Trekking tours involve walking and hiking in an area, with options for camping or staying in guesthouses. Popular destinations include mountainous regions like the American Rockies and the Himalayas. Horse trekking and wildlife trekking tours are also available. Trekking can be done alone or in a group, with appropriate equipment recommended.
Travelers who prefer an active vacation might want to try trekking tours. This form of adventure tourism involves walking and hiking in an area. The trek may consist of a trail in an isolated mountainous region or between villages in a populated area. There’s plenty of time to see scenery and talk to locals, visit attractions, and sample local cuisine. Walking travel can be combined with camping or, in places like India and Nepal, vacationers can trek to teahouses, where they stay in village guesthouses.
The mountainous regions are popular destinations for trekking tours. Hiking through the American Rockies, visiting Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas, or climbing the Inca Trail in Peru are popular trips. The terrain is interesting and varied, and the journey can combine some climbing with hiking, requiring travelers to be in good shape. Tour companies will advise preparation well in advance and provide guidelines. Once travelers arrive, some acclimatization will be required to adjust to the higher altitude.
Horse trekking takes travelers through a region on horseback. Tour companies offer trips to every continent and provide horses and tacks for those who don’t have their own. Horse trekking tours vary from visiting a ranch, where guests take rides during the day and stay in a lodge at night, to actual cattle drives. The latter involves moving animals for miles and camping like a real cowboy. Participants should have some driving ability and be aware of their physical endurance, as driving is strenuous.
Places rich in diverse animal life such as Africa, Indonesia and Tasmania offer wildlife trekking tours where travelers can observe animals and insects in their native habitats. Some tours take place in national park areas. From bird watching to seeing gorillas in the wild, reputable tour companies are committed to keeping travelers and animals safe. Tracking solitary animals, such as lowland gorillas, makes for a long hike on these types of trekking tours.
Trekking tours can be done in a group or alone. There are usually enough people walking or climbing the trail that a lone traveler won’t lack for company, especially on more popular tours like Everest or Machu Picchu. Quality, well-fitting hiking boots with good ankle support and appropriate outerwear are essential equipment. A comfortable backpack of the appropriate size for trekking is also recommended, whether it’s a day trip or a longer hike. The tour company will provide a list of the most useful equipment and what to leave.
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