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List of Treks in Nepal

If this is your first trip to Nepal, it is sometimes challenging to decide which trek is the right for your purpose. There are so many treks worth visiting. We like to trek independently and try to spend at least money as possible. Here is a list of 25 Trek in Nepal worth thinking about.

Thankfully, We’ve got your back! So, here is everythings you should really know in order to succesfully complete the a trekking tour in Nepal with a smile on your face.

Stunning Himalaya Scenery

If this is your first trip to Nepal, it is sometimes challenging to decide which trek is the right for your purpose. There are so many treks worth visiting. We like to trek independently and try to spend at least money as possible. Here is a list of 25 Trek in Nepal worth thinking about.

Thankfully, We’ve got your back! So, here is everythings you should really know in order to succesfully complete the a trekking tour in Nepal with a smile on your face.

Stunning Himalaya Scenery
TrekDaysMax. HeightRemotenessDiffucultiyPrice (USD per day)Best SeasonResticted AreaRequired Permit
Poon Hill33193mnot remoteeasyFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Oct - MaynoTIMS Card/ ACAP Card
Tilicho Lake Trek45360mvery remotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Apr-May/ Oct-NovnoTIMS Card/ ACAP Card
Jiri to Lukla4 - 63530mremoteeasy - mediumFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Oct - MaynoLocal Fee/
Sagarmatha National Park
Nar Phu Trek4 - 75320mvery remotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 500US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Apr-May/ Oct-NovGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/ ACAP Card
Gosainkunda Trek5 - 84610mremotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Apr-May/ Oct-NovnoTIMS Card/
Langtang National Park
Rara Lake Trek6 - 93710mremotemediumFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 70 - 95US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Mar-May/ Oct-NovnoTIMS Card/ Rara National Park Fee/
Mugu District Permit
Helambu Circuit6 - 103640mremotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Apr-May/ Oct-NovnoTIMS Card/
Langtang National Park
Jumla to Dunai Trek6 - 103820mvery remotemediumFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 20US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Mar-May/ Oct-NovGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/ Lower Dolpa Permit
Langtang Valley Trek7 - 83870mremotemediumFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Mar-May/ Oct-NovnoTIMS Card/
Langtang National Park
Lukla to Tumlingstar7 - 93350mremotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Apr-May/ Oct-NovnoLocal Fee/
Makalu Barun National Park Permit
Annapurna Base Camp8 - 104130mnot remotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Mar-May/ Oct-NovnoTIMS Card/ ACAP Card
Phoksundo Lake Trek9 - 113730mvery remote/ tent requiredmedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 20US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Mar-May/ Oct-NovGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/ Lower Dolpa Permit
Upper Mustang10 - 124325mvery remotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 70 - 95US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
May-OctGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/ ACAP Card
Gokyo12 - 145360mremotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Feb-May/ Oct-DecnoLocal Fee/
Sagarmatha National Park
Everest Base Camp Trek12 - 165545mnot remotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Feb-May/ Oct-DecnoLocal Fee/
Sagarmatha National Park
Annapurna Circuit12 - 195416mremotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Mar-May/ Oct-NovnoTIMS Card/ ACAP Card
Makalu Base Camp13 - 155000mvery remotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Apr-May/ Oct-NovnoTIMS Card/
Makalu Barun National Park Permit
Kanchenjunga South14 - 164800mvery remotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 10US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Oct - MayGuide or Porter requiredKanchenjunga
Conservation Area Permit
Ganja La Pass15 - 185106mremotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 70 - 95US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Apr-May/ Oct-NovGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/
Langtang National Park
Limi Valley17 - 204949mvery remote/ tent requiredmedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 1000US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Mar-May/ Oct-NovGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/ Limi Valley/
District Development
Committee Permit
Manaslu Circuit185100mremotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 70 - 95US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Apr-May/ Oct-NovGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/ ACAP Card/
MCAP/ RAP
Kanchenjunga North18 - 205140mvery remotemedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 10US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Oct - MayGuide or Porter requiredKanchenjunga
Conservation Area Permit
Three Passes18 - 225535mremotehardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$Mar-May/ Oct-NovnoLocal Fee/
Sagarmatha National Park
Jumla - Dolpo21 - 255115mvery remote/ tent requiredmedium - hardFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 1000US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Mar-May/ Oct-NovGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/ Upper Dolpa Permit
Beni to Dolpo22 - 264420mvery remote/ tent requiredmediumFood/ Accom: 25-40 US$
Permits*: 1000US$
Guide/ Porter: 30-40US$
Mar-May/ Oct-NovGuide or Porter requiredTIMS Card/
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Permit

