If you’re looking for a quick answer, below are some of the most common approaches, but I will dive a bit deeper into the best methods below.

Active income methods are ways that Digital Nomads can earn an income directly from the hours that they work, much like a conventional job. Popular pathways include:

Find a remote role – the “safest” option is to convince your current employer that you can do your job from your laptop. Alternatively, find a role that can be performed from anywhere. (good website suggestions below).

Online tutoring & teaching – My first online job was teaching Chinese students English online. This is harder these days but still possible if you get an online TEFL certificate.

Freelance work – skills like graphic design, software development, coding, or writing are often a great starting point if you have these unique skills that can be completed remotely on a gig basis.

Side gigs – research in-demand gigs on use sites like Fiverr or Upwork. There are literally hundreds of thousands of one-off jobs online like copywriting, spreadsheet work, translations, resumé help, etc.

Passive income methods are ways to earn a long-term, sustainable income tomorrow from unpaid work you do today. Examples include:

Build a monetized blog – one of the best ways to make money as a digital nomad that still works today.

Start a YouTube channel – requires much more work and time than a monetized blog.

Create an online course – one of the best ways to earn money online, but will require expertise in an industry, as well as a large follower base.

Publish an ebook – write and publish an eBook on Amazon Kindle Direct.

Online entrepreneurship is the ability and readiness to build a business online. While riskier and certainly not a quick ticket to living remotely, the entrepreneurial path can result in the most success.

E-commerce & dropshipping stores – a popular path that even I tried before just getting a remote job. Requires a lot of time, commitment, and start-up investment.

Build a brand or app – a very difficult path but can be extremely rewarding.

Update: These days, many gigs and freelance roles are being replaced by AI. However, there is an opportunity in this. If you know how to use it, you can use it to your advantage.

How to Become a Digital Nomad by Getting Your First Online Job

In today’s economy, getting a reliable online job isn’t as hard as you might expect. Even when I first started in 2018, I considered it a distant dream but was shocked at how easy it was even then.

Again, let me reiterate that although it might seem more attractive for many to start off by creating a brand or eCommerce business, this is actually a much more difficult venture.

Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve failed multiple times.

I spent a lot of time and money in these sorts of ventures and I found that to get things running the way I wanted them, it just needed too much money. Money that I wanted to spend traveling.

But even with passion, the main problem with starting your own business is that it takes time and money to set up. Although the rewards are greater in the long term, this route definitely won’t get you on the road any time soon.

For that reason, if you are like me and just want to fast-track your way to becoming a digital nomad, then I recommend looking for purely remote online work and then chasing any entrepreneurial dreams after that.

Let me tell you how to do that.

Best Websites to Find Digital Nomad Jobs

Here is a very comprehensive list of websites that you can use now to find remote positions and fast-track your way to becoming a digital nomad.

Flexjobs – find companies offering remote positions (currently a promo code FLEXLIFE for a much cheaper signup)

Upwork – huge database of remote job listings

Outsourcely – connecting startups with digital nomads

RemoteJobs.org – a remote job board with good variety of opportunities

DailyRemote – smaller remote job board

Remote4U – find remote chat operator positions

Remote Ok – another small but good job board for remote positions

We Work Remotely – good board for skills like design, programming etc.

FindASync – niche job board for companies that use asynchronous communication

Pangian – one of the fastest-growing remote work communities

Just Remote – good board for customer service, PA, or writing jobs

Remotive – tech roles, writing jobs etc.

Indeed.com – filter by remote

Working Nomads – everything from data entry to remote managerial positions

Crossover – smaller database

Talent – search for remote

Dynamite Jobs – work from home and remote job board

100Telecommute Jobs – remote job board

Remote Jobs – remote job board

Jooble – good for finding remote jobs in Mexico

This is quite a large list, with tens of thousands of online jobs available. In my experience, the best sources out of these are Flexjobs and Upwork.

What are the Best REAL Digital Nomad Jobs for Beginners?

I guess beginner isn’t the right word. We’ve all had a job before, the only difference with digital nomad jobs is that you are able to work from your computer while traveling.

As you’ve seen, there are thousands of online opportunities out there. You just have to know where to look. Below I’ll introduce some options that got me started as a digital nomad. This is a similar path that many are taking because it’s reliable and consistent, and will hopefully get you on the plane quicker, even if you don’t have any “remote skills”.

1. Teaching English Online

My first online role and probably one of the best digital nomad jobs for beginners is online ESL Teaching.

You’ve probably met plenty of people backpacking that do this to support their travels. This is because there is such a large demand for native English-speaking online teachers. If you read my story below, this is exactly how I became a digital nomad!

When I started, the best company to work for was DaDa. They were a Chinese company that employed thousands of English-speaking teachers and had over ten thousand students. This company jump-started my digital nomad work and onced offered up to $24 USD per hour to work your own schedule.

I traveled for 2 years solely on English teaching income and in the process hiked in the Himalayas, became a certified dive master, sailed the east coast of Australia, bused around India, lived in a van in New Zealand, drove a Tuk-Tuk around Sri Lanka and had plenty of time for volunteering while backpacking through The Philippines, Borneo and many other places in Asia.

How to get An Online Teaching job

The truth is, while it’s no longer as easy as it used to be, teaching English online is still one of the most common ways people start off with remote work.

Generally speaking, most companies are looking for:

Identification

Resume

Working towards or a completed TESOL / TEFL Course*

Some sort of teaching experience (tutoring is enough)

At least a high school level education

Be a native English Speaker

A laptop

Tip: For online English teaching, you will need a 120-hour TESOL/TEFL certificate. One of the best-regarded and cost-effective ways to get your English teaching certificate is to do it online with MyTEFL. I highly recommend this online course because it is cost-effective and recognized everywhere as being high-quality.

The Best Online English Teaching Companies for Digital Nomads

As mentioned, the company that I used to work for is no longer operating. However, the best place to look for online English teaching and tutoring is now:

EnglishHunt – Korean students

EF English First – Russian and Indonesian students

TwoSigmas – international

Engoo – Japanese students

Preply – international

Update: Unfortunately, due to recent regulatory changes in China, teaching English is now not as straightforward as it used to be but still a viable way to secure a relatively easy online job.

What it’s like Teaching Online While Traveling Full Time

Teaching English online is one of the easiest digital nomad jobs. It’s also really easy to learn and quite fun once you get going.

Because you develop your own fixed timetable, you will receive a fixed income each week. This is essentially the same as a regular job – you just don’t need to commute to an office and can work from a hostel, hotel, or restaurant.

Teaching online requires nothing more than a laptop and a headset. I used to teach students from 4-14 years old. The in-house teaching application was similar to Skype or Zoom, with both your and the student’s webcam visible. There was no need for extensive lesson planning or creation as all of the teaching material is supplied and tailored to your student.

These days, there are several different options depending on the company. Some require 1-on-1 teaching, while others expect you to teach an entire class. The age groups also vary depending on the company.

2. Freelance Writing Jobs for Digital Nomads

My second job as a digital nomad was to write articles for an SEO company. These are essentially just articles designed to rank highly on search engines. They can range from product reviews to quick DIY guides to basic “mini-essays” on a popular topic.

However, there are also loads of basic copywriting jobs available as well. Having SEO knowledge helps a lot though since most publications are looking for writers who know how to rank on Google. The great part is, that almost anyone can learn it over the course of a few weeks.

SEO knowledge is a great tool to have for those looking for how to become a digital nomad since it’s nowhere near as technical as coding or other software jobs!

There are several companies out there that require content writers. The company I worked for is quite small and no longer exists.

Also, these days, most freelance writers use generative AI like ChatGPT to speed up their workflow. While I’m not a fan, many companies will let you use it, which can save a lot of time.

How to Get a Writing, SEO, or Copywriting Job

With the increasing cost of your clicks, well-optimized content is getting more and more valuable. As a result, there are loads of companies looking for people to write content for them. Even with tools like ChatGPT out there, companies still prefer real, human-written content to connect with their customers.

The only thing you need to get one of these digital nomad jobs is a knack for writing and a basic understanding of SEO. If you’ve written articles for university or school, these are great for a starting portfolio.

I also recommend finding and completing online courses on Udemy. I always check this site for new courses since sometimes there are crazy deals to up-skill your remote employability. I’ve even found some free ones that have helped me out massively with this blog!

3. Blogging

Blogging isn’t exactly a job that you’re hired for, but a really good avenue to building a reliable, passive income. I started this blog in 2019 and now make a multiple six-figure income passively from this site. It’s my full-time job, my business, and my ticket to continued remote work and ultimately, freedom.

I’ve written a comprehensive guide to starting a travel blog, which will also be helpful for other niches as well.

4. Other Digital Nomad Jobs & “Remote Skils”

Of course, there are tonnes of other remote jobs out there. However, some skills tend to be more “remote-friendly” than others. Here are some great skills that you can pursue if you are looking to build a remote work lifestyle.

Recruiting

Web Development

SEO

Marketing

Business Development

Remote Customer Service

Accounting & Finance

Data Analytics

Web and Graphic Design

Engineer

Data entry/spreadsheet work

What It’s Like Living as a Digital Nomad

This section was written well over four years ago but I’ve left it here as a good insight into what life on the road was like when first starting out. It’s sure been a journey, and it’s just getting better. For all of you looking for how to become a digital nomad to embrace the world of travel and freedom.

For me, it’s coming up to a year of full-time travel. So far it definitely feels like the kind of lifestyle that I want to pursue for a long time.

Evidently, when first starting out with digital nomad jobs, you don’t earn a lot of money. However, it definitely is doable in areas where your dollar goes further like in South East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, or Central/South America.

Photography and writing are my passions. Digital nomad jobs and the overall backpacker lifestyle allow me to pursue this without the stress of diminishing travel funds.

In my opinion, working digital nomad jobs is a more rewarding and balanced life. I spend most of my days exploring jungles, temples, beaches, and waterfalls. I consider work as a necessary side component of life, rather than the be-all and end-all that is the 9-5.

In the meantime, I now have time to focus on my own project; We Seek Travel, and get as many travel and landscape photography opportunities as possible. Ultimately, I’d love to fully support myself on a digital nomad lifestyle without the need for an occupation (more on this later). However, for now, sticking to digital nomad jobs and remote work is essential in keeping me on the road.

Time breakdown: In total, I’d say that I currently spend about 15% of my time awake working, 15% on my blog, and the rest on enjoying travel and taking photos. In contrast, when I was working a full-time job, the split was more like 65% working, 10% commuting, and 25% for enjoying life.

Tips for Saving Money While Traveling

With online digital nomad jobs, It’s entirely possible to not only fund your travel but save money at the same time. When I first started remote work, I was sure to limit my work hours to fund my needs.

I didn’t want to find myself working all day every day. But, sometimes it was necessary to save a little bit more for flights, cameras, or a broken laptop.

Volunteer

There are thousands of opportunities to volunteer your time while traveling. Not only will you be giving back to the countries that have given you so much, but you will also often be rewarded with free food and accommodation for your time.

Since these are the biggest, and sometimes only costs when it comes to travel, you will essentially be able to save all of your online income while volunteering.

The goal is to volunteer in the morning or day and work digital nomad jobs in the afternoon or night. The beauty of this is that it benefits everybody. The communities you are helping get much-needed support while you can have a rewarding experience and save money at the same time.

A great volunteering organization with projects around the world is All Hands and Hearts. Check them out.

House & Pet Sitting

One of the best ways to cut costs and actually earn some extra money while traveling and first starting off as a digital nomad is to sign up for house & pet sitting.

Basically, loads of people all over the world are looking to travel but first need someone to take care of their house or pets while they are away. For those looking to become digital nomads, this is a perfect niche to fill, especially when first getting started.

The best globally recognized service is Trusted House Sitters. They get loads of requests and you are able to publish an account whereby people in your area can request you to sit for them! You will need to sign up and pay a yearly fee to become a registered sitter. However, you will easily reclaim this money within a week of paid house sitting (not to mention the free accommodation).

The best part about this is that you basically get free accommodation and continue to work online as a digital nomad to save and earn loads more money!

Increase your working hours

Whether you’re teaching online, writing, or coding, it’s usually pretty easy to pick up some extra workload. The companies and jobs I’ve listed above are usually pretty happy to have you working more hours.

The great thing about this is that it acts as a pause from travel. Take a couple of weeks on a tropical beach or among the rice paddies to stop moving around and just work. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save when you’re not spending money.

Budget

This goes without saying. Full-time travel can be extremely cheap. It can also drain your funds fast. Typically, I spend under $10 a day on food and always try to sleep for under $15 a night.

Sometimes, adventures, transport, and other things will cost more. However, these are essential for the travel experience and can’t be avoided.

What can be avoided, or put better, limited, are nights out. This is probably one of the biggest money drainers there is for backpackers. Although I’m not a stranger to a beer or two, I do this as a lifestyle rather than an escape from real life. Therefore I try to limit big nights out and definitely don’t party every day.

In saying this, if you find yourself in Myanmar, you can find bars that sell pints for 850 kyats ($0.56 USD).

How I Started Out as a Digital Nomad

When first looking to chase online work, it can inevitably be a little hard trying to find a place to start.

For most, it’s not exactly as easy as having a digital nomad job fall onto your lap. For me, it took several years of ultra-low-budget travel, nervously watching my dwindling funds until I realized I needed to pursue online work to sustain my travels.

Read: My Story

Cementing My Passion for Travel

I started off as a naive backpacker on my first year-long trip around Europe in 2015.

To save up for this trip, I worked tirelessly, saving every single penny and locking myself into an obsessive money-saving mindset.

I managed to secure 50-hour weeks digging trenches for a large-scale Australian telecommunications project called the “NBN”. On the weekends I’d also do some childminding for extra cash.

Safe to say, the hard work paid off. Together with my girlfirend Haylea, we backpacked around Europe for a year on the back of 6 months of work.

I was hooked.

But, I knew that dedicating half my life to working and saving money for the moments of freedom wasn’t sustainable.

But, I didn’t see any other way. So, I flew back to Australia and finished my Bachelor degree while working several jobs to save more money for future trips.

I reduced all non-essential spending in my home country to near zero and picked up extra work wherever I could. I refused to buy a car and biked everywhere.

I worked as a babysitter, cleaner, Muay Thai instructor, laboror, gyprocker, bricklayer, trench digger. I did anything I could and took on any work that came my way to save money for short 1-2 month stints of travel.

Landing My First Digital Nomad Job

In 2018, I used my degree to land an office job. I didn’t see a passion in HR and recruitment, but I was able to earn more money for travel doing this. And I wouldn’t have to break my body digging holes to do so.

Yet, I was unfulfilled. And, worst of all, the corporate commitment meant far fewer travel opportunities. Was this what growing up was like?

I was miserable and the only thing that kept me going was the idea that sticking through the grind would mean I could travel more in the future. I knew that I didn’t fit into the conventional framework of the 9-5 life and that typical Western ideals of wealth and success didn’t resonate with me.

On my daily commute, I listened to audiobooks like The Alchemist and The Celestine Prophecy, and immediately began to question what the goal really was for me.

I needed a purpose. What was my personal legend?

I began researching everything I could about things like “how to make money online”, “how to become a digital nomad” and “how to get digital nomad jobs”.

Most of the answers then just confirmed what I knew. That, to work online you need to either convince your current employer or start an online business.

In my desperate pursuit of location independence, I had already tried starting an online dropshipping business and an online anti-piracy service. These failed miserably because I wasn’t prepared to dedicate thousands of dollars to them, when I wanted every dollar to go towards travel.

Then, I found an ad looking for remote online English Teachers.

My girlfriend Haylea and I applied immediately and within a week we were offered a contract paying $20 USD per hour to work 12 hours each week, completely online. I hadn’t even started my TEFL course but told the recruiter that I had.

This seemed too good to be true. $20 was easily enough to get us through a day backpacking in Souteast Asia and we would be paid that for every hour of work!

And, when you want something, all the universe conspires to helping you achieve it.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Seeing how easy becoming a digital nomad was shifted my mentality instantly. I quit my desk job and bought a one-way ticket to Thailand. A few weeks later I found myself training full-time and even fulfilling my bucket list dream of fighting Muay Thai in Thailand.

A Life of Travel and Freedom

My goal was always to fund continuous travel. When I achieved it after just a month of searching, I was shocked at how easy it was to become a digital nomad.

For two years, my low-paying remote jobs gave me the freedom to focus on my passion for travel, photography, and adventure writing.

These low-paying jobs were a stepping stone for me to start this travel blog.

Note from the original edition of this guide:

“While I didn’t start We Seek Travel to make money, it’s a project that I’m personally passionate about and if it can allow me to fulfill my dreams of full-time independent travel then I’m going to give it my all.”

Here I am, 6 years later and my dreams of traveling full-time from photography and passive income sources are now a reality. This blog is now my largest source of income and it continues to grow every month. I still have the same passion for raw, budget, and adventure travel and still typically still live off less than $50 per day, no longer by necessity but by choice.

Interested in more guides, take a pick from my digital nomad resources below.

Best Remote Work Locations – a roundup of my favorite places to work on my blog around the world.

Digital Nomad Packing List – a few of the things I couldn’t do without

Digital Nomad Jobs – a guide to getting started with remote work and travel

How to Start a Travel Blog – a simple 7-step guide to kicking off your own travel blog

​https://www.weseektravel.com/digital-nomad-jobs/ 

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A detailed breakdown of my experience on the Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) at HMI Darjeeling, the most renowned Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in India.

After years of hiking and trekking around the world, I was longing for the opportunity to embark on some more technical mountaineering ascents. However, growing up in Australia, a mostly flat nation with only one notable peak, didn’t offer many opportunities to hone my technical mountain skills.

So, I began researching the best ways to acquire those skills and quickly found that a Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) would be the best place to start. I’d done some trekking in the Himalayas before, including Nepal’s famous Three Passes Trek, so I knew that basic mountaineering adventure courses in the Himalayas would be right up my alley.

After a recommendation from a friend, I ended up enrolling in the BMC at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling, West Bengal– a school with an international reputation and as one of India’s premier mountaineering institutes.

This article is aimed at informing those interested in enrolling at HMI, or those curious about Himalayan mountaineering schools in India. I’ve included tonnes of information about the BMC course and the institute, as well as a detailed day-by-day breakdown of my experience with an honest review of the course at the bottom of this post.

About HMI Darjeeling (Himalayan Mountaineering Institute)

HMI Darjeeling is one of the oldest and longest-running mountaineering institutes in the world. It was founded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (India’s first Prime Minister) and Tenzing Norgay in 1954, just one year after Sir Edmund Hillary and Norgay made the first successful ascent of Mount Everest (8,848 m).

HMI’s most popular course is the BMC, which attracts a long waiting list for Indians (more on this later), but they also offer the Advanced Mountaineering Course, Search and Rescue, Method of Instruction Course, and various special courses like the adventure courses (trekking and summits).

The institute is strangely located within the Darjeeling Zoological Park, meaning trainees and visitors must walk through the zoo to get to the institute’s entrance gates. You’ll find the entrance to this zoo on Lebong Cart Rd, a short walk from Chowrasta and Chauk Bazar, Darjeeling.

HMI is a government-run facility (jointly by the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal). It’s headed by the Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of West Bengal. As a result, the organization is much more militaristic, hierarchal, and bureaucratic than western climbing schools.

