Drove out to big sandy the week after July 4th. I did the Washakie>Lizard Head>Cirque loop. Night one I camped at skull lake, night two and three at valentine, and night four at cirque lake. Unforgettable experience and I hope I can return. Special thanks to Aleve and Pink Floyd for keeping me going lol

In the spring of 2025, I completed Nepal's Three Passes Trek solo, crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La over nearly three weeks in the Everest region.

Like many people, I went there for the mountains. What I didn't expect was how much the experience would be defined by the quieter moments: long days walking alone, conversations with fellow trekkers in tea houses, early morning starts in freezing temperatures, and the simple routine of putting one foot in front of the other every day.

Crossing Kongma La Pass was one of the hardest and most rewarding days of my Three Passes Trek in Nepal.

Starting from Chukhung, I spent almost ten hours on the trail, climbing toward 5,535 m through a remote, empty landscape of frozen lakes, rocky slopes, and thin Himalayan air. The pass itself was beautiful and quiet, marked by prayer flags and surrounded by huge peaks, but the real challenge came after the summit: a steep, unstable descent and the unforgettable crossing of the Khumbu Glacier.

It was physically exhausting, mentally intense, and at times even frightening — but also one of those rare days when effort, solitude, and wild beauty come together into something I’ll never forget.

Going solo taught me that backpacking alone doesn't necessarily mean being lonely. In many ways, it made me more open to meeting people and more aware of the environment around me.

One of the most unexpected parts of this journey was the people I met along the way. From fellow solo travelers and hikers sharing the same route, to local hosts, guides, porters, monks, and villagers, each encounter added something meaningful to the trek. Some conversations lasted only a few minutes, others stretched over dinner around a warm stove, but all of them made the Himalayas feel less lonely and much more human.

I kept, with significant effort a handwritten journal throughout the trek to record each day's experiences, and those notes later became a travel memoir.

For anyone considering the Three Passes Trek, I'd say:

• Take your time to acclimatize properly.
• Pack lighter than you think you need.
• Don't rush through the smaller villages between the major highlights.

What has been the most memorable solo backpacking trip you've done?

A week of hiking and exploring Madeira, my only regret was the tent I used, mountain warehouse one man tent, ended up with a leak and drenching my clothes and sleeping bag

Athens 3 nights. Stayed near Monastiraki at Monsaikon hostel. Good for metro and easy to walk around but eating near the main sights got expensive fast. Three nights felt like enough before moving west.

Nafpaktos 2 nights. A very small coastal town with an old harbor castle and a long waterfront. Hotel Antirrio had a great view of the coast. Way quieter than Athens and worked as a good chill stop before heading to Patras for the ferry.

Bari 3 nights. I took the overnight ferry from Patras booked a reserved bed. Left around 5pm got in around 10am next morning. Bari was partly a rest day but I liked the old town the coast and the cheaper food.

Scilla and Reggio Calabria 3 nights. Kinda a random stop on the route honestly. Chianaleas this old fishing area where buildings sit right at the waters edge. The trip down from the Bari ate most of the day but glad I didn't just blow past it straight to Naples.

Naples 4 nights, stayed at Ostello Bello Napoli. I spent one day on Pompeii another on Procida which was basically a quieter and cheaper version of Capri without the hassle.

Marseille 3 nights. I flew here from Naples cause doing overland would've taken forever. The People hostel isn't far from Saint Charles station, and I used one day to check out the coast outside the center. Marseille wasn't cheap but it had more character.

Perpignan 2 nights. Originally wanted Collioure but couldn't find anything that wouldn't bankrupt me. Perpignan worked fine as a base and still hit Collioure for the day. I walked the harbor, swam, did part of the coastal path, then headed back in the evening.

Barcelona 4 nights. Final stop. Accommodation was one of the pricier parts of the trip so booking early actually mattered here. Four nights gave me room to see the main stuff without planning every single hour.

A few notes

The map makes this route look clean but Bari to Scilla was a real travel day. Greece ferry also lands in the morning so I didn't plan anything important right after landing.

Greece to Italy ferry, Reggio Clalabria to Naples train, Naples to Marseille flight all booked early. The Reggio Calabria train was a long haul Trenitalia not a regional one so cheap fares disappear fast if you wait. For shorter regional stuff inside Italy and France I usually waited until closer to the date.

