guided hikes – Page 28

January 17, 2008

guided hikes in Israel

Israel Hiking offers guided walks “stressing landscapes, nature and historic sites.”

Sounds like a great way to visit the Holy Land.

… Israel is not a big country, but the range of landscapes is diverse. You can experience steep mountains, the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee, the Judean Desert, the Arava and the Negev, and of course, Jerusalem. The stories of the bible and the antiquities from various periods can be seen wherever you go. We will do our utmost to produce a trip filled with experiences that you will talk about long after you return home. …

Our guides are English speakers, who are certified guides and have experience in the regions of the trip. If you are interested in a tour in a language other than English, we will make every effort to find a guide who speaks the language and masters the professional terms so that you will be able to enjoy the trip.

About

I greatly enjoyed hiking in the Sinai and even more so in Jordan. But I’ve never been to Israel myself.

The first trip that jumps out at me is a 7-day section of the much longer Israel National Trail:

From Tel Hay to Meron on the The Israel National Trail crosses Israel from the very north to Eilat through the Countryâ€˜s principal, most beautiful sites. …

The hike ends at the Amoud River as it approaches Lake Kinnereth. From there, we will travel by car to the youth hostel on Lake Kinnereth.

The difficulty level of the hike on the Israel National Trail is medium. …

Full price: 600 Euro. See the map.

Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) – Wikipedia

Other more difficult treks that appeal are Ramon Crater to the Arava valley and the Eilat Hike from Timnah.

I assume security is not much of an issue when hiking in Israel. But it might be a good idea for a first time visitor to go with experts and learn the ropes.

homepage –hikes and trecks in israel

Leave a message if you know more about hiking in Israel.

January 5, 2008

climb Roraima, Venezuela

High on my life list is Roraima. Some good tips from this guided trip report:

This mountain was one of the reasons I wanted to come to Venezuela, and it didn’t disappoint. I have plenty of gripes about the tour, even though we went with the company that is supposedly the best, and is the most expensive. Just little things like not quite having enough food and “guides” who know the way but aren’t very informative. This last complaint is a recurring theme so perhaps I am at fault. And our poor guide went way beyond what I think is required in giving up his sleeping bag for a girl who had stupidly got hers wet, and also fixed boots on the top of the mountain.

Roraima is one of a number of tepuis that rise from the Gran Sabana, or great savannah. It is pretty countryside of soft hills, with trees hugging the waterways, but not venturing far beyond . Tepuis are ancient structures, which have survived 1.8 billion years of erosion and now present sheer cliffs and eerily flat tops to the world, as the surrounding lands have eroded. The cute lethargic black frogs that live on top apparently have more in common with African frogs than their South American cousins suggesting effective isolation since Gondwana.

Roraima is not the largest of tepuis, but it still has a top covering 34 km sq and its summit is almost 2800 meters above sea level. Early accounts were the inspiration for Conan Doyle’s Lost World, a preposterous account of dinosaurs and cave men.

… It rained steadily the day we made our ascent. It was not heavy but it was thorough, and everyone got soaked. This was fine during the ascent, but once we reached the exposed top a cold wind made merry with all those wet clothes. Getting wet seems likely even on a rare sunny day though as the path passes under a high but drizzly waterfall. We barely noticed a difference.

The top really is different. Up here the rock appears to be quite soft and has eroded into unusual shapes, with rounded stones, gullies, cliffs, pools of water and beautiful collections of plants. Once up, the top is not really flat at all, but has high points and depressions. The guide books typically describe it as a moonscape, but this is not really right. It is predominantly rocky and in places barren, which does give it a luna feel, but the water and plants are too plentiful to really suggest a moonscape. Really, it defies description. What struck me most though was that, due to the pools and the frequent mists, it reminded me most of the moors described in Conan Doyle’s other books (think Hound of the Baskervilles). It is like a wetland based on rock. And it floods very quickly too, as we discovered on our day exploring the top when all the paths turned to rivers.