Tenzing Norgay: HMI Darjeeling is well-known in India and the global mountaineering world for being founded by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay (along with Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to summit Everest). Norgay served as the institute’s first Director of Field Training and largely shaped the early course structures. Today, there is a memorial outside the HMI museum dedicated to Norgay.

About the Basic Mountaineering Course

The Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) in India is a 28-day course designed to take beginner mountaineers (men & women) and provide them with all of the skills necessary to embark on expeditions up to 7,000 meters.

The course is split into theoretical (classroom lectures) and practical components covering topics such as the use of mountaineering equipment and technical clothing, rock craft, ice craft (glacier training), snow craft, etc.

The BMC is split up with an initial 8 days spent at the Himalayan Institute in Darjeeling, followed by a 4-day trek from Yoksum to HMI Base Camp at Chaurikhang, West Sikkim (4500 m). Then, trainees spend 10 days at the camp for field training and height gain, followed by a 2-day descent trek and 2-3 days of written tests, formalities, and graduation once back at HMI.

All mountaineering institutes in India offer a standardized course program for the BMC. This means that candidates looking to progress to the Advance course can do so at other schools as well. However, only candidates with a graduating score of A or above are permitted to progress to further mountaineering training in India.

Course schedules run during March, April, May, September, October, and November.

Indian climbing regulations: The BMC is a very popular course in India with a long waiting list. The reason is that its completion is a preliminary requirement for Indian citizens wanting to embark on an above 7,000-meter expedition in the Indian Himalayas. Strangely, the Indian government does not have any formal training restrictions for foreign nationals on any expedition. However, it may help if mountaineers apply for climbing permits themselves with the intent to climb alpine style.

Enrollment Process

The enrollment process for the BMC at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute varies greatly depending on whether you are a foreigner or an Indian national.

Unfortunately, I can’t comment much on the Indian process. However, after speaking to people on my course, they’ve told me that in order for Indians to apply, they must put their names down and wait for up to two years. There are also Indian military slots and sponsorship slots from programs like the cadets. If you’re an Indian reader, I recommend contacting HMI directly.

For non-Indians, there are foreigner slots available. These are separate from the regular waiting list slots for Indians and allow people from other nations to enroll as late as a few months in advance. However, foreigners (and Indians who want to pay full price for the early enrollment) have to pay the full course fees, which is roughly $1,060 USD curently, up about $65 since I did the course. Waiting list candidates pay a fraction of this, currently Rs 20,497 for Indians.

Both Indians and foreigners will need to complete the enrollment form, as well as a very lengthy and thorough medical assessment form. The medical requires everything from an ECG to chest X-rays, which was frustrating for me as somebody who lives on the road.

In order to complete your enrollment, you’ll also need to forward 10% of the course fees as a deposit after emailing a copy of your Application Form and Medical Form to the HMI staff.

What to Expect From a Mountaineering Course at HMI Darjeeling

Before I dive into my day-by-day recap, here’s a bit of information about the facilities at HMI Darjeeling.

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Campus)

The first thing you’ll notice about the HIM campus is that it is quite big, with several wings and facilities. Below I’ve included a small list of these facilities, as well as some photos beneath.

Javal Hall (auditorium) – a large lecture theatre hall capable of accommodating more than 225 students at a time. Used for lectures and training presentations.

PTI Hall – a regular classroom with folding table desks where HMI instructors deliver smaller lectures and classes.

Library – a well-stocked library containing loads of mountaineering and travel books.

Gym – small strength and fitness gym with a few weight machines and treadmills. Unfortunately, this was closed during my course.

Indoor Rock Climbing Hall – basic indoor sports climbing wall.

Outdoor Rock Climbing Wall – impressive 50′ x 20′ sport climbing wall with traditional lead, top rope, and speed climbing sections.

Lodging (Hostel)

True to Indian customs, the HMI campus hostel is split up into two wings– one for males and one for females. This means that couple enrollees will be separated.

The hostels are 3 stories high, with several rooms on each floor accommodating up to eight students in bunkbed-style dorms. There are also large metal lockers for each student in the room.

On each hostel floor is a bathroom with mostly Asian (squatter) toilets and a couple of showers. The hot water geezers only turn on in the morning.

Food (Dining Hall)

Trainees receive three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), served in a large, open dining hall.

These meals are mostly rice and dal-based and are quite basic in terms of variety. Honestly, eating the same food for every meal was one of the most difficult parts for me on this course. At first, I thought it was me who needed to adjust to an Indian diet, but in the end, it seemed that the majority of the Indian candidates were also longing for variety.

The bonus here is that you are able to walk up and get as many servings as you want, assuming you finish your plate. Oh, and there are many, many “tea breaks” for chai and biscuits throughout the course, both on campus and at HMI Base Camp.

Equipment

Apart from a basic list of essential items like sports shoes for PT, trekking boots, gloves, and base layers, HMI provides all necessary mountaineering equipment and technical clothing required for the expedition to West Sikkim.

A basic list of the gear provided includes:

Backpack (large 80L hiking backpack)

Sleeping mat

Sleeping bag

Mess tin

Down jacket

Balaclava

Rain jacket & pants

Climbing harness

Jumar, figure-8 descender, carabiners, piece rope

Ice Axe

Crampons

The overall quality of the equipment is good enough for the BMC. However, in terms of international mountaineering standards, the equipment is well– let’s just say I wouldn’t climb any serious peak with this gear.

Therefore, if you have your own equipment such as Gore-Tex shells or technical gear like an ice axe or crampons, I highly recommend bringing it for the course.

HMI Base Camp

The HMI Base Camp is located at Chaurikhang, West Sikkim at 4,500 meters. The camp is positioned on a grassy hill just above the Rathong River and is surrounded by beautiful peaks including Rathong, the Kabru Mountains, Mount Frey, and Kokthang.

The facilities at Base Camp are quite impressive, offering a hut for accommodation (expedition tents for the Advanced course trainees), equipment rooms, toilets (squatter drop toilets), dedicated training areas, a medical office, and a full kitchen.

HMI Museum, Darjeeling Zoo, and Treetop Rope Course

As mentioned earlier, the HMI campus sits within the Darjeeling Zoo. In fact, the institute earns some money from tourists who visit HMI to tour the grounds. While initially, this made me feel a little strange since there’d be random families asking me for selfies, I quickly got over it.

Something else I didn’t expect was that we were not allowed to leave the gates once we’d received our hostel slips, even to tour the zoo. Therefore, if it’s your kind of thing, I’d dedicate some time to check it out before or after the course.

On the other hand, the HMI Museum, which I highly recommend, is within the walls of the institute, meaning candidates can visit during downtime. This museum features some historical items including Tenzing Norgay’s Everest summit jacket and axe. This is also the oldest mountaineering museum in India.

Additionally, just outside the museum is a souvenir shop and a small cafeteria serving basic meals like momos or sandwiches, which were a great treat when we had the chance to visit.

The Treetop Course is a new addition inside the HMI Darjeeling grounds but is off-limits to candidates and really not worth the time in my opinion.

My Experience of the Basic Mountaineering Course at HMI

In this section, I’ll provide a quick day-by-day recap of my experience in the Basic Mountaineering Course to help you understand what to expect. Of course, the BMC structure will likely not be exactly the same as you’ll experience as some outdoor activities like rock climbing are weather dependent.

However, this will give you a good idea of what it’s like undertaking the course at HMI Darjeeling, especially as a foreigner.

Day 0: Initiation and Checking into the HMI Hostel

We reached HMI Darjeeling just after midday on the scheduled arrival day. Upon arrival, we were greeted by administrative staff who then guided us through the introduction process.

This was quite straightforward, with just a few forms and documents to sign, as well as a brief medical report check. We were also offered the option to purchase insurance for 1000 Indian rupees which would cover us for the entire course. Shortly after, we were handed our Hostel Slip, which we passed to the quartermaster, who then assigned us our hostel rooms.

After quickly settling in, we were given a quick introduction in the Javal Hall (large auditorium), followed by our first dinner together. This was a good opportunity to meet the other trainees and get settled in for the course.

Day 1: Getting Settled into the HMI Campus

The first day at HMI was all about getting prepared.

The day started at 6:50 am with the assignment of ropes, which are essentially small groups of 5-6 people that we’d stay in for the remainder of the course. Interestingly, the instructors split the 63 trainees up by region, and then assigned ropes in a way that would mix people from different states of India (as well as one foreigner per rope).

First PT Session

Shortly after, we began our first PT (physical training) session. This involved a morning jog through the Darjeeling Zoo and around the soon-to-be familiar loop down Mall Road to Chowrasta that we’d run for the next week.

The first section of this easy 5-km jog involves a slight incline but I was surprised that the instructors really kept a very slow pace, to begin with (roughly 7.5-minute kilometers). Additionally, the jog was broken up with a short PT session at a nearby courtyard involving basic bodyweight exercises and stretches.

While this was not overly demanding by any means, I believe that this 1 hour PT session is structured to help trainees acclimatize to the 2000-meter altitude at the campus.

Campus Orientation

After a quick shower and Indian breakfast, we lined up (HMI calls it “Fall-In”) in the courtyard in lines of ropes. This process involved the assignment of an alternating Rope Leader, which we would take turns being every two days.

The responsibility of the Rope Leader was to ensure that all other rope members were present when called. This would be a common occurrence for the next week following each break or meal.

Shortly after, the instructors walked us around the campus and introduced us to all of the facilities including:

Indoor Rock Climbing Hall

Library

PTI Lecture Hall

Outdoor Rock Climbing Area

HMI Museum

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Plarque

Equipment Wing

Medical Wing

First Lectures

Next up, we were treated to a decent lunch followed by our first lecture on mountain equipment.

Final on-site Medicals

I was quite surprised at just how thorough HMI was with its medical inspections. Not only were we required to undergo some pretty thorough reports before arriving, but we were also inspected on day one by the onsite medical team.

This involved a quick checkup on our vitals, including blood pressure and heart rate, as well as weight and height reporting and a quick chat with the medical officer.

Receiving Our Mountaineering Equipment

After a quick chai tea break (get used to these), we were then instructed to report to the Equipment Wing to receive our assigned equipment. This equipment included:

Rucksack

Waterproof Jacket and Pants

Massive Down Jacket

Sleeping Bag & liner

Mess Tin

Harness & Hardware (Jumar, carabiners, etc)

Woolen balaclava

Water bottle

Rappelling jacket

If we had brought some of our own equipment, including drink bottles, harnesses, etc, we were told that we didn’t need to rent this and that we could use our own.

Evening Lecture

To wrap up the day we attended a 45-minute lecture on mountain manners and other formalities expected of us.

Day 2: Climbing Ropes & Knots

Just like on day 1, the second day started with a PT session commencing at 6:50 am. Again, we ran the same loop but this time at a gradually faster pace. I still found this to be very easy and was a little surprised at just how little physical effort was expected of us.

Following PT, we had roughly one hour to have a quick shower and eat breakfast together before fall in.

Morning Lecture: Rope

The first lecture of the day was held in the auditorium and contained useful information about rope use in mountaineering.

Practical: Learning Knots & Mountaineering Rope Use

After a quick tea break, we were asked to report to the Outdoor Climbing Area for a rope and knot learning session. I really enjoyed this session as we learned many different types of knots that we’d use every day for the rest of the course.

Some of the main knots and hitches used in the BMC at HMI Darjeeling include:

Guideman knot

MIddleman Knot

Figure of eight

Bowline (various methods)

Bowline on the bite

Reef knot, fisherman’s knot, sheet bend

Clove hitch

There were plenty of instructors present who were able to teach each of us the correct methods of tying these knots and hitches, as well as the practice of coiling rope.

Further Lectures

After lunch, we attended more lectures in the PTI hall. These were classes on the Himalayas and an introduction to rock climbing. We also finished up the day by watching an inspirational Everest movie.

Day 3: First Day at Tenzing Rock

Again, the day started with a progressively more difficult PT session. However, while the pace was faster than the previous days, it was easily managed and you will likely still find it too easy if you hold a decent level of fitness.

Rock Climbing at HMI Darjeeling Tenzing Rock

Day three was an exciting day as we were finally able to practice some rock craft. The main training ground for all rock work at HMI Darjeeling is a large boulder outcrop located less than two kilometers from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute campus and is known as Tenzing Rock.

This is a perfect rock for training as it features several grades of rock climbing pitches, space for rappelling, and even a decent chimney area. The first day at the rock involved basic rock climbing and belaying practice which again was quite straightforward and very easy for those with previous climbing experience.

However, on this particular day, the rock was quite wet which meant slippery conditions. We climbed until roughly 12:00 pm, whereby after which we made the walk back up to the HMI campus for lunch.

Afternoon Mountaineering Lectures

Following a hearty lunch, we attended the now-familiar afternoon lectures. This time the topics covered areas of mountaineering terms, as well as mountaineering hazards.

Day 4: More Rock Craft & HMI Lectures

Unlike the previous days, the morning PT session on day four was followed by a 30-minute guided yoga session. While it wasn’t the best yoga session I’ve ever done, I was happy that the institute was including yoga in its course program.

Next, we headed back to Tenzing Rock for more climbing, belaying, and practical lessons on rock anchoring.

The afternoon included lectures on mountain clothing and environmental management in the mountains.

Day 5: First “Hike” and Rappelling at Tenzing Rock

On Day 5 we were instructed not to undergo morning PT. Instead, we were told to prepare a 15-kilogram rucksack for a 10-kilometer training hike around Darjeeling and down to Tenzing Rock.

The purpose of this was to prepare trainees for an upcoming fitness test before heading to the HMI base camp.

In all honesty, I felt a longing for some nature trails at this stage and would have preferred the hike to feature some of the beautiful hiking trails in Darjeeling. Instead, we marched in a long loop that finished at Tenzing Rock.

Rappelling Practice

After spending the past two days at the rock, we had completed all of the climbing routes, as well as the anchor fixing training and chimney route. So, the next two days were dedicated to rappelling practice.

We were taught direct rappelling techniques without hardware such as stomach rappelling, shoulder rappelling, and side rappelling, as well as indirect rappelling using the figure eight descenders.

Similarly to the previous days, the time at the rock finished at 12:00 pm so we could make it back to the HMI campus by 1 pm for our lunch.

Afternoon lectures

Afternoon lectures on day five featured classes on tents in mountaineering and a basic first aid course.

Day 6: Day at Tenzing Rock

We kicked off the sixth day with a regular PT session followed by another yoga class. This time, I was much more impressed with the yoga flows and instruction. After this, we headed back to Tenzing Rock and completed another rappelling and climbing session.

It was quite inspiring to see so many trainees gain so much confidence with climbing, belaying, and rappelling so quickly.

The afternoon lectures included a class led by the on-site medical officer on high altitude sicknesses including AMS, HAPE, and HACE. The final class was a very informative one about map reading.

Day 7: Tenzing Rock and Indoor Climbing

Originally, day 7 was reserved for a physical fitness hiking test. However, due to a landslide on the way to base camp, our trek, and consequently the test, was pushed back by two days.

Instead of the test (which was held on day 9), we kicked off the day with another PT lesson followed by rappelling sessions at Tenzing Rock.

This time, we got to try out long-line rappelling on the steep face, which was much more exhilarating.

Afterward, we returned to the HMI campus to do some indoor rock climbing followed by a short movie and an afternoon of free time on campus.

Day 8: Jumar Practice & Stretcher Training

The day started off with a light jog, followed by a 30-minute yoga session. At this point, everybody in the course was getting much fitter and more used to the altitude.

Jumar Ascending on Tenzing Rock

Due to the fact that our glacier training at base camp was pushed back by two days, the instructors brought us back to Tenzing Rock for a day of Jumar ascending. This lesson is usually reserved for Base Camp, however, the teams did well to set up a decent ascent practice on the steep side of the short face.

Jumars are the main tool for most mountaineers looking to climb on expeditions with a Sherpa or guide. As a result, we really tried to take it all in and learn as much as possible.

Rope Stretcher Making

Following another decent lunch in the mess hall, the course was brought up to the courtyard opposite the HMI museum. Here, we were taught how to make an improvised rope stretcher from a 50-meter rope.

Our Rope instructor also took some time to give us one-on-one training on some of the main knots that we were struggling with.

Day 9: Pandem Trekking Test (fitness Test)

Before the BMC course heads out to the base camp for field and glacier training, passing a basic fitness test is required. Originally, this test was meant to happen on day 7. However, due to the pushed-back departure date, our course group underwent this test on day 9.

The test involved a simple 14-kilometer trek carrying a minimum of 15 kilograms of gear. The passing time was under 3 hours, which we were made to agree on. If we weren’t able to complete the trek within this time frame, we’d be asked to leave the course. In fact, we even had to sign a waiver before the test to accept this condition.

While this seems harsh at first, it does have logistical merit. The coming days of trekking to the glacier would be much harsher, and any individuals who weren’t able to complete this basic trek would experience major issues down the line.

The trek forms a long loop starting with a gradual descent down to the nearby Darjeeling tea plantations before climbing a rather steep, switchback road back to Chowrasta, with a final stretch to the HMI Darjeeling campus. The view on the way was quite refreshing after spending so much time at the Darjeeling campus. Sweeping valleys of tea trees merged into rolling hills of Middle Himalayan jungle landscapes. In the distance, small glimpses of snow-capped peaks penetrated the thick morning fog.

In the end, I was able to complete the trek in two hours and three minutes with a decent level of fitness but little altitude exposure over the past few months. While so far the PT had been much too easy, this trek was quite difficult, especially for us who set the pace quite high.

Unfortunately, several trainees from my course were unable to complete this test within the required time restraints. As a result, they were asked to leave the following day. One of those was my friend Madhu, who wrote a fun story about her experience.

Tips for the Pandem Test: The first 7 kilometers of the Pandem test involves a gradual decline down to the valley of tea plantations. I recommend setting a decent pace and taking advantage of this section by alternating between a slow jog and a downhill powerwalk. However, the last 5 kilometers involve an increasingly steeper ascent, with about 500 meters of elevation gain. Try to set a slow steady pace for this uphill stretch and just keep walking and you’ll make it within 3 hours.

Avalanche Lecture

After an easy day hanging out at the campus following the Pandem test, our instructors gave us an informative lecture on avalanche safety and rescue. This was one of my favorite lectures so far, with tonnes of useful information for staying safe in avalanche-prone areas, and gave us the opportunity to try tracker beacons.

Day 10: Preparing for Sikkim

On Day 10 we received good news from our instructors, the landslides had been cleared and we were off to Basecamp tomorrow! 

But first, we set off on the final PT session, an easy and very familiar loop to Chowrasta and back to the HMI campus. 

Following the PT we had a fall-in order and the instructors gave us a thorough rundown of how and what to pack for the upcoming expedition. 

Then, we had the rest of the day off. So, we packed our bags, toured the Darjeeling Zoo (which was actually slightly depressing), and spent some quality time with the crew, some of whom were, unfortunately, leaving the next day due to a failed Pandem test time. 

Day 11: Journey to Yuksom

The air was filled with excitement on day 11. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t eager to get out of the HMI campus. Don’t get me wrong, the place is great, but spending 10 straight days in the same hostel, eating the same food, and being unable to leave was kind of getting to me. 

Following the morning fall-in, we loaded our backpacks onto the Tata 4×4 “Jeeps”. There were four foreigners in our course, of which I was one. Our instructors told us all to ride in the same car, as we required a special passport screening at the border of Sikkim.

In total, we crammed eight passengers into the 5-seater 4×4, with an additional 200 kilograms or so worth of backpack weight on the roof racks.