*Permits

DistrictRegions/ VDCs
(Village Development Committees)
Permit Fee (USD)
BajhangAreas of Kanda, Saipal and Dhuli VDCsUS$ 90 per person (First 7 days)
US$ 15 per person/day (After 7 days)
DarchulaAreas of Byas VDCsUS$ 90 per person (First 7 days)
US$ 15 per person/day (After 7 days)
DolakhaLamabagar Ward No.1 (Lepche) Gaurishanker Ward No. 1 (Beding 9 and Chhorolpa lake) areaUS$ 10 per person /week
DolpaUpper Dolpa Bhijer, Saldang, Tinze, Chharka and MukotUS$500 per person (First 10 days)
US$ 50 per person /day (After 10 days)
DolpaLower DolpaUS$ 10 per person /week
Gorkha DistrictManaslu Region (Lho, Samagaun, Prok, Bihi)US$70/per person/week (First 7 days) September - November
US$10/per person/Day (After 7 days) December - August
US$50 per person/week (First 7 days)
US$ 7 per person/Day (After 7 days)
Gorkha DistrictTsum Valley of Gorkha District Areas of Chhekampar and Chunchet VDCsUS$ 35 per person (First 8 days) (September - November)
US$25 per person (After 8 days) (December - August)
HumlaSimikot, Yari ,Limi and Muchu VDCs, Regions of Dharma VDCUS$50 per person (First 7 days)
US$ 7 per person/Day ( After 7 days)
ManangThoche, Na, Phu VDCsUS$90 per person /week (September - November)
US$ 75 per person /week (December - August)
MuguMugu, Dolpu, Pulu, BhangriUS$90 per person (First 7 Days)
US$15 per person /Day ( After 7 days)
MustangLhomanthang, Charang, Chhondup,Chhotsher, Surkhang, Ghami, Chhusang, Sangdagaun of Kagbeni VDC and way to Tilicho lake US$500 per person (First 10 days)
US$ 50 per person /Day (After 10 days)
Rasuwa DistrictThuman and Timure RegionUS$ 10 per person /week
Sankhuwas-abhaKimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya and Pawakhola VDCsUS$ 10 per person /week (First 4 weeks)
US$ 20 per person /week (After 4 weeks)
SolukhumbuAll the North West Regions of Chame to NangpalaUS$ 10 per person/week (First 4 weeks)
US$ 20 per person/week (After 4 weeks)
Taplejung DistrictKanchanjunga RegionUS$ 10 per person/week (First 4 weeks)
US$ 20 per person/week (After 4 weeks)



How to get your TIMS Card and trekking permits in Nepal

How to get your TIMS Card
and trekking pemits in Nepal

If you visit Nepal, you are probably planning on doing a trek or two. On some treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Treks, you will have no trouble to buy your permits at the entry station. But it’s nice to be prepared, and it’s always cheaper to do in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

One permit you will need for nearly all treks in Nepal is the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) card. Additionally, you will need trekking permits for specific areas. Permit fees vary in cost and can go all the way up to 500$ for ten days (if you plan on doing some of the more remote hikes like the ones in the Mustang region.)

Permit fees are payable in Nepali Rupees.

With decentralization, a new permit system has been implemented on Everest Region. You will no longer require a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card. This new local entry permit has completely replaced the old trek permit in Khumbu. You will have to pay 2000 NRs or 20 USD in Lukla.

Another fee is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. This is an existing permit system for entering National Park. This you can obtain either in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board Office or in Monjo at Park Entrance Gate. This will cost NPR 3000 Per Person.

Nepal Tourism Board Kathmandu | Where to get your TIMS Card and trekking permits in Kathmandu

Where to get your TIMS card and trekking permits in Kathmandu

The Nepal Tourism Board is located on Pradarshani Marg, a short walk from the backpacker district of Thamel.

Office hours are from 1:00 AM to 5:00 PM, although it has a casual lunch break between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

Nepal Tourism Board Pokhara | Where to get your TIMS Card and trekking permits in Pokhara

Where to get your TIMS card and trekking permits in Pokhara

You’ll find the Nepal Tourism Board on Lakeside Rd., not far from the tourist district Baidam (Lakeside).

