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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member offering Trip Protection and Travel Medical coverage.

Trekking tours are a great low-carbon activity that immerses you in the nature of your destination in a sustainable way. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Trekking Tours | Yugen Earthside

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Trek half of the historic Kokoda Track while delving into local village life and immersing yourself in cultural tales & demonstrations. Carbon removals included!

[6 days] Half Kokoda Track Cultural Trek | Yugen Earthside

Trek half of the historic Kokoda Track while delving into local village life and immersing yourself in cultural tales and demonstrations.

Come retrace the steps of soldiers who defended the rugged terrain of this island nation just north of Australia. In between your 4 days of hiking, you'll indulge in local cuisine, hear captivating tales from those who've lived them, and forge genuine connections with the locals. These are just a few of the treasures awaiting you on this incredible journey. 

This shortened version of trekking only half of the Kokoda Track is a completely different experience than our sister trip which covers the entire trail. You'll take a quick, chartered hopper flight to land at our remote starting point in the wilderness (Efogi Village), which is generally considered the midpoint of the trail, and then walk back to Owen's Corner, a common starting point for those hiking the trail's entirety.

On this 6-day journey, you'll spend less time walking and more time learning about village life. We ensure ample time for everyone to enjoy getting to know the people who live in these villages as well as time to have one-on-one time with families. We provide opportunities for our guests to watch and participate in a number of demonstrations of local traditions and customs.

This tour is only available for small groups with limited departures. 

Enjoy a 15-minute scenic flight over a brilliant green canopy to the start of your trek

Begin in Efogi Village, pass through Menari, Agulolo, & Ioribaiwai Villages, & end in Owers' Corner

Immerse yourself in Kokoda Track life by staying overnight in village huts & savoring local cuisine

Hear authentic stories and cultural tales over campfires

Discover 'bilum' making, the art of handwoven bags, as well as trap-making

Join basket, blind, bamboo, and grass-weaving sessions with villagers

Watch and participate in traditional cooking methods using bamboo and earth ovens

Connect with your porters who will watch over your safety along the trail

Marvel at indigenous flora and fauna, including stunning Birds of Paradise and magnificent butterflies

Make a positive impact on the people & communities along the Kokoda Track

The trail runs through dense jungle and rugged terrain, spanning approximately 60 miles (96 km) across the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. In 1942, this vital supply route was the site of battles between the Japanese and Australian forces. Australian forces protecting the trail, with the help of local Papua New Guineans, essentially staved off threats towards Australia. This challenging trek today uniquely draws history buffs and walking enthusiasts who appreciate knowing, on a deeper level, the culture and stories of the land they are walking on.

As leaders of this Kokoda Track tour, we consider ourselves first and foremost a community-focused organization. Our mission is threefold.

To provide trekkers with a challenging, life-changing experience on the Kokoda Track, a popular yet demanding trail.

Take hikers beyond the trail, by offering opportunities to hear the voices and stories of the local people, as told by the people of the Kokoda Track. Trekkers will see firsthand what life is like in our villages.

Break the decades-long cycle of poverty that has existed in Papua New Guinea by providing a more equitable employment experience for our Kokoda Track porters and guides. We believe that providing more personal, immersive time in our home provides a truly unique experience that is also more sustainable. 

We know that not everyone who enjoys walking trips necessarily wants to spend all day walking. For this reason, we have arranged this tour along the Kokoda Track to include plenty of time in the villages along the trail. You'll get to know the residents, see firsthand what village life is like, and participate in local customs and traditional ways of the village.

As the only indigenous company offering Kokoda Track tours, our close relationships with the local people living near the trail have been built over many years of guiding trekkers to these communities. Our authentic connections are also what enable us to provide a special, non-cookie-cutter experience for all our guests.

Papua New Guinea is a tropical rainforest with warm, and sometimes very rainy, weather conditions and two distinct seasons: wet and dry. If you don't mind a few other people on the trail, our immersive tours during the dry season (June to September) are ideal. Throughout the dry season, days will be generally clear with pleasant temperatures, and evenings will be cooler yet mild - noting that at higher altitudes temperatures drop. Temperatures may range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C).

