Doing the Huayhuash Trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru had been a dream of ours for over a decade. Although our expectations were high, the reality of our experience far exceeded them: eight high mountain pass crossings, surrounding peaks of 6,000+ meters (20,000+ feet), turquoise alpine lakes, stunning glacier-covered mountains, and a diversity of landscapes. … [Read more...]
Favorite Treks from Around the World
Comprehensive trekking guides to our favorite treks around the world. This includes unusual or offbeat treks that you may not have heard of before, but perhaps should consider for the stunning landscapes and immersive, cultural experiences. Our trekking guides provide you with all you need to know to plan and prepare for the trek, from difficulty level to packing.
Ladakh Trekking: A Beginner’s Guide
Having fielded numerous questions about trekking in Ladakh — which trek to choose, how to find a trekking agency, when to go, how to get there, what to pack, and more — we’ve created this Ladakh Trekking Beginner’s Guide. We hope it encourages you to make the long journey to Ladakh and explore its stunning mountain landscapes and fascinating Ladahki and Tibetan … [Read more...]
The Lost City Trek, Colombia: All You Need to Know
We were out of breath, having just climbed 1,200 stone steps when Celso, our indigenous guide, called for us to join him around a group of stones arranged in a circle in a clearing. In the middle of the circle stood another square stone on top of which lay a pile of coca leaves placed as an offering. Celso explained with trademark calm in a slow, deliberate voice, … [Read more...]
How to Pack For A Trek: The Ultimate Hiking Packing List
How should I pack for a hike? What should I pack for a multi-day trek? What is too much? And what is too little? How am I going to carry it all? Which hiking gear and essentials should I buy in advance and which can I buy on the ground? That's where this Ultimate Hiking Packing List comes in to answer all of those questions -- and much more -- to prepare you for your … [Read more...]
Trekking Around the World: 13 Best Offbeat Treks That You’re Not Considering…But Should
After over a decade of traveling around the world and going trekking on six continents, what are some of our favorite treks and hikes? This Offbeat Trekking Guide includes 13 of our recommended unknown or lesser-known treks — some multi-day, others daylong — that you might not be considering, but should. These treks and hikes are worth a look if you are interested in … [Read more...]
Trekking in the Alay Mountains, Kyrgyzstan: The Ultimate Guide
Striding toward the Pamir Mountain range-line on the horizon, I chased the waning light across a broad meadow dotted with horses in the distance. We'd descended from a mountain pass surrounded by turquoise alpine lakes and defined by glacier ridge lines. Yak herders we met earlier invited us into their yurt for tea and local specialties, a gesture typical of Kyrgyz … [Read more...]
How To Pack for the Camino de Santiago: The Ultimate Camino Packing List
How do you effectively pack for the Camino de Santiago -- light and prepared? This is the place to find out. But first, some quick background. A beautiful walk, a memorable journey -- one that comes up in conversation over and over again. That is our Camino de Santiago. Lessons learned, a stack of stories in six weeks and 600 miles/960 km, a metaphor for life. … [Read more...]
Offbeat Trekking in Kyrgyzstan: Jyrgalan Boz Uchuk Lakes Trek, A Beginner’s Guide
With over 90% of its territory covered in mountains, Kyrgyzstan has no shortage of treks filled with stunning landscapes, alpine lakes, shepherds, yurts and a feeling of being very far out, immersed in nature. It's why we often recommend Kyrgyzstan to travelers interested in trekking with a taste of the offbeat. Our recent trek of the newly developed Boz-Uchuk Lakes … [Read more...]
Peaks of the Balkans Trek: A Beginners Guide
Each year we like to go on a long trek, one that takes us to a new region somewhere in the mountains. It’s an exercise for the body and also for the mind. To disconnect with our day-to-day and also to reconnect with a region once unknown to us and learn about it through its nature and people. This year’s trek of 200 km / 125 miles through the mountains of Albania, … [Read more...]
Peaks of the Balkans: Mountain Trekking in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
The Accursed Mountains, sworn virgins, blood feuds and 15th century codes of honor called kanun. It sounds like an experiential blend to inform the writing of a Game of Thrones season. Instead, it’s the cultural and historical backdrop of a 200-kilometer trekking experience we recently took through the hills of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo called Peaks of the … [Read more...]
