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Tag: walk

  • Walk the Sacred Path of Kumano Kodo in Japan

    For a hiking experience with a difference, consider taking the spiritual path of Kumano Kodo in the Kii Mountains near Osaka, Japan.

    The walking trail has the awesome views all explorers crave, and a cavalcade of sacred sites to boot. The track has been walked by Japanese emperors since the 10th century. In 2004 it was approved as a pilgrimage walk by UNESCO, joining Spain's Way of St James as the only trek with this status at the time. Kumano Kodo reflects Japan's diverse spiritual paths, with a mix of Buddhist and Shinto shrines. Unlike many walks, there is no single track to follow. Instead it's made up of collection of main thoroughfares and smaller subtracks. Tea house and protector shrines are interspersed with the larger sacred sites, Kumano Sanzan and the three Japanese temples known as the Three Grand Shines of Kumano.[caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Plan a Japan Trip"]Map of Japan[/caption] To walk the entire track would be a massive undertaking taking around six weeks. Most tourists instead opt for a shorter day visit or multi-day trek. The Kumano Kudo tourist website suggests a number of routes for tourists to follow. After a long day hiking the mountains, soaking in one of the four hot springs scattered on the trail is the perfect way to ease your tired muscles. While you can follow your own path, those preferring to experience Kumano Kodo with a group can book a tour with Kumano Experience.

  • Trek Routeburn Track, One of New Zealand’s Great Walks

    Routeburn Track in New Zealand’s South Island is regarded as one of the country’s Nine Great Walks.

    It might not be as imposing as its big brother, the Milford Track, but it's much more achievable for novice adventurers. In fact, Kiwi explorer Sir Edmund Hillary called the path his favorite in the country. It may be smaller than the Milford Track, but it's certainly not tiny. The track extends for 32 kilometers in the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Most hikers complete the course in around three days. There are four Department of Conservation sanctioned huts and two campsites for overnight stays on the Routeburn Track. Camping outside specific designated areas is prohibited. Routeburn Track starts near the beech forests of Te Anau. Despite the natural surrounds, the path is clear and easy to walk. At least, it is at first. Soon the trail decides you've been taking it too easy, and punishes you with a series of hairpin bends. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a scene which could easily have come from the pages of a fairytale. There are rows of identical mountains, each capped with snow, and cascading streams. If you're feeling thirsty don't hesitate to stop and take a sip; the water is clean and icy cold. The final section is again challenging, with a downhill track which winds through more forests. Thankfully it all ends near the Glenorchy Pub. Clearly you'll have earned that pint of ice cold beer. Hikers are free to walk Routeburn Track independently, but if you're not feeling confident you might consider joining a guided tour. Ultimate Hikes runs the only Department of Conservation approved tour concession for overnight guided walks on the track during peak season.