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awesomehimalayanhigh-blog · 5 years

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Best Jungle Safari In India - Madhya Pradesh

I have recently come back from four-month solo spending travel in Europe and still inside seven days, the post-travel gloom kicks in. What's more, to aggravate it, my morning sniffles incited by a brown haze covered Delhi turns into a daily schedule. I am desiring to return to nature at the smallest probability. I begin searching for choices – the slopes of Himachal, a forsaken place where there is Ladakh the perfect shorelines of Kerala or the sand ridges of Rajasthan. Subsequent to considering for a couple of days, the choice is made. I am going to visit the woods that roused Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli. Toward the part of the arrangement, set off from Delhi to investigate natural life the travel industry in India. While there are numerous choices to pick the best wilderness safari in India, I settle for a five days Tiger Trail in Madhya Pradesh.

The best Jungle Safari in India begins at Pench

At 5:30 am on a hazy morning in November, I leave for the Pench National Park in an open-jeep alongside my Naturalist, Alwyn from Jamtara Wilderness Camps. Before beginning our Jungle experiences, we are blessed to receive a hot cuppa espresso and tea alongside home-heated treats. Our naturalist reminds us to abandon all electronic gear at the hotel excepting our cameras and binoculars. The crisp breeze stings my cheeks and makes my eyes water however I am solid and steady with a few layers of winter garments, woolen top, suppressor and a high temp water jug tucked under my cover.

As we enter the recreation center, I see langurs hopping from tree to tree, feathered creatures tweeting as one, chital and sambar crowds cautiously munching in the prairie. We move along the wilderness and I smell the sweet fragrance of the moist earth at sunrise. I see the morning dew dribbling from the trees onto the rich undergrowth. Before I could catch any of those, the jeep moves and the scents and sights vanish. The quietness of the wilderness is every so often broken by Alwyn and the neighborhood park control, who exhaustiveness and enthusiastically educates us concerning the widely varied vegetation of the wilderness. They share stories of the backwoods that are a charming blend of logical certainties gathered from their preparation and the books they have perusing, and neighborhood legend from the region.

All of a sudden Alwyn hears an alert call of a langur pursued by the snorting of a deer. It is a sign that a tiger is on a lurk. A feeling of readiness holds the gathering as we drive towards the pain call. When our jeep stops, we pack onto one side of the Jeep to look outside.

Following 10 minutes, our understanding is reasonably compensated when the great feline uncovers itself to us from the thick foliage. My heart is everlastingly held by the glossy orange coat with dark stripes. Only a couple of feet away… the Royal Bengal Tiger crosses the earth street… gives us a hateful look… and evaporates again in the thick timberland. My day is made!

We at that point proceed onward to investigate the recreation center's huge assorted variety of untamed life, including Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Dhole (Wild Dog), Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Gaur, Cheetal (Spotted Deer) and Sambar. When our long for Tiger satisfies, cravings for food kick in. At around 9:30 am an excursion breakfast is served in the wilderness with some hot tea or espresso. We at that point remain in the recreation center until 11 am before coming back to our base camp at Jamtara.

At night, we had an alternative to either go for the evening Safari from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm or drench ourselves in the ancestral existences of the Jamtara town. We stroll through the town market selling a wide range of knickknacks – from silver gems to crisp vegetables. Peddlers genuinely call us as we go through the mud way with our eyes stuck on the cobs of corn, which develop richly in the region, dry in patios. Jug gourd vines climb wooden fences and tiled rooftops. We are welcomed for some steaming tea in a nearby house made up of wood and mud. As the sun sets, we come back to our camp seeing the residential dairy cattle returning home with their herders.

This was my first day of a five-day Tiger Trail in Madhya Pradesh, where Rudyard Kipling got enlivened to compose the Jungle Book. While visiting the two key national parks, Pench and Satpura, I saw an assortment of creatures and flying creatures including tigers, panthers, wild pooches, wolves, sloth bears, buffaloes, wild pigs to give some examples. Alwyn and Aly Rashid (naturalist and the proprietor of Reni Pani) continued sharing the top to bottom learning about the undulating geology and untamed life.

About the National Parks – Pench and Satpura

There are more than 1,200 types of plants in Pench and 1300 in Satpura including a few uncommon and imperiled ones. We went through a variety of vegetation extending from clammy, shielded valleys to open, dry deciduous timberland. Satpura is dissimilar to Pench, however they are only a couple of hours drive from one another. The previous is lusher and has trees greener and taller than Pench. In Pench, there are higher odds of Tiger locating, while Satpura has a lot of panthers, sloth bears, monster Malabar squirrels, and transitory winged animals. Pench is best investigated on jeep safaris, Satpura can be investigated by walking, pontoon, jeep or elephant.

Past the untamed life

Each night, we shared our accounts of creature sightings as the tidbits and beverages made the rounds around the blaze. Furthermore, every night a fortunate individual got an opportunity to rest under the stars in the Star Bed – a glitzy machan in fields at Jamtara Camps. The Star Bed experience is a wellspring of salary for neighborhood ranchers, and 80 percent of the staff are procured from encompassing towns.

Truth be told, it was here I became more acquainted with how profound established organization's history is in protection. Proprietor Amit Sankhala's granddad – Kailash Sankhala – was the person who begun Project Tiger, a preservation program in India in 1973. Furthermore, the heritage has developed as far back as then with his child Pradeep Sankhala assuming control over the charge of the Tiger Trust after his dad's passing and setting up eco-accommodating Jungle lodges. Also, presently Amit is holding the post effectively.

Nourishment is either developed nearby or sourced locally from the encompassing farmlands. Goods are produced using reused wood, every characteristic item are utilized where conceivable, and visitors are given a tempered steel bottle for sifted water.

In any case, it wasn't only the national stops and camps that intrigued me. I was astonished by the real protection and network advancement works of Jamtara Wilderness Camps and Reni Pani Jungle Lodge. In addition to the fact that they provide an extraordinary Jungle safari experience interface you with the neighborhood networks that call these remote zones home and assume a crucial job in protecting the national woods. Both Jamtara and Reni Pani resorts supply school work areas and different things to the network and assume a functioning job in Tiger preservation.

I had gone to focal India to dispose of my movement blues yet I wound up observing so much common excellence and good omens in untamed life the travel industry – on account of edified law-production, a couple of submitted people, and some genuinely great cabins.

Things being what they are, when are you heading on a Tiger Trail in Madhya Pradesh?

Travel Essentials

Where to Stay in Pench

While there is a wide range of settlement alternatives accessible in the Pench National park territory, I profoundly prescribe remaining at eco-accommodating hotel Jamtara Wilderness Camps arranged in the Village of Jamtara, close Pench National Park. There are 10 extravagance safari tents with en-suite restrooms and private verandah, open air and indoor parlors, library, valet stopping, pool and clothing. Rooms are outfitted with free sifted water, tea-and espresso making offices, boiling water bottles, cooling and Soultree shower items. There are no TVs and no WiFi or versatile sign all through this remote, eco-accommodating camp.

Where to remain in Satpura Tiger Reserve

As of late, the Satpura National Park has seen the blooming of a few boutique wilderness lodges. Among these, the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is best in class. Situated in an immaculate backwoods common of the Satpuras, it gets its name from the neighboring innate town. Reni Pani highlights twelve extravagance bungalows enveloping three particular structural plans.

The nallah units, the backwoods units and the slope units are altogether assembled utilizing nearby/indigenous material and are portrayed by survey decks, huge relaxing narrows windows and extravagance restrooms. The 'GolGhar' or the gathering place, has an interesting and one of a kind plan and highlights an eating territory, a bar, a library and a parlor set in its different corners. Its actual woodland condition combined with neighboring patches of rural land make Reni Pani and its encompassing territories a hotbed for creatures and flying creatures.

The most effective method to arrive

The Pench National Park is all around associated via air, street and railroads

By Flight: Arrival to Nagpur, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (130 km away) or Jabalpur Airport (213 km away) from any significant Indian city.

By Rail: The closest railhead to Pench is Seoni Railway Station, which is around 30 km from the Pench National Park and has ordinary trains interfacing the spot to Mumbai and different spots.

By Road: Pench lies on the Nagpur-Jabalpur parkway and is effectively open by transports and cabs. Take a transport or a taxi from Seoni transport remain to the Pench National. Seoni is connected to all spots in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra by a decent system of Roadways. In the event that you intend to take the transport from Nagpur, you should get down at Suktara or Khwasa.

The Satpura National Park is a 3.5hr/130km drive from Bhopal. Bhopal is all around associated via air, rail and street to real Indian urban communities.

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shannrussell-blog1 · 5 years

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While most campers, hikers and all-around explorers will have heard of the Leave No Trace Principles – how many could you name off the top of your head?

You could probably remember a few, but if your memory is just a tad rusty, then let’s revisit the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles

1. Plan ahead and prepare

The first one seems like a no-brainer, but next time you decide to go on a spontaneous weekend away, take a few extra steps to ensure that you’ve done some planning.

Do some research on the place that you’re going to visit, in case there are special rules or requirements that you need to follow. Always take everything you could need in an emergency which includes: a PLB, a lightweight emergency shelter, a first aid kit, This way you won’t have to resort to improvising, or making decisions that might impact badly on the local environment – such as building a makeshift shelter or lighting a campfire in a restricted area.

Sand is considered a suitable surface to pitch your tent on. Photo: Black Wolf

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Travelling and camping on durable surfaces is an important one. If you’re camping in an area that has designated campsites or platforms then make sure that you use those. When hiking or exploring, always walk along the designated tracks to keep activity to one area.

According to Leave No Trace Australia, soft plants, muddy sites, and fragile soil layers are non-durable surfaces and should be avoided. While rock outcrops, sand, gravel, dry grasses, snow, and tent platforms are considered durable to travel and camp across.

Only use biodegradable soap and strain and scatter dishwater when you’re done with it. Photo: Sea to Summit

3. Dispose of waste properly

Everything you bring with you must be taken out. Don’t burn or bury rubbish as this will still attract animals and put them at risk. Not to mention the fumes a fire will make, and the risk of bushfires it creates. Take all your rubbish and waste out with you in plastic or leak-proof trash bags.

Ensure that you dispose of human waste properly. If you’re using a portable camp toilet, only get rid of waste at a designated waste dump point.

Otherwise, pack a trowel with you for bathroom visits. To safely go to the toilet in the bush, dig a hole away from water sources, campsites and trails, that is roughly 20cm deep, and then cover and disguise it properly. You shouldn’t bury toilet paper, so take it with you in a Ziploc bag until you can dispose of it safely.

Hot water works really well for washing dishes, but if you absolutely have to use detergent or soap, only use the biodegradable kind. After you’ve finished washing your dishes, strain the water to catch food scraps and then scatter it at least 50 metres from water sources.

If you see rubbish when you’re out and about – be a good citizen and take it with you. It’s not nice to clean up after others, but it’s better than leaving it for an animal to find!

Pack it in, pack it out – simple! Photo: Sea to Summit.

4. Leave what you find

When you’re out exploring, or hiking a trail there are so many incredible things to discover along the way. While it can be tempting to pick up a perfectly shaped pebble, a feather from a rare bid, or a wildflower in bloom – if you remove it from its environment, then it robs the next person of the experience of discovering it.