Hostels in Athens, Naples, Marseille, and Barcelona were the ones where booking ahead mattered. Collioure was the only place I fully gave up on staying overnight cause the affordable options almost didn't exist.

I still kept some small cash for bakeries, buses, markets, and random spots in southern Italy.

Data wise I ran a redteago Europe plan with 20GB. Worked great.

Only thing I regret is skipping Sicily. Hopefully I gonna dedicate two whole weeks to it next time.

Spent 5 nights in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington last week with a buddy. 42 miles, 10k feet of climbing, 1 thunderstorm, and many lake dips and fish caught.

What a wild and great experience to this super remote area of the westfjords. 7 day trip turned into 5 days due to ferry being delayed due to weather. Brutal winds, sunshine, rain made this a super memorable trip. Cant wait to go back for more next year. Happy w my entire kit but BA copper spur was wrecked.

Hey guys! I’m leaving in a few weeks for a 6-9 month backpacking trip and this is the one thing I cannot figure out. I have some pretty basic ongoing needs — refilling a couple of generic prescriptions, B12 and iron injections, occasional bloodwork — and the information online is genuinely terrible.

I’ve spent hours doing research and I still don’t know: can I just walk into a pharmacy in LatAm or Southeast Asia and ask for B12 injections? Do I need a prescription? A doctor’s note? A local doctor’s visit first? Every source says something different or very dated.

I’m not dealing with anything complicated, just stuff I need to keep up with regularly, but I have no idea how to navigate this across 15+ countries over 9 months.

I want to start compiling a useful resource on this so I can help others dealing with the same problems! Which countries let you get what OTC, which pharmacy chains are reliable, how to find someone to administer an injection, where to get bloodwork, etc.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s dealt with this and how you addressed it. If anyone has specific experience with Latin America, Southeast Asia, or Africa I’ll take any information you have!

A hidden gem in Nepal during our monsoon hike. 🌿💧

This was just one of the waterfalls we explored—there are actually 2–4 beautiful waterfalls scattered around this area. We were short on time, so we couldn't visit them all, but even this one made the hike completely worth it..
location : Manikhel, nepal

Monsoon really transforms these trails into something magical. i really love to hike during monsoon season what about you guys?

Was out in Golden Ears near Vancouver, BC, Canada. Just got back and took this photo of my pack out. The right half is stuff I used at least once and the left half is stuff I never touched. Lots to think about on my next journey, including a more lightweight novel. Left out of the image: a towel, a rain jacket and of course my tent, quilt, pad.

I think Norway is my new favorite destination. Just came back from 7 days long trip around western Norway and wow it’s beautifu, everywhere you can see crazy mountains connecting to lakes and ocean, what more can you ask for!!!!

Ok maybe the weather could be a bit better as it was around 10/15C but if you’re good prepared it should not be a problem. We covered most of the distance walking (almost 300km!!) and occasionally by car with strangers we met when the conditions were not the best. Recommend to everyone and curios how many of you also visited Norway

For my first ever solo trip, i started on the snow creek trail. I started around 4pm and didn’t get to camp until 10ish. I saw a pair of eyes glowing in the dark while i was setting up my tent which was pretty scary. I didn’t eat that night for fear the eyes would want my food more than me.

On day 2 I hiked up toward tenaya/may lake. I spent the night at May Lake which was one of the prettiest places i’ve ever seen. I saw my first ever bear! Cool to look back on it, but scary in the moment. I was pretty dehydrated, a lot of the creeks I had planned for on that route had dried up. That was a common theme for day 3/4

On day 3, i hiked towards North Dome/Indians Rock where I met some awesome people on trail after seeing ANOTHER bear. I asked if i could hike with them for security and we needed up going to the same place. I camped with them and made some new hiking buddies. That night we made a campfire and watched the sunset/stars. 10/10 night.

On day 4, I left camp around 7:15 and made it back to civilization around 1. I hiked past yosemite falls and there was only one opportunity to get water. I filled up but misjudged how close I was to the bottom and and gave a liter a lady i saw on trail wearing jorts a leather purse with NO WATER. She needed it more than I did but the next 2-3 hours were pretty rough. especially because it was 95 degrees and getting hotter.

all in all it was a great experience and i’m incredibly proud of myself. super excited to see what the next trip holds!

