’ve hiked most of the major trails you can do independently in Nepal.

What next?

  1. The Royal Trek
  2. Khopra Ridge Trek
  3. Makalu Base Camp

I’m flying to Pokhara, bypassing polluted Kathmandu this time.

After getting some dental work done there, my plan (so far) is …

The Royal Trek

  • maximum altitude 1730m
  • foothills of Annapurna, north of Pokhara
  • great views of Fishtail, when weather permits
  • independent hiking using teahouses (but carrying a tent)
  • 3-4 days
  • I’d warm-up with a dayhike to Sarangkot
Fishrail (Machhapuchhare)

Khopra Ridge Trek

  • maximum altitude 4660m
  • bus from Pokhara to Nayapul to start
  • independent hiking using teahouses (but carrying a tent)
  • 5-8 days
  • I might actually join a guided Khopra trip with INDIAHIKES
Khopra Ridge on Annapurna

Makalu Base Camp

  • maximum altitude 5,250m
  • Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area
  • flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and jeep to Num to start.
  • Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world
  • independent hiking using teahouses (but carrying a tent)
  • 13-16 days
Makalu Base Camp

This is a first draft. I’m certain it will change. Because I’m doing this trip independently and solo I can change on a whim.

Leave a comment if you have any advice.

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climb Mt Kenya in 2020

Mount Kenya is the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro.

It’s about  150 kilometres (93 mi) north-northeast of the capital Nairobi.

I’m looking at using Mt Kenya as an acclimatization hike immediately prior to Kilimanjaro.

Mt Kenya takes 5 days and reaches a high point of 4985 metres over a trek of about 50 kilometres. 

So far I’ve been talking to Adventure Alternatives and have been very happy with their response. And they’ve been quite flexible to help me fit in this climb just before Kili.

My rendezvous with the Kili group in Arusha is September 7th.

DETAILS – Mount Kenya Traverse 

30th August – 3rd September

Price starts at £1,095pp ($1355) plus extras. Much less expensive than Kili.

Mt Kenya

Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.

https://vimeo.com/80359250

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Manaslu Circuit Trek, Nepal – guided

I contend that Manaslu is as scenic as the Everest Base Camp trek.

And it’s far less crowded. Less developed.

A sidetrip to Tsum Valley is a recommended add-on.

The downside? Independent trekking is not allowed on the Manaslu Circuit. You must be guided.

You can hike to Everest independently.

Click PLAY or watch a NEST Adventure promotion on YouTube.

Contact Rajendra (Raj) Khanal nestadventure@gmail.com for a quote on cost.

nestadventure.com

And check our Manaslu Trek information page.

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top 10 hikes – Harder Ridge, Switzerland

Our #1 day hike in the world.

Harder Ridge

Also known as Hardergrat

(… grat is ridge in German)

  • walk to your accommodation in the hiking mecca of Interlaken
  • 24km total … about 18km on a sharp ridge
  • 10+ hours. Physically and psychologically challenging.
  • no water available. Carry all you need.
  • not an official trail, but it’s easy to follow in good visibility
  • about 1500m above the lake
  • permits not required
  • it’s popular with trail runners who do about 35km entirely on foot. They start at either end.

Why We Like This Hike

  • in good weather, views of the Jungfrau’s big peaks; Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Schreckhorn,  Finsteraarhorn
  • the advantage of being able to get transport both up and down
  • on the same trip, hike nearby Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Schynige Platte and more
  • many see Ibex up here

Click PLAY or watch Jackson Groves on YouTube.

Click over to our Harder Ridge information page for details on how you can organize this adventure for yourself.

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top 10 hikes – Besseggen Ridge, Norway

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Besseggen Ridge

In Norway’s most popular National Park – Jotunheimen

“Home of the Giants“.

AT A GLANCE

  • Jotunheimen National Park has most of the highest mountains in Norway
  • Besseggen … or Besseggi … in Jotunheimen, is a thrilling ridge walk with alpine lakes on either side:  Gjende and Bessvatnet.
  • recommended from the end of June to mid-September
  • 13.3km (8.25mi) plus one-way ferry
  • 6-9 hours
  • 950m elevation gain
  • highest point, Veslfjellet (1743m)
  • dogs on leash allowed
  • trail runners enjoy it

Check our Besseggen Ridge information page for details.

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top 10 hikes – Laguna de los Tres, Fitzroy, Argentina

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Laguna de los Tres

El Chaltén, Argentina

by Katie Wheeler

AT A GLANCE

  • granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy, Poincenot and Cerro Torre

  • stunning blue waters, most likely with icebergs

  • the nearest airport is El Calafate
  • November – March are the best months. You might have snow on the trail in November or March, however.
  • 8+ hours round trip depending on route
  • elevation gain 2,300 ft. (700m)
  • option to tent near the lake
  • infamous for bad weather. Be prepared for extreme wind.
El Chaltén

Check our Laguna de los Tres information page for details.

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top 10 hikes – Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway

Reopened 2019 with sherpa-built steps.

Now much safer and easier.

Summit of Reinebringen, Moskenesoy, Lofoten Islands, Norway – photo by Cody Duncan

AT A GLANCE

  • Reinebringen is on the island of Moskenesøya , one of the Lofoten islands in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle
  • infamous for wind and rainy weather
  • famed for dramatic scenery,  rugged peaks, open sea vistas past sheltered bays
  • about 448 meters (1470 feet) above sea level
  • over 1500 stone steps
  • about 2 hours up
  • It’s crowded. Over a thousand people a day in high season if the weather is good.
  • permits not required
  • photographers come for the rugged geography and unique Arctic light
photo by Cody Duncan – 68 North

For details click over to our Reinebringen information page.

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top 10 hikes – Puez-Odle, Italy

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Puez-Odle Altopiano

photo by Away On The Road

AT A GLANCE

The Dolomites are one of our top 10 hiking regions of the world.

Why We Like This Hike

  • fantastic vistas of jagged peaks
  • family friendly as you can get to elevation with a cablecar
  • great signage
  • Rifugio Puez is a good destination for lunch or hot drinks
  • extend the walk if you have good weather, time and energy
  • there are many more great hikes nearby

Check our Puez-Odle Altopiano information page for details.