If you’re going to be travelling across an area where you know there is a site of cultural or spiritual significance, you can still take it all in without touching or interfering with it in any way.

Another aspect of leaving what you find is ensuring that you clean your boots and tyres thoroughly so that you don’t introduce anything new into a fragile environment.

There are so many incredible things to discover, just make sure you leave them be. Photo: Eve Woods.

5. Minimise campfire impacts

Campfires are a huge part of camping. They add warmth, atmosphere, and allow you to cook delicious meals. But, they pose a risk for the habitats of local wildlife, they char and damage the landscape, and of course, they can be a huge risk for bushfires.

While a camping stove and lantern don’t necessarily provide the atmosphere of a campfire – they’ll help you leave as little impact as possible.

Only light a fire in a permitted area, and if you do so – use an established fire ring or pit. That way you’re keeping the damage to the areas that are set up for that purpose.

When it comes to fuel for your fire, use eco-friendly timber options such as compacted wood briquettes – to prevent depleting and destroying native habitat. For more on campfire etiquette, head here.

Keep the impact from your campfire to a minimum. Photo: Darche

6. Respect wildlife

If you happen to spot native animals out in the wild – it can be quite a special thing to observe them. But keep a respectful distance so you don’t disturb their natural behaviour, or scare them out of their habitat.

It’s essential that you keep your food secure, and that you don’t intentionally feed local animals. It can be damaging to the health and behaviour of native species if they forage for, and eat human food.

This comes back to another principle of making sure that you leave everything as you find it. This includes taking all rubbish and food with you to limit the risk to animals and to prevent an unsightly mess.

If you want to observe animals, then bring a pair of binoculars so you can still watch from a distance without disturbing their normal way of life.

While it is exciting to spot an animal in the wild, keep a respectful distance. Photo: Coleman

7. Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors

While we all want to feel a sense of freedom and escape when we head outdoors, don’t forget that you’ll always be sharing your space with other people and animals on your travels. With this in mind, here are some things to think about to ensure you’re being considerate.

If you bring your pets along, make sure they don’t disturb others and that they’re on their best behaviour. This means keeping them away from local wildlife and preventing them from foraging and digging.

Consider how having bright lights on at night may affect other people’s experience. Not to mention how it disturbs the nocturnal animals in the area.

Generators can make a lot of noise, so try not to run them at night or in the early hours of the morning. Same goes for loud music – this will keep others from sleeping or enjoying their night.

So there you have it, the 7 Leave No Trace Principles

We all want to continue camping, hiking and exploring what this great country has to offer for many years to come. A little more mindfulness means that we can keep nature in as pristine condition as possible. Happy adventuring everyone!

What else do you do to ensure that you’re minimising your impact on your outdoor adventures? Let us know in the comments.

The post Do You Know the 7 Leave No Trace Principles? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

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charllieeldridge · 5 years

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Machu Picchu Hike: An Expert’s Guide to The Inca Trail

In this guide to trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll learn exactly what to expect, what to pack, which tour operator to choose and more.

Nick and I hiked the Classic Inca Trail Trek for 5 days and had a very positive experience.

You will too — if you’re properly prepared.

The Machu Picchu hike starts at KM 82 in the Sacred Valley near the Urubamba River, and ends at the ruins of Machu Picchu. You’ll follow cobbled pathways that the Incans built and used as a transportation system in the 15th century.

During the hike, you’ll be blown away by the incredible ingenuity of the Incans. How they were able to build such a solid road system, in the jungle, at high altitude, is mind-boggling!

While Machu Picchu might be the star of the Inca Trail hike, the stunning nature, towering mountains and numerous ruins along the way are almost as good as the finale itself.

Here’s my guide to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike to help you plan the perfect trip.

When to Hike The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

First of all, you cannot trek during the month of February as the trail is closed to all visitors for restoration and maintenance.

There are two main seasons here: dry and cooler, or wet and warmer.

The dry season runs from around the end of April until the beginning of October, while the wet season is from early November to the beginning of April.

With weather being so unpredictable in the Andes, you will probably encounter rain during the dry season, and non-rainy days during the wet season. Evenings are chilly regardless of the time of year you decide to hike.

There’s no denying that Machu Picchu is a popular site, so popular in fact that the government had to limit the number of visitors to 500 per day (including guides and porters). So, if you have the option, I recommend hiking the Inca Trail in the shoulder season of April – May and later in September, October and early November.

And, make sure you book as far ahead as you can to ensure you get a permit before they sell out.

We hiked the classic Inca Trail route in March and while we had a great experience since we were in the offseason, we did have some rain — but we also had a lot of sunshine.

During our trek in late March, even though it was low season, there were lots of people at Machu Picchu itself, but thankfully not on the trail to get there.

We hiked to Machu Picchu with Explorandes and the way they structure their hikes makes it so you’re staggered with the other tour groups — meaning you have the trail and 2 campsites all to yourself! More on this company below.

How To Choose the Best Inca Trail Tour Company

You cannot trek the Inca Trail independently. The Machu Picchu hike must be done with a tour operator.

When we were researching Inca Trail tours, the information was overwhelming. We’d find a website that recommended a tour operator, then cross-reference it with TripAdvisor reviews and check to see if it was listed in our Lonely Planet Peru guide.

None of the tour companies had perfect reviews and none of them stood out for us — until I came across Explorandes.

Note: we aren’t sponsored by Explorandes and paid full price for our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek.

When searching for a tour operator to hike the Inca Trail, there are some main points to keep in mind:

Are the porters, cooks, and guides treated fairly and paid a proper salary?

Does the company give back to the community?

Does the operator follow eco practices?

How long have they been in business?

Exactly what is included in the rate (food, equipment, guide, etc.).

Do you need to carry your own equipment? How much weight will you carry vs. the porters?

Explorandes checked all of those boxes and more.

Here are some of the reasons why we highly recommend Explorandes for the Machu Picchu hike.

✓ Explorandes is the first company to run official tours to Machu Picchu and have been doing so since 1975.

✓ Communication is excellent. When you email them to inquire about rates and bookings, you’ll receive a bunch of information upfront (for free) which will help you decide whether or not Explorandes is the company for you.

✓ The Classic Inca Trail tour is completed in 5 days, rather than 4. This extra day on the trip means you don’t have to get up at ridiculously early hours, you will be staggered from other groups, and you can enjoy visiting Machu Picchu two times, rather than one. Click here to read more about the advantages of doing the Inca Trail in 5 days rather than 4.

✓ They are an eco-friendly, sustainable company, and they put a focus on hygiene during the trek. This is a good thing as there would be nothing worse than getting sick while on the trail.

✓ Explorandes exercises a 100% carry-in and carry-out policy of solid waste.

✓ A portion of your trip fee is used as a carbon offset, as the company buys carbon credits in the Peruvian Rainforest.

✓ There’s an orientation in the town of Cusco two days before you set off on the Inca Trail. This is a great way to get to know your group while getting all of your questions and concerns answered.

✓ Groups are small.

✓ While most companies cross the river at the KM82 marker, Explorandes crosses at KM88, which puts some space between your group and the other trekkers. We had the trail all to ourselves when hiking with Explorandes. Two out of the three campsites on the trek had just our group staying there. To us, this is a massive bonus!

✓ The way the tour is structured, you arrive at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon to take some photos. You then spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes (which is around 10 minutes from Machu Picchu), and you return to the site again the following morning for a proper tour of it. Being able to visit Machu Picchu two times instead of one is a huge perk of this tour — quite often Machu Picchu can be shrouded in fog and clouds.

✓ There are portable toilets that are carried up by the crew. This is great as it means there’s a toilet near the camp, and not a far walk away — excellent for nighttime bathroom breaks.

✓ We only had to carry our personal items. The porters carried all food, tents and sleeping gear, bathroom facilities, and kitchen and dining equipment.

✓ Our guide Harry was responsible, professional, safety-conscious, had a good sense of humour and was fun to be around.

✓ The Explorandes guides are knowledgable about the history of Peru, and the Incan times.

✓ The food is actually delicious. Typically, when doing multiday hikes, you’ll be forced to eat really basic, easy to cook meals. Not with Explorandes. The cooks make some epic meals! Breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner, and dinner are all tasty (chicken stew with potatoes, guacamole and chips, cheese and crackers, beef stew and rice, soups…).

✓ Each morning, you’re woken up early by a friendly porter who will give you a basin of warm water for washing off your face, and bring you a hot drink — coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

✓ Everything runs like clockwork. From the start of the trek to the end when you’re dropped off at your accommodation.

There are numerous other companies running trips to Machu Picchu. Your tour operator can make or break this once in a lifetime experience, so it’s important to ask as many questions as you can and be comfortable with the company you choose.

To learn more about Explorandes and to view the various trekking packages the company offers, click here. To contact the company and speak to a representative, click here. Don’t forget to tell them Goats On The Road sent you!

Inca Trail Hike Itinerary

The typical “Classic Inca Trail Tour” is 4 days, however, some of the companies run 5-day tours, which is what we did with Explorandes.

The 5-day tour allows you to start later in the day on the first day (after the hordes of other trekkers have already started). Plus, you’ll be able to acclimatize much better than if you were on the 4-day tour.

With the 5 day trip, day number 3 is the hardest, whereas with the 4-day tour, the hardest day would be day number 2. Finally, you get to see Machu Picchu two times with a 5-day tour, which is great as you never know what the weather will be doing.

Here is the Inca trail itinerary for the 5-day trip that we completed with Explorandes.

Day #1 of the Inca Trail

Cusco (3,350m / 10,990ft) to KM.82 (2,668m) to Chamana Camp (2,668m / 8,753ft)

Distance: 10 kilometers

Time: Approximately 4.5 hours

You’re picked up in a van from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco and are transferred to the Sacred Valley. Here you’ll have some time to wander around the village of Ollantaytambo, have some food if you want, pick up any last-minute items and of course, admire the amazing Inca ruins here.

From Ollantaytambo, you’ll drive to the start of the hike. Here you’ll receive a paper bag with some snacks for the day, get your gear set up and take off on one of the most amazing hikes ever.

Admire the Qanabamba ruins, the towering mountains, and the rushing Urubamba River. Make sure to turn around and look behind you during this trek, as the scenery is spectacular.

Today you’ll stop for a snack break, before continuing on to enjoy your first hot lunch of the trek. A dining tent is set up with stools for you to sit on.

Carry on and cross the river at Q’ente before arriving at the campsite of Chamana. This is a private campsite so only Explorandes guests are able to camp here — there are hot water showers here as well! When you arrive, your tent will already be set up, with your sleeping mat and sleeping bag inside.

Get freshened up before enjoying a snack, followed by a tasty dinner, and then sleep.

This day of the Inca Trail is very easy, and as our guide said during the orientation: “If you struggle on day 1 of this hike, then you should rethink trekking to Machu Picchu”.

If you find yourself having issues this day, you may need to turn around and choose another way to see Machu Picchu.

Day #2 of the Inca Trail

Chamana Camp (2,668m / 8,753ft) to Llulluchapampa Camp (3,840m / 12,598ft)

Distance: 11.7 kilometers (7.3 miles)

Time: Approximately 7-8 hours

Wake up around 6:30am, pack up your bag of personal items, have breakfast and set off. The porters and crew will take down your tent and tarp and carry it for you.

