Category: alpine

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climbing Mt Cameroon

camerounWest Africa’s highest mountain.

Mount Cameroon is an active volcano in Cameroon near the Gulf of Guinea. Mount Cameroon is also known as Cameroon Mountain or Fako (the name of the higher of its two peaks) or by its native name Mongo ma Ndemi (“Mountain of Greatness”).

… The most recent eruptions occurred on February 3rd, 2012.

Mount Cameroon is one of Africa’s largest volcanoes, rising to 4,040 metres (13,255 ft) above the coast of west Cameroon. It rises from the coast through tropical rainforest to a bare summit which is cold, windy, and occasionally brushed with snow. …

There are several trails on the mountain. The oldest and steepest trail is the Guinness Trail. … Porters and guides are compulsory on this 2-3 day trek. Basic huts and camps can be found on the main trails. …

Go Africa

trip report from 2010

summit cloud

related – Mount Cameroon Race of Hope

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Trekking around MANASLU

Timing is perfect.

A new guidebook for the start of the Himalayan hiking and climbing Spring season.

Himalayan Map House is delighted to announce the publication of a new trekking guide to the Manaslu & Tsum Valley region – the fastest growing trekking destination in Nepal.

… Manaslu and the Tsum Valley are rapidly becoming the new trekking destination for both experienced and novice trekkers. As if these two treks were not enough to savour, the book also introduces new treks in the Lower Manaslu area around historic Gorkha, as far north as the Rupina La route. Also within the book are some fledgling routes below little-known Ganesh Himal, including the Ruby Valley.

It may not have the aura of Everest or Annapurna, but the majestic mountain of Manaslu (8163m) has a remote charm that calls on all trekkers to discover the undiscovered. Lush forests, terraced hillsides, mysterious canyons, gargantuan summits and Buddhist culture are enticing. For so long beyond the horizon, the Tsum Valley is astonishing and secretive. Hilltop monasteries, traditional villages,

colourful people, enigmatic yaks and hundreds of mani walls, chortens and kani gates add to the compulsive blend.

guidebook

That’s where I’m headed next trip to Nepal.

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Annapurna Circuit and Nepal

Great edit.

A glimpse into a wonderful 5 week adventure.

Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.

Check our ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT information page.

Be warned the trek has been degraded in recent years by road building. If that bothers you, head for one of the many good Himalayan alternatives.

(via Adventure Blog)

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Nepal – Machhapuchhre trek

Most days I’d list ol’ Fishtail 6,993 m (22,943 ft) as my favorite mountain in the World.

Machapuchare or Machhapuchhre (माछापुछ्रे) Lit. “Fish Tail” in English, is a mountain in the Annapurna Himal of north central Nepal. It is revered by the local population as particularly sacred to the god Shiva, and hence is off limits to climbing. …

It’s easily seen from Pokara.

Fishtail Luc

fishtail

Here’s a 15 day lower elevation guided Himalaya Trek called Machhapuchhre Model Trek. Looks a lot easier than most in Nepal. And much safer vis-a-vis risk of altitude sickness.

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TORRES DEL PAINE – photo trip report

Keiko and Dave trekked Chile’s famed W from west to east.

Fantastic pics. Plenty of FOOD. 🙂

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

See the rest on the full trip report – Mini Guide for 5 days in TORRES DEL PAINE – CHILE – W trail

related – our Torres del Paine information page

Check a new book – Patagonia Chronicle: On Foot in Torres del Paine by Susan Alcorn.

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Moonrise over Manaslu

2012 World Open of Photography Finalists

Moonrise over Manaslu – 45-minute exposure of Manaslu, the Earth’s 8th highest peak, in Nepal, the rotation of the Earth turning starlight into arcs. The onset of moonrise at the end of the exposure illuminates the mountain from the southeast.

Moonrise

click through to see a larger, high resolution version.

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I want to climb the 300ft spiral staircase

The 300ft spiral staircase has been installed on the wall of the Taihang Mountains in Linzhou to offer the thrill of mountaineering without the danger.

But senior climbers beware – you have to be under 60 to be allowed on the staircase.

Daily Mail

http-::www.flickr.com:photos:25183035@N03:8143830146:

Thanks Sherry.

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Photodiary of a Nomad in Canada

I’ve been following Photodiary of a Nomad for years.

This couple have documented 6200km+ of walks and over 12000 photos.

Summer 2012 they started on the Pacific Coast, worked their way through the Rockies, and finished amongst the magnificent colours of the eastern forests in autumn:

Prologue

West Coast Trail (Gordon River to Walbran Creek)

West Coast Trail (Walbran Creek to Pachena Bay)

Vancouver Urban Fringe Walk

Skyline Trail – Jasper National Park

The Icefields Parkway

Assiniboine Day-Walks

Assiniboine-Sunshine Meadows Trail

Banff National Park (Two Teahouses and Larch Valley Hikes)

Yoho National Park (Iceline Trail and Lake O’Hara Circuit)

A Tale of Two Cities (Montreal and Quebec City)

Mont Tremblant by foot and canoe

La Mauricie National Park

Saguenay Fiord Trail

Hopewell Rocks (Big Tide in the Bay of Fundy)

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Wanderings in New Brunswick

Canada page

Not all of those trip reports are live yet. They are still being uploaded.

They walked our #1 hike in the world, the West Coast Trail.

Their words — never before spoken — about the WCT:

… The clear morning skies were becoming a bit monotonous, as dawn arrived with a pink glow on the eastern horizon. …

That’s a great trip report for anyone planning for the West Coast of Vancouver Island. In fact, I’m hoping to get back again summer 2013. 🙂

related – some of their best photos from past trips around the world