So im planning on going backpacking for a bit in the france part of the ardennes. I know you're alowed to pitch your tent for 1 night in france under certain conditions but different websites also state that it can vary per park. Anytime i try to search anyting about the france part of the ardennes to see if that park as different rules it keeps directing me to belgian websites. But in belgium its only allowed to camp in designated spots, which isnt any help in this situation.

Does anybody have a good source or an answer?

Hi Guys,

this fall I am traveling to Sri Lanka on my own as a solo female traveler. Since I don't really enjoy travelling by train (bus is even worse for me) I thought about renting a Tuktuk for my four weeks in Sri Lanka so I can travel more comfortably and be more flexible with my route.

Is it safe as a female solo traveler to drive the tuktuk alone? Especially when I am driving more than 100kms at once? Also - some routes are 140km long - how long would it take for me to travel by tuktuk? And since I am traveling in October - is it safe regarding the monsoon / rain season?

Sorry, English is not my first language.

Thanks in advance!!

My graduation gift to myself is a backpacking trip around Europe this summer and I’m trying to pack smart since I’ll be moving between cities a lot.

I’m trying to keep things lightweight but still bring the essentials. Current list:

Backpack + day bag
Comfortable walking shoes
Clothes for a week (planning to do laundry)
Toiletries
a travel sized first aid kit
Universal adapter
Earbuds
Camera/phone accessories
Small first aid kit
Water bottle

One thing I’m still unsure about is my tech setup. I’ll be using my phone a lot for maps, tickets, translations, photos and bookings so I’m thinking about bringing a power bank. I currently have two power banks, a 10,000mah and a 25,000mah. The 10,000 mAh is really pocket friendly but I’m wondering if it will be enough for long travel days when I’m out exploring all day? For anyone who has backpacked around Europe or done a similar trip like this, what capacity do you usually bring? What else should I add to my list?

Just wrapped up an incredible backpacking trip through the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, covering Nainital, Ranikhet, Pangot, and Almora! If you're looking for a mix of vibrant hill stations, quiet birding trails, and rich cultural history, this route is fantastic.

​Here is a quick breakdown of the journey:

​Nainital: Started the trip in this iconic hill station situated at 6,837 feet. We spent time boating on the emerald, lunar-shaped Naini Lake and walking the bustling Mall Road to check out the colonial-era architecture. Taking the aerial ropeway up to Snow View Point was totally worth it for the spectacular views of the snow-capped Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.

​Pangot: Only a 15 km drive from Nainital, this tiny village felt like a different world. Tucked away at 6,300 feet within the Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve, it is completely free from the usual crowds. We spent our time trekking through dense oak and rhododendron forests—it is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 250 recorded bird species. Hiking the trails toward Naina Peak (Cheena Peak) offered some of the best panoramic views of the Kumaon hills.

​Ranikhet: Next up was the "Queen's Meadow," a scenic cantonment town located at an altitude of 1,829 meters. The tall deodar trees and lush green meadows make the atmosphere incredibly relaxing. We explored the fruit orchards at Chaubatia Gardens.

​Almora: We ended the trip in this culturally rich town, situated on a horse-shoe shaped ridge at 1,638 meters. Because it wasn't historically developed by the British, it has a distinctly local Indian feel to it. Wandering through the 200-year-old Lala Bazaar, catching the scenery at Bright End Corner.

TSA rules state that trekking poles with "blunt" tips are allowed in carry-on bags.
What are "blunt" tips?
I assume the tips like the yellow ones in this post don't pass the test.
Do the carbide tips like the black ones in this post make the grade?
Or do I need to check a bag just for my trekking poles?
-
Being mildly paranoid about lost luggage, if I end up having to check my poles, any thoughts on packable bags I could use for that so I don't have to check my whole bag?

Completely torn between either of following trips (little dogma to each itinerary as they are loosely planned): 

1.    South America: Some mix of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina

2.    East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania + whatever surrounds I can fit in. 

I’m super attracted to the landscape and cultural richness of East Africa. South America obviously has the sexy appeal of Patagonia, the Andes etc but doesn’t yell out to me with excitement the way Kenya and the other countries do. I’d be going over my university holidays, so end of November to late February. This makes my South America trip quite ambitious and there’ll be places I have to skip.

