Top 10 Trekking Experiences Around the World

If the thought of a holiday in a five star resort sounds boring or you just want to add a bit of adventure to your life, one of these top 10 trekking experiences from around the world may be just what you need.

1. Nepal

Trekking through Nepal is an ideal way to immerse yourself in culture. Spend some time trekking through the Langtang Valley, not far from the Tibetan border, where you can take in the superb views of the Himalayas. Other great treks in Nepal take in the amazing Mount Everest Base Camp, Kathmandu and the sacred monastery at Khumbu.

2. Kokoda Trail

The Kokoda Trail is an arduous trek through harsh yet magnificent, jungles between the north and south coasts of Papua New Guinea. This 96 kilometre trail is best known for its history during World War II and is often traversed each year on ANZAC Day in memory of the many soldiers who died there.

3. Patagonia

Located within Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is a magnificent wilderness with an abundance of untamed beauty, reserved only for those who are prepared to trek through this region. While hiking through Torres del Paine or Tierra del Fuego, keep a lookout for the splendid pink of the local flamingos.

4. Macchu Pichu

If you like the idea of incredibly steep climbs in thinning air while learning all about the Incas then a trek to Macchu Pichu may be ideal for you. This ancient area of Peru is full of mystical wonders but is not for the unfit. Horse-packing is also a popular option for treks around Macchu Pichu.

5. The Camino

The pilgrimage along Spain’s Camino de Santiago de Compostela has been popular for many years with people from all walks of life but was made famous when US actress Shirley Maclaine took this trip. This trek, thought to help trekkers to find spiritual meaning in their life, is actually a series of treks that can be undertaken with other routes or on their own, but they each end at Santiago de Compostela. The Camino is another challenging trek that requires a good amount of fitness and planning, but it’s well worth the effort.

6. Gunung Tahan

If you are thinking about a trek in Malaysia then Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in West Malaysia, is ideal. This rocky trek through thick rainforest will take you past sights including ancient flora, unique wildlife, carnivorous pitcher plants, spectacular orchids and the local Malaysian people, the Orang Uli, who still live in these forests. This is also a challenging trek that incorporates many river crossings and rope climbs.

7. West Coast Trail

For a trekking experience in British Columbia, you can’t beat the popular West Coast Trail. Along Vancouver Island’s southern west coast, this trek is a part of the Pacific Rim National Park. Visitors can experience the craggy headlands, glorious beaches and dense rainforests.

8. Mount Kenya

One of the most amazing treks Africa has to offer is hiking Mount Kenya, the second highest peak in the country. There are numerous routes you can take, although the quicker ones often mean that you’re more likely to experience nausea from the sudden high altitudes. Many experienced trekkers suggest using the Chogoria Route which is slower, allowing your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Whichever path you take, you’re sure to see unusual craggy landscapes and a variety of African wildlife.

9. Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps are world renowned for their breathtaking beauty and what better way to experience this than by trekking the age-old paths. Along with the most incredible views of the glaciers and snow capped Alps, trekkers can discover a variety of local farms and dairies. For visitors who enjoy a touch of luxury there are many comfortable inns scattered throughout the Swiss Alps – perfect for trekking from one cosy lodge to the next.

10. Ladakh Range

Ladakh Range, a desert region of India, is very dry and can be extremely harsh. Locals still use yak and sheep so you’re sure to see plenty of them on your way to the stunning Lake Morari, the peak of Stok Kangri or the local monasteries. This is part of India’s high country in the Himalayas.

These treks may not be your standard luxury resort travel but they are certainly more unusual than regular vacations and will leave you with some of your most remarkable lifetime memories.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au

Hiking Shoes Make For Easy Trekking

The basic purpose of wearing shoes is to make it easier for ourselves to get around on foot. Shoes provide a cushion for our feet and also protect them from rough surfaces. Think of it as insulation from the outer elements. For example, hot ground from the sun cannot be felt through the sole of a shoe.

Our more pressing needs for footwear now concern having the right type of shoes for the right occasions. We need shoes for work and formal events, shoes for casual days out like sneakers, flip-flops for summer days and lazing about, and then of course there are shoes for sports. We are more wary of shoe types as they are used in different environments.

Two things should always be taken into consideration when buying new shoes. Think firstly about how you are going to wear those shoes. Are they casual or formal? Will they compliment most of the jeans or pants you own? This is important if you want to get good value from your shoes. Think secondly about function. If you need waterproof shoes for winter, don’t buy suede for example. If you need shoes for gym or jogging, make sure they are appropriate for sporting activities.

Your footwear needs to be adapted to perform in the surroundings they are placed in. If you’re an outdoor person who loves to go hiking, for example, you’ll definitely need a pair of specialized hiking boots to help you along your way. Nature can be unforgivable at times, so if the technology is there, you should use it.

Hiking boots are specialized pieces of equipment that allow you to traverse the most daunting of landscapes. Because of its thick soles and increased ankle support, it will absorb the impact of jumping down rocks or stepping unevenly on stones. It will also prevent sand and thorns from getting into your boots, while also being waterproof for times when you have to cross waterfalls or swamps.

Have you been trekking along in an old pair of hiking shoes that are just no longer adequate? It’s time to upgrade to something better which is sure to enhance your hiking experience. Buy a pair of Gore-Tex hiking shoes and you won’t be sorry. With a waterproof and breathable membrane, you’ll be prepared for any trail and any weather.

Hiking shoes can also double up as walking shoes. Have you ever been to a new city on holiday and found that your feet were killing you when you got back to your hotel room? Well, make a better decision next time. Take along your hiking shoes and you’ll save your feet on your next vacation.