Office hours are from 1:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Information you need to fill out to get your TIMS card and trekking permits

  • Trekking entry and exit dates (can be an estimate)
  • Entry and exit points for your trek
  • Route/itinerary for your trek
  • Emergency contact info for Nepal (tourist agenency or hotel)
  • Emergency contact info for someone in your home country
  • Your insurance company, policy number, their phone number, and what your policy covers

You also need the following documents:

  • Copy of your passport
  • 2 passport-sized photos (+2 for each permit)

TIMS Card fees

  • Group trek: 1.000 NRs.
  • FIT (Free individual trekker): 2.000 NRs.

Trekking permit fees

Permit fees vary in cost. You can take a look a specific areas here.

For more information on the TIMS card, check out the website of the Nepal Tourism Board.

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take a look at our Annapurna Circuit trek …

more tips on trekking in Nepal …

Best Trek in Tierra del Fuego

Unpack the boat! Multi-day boat tour and Camping Trip | Packing List

This post contains affiliate links.

Multi-day boat tour and camping trip
Packing List

Unpack the boat!

Spring is in full swing. There is no better time to dust off the boat and go on a multi-day boat tour. We decide on our old friend the Danube and embark on a camping tour with our Mariner 4.

There should always be some things on board to guarantee fun, comfort, and safety. Our packing list has continued to improve over the last few years. Here you will find everything we always have with us.

Top Shot picture of our boat equipment for a multi-day camping trip

The Boat

Your most important item!

We use a customized Mariner 4. We added 4 oar locks and can now both paddle. We love it!

If you are just starting to boat/float and want to see if you like it at all, we can highly recommend the Intex Excursion 5. We have been floating on it for more than 1000 km until we wanted something more durable for wild water conditions. Here is our review.

Tagliamento Raft Floating Paddeling Italy River Clearwater

Transport

We have not used a car on any of our previous boat tours. The arrival and departure by public transport is always a small hurdle but has proved to be the best solution for us. To transport the almost 70kg (provisions included), we rely on strong arms and our beloved folding hand truck.

Boat related items

 

Top shot picture of our camping equipment for a multi-day boat trip

Camping equipment

Top Shot picture of our cooking equipment for a multi-day camping trip

Cooking equipment / outdoor kitchen

Cooking with the Trangia 25-4 UL (Ultralight Aluminium) Cooking Set

Clothing

To be honest. We don’t bring much!

  • T-Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Water Shoes
  • Bathing suits
  • fleece sweater or fleece jacket: men | women
  • Sun protective hat gear
  • Rain Jacket
  • Underwear

 

Documents

  • Passports
  • Health insurance
  • Map

outside material - inflatable boat intex excursion 5 pump it up inflatable assembly

First Aid

  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin
  • Anti nauseant
  • Immodium
  • Bandaids
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Elastic Bandage
  • Triangle Bandage
  • Survival blanket
  • Blister band-aids
  • Safety-pins
  • Tweezers
  • first aid kit

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen SPF 50
  • Purification tablets 
  • good chapstick with SPF
  • Toilet paper
  • Mosquito repellent
  • All-purpose soap
  • Microfiber towel
  • baby wipes
  • toothbrush
  • toothpaste
How to transport everything for a multi-day boat trip

That is everything we bring on our boat trips. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast!

Rafting the Tagliamento

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Why is Tierra del Fuego called Tierra del Fuego?

Why is Tierra del Fuego called Tierra del Fuego?

The Portuguese discover Fernão de Magalhães, who set sails 1519. Discovered this passage in 1520 while his global circumnavigation voyage.
Magalhães sighted a promontory on the 21st of October, the day of the 11,000 virgins and called it the “Cape of the Virgins” – Cabo Virgenes.

Due to a massive storm lasting for more than 36 hours, he dropped anchor on November 1, All Saints Day. Magalhães name this strait after the day it was first discovered – Estreito de Todos os Santos (Strait of All Saints), which was later renamed by the Spanish king in Estrecho de Magallanes. – The Magallanes Strait in honor of its discover Fernão de Magalhães.

Best Trek in Tierra del Fuego

The Magallanes Strait connects the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean and marks the northernmost corner of Tierra del Fuego.

While discovering the Magallanes Strait, the sailors spotted clouds of smoke over the neighboring island. They called the land south of the Magallanes Strait “Tierra del Humo” – Land of Smoke.

The smoke he spotted is due to the campfire ignited by the indigenous Selknam u Onas people who lived in the southern part of the island, to protect them self from the low temperatures in this area of the world.