The views from the top to the neighbouring tepui Kukenan and across the savannah are impressive, but they don’t last long before the next wave of mist rolls in. This is a land in which a pretty landscape can completely disappear while you compose a photo.

There are lots of endemic species up here, marooned in a cold wetland environment. Carniverous plants abound, as do black frogs. But there is little noticeable insect life for them all to eat.

We were finally grateful that we have packed clothing for Patagonia. Roraima was far colder than any in the group had anticipated and we were grateful for our own sleeping bags (seemingly far warmer than those provided by the company) and our hats and gloves. Unlike others, we were not reduced to wearing plastic bags on our feet because our shoes were wet, and slept very soundly (though a little guiltily) while others shivered wakefully through the night.

A land of mist and rain (in Venezuela?) – Santa Elena de Uairen, Venezuela Travel Blog

Peter and Jackie Main – original

besthike Roraima information page

December 31, 2007

Pindari glacier trek, India

Ajay Shah signed on with a company called KMVN for the Pindari Glacier trek southeast of Nanda Devi in India.

at the chai shop en route to the trailhead.

I love the photos. From his trip report:

Overall, the trip had height gain from Song (1300 m) to Zero point (3660 m), i.e. 2360 metres or 7740 feet. The linear distance of the entire trip Song – Zero Point – Song is 90 km. It was a grand trip and well worth it. …

If you think of doing this trip, the following ideas will help:

* Get the Survey of India Trekking Map Series map of Kumaon.

* Dress in layers that are convenient to add and delete. The temperature can swing around by 10 degrees in a few minutes. It rains almost every day, so it’s useful to have a raincoat or a windcheater. Gore-tex would be ideal.

* There is electricity at only one place: A generator at Khati. Carry spare charged batteries.

* You don’t need the KMVN package trek. At Bageshwar, you can line up the unbundled components. The components are: Porter (can carry 30 kg, and costs Rs.200/day), beds at KMVN huts (Rs.150/night), a guide (who is voluble, unlike porters, and acts like a majordomo at the camps), transportation to and from Song, etc. This gives you more flexibility in designing your own trip, and making changes on the fly. The package treks are too restrictive; they are useful if you have never ever done a trip in the region before and have no clue about how things work.

* The maps identify all KMVN huts. You can landup at a KMVN hut without any advance warning. If they have a bed, you’ll get it. If they don’t, they’ll spring a sleeping bag and/or a mattress and accomodate you anyway. They will make dinner for you. It’s cool.

* The water is not clean when it is near human habitation.

* If you must contract with KMVN in Delhi (or anyplace other than Bageshwar), be sure to have a written definition of what you have contracted. We experienced a serious failure of communications between Delhi and Bageshwar, where the things agreed-to by KMVN staff at Delhi (verbally) were not honoured by the folks at Bageshwar.

* It is nice to have a tent, that gives choices other than the KMVN huts.

* KMVN food planning is low on trail chow and protein.

* There are leeches and flies-that-bite. Full sleeves and long pants make sense. Plan on DEET.

You don’t actually get to see Nandi Devi on this trip. But the surrounding mountains are beautiful.

Pindari glacier trek – trip report – Ajay Shah

besthike Indian Himalaya information page.

December 20, 2007

trek Torres del Paine with a guide – Chile Nativo

Looking for a reputable guide for Paine in Chile?

Jim Pierce had a great experience. By email:

We had two experienced, English-speaking guides, good food, and pre-arranged lodging in refugios (7 nights) and 2-man expedition tents (3 nights). The cost was $2,195 per person. Porters were hired by some at a cost of $60 per day, shared between two persons. Chile Nativo has an American administrator in their office in Puerto Natales who promptly answered all our questions. I highly recommend Chile Nativo.

