mountains
Not for novices: America’s most dangerous hikes | Atlas & Boots
While most will – and do – complete these hikes unscathed, the trails can be perilous enough that a spot of bad luck, small mistake or slight miscalculation can leave you seriously injured – or even dead. Exposure, crevasses, avalanches – all the usual threats can be found on America's most dangerous hikes. But there are also a few wildcards in here that can turn a walk in the park into a dice with death. Huckleberries anyone? The post Not for novices: America’s most dangerous hikes appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Which is the best Kilimanjaro climbing route? | Atlas & Boots
The 'roof of Africa' was the first high-altitude mountain I climbed. At 5,895m (19,340ft), Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is Africa’s highest peak and while I had some hillwalking behind me, I had no prior experience of high-altitude trekking. I opted for the cheapest and quickest route to the summit via the Marangu AKA the 'Coca-Cola' route. The post Which is the best Kilimanjaro climbing route? appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
20 most stunning big wall climbs from around the world | Atlas & Boots
It was five years ago that I first came across a big wall climber. A tiny speck on the side of a gigantic granite wall, the climber was bivvying in Yosemite National Park, the Holy Land of big wall climbing. I couldn't comprehend how someone could sleep tacked onto the side of a wall, suspended thousands of feet above the ground, sometimes in treacherously windy conditions. I was reminded of this special breed of people by the recent film Meru which follows three world-class climbers on their efforts to scale the mountain's imposing Shark's Fin. The high-altitude and Alpine climbing on display is impressive of course but it's the big wall climbing on the near-featureless Shark's Fin that is really mind blowing. The post 20 most stunning big wall climbs from around the world appeared fir...
Trekking the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan: all you need to know
The smallest of the Central Asian republics, landlocked, misshapen and squished and squeezed by its neighbours, Tajikistan has somehow remained largely undiscovered by tourists even though it was at the centre of the Silk Road for much of its past. The post Trekking the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan: all you need to know appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Everest base camp trek tips: 28 things to know before you go
Our tips for trekking to Everest base camp, generated from the many questions our readers sent in. Before, during and since my Everest base camp trek in Nepal, we’ve received dozens of questions about the experience via email and social media. We’ve collated them all below in a detailed Q&A to create the following tips for trekking to Everest base camp. The post Everest base camp trek tips: 28 things to know before you go appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
How to train for mountaineering: a seven-step plan
I climbed my first high-altitude mountain back in 2010. At 5,895m (19,340ft), Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, and, while I had some hillwalking behind me, I had no prior experience of trekking at altitude, wasn’t fit enough and didn’t have the right gear. In hindsight, I was fortunate to make the summit considering I was so underprepared. The post How to train for mountaineering: a seven-step plan appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Most dangerous mountains in the world
We take a look at the most dangerous mountains in the world and what it is that makes them so deadly. Whether it’s the tales of survival that bleed from their slippery slopes or the visions of bravery they muster in the mind’s eye, the most dangerous mountains in the world continue to make the headlines around the world. The most dangerous mountains in the world hold a morbid fascination for mountaineers, climbing enthusiasts and news junkies alike. I am no different. My bookshelves and Kindle are filled with mountaineering books and the tragic tales they so often contain. The post Most dangerous mountains in the world appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
9 best things to do in Kazbegi, Georgia
We share the best things to do in Kazbegi, Georgia’s spectacular northern frontier hiding in the clouds of the Caucasus After trekking the Highlander Svaneti, I headed for Kazbegi in northeastern Georgia. Surrounded on three sides by Russia and occupied South Ossetia, the nature-packed borderland is famed for its rich medley of deep green gorges, snow-capped summits and implausibly-placed medieval churches. The region’s main town is Stepantsminda (more commonly known as Kazbegi), huddled in the lee of the imposing Mt Kazbek which at 5,054m (16,581ft) is Georgia’s third-highest peak and the seventh-highest in the Caucasus Mountains. Unsurprisingly, hiking takes centre stage in this dramatic destination, with Stepantsminda the perfectly positioned gateway to the region’s mountains and valley...
Don’t look down: the world’s most dangerous hikes
With bandits, molten lava and wild animals posing a threat, blisters are the least of your worries on the world’s most dangerous hikes From trekking across the treacherous windswept mountains of South Georgia to picking your way along the rickety walkways of Mount Hua Shan in China, these hikes are not for the fainthearted. 11 of the world’s most dangerous hikes Dizzying heights may be the least of your worries on the world’s most dangerous hikes. Instead, you have to prepare for extreme weather, erupting volcanoes and ferocious wildlife among other threats on these hair-raising trails. 1. Shackleton’s Route, South Georgia Island Biggest danger: Exposure, crevasses and a very remote location On 20th May 1916, Sir Ernest Shackleton and two others stumbled into the whaling station ...
Wild continent: the best national parks in Europe
The best national parks in Europe are home to vast tracts of wilderness, often overlooked by those who flock to its cities When we think of wild continents, Europe is probably last in line. Asia’s fearsome mountains, South America’s lush rainforest and Africa’s vast savannah are surely more impressive. Europe in comparison is famous for its cities: London, Paris, Rome and their ilk. But venture further and you’ll find gigantic glaciers, primeval forests and untouched tracts of wilderness. These areas are quite rightly protected in national parks. To help you explore the wild side of the continent, we share below the best national parks in Europe. Jostedalsbreen National Park Location: NorwayMore info: Official site Jostedalsbreen National Park is home to the largest glacier on contin...
El Chaltén hiking trails: our top 6 picks
We’ve selected six of the best El Chaltén hiking trails, showcasing the finest Andean vistas around Argentina’s trekking capital Patagonia’s El Chaltén hiking trails should be on the bucket list of every serious hiker. The trekking capital of Argentina provides access to a network of well-maintained hiking routes with some of the most breathtaking alpine viewpoints on the continent. The routes are rambling and chaotic at times (underestimate the ever-present winds at your peril), but the rewards are big. The imposing towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre steal the show, but the magnificent UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional Los Glaciares has much to offer hikers of every ability. Best hikes around El Chaltén Most trails are well signposted, but before heading out it’s worth dropping by t...
Fitz Roy day hike: an essential guide
A Q&A guide to the Fitz Roy day hike, telling you exactly what you need to know to reach this iconic peak We had unfinished business with Fitz Roy. We first visited in 2015 after a disappointing trip to Torres del Paine in Chile. It was winter in Patagonia and thanks to awful weather we saw absolutely nothing. A local guide told us to try El Chaltén in Argentina where one of the most beautiful mountains in the world looms over the village itself. In an effort to redeem the journey south, we followed his advice and headed to El Chaltén. Alas, it was not to be. After hiking 18km (11mi) to Laguna Torre, we suffered the same fate: a complete and utter whiteout. Peter was especially crushed. As a mountain junkie, he couldn’t believe that he had missed seeing these iconic peaks. ...