I’ve been down some sketchy roads in my life, but I’d have to say the road from Darjeeling to Yuksom has to be up there with some of the worst. 

The journey of 93 kilometers was meant to take us 6 hours but ended up dragging out to around 10 due to multiple landslides that needed to be cleared for the HMI Darjeeling convoy to pass.

The fact that our driver had a habit of speeding up around corners made the experience even more nail-biting. 

However, in the end, we arrived at the top of Yuksom, where several A-frame tents and hot dal waited for us. Yuksom is a small village on the edge of Kanchenjunga National Park and the former capital of the kingdom of Sikkim.

This was a good place to stock up on some trail snacks and enjoy civilization before departing for Base Camp.

Now, it was time to relax after the long journey and prepare for the long trek to HMI Basecamp at Chaurikhang and Rathong Glacier over the coming days.

Day 12: Trek from Yuksom to Tshoka

After a rather uncomfortable night’s sleep in a wet, soggy tent, we fell in at 7 am and prepared for the long, 16-kilometer trek from Yuksom to Tshoka. 

Unfortunately for us, the monsoon was dragging out this year, which meant a long, arduous journey through dense jungle with enduring rainfall beating down on us for the majority of the day. 

Truthfully, this was a challenging trek of closer to 19 kilometers as recorded on my Garmin watch. The incline for the day, including the undulating sections, added up to a total of 1,550 meters, which a lot of trainees struggled with.

The trek itself involved several undulating sections on a wet, muddy trail. Furthermore, the trail was in poor shape. There were at least three serious landslides that had all but washed away the trail. As a result, HMI’s beasts of burden couldn’t accompany us on the trek. Instead, we all pitched in and carried an extra 2 kg of potatoes and Maggi noodles to help with food supplies on the way to HMI Darjeeling’s base camp beside the glacier.

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a welcome relief to arrive at Tshoka (3,000 meters) where we were greeted with dry cabin rooms and to our surprise, even some cardboard-thin mattresses.

The trek from Yuksom to Tshoka took us 8 wet hours. Unfortunately, the rain had penetrated our rucksack covers, resulting in the majority of our gear being soaked (including my passport) I highly recommend anyone doing a mountaineering course in India, especially in the wet altitude regions, purchase an internal plastic bag liner or dry bag for their gear.

Day 13: Acclimatization in Tshoka

The original plan for Day 13 was to stay in Tshoka and complete an acclimatization hike to help us get used to the rapidly increasing altitude. However, the morale was low in our class, with many people facing the grim reality of soaked boots, down jackets, and base layers.

To add to this, it took some members much longer to arrive in Tshoka, with a few making it in well after nightfall. 

So, our instructors decided to schedule day 13 as a rest day at the village. Luckily for us, Mother Nature gifted us a few bright hours of sunlight which did wonders for our wet gear and equipment. Fortunately, I was able to dry the majority of my gear by wearing wet clothes in the sun and using the wise strategy taught to me by my mate Ryan of wearing socks in my wet boots and wringing them out every 10 minutes or so to absorb the water.

Other than the day-long battle against moisture, we enjoyed the peaceful vibes of Tshoka, which contained a beautiful tarn wrapped in prayer flags, as well as a small monastery and grazing yaks.

Day 14: Tshoka to Dzongri

Following a successful rest day in Tshoka, it was time to continue the trek to Dzongri, a small settlement at an altitude of 3,940 meters. At a time schedule of 5, 6, and 7 (5 am for tea, 6 am for breakfast, and 7 am for departure) we headed off on the steep climb.

The ascent began immediately and continued through the beautiful silver pine and rhododendron forest. If it wasn’t for the fair weather, this trek would have surpassed the previous haul in terms of difficulty. We gained a total of 1,058 meters in elevation gain over just 7.1 kilometers.

The highest point was at the 5.5-kilometer mark, a 4,030-meter ridge marked by cairns and colorful prayer flags. We sat here for a moment to rest following the stew climb, before descending another 100 meters or so to Dzongri. 

Dzongri is a beautiful little village sitting beside a gentle stream and comprising a few huts and a small merchant stall offering snacks and other rarities in these wild regions. 

We purchased some chocolates, scoffed down our well-earned dal lunch, and then following not more than 15 minutes of rest, we departed for an acclimatization hike to a high viewpoint above Dzongri at 4,155 meters (Dzongri Top).

This was a gentle walk without any load and led us to what we were told was a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks. Unfortunately, the clouds weren’t offering us any views, but it was still a nice way to wrap up a long day of hiking. 

The accommodation at Dzongri was large A-frame tents shared by 6-7 HMI trainees. 

Day 15: Dzongri to HMI Base Camp

Finally, it was time to embark on the final ascent to the HMI Base Camp (4,500 m). Just as the day before, we packed up our gear and began trekking at 7 am. 

The trek was approximately 10.5 kilometers and involved a steady, gentle incline towards Dzongri La, a pass situated just 100 meters lower than the Himalayan Mountaineering Institutes’ famous base camp. From this pass, we descended gently into the Rathong glacial valley below to approximately 4,000 meters, crossed the Rathong River, and began the gentle climb back up the ridge to base camp.

At this stage, we were kicking ourselves for the luck we brought. Yet again the day was foggy and not a single peak managed to penetrate the thick clouds. Apparently, Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), the world’s third tallest mountain, is normally visible from the Dzongri La section on a clear day.

However, we were still able to make it to base camp by 1:30 pm, which was acceptable considering the many mandatory breaks we were forced to endure.

The rest of the afternoon was spent getting accustomed to our new home for the week ahead. We sat outside waiting for the clouds to clear to witness the famous Himalayan view but again, had no luck on this front.

Our assigned accommodation was in “Tisco Hut”, a wide dorm-style hut with a single bunk bed row spanning roughly 15 meters across. In this hut, just over 50 men were able to secure a spot for their mattress, which would be our “bed” for the next week. 

Day 16: First Day at HMI Base Camp

After a surprisingly sound sleep, we were woken up at 4 am by enthusiastic coursemates who apparently have no concept of silence while others sleep.

I’m talking loud chatting, dramatic yawning, and even music playing while four dozen other people were trying to sleep… Besides the rude awakening, the first day at HMI Base Camp was quite enjoyable.

We began the day with a short hike to a viewpoint above the base camp, where we had a lecture on surrounding peaks. Unfortunately, the clouds were still too stubborn to part, and we were left questioning whether or not these peaks existed or not.

After returning to base camp, our instructors assigned us “central equipment”, including ropes, carabiners, and pitons, as well as 6,000-meter snow boots, an ice axe, and crampons.

The rest of the afternoon was spent getting accustomed to the gear, with a theory lecture on glacier climbing and using our new boots. 

The same hindering landslides that challenged us on the journey from Yuksom to Thoka also meant that mules and yaks were unable to make the same journey. The result was limited food rations for the trek from Yuksom and at base camp. Needless to say, we were all very sick of dal and rice, which was the only thing we ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Day 17: First Glacier Training Day

After over two weeks, it was finally time to train on the Rathong Glacier. Today also marked the first day of the official end of the Monsoon, and it did so in fashion, with the clouds clearing during our morning chai to finally reveal the beautiful surrounding Sikkim peaks.

Visible were the icy peaks of the Kabru mountain group including Rathong (6,678 m) and Kokthang (6,148 m), as well as Mount Frey (6,010 m) and BC Roy (5,480 m).

After breakfast, we hiked for 2.5 hours along the sandy moraine to reach the Rathong Glacier, where we donned our harnesses and strapped on our crampons.

Next, we teamed up in our ropes and practiced several glacial traverse techniques including ascending and descending with various methods of ice axe and crampon techniques.

In total we spent roughly 3 hours at the glacier before turning back, arriving at HMI Basecamp at 2:30 pm. 

After lunch, we all crammed into the tiny mess hut and were given a thorough lecture on glaciers.

Day 18: Ice Climbing on Rathong Glacier

Just like the morning prior, the clouds conformed to their seasonal October shift that marked the end of Sikkim’s seasonal monsoon and awarded us with a spectacularly clear mountain morning.

After breakfast, we once again set off for the glacier training area, this time with more confidence in the use of technical ice climbing equipment. 

The 2-hour walk out to the glacier is one I certainly didn’t mind repeating. The winding labyrinth through the Rathong moraine is spectacularly beautiful, with the Kabru peaks and the three Forked Peaks staring down on us from their high perch.

Below are some mountain shots I captured on the way.

All photographs on this blog post are taken by me and available for purchase as fine art prints or for commercial licensing. Please contact me for more information or read about how to use my images for free.

Today’s lesson involved double ice axe climbing, this time up a 20-meter ice wall while belayed on a top rope. The purpose of this glacier training was to get more experience and confidence using our crampon front points to balance on a vertical ice face.

After a few hours of training, we returned to HMI Basecamp content with a solid day of Himalayan mountaineering training. After lunch, our instructors told us that we had the remainder of the day off, and we hung out around the camp and enjoyed being in one of the most beautiful regions on earth.

Day 19: Aid Climbing and River Crossing Practice

Today marked the fifth day of living at 4,500 meters, and our bodies were finally getting more adjusted to the altitude. After another magnificent, cloudless morning, we fell in and separated in ropes at three different stations around camp.

Throughout the day, we rotated between these stations, which involved training specific river crossing techniques including travel traverse and suspension traverse, as well as climbing rock faces with the use of double Jumar (chest and foot jumar), and a very informative map reading activity. In all honesty, this was my personal favorite day of the HMI basic mountaineering course so far, with fabulous weather and fun, informative training activities. 

In the afternoon, all trainees reported for a late afternoon demonstration on rope fixing and ascending on a fixed rope, which would prepare us for the next day’s glacier training session. 

Day 20: Bad Weather in Sikkim

Unfortunately, our clear weather luck had run out on day 20.

Rain poured from midnight and well into the day. The result was a postponed day of glacier training. Instead, we practiced one of the most essential skills in mountaineering- patience. We hung out at HMI Base Camp, played cards, and prayed for good weather in the coming days.

Luckily the clouds began to clear in the late afternoon, which meant our instructors could host a demonstration on ice axe self-arrest techniques on the grassy slopes near advanced mountaineering course tents.

Day 21: Jumar Ascent on Rathong Glacier

The poor weather persisted through the night and into the early morning. Nerves were high as our instructors postponed the daily fall-in by an hour to keep an eye on weather conditions. However, in the end, we decided to push on to the glacier in the rain as otherwise, we would have missed out on one of the most essential mountaineering skills for future expeditions- ascending on a fixed line using a jumar and crampons. 

The weather worsened as we approached the glacier, but we pushed through and were able to get a few solid hours of jumar training under our belt. As we returned to base camp, the sun poked through the fog, signifying the start of a lovely rest of the afternoon in which we were offered a lecture on crevasse rescue.

Day 22: Final Glacier Training Day

After a week at HMI base camp, the final glacier training day was finally upon us.

Following an early start, we made the final trek over the golden hills, through the boulders and dark earth of the moraine, and onto the glacier. Today, our instructors set up several training stations, including a crevasse rescue exercise using C-pulley and Z-pulley systems, an ice piton fixing station, and two glacier climbing exercises using jumars and ice axes.

At the conclusion of the drills, we all took some celebratory photos together on Rathong Glacier, before turning back and trekking back to base camp through the rain. Once we arrived, we fell in and were prepped for the following day, where we were to climb a nearby rocky peak called Renok (Black Peak).

Day 23: Height Gain on Renok Peak

The mountains gifted us with a beautiful clear morning on our final full day at HMI base camp, where we were set to climb a nearby rocky peak called “Black Peak” or “Renok Peak”.

The trek began on the opposite end of the camp from the now very familiar route to the glacier. The trail bent around some sweeping hills and undulated lightly through a beautiful clear valley, with the Fork Peaks, Kapru Dome, and Kapru South in full view for the majority of the morning.

After about an hour and a half, we began a short-lived but steep ascent before arriving at a boulder field. Here, we strapped into our harnesses and roped up in groups of 5 to make the light scramble to the summit. Disappointingly for me, this was quite an easy climb that required very little technical effort. However, it was clear that this was the first time several people on our course were exposed to scrambling on semi-exposed rock.

As a result, the climb took much longer than it should have. At the summit, we were told the altitude of this peak pushed beyond 5,000 meters. Conversely, a quick map search confirmed my Garmin’s altimeter’s reading of just below 4,800 meters. Disappointingly, we were told that if we wanted to climb Frey Peak or anything above 5,500 meters, we would have to return for the advanced mountaineering course at HMI. 

This was contradictory to what I’d been told by HMI staff when I signed up. I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining but this is good to know for those of you interested in getting a climb in for “height gain” day.

That afternoon, we fell in for the last afternoon session and returned our central equipment and glacier training gear including snow boots, crampons, and ice axes. Our instructors also briefed us on the coming trek back to Yuksom which would begin early the following day.

Day 24: The Sikkim Descent: HMI Base Camp to Tshoka

We awoke on the morning of day 24 at 4:30 am to pack our bags and fall in for the final time at HMI Base camp.

Today, we had a long trek ahead, this time again with heavy loads but the distance would be doubled from the route up as our goal was Tshoka, 1,500 meters lower.

We internalized our goodbyes to the silver peaks and corrugated iron huts that had been our home for the past week and began the rolling descent down the Rathong Valley towards Dzongri La (Dzongri Pass)

It took us one day to cover the distance we did in two the week prior and arrived at Tshoka at around 3:30 pm.

Day 25: Tshoka to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

The final descent from Tshoka back to Yuksom involved a knee-burning 1,500-meter total elevation drop over the wet and muddy 15-kilometer path through the Sikkim foothills. We set a decent pace from the onset but unfortunately, our instructors committed to overly-frequent rest stops to wait for the group to catch up as one, which put a hamper on the overall enjoyment of the trek for me.

I’m never in the rush to finish a trek, but constantly stopping every 10 minutes for a break really breaks up the flow of the hike and is one thing I struggled with.

Nevertheless, this region, while wet, muddy, and leech-filled is undeniably beautiful. Dense rainforest covers the majority of the path, frequently crossing pure streams sourced from megalithic waterfalls draping the ever-rising slopes. 

We arrived at Yuksom at roughly 3:00 pm, polished off a quick meal of rice and dal, and set off for HMI in our jeep convoy.

Again, as foreigners we stopped at the border checkpoint out of Sikkim to stamp our passports, arriving at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Campus by 6:30 pm.

Day 26: HMI Sports Climbing Competition

To most accustomed to the comforts of regular life, the bunk beds at HMI are far from what we’d call luxury. But, after spending close to a fortnight sleeping on a few planks of wood lined by a 5 mm thin yoga mat in a narrow, tunneled hut shared by over 50 men at altitude– the first night back at HMI felt irrationally lavish. 

Waking up from a long, uninterrupted sleep, we ate breakfast and fell in at the courtyard. Our instructors prepared us for the coming two final days, which would involve a sports climbing competition, returning our equipment, and the final graduation.

The first thing in store for us was the sports climbing competition. We were hoping that this would be held on the big outdoor wall, but it ended up being a simple, timed route on the indoor wall. We’d only get one chance to reach the top, following the marked route, and the fastest person to complete it would win. To my surprise, only four people managed to complete the route from the entire batch.

Then, once everyone had climbed, we gathered our equipment, including all the trekking gear, harness sets, and rented clothing, and returned it to the Equipment Room in a rope-wise manner.

Day 27: Graduation 

The final day at HMI involved little learning or physical training but was a good practice in patience for the long, arduous bureaucratic formalities expected of an Indian government institute.

It took 2.5 hours for us to line up and wait for each student to receive a pin, followed by a quick handshake from the president. In the end, I was certainly glad the “graduation ceremony” was over.

Regardless, as soon as it was, we all enjoyed taking group photos, congratulating each other, and sharing an overall sense of accomplishment.

Usually, candidates would stay an additional night after graduation and depart the following morning after breakfast. However, a couple of us had arranged for an early departure following the graduation, which meant we quickly had to run around the campus for a final cut of the red tape to attain clearance signatures from all offices to leave.

Departing HMI left me with mixed emotions. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t happy to be finished, but the memories and experience I’d earned at HMI will stick with me for life.

Preparing For the BMC at the Darjeeling Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Decided that you’re going to take the plunge and commit to the 28-day Basic Mountaineering Course at HMI Darjeeling? Here are a few tips for preparation.

Fitness

While I can confirm that the course is not overly physically demanding for those of us who have spent a fair bit of time trekking or embarking on other adventure activities, it was clear that many candidates did not take preparation seriously. Hence, several failed the Pandem Test and were not permitted to continue on the trek to HMI Base Camp.

On the other hand, it was clear after day one of PT that I overprepared physically. Overall, the PT was much too easy and didn’t provide much benefit for me, nor did the tests provide the challenge that I was looking for.

HMI provides a recommended pre-course training program. However, I don’t think this is a very good one for the activities you’ll be performing.

As a baseline, I recommend that every candidate prepares by working up to sustaining a 5-6 kilometer run with an incline. I also recommend doing physical exercises like pushups, situps, and squats, which will help with PT and overall strength for climbing.

Additionally, if you have access to a climbing wall in your town or city, getting some basic rock climbing experience will also come in handy.

Alternative Mountaineering Institutes in India

While HMI is arguably the most famous mountaineering school in India, there are several others to consider as well.

The most reputable schools include:

Nehru Institute (NIM) – Uttarkashi

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) – Manali

Jawahar – Pahalgam

I have heard great things about both Nehru Institute and ABVIMAS and spoken to instructors from both schools who highly recommend their courses.

There are several other institutes including one in nearby Gangtok., However, these are reserved for military training only.

Final Review: Would I recommend HMI to Aspiring Mountaineers?

If you’ve read my comprehensive day-by-day breakdown, then you know that I have both great and not-so-great things to say about HMI Darjeeling.

Pros

Overall, I would certainly recommend anybody who is serious about acquiring as many mountaineering skills as possible for the most cost-effective price. Climbing schools in the Alps and North America ask for upwards of $8,000 for condensed versions of these courses (10-14 days). Comparably, HMI’s course costs an eighth of this.

On the other hand, if you instead choose to embark on some organized 6000-meter expeditions to begin learning mountaineering skills, I’d say that you’d have to complete at least 3 or 4 to get the same level of practical experience as the BMC. Again, this would cost several thousand dollars anywhere in the Himalayas, including Nepal.

In terms of value for money, the BMC at HMI is a no-brainer.

Furthermore, training on the Rathong Glacier is amazing. West Sikkim is one of the most picturesque and remote regions of the Himalayas, and you will be training on blue ice beneath some of the world’s most majestic peaks. In fact, this region is blocked off to the public, and only military and HMI candidates are permitted here!

For foreigners, spending time in India is also a valuable experience. Although you’ll undoubtedly get hit with some culture shock, Indian people are among some of the friendliest on earth and you’ll make some lifelong friends in this course. Even though I had traveled in India extensively prior to this, I was still surprised by just how welcoming and kind Indians are to foreigners.

Lastly, several of the instructors are incredibly experienced, with huge mountaineering feats like the seven summits under their belts. This offers a good opportunity to learn from highly skilled and respected mountaineers.

Cons

Training at HMI, or any mountaineering institute in India, has in my opinion, some pitfalls.

Firstly, the course structure and content are quite regimented. While both Nepal and western climbing nations shifted to a more effective and flexible, small-team approach decades ago, India still sticks to its militaristic view of mountaineering.

