Walks and Treks
What can you expect on a RAW trekking or walking holiday?
The time of your life! You will experience a region intimately by travelling at a pace that allows to really take it in. Walking means using all your senses to experience magnificent scenery and it's accompanying scents, sounds and tastes. You'll meet local people on their terms, travelling as they often do on foot and your destination will reveal itself in memorable ways. You'll work up an appetite and each day come into great accommodation to be spoilt with wonderful food, characteristic of that region. Go as fast or slow as you like, as you'll have an excellent support team at hand and our leaders our sensitive to individual needs as well as the groups.
How fit do I need to be?
We offer 3 different levels of walks & treks that can appeal to all types of walkers from the first timer through to the veteran hiker, so it's just a matter of choosing the trip that's right for you.. The trip gradings below help outline the physical demands of each trip but please read carefully through the online trip brochure and question us further should you have any questions.
1. Introductory adventure
Adventure for everyone! These trips are accessible to anyone who enjoys basic fitness and suitable for first timers wanting to experience a walking holiday. The emphasis is on exploring your destination and taking in the many attractions along the way. Terrain is usually fairly easy with not too many hills. Full support is provided throughout, so you can walk as much or as little as you want to. A typical day would involve anything from 3 to 5 hours walking.
2. Moderate
You don't need to be super fit or experienced to join these multi-day trips but a reasonably good level of fitness is required to participate. Be prepared for moderate to strenuous physical activity as you will be walking for between 5 and 7 hours each day on average and some pre-trip training is recommended to get the most from your trip. Terrain can be varied but there will be a few hills to get over and you should be confident in the outdoors.
3. Demanding
Adventures to really get you out there! Be prepared to tackle some big mountain trails with strenuous physical activity on many days. You will be walking between 6 and 8 hours a day following tracks that are usually well defined but confidence with mountain environments is required. You'll have the support of a local crew throughout but to participate fully it's recommended you attain a good level of physical fitness. Start a regular training program in the months leading up to the adventure as your goal is to be able to walk for 6 -8 hours on successive days (include hill training).
Please refer to our walking guide as this provides good advice on how to start a fitness program.
What happens on a typical day's walk?
You'll have a walking leader with you throughout the trip and at each day's briefing you will have the opportunity to review our route and look at maps. We have regular rest stops so you can walk at your own pace and regroup and on most days you can refuel either with refreshments provided or at local teahouses in the Himalayas. Our leaders carry a first aid kit and all you normally need to carry is a daypack your camera, sunscreen etc. You walk at a pace that suits you, with whomever you wish. On our Great Ocean walk the support vehicle is nearby for you if you need it.
What do I need?
Some sturdy, comfortable footwear that's well worn in before you start your trip! As a rule boots or outdoor trainers with ankle support are preferred and waterproofing is recommended. Runners are not suitable for our treks except as comfortable footwear at the end of the day. On our Himalayan treks some people like to use walking poles for extra support and to minimize stress on knee joints. See our online walking guide for more details.
On all trips we recommend packing clothes that are made of light, quick drying fabrics as your base layer. Jeans or other heavy cotton clothes can be very uncomfortable when walking and are not recommended. You'll need a waterbottle or 'camelback' drinking pack and a daypack to transport your things. For more information on packing for your trip see the online trip notes.
Throughout the trip we transport your luggage and you can concentrate on enjoying your surroundings. There's no competition we're there to lend a hand and make it as enjoyable as possible for you.
Apart from the walking what else should I expect?
This is what makes RAW trips stand apart from other active adventures and bring to bear our 20 years of on the road knowledge to make your trip an outstanding experience. We like to explore close to the heart of the region we are visiting and get to know it's people. Local experts provide insights into aspects of local culture and history. Special events and visits are arranged with our contacts on the ground so you may meet a Tibetan Lama or a enjoy private tour around a vineyard! We'll usually have special awards during our evening meals on group tours and try to make your experience as fun and educational as possible.