June to August: These tend to be the driest months, and July and August in particular are the busiest times to be on the trail.

September: At the end of the dry season, the weather is still favorable for hiking. The possibility of encountering fewer trekkers on the trail is balanced with the possibility of more precipitation than in July and August.

The best time to go depends on what you are looking for and your comfort level regarding the weather and sharing the trail.

Any vaccination or malaria medication required

2 nights' accommodation in a hotel in Port Moresby (pre & post-trek)

3 nights' accommodation in village huts during the trek

Breakfast, lunch, & dinner where mentioned

Transfer from Owers' Corner to Port Moresby

This trip is available from June through September.

At checkout, choose your preferred departure date and pay the deposit. Yugen Earthside’s standard Payment & Cancellation Policy applies.

Your deposit is fully refundable for 30 days when you book 120+ days in advance and pay by bank transfer.

If you pay by credit card, the card processing fees are non-refundable.

We’ll confirm availability for your chosen date within 3 business days. If confirmed, you’re all set! If not, we’ll help you adjust your date or refund your deposit.

Our organization was built on the premise that keeping as much of the tourism dollar in Papua New Guinea and in particular, on the Kokoda Track, would offer the best way for the communities along the track to finally benefit from tourism. We believe that supporting our porters and guides by providing a more equitable employment experience offers the best way for economic growth to occur on the Kokoda Track. More money put directly into our guides and porters means they are better able to take care of their families and educate their children. 

We prioritize collaboration with local enterprises at every opportunity. Our website developer operates from Papua New Guinea, our banking services are local, and our coffee production, from growth to processing and packaging, is a national initiative. Our selection of accommodations is also deeply rooted in the local community, with a focus on local employees and a commitment to sourcing locally produced food whenever feasible.

While we are aware that Papa New Guinea requires a flight, and usually a long one, to arrive in our country, our tours and treks are, for the most part, all human-powered. One quick 15-minute flight from Port Moresby to the beginning of the track starts both our treks. After that point, all travel is by foot and there is very little access to electricity until we arrive back at the hotel at the end of the trek. 

By focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty that has existed on the track for decades while at the same time, keeping our culture and traditions strong and ensuring they are passed down to the next generation, we provide the local people, our people, a realistic way to move forward and bring growth and hope to the next generation of the Kokoda Track.

Our trek, with the exception of the first and last day and one short flight to Efogi Village, is all foot-powered. This is the ultimate low-carbon impact activity that not only leaves very little in the way of carbon footprints but also provides an up-close look at the vegetation and plant life that grows along the track. Sustainable local food sources grow in community gardens and our guests are provided with many opportunities to taste some of the local cuisine. Our wildlife, specifically our birds, are also on display high amongst the treetops and we take special care to maintain an appropriate distance from all wildlife.

We are committed to providing our guests with an experience that is not only challenging but also culturally immersive. We provide many opportunities for our guests to participate in local traditions such as basket weaving, bilim making, and local cooking customs. We ensure that there is plenty of one-on-one time for our guests and their porters to learn about each other and their respective cultures as well as experience life along the track the way it is for those who call it home. 

Our guests sleep in village huts without the usual amenities that higher-income countries come to expect (like electricity and indoor/attached plumbing). Local food, local stories (told by the people who have lived them), and direct connection to the local people are a few of the jewels to be experienced along the track. The opportunity to unplug and be absolutely present in your own life is not always available, but it is here on the Kokoda Track.

One of the pillars on which we are built is equitable employment for our guides and porters. We believe that the best way to chip away at the cycle of poverty is to educate the next generation. Paying our employees a fair wage and providing employment benefits that much of the world takes for granted, provide a means for them to take better care of their families and educate their children, both girls and boys. Eliminating the middleman in this tourism tier, allows us to better compensate our guides and porters as more of the tour dollars paid by our guests go to them (usually by way of bank accounts which we help open for them with the support and assistance of our local bank). 