You camped across from the stunning Llaqtapata ruins, and today you’ll get to explore them and learn about the history here. You’ll be given the option to climb up a small’ish mountain — do it! The view up the valley and across the ruins is spectacular.

During today’s hike, you’ll pass by small creeks, waterfalls and lots of towering trees. This part of the Inca Trail is lush and the air is moist and humid. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for unique flowers and insects along the way.

Enjoy a hot lunch before continuing uphill — there are some stairs this day.

The second campsite on the trail was my personal favourite. This is the Llulluchapampa Camp and when the clouds clear, Mt. Huayanay is exposed — it’s an incredible sight. Again, we were the only people camping at this site, well, us and lots of llamas!

After relaxing, enjoy a tasty hot meal before going to bed.

Day #3 of The Inca Trail

Llulluchapampa Camp (3,840m / ) to Phuyupatamarca Camp (3,650m)

Distance: 12 kilometers / 7.5 miles

Time: Approximately 8 hours

Today is the tough day, with two passes to conquer.

Wake up early around 6:00am. Have breakfast, pack up and hit the trail by 7:00am.

You’ll immediately start ascending to the Warmiwanuska Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200m (an elevation gain of 360m). This is the highest point of the entire Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu — in fact, the ruins of Machu Picchu are actually 1,800m lower than this pass.

After the pass, you’ll descend for 850m down rocky steps. At the bottom, you’ll be greeted by the crew who will have set up the dining table with stools and have snacks waiting for you.

Rest up, as you’ll be climbing back up again over your second and final pass of the day, at 3,850m.

After you ascend and descend from that pass, you’ll be greeted by your porters again who will have hot drinks and a meal ready for you. This isn’t your campsite, however, and you’ll need to hike just a little bit farther before reaching the amazing campsite that you’ll be sleeping at.

For the last portion of this day, you’ll see lots of caves, moss-covered rocks, and unique flowers.

Arrive at the third and final campsite of the trek, Phuyupatamarca, at 3,650m. The ruins here and the view of the mountain ranges are spectacular.

At this campsite, there are a couple of other groups staying here. But, unlike Explorandes who bring their own toilets, the other campers will have to walk down to the public toilets! Lucky for you, your bathroom is just steps away.

Enjoy a pre-dinner snack, hiking up to see the mountain range, and a tasty dinner to round off the day.

Day #4 of the Inca Trail

Phuyupatamarca Camp (3,650m) to Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,970ft) to Aquas Calientes Town

Distance: 10.9 km (6.8 m)

Time: 7.5 hours

With the itinerary planned by Explorandes, you won’t be waking up at 3:30am like your fellow hikers. Instead, you’ll be up at 7:00am.

The reason for this is that you won’t have to do the tour of Machu Picchu today. You will arrive at the Sun Gate, see the site in all its glory, and take some photos. Then you’ll continue to the town of Aguas Calientes. The following day, you will do a proper tour of the ancient site.

Today is epic and is filled with ruins! Go slow, and soak it all in.

The ancient site of Phuyupatamarca that you camped next to will be your first stop today. Get an up-close view of the ruins and learn about them from your guide (and take photos!) before continuing on.

Since you’re descending from a higher (drier) altitude, you’ll notice the foliage change yet again today. Enjoy teh bamboo forest, unique flowers, moss-covered trees, and butterflies.

The second set of ruins are Intipata — which will be where you take a break from hiking.

Following that, you’ll enjoy your last meal of the trek (saving the best for last!), before continuing on to the Winaywayna ruins at 2,666m. This incredible site is in immaculate condition and was our second favourite of the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Explore here before continuing on.

Finally, hike up some stone steps before arriving at the Sun Gate (Intipunku). This was once the principal entrance to Machu Picchu and was heavily guarded — only letting select people and the elite to enter.

Congratulate yourself, you’ve made it!

From here, it’s about an hour descent down to Machu Picchu where you can walk around in certain portions of the site and take some photos.

At around 4:30pm, you’ll hop on a bus and make your way to the town of Aguas Calientes. Check into the pre-booked hotel and enjoy free time this evening to eat and drink where you want (I recommend Mapacho for pub food and craft beers). Don’t stay out too late though as you’ll be up early to check-out and hop on the bus back up to Machu Picchu.

Day #5 of The Inca Trail

Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes to Cusco by Train and Bus

Time: 8 hours (longer including lunch, waiting for transport, etc.)

Today, you’ll wake up, pack your bag and store it in a locker at the hotel. From there, you’ll meet at the bus station with your hiking group and take the 30 minute bus ride back up to Machu Picchu.

Today is when you’ll receive a tour of the entire site from your guide. Harry (our guide), even took us offtrack to check out the ancient Inca Bridge. The route is quick narrow, with sheer dropoffs (and no railings), so it’s not for the faint of heart.

And, if you do decide to visit the Inca Bridge, do not run, do not pass other travellers, and do not take any selfies close to the edge. You wouldn’t believe what we saw some travellers doing…

Machu Pichu is outstanding and after getting a brief history lesson and learning about some important areas of the site, you’ll be able to wander around on your own — meeting back with your group at a set time.

You’ll enjoy lunch together in Aguas Calientes before heading back to the hotel to grab your backpacks, and change your clothes. From there, you’ll hop on a train to Ollantaytambo, and switch to a bus to Cusco.

That’s it. Your Inca Trail trek to Machu Pichu is complete!

What to Pack for the Machu Picchu Hike

To fully enjoy the experience, you’ll want to be a smart packer. You’ll be sweaty. You’ll get rained on. You’ll be hot. You’ll be cold. It’s important to pack for the elements while keeping your pack as light as possible.

If you don’t have the proper gear, or if you’re on a longer trip and can’t carry warm clothing with you, there are some shops in Cusco where you can stock up. Check out Tattoo which has quality clothing and gear (backpacks as well), the North Face shop or any of the random small shops selling gear around the main plaza.

Here’s what to pack for the Inca Trail:

You’ll want some equipment, proper clothing, and some random things. Here’s what to bring when trekking to Machu Picchu.

Clothing

When hiking, the best idea is to have two sets of clothing — one for hiking during the day, and one that you keep clean and dry for the evenings. That’s it. You don’t need 5 shirts and multiple pairs of pants. Just two sets of clothes.

Keep in mind that the porters will be taking the majority of your items, so make sure that you have all the clothes you might want in your personal backpack. You won’t have access to your items that the porters are carrying until you reach the campsite.

Hiking Pants: No matter what season you’re trekking the Inca Trail, you’ll want pants. Ideally, hiking pants that can zip off when (if) you get hot, or ones that can roll up from the ankle. I always trek in Halle Pants by Prana — they’re stretchy, comfortable, warm and they roll up from the ankle and attach with a button around knee level. Nick wears hiking pants by Columbia.

2 x Long-Sleeved Shirt / T-Shirt: Look for a shirt that is lightweight and quick-dry if you’re hiking in the hot months, and a long-sleeve shirt that is warmer for hiking in the cool season. I had two long-sleeved, cotton shirts by Reebok and Nick wore a long-sleeve quick-dry shirt that he bought at Tattoo in Cusco. Nick also had a quick dry t-shirt with him.

Thermal Top: Even if the daytime temps aren’t cold, the evening will be. Have a thermal baselayer top to keep you warm — we slept in ours. We have thermal baselayer tops by Underarmour.

Thermal Pants: You’ll want thermal pants to wear at night. Basically, they are long underwear and we wore ours to sleep each night. We both have Underarmour thermal pants.

Rain Jacket: When it’s cloudy, cold and spitting rain (sprinkling) on the Inca Trail trek, you’ll want a windproof, waterproof jacket. When it’s torrential raining, you might want a poncho. However, Nick and I always get hot when hiking and find that ponchos make us too warm (although they keep you drier). We recommend Hally Hansen windproof, waterproof rain jackets.

Down Jacket: Having a down jacket is a must. During the day you most likely won’t need it, but after you stop hiking and take a break for lunch, you might cool down and want it. In the evenings, you’ll want to wear your down jacket. Get one that is thin, but provides warmth.

Waterproof / Windproof Pants: You can choose to wear these when hiking (if it’s a torrential downpour, or if you’re cold), or keep them dry and wear them around camp in the evening. We wore our thermal pants underneath these at night when we’d change out of our trekking clothes.

Socks: Bring enough socks for every trekking day, and keep a thicker, warmer pair dry for evenings. Bring a bonus pair or two.

Underwear: For the men, bring quick-dry, lightweight underwear. Ladies, pack comfortable, breathable cotton ones.

Bras: Ladies, you’ll want to wear a sports bra on the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

Hiking Shoes: The terrain on the trail is uneven and full of stones and stairs. You’ll definitely want a sturdy pair of hiking boots for this trek. But, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have a pair of hiking shoes that are properly broken in. There’s nothing worse than blisters when hiking. I wear Merrell and Nick wears Keen.

Second Pair of Shoes: After a long day of hiking, the last thing you’ll want to do is put your soggy hiking boots back on after cleaning and changing your clothes! Have a second pair of shoes to put on for the late afternoons and evenings around camp. Crocs are a good idea or a lightweight basic sneaker.

Hat: The sun at elevation is intense. Make sure you have a hat with a brim and if you’re prone to getting a burnt neck, wear the kind that covers the back of your neck as well.

Gear

Having equipment that suits your needs is key when hiking the Inca Trail. If you don’t have your own sleeping bag, you can rent it from Explorandes for $25 per person. Here are some of the items we recommend packing.

Backpack: The porters will carry 7 kgs of your kit, including your tent, sleeping bag, clothing, sleeping mat, etc. You will need to carry your other personal items. Choose a backpack that has a waistbelt, thick shoulder straps, and proper airflow off your back. We did the Machu Picchu hike with our Osprey Stratos 34 backpacks, and they were perfect. They have space for a hydration pack, which is key. (see more below).

Rainproof Cover: You’ll encounter rain on the hike and when you do, you’ll want to make sure you have a rainproof cover for your backpack.

Trekking Poles: Some people love them, others hate them. I like to trek with poles with the terrain is uneven, and there are lots of downhill parts — which is exactly what you can expect from the trek to Machu Picchu. Poles are given to you by Explorandes if you want them, or you can bring your own. Just make sure to tell them ahead of time.

Sleeping Bag: As I said above, you can rent a -17 bag from Explorandes, or bring your own. You’ll want a lightweight bag that’s around -10 ° Celcius to – 20 ° Celcius.

Headlamp: While there are solar lights used at camp, for those late-night bathroom breaks, or for seeing what you’re doing in your tent at night, you’ll want to have a headlamp.

Toiletries/First Aid

You’ll need some basic toiletries for this hike to Machu Picchu. Here are some items we’re glad we brought with us.

Deodorant: If you’re a couple, consider sharing the same one for 5 days as it’s one less thing to carry, which means less weight.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste: If you typically have an electric toothbrush, swap this out for a basic one and a small tube of paste.

Sunscreen: The sun at this elevation is intense. Make sure to apply throughout the day.

Soap: At the first campsite, there is actually a hot water shower! Make use of it. Bring one small soap (like the ones you get in hotels) and enjoy a clean and fresh night.

Wet Wipes: These are packing essentials when you’re hiking without showers. At the end of each day, change out of your sweaty, smelly trekking clothes and clean yourself off with wet wipes. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to a shower for a few days and I highly recommend bringing a small pack of them.

