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...]
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.
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...]
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 Muir When 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...]
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: A Beginner’s Guide
I followed just behind our lead mountain gorilla tracker. In the hush of the moment under the canopy, I remembered our guide’s advice earlier that morning: “On your way to the gorillas, don’t forget to enjoy the sound of the jungle. There’s nothing like it.” My focus had been on climbing through the tendrils, on getting there. I could feel the heat around me, the … [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...]