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Trekkers in Gorbea park, south of Biscay in Basque Country, Spain.

Trek is a long, adventurous journey undertaken on foot in areas where common means of transport are generally not available. Trekking should not be confused with mountaineering.

Etymology[link]

The term derived from the Afrikaans word trek (noun), trekken (verb), (literally meaning to "pull, travel"), became a word in English language in mid 19th century, and means a long arduous journey, typically on foot.^[1]

Trekking in the Himalayas[link]

The Himalayan routes are famous for attracting a large number of trekkers. Typical trekking regions in Nepal are Annapurna, Dolpo, Langtang, Manaslu, and Mount Everest. Other popular trekking routes in India include Chandra Taal, Gomukh, Hemkund, Kafni Glacier, Kangchenjunga, Kedarnath, Kedartal, Milam Glacier, Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Pindari Glacier, Richenpong, Roopkund, Sar Pass, Satopanth Tal, Saurkundi Pass, Singalila Ridge, and Valley of Flowers.

See also[link]

• Hiking
• Travel

References[link]

Andrew Skurka

Andrew Skurka is a professional backpacker who is best known for his two long-distance hiking firsts—the 6,875-mile Great Western Loop and the 7,778-mile Sea-to-Sea Route. He was named the 2007 "Adventurer of the Year" by National Geographic Adventure (which described him as "a Gen Y version of Henry David Thoreau or John Muir") and the 2005 "Person of the Year" by Backpacker Magazine.^[1][2]

In November 2007, Skurka completed the Great Western Loop, a 6,875-mile journey that links together 5 long-distance hiking trails, 12 National Parks, and over 75 wilderness areas, which he hiked in 208 days, an average of 33 miles per day.^[2][3] In addition, in July 2005 Skurka completed the Sea-to-Sea Route, a transcontinental network of long-distance hiking trails from Quebec to Washington, which took him 11 months and which involved 1,400 miles of snowshoeing.^[4][5] Skurka's shorter hikes include the 1,700-mile California section of the Pacific Crest Trail (in 44 days), the 480-mile Colorado Trail (twice), the 2,170-mile Appalachian Trail (in 95 days), a 385-mile trek through northern Minnesota in January, and many week and weekend-long trips in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming.^[2] In 2010 he hiked a 4,679 mile route around Alaska, which took him 176 days.^[6]

In addition to expanding the limits of long-distance backpacking, Skurka has defined the light-and-fast style of backcountry travel. The contents of his pack cumulatively weigh a mere 6.5 to 8 pounds, sans food, water, and fuel; and he regularly logs 35-45 miles per day, day after day.^[2]

In addition to the distinctions from Adventure and Backpacker, Skurka was featured in Outside's 2007 "Outside 100" list^[7] and in Men's Journal's "2005 Adventure Hall of Fame."^[8] He has appeared in numerous newspapers and television broadcasts, including The Wall Street Journal^[9] and the Fox News Channel.

Skurka also focuses on environmental issues on his trips.^[2]

A graduate of Duke University, Skurka is a sponsored athlete, paid speaker, and writer. He is a member of The Explorers Club, has given over 140 presentations about his adventures, and is a frequent contributor to Backpacking Light Magazine.

Skurka is also an ultrarunner. In 2008, he finished second at the Leadville 100.^[10]

In March 2011, the VOA Special English service of the Voice of America broadcast a 15-minute program on Andrew Skurka. A transcript and MP3 of the program, intended for English learners, can be found at Explorer Andrew Skurka Takes Hiking to a New Level.

References[link]

External links[link]

• AndrewSkurka.com