First Aid: The team has basic first aid items, but we always travel with pills and supplies that we know work for us. Consider some ibuprofen (Advil), something for upset stomachs (Pepto Bismol), and something for colds. We also pack some Band-Aids, tweezers and nail clippers.

Other

Apart from clothes and gear, there are a few other things you may want to consider packing.

Camelbak / Hydration Pack: When you’re hiking, rather than having to stop, swing your backpack around to the front and pull your water bottle out of your bag – or having to ask a fellow trekker to grab it for you – get yourself a hydration pack. These silicone packs that you fill up with water slip into the inside part of your backpack and have a long tube attached to them. The tube comes out the top of your pack, over your shoulder and clips onto your shoulder strap. You simply sip the water from the tube with ease.

Waist Pouch / Fanny Pack / Hip Pack: Whatever you call it, you may want to have one for the trek. This ensures easy access to your phone (for photos), lip balm, sunglasses, etc.

Plastic Bags: We’re not advocates for plastic and try to be responsible when we travel, but when it comes to trekking and rain, you’ll want to make sure your clothing and important gear stays dry. Ziploc bags are great for cameras and phones. We bring larger garbage bags and put our clothing inside one, and sleeping bag inside the other. There’s nothing worse than being cold and only having wet clothes to put on.

Packing Cubes: These cubes ensure that your items are organized, compact, and easily accessible. Put all of your clothing in one and your toiletries in another, then when you’re looking for something, you can easily find it.

Aluminum Water Bottle (with cover): Even though I recommend having a hydration pack, I also recommend carrying an empty aluminum water bottle with a soft, thick, zip-on cover. Why? Before bed, ask the cook to fill it up with hot water, zip on the cover, and put it into your sleeping bag. It’s an instant heater. (Note: we always do this when hiking, but recently heard a story of someone’s bottle leaking into their bag. Use with caution).

Small Lock: We felt safe with our trekking team and staff the entire time, but when you meet up with other companies at the campsites, you never know who is lingering around. I recommend bringing a small combination lock and locking your backpack (which will have your passport, camera, money, and phone inside).

Top Tips For Trekking the Inca Trail

You know the itinerary, you know what to pack for the hike to Machu Picchu, you know which tour operator to choose, but I still have some tips for you! Here are some things to know before embarking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru.

1. You’ll Need to Acclimate

At an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), altitude sickness is common. However, it can be prevented (or helped), by properly acclimatizing yourself. Note that not everyone feels the effects of altitude sickness, and it doesn’t matter how fit you are, or your age. It can affect anyone at any time.

Many people arrive in Cusco from sea level, or close to sea level (we flew in from Quito, Ecuador). If this is you, before you take off on the Inca Trail, make sure you spend at least 2 days in Cusco at this altitude (3-4 days if you have the time).

If you don’t give yourself time in Cusco, your body might not be ready for trekking the Inca Trail. You could feel nauseous (and may even vomit), you might not have energy, have a pounding headache, and overall, you’ll most likely feel miserable.

Ways to help/avoid feeling the effects of altitude are as follows:

Don’t strain yourself (go easy the first couple of days).

Eat lighter meals.

Eat some sugar (Snickers bars are good) or drink herbal tea with sugar.

Keep hydrated, which means avoiding coffee and alcohol, and drink lots of water.

Eat coco candies or coco leaves.

If you’re still feeling the effects after 3 days, you may need to go down to a lower altitude.

2. Go Slow on The Trail

Hiking the trail to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience. The history, ancient ruins, and scenery are absolutely incredible. Rather than rush through the hike, go slowly and enjoy every moment of it.

Our guide was excellent as he suggested we all trek at a slower, more enjoyable pace. Our group were all fairly young and active and we were hiking quite fast the first day. At lunch, he reminded us to maybe slow down and “smell the roses” from time to time. After that little speech, we did and were able to notice so many small things along the way.

3. Book in Advance to Ensure You Get a Permit

Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders Of The World. It’s become more and more popular over the years and therefore, it’s imperative that you get your permit ahead of time.

500 permits are sold each day, with around 200 allocated for tourists, and 300 for staff (cooks, porters and guides).

Book your trip to Machu Picchu as soon as you can to avoid disappointment!

FAQ’s

We did a lot of research and read a lot of blogs and review sites when planning our hike to Machu Picchu, but we still had questions! Here are some of the things you’re probably wondering about (feel free to ask any questions in the comments below, or send us an email).

Do I Need to Bring My Passport?

Yes. I repeat, yes!

Do not leave your passport in your luggage stowed away at your hotel. Firstly, you need to show it during the 5-day trip (when entering Machu Picchu, for the hotel check-in and for the train), and secondly, never leave your passport behind. It’s the most important item when travelling.

I recommend putting it in a Ziploc bag to keep it protected and keeping it safe in your pack (on your person), not in with the sleeping bags and other items that the porters carry.

Do I Need to Bring Money for The Inca Trail?

Yes.

You won’t need to spend any money while hiking, but when you reach Aguas Calientes, you’ll need to pay for your own dinner and drinks that night. Plus, you might want to purchase some souvenirs and snacks.

Also, you will need to tip the porters, cooks and guides with cash.

How Much Do I Tip The Guide, Cooks and Porters?

You aren’t forced to tip, but of course, tips are much appreciated. The entire team at Explorandes were incredible and we wanted to tip much more than was suggested.

These people carry all of your heavy gear, prepare all of your tasty meals, set up your tent and sleeping gear, and give you information and tell stories about the Inca Trail and Peru. All while smiling and helping you when needed

If you’re happy with the service, definitely tip. Likewise, if you are unhappy, you do not need to leave any gratuities.

It’s suggested that the trekkers put money into a pot that is then distributed between the cooks and porters. For the guide and assistant guide, they will receive a larger tip.

Recommended tips for Porters should be around 60-80 soles per porter ($18 – $25). Not per day, but in total.

Recommended tips for Chefs should be around 150-180 soles per chef ($45 – $55). Not per day, but in total.

How Do I Get Drinking Water?

Drinking water is supplied by Explorandes throughout the day. Water is boiled, treated and filtered by cook staff and guides. Bring a reusable water bottle, or a hydration pack (as I recommend above), and fill it up in the morning. You’ll be able to refill your bottle at the lunch break, and again when you reach the campsite.

There are a couple of places where you could buy water, but I do not recommend purchasing plastic water bottles along the way.

Do I Need to Bring Toilet Paper?

No. Toilet paper is provided in the portable toilets.

Is There Somewhere to Charge My Phone?

No. But you can bring a power bank with you. Make sure to keep your phone on “Airplane Mode” to help with the battery life.

What Do I Do With the Rest of My Luggage?

For the hike to Machu Picchu, you’ll only be bringing what you absolutely need. But, you’re most likely on a trip to see other parts of Peru, or more South American countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina or Chile! This means you’ll have a lot of items that you’ll need to leave behind.

All of the hotels and Airbnbs in Cusco are used to this and they have holding rooms where you can leave your luggage.

However, since we were staying at one Airbnb before our Inca Trail hike, and then switching to another when we returned to Cusco, we opted to leave our backpacks at the Explorandes office. Speak to the company and they can arrange it for you if you need.

Is The Inca Trail Hard?

It’s a multi-day trek, at a fairly high altitude, so it’s not considered “easy”, but if you’re a hiker and are in moderately good physical shape, you’ll have no issue completing the trek.

There are a lot of steps and uneven surfaces, so if you have bad knees, you might want to take that into consideration.

We’ve trekked the O Trail in Torres del Paine, Chile, the Ciudad Perdida in Colombia, the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador, numerous multi-day hikes in Kyrgyzstan, the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and a week-long hike in Mongolia.

We found the Inca Trail to be pretty straightforward, and we’re not in great shape! This was mainly because there were porters carrying our gear, and our tent and food were all set up and prepared for us. We’re used to carrying all of our own trekking and camping gear on our backs. The Inca Trail was luxurious!

Is The Inca Trail Safe?

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hikes, and if you choose a responsible, knowledgable and properly trained team to hike with, it’s also a safe trek.

Be aware of how you’re feeling and don’t be afraid to express any concerns to your guides. The guides are trained in wilderness first response and first aid, and there are satellite phones in case of any emergencies. Make sure you have proper travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes.

Enjoy The Inca Trail

Walking on the same roadway that was built by the Incan Empire in the 15th century is an unforgettable experience, and while the ruins of Machu Picchu are spectacular, we also appreciated all of the smaller ancient sites along the way.

The hike isn’t a race and is meant to be enjoyed, so take your time and soak it all in. If the Inca Trail hike sounds like something you would be interested in, click here to learn more about Explorandes and reserve your permit!

The lead image in this article is courtesy of Shutterstock.com. All other photos are by Goats On The Road.

The post Machu Picchu Hike: An Expert’s Guide to The Inca Trail appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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Dual stitch, taped seams

Aluminum poles

Three -season multipurpose tents

Features To Check For The Best 2 Person Tent

When it comes to outdoor adventure and camping, tents are an essential gear to keep you safe and cozy. That means looking for the best possible canopy that shelters you and your companion from inclement weather conditions should be tough, durable, ultralight, and won’t break the bank. You’ll agree with us on those categories, especially the last one. Budget-friendly yet the supreme quality is what we always check. You cannot decide just yet if your option is durable, breathable or has enough room for your camping gears without compromising coziness.

You may have seen reviews about their top pick, with links and budget based on your needs. However, knowing which tents are the best takes time. That is why we have compiled these top-rated tents to provide excellent shelters for campers out there. They are tried and tested, carefully chosen by every adventurer and had given feedback about their performance. plus, the names may ring a bell when you heard of them. Yes, they are guaranteed to provide comfort when you are in the wilderness.

Comprehensive Guide Of What Features To Check

Tent Weight. One of the crucial features that you should always take into consideration is the weight of your tent. There are ultralight tents to check but the MSR Hubba Hubba NX tops them all which weigh only at around 3 pounds and 8 ounces. That’s incredible light! While Big Agnes UL2 may weigh at 1lb and 15oz, we still go for MSR Hubba with it’s established products. While other backpackers don’t mind taking along more pounds, the REI Co-op dome features premium durability with a price tag next to it.

Interior Space. Each camping tents promise a spacious interior with large vestibules and multipurpose mesh pockets. You may have heard it before but knowing the exact dimensions of your floor tents will help you weigh things easily. Most floor areas are listed through square feet. Papa Hubba Nx has square feet larger than most two-person tents. You also need to check the tents’ peak height and its walls. This measurement guides for visualizing how your dome stands in the wilderness. The liveability of your tent determines the interior space over the floor is through square feet and its walls.

Doors. The number of entrance doors for every tent is also essential. This will provide convenience in the long run, especially if you are camping with a friend. The doors offer convenience from coming in and going out of the shelter without disturbing your companion. Most two-person tents have two doors from the opposite side. With zip mesh and vestibules that enhance its sustainability and convenience. Single door tents like Agnes Fly Creek may seem convenient not until you need to step out of your shelter when it’s night time. You don’t want to step over your mate when they are sleeping or vice versa.