The spanish king renamed the Island to Tierra del Fuego.

more adventures at the end of the world …


W Trek/ O Trek on a budget

W-Trek on a Budget

To explore one of the most remote areas in the world can be rather inexpensive. After the upfront costs of trekking equipment, flights, and park permits, it’s surprisingly cheap to hike the W–Trek independently.

Torres del Paine | Mountains in clouds

How expensive is Patagonia?

Total money spent per person: 424€

Duration: 8 days

Prices listed below are for one person, including bus trips from the Airport to the National Park Torres del Paine, permits, food, accommodation, toiletries, medicine, other miscellaneous; not including the cost of gear and insurance.

You can also book the entire trek via a trekking agency but this will cost around 2000€ per person.

Transportation: 44€

We took a the taxi from the airport in Punta Areans (10.000CLP) towards the city center. From the we contiuned via Bus to Puetro Natales where we bought food and gas in one of the camping stoes.

You can buy all bus tickets online (advised during high season)

Cockpit Airplane

Permits and Entrance fee: 28€

Entry fee to the Torres del Pain National Parc: 28€

You can get the Permit at the entrace office in the National Parc. There you have to provide your health insurance details and will need a show your passport to the park ranger.

Accommodation: 150€

The campinggrounds usually offer cheap accommodation and the goverment own sites are even for free. (reservation still needed).

You can also rent camping gear at the campsites or in Puerto Natales but it is way cheaper to bring you own gear.

If you don’t own a tent or camping gear consider buying gear in the ZonAustral (Tax-free) in Punta Arenas, there are many camping stores in Puerto Natales, too but the price are much higher.

Food & Drinks: 160€

Refugios are offering a variety of dishes from 10€ to 20€. To save some money we bought all food in the UNI market in Puerto Natales.

We spent around 20€ per day per person.

Trangia Camping Cooker | Outside Materia

Miscellaneous: 42€

Toiletries, medicines (there is a pharmacy in Puerto Natales), snacks, toilet paper, and other miscellaneous expenses added up to a total of 42€. (Spent money on a good lip balm with SPF!) There is a Wifi in some Refugios it will cost 5 USD for 4 hours. (can only be purchase via paypal)

Puerto Natales

Map Puerto Natales
0%
Transportation
0%
Food & Drinks
0%
Permits & Entrance Fee
0%
Miscellaneous
0%
Accommodation

Reduce expenses

Buy every thing you need in Puerto Natales

You can buy everything you need in the UNI market in Puerto Natales. If you are still missing some trekking gear there is a tax free zone in Punta Arenas (ZonAustral) it is even better to buy the camping equipment in Santiago de Chile if you have a longer stop.

Trek independently

Trekking independently is the greatest cost saver. We had a lengthy discussion about this topic beforehand. Even though we love to hike on our own, and would always prefer to do so, we initially felt guilty of not supporting a guide and/or porter and their families. Since we were on a budget, it came down to going to Patagonia or not; and that decision was easy. We happily trekked, with a clear conscience, while supporting the people along the way.

Use water purification tablets

As you’ll need 4-5 liters of water per day, water purification tablets are a safe way of being sure you have plenty of drinking water that won’t cause you to become sick. Without an independent way to purify your water, you’ll be blowing a lot of money for refills or plastic water bottles, while creating unnecessary waste in the process. We’ve been using them for years and highly recommend. You can also drink the water without the usage of purification tablets  be care full when there is a beaver dam in the water it may be contaminate.

Buy snacks ahead

Buy your snacks in Puerto Natales or bring them from home for more variety. Since prices in the National Park can easily increase sixfold, it is worth to carry the amount of extra weight.

Bring your power

One thing that I always carry with a smile on my face is my solar panel. While hiking it is continuously attached to my Garmin GPS, whose battery life isn’t long-lasting. With two outlets our RAVpower is great to charge our cell phones and GoPro simultaneously. Electricity on the trek is mainly from solar power as well, therefore relies on having sunny weather. It costs from 2 to $3 per hour/full charge. Bring an additional power bank to recharge batteries overnight (or if it’s cloudy during daytime). We love our Anker power bank!

Baby wipes

When it comes to hygiene, baby wipes have a great chance to become your best friends.

There was no running water in some areas, and it was just too cold even to consider to talk a shower. It was a small celebration every time we got the wipes out.

