Thorn Tree travel forum

Walking guides updates

If you have any feedback or updates for our walking/hiking/tramping/bushwalking guides that you'd like to share with other travellers, or you've just bought one of these books and want to know of any changes, you can now do so on the Thorn Tree's 'Guidebook Feedback' branch. We'll also make sure the threads are forwarded to our authors and editors when the books are next updated. Click on the links to individual threads for the books below.

Hiking in Japan 1, Tramping in New Zealand 6, Trekking in East Africa 3, *Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya 8,... more »

Beginner needs advice: Chimborazo, Cotopaxi

I'm leaving Jan 6th for a four month trip through Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and although I am on a budget, I want to do some trekking and I'd also like to attempt some climbs-I was thinking about trying Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. I'll be honest, I have no experience with mountaineering or technical climbing (other than some rappelling in Costa Rica) and I would really like to learn some technical skills. I'm in great shape, have done plenty of day hiking and I would definitely plan to give myself several days in Quito to acclimatize before I do anything like this. But I feel completely lost and am just starting to research and could really use some advice!!

1.) Are there good reputable outfitters that would take a beginner like me on these types of climbs who would teach me the skills I need? Is it silly to even ask? What can I expect to pay for the trip and equipment rental?

2.)... more »

Another Footwear Thread - Nepal AC March

Hi everyone , i spent a good deal of time reading around and found some good information , but not exactly what i looked for , maybe beacause like many forum members said ... footware choice's have alot of personal preference into it , wich makes me come here seeking direction.

Im going to do Annapurna Circuit in march , the only time i did a big trek i took the boots bellow ... but i didnt knew one of the golden rules of mountain trekk's ... i didnt wear my boots during the flight ... and the bag with most of my stuff only got to the destination 3 days later. I was wearing Nike trail running shoes and i felt quite good with them on the climb up to Djebel Toubkal summit. But that was in June, im sure that those shoes wouldnt be enough to keep my warm this time.

At the moment this is what i got :

trekking shoes - http://www.blacks.co.uk/product/083788.html

light trekki... more »

Rowaling

HAs any one been down the Rowaling trek lately?

50s Woman seeks Nepal Trek Outfitter for Nov 2010. REI...?

Hi-
New to this forum. I'm trying to find a recommended trekking group for a 10-14 day (flexible) trek in Nepal in November 2010. Very flexible about itinerary and accommodations -- could be Annapurna, EBC, or other. Would like to book in advance and go with a group, porters, etc.

Has anyone used REI and can you recommend them..? Is there any other outfitter you can recommend? I dont want to arrive in Kathmandu without a pre-arranged plan, although I know its possible.

Suggestions, please?

Equipment hire in Syabrubesi

Hi, does anyone know if it is possible to hire equipment such as sleeping bags, warm clothing, etc. in Syabrubesi? Thx

DSLR Owners, how many lenses do you take with you on treks?

Or when traveling for a long period of time? Do you go WA zoom, Medium Zoom, Tele Zoom, one prime? More, much less? Just a superzoom? Just curious to hear, I feel like I am constantly struggling to juggle options and image quality in some of the most amazing places on earth with the fact that it is more comfortable to not be worried about changing lenses all the time... love to hear your thoughts and practices...

Thanks!

-TBri

Hiking in Indonesia without guide

Hello everyone,

I'm planning to spend April 2010 in Indonesia and am specially keen on doing some multi-day treks. Places I'd like to visit include Sulawesi, Borneo (Kalimantan), Lombok and Flores. But since I just got 30 days I want to narrow that list down to just 1 or 2 areas - and that's what I need your help for.

My budget is quite tight, so I would prefer doing hikes that don't require to hire a guide. Got a tent, sturdy boots, enough warm layers for the higher altitudes, common sense, and I've done a lot of tramping in New Zealand. Then of course Indonesia is not New Zealand and as far I understand the routes are far less developed. Which places can you think of where it is possible to do some longer hikes on my own, without a guide?

For example I found a blog of some guy trekking on Gunung Rinjani on his own, which seems to be tough but doable. Other places which I th... more »