Here’s their site:

Trekking

We invite you to experience, by way of daily walks, the principal attractions of Torres Del Paine, located in the heart of Patagonia; visiting glaciers, native forests, turquoise lakes and impressive views of the granite towers, sleeping in comfortable campsites, cozy mountain lodges, or modern hotels. …

Patagonia and Torres del Paine Travel Agency – Chile Nativo

November 15, 2007

trekking 4 women – Asia and Africa

Ann Young is the woman behind a New Zealand based company providing quality guided adventure trekking trips.

Uniquely, these treks are designed for women in the 40+ age group.

Tours are available both “less strenuous” and “more challenging”.

Challenging is right. Upcoming: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary, Annapurna Circuit, Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.

Are you a woman who has a sense of adventure for the outdoors or wants to explore wild and wonderful places?

Are you fascinated by other cultures of the world?

Have you dreamed of trekking to far off places and seeing the highest mountain in the world or being on Safari on the African plains?

All Trekking 4 Women trips are non technical. You do not have to be a mountaineer or experienced climber, trekker, or traveller to enjoy an experience to last a lifetime with
Trekking 4 Women. If you are an absolute beginner or seasoned traveller, all you need is a sense of adventure to share with other like minded women who come from many destinations and cultures of the world. …

trekking 4 women – Home

“Fishtail” or Machhapuchhre, Nepal

(via Women Travel the World)

November 12, 2007

when will I hike South Africa?

… some day.

One of our contributors, George Novak, lived in South Africa and is always urging me to get there for “trekking”.

Top of my list â€” the Drakensberg Mountains in Kwa-Zula Natal.

Garth and Lee-Anne from GoVertical Mountaineering Adventures guide routes including:

DRAKENSBERG TRAVERSE (5-10 days)

AMPHITHEATRE TO CATHEDERAL PEAK OR TO GIANTS CASTLE

SENTINEL TO SANI (16 days)

The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage site of incredible basalt cliffs, giant peaks, dramatic pinnacles, pristine rivers and ancient San Rock Art. Join GoVertical for a guided backpacking experience along the Drakensberg Great Escarpment, a wilderness area which separates South Africa’s coastal lowlands from the highveld plateau.

All Drakensberg Traverse Treks include:

GoVertical Mountaineering guides, all meals & necessary restocks, Park fees, general camping gear, a celebratory dinner & B&B accommodation on the last night at a local mountain lodge

GoVertical Trekking

I’m tempted to sign on for a guided hike on my first trek in South Africa. Security is a bit of an issue in that country. It’s safe â€” but you need to know which areas to avoid. Tourists sometimes make the mistake of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Related post: Trekking the Drakensberg in South Africa (photos)

October 29, 2007

trek the Himalayan kingdom of Mustang

Ever since I looked down the forbidden valley from Kagbeni while trekking the Annapurna Circuit, I’ve wanted to hike Lo Mustang in Nepal. Sadly, no independent hiking is allowed.

Kagbeni at 2810 m, spectacularly situated atop a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Jhong Khola rivers, is the last village in Lower Mustang and guards the entrance into Upper Mustang, visible across the Kali Gandaki riverbed. It is the northernmost village that can be visited without a permit to continue on to Mustang.

Northwards into Upper Mustang – larger photo on flickr – Claudia

Footprint Tours is one of the few companies who offer trekking trips:

… Until 1992 less than a dozen foreigners had been to Mustang. Now, in an effort to protect this culture, access is limited with less than 800 trekkers making the journey each year. The requirement to pay high restricted-area fees, travel with an organised group and take a Liaison Officer, together with difficult access continue to make the Kingdom of Lo an uncommon destination. …

A trek to the Himalayan kingdom of Mustang in the restricted regions of Nepal

That same site has a nice overview of Himalayan trekking for those who have never been:

In 1965 Colonel Jimmy Roberts introduced the world to trekking. As a former Gurkha Officer and Military AttachÃ© at the British Embassy in Kathmandu he had spent years of his life walking the hills of Nepal. His idea, revolutionary for the time, was to provide tents together with Sherpas, to guide and cook.

This made Nepal and the Himalaya available to a wide community and was an immediate success.