O-Trek Travel Expenses on a budget | A complete guide to the O Circuit

Bottom Line

The round trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla has a whopping price tag, but the hike to Everest Base Camp itself is surprisingly cheap! Even though we never watched what we were spending, had a thoroughly good time and booked two nights in »luxury« rooms, we averaged just under $50 a day. Considering we only spent 12 days in the Everest region and the flights, which have the biggest price tag are already included, this is a great price to cross something big off your bucket list.

Total Budget for O Trek
Transportation: 44€
Permits: 28€
Accommodation: 150€
Food & Drinks: 160€
Miscellaneous: 42€
—-
424€

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More Tips for the EBC trek

 

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How to get to Patagonia

How to get to Patagonia via Plane

Reaching Patagonia isn’t that simple. The destination point depends for how long you are in Patagonia. Traveling from a to b can be time-consuming. So how to get to Patagonia via Plane?

The first thing you have to do is decide which trek you want to do and how long are you going to be in Patagonia. So planning your trip to the end of the world is super essential otherwise you will sit on the bus or car and see the landscape passing by, without really hiking or trekking at all.

Which Trek do you want to hike?

Our goal was to hike the W trek (O trek) and the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. So we picked Punta Arenas as our destination airport.


How to reach Patagonia via Airplane

There are two possibilities you can reach Patagonia from Chile or Argentina.

If you choose Argentina you first have to fly to Buenos Aires than change the airport (Approximately 1 hour from Ezeiza to the Areoparque Jorge Newbery(National Airport) From here you have the possibility to fly to north Patagonia (Bariloche (Lake District)) or middle Patagonia (Trelew(Atlantic coast)) or the south (El Calafate(National Park Los Glaciares)).

The other option is to Chile over Santiago de Chile. From here you can fly to north Patagonia (Puerto Montt (Lake District)) or middle Patagonia (Balmaceda(Atlantic coast)) or the south (Punta Arenas (Torres del Paine)).

Argentina (Buenas Aires)

North Patagonia
Buenos Aires – Bariloche (Lake District)

Middle Patagonia
Buenos Aires – Trelew (Atlantic Coast)

South Patagonia
Buenos Aires – El Calafate (National Parc Los Glaciares

Chile (Santiago de Chile)

North Patagonia
Santiago de Chile – Puerto Montt (Lake District)

Middle Patagonia
Santiago de Chile – Bariloche (Coyhaique)

South Patagonia
Santiago de Chile – Punta Arenas (Torres del Paine)

Do I need a Visa for Chile or Argentina

If you are a European citizen, you don’t need a visa for Chile or Argentina. Same goes for a valid US or Canadian passport. You do not need a visa to enter Argentina or Chile for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. (If you are from Greece you are just allowed to stay in Chile for 60 days without a visa)

Passport Valid Your Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Entrance Fees There aren’t any entrance fees for European, Japanese, UK citizens, US or Canadian citizens at the moment (Oct. 2018)

Australians are required to pay a reciprocity fee.
The fee for Australians is $117/ €104 

Mexicans are required to pay a reciprocity fee.
The fee for Mexicans is $23/ €20 

Passport Visa

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more gear…


Dientes de Navarino The Ultimate Guide

Dientes de Navarino – Ultimate Guide

 Puerto Williams – Puerto Williams

Hiking 46.2 km (+7.5km) Asct: 2725 m Descent: 2725 m Max Elevation: 851 m

Accurate height profile

Click here to download GPX file


About the Dientes de Navarino

Lonely swamps, windswept mountaintops, an impenetrable deciduous Magellanic forest: that is trekking at the end of the world.

Only 1,000 km separate you from the ice masses of the Antarctic.
This trek will take you to the island of Navarino in the far south of Chile.

The Dientes de Navarino is an authentic trek far away from tourist masses, even the sound of the island promises adventure and loneliness – Isla Navarino.

The trek starts in Puerto Williams, a small fisher village on the Beagle Channel. The channel is named after the British research vessel Beagle, with which Robert Fitz Roy discovered the channel in 1831.

The trek, for most adventure seekers, will start in Punta Arenas, from here you will have the choice to take an airplane or a ferry towards Isla Navarino.

In 2002 Isla Navarino and the surrounding islands were named to be one of the 24 last true wilderness regions of the world. Three years later it was declared a biosphere reserve by Unesco.

The Dientes de Navarino is part of the southern ridge of the Andes, named Navarino’s Teeth mountain range. The trail is marked with 38 landmarks called »hitos«, the trek has a total length of 31 km; however, the whole trek ending in Puerto Williams is slightly over 50 km (You can hitchhike the last couple of kilometer on the road towards Puerto Williams).