For example, the majority of alpine ascents in India are still completed by military regiments rather than small groups of dedicated mountaineers. Being a government institute, HMI embraces this approach in its training and its teaching of alpine climbing. Of course, as a foreigner leaving HMI, I’m far more likely to climb on smaller expeditions of 4-8 people, rather than upwards of 30 in a hierarchical, military fashion– so, much of the structural and cultural elements that HMI teach is wasted on me.

Of course, this has mixed perceptions, but in my view, this is an outdated and ineffective approach to mountaineering.

Consequently, while at the institute, you are treated like an army cadet, not an aspiring climber. Expect strict rules and limits on your freedom of movement (even after training hours), as well as having to line up and wait for hours to listen to bureaucratic nonsense. The most frustrating part for me as a western climber is being forced to pay respects to titles, even to those individuals who have never stepped foot on a summit- I look forward to the day that India starts to acknowledge that respect is earned by character and merit, not given in titles.

Don’t get me wrong, I would embrace a regimented schedule if the course coordinators were able to stick to it themselves. Unfortunately, you’ll be standing around a lot in this course as organization and coordination is severely lacking. As a single, simple example (trust me, there are many), instead of breaking up the course into segments for each activity, 60+ candidates get asked to stand in a line and wait for their turn to climb an artificial wall once, all while a dozen instructors watch on. There are loads of examples like this that you’ll endure throughout the course– but I think you get my point.

Unfortunately, as an Indian candidate told us. This is an Indian Government institute. While they’ve had over six decades to solve their issues, things apparently don’t change with these types of structures.

Conclusion

I apologize for the above rant. However, my goal as always is to provide you with the most honest account in my reviews. In order to do that, I have to let you in on both the good and the bad.

With that said, even with all of the pitfalls and frustrating moments at HMI, I would certainly recommend the experience to anybody serious about beginning their mountaineering journey.

Looking back now, this was one of the most memorable adventure travel experiences I’ve had to date.

Some of the people that I had the privilege of meeting will be friends for life. And, the experience that I gained in Sikkim, along with the knowledge passed down to me at the HMI campus has already proved to be extremely useful in the mountains.

However, aspiring mountaineers who value their time more than their money would do better training at a European or North American mountaineering school, where the structure and systems are more fine-tuned to modern alpine climbing.

Update: Looking back on this month at HMI, with all the ups and downs, it was easily one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had. Now, I look back at even the frustrating moments with a smile. If you are on the fence about it, feel free to shoot me a message!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this comprehensive blog post about training at the HMI Darjeeling mountaineering institute in India. While you’re still here on my blog, check out some of my other guides to India and some blog posts about climbs and treks I’ve done after the BMC.

Climbing Island Peak (Nepal)

Climbing Mera Peak (Nepal)

Kilimanjaro Climb (Tanzania)

Ultimate 1 Month India Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

176 Positive Motivational Hiking Quotes To Get You on the Trail

More Photos from the BMC With HMI Darjeeling

​https://www.weseektravel.com/hmi-darjeeling-mountaineering-institute-india/ 

By Jessie Festa. This ultimate guide to hiking in Upstate New York features affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love!

Looking for the best hikes in Upstate New York?

Then you’re in the right place!

Whether you’re looking for scenic but easy hiking trails in upstate NY or more challenging treks with epic mountain views, this list has you covered.

Along with adding in a number of my personal favorite options for hiking in New York I also reached out to some of my favorite travel bloggers to have them provide input into which trails should make it into this guide.

The result?

A list of the best Upstate NY hikes that you absolutely should add to your outdoor adventure bucket list.

Pro tip: Before going hiking, make sure to download the AllTrails app to have trail guides, maps, photos, and reviews right at your fingertips. You can also sign up for a free trial of AllTrails+ to download offline maps, get alerts for wrong turns, find trails by distance from you, and more!

Quiz: What Type Of Hiker Are You?

Before we dive into this list of the best places to hike in Upstate NY, I want to share a free personality quiz I think you’ll love:

It’s called “What type of hiker are you?” and it will help you discover your hiking personality.

Bonus:

Your results also share trail suggestions based on your results!

New York State Map

Additionally, to give you a lay of the land and to help you get a sense of New York State’s geography, here is a map showing the regions of New York:

You can also click here for the Google Map version of a New York State map.

Best Hikes In Upstate New York By Region

This list of the best hiking trails in Upstate New York is broken up by region, which, by the way, do sometimes overlap.

Also, yes, I realize that while people from Long Island and NYC consider Upstate New York to begin at the northern Bronx border, others would not include places like the Hudson Valley in the definition.

However, for the sake of how people search for Upstate New York hiking trails online, I’ve included any hikes that are north of New York City.

If you’d prefer to hike downstate, I’ve also got guides on the best places to hike on Long Island as well as the top places to go hiking in Manhattan.

On that note, are you ready to discover some of the best hiking trails in NY?

Then let’s dive into our adventurous New York State travel guide!

Adirondacks Region Hikes

1. Mount Marcy Hike

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Length: 14.8 miles round-trip

Location: Keene, NY — though I recommend basing in nearby Lake Placid, which is a lively village with loads of restaurants, hotels, and local shops.

Trailhead: You can access Mount Marcy — as well as many other Adirondacks hiking trails — from the Adirondak Loj at Heart Lake, part of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

Trail map: Click here for a Mount Marcy trail map

Mount Marcy Video:

About This Upstate New York Hike:

No Adirondacks travel guide would be complete without mentioning Mount Marcy. Hands down, this is one of the best hikes in the world!

Mount Marcy is the highest peak in New York at 5,344 feet.

Expect to hike for about eight hours, though you’ll never be bored thanks to the intensity of the hike as well as the many lookouts along the way, as you can see here.

There is even a waterfall along the way called Indian Falls from which you can see Wright, Algonquin, and Iroquois Peaks perfectly framed by pines and other Adirondack trees.

One of the most challenging sections is toward the end, where you’ll scramble over rocks for about 30-40 minutes.

Afterward, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of the Adirondack High Peaks Region from the Mount Marcy Summit (shown above!).

Hiking with your partner? Note that Lake Placid is home to some of the best romantic getaways in Upstate New York, like Whiteface Lodge and the Lake Placid Lodge.

That being said, the Mount Marcy Trail is also great for those hiking alone as a woman, as the trail is well-trafficked. Just keep in mind it’s physically challenging so you should have very good physical fitness.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

2. Mount Van Hoevenberg Trail

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.2 miles one way (or 4.4 miles round-trip)

Location: North Elba, though I highly recommend staying in the fun tourist-friendly village of Lake Placid, which is nearby.

Trailhead: There are two trailhead options for this epic upstate New York hiking trail, including an East Trail and a West Trail. Personally, I did the West Trail and started the hike at the South Meadows Camping Area, located within the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness Area.

Trail map: Click here for a Mount Van Hoevenberg trail map

Mount Van Hoevenberg Video:

About This Upstate New York Hike:

The Mount Van Hoevenberg Trail starts off flat, and you’ll leisurely stroll under the shade of pine trees.

During this time, keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers and giant mushrooms growing off of the tree bark.

After about an hour, you’ll come to a scenic beaver pond offering a nice place to take photos.

I recommend taking the break, as soon after this the hike gets steep — and continues being steep for the rest of the way up.

It’s worth it though for the epic view out over the Adirondack High Peaks Region (pictured above) from the top!

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

3. Saint Regis Mountain Trail

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 6.6 miles round-trip

Location: Saint Regis Canoe Area

Trailhead: There is a parking lot right at the trailhead at 432 Keeses Mill Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970

Trail map: Click here for a Saint Regis Mountain Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

If you’re looking for absolutely epic views but don’t want to hike the 46 Adirondack High Peaks above 4,000 feet, the Saint Regis Mountain Trail should be on your list.

The 6.6 round-trip hike is pretty moderate, winding through the woods with a gradual ascent, with a few steep and rocky spots as you follow the yellow blazes.

It’s not too challenging until the very end, with the last 30 minutes providing a steep uphill and rocky climb.

Luckily, it’s worth the effort as you’re rewarded with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and lakes.

For a true 360-degree view, head up the fire tower. From there, you’ll see famous natural Adirondack High Peaks like Mount Marcy, Whiteface, and Algonquin as well as natural attractions like Upper and Lower St Regis Lakes, Bear Pond, and Lake Clear.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

The view over the Great Camp Sagamore via Megan Indoe & Scott Herder.

4. Great Camp Sagamore Lake Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 3.7-mile loop

Location: Near Raquette Lake in Hamilton County

Trailhead: You can start the trail on either side of the main lodge at Great Camp Sagamore

Trail map: Click here for a Great Camp Sagamore Lake Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

This is one of the most serene hikes in the Adirondacks, located at the historic Great Camp Sagamore, a former summer home to the Vanderbilt family and one of those quintessential “American” summer camps on a lake — complete with a lodge that looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film.

Great Camp Sagamore is located on its own private lake, Lake Sagamore, with wooded forests and a 3.7-mile loop trail that goes all the way around the lake.

To get to the trail, you can start at either side of the lake from the main lodge. We started on the left-hand side and began our journey on a pretty, flat trail through the forest with small pockets of views of the lake, before getting to a fragrant pine forest with a mossy floor.

This Upstate NY trail is incredibly peaceful and suitable for all ages.

It took us — with plenty of photo breaks — around two hours to complete the trail.

My favorite part of the hike is when we got to the deep pine forest on the opposite end of the lake. The fresh air and the scent of the pine trees were really relaxing.

– Megan Indoe & Scott Herder from Your Brooklyn Guide

5. Ausable Chasm

Trail difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.9 miles

Location: Ausable Chasm, New York

Trailhead: The main entrance is at 2144 U.S. 9, Ausable Chasm, NY 12911

Trail map: Click here for an Ausable Chasm trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Easily one of the best hikes in upstate New York is Ausable Chasm.

It’s located in the Adirondacks Region, right near Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, and is a fun family-friendly hike that starts with an incredible view of Rainbow Falls. 

Depending on your budget, you can either hike along one of the many trails that take you behind the chasm, or enter the park through the main entrance and walk along the main trail here.

Bear in mind that you will have to pay $17.95 for adults and $9.95 for children between the ages of 5 and 12 if you want to hike along the well-paved trail that takes you through the center of the park. 

But once inside, you’ll enjoy an easy 1.9-mile loop hike that features stunning views of a unique, vertical-walled canyon that is made of 500 million-year-old rock.

If you can, time your visit for the spring, right after the snow melts, when the flow from all of the waterfalls in the area is at its most impressive. And if you want, you can even do a bit of easy, white water rafting through the chasm — making this a lovely day trip from Lake Placid for anyone with small children. 

All in all, a walk through Ausable Chasm is one of the best hikes in the Adirondacks and an experience not to be missed by anyone traveling to the region.

– Kelly from Girl with the Passport

6. Bear Den Mountain

Trail difficulty: Hard

Length: 3.4-mile out-and-back

Location: Wilmington, New York

Trailhead: Whiteface Mountain Ski Center

Trail Map: Click here for a Bear Den Mountain trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

From the Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain Kampgrounds of America (KOA), Bear Den Mountain is an out-and-back trail in the Adirondack Region of Upstate New York.

The trail is located in Wilmington, NY, which is just 15 minutes outside of Lake Placid.

To access the trailhead, you’ll enter the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center and park in the Bear Den lot. You can use the restroom at the ski center as well as ask questions if you are unsure about where to park or where the trailhead is located.

The hike begins along a river but quickly shifts into the woods. The wooded area doesn’t offer much in terms of views throughout the hike but it does provide ample shade.

While considered a difficult hike, I actually found it to be more moderate. The 1,300 feet of elevation gain doesn’t come without some steep inclines, but it’s nothing overly strenuous and is certainly still family-friendly.

The incredible views of Whiteface and Little Whiteface at the summit make this hike worth the effort. Once you arrive at the rock outcropping, you’ll see the lush, rolling hills of the Adirondacks as far as the eye can see.

Make sure to save some time to grab lunch or dinner and enjoy the stunning views of Mirror Lake in downtown Lake Placid after your hike.

– Maddy from Madelyne On The Move

7. The Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Length: 9.9 miles one way

Location: Wilmington, New York

Trailhead: Reservoir Road, close to White Brook

Trail Map: Click here for a Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

The Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail is one of the best hikes in Upstate New York and should be high on your list of must-do activities in the area if you love the great outdoors.

The route is around 9.9 miles long and is not a loop so you need to hike back the same way you came.

This trail is definitely a more advanced option so it’s not recommended for beginners. If you’re an inexperienced hiker you could choose to only hike the beginning and then turn back after a few miles. That way you can still enjoy the picturesque views with far less effort.

The most difficult part of this hike is without a doubt the elevation gain. At over 3,200 feet this means that parts of the trail are very steep so make sure you wear sturdy footwear. This is one of the most important items when it comes to what to wear when you go hiking.

Also note:

This trail is quite popular so expect to encounter a lot of other hikers, especially on days with good weather or weekends. The peak and endpoint of the hike are also accessible via car, which means that a lot of other visitors tend to gather here.

For the best experience go early in the morning.

– Victoria from Guide Your Travel

8. Mount Jo

Trail difficulty: Easy

Length: 2.4-mile loop

Location: North Elba, New York

Trailhead: Find the Mount Jo trailhead near the High Peaks Information Center at the end of Adirondack Loj Road, off Route 73 south of Lake Placid. There is a fee to park that supports the Adirondack Mountain Club projects.

Trail Map: Click here for a Mount Jo trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Hikers flock to the High Peaks of the Adirondacks to scale the lofty mountains.

Mount Jo is a gorgeous mountain in the High Peaks that is easy to get to and popular to climb.

The views from the top of Mount Jo are spectacular. Heart Lake is nestled at the base of the peak and views of Mt. Marcy and the MacIntyre Range stretch out across the horizon.

Families with kids will enjoy scrambling up the 700-foot elevation gain to crest this small peak. There are two trails to the summit, aptly named the Long Trail and the Short Trail that combine for an enjoyable loop.

The Short Trail is steeper so it is advisable to ascend it and then descend on the Long Trail. The Adirondack Mountain Club has built stone and wooden stairs to make the climb easier.

Henry Van Hovenberg, who built the original Adirondack Loj, named Mount Jo.

The story goes that he proposed to Josephine Schofield on a hike in the High Peaks, so he changed the name of Clear Pond to Heart Lake and named the adjoining mountain on his property after his fiancée.

Sadly, they were never married, but the name remains.

– Karen from Outdoor Adventure Sampler

9. Indian Head

Trail difficulty: Challenging

Length: 6.1-mile round hike

Location: Greene County, NY

Trailhead: Next to Highway 73 in Keene Valley. You can type “Indian Head trailhead” into Google Maps to have it populate. Note that because this trail is so popular, you’ll need a permit to park in the main lot. You can find parking across the highway if the lot is full.

Trail Map: Click here for an Indian Head trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Indian Head in the Adirondack Mountains is a beautiful hike, especially in the fall months.

This trail goes through trees as you climb higher until it finally opens up to an outlook overlooking Lower Ausable Lake.

This is a challenging hike with around 1,700 feet of elevation gain. It takes five hours to complete, though it is very rewarding at the end with spectacular views.

Pro tip: If you’re trying to get the best photos of the views, go at sunset.

– Jenny from Limitless Hiker

10. Cat and Thomas Mountain Trail

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 7.3-mile loop

Location: Near Bolton Landing in Lake George

Trailhead: 707 Valley Woods Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814. Or you can put “Cat & Thomas Trailhead” into Google Maps and it will show up.

Trail map: Click here for a Cat and Thomas Mountain Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

If you love active travel adventures that include epic views, then I recommend immersing yourself in the beauty of the Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve!

The trail offers a mix of flat woodland paths and steeper rocky climbs, with some lovely places to stop along the way, like a beaver pond where you can look for bullfrogs.

You’ll also hike through various types of forest, which keeps things interesting.

The real highlight though is the bird’s-eye views of Lake George and the Adirondacks from atop the two mountains.

Getting to Thomas Mountain is easier, as you’ll hike about 1.5 miles to reach the 716-foot summit.

From there, you can choose to continue on to Cat Mountain, which is challenging although totally worth it if you have the stamina, especially as this portion of the hike takes you along the ridge of the mountain.

Additionally, Cat Mountain offers a more expansive view of Lake George from 1,956 feet elevation.

Warning:

While stunning, this Upstate NY hiking trail gets muddy, so bring waterproof shoes you don’t mind getting dirty as well as bug spray.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

11. Baker Mountain

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.6-mile out-and-back trail

Location: McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area

Trailhead: Across from Moody Pond at 189 Forest Hill Ave, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. You can park alongside the lake.

Trail map: Click here for a Baker Mountain trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

This 1.6-mile out-and-back trail is short and sweet. Expect a steady uphill climb that will test your calves and work up a sweat.

The trail is easy to follow even without looking at the red blazes, as you wind your way up and up through thick forest.

At the top—which takes about an hour to reach—you’ll have a beautiful view of the surrounding lakes and peaks. There are also numerous outcroppings to sit on while enjoying lunch with a view.

Tip: When I did the hike it was mud season (aka spring), so some spots were muddy and slippery. If hiking during this time, microspikes may be needed.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

12. Moose Pond

Trail difficulty: Easy

Length: 3.1 miles round-trip

Location: McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area

Trailhead: You can put “Moose Pond Trailhead” into Google Maps. There is a parking lot right before the trailhead or, if it’s mud season, you can park along Route 3.

Trail map: Click here for a Moose Pond trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

If you’re looking for an easy and flat trail with beautiful views, Moose Pond is the perfect pick.

The lovely vistas begin immediately as you cross a bridge over a river. Spend a few minutes enjoying the sound of babbling water rushing over rocks before heading into the woods.

The trail is flat and woodsy almost the entire time; that is, until you have to turn to get to the lookout.

Honestly, I would have missed it if I didn’t have AllTrails on, so I recommend using the app to make sure you get to the correct final destination.

Here, you’ll have a beautiful view of the Adirondack High Peaks across Moose Pond.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

Western New York Region Hikes

13. Niagara Gorge Rim Trail Hiking Trail

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 9.1 miles out-and-back

Location: Niagara Falls, New York

Trailhead: The trailhead is in Devil’s Hole State Park and begins near the Devil’s Hole parking area.

Trail map: Click here for a Niagara Gorge Rim Trail Hiking Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

One of the best hikes in Western New York is undoubtedly the Niagara Gorge Trail.

It’s a flat, family-friendly hike that takes you through the trees along the rim of the stunning Niagara Gorge.

A highlight along the way is Whirlpool State Park, where you can see the magnificent swirling waters of Niagara River’s rapids.

You’ll also visit Niagara Falls State Park. Here, take in views of the famous Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls.

Note that along the Rim Trail, you’ll also have the option to do other trails within the Niagara Gorge Trail Network. You’ll even be able to descend down into the gorge, if you wish!

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

Finger Lakes Region Hikes

14. Grimes Glen Park

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.1 miles out and back

Location: Naples, Ontario County

Trailhead: Find parking down at the end of Vine Street and head to the trailhead where you will begin.

Trail map: Click here for a Grimes Glen Park trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

One of the best hidden gems in the Finger Lakes region are the waterfalls and hike at Grimes Glen Park in the village of Naples, New York. This is a true highlight of Finger Lakes tourism.

Here, you can head out on a scenic journey through this glen with two beautiful waterfalls.