We are also working with local coffee farmers in the Kokoda region and our own branded coffee with net proceeds going to our Foundation. These dollars assist with scholarships for the children along the Kokoda Track for their post-Grade-8 education which is only available in the cities. This, together with the better compensation we provide, opens the door to a better-educated next generation which benefits the people and communities along the Kokoda Track as well as Papua New Guinea.

The safety of everyone on our trips is our number one priority and this includes our trekkers, guides, and porters. We travel with a fully equipped medical kit on every trek and we also have an arrangement with a local helicopter company that is fully prepared to assist in the unlikely necessity of an evacuation. We are trained and certified in First Aid and always travel with a satellite telephone and two-way radio in case of emergency. 

Our fully trained guides and porters have a minimum of a decade of training. We have seen all types of injuries during our many years on the track and have experienced breaks, strains, and sprains and are experienced and trained in emergency evacuation from our villages. This being said, we do require medical insurance for each guest including evacuation insurance. We also recommend consulting with your physician to determine if you require any particular vaccinations for traveling to this part of the world. We do specifically recommend malaria tablets for everyone planning a trip to Papua New Guinea but again, please consult with your physician prior to traveling. 

Spend 7 days responsibly trekking along the Gaucho Way in pristine and untouched wild Chilean Patagonia. Carbon removals included!

[7 days] The Gaucho Way Trek in Patagonia, Chile | Yugen Earthside

Spend 7 days responsibly trekking along the Gaucho Way in pristine and untouched wild Chilean Patagonia.

Supported by gauchos and an attentive crew, discover a part of Chile that is lesser-known to travelers and famed for its natural beauty.

This is the shorter version of our signature route for Patagonia trekking. If you prefer a slightly more relaxed pace, or the option to do a bit more hiking, see the extended version (9 days) here.

The Gaucho Way follows traditional horse trails used by the 'gauchos', a term generally referring to a skilled and traditional South American cowboy. Gauchos play a significant role in the cultural heritage of the region. Families living in the valley used to follow the trail with herds of cattle on their way to the market to purchase supplies like flour, sugar, mate, and other sundries. Nowadays, there is more frequent boat travel along the trail.

Enjoy incomparable access to wilderness, learning, and adventuring in Chilean Patagonia

Discover a unique location accessible only by boat

Trek exclusively with your small group of 6-8 guests

Benefit from your guide's 30+ years of expertise and intimate local knowledge

Support our mission’s conservation, education, and community goals

Experience traditional gaucho routes, supported by locals, our friends, and neighbors

Fill your lungs with fresh, clean air while listening to the natural rhythm of lake waves hitting rocky shores, and the soft thumping of horse hooves connecting with the earth. Participate in the custom of sharing mate, a local tea.

Enjoy a deliciously prepared meal in community with others. Share a glass of wine and stories around a campfire. Identify the Southern Cross amongst the night’s sparkling stars. Cup your hands in pure, frigid water and enjoy the sweet taste of a mountain brook.

Our season runs from October to April, when daylight hours are longer and temperatures are generally mild. Patagonia is famed for its intensity of experience, and the same is true for its weather. It's not uncommon to get extreme wild, torrential rain, and brilliant sunshine all in the same day! As such, we abide by the mantra that ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes’ (and gear). 

October and November are the shoulder season.

December, January, and February are the high season. 

We help to ensure that you’re prepared to meet the vast range of changing conditions so you can truly enjoy the experience. Our activities throughout the year will be shaped by the conditions.

Meals, transportation, and lodging outside items on the itinerary (bring any specialty trail snacks you might want)

Chilean tourist cards, visas, or reciprocity fees

Wire transfer, credit card, or payment processing fees (if applicable)

Repair or replacement costs due to damage to group gear or other equipment.

Extra checkout charges at third-party accommodations.

Changes to the itinerary made at the request of clients

All expenses incurred in the event of late arrival, and early or late departure including, but not limited to, evacuation or medical expenses due to illness or injury, transportation, extra hotel nights, etc.

Charges incurred as a result of delays or factors beyond our control, such as, but not limited to inclement weather, road cuts or delays, non-navigable water or river conditions, etc.