Climate:
Subarctic climate – freezing winters, and short, cold to mild summers. Expected strong winds in the higher altitudes. Expect snow even during the summer months (pack crampons).

Best time:
From December to March, long summer days give you more time to finish the trek and weather is a bit more reliable. Outside of this frame, the weather is too treacherous. Even during this time, the weather can be unpredictable.

Distance: 53,5km

Difficulty: demanding

Duration: 4-5 days (possibility to extend the trek towards Lago de Windhoek ( 2 extra days)

Language:
In Puerto Williams, you can communicate in English. However, essential Spanish skills will help you a lot.

How to get there

Punta Arenas Map

By plane:

From the Airport Punta Arenas, you can fly with a Twin Otters to Puerto Williams in about 1,5 hrs. The small airplane is a worthwhile experience in itself. The flight will take you over the Strait of Magellan and then the Darwin Range where you can see many mountains and glaciers, a few of them are still unnamed. The view out of the airplane is providing a unique perspective on the wilderness below. Finally, you reach the “Tierra del Fuego” and fly over Ushuaia before landing at Puerto Williams.

Booking: http://dapairline.com/aerovias-dap/

Price: $ 120 | 105 € round trip
Taxi: 8000 – 10000 pesos (11-15$ | 10-13 €) (Punte Arenas Airport)
Weight limit: 10kg luggage limit + 5kg hand luggage
Extra weight: 9000 pesos per kilo

Please book the trip at least a week or two in advance.

Cockpit Airplane

By Ferry:

The extraordinary 32-hour trip will take you from Punta Arenas, through the Strait of Magellan, lonely fjords and along the Beagle channel to Puerto Williams.

Booking: Austral Broom http://www.tabsa.cl/portal/index.php/en/bookings2

Schedule:
http://www.tabsa.cl/portal/index.php/en/schedules/58-schedules-p-arenas-williams

Price:
An adult passenger, Pullman seat: $ 110 | 97 €
An adult passenger, Bed-sofa seat: $ 150 | 133 €
Child between 2 and ten years, regular seat: $ 54 | 47 €
Child between 2 and ten years, Pullman seat: $ 75 | 66 €

Please make sure to book the tour at least a week or two in advance.

Ushuaia Map

By boat from Ushuaia (Argentina)

The Boat trip from Ushuaia will take 30 minutes to finish the four nautical miles long tour (7.2 km)

Book here:
http://www.sea-boat.com/
http://www.ushuaiaboating.com/

Price
125 Euros | 111 €

Preparation:

Get a free hiking map from the tourist office in Punta Arenas
Ministerio de Bienes Nacionales
Av. España 971, Punta Arenas

There are a few HITOS (trail markers) along the trek, but it is not precisely a well-beaten path. It is extremely advisable to take a GPS device with you.
Download GPS Trek

Permits:
For safety reasons, you have to register and report back at the local police station before you head towards the trek.

Hotels and accommodation Puerto Williams:
There are a couple of hotels and hostels in Puerto Williams, make sure to book a few days in advance.

Gear:
The weather changes exceptionally quickly, and you can expect high winds, warm sunshine, rain, and snow – typical Patagonian summer weather.

Last minute trekking gear shop in Puerto Willams
http://www.turismoshila.cl/Tienda.html

Camping Gaz (not allowed in airplanes) can be bought in the city center in the Supermercado Forjadores in Puerto Williams and at the airport (make sure to get the right one).

Day 1
INFO
Day 2

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more on the Patagonia…


Dientes de Navarino – Day 4

Dientes de Navarino

The best hike in Patagonia – Day 4

Laguna Zeta – Puerto Williams

Hiking 11.5 km (+7.5km) Asct: 684 m Descent: 1037 m Max Elevation: 851 m

Accurate height profile

Click here to download GPX file


We circle the lake on the north side and continue in slight up and downs to the Laguna lslote (Hito 31).

It is the last point before starting the way up to Paso Virginia, which reconnects the northern area of Navarino Island to the south. We spot a clearing in the woods to the right, which indicates the starting point of the pass. You can find some small camping sites close by, not very good and recommended for emergencies only.

Then the path climbs diagonally to the right and leads over muddy trails steeply uphill (Hito 32).

