Trekking in Asia can be challenging and very rewarding. And despite coming back with more bug bites than you’d like to count, you’ll never forget the time you spent in the jungles and forests of the most diverse continent on earth.
Don’t just book a hike in Asia on a whim! An accredited agency will patiently work with you to answer the following questions. If you can’t decide on an agency, independent hiking is still an option even in places like Nepal.
Where does the money go?
Before you waste your time and theirs, first find out where your trekking money will go. While you will often find cheaper agencies in the city, sustainability must be a priority to ensure that the local population is not only exploited for its natural attractions. Many trekking companies have overseas owners who get the riches and rarely give back to the local villages.
A good agency should be able to show a breakdown of where your money is going. They will hire local guides and porters from nearby villages, and they will give money back to the community in some way. Many companies claim to be “sustainable” or “green,” but ask for proof. True sustainability goes beyond limiting impact or disposing of trash. A good company will do what it can to help the area grow.
- Read more about responsible travel in Asia.
How knowledgeable are the guides?
Your guide should speak English, or your native language fairly well, and ideally will be a local who knows the area well. Although someone with poor communication skills will be able to guide you safely through the jungle, they will not be able to clearly answer questions about towns, wildlife, and plants you may have. Trekking in Asia is more than just exercising – you want to learn more about the region!
Discover these three things:
- Is the guide a local from the immediate area?
- Do they speak English well?
- How many years have they been guiding in the region?
What kind of forest?
While some hikes claim to take you “into the jungle,” the reality is that many do not penetrate much into nature. Some walks simply intertwine between villages where deforestation and agricultural logging have removed most of the primary forest cover. Instead of walking in the jungle, you could end up spending too much time walking on driveways and along rice paddies.
Ask specifically what is needed to enter the primary forest, and if it is possible to see the “real” jungle in a two-day hike. Most of the time, you will have to do two nights to get deep enough away from the effects of civilization.
What is the difficulty index?
Difficulty ratings for walks are very relative and rarely take into account age or fitness. If you have a physical disability, you should be very specific with your questions. Trail conditions can deteriorate quickly after a rain, making a slip or fall more dangerous. Ask about elevation changes, trail incline, possible stairs to climb, and other factors. Sometimes it is necessary to climb over rocks or climb over obstacles.
If you are traveling during the monsoon season, you should ask about the trail conditions after the rain and if the trip will continue even in unfavorable weather.
What is included in the walk?
The following should be included in any good trekking package:
- All the foods
- Water
- Hiking tickets and permits
- Bedding and sleeping arrangements
- Transportation to and from the start of the walk.
Find out if you are expected to tip your guides and porters after a hike. If tips are expected, find out how much you should tip per person per day for exemplary service. Ideally, the agency will pay its guides well and, unlike in Nepal, it will not live primarily on the tips they earn.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Sleeping arrangements range from rude (the least favorite of most guides because it requires additional work) to homestays where you will be staying in a family home. Options include simple three-walled cabins in the jungle and village stays in designated houses. Sleeping “hard” in the jungle may sound romantic, however you most likely don’t want to spend a night on the forest floor.
Regardless of which option you choose, you will need to make sure that mosquito nets are part of the plan. Don’t worry too much about comfort levels – after a good walk, you should be exhausted enough to get a good night’s sleep in any condition.
- See some ways to avoid mosquito bites on your trek in Asia.
Are leeches a problem?
A less than pleasant prospect, leeches are a problem in the jungle even after a minute of rain. Sumatra’s national parks and even Laos’ national protected areas are full of them. Leeches live in damp foliage on the forest floor and latch on as you pass. Although leeches do not transmit disease, they are unsightly to treat and can cause infections if not carefully removed. Tip: Never pinch and remove a leech once it is attached!
Find out if you will have to deal with leeches where you will be walking. High socks that are worn on the outside of the pants will help. Repellants to keep leeches at bay include DEET, salt, and even crushed cigarette tobacco.
What will you need to bring?
Realistically, unless your trip includes hired chargers, you will end up carrying your own water. There may be refueling points, but you will probably have to carry your own supply, three liters or more, in your backpack. Some tour operators may ask you to bring your own mosquito net or bedding (dengue is a problem in Asia). The guides just can’t carry enough to cover everyone.
Along with whatever your trekking agency tells you to bring, you will definitely want to bring your own sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks, toiletries, and travel kit.
What kind of food is provided?
Food provided by trekking companies can be surprisingly delicious. But if you have any dietary restrictions, please speak up when making your reservation. Most of the time dishes contain meat, and the last place you want to discover a food allergy is when you are in the jungle!
What wildlife potential will you see?
Unless you have a very experienced guide and hike in the coolest hours of the day (before sunrise and just after sunset), spotting endangered wildlife on a hike is challenging. Most hikers spend more time looking at their feet and the trail than they do at the jungle canopy. But with a little luck and a great guide, you could see endangered orangutans in Borneo or Sumatra, or even elephants or tigers in other parts of Asia.
Before hiking in Asia, ask the company what wildlife you can find and what the realistic chances are of seeing each one. Although agencies may boast that there are gibbons or tigers in an area, sometimes even guides haven’t found one in years!
Note: Good company will leave wildlife alone and will never feed or bait fish, birds, or monkeys.
Read about where to find orangutans in Asia.