This trail is easy, flat, and suitable for families; however, after the first bit of the trail you will be required to walk through the creek bed. This means you will need water shoes for hiking or shoes that have great grip and traction that you don’t mind getting completely wet.

This is not a great hike in the winter because of ice and water. Moreover, in the fall the hike is beautiful, but you’ll want to be mindful of the wet foliage that can be a little slippery.

The first waterfall will be located off the creek bed to the left about 0.5 miles into the hike. It’s known as French Hill Falls and it cascades down the tributary that feeds into the creek.

Continue another 0.25 miles through the creek bed and you’ll make your way to the next waterfall, which is surrounded by dramatic cliffs above it.

There is a third waterfall, but it is not advised to visit as unless you’re an experienced rock climber it’s incredibly dangerous and a fall could be fatal.

After the second waterfall, you can turn around and head back out.

We spent around one hour doing the entire hike with stops admiring the first two waterfalls. Don’t forget a fresh pair of socks and perhaps shoes so you don’t have wet feet all day!

– Megan Indoe & Scott Herder from Bobo & Chichi

15. The Gorge And Rim Trail Loop At Buttermilk Falls State Park

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.6 mile loop

Location: Ithaca, NY

Trailhead: Buttermilk Falls State Park, main parking lot off Rt 13 S.

Trail Map: Click here for a Gorge and Rim Trail Loop map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

In order to get a sense of what Ithaca is like, visitors must see the many gorges and waterfalls scattered throughout this Finger Lakes college town.

One of the best ways to do this is by hiking the Gorge and Rim Trail Loop at Buttermilk Falls State Park. 

The best part about this hike is that the views begin immediately. Before even parking the car, you’ll see the park’s namesake, the 165-foot Buttermilk Falls, at the base of which is a deep clear pool that’s open for swimming and watched over by lifeguards during summer months. 

The Gorge Trail begins at the base of the falls. Hikers will climb a stone stairway that follows alongside the gorge, which was carved over millions of years by the cascading waters of Buttermilk Creek. 

On the way up, hikers will pass waterfalls both large and small, bottomless plunge pools of swirling waters, and interesting rock formations created by layers of siltstone and shale.

Much of the hike involves a steep climb beside the gorge but the trail does level off at points as it passes through wooded areas.

The Gorge Trail eventually connects with another trail for hikers who would like to continue on. Those wishing to return to the base of Buttermilk Falls can connect to the Rim Trail, which runs up above the gorge and is more of a wooded path.

It’s also possible to simply turn around and retrace your steps on the Gorge Trail. Both will terminate back at the main parking lot.

Because of the steep rocky terrain, the Gorge Trail is closed in the winter. 

– Michele from From Inwood Out

16. Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.5 miles one way

Location: Watkins Glen, NY

Trailhead: 1009 N. Franklin Street is the address of the park’s main entrance.

Trail Map: Click here for a Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail offers arguably the best effort to reward ratio of all Upstate New York hikes.

Nineteen waterfalls including Rainbow Falls — one of the most visually stunning scenes in New York — cascade and plunge through an extraordinarily beautiful gorge right in the heart of Watkins Glen village.

Watkins Glen is located in the extremely popular Finger Lakes region of Western New York and the State Park welcomes over 1 million visitors each year.

A moderate 1.5-mile man-made path with around 800 stone steps transports visitors through the dramatic Watkins Glen Gorge. Besides the steps, the trail is flat, easy and relaxing.

The hike has a fantasy novel aura — like Rivendell from Lord of the Rings or walking through the wardrobe into Narnia. 

Certain sections of the wafer-thin Watkins Glen Gorge are smooth, whereas others are rugged. Hikers will walk past, around, and even underneath waterfalls thanks to excellent craftsmanship and stone masonry.

Watkins Glen State Park’s climax is a heart-in-mouth, magazine front cover landscape that is sure to blow away even the hardest to please:

Rainbow Falls.

Rainbow Falls isn’t just a waterfall, it’s a picture-perfect scene from left to right and from foreground to background.

Bonus:

The trailhead for Watkins Glen Gorge conveniently begins just a half mile walk from the bustling restaurants and bars in town.

– Mark and Kristen from Where Are Those Morgans

17. Robert H. Treman State Park Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.5-mile loop

Location: Ithaca, NY

Trailhead: At the Upper Entrance of Robert H. Treman State Park.

Trail Map: Click here for a Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

One of the most beautiful hikes in New York State is the Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop in the Robert H. Treman State Park.

This stunning winding trail through Enfield Glen allows visitors to experience 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls, as Enfield Creek cascades toward the Cayuga Inlet.

It is considered a moderate hike due to several impressive sets of stone staircases and an elevation change of over 500 feet.

The Lucifer Falls Overlook features a spectacular view of Enfield Creek cascading down the gorge.

Other viewpoints allow visitors to look nearly a mile-and-a-half toward the lower gorge.

The Gorge Trail can be incorporated into a loop by connecting with the Rim Trail and heading back to the lower/main park trailhead. The out-and-back route clocks in at two miles in length, while the full loop trail is 5.3 miles.

The park is located conveniently in Ithaca, NY near the bustling college town as well as renowned wineries in the region.

As an added reward for completing this wonderful hike, the Lower Falls themselves are a cool 50 feet tall and are located near the parking area. They have a swimming pool to cool off in on a warm summer day.

– Lina from BucketListPlaces.com

The stunning waterfall at the Taughannock Falls Forge Trail. Photo by Neha from Travelmelodies.

18. Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail

Trail difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.8-mile out-and-back trail

Location: Trumansburg, NY

Trailhead: The trail begins from the Taughannock State Park Parking lot located on route NY 89. 

Trail Map: Click here for a Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

The Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York is famous for its scenic lakes, delicious wineries, and beautiful waterfalls.

One of these majestic waterfalls is Taughannock Falls; which, by the way, is even taller than Niagara Falls!

The falls are best explored by hiking the Gorge Trail, which takes you to the base of the falls. It’s located in the Taughannock Falls State Park, by the scenic Cayuga Lake.

This stunning Upstate NY trail is an easy family-friendly option featuring a flat path covered by green shady trees throughout. It is open year-round, but the best time to visit is summer to autumn. 

In terms of distance, it’s just under a mile long to the base of the drop of the falls.

The trail traverses along the Taughannock Creek towards Cayuga Lake and is very scenic with the creek and huge gorge cliffs keeping you company the entire way.

At the end, you’ll be welcomed by the misty spray of the falls — indeed a sight to behold!

– Neha from Travelmelodies 

Central New York Region Hikes

19. Vroman’s Nose Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.5-mile loop trail

Location: Middleburgh, NY

Trailhead: The trailhead is located at the back of the parking lot off West Middleburgh Road, to the right of the Under the Nose café. You can type “Vroman’s Nose Hiking Trail” into Google Maps to be taken to it.

Trail map: Click here for a Vroman’s Nose Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

If you’re looking for the best hikes in Central New York, this trail should definitely be on your list!

Located in Schoharie County, just north of the Catskill region, Vroman’s Nose is a favorite hiking spot for both locals and visitors.

The 1.7-mile loop is fairly easy, gaining an elevation of roughly 450 feet. I recommend you choose to start the loop to the right, as the incline is more gradual.

Coming back down to close the loop is fairly steep — so be careful! A mix of shale layers and roots creates natural “steps” as hikers make their way to the top.

The trail is very family and dog-friendly and offers a perfect spot to picnic at the top.

When you reach the summit halfway through the loop, there will be lots of open, flat rock. People have even nicknamed the area the “dance floor”! Make sure to leave some time to take in the views of the surrounding hills and farmland.

Altogether, expect to spend about an hour along the Vroman’s Nose Trail.

When you’re done, treat yourself to lunch at Under the Nose, the café near the trailhead. Their cookies alone are incredible!

If you’re looking for other things to do in the area, check out Howe Caverns or the village of Sharon Springs.

– Danielle Benjamin from Wandercuse

Catskills Region Hikes

20. Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail

Trail difficulty: All levels

Length: 1.9-mile loop

Location: Kerhonkson, New York

Trailhead: You can access this trail from the Upper Awosting Parking Lot in Minnewaska State Park.

Trail Map: Click here for a Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

The Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a fascinating place to explore year-round. The 22,275-acre preserve is located on the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County and features a number of hiking trails.  

The most popular hiking trail in the area is the Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail, a well-trafficked 1.9-mile loop that is accessible and manageable for all levels of hikers. 

The trail follows the shoreline of Lake Minnewaska, the undeniable highlight of the state park preserve. Despite it being a bit less than half a mile long by eight of a mile wide at its widest point, the lake makes for an unforgettable setting for hiking in Upstate New York. 

The beginning of the trail is accessed via the upper parking lot that overlooks Lake Minnewaska. If you enter the preserve at the Awosting Falls entrance on route 44/55, continue driving up the winding road until you reach the parking lot. 

Shortly into the trail, you will also find a small roped-off area in the water, where visitors are able to swim in the summer months. This is the only area of the preserve where guests are authorized to swim. 

For those looking for a slightly longer hike, you are able to combine the Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail with the Lake Minnewaska Awosting Falls — an additional one-mile loop that features the beautiful Awosting Waterfall.   

Lake Minnewaska Preserve — which is a mere 17-minute drive from the college town of New Paltz — features rugged, rocky terrain and a number of sheer cliff faces. This makes it the perfect landscape to explore and go hiking in Upstate New York.

– Ben from Ticket 4 Two Please

21. Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain

Trail difficulty: Moderate (but steep!)

Length: 3.2 miles round-trip if you just visit the first ledge; 4 miles round-trip if you do all of the ledges; 7.1 miles round-trip if you go to the Panther Mountain summit.

Location: Big Indian, New York

Trailhead: Type “Giant Ledge trailhead” into Google Maps and it will automatically come up.

Trail map: Click here for a Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

This trail is a must when you visit the Catskills! Giant Ledge features a series of five ledges, each rewarding hikers who choose to embark on the trail’s steep ascent with some of the best views in the Catskills. These views are exactly what makes this one of the best hiking trails in Upstate NY.

Located in the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area, the hike itself is rugged, rocky, and short — but scenic, as you cross over a wooden footbridge, take in a lovely stream, and enjoy the serenity of the forest.

If you’re flexible with dates, I highly recommend doing this hike in the fall, as you can see the beautiful foliage.

After taking in stunning views from Giant Ledge, you have the option to continue up Panther Mountain. It’ll take about 45 minutes and 1,000 vertical feet to get to the top.

While challenging, the views from the summit at 3,720 feet — which is covered in lush alpine forest — are spectacular.

Fun fact:

Panther Mountain sits on top of a 375 million-year-old meteorite hit!

-Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

22. Overlook Mountain Hike

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.6 miles out-and-back

Location: Woodstock, New York; by the way, this Woodstock NY travel guide shares some of my favorite things to do in this quirky town

Trailhead: 353 Meads Mountain Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498. There is a small parking lot here, too.

Trail map: Click here for an Overlook Mountain trail map

About This Upstate New York Trail:

While hiking up a steep old gravel road may not be the most exciting, it’ll be worth it for the highlights along the way — not to mention the views that await you at the top.

First of all, you’ll find the ruins of the once-grand Overlook Mountain House. Many hikers like to actually explore the ruins, which can make for fun photos.

Another highlight of hiking Overlook Mountain is climbing up a fire tower, which dates back to 1927 and offers views of the Catskills from 3,140 feet. From here, you can see the Hudson River Valley, Ashokan Reservoir, and the multi-peak Devil’s Path Hiking Trail.

Interestingly, it’s one of only a handful of fire towers left in the Catskills Region, making the experience extra special.

Pretty soon after this, you’ll come to a ranger station, where you’ll be close to a stunning cliff lookout. This is a great spot to relax with a packed lunch and stare out at views that seem to go on forever.

Note:

This hike is pretty steep the entire way, so be prepared for a workout!

Also, be aware that there tends to be timber rattlesnakes along this trail and in the hotel ruins, so be careful.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

Pratt Rock. Photo via Coastallover1994/Wikimedia Commons.

23. Pratt Rock

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.8 miles out-and-back

Location: Prattsville, New York

Trailhead: The trailhead is located on Highway 23, just south of Prattsville. You’ll see a green sign with a white horse. Parking is on the side of the road. If you type “Pratt Rock Trailhead” into Google Maps it comes right up, too.

Trail Map: Click here for a Pratt Rock trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Touted as “New York’s Mount Rushmore” by Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Pratt Rock is one of the state’s more unique hikes.

You’ll hike in Huntersfield State Forest up a hill, passing seasonal wildflowers and taking in views of the surrounding mountains and nearby Schoharie Creek.

The highlight is reaching Pratt Rock, a quirky Catskills attraction covered in white carvings dating back to the 1800s that depict busks, horses, a brawny arm holding a sledgehammer, and other images from the life of Zadock Pratt.

Pratt was an entrepreneur and statesman who quadrupled Prattsville’s population by building the world’s largest tannery at the time.

During his life, he hired a begging stonecutter to continue creating the carvings from 1843 until Pratt passed away in 1871.

While up there, you’ll also see Pratt’s grave where he is buried with his dogs.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

24. Tanbark Loop Trail

Trail difficulty: Moderate-hard; expect short and intense

Length: 2-mile loop

Location: Phoenicia, New York

Trailhead: 16 Mount Ava Maria Dr., Phoenicia, NY 12464. Note that you’ll feel like you’re parking in someone’s driveway. Look for a park with fields and a playground. The trailhead is near the playground, and you’ll see a wooden footbridge leading into the woods with blue trail markers.

Trail map: Click here for a Tanbark Loop Trail map

About This Upstate New York Trail:

Right in the town of Phoenicia is the trailhead for Tanbark Trail, a short but difficult trail that offers incredible Catskills views as you hike up Mount Tremper.

It starts off hard, as you ascend a switchback trail up a steep cliffside. This part is challenging, though things level out as you reach the loop section of the trail at the top of the cliff.

Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself at your first viewpoint, the Phoenicia Overlook (pictured above). From here, you can see Romer Mountain, Mount Pleasant, and Panther Mountain — the latter of which is also one of the best hiking trails in Upstate NY, at least in my opinion.

From here, you’ll switch between ascending and descending, taking in dramatic Catskills geology and inhaling the scent of oak and pine trees.

Eventually, you’ll come to Grandview Ledge, the other highlight of this trail. From here, you’ll gaze out over Phoenicia toward Panther Mountain from an open ledge — so be careful!

Personally, I did this hike during a Catskills winter getaway. The snowy views were beautiful.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

25. Kingston Point Rail Trail

Trail difficulty: Easy

Length: 2.3 miles out-and-back

Location: Kingston, New York

Trailhead: The trail begins all the way to the right of the park.

Trail map: Click here for a Kingston Point Rail Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

This easy paved rail trail is the perfect way to spend an hour, as you wander along the lovely Rondout Creek waterfront.

At certain sections of the trail, you’ll see bits of the old Ulster and Delaware Railroad, which once transported travelers out to the Catskills Mountains. You can actually walk on the former tracks.

Take your time and really enjoy the natural beauty.

There is also a lovely footbridge at the beginning of the trail that’s nice to stop at and take some photos.

Afterward, make the short seven-minute drive to the Kingston Waterfront, where you can eat right on the water or opt for a scenic boat ride.

– Jessie Festa of Jessie on a Journey

26. Ashokan Quarry Trail

Trail difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.8-mile loop trail

Location: Olivebridge, New York

Trailhead: There is a parking lot right at the trailhead. The address is NY-28A, Olivebridge, NY 12461 or you can just put “Ashokan Quarry Trail” into Google Maps.

Trail map: Click here for an Ashokan Quarry Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

In my opinion, it can be difficult to find easy hiking trails that also offer gorgeous mountain views.

Luckily, that is exactly what the Ashokan Quarry Trail delivers as you can see in the photo above. In fact, you’ll see a gorgeous view of Ashokan High Point, Little Ashokan, Samuels Point, and the Burroughs Range about halfway through the trail.

The loop trail is a leisurely walk through the woods among towering trees and slate formations, and is the perfect way to connect with nature, with an ascent of just 189 feet.

Along with the lovely views, another highlight is getting to walk through the old abandoned quarry and railway ruins. Very fun!

Just one warning:

Watch out for ticks! They can be prevelant on this trail, so check your body thoroughly after hiking and try to rubber band your pant leg ends over your socks.

Hudson Valley Region Hikes

27. Bull Hill Full-Loop Hike

Trail difficulty: Moderate — though you’ll definitely work up a sweat on some of the steeper parts!

Length: 5.4-mile loop

Location: Cold Spring, New York

Trailhead: Right across from Little Stony Point. It’s well-marked with a parking lot.

Trail map: Click here for a Bull Hill trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Looking for things to do in the Hudson Valley? Head to Cold Spring, which is one of my favorite New York State destinations. Here there are numerous hikes you can walk to right from the Metro-North train station, including this one!

If you’re looking for the best hiking trails near NYC, this is a great option — and as you make the 1,400-foot climb up to the Bull Hill summit you’ll even get a view of the New York City skyline.

Along the way, as you hike through the Hudson Highlands State Park, there are other highlights as well, like a viewpoint offering a vista over the Hudson Valley and West Point Military Academy, gazing out toward Storm King Mountain over the Hudson River, and exploring the ruins of the former 650-acre Cornish Estate dating back to 1910.

Pro tip:

Afterward, walk across the street from the trailhead to Little Stony Point Park, which has a small beach that is a great place to watch the sunset.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

28. Anthony’s Nose Hike

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2 miles out-and-back (though this varies a bit depending on which trailhead you choose)

Location: Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley

Trailhead: Type “Anthony’s Nose Trailhead” into Google Maps and you’ll get three trailhead options. Each offers a different trail experience worth trying out — though all eventually get you to the beautiful Anthony’s Nose lookout.

Trail map: Click here for an Anthony’s Nose trail map

Anthony’s Nose Video:

About This Upstate New York hike:

While many people choose to hike Anthony’s Nose on their own during the day, I did it in the evening as part of REI’s Full Moon Hike series.

It was a brisk February evening, and one of the most memorable hikes ever — especially as it was my first winter evening hike.

As I prepped my gear — an Osprey daypack, two liters of water, and snacks — I had to account for plenty of winter layers and a personal headlamp.

Now, I’d hiked up Anthony’s Nose before. It’s a stunning trek through the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, up natural steps that eventually level out after about 0.6 miles onto a flat woodland trail passing giant rock formations and a pond before reaching the incredible view at the end.

However, what made this special was seeing it in a whole new light; the trails looking dream-like on this cool, quiet night with the full moon shining on us.

At the top, I looked up at the evening sky while sipping hot chocolate prepped by our guides. With only the light sound of the wind surrounding us and views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge below, it was a level of bliss and serenity I will never forget.

– Nicolette Orlemans from CultureTrav

29. Breakneck Ridge Hike With South Beacon Mountain

Trail difficulty: Hard — while short, you’ll definitely need both hands for the steep climbs you’ll encounter on this Upstate New York hike

Length: 3.7 mile-loop to do just Breakneck Ridge or 9 miles if you add on South Beacon Mountain

Location: Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York

Trailhead: You can access this trail from New York State Route 9D near the Breakneck Ridge Metro-North train station, making this a great option for hiking in Upstate NY near NYC.

Trail map: Click here for a Breakneck Ridge trail map & click here for a map of Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain

About This Upstate New York Hike:

If you’re wondering which Upstate New York hike to pick and you haven’t done Breakneck Ridge yet, I highly recommend you choose this one.