Interior Pockets And Vestibules. The storage in your shelter is essential to keeping everything in the right perspective, with vestibules always placed at the entrance of your camping tents, they are there to keep your gear from getting soaked outside or you getting souk from the inside. The mesh pockets are ideal for small camping gears, devices, and valuables that need to stay close to you during the night or when you snooze.

Weather Protection. While you are out close to nature, one thing that you have to remember is to expect the unexpected. Inclement weather conditions enable most backpackers to take along with them the perfect protection against a sudden downpour. Looking for features like taped seams provides additional security and protection from leakage. Thus waterproof coating does the same, but a rainfly will secure and add extra resistance to rainfall for your shelter.

Durability. When it comes to camping tents, there are measurements needed for supreme durability. Like looking for the ‘denier’ rating of your chosen shelter. This will be based on the durability, materials used, fabric types, taped seams, and tear and wear quality. Premium fabrics are relatively thicker, tear and wear-resistant, and weight of your shelter. This gives you advantages with the pound present on every tent which can also determine the yarn weight that was used for manufacturing your chosen tent.

Ventilation. This is another factor that you have to consider when looking for a three-season shelter. The mesh on your tent wall will provide excellent breathability and ventilation even during downpours when rainfly is present. A dual-wall canopy can still provide adequate ventilation even through inclement weather conditions. Some innovations enable rainfly breathability without soaking you from the inside.

Easy Of Assembly. With innovation coming together to simplify your camping lives conveniently. Modern shelters are promising ease of use and assembly. You can put together your canopy in less than a minute. The durable tent poles enable backpackers to easily set their tents by laying out the footprints, stake out your shelter corners, snap and clip everything together. This may take a few minutes and you’ll have a cozy rest away from home with convenience.

Price Tag And Reliability. Before getting another tent in the market for your next hiking or camping adventure, best to determine a few important factors. Like how many times will you be staying outdoors, what season you’ll want your next nature tripping, and where do you plan to go and so on. If you have plans to stay outdoors most of the time and go to almost every possible place, then you will need a premium quality tent. Good thing we’ve compiled the best possible options for you!

The Best 2 Person Pop Up Tent Benefits

Most commonly known as instant tents. They are conveniently easy to assemble in just a few seconds. You won’t need to bring extra camping gear and avoid the possibility of forgetting them at the same time. The pop-up tent is best for beginners to start with. They are kid-friendly and safe for yard sleepovers for your teens and tots alike. The convenience does not stop there, you can easily set them up inside your living room or nursery. Bring along with you if you’ll need to stay in a long queue or events around town.

However, there are also cons for every pro just like with pop up tents. First is the idea of weatherproofing your shelter when unexpected downpours may occur. You’ll surely need more stuff to make sure you won’t soak inside. They are relatively bulky and heavy compared using family or the two-man tents for camping. They may not have enough ventilation for breathability. Some instant 2 man tents require proper folding and are not easy to dismantle at the same time. However, this varies for every preference. Though camping with our selected 2 man tent will provide additional benefits you’ll appreciate in the long run.

Since pop up tents are known for their easy to set features, there are a few types that you can on for ventilations and light filtering for total blackout. Their size will add to the weight that you will be carrying along. For example, instant tents 2 man weight is less compared to tents for 4 and above. They can be bulky depending on the square feet floor area. You may not need trekking poles and the peak height may be higher. The tents on the market have different pole structures, doors and vestibules, interior pockets, and other beneficial frame structures.

2-Person Camping Tent For Outdoor Adventures

A durable and reliable best 2 people tent has excellent features that can provide protection and security for inclement weather conditions. With ultralight fabrics, a good size and premium quality bathtub floor, solid and aircraft-grade tent poles, with doors and vestibules to accommodate your camping gears and personal essentials.

The Flytop 3-4 Season 1-2-person Double Layer Backpacking Tent is great for outdoor adventures. With a dual-layer wall, it’s ideal for three to the four-season multifunctional shelter that will provide you security whenever needed, it’s easy to set features that offer convenience for every camper. The tent 2 man capacity is spacious enough for your camping gear, personal essentials and comfort without compromising quality and security. A great choice for all-season nature trip adventure.

The Lightest 2 Person Tent You Should Purchase

For most campers and outdoor enthusiasts, aside from durability, the weight that they have to carry along with them is an important factor. Whether you go with a companion or a family trip, it is best to find one ultralight yet reliable tent to shelter you from sudden weather changes.

The ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 2 Outfitter Tent is ultralight. While Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 weighs only 3 pounds, it comes with different sizes to provide a better camping experience for most hikers. Though one of the most known setbacks for the Big Agnes Copper Spur Hv UL2 is its durability, a great factor to always consider as this camping gear will be your most essential tool to protect you from any outdoor scenarios.

It is still best to check for the most durable. Breathable and efficient tent for your next outdoor adventure. Like the ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 2 Outfitter Tent, you’ll surely benefit from its amazing features and increase durability. With premium-quality manufacture, it’s liveability is beyond expectations. With bathtub floor, high-quality pole structure, ideal peak height, waterproof roof coating, spacious interior, and dual door for convenience a sure great deal for a 2-person tent in the store today.

Must-Check Excellent 2 Person Dome Tent Features

Honestly, there are different types of tents in store right now, from an inflatable tent, pop up or instant tents, basic canopy, tunnel tents, dome tents and so on. Some are free to semi-freestanding, others offer duplex design and easy access to your valuables conveniently. There is a minimum of the maximum weight for each type of tent.

Which the designs associated with them, you can easily distinguish which one is which. All offers protection from sun glares, UV, wind, rainfall, and snow. An essential tool for outdoor activities that provides liveability above your head while away from home. The list increase year after year but you can always guarantee sustainability and durability with our top-rated reviews.

The dome tent has a basic half circle shape with 2 flexible poles intersection from the middle of the tent. This can be square (2 poles) or hexagon (3 poles) dome which gives a better head peak for comfort and convenience. The Mountainsmith Mountain Dome 2 Tent is a reliable and durable shelter amidst the wilderness. Its 3-season, has 2 entrances, 2 vestibules, and quick rainfly setup. An excellent 2-person camping canopy.

2 Person Hiking Tent For Your Next Expedition

The tents on the market that you always see standing during bazaar and that serves as kiosk are far different types compared to 2 man canopies and shelters used for hiking. If you take along with your ultralight canopies, using some trekking poles increases the stability of your canopy. The trekking poles served dual purposes when hiking. They can be used as additional support when you climb steep terrain or creek. They provide the ideal support for your knees and a good balance when crossing rivers or uneven terrain.

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 man canopy is ideal for hiking and camping outdoors. Known for its durability, it can be your best gear no matter the weather outdoors will be. With 30 deniers to matched its durability which stands out among the rest of ultralight canopies for 2 men in the wilderness.

What Is The Best 2 Person Backpacking Tent

There may be different names that will ring the bell for excellence. However, when it comes to durability (measuring its denier) the MSR Hubba Hubba NX is our top-rated product. You can have easy guides for assembly from different models like those of Hilleberg Anjan, Marmot, Nemo Dagger, Fly Creek HV, Agnes models like Copper Spur HV UL2, or Tiger Wall UL2, from 12 oz or less, but the MSR Hubba Hubba NX has the features you’ll be looking forward on your next 2 man camping journey.

The MSR Hubba manufacturer is known for its undeniable excellent weather resistance. It can stand heavy downpours or strong winds, plus a great deal for ventilation during the hot summer days! It’s a combination of all the best things every 2 man canopy features you are looking for.

How Heavy Should A Tent Be For Backpacking

For most 2 man canopies, splitting the weight will lighten the load. Approximately 2.2 to 2.5 pounds is the most ideal canopy weight for your camping expedition. That will be roughly at least 1 kg each if you are camping with a mate. You won’t feel the weight of the coverings once you have split it evenly.

Deciding whether you go for a single or dual wall is an important factor. That means you must not compromise safety and expect every possible thing when you are away from home. A tent is essential as it serves as your home when literally miles away from home, Dual wall means you have the first wall as the canopy itself. Your second wall is known as the rainfly, which is a great source of protection from inclement weather conditions. Taking along with you your second wall means you can opt to keep it safe on its carrying bag when the sky is clear. This enables a well-ventilated canopy at night.

While your second wall, the rainfly, is ideal to set up when weather may play upon you outdoors. Besides, you’ll never tell when a sudden downpour will occur, best to be ready all the time. Most 2 man canopy features 2 doors for convenience. Rainfly are premium quality nylon/polyester that safeguard you from soaking wet when heavy downpours occur.

How Big Is A 2-Person Tent

There is no standard size canopy for 2 people who will be camping in the wilderness. However, determining what you must expect is better than guessing how big will your canopy. From the interior space to what can be fit aside from its vestibules. Most 2 man canopy has 2 doors associated with them. These 2 entrance provides convenience for hikers from coming in and going out.

Most 2 man canopies can fit 2 standard sleeping beds. They have 2 mesh pockets for storage and 2 vestibules. It can be luxuriously spacious for one camper but may be tight for 2. However, you can check the floor are of the physical tent by checking it are by square feet.

Conclusion

With all the features and benefits that most canopies can provide while you are out in the wilderness, one must always stand out. Our verdict for the best 2-person backpacking tent is the MSR Hubba Hubba NX. it simply has the perfect features that you need in one canopy. Made with premium quality fabrics with excellent tear, wear, and abuse features to last longer. It’s ultralight, spacious, reliable, and guaranteed durability for the longevity of use.

The post Best 2 Person Backpacking Tent To Look Forward On Your Next Camping appeared first on Camping Console.

source https://www.campingconsole.com/best-2-person-backpacking-tent/

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topfygad · 5 years

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Jungle Mountain Climb in Rupununi

Mountaineering to the most effective of Guyana’s Awarmie Mountain within the Rupununi location, after which paying out the night there, was like an episode of Bare and Fearful, minus the naked and double the scared. The truth is an episode was actually filmed on this article!

Even with treacherous inclines that can get your adrenaline pumping, it’s a single of probably the most most popular hikes within the nation since of the paths rainforest foliage, panoramic view from the main and wildlife recognizing, particularly birds.

The place is Awarmie Mountain

Awarmie Mountain is located within the South American place of Guyana, within the Rupununi location. It’s an uncomplicated boat trip from Rewa Eco-Lodge, which is by which most individuals in the present day start the tour.

The Hike to the Prime

The adventurous Guyana tour began from the Rewa Eco-Lodge the place we took a few 40 minute boat expertise to get to the bottom of the mountain. We walked inland on flat floor for about fifteen minutes, 1 of the perfect factors bout this factor of the trail was viewing the Makushi women and men who had been being on the basis cooking up a number of the widespread cassava root for lunch. The candy village youngsters had been happy to see individuals and have their pictures taken.

From there it was defined to be about an hour to an hour and a fifty % hike to the stage wherever we’d be establishing camp. Usually that dimension of trek is completely nothing to worry about for me, however it is a Tough hike with a critically steep and rocky incline (to the purpose we had been almost mountaineering—which may be a slight exaggeration), moreover 90 diploma local weather with 90 % humidity and carrying my 20 pound backpack didn’t allow the circumstance.

Discover: You may be offered a strolling adhere on the backside, I declined, however it may be severely useful in helping with scaling the rocks.

There have been actually conditions my encounter was dripping with sweat and I used to be not completely certain I’d make it. However, within the shut it took me simply over an hour to get to our in a single day web site.