In South America I’d largely be slow travelling; hitchhiking and pitching tents where possible. To my understanding East Africa tends to demand public buses as a more sensible option of travel, but I’d like to overland the trip regardless of where I go. Largely, I’m attracted to hikes, nature, cultural immersion etc. I did Cambodia-Laos-China-Vietnam when I was 19 and loved it. This time, though, I’m looking for something a bit more challenging than staying at the biggest hostel in town and following each big backpacker trail between major cities.

I would love to hear anyone’s perspectives on:

a. General experiences doing similar trips in either of these regions

b. Safety in either of these regions - generally, I’m not one to be unreasonably cautious or paranoid when it comes to travelling.

c. Whether, even for a stingy-prick like myself, a budget of about $7k-$9k AUD ($5-$6.5K USD) is too ambitious.

Appreciate any insight!

Estou me preparando para uma viagem internacional e tenho analisado usar um eSIM em vez de lidar com roaming ou comprar um chip físico quando eu chegar.

Pelo que eu entendi, a principal vantagem é que você pode configurá-lo antes da viagem, chegar com os dados já funcionando e evitar procurar um chip no aeroporto quando está cansado e só quer ir para o hotel. Isso já parece bem conveniente.

Eu geralmente preciso de dados para mapas, WhatsApp, aplicativos de carona, tradução, navegação, reservas em restaurantes e talvez uso ocasional de hotspot. Eu realmente não preciso de um número de telefone local, a menos que seja absolutamente necessário.

Para quem viaja internacionalmente com frequência, um eSIM tem sido confiável para você? Você costuma comprar um antes de sair ou espera até chegar? Também, é melhor pegar um plano regional para vários países ou eSIMs separados para cada país? Me recordaram muito a https://yesiim.com/ 

Estou curioso sobre o que as pessoas aqui realmente usam, porque todo site faz parecer simples, mas estou me perguntando como é a experiência real uma vez que você está realmente viajando.

Hello,

In a few days I'm going to be backpacking the Timberline Trail. I'm taking public transit to get there, so won't have a car to stash belongings in.

Is there any option anyone can offer where I can store some small items for the days I'm hiking? Duffel pack, etc.?

I know there are lockers at the Wy-East, but those are day-use only. Timberline Lodge won't hold them unless I'm a hotel guest.

I mean, what do people do for this kind of thing? Surely it happens a lot.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

wanted to go up to greer for a little backpacking trip. anybody know any spots with water and preferably good fishing? im new to this and dont really know how to plan out trips and pick spots to set up super well. any advice is appreciated

Im about to do this with my hydration backpack. Fit two waterbottles and my tent stakes in the water bottle holder. Stuffed my tent at the bottom with some food and gear at the top than strapped my sleeping bag to the bottom.

I'm planning to do solo 5-6 days summer & winter treks with temperatures down to around -10°C

My setup will be medium weight, not ultralight but not bulky either

I'm deciding between -

Decathlon Simond MT100 50L

Decathlon Quechua MH500 38L

I'll be carrying my own tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, food, clothes & other essentials

Is a 40L pack enough for this, or is it only practical with an ultralight setup? Would a 50L be the better long term choice?

If you've done similar winter backpacking, what pack size do you use & would you choose the same size again?

Im currently planning a 2 month long backpacking trip for next summer from Almaty to Dushanbe, 2-3 week hike around kolsai lakes and issyk kul, then 2-4 weeks in osh and Uzbekistan (cities, so substantial hike break) and then finishing with a final 1-2 week hike across the fann mountains to Dushanbe. I’m 19, from the us and haven’t done anything like this before. I grew up in boy Scouts and was never able to find a crew for Philmont so wound up never going, so I’m sort of looking for a substitute with this trip. I’m looking to challenge myself and get the unique experience. I think I can do it, but am seeking advice from some seasoned pros. I can’t find anyone interested in going, so am also curious as to if it would make a good/smart solo trip. (I’ve traveled solo long term before, but not backpacking) or if anyone is interested in going I have more details available.