Walking & trekking tours

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

We offer two styles of walking & trekking trips:  

Center-based: this trip style spends all (or majority) of time in the center of the action. Enjoy the comfort of the same room every day (as well as only unpacking once). Walks and hikes will be available from the foot of your accommodation or a short transfer away.  

Point-to-point: This trip style requires walking from one place to the other pretty much every day (with rest days). On point-to-point tours, you’ll start in A and end in B. In most cases, we’ll transfer your main luggage to the next destination, so all you need to carry is the essentials.  

Travelling with a group is always safer than hiking alone! 

The safety of you, our staff and our local friends is our highest priority. All our leaders are qualified, experienced and insured so you don’t have to worry about a thing. We only hike on well-settled trails and follow local rules and authorities. Our leaders monitor conditions and will change the game plan if needed to ensure the safest and best experience.

We have walks ranging from relatively easy to challenging. No matter what degree, difficulty or distance you choose to walk, we recommend that you have a reasonable level of fitness to ensure you get the most out of your walk, hike or trek.  

Try to commit to some type of physical activity around six weeks before you depart. This could be long walks, aerobic exercise and/or strength training.  

We include accommodation as per the itinerary, as well as transportation to and from trailheads and to all other included activities (note: this transportation is often public as that's the way we like to travel). We also include ALL hiking permits, whether it is in the Himalayas or the US National Parks. On top of that, we provide our highly qualified and experienced leaders to guide you throughout the trip.

All itineraries feature a packing list on the 'Essential Trip Information' document. Please read it carefully as it may contain trip-specific items you must bring. On a higher level, you always need to pack a backpack/day bag to accompany you on your daily walks, comfortable walking shoes or boots (depending on the trip), good trekking clothing (combination of lightweight and quick drying shorts, pants, short and long sleeve shirts), extra warm layers (sometimes even a down jacket) and waterproof gear. We also highly recommend bringing walking poles as these are very useful on steep ascents and long descents.  

Read more about what to pack your walking & trekking trip

The short answer is no. Your main luggage is transported for you on point-to-point itineraries (often by porters, therefore it should be packed in a soft/duffle bag) and your luggage stays in your accommodation for all centre-based itineraries. However, you'll need to bring a small bag/backpack (around 25-30 litre capacity) to carry around all of your essentials (water, snacks, extra layer, waterproofs) when you're on the move.

Absolutely! In fact, most of our customers are solo travellers. One thing to note if you're travelling solo is that you'll share a room with another solo traveller of the same sex. If you would prefer to have your own room, please speak to your booking agent as we're often able to accommodate this at an extra fee. 

Most people start to feel the effects of altitude at over 2000 m (6561 ft) regardless of age, gender or fitness level. While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you make yourself aware of the causes and effects of travelling at altitude. Monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

It is essential to take it easy, drink plenty of water and speak to your group leader immediately if you feel unwell.

We recommend seeing your doctor if you have health concerns before the trip, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any medication.

You will need to have insurance that will cover hiking and trekking in certain destinations up to a certain elevation (in the Himalayas, Peru, and a few other destinations that feature altitude hikes). But you won't need any special insurance to cover technical activities. However, to be 100% certain your cover is adequate for the trip you're doing, we suggest you talk to an insurer and present the planned itinerary of your chosen trip.