6 nights of accommodations at the ranch, tent camp, and guest house

All meals and rations during the program according to the itinerary

All transportation in Patagonia, Chile (including horse and boat support)

Guide and logistical support for trip activities in the Aisén Region, Chile, and at our ranches

Use of all facilities and equipment at the ranch or as specified in the itinerary 

Our partner's Payment & Cancellation Policy applies:

All balances are due 180 days prior to the departure date unless otherwise specified. Participants whose balances are not received by the 180-day deadline risk forfeiture of their place in the program.

All refund requests must be received in writing within the 90-180 day period prior to the program start date.

Full refunds will be provided 180 days prior to the program start date.

50% refunds will be provided 90-180 days prior to the program start date.

No refunds will be provided 89 days prior to the program start date.

Due to the nature and costs of government and operator permits, we must abide by a stringent refund policy. The itinerary is subject to modification without notification in the event of unavailability of services and/or adverse safety or climatic conditions.

We will strive to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible. We reserve the right to waive any fees.

Excursions mentioned in the Customization section may cost between $85-150 per person depending on the activity.

Every one of our adventures is deepened by the unique location of our wilderness homestead – accessible only by boat – and embodies our mission’s conservation, education, and community goals. This trip takes travelers off the beaten path and avoids tourist "hot spots". We also raise behavioral awareness by specifically discussing with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination, and why. 

Prepare to see soaring condors or an elusive huemul, but you won’t see another traveler. It’ll be just you, us, and the wilderness. Given our remote location, you won't see many other people. Our groups are small and usually private - up to 8 people unless we have an educational group that can be larger - we have over 5000 acres as part of our homestead where even if we had two groups going, which we don't normally ever do, it would be rare you would see each other.

We are firm believers in minimal impact ethics (Leave No Trace); which apply to our ranch, the wilderness, and our community. We aim to live simply and practice conscious use of resources. Therefore, we generate our own solar power, access clean glacial water, and emphasize local and/or organic food by cultivating fruits and vegetables in a large greenhouse or fruit orchard.

Throughout the adventure, we adhere to strict environmental standards and aim at conserving ecosystems and/or preserving biodiversity.  We focus on responsible waste management (insisting on a "Leave No Trace" or "Pack It In, Pack It Out" policy, for example).  All the accommodations are hand-picked to ensure they are local and environmentally friendly. Most are small and locally run and use solar thermal panels.  

At the core of our travel philosophy is the belief that authentic experiences foster a deeper understanding of both the destination and the communities we visit. We actively honor and respect the traditional culture and livelihood of our gaucho neighbors. These knowledgeable locals serve as guides and horse packers, allowing travelers to genuinely engage with the local community.

When it comes to our staff, we prioritize inclusivity and non-discrimination in the hiring process. We strive to create a work environment that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for everyone involved. By doing so, we foster a harmonious and respectful workplace that ultimately enhances the overall experience for our travelers.

We are committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of the local community. Our trip not only offers an unforgettable experience but also contributes to the local economy by providing employment opportunities and ensuring fair wages for the staff involved. We place a strong emphasis on creating safe and favorable working conditions for everyone working with us. By designing the trip to support local businesses, we aim to maximize the positive impact on the community as a whole, rather than benefiting only a select few. We firmly believe that nature-based tourism should be a force for good, benefiting both the people and the communities who call this place home.

Deepening our connection with the natural world, and to one another, is among our highest values:

We always hire locals, our neighbors, and friends to work the trips with us and support local businesses. They depend on work from us season after season.

Any of our employees, partners, friends, and neighbors would be willing and able to vouch for us.

We give back to our community not just in monetary ways, but how we show up as a business and personally as part of the community since this is not just a place we work but our home.

One of our fundamental priorities has always been the safety and welfare of living beings. We live in, work in, and share with others the secluded wilderness locations we call home, and we’ve found it judicious to continually emphasize a personal, as well as institutional culture of safety, risk management, and mitigation.

Discover the most spectacular spots near the exquisite Dévoluy limestone massif on this self-guided hiking adventure through the Southern French Alps. Carbon removals included!