While challenging, the views along the way and from the cliff overlooks are outstanding. In fact, you’ll see Storm King Mountain, the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, the Hudson River, and even Bannerman’s Castle, an abandoned military surplus warehouse sitting on its own little island.

Plus, the landscape shifts numerous times along the way to help ensure you’re never bored.

Just note that the hike has some very steep sections where you’re essentially climbing straight up vertically — so you may want to reconsider bringing small children and pets!

Want a longer hike?

Keep hiking toward the Beacon Fire Tower on South Beacon Mountain, which awards incredible views over the Hudson Valley from about 1,670 feet high!

If you choose to do this, you can do the hike as a loop and head back to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead.

Alternatively, you can walk into the city of Beacon. There is a deli near the base if you’re hungry. From there, walk or Uber to the train station.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

30. The Island Pond/Lemon Squeezer Loop Trail

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3.8-mile loop

Location: Tuxedo, New York in Harriman State Park in the Hudson Valley

Trailhead: The trailhead starts at the Elk Pen parking lot in Harriman State Park and ends in the same place.

Trail Map: Click here for an Island Pond/Lemon Squeezer trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Want to check out the Appalachian Trail without devoting months of your life to it? You can get a taste of it on the Island Pond/Lemon Squeezer Loop in Harriman State Park.

You’ll start out at the Elk Pen parking lot, which has plenty of parking spaces. The trailhead starts in a lovely meadow where it is common to see deer munching on lunch or dinner.

This trail has some lush greenery, is really quiet with few hikers, and is overall a moderate hike other than a short scramble right after the famous “Lemon Squeezer.”

This rock formation that the trail passes through is quite a tight fit, especially with a large backpack. After you squeeze through, there is a quick scramble that gets you back to the trail.

If you don’t feel like scrambling, that’s okay! There’s an easy option that takes you around the rocks — though scrambling is part of the fun!

Make sure to download a map and directions beforehand since the trail isn’t always clearly marked and it can be easy to get lost.

– Alex from Alex on the Map

31. The Appalachian Trail

Trail difficulty: Varied

Length: 2 miles (minimum)

Location: 991 State Rte 55, Pawling, NY 12564

Trailhead: Near Greenwood Lake. If you’re arriving via public transportation from New York City, take the Harlem Line from Grand Central Terminal. After about two hours, you’ll arrive at the Appalachian Trail station.

Trail Map: Click here for an Appalachian Trail map (for the New York section)

About This Upstate New York Hike:

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in North America. If you’re looking for a challenge, this is definitely the hike for you — a colossal hiking trail stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. 

The trail passes through 14 states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts (the second-to-last state), Vermont (the last state), and New Hampshire and Maine.

With over 2,200 miles to cover and an elevation change of well over 100,000 feet, this trail will test your endurance and mental fortitude.

If you are up to the task and have plenty of time there is no better way to see America’s beautiful landscape than from atop one of its highest peaks.

However, for this post on Upstate NY hiking trails, I’ll only cover the New York section of the trail.

The trail runs through New York State for 90 miles and covers some glorious scenery and foliage — especially in the autumn.

There are many different places that you can get to the trail from, however, it actually enters New York State near Greenwood Lake on Bellvale Mountain and continues to the Connecticut State Line.

A few of the most popular spots include Bear Mountain (an hour outside NYC) which has stunning views from the summit, Prospect Rock located close to the New York/New Jersey border, and Fitzgerald Falls (near Southfields), which is a beautiful 25-foot-high waterfall.

The level of difficulty depends on which part of the trail you pick. Trails range from two miles long up to much longer. You could even do the full 90 miles if you fancied it!

– Alice from Adventures of Alice

The Bonticou Crag rock scramble. Photo by James Ian from Parks Collecting.

32. The Bonticou Crag Trail

Trail difficulty: The main trail is moderate. The rock scramble section is challenging, though it is possible to take a trail to the top that avoids the rock scramble.

Length: 2.3-mile loop

Location: Marbletown, New York. The trail is located in Mohonk Preserve in the mid-Hudson Valley.

Trailhead: The trail starts at the Spring Farm Trailhead in Mohonk Preserve. Note that there is a $15 day visitor fee or $60 annual membership fee for Mohonk Preserve.

Trail Map: Click here for a Bonticou Crag Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

The Bonticou Crag Trail has some of the most spectacular views in the Hudson Valley and a super fun rock scramble to get there!

The trail starts easily, walking through the woods. It crosses a couple of historic carriage roads, and even goes along one of the roads for a short way. 

About halfway through the loop, you come to a cliff of huge boulders. It seems impossible to climb up the rockfall, but if you look closely, you can see red paint dots on some of the boulders, which mark the trail. 

Here, you have two choices. If climbing up that rockfall seems fun, go straight and start climbing. 

However, if this seems too intimidating, then you can take the trail to the left and get to the top of the crag on a standard hiking trail. 

The rock scramble requires you to climb through narrow crevices and pull yourself up over the top of boulders with steep drop-offs. In my opinion, it’s lots of fun, but may not be for you if you’re afraid of heights!

At the top, there are expansive views of the Mohonk Preserve and the wide Hudson Valley spread out beyond. Take your time and soak up some of the best scenery in upstate New York!

There is no need to return the way you came. Hike along the top of the ridge, and then the trail starts down and loops back a different route towards the trailhead. 

Near the end of the trail, there is another viewpoint called The Million Dollar View that offers a vista of the entire Catskill Mountain Range beyond the valley.

– James Ian from Parks Collecting

33. Teatown Lake Reservation

Difficulty: From easy (a nature walk) to moderately difficult (the longest is a 3.8-mile loop with lots of hills, but you could also connect multiple loops if you’re looking for more)

Length: 15 miles total, broken up into different trails

Location: Ossining, New York

Trailhead: You can access the trailhead from and the Teatown Nature Center, which has a parking lot and is $5 to park for non-members. The address is 1600 Spring Valley Road Ossining, NY 10562.

Trail map: Click here for a Teatown Lake Reservation trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

My husband and I love Teatown! It’s our go-to hiking spot for a number of reasons.

For one, it’s close to NYC where we live. On a good day we can make it in 40 minutes, so it feels like something we can do in the morning and still have an afternoon at home.

I also appreciate the variety of trails. Sometimes we don’t have a lot of time, or I might be feeling tired or sore from something else, so we’ll just do the easy loop around the lake. It just feels good to be outdoors!

Other times we opt for the longer loop which takes us about two hours and definitely works up a sweat.

It also has a lot more amenities than other, more “hardcore” hikes.

For example, there’s a small food stand at the Visitor’s Center that sells locally baked goods, fruit, coffee, and cider, so you don’t have to worry about packing snacks.

There’s also an outhouse (that’s pretty clean too!) near the trailhead which is really nice to have, either before or after the hike.

Additionally, there’s a farm nearby called Fable that has a great market with meats, veggies, dairy, and some baked goods. We’ll usually stop there for groceries on the way home and sometimes walk around the farm and say hi to the goats.

Dogs are also allowed as long as they’re leashed so it’s a nice way to get our older pup some exercise!

– Nikki Padilla Rivera from Trip Kinetics

34. Perkins Tower Trail in Bear Mountain State Park

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3.8 miles round-trip

Location: Bear Mountain, New York

Trailhead: You can access the trail from within Bear Mountain State Park. You’ll need to pay a parking fee ($10 per vehicle), and you can ask the parking attendant to better direct you once you’re there.

Trail map: Click here for a map of the Perkins Tower Trail

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Bear Mountain State Park is a fun New York attraction full of amenities, like sports fields, areas for fishing, picnic spots, onsite lodging, restaurants, and more.

It’s also full of trail options, though if you want an epic view, the Perkins Tower Trail is highly recommended, as it offers the opportunity to summit Bear Mountain and visit a historic museum at the top.

The trail is pretty popular, so if you’re a solo female traveler like me it can be nice to have other hikers nearby in case anything happens and you need help.

You’ll head uphill through the woods quite frequently — and will even spend some time on the Appalachian Trail — though at no point is it overly steep.

At the top of Bear Mountain, you can explore Perkins Memorial Tower, a small three-floor museum showcasing old photos, historic exhibits, and incredible 360-degree views of Bear Mountain State Park.

More specifically, you’ll see Anthony’s Nose Mountain, Manitou Mountain, Annsville Creek, Breakneck Ridge, New York City, West Point Military Academy, and more.

Fun fact:

The Tower dates back to 1934, when it was built to honor George W. Perkins, founder and first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

A portion of the view from atop Sugarloaf Hill. Photo via Jessie Festa.

35. Sugarloaf Hill Trail

Trail difficulty: Moderate — there are some steep parts but nothing crazy and it’s short

Length: 2.9 miles out-and-back

Location: Garrison, New York

Trailhead: You’ll enter the Castle Rock Unique Area from New York State Route 9D, walking onto Wing & Wing Road. You’ll actually see two stone pillars flanking the entrance, one that says “Wing & Wing 1857” and another that says “Castle Rock 1881”. You can plug “Sugarloaf Hill, Osborn Loop Trail” in Philipstown into your Google Maps to help direct you.

Note that you can reach the trailhead on foot from the Garrison Mero-North train station, making this one of the best hikes near NYC for those without a car.

Trail map: Click here for a Sugarloaf Hill Trail map

About This Upstate New York Hike:

Located within New York’s beautiful Hudson Highlands State Park, this short but scenic trail is full of views.

In fact, before you’re even on the official trail you’ll be taking in views of Castle Rock, a grand gilded-age landmark dating back to 1881 that seems to stare down at you from atop its prominent position at the top of Castle Rock Hill.

While the castle sits on private property and you shouldn’t walk up its driveway, you will walk along carriage roads that take you through farmland and passed barns and silos.

After a short while, you’ll enter the woods and will begin hiking up Sugarloaf Hill, which takes you through the forest until you emerge onto the edge of the hill for lovely views of the Hudson Valley.

The best view is from the top, where you can sit with your lunch and enjoy vistas of the idyllic Hudson Valley and West Point Military Academy across the Hudson River.

Optional:

Many hikers like to add Osborn Loop on the way back, as Sugarloaf on its own is quite short. Along the way, you’ll get some more beautiful Hudson River views before reconnecting again with the Sugarloaf Hill Trail.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

36. Long Path to Long Mountain Summit in Harriman State Park

Trail difficulty: Moderate-easy

Length: 4.8-mile loop

Location: Harriman State Park in Sloatsburg, New York

Trailhead: You’ll see a sign for the Long Path trailhead within Harriman State Park. There is actually a Long Path Hikers Parking Lot, as you can see in this parking lot map.

Trail map: Click here for a Harriman State Park trail map, and here is a map of the Long Path to Long Mountain Summit

About This Upstate New York Hike:

While the Long Path is, well, long at 375 miles, you can do a scenic portion of it in Harriman State Park to reach Long Mountain Summit.

This trail is a quick one, though it offers stunning panoramic views of Bear Mountain, Turkey Hill Lake, and the Popolopen Torne from the 1,155-foot summit.

Another interesting feature of this trail is seeing a memorial dedicated to Raymond H. Torrey carved into the stone at the top of the mountain.

Torrey was President of the New York–New Jersey Trail Conference from 1931 until he died in 1938. Additionally, he scouted part of the trail and absolutely loved the views from Long Mountain Summit.

– Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

Renting A Car To Go Hiking In Upstate NY

The best way to explore all that Upstate New York has to offer is by car, as many hotels, trails, and attractions aren’t within walking distance and public transportation isn’t a common way to get around locally.

My recommendation:

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Check it out here:

Tips for Hiking Upstate New York

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your hike in upstate New York.

Leave no trace. No matter where you hike, it’s important to always follow the guidelines of Leave No Trace, which include being a responsible and respectful hiker.

Wear appropriate hiking shoes. Flip flops and sandals will not cut it on many of these upstate NY hikes, especially the ones with a moderate, hard, or challenging difficulty level. Be sure to wear shoes with proper ankle support.

Be cautious of ticks. Ticks are common in upstate NY and something you want to be aware of. Wear long sleeve shirts or pants, especially if you’re hiking through thick vegetation, and always check for ticks after hiking.

Download offline maps. Some of these hikes in upstate NY are in fairly rural areas, which means there may not always be cell service. I like to download the maps from AllTrails.

Consider buying an Empire Pass. If you plan on doing several of the hikes within NY state parks, consider buying an Empire Pass which offers unlimited entry into the NY state park system.

Hiking Upstate NY FAQs

Q) Where is the best hiking in upstate NY for beginners?

Some of the best trails in upstate NY for beginners are the Great Camp Sagamore Lake Trail, Ausable Chasm, and Mount Jo.

Q) Where is the best hiking in upstate New York for serious hikers?

If you want more challenging hikes, consider Indian Head, Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain, and Breakneck Ridge Hike.

Q) What are the best trails in upstate NY with waterfalls?

Many of these upstate NY hikes will take you to stunning waterfalls. Some of the most notable are the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail, Robert H. Treman State Park Rim Trail, and Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Upstate New York Hotels

Looking for Upstate New York accommodation?

Click here for a list of Upstate NY hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals! 

You can also use the map below to search for local stays. I currently have it set to Cold Spring, which is a popular Upstate New York hiking destination, but you can easily change that:

Tours In Upstate New York

After enjoying the best hiking trails Upstate NY, explore the state through fun tours, like:

Farms, Flights: Finger Lakes Brewery Tour from Geneva

Full-Day Walkway Over the Hudson & Hudson Valley Winery Tour from Poughkeepsie

Canandaigua Finger Lakes Wine Trail Experience from Farmington

Niagara Falls American-Side Tour with Maid of the Mist Boat Ride

Lewiston New York Food Tour from near Niagara Falls

Click here for a full list of New York State tours.

Upstate New York Travel Insurance

When visiting Upstate New York — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

What would you add to this list of best hikes in Upstate New York?

Enjoyed this guide to the best hiking trails Upstate NY? Pin it for later!

​https://jessieonajourney.com/best-hikes-in-upstate-new-york/ 

Posted: 4/22/24 | April 22nd, 2024

Dubrovnik is a gorgeous historic city. Perched on the rugged coast of Croatia, it explodes to life every summer as cruisers, backpackers, and beachgoers flock to the city. With medieval charm, a UNESCO Old Town, and the glimmering azure backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, it’s no surprise that this is the most popular city in Croatia.

While the city struggles with overtourism, it’s easy to escape the crowds and soak up the local pace of life if you know where to go (and where to stay).

I’ve visited Dubrovnik a bunch over the years. These days, there are a lot more hotels than when I first arrived. Some are great, some are not so great. To help you plan your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Dubrovnik:

1. Art Hotel

This beachfront three-star hotel is just a two-minute stroll to the main beach in Lapad. The bright rooms are simply furnished and feature light, natural tones and small pieces of colorful artwork. The rooms have balconies, some of them with nice views, and also air conditioning, large flatscreen TVs, minibars, and a desk. The bathrooms aren’t huge (and the showers are a bit small), but they feature colorful tile, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and the water pressure is good.

The staff is amazing and the complimentary continental breakfast each morning is delicious, with a varied spread of local homemade food (like burek, a type of pastry) that changes daily. The main draw here is the location though. You can’t beat it if you want something near the beach!

Book here!
 

2. Hotel Adria

This relaxing four-star hotel boasts two swimming pools as well as a spa and fitness center, making it a great choice for travelers looking to unwind. The rooms here are spacious and bright, with big beds and large windows that let in a lot of natural light. The décor is minimalist, with calming white and tan tones. Most rooms have balconies that look out over the marina, as well as a flatscreen TV, desk, safe, and coffee/tea maker. The bathrooms are also bright and spacious and the showers have great water pressure.

There’s also a varied (and included) buffet breakfast each morning with lots of options (including fresh fruit, pastries, juice, cereals). If you have a car, use of the hotel’s parking garage is complimentary.

Book here!
 

3. Royal Palm Hotel

This five-star hotel in the Lapad neighborhood is one of the more affordable luxury options in town. The rooms here are a bit dated (the carpet and décor aren’t super modern) but they are spacious and airy and many offer gorgeous ocean views. Rooms include a TV, electric kettle, desk, minibar, and convenient outlets near the bed. The bathrooms are also large and bright, with stylish tile or marble, bathrobes, and complimentary toiletries. Some even have deep soaking tubs.

The complimentary breakfast buffet offers lots of variety, including an egg station, mimosas, and fresh pastries. There’s a relaxing spa here as well, in addition to a pool and gym. The beach is nearby too, but I especially like that the on-site terrace restaurant offers sweeping panoramic views of the Adriatic.

Book here!
 

4. Hotel Lero

Located in the less-touristy Montovjerna neighborhood, this inviting four-star hotel is built around a relaxing outdoor pool. The rooms overlook the Adriatic and are spacious, featuring unique décor and design touches, such as colorful art or murals. Rooms also have air conditioning, minibars, coffeemakers, satellite TV, and large wardrobes.

The bathrooms are simple but the water pressure in the showers is great, plush bathrobes are included, and some rooms have both a bathtub and a shower. There are several fantastic restaurants here too, including a poolside bar, an award-winning Bosnian restaurant, and a Mediterranean restaurant offering a complimentary daily breakfast buffet with plenty of options for all diets.

Book here!
 

5. Hotel More

This luxurious cliffside hotel is perched right on the water. A five-star hotel, all the rooms here have balconies that face the shimmering Adriatic. As a bonus, the hotel boasts the most unique bar in the city: the Cave Bar More. As the name suggests, it’s set in an actual cave right on the water.

The rooms here are massive, with super comfy beds, lots of natural light, and calming tones. They are furnished simply but elegantly, with wooden desks and a separate seating area with a sofa or easy chairs. In-room amenities include a desk, flatscreen TV, coffee/tea maker, minibar, and safe. The bathrooms are also spacious and include slippers, cozy bathrobes, luxe toiletries, and great water pressure. A complimentary breakfast buffet is available each morning, with fresh fruit, cereal, eggs, and pastries.

If you want to splash out on luxury, this is the hotel for you.

Book here!
 

6. St. Joseph’s Hotel

Housed in a historic 16th-century building near two beautiful beaches, St. Joseph’s is one of a few hotels located within the walls of the Old Town. You’ll have a choice between standard hotel rooms and studio/apartment rooms. No matter your choice, all the rooms here are unique, with design touches that include hardwood floors, exposed brick and wooden ceiling beams, chandeliers, and antique furniture. It feels more like a B& B than a hotel. Expect amenities like flatscreen TVs, desk, and coffee/tea makers. The larger rooms have kitchen and laundry facilities.

The bathrooms feature beautiful tile or marble, rain showers (some also have massive bathtubs), slippers, and plush bathrobes. I especially like that the complimentary a la carte breakfast is cooked by a chef and served in your room each morning. It’s a nice personal touch that really elevates the whole experience here.

Book here!

***

A booming tourist destination, Dubrovnik is absolutely stunning. Sure, you’ll likely want to skip a visit in the middle of summer, but as long as you pick one of the hotels from the list above you’ll have an amazing stay in the Peal of the Adriatic.

The post The 6 Best Hotels in Dubrovnik appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

​https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/best-hotels-dubrovnik/ 

Last Updated: 4/22/24 | April 22nd, 2024

Tokyo is one of the most amazing cities in the world. It’s fast-paced, futuristic, and bursting with weird and wonderful activities to keep you busy, including gorgeous shrines, palaces, and temples; hip clubs and bars; and fashionable people and shopping, not to mention beautiful cherry blossoms.