Further up, the ground is covered in grass. We reach a vast plateau (Hito 33). From here it is not far to the 829 m high Paso Virginia. The winds can sometimes reach 120 km/h. Stay away from the dangerous snow forces and follow the red markings down (Hito 34).

It is the highest point within the circuit, from where you will have a beautiful view of Laguna Los Guanacos, the north part of Navarino Island and the Beagle Channel. Follow the mountain ridge towards the hillside to your right. As soon as you reach a huge black rock, go down to the Laguna Los Guanacos.

Here you should also be very careful with the very violent and sudden whirlwinds and wind gusts, which may destabilize you and throw you downhill: the scariest part of the Dientes de Navarino Circuit.

We follow the trek around the western (left) side of the lake Laguna Los Guanacos (Hito 35). You’ll find the last constructed lookout, next to an information table. Close by you can spot a few camping sites, with inadequate protection from the wind, but very privileged views.

Immediately to the right after the landmark and after crossing the river, you’ll find an excellent camping site at the entrance of the woods. The terrain is not flat, but it’s dry and well protected from the wind. On the northeastern side of the lagoon, on the forest edge, there’s also a place to set up a tent, but the ground is permanently wet.

The trail gets narrower and narrower, we followed the stream, but progress was slow. We had to climb over fallen trees and across muddy ponds. It took hours until the forest thinned and reached the end of the trail (Hito 37).

At the end of the heritage route, we enjoy the magnificent view over the Beagle Channel and Bahía Virginia, as well as the beauty of the Argentinean city of Ushuaia, on the other side of the channel (Hito 38).

From here it is only flat 7.5 km back to Puerto Williams. With luck, a passing car will pick us up.

What a trek, what an adventure, thank you Patagonia… thank you Chile!

Puerto Williams Map Dientes de Navarinio

Don’t forget to report back at the police station in Porto Williams

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Dientes de Navarino Day 3

Dientes de Navarino

Off the beaten track – Day 3

Laguna Escondida – Laguna Zeta

Hiking 13.7 km  Asct: 579 m Descent: 745 m Max Elevation: 712 m

Accurate height profile

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Paso Ventarron Martillo | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

The next day we were in high hopes for good weather, but the Dientes de Navarino mountain range was covered in clouds. To make matters worse, it started to snow during the night. So the ground was slipperier than the day before.

From here we hike through alpine terrain, crossing some snowfields until reaching Paso Australia (805 m). Our path leads us past many small lagoons, beaver dams, and sharp-edged mountain formations.

Paso Ventarron Martillo | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

For the first few hundred meters, we follow the lake across and over several beaver dams (Hito 20). A hidden side valley is now in front of us, and the ascent to Paso Ventarrón begins. It is a rainy day, and our gloves are soaking wet (Hito 21). At the end of the valley, we follow a narrow ridge towards the 695 m high pass. The wind got stronger and stronger each meter we ascend towards Paso Ventarrón. Ventarrón is the Spanish word for strong wind.

Paso Ventarron Martillo | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material
Paso Ventarron Martillo | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

Hito 22: The wind is picking up again, and the wind gusts reach up to 100km/h. Wind gusts are particularly violent in this area. (Be careful with hats, glasses and everything attached to your backpack.)

Valle Guerrico | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

The descent was brutal, nearly no view because of the clouds and wind which makes you tumble on the narrow path. Sporadically the clouds thinned and created a magical light show. From here you have a full panorama over the valley that reaches southeast from Bahía Windhond and towards Paso Guerrico in the northwest. You can also spot the trek which you have to follow until you reach Paso Guerrico.

After 30 minutes we reach the bottom of the valley. We have to cross a few beaver dams and walk around some ponds surrounded by ferns and branches until we reach Hito 23.

The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material | Laguna Hermosa

From this point, we climb up towards the pass, through trees and big rocks (Hito 24). Paso Guerrico has stunning views over the neighboring Montes Lindenmayer and the Laguna Hermosa. In the far distance, you can see Cerro Clem and Valle Guerrico, where today’s campsite would be located.

The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

Our path leads us first southwest before dropping significantly towards the Laguna Hermosa which we surrounded on the north side (Hito 25). The best campsites are located just behind the southeastern shore area. With our tight schedule, we only have time for a quick lunch, as our flight back to Punta Arenas will be within two days. While cocking on the shore of the Laguna, we witness a small tornado blasting over the lake.

