guided hikes – Page 29

March 12, 2007

Kokoda Trail – Papua New Guinea

Kokoda is one of the great (difficult!) established walks of the world. We got a strong endorsement for the lead guiding company from one of our Aussie contributors who joined one of their tours in 2006.

That company is Kokoda Trail Adventures.

The Kokoda Trail is one of the world’s great treks, linking the southern and northern coast of Papua New Guinea, it is a challenge to be enjoyed by the fit bushwalker. …

The 96 km Kokoda trail passes through rugged mountainous country of rainforest, jungles of fern, orchids, birds and clean mountain streams which tumble into steep valleys.

The unspoilt villages throughout the Kokoda Track will welcome you and the Koiari and Orokaiva people will greet you with smiles and tempt you with seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Visit Kokoda and enjoy the adventure of your lifetime.

Kokoda Trail Adventures

It’s tough, even if you have porters carry your packs.

But it’s popular. Kokoda guided only 24 hikers in 2000. But in 2006 they led 850. (more stats)

It may be time to start planning a trip to PNG. No independent hiking is allowed, so far as we know.

hikers and guides at the Isurava Monument

February 21, 2007

Snowman Trek, Bhutan

Rogier Gruys is an expert on the West Coast Trail in Canada, the hike we rated #1 in the world. Rogier’s BluePeak Travel Photography pics of the WCT are still the best we’ve ever seen.

But Rogier likes the Snowman Trek even better.

Very few have ever done that long Himalayan trek (minimum 19 days) due to high cost (US$200 / day) and high risk.

The Snowman trek is the most difficult trek in Bhutan because one has to walk and camp at high altitude for nearly three weeks. As long as one has no problems with the high altitude and the weather is good, it is not a particularly difficult trek. But, if something were to happen along the way, someone would have to carry you down to the nearest house, or try to find a telephone to get a helicopter from Thimphu. Both are often several days’ walk. Initially, many people planned and wanted to go with us on the trek, but in the end they all bailed out and only two of us went.

Snowman trek description, Bhutan

BluePeak photo – high resolution version – flickr

Rogier recommends the Cicerone guidebook. It’s essential advanced reading for anyone considering trekking in Bhutan.

Bhutan: A Trekker’s Guide (Cicerone)

January 1, 2007

pioneering a trek to Kachenjunga, Nepal

SÃ¸ren Viit Nielsen hosts a wonderful website documenting his many trekking adventures. (Danish and English)

In 2002 SÃ¸ren hiked to both south and north basecamps of Kachenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. (map)

He used Cicerone: Kangchenjunga: A Trekker’s Guide by Kev Reynolds.

Even if your Danish is rusty, the gorgeous pictures tell the story.

SÃ¸ren returned in 2004 to guide 10 Danish clients and a Nepalese staff of about 30 people (guide, cook, sherpas, kitchen staff, and porters). But this time he chose a new route, just opened because new suspension bridges were built in 2003-04 across the Tamur River. None of his group had been this way before. (map)

Tibetan culture and interactions with mountain peoples were big highlights.

BlueDandelion.net – SÃ¸ren Viit Nielsen

December 11, 2006

trekking in Bhutan

I’ve long been a fan of Bhutan-Trails.org.

I asked editor Rogier Gruys when Bhutan would open to “independent hikers”. Not soon, he says.

As for trekking in Bhutan … you do have to go through a local travel agency. They are not likely to change that …

… you can go with one or two people, and set up exactly the itinerary you want with the agency. The only thing is that you pay US$230/day (for less than 4 people in a group). … But that does include all meals, all local transport, hotel/tent etc. So compared to a typical trip to NY city it is not all that bad!

If I could afford $200 / day I would be booking my next holiday to Bhutan, for sure.

The most famous hikes in Bhutan are the Snowman Trek and Jhomolhari-Laya-Gasa, but Rogier points out there are other great hikes that you can do year round.

Even the hikes out of the capital Thimphu are excellent. In particular, Rogier recommends walking to Tango/Drolay goempas. Or radiotower to Phajoding. “Great views, and a beautiful monastery along the way.”

Bhutan: A Trekker’s Guide (Cicerone Guide)

December 7, 2006

Rucksack – Exploring the Inca Trail

Exploring the Inca Trail is the latest in the excellent Rucksack hiking guidebook series. It’s a perfect format for a guidebook you can carry on the trail. (waterproof, lightweight, open-flat with built-in map).

But are the authors expert?

I’ll say. It’s written by Roy Davis, editor of the most comprehensive Inca Trail website, and Jacquetta Megarry, founder of the Rucksack series.

That’s all we needed to know. The Rucksack Guide instantly jumps to our most recommended guidebook for the Inca Trail. It’s also the lightest and most durable.

That said, the Inca Trail is far over-rated. Our advice is to take the train to Machu Picchu and save your hiking days for one of the many, many other wonderful South American hikes. For our reasons why, check Inca Trail – besthike.com

“Explore the Inca Trail (Rucksack Readers)” (Jacquetta Megarry, Roy Davies)

November 17, 2006

great website for hiking Paine, Chile – Vertice Patagonia

From our last post on Paine:

But organizing an independent hiking adventure in that far off part of the world can be frustrating. Management of the Park is convoluted & confusing. Two private companies (Andescape & Fantastico Sur) share responsibilities with the federal government & run the mountain huts (refugios). A third company Vertice Patagonia runs one large Lodge and campground. Pathagone has some role, as well.

Some of these companies have websites, but none are particularly helpful â€” unless you want to sign on for a guided trek.

planning for The Towers of Paine

Alex von Bischhoffshausen took the time to write and point out that their site â€” Vertice Patagonia â€” is never down.

When I went to take another look, I was impressed. So impressed that we are now going to recommend Vertice Patagonia as the first site hikers check when booking on-line.

Published in German and English, it could not be more clear on how hikers can book accommodation. Rates are clearly posted and very competitive.

I’m personally embarrassed because in 2004 I actually toured their immaculate Paine Grande Mountain Lodge and had lunch in their terrific campground facilities. Everything was first class.

Vertice Patagonia rents all the gear you could possibly need to hike Paine. In fact, Vertice Patagonia is all you need to get organized.

My apologies Alex for slighting your fine organization. I have Canadian friends looking to come down for the 2007 season and I will recommend they contact you first.

details on how to get to Paine – besthike.com

October 15, 2006December 29, 2014

Aconcagua in Argentina – highest peak outside Asia

Aconcagua is known mainly as one of the Seven Summits, a trekking peak for climbers. But we are recommending hiking in the region rather than climbing the peak.

This gets you up close and personal to the mountain without the danger of climbing to 6962m (22,841ft). And Aconcagua is dangerous due to altitude and volatile weather.

There are dozens of climbing companies which provide guides and pack animals. However, hikers with high altitude experience could do Aconcagua independently, carrying their own packs.

larger version of this photo – William Marler on SummitPost