Nowadays the formula is well established; groups travel through the hills, walking for five to six hours each day with all their equipment carried by porters or yaks; good quality meals are provided along with warm sleeping bags and comfortable tents; the trekker carries a personal pack with camera, day clothing and snacks. …

photo – Jimmy Roberts in 1996 a year before his death.

read more – What is Trekking?

At this rate, I may need to wait until independent hiking is allowed.

September 24, 2007

Mt Kenya – hike the OTHER Kilimanjaro

The Adventure Junkie of The Adventure Blog keeps close tabs on what’s happening in Africa (and the rest of the world).

His recent post Adventure On Mount Kenya caught my eye. It links to Matthew Power’s project to re-enact the Mt Kenya climb of British prisoners of war in 1943. (That “escape” was documented in the classic No Picnic on Mount Kenya: A Daring Escape, A Perilous Climb by Felice Benuzzi).

This got me thinking …

I’m interested in how to trek Mount Kenya independently. Or with a minimum of local support.

Of the eight standard walking routes, Naro Moru sounds appealing. It’s possible to ascend in only 3 days (unless the altitude gets you) and has bunkhouses at each camp so a tent is not required.

Africa’s “other Kilimanjaro,” 17,058-foot (5,199-meter) Mount Kenya, boasts all the virtues of its slightly loftier cousinâ€”glaciers, surreal landscapes, and cloud-carpeted vistasâ€”but with about half the hikers. Plus, it sits at the heart of the Kenyan Highlands, a patchwork of jungle and savanna where visitors can mingle with local tribes and track Africa’s Big Five on their own two feet.

Climbing:

While scaling the twin peaks of Batian and Nelion requires technical mountaineering skills and equipment, Point Lenana (16,354 feet or 4,985 meters), Mount Kenya’s third highest summit, can be reached with no specialized skills. The most popular trek is the 23-mile (37-kilometer) Naro Moru Route, which begins above Mount Kenya National Park headquarters. Plan to spend at least five days on the mountain. Porters are not required but are customary; they can be hired through Mount Kenya Guides & Porters ($10 a day; 011 254 062 62015).

Adventure Guide: Mount Kenya – National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Mt Kenya lies 150km (95mi) NE of Nairobi.

Bernd Reinkemeier posted a trip report and photos of his 3-day ascent on the Naro Moru route.

Mountain Club of Kenya – Hiking & Trekking

September 5, 2007

Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador, Canada

One of the classiest and best travel photo sites is BluePeak edited by Rogier Gruys.

He is one of the few who have travelled to remote Torngat.

Even better, Rogier created a superb landing page for the Park where the rest of us now have a chance to see that weird, fantastical landscape.

… The Inuit refer to the far northern tip of Labrador as Torngait, the place of the spirits. It is thought that it is the home of Torngarsuak, the Inuit Great Spirit. To outsiders it is known for its deep fiords, the highest mountains east of the rockies, some of the world’s oldest rocks, the only tundra-dwelling population of black bears, and polar bears. Lots of polar bears. …

Access

The park, 9,700 sq.km, is probably one of the most difficult parks in Canada to reach. Even the parks in Nunavut are easier to get to. It’s not only the remoteness, but especially the weather and fericious winds that make getting here an adventure in itself.

If the weather is good, then the park is about 1 hours’ flying or up to two days by fishing boat north of Nain, Labrador’s northernmost community. There are no scheduled flights or boats to the park, and once you arrive, there are no facilities.

Safety is a real concern, as polar bears roam throughout the park. Since only Inuit are allowed to carry arms, visitors should always be accompanied by an Inuit guide. A good idea in any case, as the area is also infamous for its quickly changing weather and strong “ghost” winds that can appear out of nowhere.

Visiting the park

Due to the difficult logistics and its reputation for bad weather, there are currently very few if any organized treks into the park. Nature Trek has led expeditions into the park, but in the future they may only plan occasional treks, due to the extreme logistical challenges involved with organizing them. …