Laguna Hermosa | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

First, we circle the northeastern (right) seafront of the Laguna Martillo, climb over some fallen trees on the northern peninsula, and enter a green valley. Within most of today’s trek, you’ll be able to witness the devastating consequences of the beaver and the impact on the landscape. The dams lead to an increased flow velocity of streams, the water levels of the ponds and lakes rise and this lead to extensive flooding of huge parts of the forests (Hito 26).

Valle guerrico | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

Before we reach the southeastern shore of the Laguna Martillo, we spot Landmark 27, from here the trail turns right (uphill) until we enter the small peninsula which divides the lake into two (Hito 27).

Wetlands | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

If you reach the shore of the Laguna Martillo again, you have to follow the coast. (Don’t follow the trail to the right.) The plain terrain allows for nice wind protected campsites (Hito 28) until you reach the Hito 29. We walk through magnificent grasslands, just below the respectable rock falls of the Cordillera. From here, you can already spot the Paso Virginia, as well as a beautiful panoramic scene of the Guerrico Valley.

Lagoon Rocallosa | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material
Vango F10 Xenon UL 2 + at the Lagoon Rocallosa | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

Following the Guerrico Valley, we try to head directly towards Paso Virginia, until reaching the small Laguna Rocallosa, which we contour along its right side. At the end of the trek, we will reach the Laguna Zeta (Hito 30): our destination for the day. After lunch, bad weather forced us into our tent.

Trangia Camping STove at the Lagoon Rocallosa | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material
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Dientes de Navarino Day 2

Dientes de Navarino

Trekking in Tierra del Fuego – Day 2

Laguna del Salto – Laguna Escondida

Hiking 10.8 km  Asct: 624 m Descent: 722 m Max Elevation: 835 m

Accurate height profile

Click here to download GPX file


After a long breakfast and foto session it was time to start the hike.

After dismantling our tent, we continue to walk on the shore of the Laguna del Salto until we reach a small stream (Hito 11). From here it is straight uphill, this stream leads you through a flat meadow with nice little campsites (Hito 12) after which it goes uphill again.

Over rocky ground, we enter the Paso Primero. Here it is common to find snow even during summertime (Hito 13).

Later that day we observe our first real highlight, the Paso Australia (Hito 14). The Paso Australia marks one of the highest points of the entire trek (776 m). Be careful while passing the Paso Australia, the snow might be slippery. We used crampons for this passage.
Above the Laguna del Paso is the perfect spot for a small break, you will have a fantastic view over the Laguna and the enclosed mountains.

Paso de los Dientes | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

Our trek continues at the southern side (left)of the lake, towards the Paso de Los Dientes (H15), with 865 m the highest point of the entire circuit. The Picacho Diente de Navarino (1118 m) is towering over this beautiful pond. You might have the chance to glimpse a view of Cape Horn and its neighboring islands.

Cape Horn is the southernmost tip of Tierra del Fuego. Although not the most southerly tip of South America (which is the Diego Ramírez Archipel). Cape Horn identifies the northern edge of the Drake Passage and presents the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.

Bahia windhond Cap Horn | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

We spotted several possible campsites next to the lake (which might be windy during the night).

We keep west (right) and descend, crossing a small ridge, through southern beech forests. Here the trail split, and you can continue towards the Lago de Windhond, we headed 240 degrees west to the Laguna de Los Dientes (Hito 16).

Paso de los Dientes | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

You’ll notice a pyramidal shaped mountain known as Cerro Gabriel, located at the northern shore of Laguna de Los Dientes. Here the trail is getting muddy and even a few hundred meters of the trek can take a while to complete. Close to the Laguna de Los Dientes are several camping spots, a few of them are even wind protected (Hito 17). The lagoon is located between the rocky ridges of the Dientes de Navarino mountain range.

The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

Slightly uphill, the trail meanders in about 40 minutes to the Laguna Escondida (Hito 18).

Right on the shore are some weather-exposed campsites, but already a few minutes upstream, you can camp superbly. The day was nearly windless, and we decide to camp close to the Laguna.

Laguna de Navarino | The most southern trek in the world | Dientes de Navarino | Outside Material

If you are planning to purchase a tent for this trek, make sure that the footprint is as small as possible. We had difficulties to find a spot for our tent, and we were forced to settle at a more exposed campsite (Hito 19). During the night the wind gusts got so strong that the tent was pressed down on our bodies. The loud whirlwind makes sleeping nearly impossible. It felt like hours before we finally fell asleep. During the night we had to fix the tent a couple of times due to the high wind speeds.

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