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 Jyrgalan trail in … [Read more...]
Favorite Treks from Around the World
A collection of our favorite treks from around the world, including unusual or offbeat treks that you may not have heard of before, but perhaps should consider for the stunning landscapes and immersive, cultural experiences. Many of the articles below are comprehensive "Beginner's Guides" that provide you with all you need to know to plan and prepare for the trek, from difficulty level to packing.
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...]
Offbeat Treks: 11 Hikes You’re Not Considering…But Should
I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. -- John MuirWhen we first set out on our journey years ago, treks -- especially of the long, multi-day variety -- weren't a priority on our activity list. Sure we enjoyed hikes and walks, but trekking wasn't something we actively sought out. … [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...]
Haiti Trekking: A Beginner’s Guide
The sounds of konpa, Haiti’s version of merengue meets jazz, floated from the kitchen to our spot on the front porch. We sat around a large wooden dining table, fleece jackets zipped up, our hands cupped around mugs of Haitian hot chocolate flavored with star anise, cinnamon, and Haitian bergamot lime rind. It was impossible not to be caught up in the unexpected … [Read more...]
How to Pack For A Trek: The Ultimate Trekking Packing List
How should I pack for a trek? What should I pack for a multi-day hike? What is too much? And what is too little? How am I going to carry it all? Which gear and trekking supplies should I buy in advance and which can I buy on the ground? … [Read more...]
Ladakh Trekking: A Beginner’s Guide
Every year we try to go on a big trek, one that takes us far far away and high into the mountains. For us, it's not only a way to exercise our bodies, but to clear and challenge our minds. It’s a way to disconnect from all that is part of our daily life — technology, social media, blogging — and reconnect with nature and ourselves.Last year’s trek of the Markha … [Read more...]
Ladakh: 9 Memories of Deep Himalayan India
Ladakh: a place we had dreamed about for well over a decade, a visit packed with expectations. What made this place remarkable wasn’t quite what we expected.Imagining Ladakh for all of those years, we focused on the landscape. Sure, Ladakh as a setting for just about anything did not disappoint. The physical beauty was more stunning – and more consistently so -- … [Read more...]
Finding the Good Way: How to Meditate While Trekking at 15,000 Feet
This is a story of our re-discovery of a few of life’s truths amidst a seven-day trek in the Himalayas."One foot in-front-of-the oth-er." … [Read more...]