Tokyo lives up to all the hype. If I could spend months living there, I would.

You never know what you’ll find here. One second you’ll run into a group of women dressed in pig masks and ’80s dresses and the next you’re in a robot café or a centuries-old temple.

It’s also one of the biggest cities in the world, home to almost 14 million people (almost 40 million if you count the metropolitan area). Not surprisingly, there are many nooks and crannies to explore in this city that seamlessly weave centuries-old Japanese traditions with modern technology. (So don’t rush your visit. You’re never going to see it all anyway, so don’t try!)

To help you plan your trip, here is my suggested itinerary based on over seven visits to Tokyo:

 

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 1

(Note: There’s a lot listed for this day. Since you’re likely to wake up super early because of jet lag, you can fit it all in. You might not want to, though. Maybe you need an afternoon nap!)

Roam the Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets
In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the size of the old one, Tsukiji, making it the largest in the world. While a lot of good restaurants moved too (Sushi Dai being the most famous), I find the place itself very stale, since you can no longer wander the floor (you look down via a walkway above; you also need a visitor’s pass to enter).

The old outer market in Tsukiji is still great though, and you can still find food and stores there too. You can wander alone and just eat and shop until you can’t anymore! Most businesses open at 6am, so it’s a perfect place to go in the morning when you wake up early because of jet lag. Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 13,500 JPY.

Tsukiji Fish Market: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, +81 3-3542-1111. Admission is free. Toyosu Fish Market: 6 Chome-6-2 Toyosu, Koto, +81 3-3520-8205. Open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most businesses don’t open until 7am. Admission is free.

Immerse yourself at teamLab Planets
This really fun and quirky digital art installation is a multisensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations. It takes an hour or so to go through. teamLab is quite popular and generally sells out at least a few days in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time.

6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, teamlab.art/e/planets. Open Monday-Sunday 9am-10pm; last entry is one hour before closing. Admission is 3,800 JPY for adults during weekdays and 4,200 JPY on weekends. Discounts are available for children and those with disabilities.

Admire the Imperial Palace
When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new residence and renamed it Tokyo. Though you can’t go inside (or get very close), the building is amazing. It is surrounded by lovely grounds and a park, and there’s a moat around the stone walls. You can also see the changing of the guard, though it’s a relatively low-key and unassuming ceremony. Tokyo Localized offers a free walking tour of the gardens that is worth taking and lasts 2.5 hours. Admission to the grounds is free.

Feast below the Girders
Not far from the palace is the Yurakucho neighborhood. Below the elevated train tracks at Yurakucho Station is a 700-meter stretch of wine bars, beer pubs, and casual restaurants filled with businessmen. It’s a good spot for lunch, though it gets the most busy after work, when people stop in for food and happy hour on their way home.

Scale the Tokyo Tower
Built in 1957 and resembling the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower is taller (at 333 meters/1,092 feet) than its European version and made entirely of steel. It was the city’s tallest structure until the “Skytree” was built in 2010. You can pay to go all the way to the top floor to take in the view, but frankly, the main observation deck offers one that’s just as good.

4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, +81 3-3433-5111, tokyotower.co.jp. Open daily 9am-11pm. Admission is 1,200 JPY.

Relax at Meiji Jingu
Located at the northern end of Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu is a peaceful Shinto shrine honoring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who helped modernize Japan. It’s nestled in a serene forest, with a big wooden gate marking the entrance and paths lined with trees. You really don’t feel like you’re in one of the busiest, most densely populated cities in the world when you wander around here. Watch traditional ceremonies, stroll through the gardens, or check out the museum. (FYI: It gets really busy on the weekends.)

1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, +81 3-3379-5511, meijijingu.or.jp. Open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free.

Enjoy Yoyogi Park
One of Tokyo’s largest parks, Yoyogi is laced with walking paths, forested areas, and ponds. It is also used for music events and festivals throughout the year, and you’ll see many street performers and shops selling snacks. If you’re visiting in late March or early April, you’ll be able to catch the cherry blossoms. In the fall, the ginkgo forest takes on a beautiful golden color.

2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, +81 3-3469-6081, tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi. Open 24 hours, though some facilities have shorter opening times. Admission is free.

Get trendy in Harajuku
Harajuku is one of the most iconic districts in Tokyo. It’s renowned for its avant-garde take on fashion, it’s the epicenter of anime and kawaii (cuteness) culture in Tokyo, with lots of quirky and vintage-clothing stores and street art. Walking around the area, you’ll see all kinds of outfits, mostly worn by younger Japanese people (predominantly teenagers), making it a fun place to people-watch and window-shop. If you want to go shopping, this is one of the best areas to do it in. you’ll find a lot of the best Japanese designers here.

Dine with ninjas
For a unique dining experience, head to Ninja Tokyo (formerly Ninja Akasaka), a ninja-themed restaurant designed like an Edo-era building, with wait staff clothed in stereotypical all-black garb and trained in all sorts of tricks and illusions. You’ll order off old scrolls while being entertained by the skills of your server! It’s super fun.

Tokyu Plaza Akasaka, +81 3-5157-3936, ninja-tokyo.jp. Open daily 5pm-10pm, plus 11:30am-2pm on weekends.

Drink in Golden Gai
This district, lined with backstreet bars, may be touristy, but it’s one of the most fun in Tokyo. These zigzag alleys are filled with hole-in-the-wall bars serving cheap drinks. Each is unique, so it’s fun to pop in and out of them. It’s very touristy, but you’ll find a lot of Japanese people here too. It’s quite crowded on the weekends, so go early before the bars fill up.

If you want a deep dive into the area, take a food tour. Arigato Tours runs an evening tour around Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku that will show you around and let you sample the best ramen and yakitori in the area.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 2

Check out Asakusa
If you want to see some of Tokyo’s historic religious sites, spend some time wandering around Asakusa. Just start as early as you can to avoid the crowds (especially if you plan on taking photos). These are two places not to be missed:

Senso-ji – Tokyo’s most popular and famous temple is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the impressive Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3842-0181, senso-ji.jp. The grounds are open 24/7, though the temple itself is open daily 6am-5pm. Admission is free.
Asakusa Shrine – Not far from Senso-ji is this Shinto shrine, built during the Edo period and which survived the air raids of World War II. This is much more peaceful than Senso-ji, with fewer people, whom you’ll be able to see praying, meditating, or performing traditional rituals. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3844-1575, asakusajinja.jp. Open daily 9am-4:30pm. Admission is free.

Explore Ueno Park
Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park is a lovely spot to spend the day. Various stalls and vendors sell snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural events or festivals showcasing traditional arts, music, and dance. During cherry blossom season, the park is full of people picnicking and admiring the thousands of trees. The park is also home to some of Tokyo’s best museums:

Tokyo National Museum –Established in 1872, this massive museum in the north end of the park houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan. 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-1111, tnm.jp. Open daily 9:30am-5pm (7pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Admission is 1,000 JPY.
Tosho-gu Shrine – This beautiful 17th-century Shinto shrine with carved gold doors and ornate carvings can also be found in the park. 9-88 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-3455, uenotoshogu.com/en. Open daily 9am-5:30pm (4:30pm in winter). Admission is free up to the wall, though to go further inside is 500 JPY. To enter the shrine and peony garden costs 1,600 JPY. There’s also a combo ticket for the shrine and treasure hall for 2,100 JPY.
National Museum of Nature and Science – Opened in 1871, this museum houses exhibitions on pre-Meiji science. There are over 5,000,000 items in the collection, with 14,000 of them on permanent display. It’s also home to the taxidermied body of the legendary dog Hachiko, the loyal dog who would greet his owner at Shibuya Station on return from his daily commute (more on him later). 7-20 Uenokoen, +81 50-5541-8600, kahaku.go.jp. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Admission is 630 JPY.
National Museum of Western Art – This is one of the only museums in the country to focus on Western art, established in 1959. The collection of almost 5,000 pieces extends from the Renaissance all the way to the 20th century. Expect to see works by masters like Van Gogh, Reubens, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and many more! 7-7 Uenokoen, +81 3-3828-5131, nmwa.go.jp. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-5:30pm (8pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Admission is 500 JPY.

Browse Akihabara
Akihabara, or “Akiba,” is a bustling district in central Tokyo known for its vibrant electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture. You’ll find streets full of gadgets, anime merchandise, card games, and collectibles. Stop and play in one of the plethora of video game shops. This area is also where you’ll find the famous maid cafés, where servers dress up as maids and serve you food and drinks. The girls on the street are promoting the more hole-in-the-wall options, which are a lot more culturally fun than the big touristy ones. (They aren’t cheap, though, as you have to buy drinks packages and pay a fee, but it’s kitschy and fun.)

Bathe in a sento
A sento is a traditional public bathhouse, typically separated by gender. The Japanese are not shy, so you’ll need to be comfortable with nudity! A budget-friendly sento will cost you under 1,000 JPY. Just note that tattoos can be frowned upon and you might be required to cover them up.

Go go-karting
Want to speed around the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart while wearing a costume? The Monkey Kart company lets you. As long as you have an international driving permit (which you can get if you have a valid driver’s license), you can take part. They’ll snap photos of you in the act too! You can book the experience here.

Shibuya, 1F, 1 Chome-27-7, +81 3-5309-2639, monkey-kart.com. Open daily 9:30am-9pm. The course will take 75 minutes and costs 16,000 JPY per person. There are multiple locations around the city.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 3

Stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
This gorgeous park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II during the air raids, but it was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it’s one of the best spaces to see cherry blossoms. I love the traditional landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful little oasis within the hustle and bustle.

11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, +81 3-3350-0151, env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/index.html. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm. Generally, advance ticket purchase is required, but note that during cherry blossom season, you can’t book tickets in advance. Admission is 500 JPY.

See Shibuya Crossing
This is quite possibly the busiest and most famous intersection in the world (some 2,500 people cross the street here every two minutes). The area is buzzing at night, with bright lights and frenzied activity — like Times Square on steroids. Make sure to visit the dog statue between Shibuya Station and the intersection (at the Hachiko Exit) — it’s a tribute to Hachiko, the loyal dog who would greet his owner at Shibuya Station on return from his daily commute. This continued until the owner passed away at work in 1925. Hachiko then visited the station daily and waited for his owner until he also passed away nearly a decade later, in 1935.

Experience a tea ceremony
No visit to Japan is complete without experiencing a traditional tea ceremony. While these are usually long and expensive experiences, there are definitely some budget-friendly options for anyone looking not to break the bank. True Japan runs ceremonies in Tokyo for 9,900 JPY per person; they last 75 minutes. Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience is another good option, located near Shibuya.

Visit a quirky café
Tokyo has all sorts of amazing, weird, and wonderful cafés: monster cafés, owl cafés, cat cafés, vampire cafés, dog cafés, religious-themed cafés, and much more! If you’re looking for something unusual to do, see what weird and quirky cafés are near you (they’re all around town, so you never have to go far to find one!). Here are some suggestions:

Kawaii Monster Café
Vampire Café
Christon Café (Christian themed)
Dog Heart (dog café)
Mipig Cafe Harajuku (pig café)
Calico (cat café)
Harry (hedgehog café)
Ninja Cafe & Bar (ninja themed)

Enjoy traditional Japanese theater
Kabuki is a traditional form of theater involving dance and drama. The costumes and makeup are heavily stylized, making for a very visual performance. The Kabuki-za, located in Ginza, is the best venue in which to see one of these incredible displays. Just keep in mind that performances are in Japanese.

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, +81 3-3545-6800, kabuki-za.co.jp. Performances are held almost daily. Check the website for the most up-to-date schedule. Expect to pay at least 4,000 JPY if you book in advance. You can often arrive the day of and get last-minute tickets for cheaper, however.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 4

Time to take a break and head out on a day trip for some non-urban adventures. Here are some suggestions:

See Daibutsu (the Great Buddha)
Make a day trip to Kamakura, where you can see a 13-meter (42-foot) bronze statue of Buddha. It was initially built in 1252 within a temple, but the structure was washed away — on several occasions — by storms. The statue now sits in the open air, (along with a massive pair of straw sandals that belong to the statue). You can even go inside the statue itself — there isn’t much to see, but it’s still kind of neat to be able to step into a massive statue of that size and importance.

The journey to Kamakura takes around an hour and is free with a Japan Rail Pass.

4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, +81 467-22-0703, kotoku-in.jp. Open daily 8am-5:30pm (until 5pm during the winter). Admission is 300 JPY.

Get touristy at Tokyo Disneyland
I’m a sucker for Disney attractions! This is a fun choice for anyone traveling with children, but also for adults who just love amusement parks. Opened in 1983, it has seven themed areas to explore and is the third most visited theme park in the world (18 million each year). It has a lot of the same famous rides you’ll find at Disney World, such as Splash Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and the nauseating Mad Tea Cup Ride. It’s best to book online in advance.

1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, +81 45-330-5211, tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdl. Open daily 8am-10pm. Admission is 7,900-10,900 JPY for adults and 6,600-9,000 JPY for children, depending on age.

Hike Mount Mitake
Located just over an hour from Tokyo is Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, covering 1,250 square kilometers of rolling hills, mountains, and forests. There are plenty of hiking trails, though you can also take a cable car to the top and then hike to the shrine that sits on the peak, some 930 meters (3,050 feet) above sea level. It’s a 30-minute walk to the shrine from the peak or top of the cable car. From there, you can hike for an hour to a small valley with two picturesque waterfalls or continue on to Mount Otake, which is about two hours from the summit of Mount Mitake.

Behold Mount Fuji
Located just over an hour from Tokyo and standing at an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic views in the country. It is also an active stratovolcano (it last erupted in 1708) and one of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan. Covered in snow for almost half of the year, it is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. In the summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who spend anywhere from 5 to 12 hours reaching the summit. Traditionally, hikers depart at night to arrive at the top for the sunrise.

If you don’t want to hike to the peak, you can simply visit on a day trip. There are buses that can take you partway up, from which you’ll be offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Guided day tours from the city cost around 12,000 JPY.

Visit the Ghibli Museum
If you’re a fan of famed director Hayao Miyazaki’s work (which includes films like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke), then you’ll want to check out this amazing exhibition. Designed by Miyazaki himself, it is an immersive experience that any film buff will appreciate. There is also a new short film every month, only available to visitors. The museum won’t take up a whole day, but it’s not in a very central location, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, +81 570-055-777, ghibli-museum.jp. Open Wednesday-Monday 10am-6pm. Admission is 1,000 JPY for adults, with discounts available for youth and children. There are limited tickets available each day, so book in advance.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 5

During your last day in Tokyo, the city is your oyster. There’s still plenty to do. Go shopping, explore new cafés, wander gardens, eat all the food — the possibilities are endless. Some other things I love to do include the following:

Admire the National Art Center
Opened in 2007, this museum and gallery doesn’t actually have a permanent collection but rather houses a never-ending series of temporary exhibitions, from impressionism to modern art. Check the website to see what is currently being shown.

7 Chome-22-2 Roppongi, +81 3-5777-8600, nact.jp. Open Wednesday-Monday 10am-6pm and Fridays and Saturdays until 8pm. Admission varies by exhibit.

Visit the Samurai Museum
No trip to Japan would be complete without learning about samurai. While they were known for their martial skill, there was much more to the culture than just mastering the katana (a traditional sword). The museum has some incredible displays of traditional weapons and armor, some of which you can even try on.

Kabukicho 2-25-6, +81 3-6457-6411, samuraimuseum.jp/en. Open daily 10:30am-9pm. Admission is 1,900 JPY. You can explore the museum on your own or in a group tour, which is conducted every 30 minutes. Still temporarily closed due to COVID; check the website for updates.

Watch a sumo match
Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo arena, hosts tournaments three times each year. The wrestling that we see today dates to the 17th century, though its origins go back even further, and it’s still one of the most popular traditions in the country. If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do! Tickets sell out quickly, so act fast. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

1 Chome-3-2-8 Yokoami, Sumida, +81 3-3623-5111, sumo.or.jp/kokugikan. Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around 3,800 JPY.

Have drinks at the Park Hyatt
New York Bar is the iconic bar from Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film Lost in Translation. Located on the 52nd floor, it actually lives up to the hype. The atmosphere is classy, the drinks are great, and the view is absolutely stunning. There is live jazz every night, and while there is a cover charge (around 2,750 JPY), it’s definitely worth it!

3-7-1-2 Nishishinjuku, +81 3-5322-1234, hyatt.com. Open Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-12am and Thursday-Saturday 5pm-1am.

Peruse the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Built in 1933, this small museum used to be the official residence of Prince and Princess Asaka. The prince had studied in Paris and wanted to bring Art Deco to Japan, which explains the building’s style and decorations. In 1983, the residence became a museum and is now home to a rotating series of modern art exhibitions.

5-21-9 Shirokanedai, +81 3-3443-0201, teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en. Open daily 10am-6pm. Garden admission is 200 JPY; museum admission varies depending on the current exhibition.

Promenade along the Meguro River
The Meguro River weaves almost 8 kilometers (5 miles) through Tokyo and makes for a magnificent stroll. There’s a path with a bit of green space that follows the water, so plenty of locals walk or exercise there. In the spring, you’ll be able to see a lot of cherry blossoms too. There’s also plenty of restaurants along the way to stop and eat at!

Take the Harry Potter studio tour
If you love Harry Potter, this studio tour is a must. Like the original in London, “The Making of Harry Potter” lets you walk in his footsteps and explore his amazing wizarding world. You can wander iconic sets like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, see original props and costumes from the films, and learn how they were made. There are also sections on the newer Fantastic Beasts films. It takes about 3 hours to see it all. Just make sure to book the earliest spot in the day, as the crowds here can be huge later on. I posted more tips on Instagram if you want to learn more.

1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, +81 50-6862-3676, wbstudiotour.jp. Open daily 8:30am-10pm. Tickets at 6,500 JPY.

Where to Eat

Tokyo is so huge and has so many dining options, that it would be impossible to pick just two or three favorites. You can read this blog post that has all my favorite restaurants in Tokyo.

***

Tokyo is massive. You could spend a lifetime here and still not discover everything there is to see. But if you follow the itinerary and suggestions above, you’ll be able to have a fun and insightful visit and leave this sprawling capital with a nuanced perspective of what life in Tokyo is like.

The post How to Spend Your Time in Tokyo: A Suggested Itinerary appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

​https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/tokyo-itinerary/ 

Known as the gateway to Lake Atitlán, there are lots of things to do in Panajachel, or ‘Pana’ as locals lovingly know it. Panajachel is one of the most popular …

The post The Best Things to Do in Panajachel, The Gateway to Lake Atitlan appeared first on Adventures & Sunsets.

​https://www.adventuresnsunsets.com/things-to-do-in-panajachel/ 

Looking for the best cafes in Oaxaca, Mexico? I’ve got you covered! In the spring of 2024 I spent a full month living in and exploring the beautiful Oaxaca de Juarez. As a digital nomad, I am the queen of scoping out beautiful cafes to work from. I’ve compiled a guide to the best cafes […]

The post 12 Best Cafes in Oaxaca, Mexico appeared first on taverna travels .

​https://tavernatravels.com/cafes-in-oaxaca-mexico/ 

By Daria Bachmann. This guide sharing when to visit Holbox Island contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Trying to figure out the best time to visit Holbox Island, Mexico? 

You’ve come to the right place!