And the reward on the high was so actually well worth the battle—a superb see.

Tenting on Awarmie Mountain

Hammocks

On the prime there was a clearing the place by the locals from Rewa Village skilled arrange camp for us proper earlier than we arrived. Hammocks had been hung a variety of ft apart with a tarp earlier talked about for rain (we ended up within the rainforest following all) and a tarp beneath to scale back bugs.

On the time I purchased into my hammock surrounded by a mosquito web, I felt oddly secured and rapidly fell asleep. However sleep got here rapidly, it was a little bit little bit of a troublesome evening time with all of the seems of the wilderness and a plastic rubbish bag whipping within the wind near my head that I held considering was an animal. However, I managed about 6 a number of hours of ‘interrupted’ relaxation and never 1 small critter got here inside my house—that I do know of!

Concept: Put all of your possessions inside of the mosquito web, beneath the hammock. This may assist to cease bugs from crawling inside your baggage and you’ll be joyful to have your footwear correct subsequent to your hammock if it’s important to make a midnight lavatory function.

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Bathroom Services

I’m not a massive admirer of peeing within the woods, however once you’re on a tour within the wilderness it is best to do what adventurers do. The makeshift toilet was a plastic tarp hung amongst a number of tree trunks and a spot within the floor. It was robust to maneuver, however I made it within the hole on the very first try. Yay me.

Night meal

Meal skilled been designed and carried up by the precise neighborhood villagers that established up our camp. It was a typical meals of curry hen with dal puri (similar to a pita) and a few contemporary made lime juice. All we important was a bottle of the neighborhood El Dorado rum. Don’t neglect to carry yours! You should purchase some on the lodge.

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The Hike Down Awarmie Mountain

There was solely a single method again once more down the mountain, the same treacherous method we arrived up. For some women and men taking place might be much more sturdy than going up, specifically when you could have this type of steep terrain. A handful of of the hikers in my staff slipped and 1 took a minimal drop, however we created it once more to the boat in 50 % the time as possible up.

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The best way to E book This Tour

This encounter might be booked by means of virtually any tour operator in Guyana. It may also be booked on account of the lodge we stayed at, Rewa Eco Lodge in North Rupununi, and wildlife skilled/tour operator who was with me my total time in Guyana, Leon of Leon Moore Nature Experiences.

Need additional concepts of issues to do in Guyana? Take a look at these Guyana excursions.

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What to Ship

For simply an in a single day hike you wish to proceed to maintain you particular person belongings to a naked minimal. I introduced a 44 liter Teton Exercise Backpack with the Waterfly Sling daypack inside that. I wore Prana mountaineering trousers, Bearpaw climbing e book, a tank main with a intensive sleeved button up main above it.

Right here’s a rainforest packing record of what it’s possible you’ll nicely want:

Sunscreen

Toothbrush and paste

Ingesting water bottle

Modest 1st help package

Sweat rag

Bug repellent

Shades

Hat

Battery backup for mobile phone or digital camera

Iphone and/or digital digital camera

Comfortable prolonged sleeved shirt to relaxation in ( I wore my trousers to mattress).

Granola bars or treats

Climbing boots – sturdy ankle boots are supreme.

A enhance of clothes is elective

This encounter was courtesy of Uncover Guyana. All viewpoints my possess. Put up might maybe encompass affiliate backlinks.

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/349zcm9 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Cheapr Travels

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tamboradventure · 5 years

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How to Save Money & Visit Rwanda on a Budget

Posted: 10/3/2019 | October 3rd, 2019

In this guest post, Alicia Erickson offers some handy tips on how you can visit Rwanda on a budget! She spent some time living there and, today, is sharing her tips on the country (one I haven’t got to yet!). She’s a freelance writer so I don’t have a blog to link too! Here are her tips:

Rwanda, a tiny nation nestled between Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the center of the African continent, is filled to the brim with rainforests, wildlife, lakes, and volcanoes. It is aptly nicknamed “the land of a thousand hills.”

Rwanda also happens to be one of the safest and easiest nations to navigate in East Africa. Sure, this nation might have a bit of a reputation that proceeds itself. But the genocide that ravaged the country ended more than 25 years ago. Over the past two decades, innovation, environmental sustainability, and women’s rights have been at the forefront of Rwanda’s rapid development.

You might wonder, is Rwanda budget-friendly? Sub-Saharan Africa in general can be a tricky place to travel cheaply, as it is often perceived as a high-end safari destination. Rwanda is no exception. Much of its recent tourism development has been geared toward high-end luxury lodges and trekking with the coveted mountain gorillas, which costs a lofty $1,500 for a permit.

However, don’t let the hefty price tags associated with gorillas and luxury lodges deter you from experiencing the quiet magic that Rwanda exudes. Having lived and traveled there on and off from 2015 to the present, I have found a number of tricks for saving money and exploring lesser-known destinations that are very cheap and sometimes free! Without a doubt, Rwanda on a budget is absolutely possible, if you don’t mind forgoing some of the higher-end tourist options.

Here is how to save money and visit Rwanda on a Budget:

Table of Contents

How to Save Money on Accommodation

How to Save Money on Transportation

How to Save Money on Food

Suggeted Budgets for Rwanda

9 Money Saving Tips for Rwanda

A Quick Note on Visas

Suggested Budget Resources

How to Save Money on Accommodation

Although there are many high-end hotels and lodges, there are also a handful of hostels, reasonably priced guesthouses, and even some Airbnbs, not to mention camping. I’ve used all these options in both Kigali and destinations across the country.

Budget options tend to be simple but clean. Be aware that water and electricity reliability fluctuates, though they tend to be more consistent than in neighboring countries.

Hostels: Hostels are relatively new to Rwanda, but there are a few to choose from. A dorm room in a hostel such as Discover Rwanda Kigali or Mamba Guesthouse runs $10–15 USD/night.

Guesthouses: Hotels and lodges tend to cost well over $100 USD/night. However, there are also a number that offer private rooms for about $20-45 USD/night. The Nest in Kigali is a great bed-and-breakfast option, with private rooms costing about $50 USD/night.

Airbnbs: Airbnbs are increasingly popular in Kigali, Lake Kivu, and Musanze. Prices for a private room start at $20 USD/night.

Camping: Camping is widespread in national parks such as Nyungwe Forest and Akagera and often available on the sites of many guesthouses. Keep in mind that evenings can get cool and that camping is a bit of a challenge during rainy season. Costs run $8–15 USD/person/night. Akagera National Park, Red Rocks in Musanze, and Kitabi Eco-Center in Nyungwe all offer tents for rent.

How to Save Money on Transportation

Motorbikes: I found public motorcycles to be the fastest and cheapest way to get around within cities. Motorbike trips within Kigali cost 300-1,000 RWF ($0.40–1.10 USD).

Taxis: Taxis are more expensive and harder to find. However, when it rains, motorbikes don’t drive, in which case taxis are the best alternative. An average ride within Kigali costs 2,500-5,000 RWF ($2.70–5.40 USD).

Buses: When venturing out of town, public buses are cheap, safe, and relatively reliable throughout the country. The major bus station in Kigali is Nyabugogo. Countrywide buses cost 2,000-4,000 RWF ($2.20–4.30 USD).

Car rentals: There are a handful of destinations, such as the national parks, that are better explored by car or motorbike, both of which are available to rent. Renting a car starts at $50 USD/day, depending on type of vehicle.

How to Save Money on Food

Kigali is rich in international food, though eating out can get expensive quickly. Expect costs to be on par with European or American restaurants.

Unfortunately, street food is essentially nonexistent because it is seen as dirty. Instead, seek out hole-in-the-wall local restaurants serving rice and beans, ugali (a thick, maize-based porridge), brochettes (grilled meat), and potatoes. Wine and cocktails are extremely expensive and are average quality at best, so local beers are your best bet to quench your thirst.

Here are some average food and drink costs:

Lunch buffet of local food: all you can eat for 2,000 RWF ($2.20 USD).

Dinner at local restaurant: 3,000–8,000 RWF ($3.25–10 USD). In Kigali, head to Car Wash for brochettes and Panorama Ten to Two for grilled lake fish.

Produce at local market: 100-1,000 RWF ($0.11–1.10 USD), depending on the product. Fruits such as mangoes, passion fruit, and tree tomatoes are cheap and delicious. Always bargain!

Lunch or dinner at an average-priced Western restaurant: 4,000-6,000 RWF ($4.50–6.50 USD). Try Meze Fresh, Borneo, Now Now Rolex, and Baso Patisserie for tasty and filling international cuisine that won’t break the bank.

Dinner at an international restaurant: 12,000-18,000 RWF ($13–20 USD). If you’re going to splurge, Kigali has some phenomenal Indian food (Khana Kazana) and French food (Poivre Noir).

Local beer: 1,000 RWF ($1.10) for Mutzig or other local beer

Wine/cocktail: 5,000-10,000 RWF ($5.50–11 USD)

Suggeted Budgets for Rwanda

You can save a lot of money by traveling slowly and independently and going a bit off the beaten track. While a lot of activities and extras aren’t excruciatingly expensive, they can definitely throw off a daily budget.

On a day when you’re camping or staying in a dorm, eating at markets or local restaurants, and doing free activities using public transportation, you can get by with $25 USD/day.

If you rent a car for a few days, have the occasional night out, and budget in a couple excursions, such as game drives in Akagera or hiking Mt. Bisoke, your daily costs, averaged out over two weeks or so, will increase to around $50–75 USD/day.

9 Money Saving Tips for Rwanda

Rwanda is pretty cheap to visit but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save on your trip. Here are some insider tips on how to save money in Rwanda without losing the great experience:

Take local transportation wherever possible: Buses will get you to most major destinations, from which you can take public motorbikes to your final destination. Buses not only run to destinations within Rwanda but to the borders with the DRC, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as to major East African cities, such as Kampala. The main bus station in Kigali is Nyabugogo. If you want to explore Rwanda more independently and cheaply than by car, consider renting a motorbike or bicycle in Kigali, depending on where you want to go.

Motorbikes vs. taxis: Motorbikes are cheap, fast, and efficient. Public motorbike drivers wear red vests and carry an extra helmet for passengers. The average cost should be 100 RWF ($0.11 USD) per kilometer, but always make sure to bargain. Drivers don’t always know exact locations, so it is helpful to familiarize yourself with neighborhoods and reference points, such as a major hotel. Note that motorbikes usually don’t drive in the rain, in which case taxis or walking tend to be the only option. Taxis are much more expensive and less convenient in most other situations, unless carrying a lot of luggage.

Consider walking: Walking isn’t always the fastest option in Kigali, given the hills, the fair distances between neighborhoods, and the fact that the city sits at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. However, it is also extremely safe, and walking is a great way to save money and to discover neighborhoods and side streets you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Eat local: Western restaurants can get expensive. Eat at local buffets for a fast, filling, inexpensive meal, and shop at local markets and roadside stands for an abundance of cheap, fresh tropical fruits, which are always negotiable in cost.

Bring a reusable water bottle: Water is not safe to drink from the tap, but many hotels and houses have filtered water to refill your bottle rather than buying new bottles.

Go off the beaten path: Sure, Rwanda may be known for gorilla trekking and hiking Mt. Karisimbi, the highest peak in the Virunga range, but these come at high costs. Look for free activities, find off-the-beaten-path trails through small villages for endless days of hiking and exploration, and relax at the lake.