The right pair of hiking shoes can make a long hike a ton of fun, while the wrong pair can be the source of foot misery long after the hike is over. You can join Mary Simons at HikingShoesGuide.com to learn more about choosing the right pair of hiking shoes to fit your needs.

Trekking in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand spiritually known as Dev Bhoomi or The land of Gods – is a Paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Garhwal lies in the North West part of Himalayas. The Himalayas foothills are just ideal for trekking and camping enthusiast in India. Garhwal is the most beautiful region in Himalayas. The hills of Garhwal offer the terrific opportunities for adventure sports lovers.

The famous treks in Garhwal are-

Chopta Chandrashila Trek- Chopta Chandrashila Trek is one of the fabulous & demanding treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. It can be undertaken round the year. You may encounter snowfall and enjoy trekking with snow. You can also have a worth exploring  view of the Himalayas from Chandrashila point.

Dodital Trek- Dodital is a beautiful lake, full of Himalayan Golden Trout in the crystal clear waters. However it can be also undertaken round the year but the glorious time for visiting dodital trek is the month of October as after the monsoon its lush green meadows and high Himalayas views are simply out of this world and beyond description.

Bedni Bugyal Trek- Bedni Bugyal Trek is one of the largest bugyals in Uttaranchal. Bedni is also a major way-station on the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra, a ritual procession held every 12 years. You can have a view of Choukhamba, Neelkanth mountain form Bedni.

Roopkund  Kuari Pass Trek- Roopkund is a remote high-altitude frozen lake. Many trekking group visit this lake in summer months. The lake is nestled amidst panoramic mountain scenery.

Valley of Flowers Trek- Valley of flowers is the fairy land busting with the beautiful, lively and vibrant colors. It has the largest collection of wild flowers species. The park is famous for its meadows of widespread alpine flowers and wonderful natural beauty.

The Himalayas foothills are just ideal for trekking and camping enthusiast in India. Here you can easily find different tourist guides and travel agencies for making your trip more convenient. There are different Guest House at different places covering all the tourist spots and places.

Peak Adventure Tour is a prominent tour operator company from India offers the best snow trekking tours, frozen river trek tours, snow leopard trek tours, jeep safari, Expedition Tours, Mountain Biking Safari,Glacier tours in India and many more.

Trekking in Himalaya

For years, the Himalayas have attracted adventure freaks from all across the world. Of all the adventure sports that one can indulge in here, trekking in Himalayas happens to be the safest and most enjoyable option. The best part about trekking is that you do not need to have much technical skills. If you have a sturdy pair of legs and a determination to discover, trekking is your sport. The mountain ranges of the Himalayas offer trek routes for all abilities. Trekking in Himalayan ranges is a wonderful way to connect with nature and the creatures that it has created. During your trekking expedition, you can also interact with villagers who live in small mountain villages in the Himalayas, completely oblivious of the modern world and the fast changing trends outside.

Even at an altitude of 12,000 to 14,000 ft, there are tiny village settlements in the Himalayas. During your trekking tour to Himalayas, you can come across with hilly folks tending their flock of sheep or goats or herds of yak. Interacting with the nomadic shepherds adds much to the charm of trekking in Himalayas. While you trek, you get an opportunity to forget the frenetic rat race of the city life for sometime.

As mentioned above, treks in Himalayas offer adventurers a range of trekking routes. As per you physical endurance and likes, you can choose your Himalayas trekking category – short Himalayas treks, long Himalayas treks and easy treks. Altitude-wise, trekking can be divided into low-altitude trekking, medium level trekking and high-altitude trekking. If you are looking out for a real adrenaline pumping action, you can go for high altitude Himalaya trekking. For older people, low altitude Himalayas trekking or medium level trekking can be safe options.

Famous Trekking Places in Himalayas
The mountain range of Himalayas spreads from southeast to northwest across the Asian continent. There are a number of places in the Himalayas where trekking can be fun. Trekkers can choose from the Himalaya regions given below.

Trekking in Nepal
For lovers of Himalaya trekking, there are excellent options of trekking awaiting in Nepal. With a range of trek routes on offer, it is almost a trekker’s paradise. The Kunchenjunga region of Himalayas, Langtang region of Himalaya and the Mastang region of Himalaya are the most popular trekking sites in Nepal.

Trekking in Ladakh (trans-Himalayas)
The barren and dry landscape of Ladakh is a favourite of adventure seekers to tread Himalayas trekking routes. The Numbra Valley (or Nubra Valley), Markha Valley, Suru Valley and Zanskar Valley are the major sites for trekking in the trans-Himalayan district of Ladakh.

Trekking in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas
A uniquely wonderful trekking experience is in store for you in the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas of Northern India. The districts of Uttarakhand, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal and glaciers of Kumaon are some of the most beautiful places of trekking in Himalayas.

Trekking in Bhutan
For a unique taste of Himalaya trekking, one can also head towards Bhutan. The Chomolhari trek, Laya/ Gasa trek, Bhumthang trek, Lhuntse trek and Lunana trek are popular treks here.

Trekking in India
The northern Himalayas in India are regularly haunted by trekkers from all parts of the world. States like Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling and Sikkim are famous places for trekking in Himalayas. There are many more options of Himalayan trekking awaiting you in India.

I am a travel writer and regularly write on various travel topics related to India. I am a keen traveler and like to share my travel experiences with web readers. For more info, please visit Trekking in India