Holbox Island is a popular vacation spot off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, Holbox is a perfect spot for wildlife watching, basking on white sand beaches with shallow waters, and enjoying a laid-back beach lifestyle.

But what is the best time to go to Holbox Island?

The island has a humid tropical climate similar to the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula, and while you can enjoy the island most of the time, there’s always a chance of rain.

I’ve traveled all over Mexico, including visits to Holbox several times during rainy and dry seasons. Because of this, I have first-hand knowledge of how different the weather can be on this island depending on the time of the year. 

This guide will tell you about the best months to visit Holbox so you can enjoy a fun vacation with the best weather and the most sunshine. 

Note: This guide uses the names “Holbox Island”, “Isla Holbox,” and “Holbox” interchangeably. They all refer to the same island destination in Mexico.

Short on time? My top recommendations for visiting Holbox Island Mexico include:

HotelHotel Casa Bárbara Holbox. You can also click here for a Holbox hotel map.

Airport Transfer: Along with taking the ADO Bus (also bookable on BusBud), you can take a shared shuttle or a private shuttle

Tours: Viator and GetYourGuide

Recommended Excursions:
–Classic Three Island Tour
–Isla Holbox Mangrove Kayaking Tour
–Whale Shark & Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox

Getting Around: You can walk or bike to most of the main things to do on Holbox Island

Travel Insurance: SafetyWing (budget-friendly) & World Nomads (more comprehensive)

Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Where Is Isla Holbox?

Holbox is located along the Gulf of Mexico, right off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Specifically, it belongs to the Mexican state of Quintana Roo and lies within the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas.

This location allows it to have some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. In fact, along with Playa Santispac in Baha California and the beautiful beaches in Campeche, Holbox has some of my favorite stretches of sand in Mexico!

What Is The Weather Like In Holbox? 

The weather in Holbox is warm and tropical year-round, but the island has distinct seasons.

The dry season—which runs from December to April—has generally clear skies with little to no rain and less humidity, making it an excellent time for beach activities and outdoor exploration.

The wet season from June to October sees increased rainfall, occasional storms, and higher humidity; however, even during the wet season, you can still experience some sunny days.

Best Time To Visit Holbox Island

High season vs shoulder season

The best time to visit Holbox is from December through March when the island has perfect sunny weather and minimal chance of rain.

It’s also the busiest time on the island when the prices of hotels and tours tend to be the most expensive.

If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, visit Holbox during November or May, which are shoulder months. Both months to visit Holbox mark the transition between dry and rainy seasons.

Winter crowds usually die down in May, because the weather on Holbox Island becomes hotter and more humid.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to book a whale shark tour in late May, as the whale shark season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Just note that May only sees occasional sightings, with peak season being July and August.

On the other hand, November is usually a quiet month after the hurricane season when you can enjoy pleasant sunny weather and take advantage of lower prices before the busy winter season kicks in. 

Cheapest time to visit Holbox

The cheapest time to visit Holbox is during the hurricane season from late August through October. While you will save on accommodations and activities, the inclement weather can negatively affect your travel plans, making it difficult to enjoy this destination. 

Least busy time to visit Holbox

The least busy time to visit Holbox is from June through the end of October when tourism on the island dies down because of more frequent rain. 

Hurricane season in Holbox 

August marks the beginning of the hurricane season in Holbox and the rest of the region. This is the worst time to visit Holbox when the island experiences rainstorms and inclement weather that can disrupt your plans.

Holbox has dirt roads, which get washed out during the rainy season, making it challenging to get around without getting covered in mud. 

Precipitation during the hurricane season is usually more intense than during May and June when rains tend to be more sporadic and happen in the afternoon.

Holbox Weather By Month

Here is a look at the Isla Holbox weather by month. The information is based on analyzing the AccuWeather calendars as well as the Climate Data website.

Isla Holbox weather in January 

January is a popular month for visiting Holbox because of the sunny weather and clear blue skies. It’s also one of the busiest months on the island when many travelers visit to escape the cold weather up north.

However, it’s also the coldest month in Holbox, with temperatures fluctuating between just below 55°F to 86°F (13°C to 30°C).

Isla Holbox weather in February

February is another popular month for visiting thanks to the dry and mild climate on Isla Holbox.

The first half of February is chillier with temperatures getting down to 57°F (14°C); however, the second half of the month is warmer with temperatures ranging from 63°F to 86°F (17°C to 30°C).

Isla Holbox weather in March

March is when temperatures in Holbox start to increase gradually. Expect temperatures of about 59°F to 90°F (15°C to 32°C).

The high season in Holbox begins to wind down in March, and it’s a good time to score better deals on hotels and tours, especially in the second half of the month.

Isla Holbox weather in April 

April is the transition month between winter and summer in Holbox. Temperatures continue to rise during this month to about 70°F to 93°F (21°C to 34°C). April is the last month before the island starts to get very hot and humid.

Isla Holbox weather in May

May marks the transition to low season in Holbox. Temperatures continue the upward trend, and you can expect a range of about 74°F to 93°F (23°C to 34°C).

May is also the beginning of the seaweed season in Holbox. Also known as “sargazo” in Spanish or “sargassum”, seaweed is a smelly algae that washes up on many Caribbean beaches from late spring through fall.

While the seaweed in Tulum has long been a problem, for a while, Holbox escaped the issue; however, in recent years, it started showing up on Holbox beaches. 

Isla Holbox weather in June 

Check the Holbox Island weather forecast before heading out, as June is the beginning of the rainy season. While temperatures fluctuate from about 74°F to 93°F (23°C to 34°C), humidity and precipitation increase significantly compared to May. 

Isla Holbox weather in July 

Holbox continues to see rain in July, although it’s typically more occasional than continuous. If you come to Holbox during this time of the year you can still enjoy your trip; but, be prepared for increased chances of showers and muddy roads.

The temperature in Holbox Island at this time ranges from 74°F to 93°F (23°C to 34°C).

Isla Holbox weather in August 

The weather in Isla Holbox, Mexico during August is sticky, with humidity levels continuing to rise throughout the month.

Additionally, hurricane season officially kicks off at the end of August—which is also the hottest month of the year in Holbox, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 93°F (24°C to 34°C).

Isla Holbox weather in September 

September is the first hurricane month in Holbox when the island experiences drastic changes in weather with heavy rainstorms, gusty winds, and limited opportunities for activities.

During this time, the precipitation averages about 31 inches of rain, and temperatures fluctuate from about 73°F to 91°F (23°C to 33°C).

Isla Holbox weather in October 

October is the rainiest month in Holbox, with an average of 48 inches of precipitation. It’s the worst month to visit as many places close down because of the constant rain and lack of visitors.

Temperatures during October in Holbox tend to be between 66°F to 90°F (19°C to 32°C).

Isla Holbox weather in November 

November is the end of the rainy season in Holbox when you still see some precipitation; but, there’s more sun and tourism starts to pick up slowly.

Precipitation decreases in November with an average of about 26 inches per month. Temperatures range from about 68°F to 88°F (20°C to 31°C).

In my opinion, this is possibly the best time to visit Holbox, as it’s a shoulder month, meaning you can score deals and the weather is still pleasant.

Isla Holbox weather in December 

December is one of the colder months in Holbox and it marks the beginning of the busy winter season. The weather is mostly dry and sunny and temperatures range from about 64°F to 88°F (18°C to 31°C).

Seasons In Holbox 

Like the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula, Holbox has two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. 

Holbox rainy season

Pros & cons

The rainy season in Holbox is from June through October. During these months, the island experiences increased precipitation and higher humidity. 

If you visit Holbox from June through early August, you can still enjoy outdoor activities, as rains tend to be more sporadic than continuous and usually occur in the afternoon.

Pros:

Lower prices. The rainy season in Holbox is the best time to save money on accommodations, tours, and even street food. Many vendors on the island are willing to haggle at least a bit during this time as there is a limited number of visitors (though try to be mindful of this, too).

Better opportunities for wildlife watching. One of the top things to do in Holbox is spot wild animals. Because the island tends to be less busy from June through October, you can typically spot them more easily.

Fewer crowds. If you don’t want to visit Holbox during the busy season, the summer months are a great alternative, as they are generally quiet due to the lack of crowds. 

Cons:

Not much going on. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lively atmosphere, the rainy season might not be the ideal time for your trip to Holbox, because things begin to slow down when June comes around.

Higher chances of rain. If you are visiting Holbox from June through August, expect to see some rain on your visit, and if you are visiting it from September through October, be ready for the chance of a hurricane. 

Not the best time to enjoy Holbox. While you can sit out an occasional rain and go back to your activities later, waiting for a hurricane to pass could take a couple of days, which is not ideal, especially if you only have limited time on the island.

Places to go in Holbox during the rainy season

If you visit Holbox during the rainy season when you can’t always enjoy the beach, consider going to places on the mainland like Valladolid and Merida to explore the culture of the Yucatán.

Valladolid is a designated Pueblo Mágico, famous for its cenotes and pastel-colored architecture. It’s also a gateway to Chichen Itza and you can easily combine the two activities. 

Merida is the capital of Yucatán and is known for its rich culture and history. In fact, it’s the cultural hub of the peninsula and is the second-largest city in the region after Cancun. The city boasts an ornate central plaza, several landmarks, and museums. 

If you are looking to get some authentic Mexican crafts created by local artisans, there’s no better place than La Casa De Las Artesanias de Yucatan in Merida, a large gallery-style store where you can purchase goods made by Indigenous groups from across Mexico, including Yucatán. 

Things to do in Holbox during the rainy season

See Holbox wildlife. If you’re interested in seeing whale sharks or sea turtles, the best time to go to Isla Holbox is July and August, which is peak whale shark season.

This is when these gentle giants migrate to the area to feed on plankton. Adult whale sharks can reach up to 41,000 pounds and up to 33 feet in length. 

And while they are huge, swimming next to them is perfectly safe as long as you keep your distance and don’t bother them. When booking a whale shark tour, carefully read other travelers’ reviews to make sure you support an ethical company. 

While you have the highest chance of seeing whale sharks during this time of the year, there is never a guarantee. Watch out for companies that make promises or tell you that they follow whale sharks closely. Whale sharks are protected by law, and all tour operators have to maintain a safe distance. 

Similarly, sea turtle nesting season occurs from May to September, with peak nesting activity usually in June and July.

Restaurant hop. Isla Holbox is home to many delicious restaurants, some offering trendy vibes and others providing a more local experience. You can even gamify the experience by challenging yourself to find the best tacos on the island.

My personal favorite for this is Barba Negra, which serves up fish and shrimp tacos packed with filling.

Take a cooking class. La Puerta Rosa offers morning, evening, and private cooking classes in Holbox. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture on the island.

Listen to live music. Many of the bars and restaurants on Holbox host live music acts. While you can ask your hotel what’s going on that day or night, you can also simply wander around Holbox Town and let your ear be your guide.

Take a class. Holbox Island is home to a rich wellness culture, so you’ll find options for yoga and fitness classes at places like Samah Wellness and Holbox Yoga (which does yoga on the beach!).

For some cultural fun, you might also take a local salsa class at Che Holbox Hostel & Bar, the local chapter of Salsa Lovers Worldwide, or a local studio.

Get a spa treatment. Speaking of wellness, you can also relax at one of the many spas on the island. A top recommendation includes Aguas Spa, located within the luxurious Hotel Casa Las Tortugas.

Things to pack for the rainy season in Holbox

The rainy season in Holbox Island means you might need to pack some additional gear, including:

Waterproof jacket. This is a must-have in case it starts raining.

Mosquito repellent. Regardless of the season, pack mosquito repellent on your trip to Holbox to avoid bites. 

Quick drying clothes. When visiting Holbox during the rainy season, bring lightweight clothes from materials that dry fast. 

Swimsuit. While the rainy season brings more precipitation to Holbox, you can still enjoy some water activities and go for a swim. Personally, I love the bathing suits and beach coverups from Kenny Flowers.

Sunscreen. Especially as Isla Holbox is located within the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, it’s important to pack reef-friendly sunscreen for your trip.

Holbox Dry Season

Pros & cons

The dry season in Holbox is from December through April. It’s the best time on the island when thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the perfect sunny weather in this tropical paradise. 

Pros:

Plenty to do. Businesses are in full swing in Holbox during the dry season, as it’s when most tour agencies, restaurants, and hotels make their money. Unlike summer months, when some places close for the season, winter is when you have the most options on the island.

Perfect weather. If you are looking for picture-perfect weather, the dry season is the best time to visit Holbox. 

Great parties. Depending on what you are looking for, this could be a pro or con. The dry season is when most people travel to Holbox, and you can be sure that you will find some great beach parties on the island in many bars and restaurants. You can also enjoy the many Holbox beach clubs.

Cons:

High prices. The peak months in Holbox are December and January when prices are the highest. It’s a busy time for international tourism when many people visit to escape the cold weather in their home countries. 

Crowds. Holbox can get very crowded in winter, especially during holidays like New Year and Christmas, when many domestic and international tourists come to celebrate. 

Tougher to spot wildlife. If you travel to Holbox during the high season, it could be tougher to spot wildlife, as many animals move away from busy parts of the island and go deeper into the Yum Balam Reserve. 

Places to go in Holbox during the dry season

Yum Balam Nature Reserve. One of the best places to visit in Holbox, Yum Balam is a protected area that can be visited with a guided tour from Holbox. I booked a kayaking tour of Yum Balam during my trip and had a great time paddling through the mangroves and spotting different animals like crocodiles, flamingoes, and other birds. 

Islands around Holbox. Taking a Classic 3 Island Tour is one of the most popular excursions from Holbox and includes visits to Yalahau Cenote, Punta Mosquito (Mosquito Point), and Isla Pasión (Passion Island). At certain times of the year, you might also visit Isla Pájaros (Bird Island) instead of Punta Mosquito.

Things to do in Holbox during the dry season

High season is the best time to bask in the sun on Holbox beaches, enjoy a lively atmosphere at Holbox restaurants, and take tours. Below are some of the most popular activities on Holbox during the high season:

Spot bioluminescence. Isla Holbox is one of the handful of places in Mexico where you can see bioluminescence—a natural phenomenon that occurs when plankton in the water emit light through a chemical reaction.

The easiest way to see bioluminescence is by joining a guided bioluminescent kayaking tour; but, you can also take a quick trip to Playa Punta Cocos on the west side of Holbox.

I was able to see bioluminescence on Playa Holbox at night. All you need to do is walk into the water and make movements with your hands to see the glowing plankton. 

Take a kite surfing lesson. Isla Holbox is one of the best spots for kite surfing in the Yucatán Peninsula thanks to plenty of wind and shallow waters. There are several kite surfing schools around the island where you can hire an instructor or you can book a kitesurfing lesson in advance here.

Rent a paddleboard. Early morning is the best time to paddle board around Holbox when the island has calm, glass-like waters. There are numerous places where you can rent a paddleboard or even book an aquatic adventure tour, like Kayaking Holbox.

Rent a bicycle. Biking is a popular way to get around Holbox thanks to the compact size of this island. You can rent one at places like Bikes Holbox.

Things to pack for the dry season in Holbox

Swimwear. The dry season is the best time to enjoy water activities in Holbox like swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Again, I love the bathing suits and beach coverups from Kenny Flowers.

Mosquito repellent. Always have a mosquito repellent in your bag when heading to Holbox or other parts of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Sunscreen. Especially as Isla Holbox is located within the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, it’s important to pack reef-friendly sunscreen for your trip.

Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. The weather is generally warm and sunny in Holbox from December through March, so make sure to pack light clothing.

Flip flops and sandals. Don’t forget about beach footwear.

Worst Time To Visit Holbox Island

The worst time to visit Isla Holbox is during September and October, which are the wettest months of the year. This is also when activities are limited and many businesses close down.

If you are looking for a more relaxed getaway, it’s a good idea to skip Holbox during major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter when the island gets busy and there are usually loud parties and music.

If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder months of May and November when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer tourists.

Travel Insurance For Holbox Island 

When visiting Holbox Island—or anywhere else in the world—it’s wise to get travel insurance.

For this, I have two recommendations:

SafetyWing. If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).

Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.

World Nomads. For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.

Best Time To Vist Holbox Island: FAQ

Now that we’ve gone over the best time to visit Isla Holbox, Mexico, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

Q) Is Holbox worth visiting?

Isla Holbox is one of the most beautiful places in Yucatán that’s worth a visit if you are looking for gorgeous beaches, wildlife-watching opportunities, and a laid-back lifestyle. 

Q) How many days do you need for Holbox?

Especially as it’s farther to reach, it’s recommended to spend about five days on Holbox to enjoy its beaches, sample delicious food, and book fun tours.

Q) Does it rain in Mexico?

Yes, it rains in Mexico. The rainy season occurs in many parts of Mexico, but it’s more pronounced in coastal areas that experience significant precipitation and even hurricanes from June through October. 

Q) How do you get to Isla Holbox?

To reach Holbox Island, you can take a ferry from the town of Chiquilá, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Cancún. Chiquilá and Holbox are separated by a small channel and the boat ride between them takes about 20-30 minutes.

Another option is to take a flight from Cancun International Airport (CUN) to Holbox Airport (HOL). It’s a more expensive but much faster option that saves you hours on the road. 

Other options for getting to Chiquilá from Cancun Airport include taking an ADO Bus (which you can book on BusBud), a shared shuttle, or a private shuttle. You can also take a taxi, though this is not recommended as it’s overpriced.

Q) What is the best time of year to visit Holbox Island?

The best time of the year to visit Holbox is between December and late March when you can enjoy dry weather with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. That is unless you want to swim with whale sharks, which is best done in July and August when sightings are most frequent.

Q) What is the best month to visit Holbox Island?

The best time to visit Holbox is from December through March when the weather is sunny and there is little to no rain.

Q) What is the best time to see bioluminescence in Holbox?

The best time for seeing bioluminescence in Holbox is summer when there is a much greater amount of bioluminescence plankton along the coast of Holbox than during other times of the year. You can see it when walking through or making movements with your hand in the water.

The amount of light pollution also has an effect on how much bioluminescence you can see, which is why it’s best to do during a dark night with no moon.

Q) When are the high and low tourist seasons in Isla Holbox?

The high season in Holbox is from December through March and the low season is from June through October. 

Q) Is there daylight savings time in Quintana Roo?

There is no daylight savings in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo. 

Q) When is the rainy season in the Yucatán Peninsula?

June through October is the rainy season in the Yucatán Peninsula when the region has more rainy and humid weather with some occasional sun. This is the low season when you can score good deals on hotels, tours, and transportation. 

Final Thoughts On The Best Time To Go To Holbox Island

Holbox is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula.

Known for its gorgeous beaches, incredible wildlife, and warm climate, Holbox is a perfect destination almost year-round—as long as you avoid September and October, the two hurricane months. 

Just make sure you check the Holbox Mexico weather forecast before booking your trip!

Ready to book your trip to Holbox? Check out:

Is Holbox Worth Visiting?

23 Best Things To Do In Isla Holbox

6 Best Beaches In Isla Holbox

15 Best Beach Clubs In Isla Holbox

When do you think is the best time to visit Holbox Island, Mexico?

About The Author

This guide is written by Daria, a travel blogger who encourages her audience to get outside their comfort zone and explore through her websites, The Discovery Nut and Explore Baja California. Daria has traveled all over Mexico and spent several months camping and exploring Baja California.

​https://jessieonajourney.com/best-time-to-visit-holbox-island/