Alternatives to popular activities: Named “the land of a thousand hills” for a reason, Rwanda is abundant in green hills and mountains that are ideal for hiking and biking. Trails extend throughout the country, dipping down into valleys of banana plantations and up around mountainous passes. If you’re feeling adventurous, find a motorbike or bicycle and do some exploring! If you’re aching for a volcano or primate experience, trek with chimpanzees in Nyungwe, observe golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, or do a day hike up Mt. Bisoke, which are cheaper but still fulfilling alternatives.

Avoid tour companies: Pre-booked activities and tours can get expensive, and traveling without them is straightforward. Due to the country’s small size and relatively well-developed transport system and infrastructure, it is pretty easy to travel independently. Tap into some of the resources I’ve provided below to help answer further questions.

Travel during rainy season: Although traveling during the heart of rainy season may not initially sound ideal, it can have some perks as well. Treks, park entrance fees, and lodging often offer reduced rates during the off-season, not to mention that crowds are smaller. Rwanda’s landscape happens to be especially luscious this time of the year as well. Also, it rarely rains all day — it’s most likely that you’ll have a heavy rain in the afternoon, with sunshine and blue skies the rest of the day.

A Quick Note on Visas

Visas are available both online and on arrival, dependent on the type and length of visa you are seeking. A 30-day, single-entry visa on arrival is available for $30 USD. The East African Tourist Visa ($100 USD, apply online in advance) grants 90 days of multiple-entry access to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Note: if you leave these three countries, the visa is canceled. Visa extensions are granted at the immigration office in Remera, although this process is often complex and time-consuming.

Suggested Budget Resources

Expats in Rwanda – Before arriving in Rwanda, join the Facebook group, “Expats in Rwanda,” a group for expats travelling in and living in Rwanda. The group is always engaged in discussions regarding recent news in the region, the opening of new restaurants and accommodation, and listings of items for sale or rent. You’re likely to find cars, motorbikes, and camping gear for rent, sublets (short and long-term) in houses, as well as an entire network of people to ask questions about your upcoming trip. If you’re travelling on your own, you can also link up with other travelers/expats to join in on a game drive to Akagera, a hiking weekend in Musanze, or a lake trip to Kivu, which can save money.

Living in Kigali – Another great resource is Living in Kigali, which offers up-to-date information on the ever-changing Kigali in terms of activities, events, food, and nightlife. Grab a copy of the illustrated “Kigali” map when in town, offering a detailed layout of city by activities, restaurants, and neighborhoods.

Red Rocks Rwanda – Not only is Red Rocks an affordable accommodation option in Musanze, but it is also a travel company and cooperative. They have fantastic information on activities in the Northern Province and can also help you connect with community-based tourism and volunteer opportunities as well.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center – Located in the Muslim neighborhood renowned for its nightlife, Nyamirambo Women’s Center is an artisan cooperative and travel company supporting residents of Nyamirambo. If you’re interested in seeing Nyamirambo through a local’s eyes, they offer city tours as well as activities such as basket weaving.

Irembo – Irembo is a tourism board for Rwanda. For information on available treks and permits, head to Irembo’s tourism site, where you are also able to directly book permits as well.

***

There has never been a better time to visit this tiny and proud nation. Rwanda has received immense attention on the travel radar over the past couple of years, but it is not yet overrun with tourism. If you take time to acquaint yourself with its culture, people, and natural riches, Rwanda on a budget is more than doable.

Hike and bike through the emerald hills and banana plantations, swim in the refreshing volcanic lakes, camp in the bush alongside the Big 5 wildlife, explore an emerging and innovative art scene, and allow Rwanda’s charm to seep under your skin.

Alicia Erickson grew up as a third-culture kid, developing a love for travel at a young age. She has been a digital nomad for the past 5 years, working as a political analyst, social entrepreneur, writer, and yoga teacher while she explores the world. She splits her time primarily between East and Southern Africa, India, and Seattle, where she seeks off-the-beaten-path locales and is particularly drawn to mountains and the savannah, food, wine, and design culture.

Book Your Trip to Rwanda: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post How to Save Money & Visit Rwanda on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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buynewsoul · 6 years

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5 Festive Holiday Stays Who Accommodate Your Fur Baby

The post 5 Festive Holiday Stays Who Accommodate Your Fur Baby by Sharon McDonnell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Don’t spend another holiday lying around with your dog on the sofa. Embrace life with two paws, and make this year memorable with these must-try seasonal vacation stays.

1. Big sky country

The Resort at Paws Up packs in seasonal activities like sleigh rides and dogsledding.

One hopes a place named The Resort at Paws Up — whose logo is a paw print — is dog friendly. Yup: At this 37,000-acre Montana vacation ranch surrounded by mountains, dogs are welcome in all 28 homes (of up to 4 bedrooms), designed in rustic luxury with lots of timber and huge stone fireplaces, and on guided wilderness hikes (but not in the “glamping” tents).

The Christmastime schedule is packed with sleigh rides, dogsledding, snowmobiling, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, special Christmas Day and Eve menus at its restaurants (one fine dining, one casual), a Christmas Eve kids’ party and a visit from Santa. Your home comes with a tree, ornaments and lighting (DIY or let staff do it).

Getting around this vast resort is easy: Each home comes with a Kia (or just call the free van). Rates include three meals a day, beverages, some activities and free airport transfers from Missoula Airport. Per-night dog fee. See pawsup.com.

2. All I want for Christmas is a beach

The Cypress Inn is a few blocks from Carmel Beach, where dogs can roam leash-free.

The Cypress Inn in tiny Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, was a pioneer in dog-friendly lodgings, as befits its ownership by animal advocate Doris Day. The exquisite white Mediterranean-style inn with a retro Hollywood Golden Age vibe and lovely gardens has a daily Yappy Hour in the courtyard, dog bed and bowl for your furry pal, and concierges freely dispense grain-free treats.

A few blocks from white-sand Carmel Beach, where dogs can roam leash-free (as on many hiking trails), the Cypress Inn is located in a village of houses resembling storybook cottages, where wine-tasting rooms, shops and over 100 galleries are an easy walk.

At Christmas, it’s even more fairy-tale like. Rates include buffet breakfast, in-room fruit, nuts and sherry, and free WiFi. If it’s booked, no worries: Two dozen more hotels in Carmel welcome dogs. Per-night dog fee. More at cypress-inn.com.

3. Pawk the Pup in Bawston

Get a stuffed black Lab toy, just like Carly — the Fairmont Copley Plaza’s canine ambassador — plus a book about her predecessor in the Canine Adventure Package.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza isn’t just a grand Old World-style hotel in Boston (where snow is guaranteed in winter) that allows dogs: It has its own Canine Ambassador: Carly, a Black Labrador, who resides in the lobby between walks and runs with guests. In fact, a Canine Adventure package year-round includes a black Lab stuffed toy, a walk with Carly and a delightful children’s biography of Catie, Carly’s beloved predecessor.

Located in historic Back Bay, mere steps from Beacon Hill and the Freedom Trail, the 383-room Copley Plaza, which has a 3,000-square-foot rooftop health club, has a huge decorated tree for Christmas, as does Copley Square, where the hotel is located. Per-night dog fee. See more at fairmont.com.

4. Christmas in the Big Easy

There’s no surprise that dogs and art abound at the Old No. 77 in New Orleans. Pictured with a canine friend is the 2016 artist in residence TJ Kiser.

In New Orleans, the Old No. 77 Hotel is filled with paintings by local artists, products by local makers, exposed-brick walls, a shabby-chic vibe — and a restaurant from the 2018 James Beard Best Chef: South winner, Nina Compton of Compere Lapin. Its paws-pitality boasts a pet room service menu of meat and veggie-laden grain-free (or whole-grain) food, plush toy and eco-friendly dog bed (made from recycled plastic bottles) for your furry family member, and books on holistic pet care, doggie massage and pet psychology on loan. A VIP door hanger alerts staff at this Warehouse District hotel not to disturb an unattended dog in the room.

New Orleans is wonderful at Christmas: Over 100 events range from free concerts in St. Louis Cathedral (from gospel to jazz), caroling at Jackson Square, cooking demos, historic house tours, Celebration in the Oaks (hundreds of thousands of lights festoon centuries-old live oaks in City Park) to bonfires atop river levees outside the city. Once-per-stay dog fee. See oldno77.com.

5. Near our nation’s capital

The Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa loves dogs so much there’s no extra fee or restrictions for canine guests. Dogs even get their own plush dog beds and pillows for snuggling.

In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, dogs are so welcome at Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, there’s no extra fee, or breed, weight or size restrictions (they just need to fit through the door).

Besides a plush dog bed and pillow for snuggling, food/water bowls and mat, you get a list of nearby dog parks (five nearby, two off leash), restaurants with pet-friendly outdoor patios like Don Taco, Mai Thai and Le Refuge, dog walkers and groomers from this boutique hotel’s concierge. Kimpton is known for its nightly free wine receptions (just call it Yappy Hour; dogs can come). Just 5 miles from Washington D.C., Alexandria is one of the most dog-friendly cities around (one out of four residents is a dog, while dozens of shops welcome dogs).

On the first weekend of December, the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town features Scottish Terriers clad in tartans trotting amid the bagpipers past stately 18th and 19th century brick townhouses and cobblestone streets. (For Potomac Boat Company’s dogs-welcome boat cruises, you’ll need to return in May through October.) Good to know: Weddings at the Lorien have featured dog paw-ticipants (often as ring bearers); a local boutique makes canine wedding costumes to match the happy couple. More at lorienhotelandspa.com.

Thumbnail: Photography Courtesy The Resort at Paws Up

About the author

Sharon McDonnell is a San Francisco- based travel, food and beverage writer and dog mom to the aptly named Fluffy, a cuddly Bichon Frise/Poodle mix. Check out more of her work at sharonmcdonnell.contently.com.

Editor’s note: This article appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Read more dog news at Dogster.com:

NexGard Approved to Prevent Lyme Disease Infections

9 Products You and Your Dogs Will Love this Holiday

Match Your Pup’s Personality with Holiday Cards by Minted

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stiles-wtf · 6 years

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5 Festive Holiday Stays Who Accommodate Your Fur Baby

Don’t spend another holiday lying around with your dog on the sofa. Embrace life with two paws, and make this year memorable with these must-try seasonal vacation stays.

1. Big sky country

The Resort at Paws Up packs in seasonal activities like sleigh rides and dogsledding.

2. All I want for Christmas is a beach

The Cypress Inn is a few blocks from Carmel Beach, where dogs can roam leash-free.

3. Pawk the Pup in Bawston

Get a stuffed black Lab toy, just like Carly — the Fairmont Copley Plaza’s canine ambassador — plus a book about her predecessor in the Canine Adventure Package.

4. Christmas in the Big Easy

There’s no surprise that dogs and art abound at the Old No. 77 in New Orleans. Pictured with a canine friend is the 2016 artist in residence TJ Kiser.

5. Near our nation’s capital

The Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa loves dogs so much there’s no extra fee or restrictions for canine guests. Dogs even get their own plush dog beds and pillows for snuggling.

In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, dogs are so welcome at Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, there’s no extra fee, or breed, weight or size restrictions (they just need to fit through the door).

Thumbnail: Photography Courtesy The Resort at Paws Up

About the author

Read more dog news at Dogster.com:

NexGard Approved to Prevent Lyme Disease Infections

9 Products You and Your Dogs Will Love this Holiday

Match Your Pup’s Personality with Holiday Cards by Minted

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daddyslittlejuliet · 6 years

Text

5 Festive Holiday Stays Who Accommodate Your Fur Baby

Don’t spend another holiday lying around with your dog on the sofa. Embrace life with two paws, and make this year memorable with these must-try seasonal vacation stays.

1. Big sky country

The Resort at Paws Up packs in seasonal activities like sleigh rides and dogsledding.

2. All I want for Christmas is a beach

The Cypress Inn is a few blocks from Carmel Beach, where dogs can roam leash-free.

3. Pawk the Pup in Bawston

Get a stuffed black Lab toy, just like Carly — the Fairmont Copley Plaza’s canine ambassador — plus a book about her predecessor in the Canine Adventure Package.

4. Christmas in the Big Easy

There’s no surprise that dogs and art abound at the Old No. 77 in New Orleans. Pictured with a canine friend is the 2016 artist in residence TJ Kiser.

5. Near our nation’s capital

The Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa loves dogs so much there’s no extra fee or restrictions for canine guests. Dogs even get their own plush dog beds and pillows for snuggling.

In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, dogs are so welcome at Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, there’s no extra fee, or breed, weight or size restrictions (they just need to fit through the door).

Thumbnail: Photography Courtesy The Resort at Paws Up

About the author

Read more dog news at Dogster.com:

NexGard Approved to Prevent Lyme Disease Infections

9 Products You and Your Dogs Will Love this Holiday

Match Your Pup’s Personality with Holiday Cards by Minted

0 notes

jeffreyrwelch · 6 years

Text

5 Festive Holiday Stays Who Accommodate Your Fur Baby

Don’t spend another holiday lying around with your dog on the sofa. Embrace life with two paws, and make this year memorable with these must-try seasonal vacation stays.

1. Big sky country

The Resort at Paws Up packs in seasonal activities like sleigh rides and dogsledding.

2. All I want for Christmas is a beach

The Cypress Inn is a few blocks from Carmel Beach, where dogs can roam leash-free.

3. Pawk the Pup in Bawston

Get a stuffed black Lab toy, just like Carly — the Fairmont Copley Plaza’s canine ambassador — plus a book about her predecessor in the Canine Adventure Package.

4. Christmas in the Big Easy

There’s no surprise that dogs and art abound at the Old No. 77 in New Orleans. Pictured with a canine friend is the 2016 artist in residence TJ Kiser.

5. Near our nation’s capital

The Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa loves dogs so much there’s no extra fee or restrictions for canine guests. Dogs even get their own plush dog beds and pillows for snuggling.

In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, dogs are so welcome at Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, there’s no extra fee, or breed, weight or size restrictions (they just need to fit through the door).

Thumbnail: Photography Courtesy The Resort at Paws Up

About the author

Read more dog news at Dogster.com:

NexGard Approved to Prevent Lyme Disease Infections

9 Products You and Your Dogs Will Love this Holiday

Match Your Pup’s Personality with Holiday Cards by Minted

0 notes

backpackhikers · 6 years

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Full Day Hiking Trip To Jang Bahadur Gorkha Fort 15th April 2018 INR 950/- PP Visit: http://www.backpackhikers.com/jang-bahadur-gorkha-fort/ Call: 9501234476 /7973513911 /9805101227 /9915641227 Itinerary: Trip Start * Assembly time *6:00AM* sharp at Decathlon, Zirakpur. * Packed Breakfast will be served. * Attendance & vehicle numbering. * Rally will start at *6:30AM* sharp. *1st Stop:* * Jatoli Shiv Temple *9:30AM* * Attendance * Proceed to Jang Bahadur Gorkha Fort Trek Start point. 2nd Stop: * Park vehicles as start of trail *10:00AM* * Briefing / Training before start Hiking *30 Min.* * Hike will Start *10:30AM* on the go trainings. * Reach Jung Bahadur Gorkha Fort app *12:00PM* * Visit 190 years old fort and surroundings. * Learn how to make fire with Flint & *cook Maggie on jungle wood fire.* * Learn How to search direction with Sun. * Descent will start at *12:30PM* * Reach down apps *2:00PM* and proceed to Sherpa Eco Resort. 3rd Stop: * Reach Sherpa Eco Resort *2:30PM* * Lunch will be served at resort. * Training on How to pitch tent for *45 min.* * People can enjoy Obstacle Course on chargeable basis (Zip Line, Burma Bridge, Bamboo Bridge & Hanging Bridge). * Evening Tea at resort and start back to Jatoli Shiv Temple apps *5:30PM.* 4th Stop: * Arrival at Jatoli Shiv Temple *6:00 PM.* * Temple tour with guide will finish Around *6:45PM.* *Trip ENDs with lots of memories & learnings* Things Include 1). Packed Breakfast. 2). Maggi at Fort. 3). Buffet Veg Lunch in Resort. 4). Morning & Evening Tea. 5). Hiking Training. 6). Survival Training. 7). Knots training (3 important knots). 8). Camping Training 9). Jatoli Temple Visit. 10). Tour Guide. 11). First Aid. Things Not Include 1). Obstacle Course. 2). Conveyance. (On additional cost of INR 600 Per person per seat) 3). Any kind of transfers. 4). Any meals apart of mentioned above.

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pack-to-life · 7 years

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Four must-do hikes in Karijini National Park in Western Australia

Four must-do hikes when visiting Karijini National Park in Western Australia

When imagining the outback of Western Australia, most travelers think about dust in a dark red color. And that is exactly the color that comes to mind when thinking about Karijini national park, one of our favorite spots in Western Australia. With its unique landscape, it offered us a real Western Australian outback experience. Inside the park, there are different parking lots where several hikes take you to fairy tale pools, red terraced cliffs and gorgeous waterfalls. In this blog post, we describe our four favorite hikes in Karijini National Park.

About the hikes

At the visitor center of Karijini national park, you can get maps of the area and the hikes. Here you can check the weather conditions as well. They have small shop where you can buy fresh and cold water, a necessity during your hike.

Every walking trail has a classification number:

Class 2: Suitable for families. You don’t need any bushwalk experience

Class 3: Suitable for different ages and fitness levels. Only little bushwalk experience is needed

Class 4: For this walk, you need a good level of fitness. Experience in bushwalking is recommended

Class 5: A high level of fitness is recommended. Only if you are an experienced bushwalker. Sometimes you have to swim or climb to continue your walk.

All hikes in Karijini national park start at a specific parking lot. So you can easily reach the start of the hike with your car. Large panels indicate where the trail starts. During the hike, buttons on rocks show you the way.

Signage during the hikes in Karijini national park

Dales gorge and Circular Pool (Class 4)

Start hike: The hike starts from Fortescue Falls park, close to Dales campground.

Description of the hike:

It starts with an easy walk where you take the stairs down into the gorge. When you head to the right, you can go and see the fern pool (a large pool with a waterfall that is very suitable for swimming). If you head to the left, you start hiking through the gorge. The hike is not very difficult, but sometimes you have to cross water via rocks to go from one side of the gorge to the other side. You can return the same way, or continue via the Circular Pool track and return to Fortescue Falls car park along the Gorge Rim track. The Circular Pool track ends at Circular Pool, a perfect place to have a picnic and a swim.

Length of the trail: The Dales gorge trail is about 2 kilometers. You need to walk an additional 800 meters for the Circular Pool. The Gorge rim track is 2 kilometers as well.

Stairs for descending into Dales gorge

Inside the gorge

Mount Bruce Summit (Class 5)

Start hike: The hike starts from Mount Bruce car park

Description of the hike:

With its 1234 meters high, Mount Bruce is the second large summit in Western Australia. During the hike up, you will have spectacular views over the area and the Marandoo mine. Along the way, there are different information boards about the area and the mine. The trail start easy, but gets more difficult once past the Marandoo mine site. Especially the last climb becomes a bit more technical. Because there is not a lot of shelter during your hike, it’s best to start the hike during the morning hours.

Length of the trail: From the car park to the summit and back is 9 kilometers. Dependent on your fitness level, the hike takes 4-6 hours.

Spectacular views over the area

At the top of Mount Bruce

Joffre waterfall (Class 4-5)

Start hike: The hike starts from the car park near the Joffre falls lookout.

Description of the hike:

Most of the trail is class 4, but the last 150 meters is class 5. It is the perfect way to witness how the water has changed the landscape. The trail ends at a curved wall which forms a natural amphitheater with an amazing natural waterfall. This hike can be technical as you need to climb up and down rocks that can be slippery from the water.

Length of the trail: The hike is 3 kilometers and it will take you about 2 hours.

The Joffre waterfall as seen from above

At the bottom of the Joffre waterfall

Hancock gorge (Class 5)

Start hike: The hike starts from the Weano Gorge car park

Description of the hike:

This is probably the most adventurous hike of all. Be sure to take an action camera with you and leave other stuff that isn’t waterproof in your car. During this walk you sometimes need to swim or walk through water to continue, so you don’t want to take an expensive camera with you. The hike is technical as you have to defeat several natural obstacles. During the spider walk, you climb through a small gorge while water is streaming beneath you. Definitely not for the fainthearted, but we loved this hike!

Length of the trail: The hike is 1.5 kilometers and it will take you about 2 hours.

To continue, please swim

Warning sign before entering the Hancock gorge

A little bit of advice

A lot of these hikes demand to have bushwalk experience and a good level of fitness. Don’t start with these hikes if you don’t have a lot of walking experience. Visit the visitor center beforehand to obtain additional information and a map of the area (for free). Also check the weather conditions and leave the gorges immediately when it starts to rain (flooding occurs).

Karijini National Park’s climate can be best described as tropical semi-desert, and hence temperatures in summer can be extreme. Take plenty of drinking water and sun protection.

Don’t start hiking without…

Minimum 2 liters of water per person per day

Sturdy shoes

Sun hat

Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant

Map of the area

Snacks and/or lunch

Clothes for every type of weather condition

About the park

Karijini national park is Western Australia’s second largest national park. The park is famous for its many gorges, slot canyons, waterfalls, waterholes and red cliffs. The best time to visit the park is May to August, when it is wildflower season and the waterfalls are at their best. The park has a beautiful visitor center, where you can learn more about the park and get more information and maps of the different hikes. At the visitor center, you have hot showers and toilets. It is located just off Banjima Drive (eastern section) and is open from 9am to 4pm from April to October with reduced hours over the remaining months. Drinking water can be bought in the visitor center. There are also tanks with untreated water on the site, but remember this water needs to be treated before it is drinkable. Our advice is to take plenty of water with you before entering the park.

How to get there?

The park lies about 1400 kilometers north of Perth. The most important city nearby is Tom Price. If you want to fully experience Karijini, you need a car to drive from one car park to the other. When you drive carefully, a 2WD should be sufficient.

Where to stay?

There are two camping grounds in Karijini: Dales campground and at Karijini Eco Retreat. Facilities include benches, gas barbecues and toilets. If you’re more in the mood for glamping, Karijini Eco Retreat offers deluxe eco tent with ensuite and eco cabins.

Why not pin it for later?

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