[7 days] Hiking in the Southern French Alps | Yugen Earthside

Embark on a self-guided hiking adventure through the exquisite Dévoluy limestone massif in the Southern French Alps, armed with our essential tips for discovering the most spectacular spots!

This really is a self-guided walking adventure like no other. Select from an array of thoughtfully curated trails, suitable for all abilities, to explore the breathtaking vistas and secluded gems of the Dévoluy massif. Tailor your ideal walking holiday with the duration and hiking styles you prefer, leveraging our local insights and expertise. This walking holiday is entirely adaptable to your preferences.

Selection of meticulously chosen trails for the finest paths and most splendid views

Tranquil routes, distant from popular walking spots

Diverse landscapes to explore, including forests, gorges, and peaks

Freedom to walk at a pace and difficulty that suits you

Guidance from enthusiastic local walkers, offering their expertise and advice

Enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal every evening, with a substantial breakfast and picnic lunch daily

Convenient train access from across Europe; no personal vehicle needed at the destination

Accredited by a sustainable tourism certification

We have personally tried and tested every trail proposed on this self-guided walking holiday in the stunning Dévoluy Massif.

Each day, choose from half or full-day hikes for your self-guided adventure, some starting right at your doorstep, and others a short drive away. Your hosts will take you to and from the trailheads so you can enjoy walking without worrying about logistics, equipped with a paper map, GPX tracks, weather updates, and route info on your smartphone app.

Discover the Dévoluy Massif's unique limestone geography, like a wild undiscovered version of the Dolomites, offering diverse experiences for all levels of walkers. Challenge yourself on steep slopes and rocky scrambles for panoramic views, or opt for gentler walks through gorges, alpine meadows, and serene forests. Encounter rich wildlife, from chamois and golden eagles to maybe even a wolf!

Over 20 exquisite walks and hikes in the dramatic Dévoluy Massif have been meticulously selected for your exploration. These range from routes starting directly from your accommodation to those that necessitate a brief transport to the beginning and back at the end, all conveniently scheduled throughout the week to streamline transportation logistics.

Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive an app for your smartphone loaded with GPX tracks and detailed descriptions of each walk. Additionally, paper maps and face-to-face advice will be provided on-site, enabling you to tailor your walking and hiking itinerary to your preferences.

The following itinerary showcases a glimpse of the walks on offer to give an idea of the variety of walks available. Ultimately, it will be your decision what duration and difficulty of walks you choose to do each day.

See the FAQs to understand our walking and hiking grades.

For a walking holiday in the Dévoluy Massif, the best times to visit would typically be late spring to early autumn. This period usually offers the most favorable weather for hiking.

Late spring (May to early June) can be delightful with fewer crowds, blossoming flora, and a fresh mountain atmosphere. However, some higher-elevation trails might still have snow, so it's wise to check trail conditions.

The summer months (late June to August) are generally warm and sunny, making them ideal for hiking. This is the peak season, so popular trails might be busier. It's also important to start your hikes early, to avoid the midday heat and potential afternoon thunderstorms.

Early autumn (September to October) is another great time, with cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and the chance to see the fall colors. The weather can be more unpredictable during this period, so be prepared for variable conditions.

We recommend walking during the shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn), if your schedule allows, to help combat overtourism and promote tourism dispersal.

Your journey to Veynes (we can help you organize this)

Any additional activities, eg Via Ferrata (we can help you organize this)

7 nights of half-board accommodation at La Tourtette guest house

Return transfers from Veynes train station

Transportation to and from the start and finish points of your selected hikes and walks

Maps, GPX tracks, and route guidance for a variety of self-guided walks and hikes suitable for all levels

Access to a smartphone app containing all walk routes, GPX tracks, weather updates, maps, and local information for your convenience

The planting of a tree to help offset the carbon footprint of your trip.

This trip is offered from May through October.

We’ll confirm availability for your chosen dates within 3 business days. If confirmed, you’re all set! If not, we’ll help you adjust your dates or refund your deposit.

Contact us for pricing for your exact group size.

We are Travelife Certified and we plant a tree with our partner, Mossy Earth, for all our travelers as part of their rewilding program in Europe.

We operate a paperless office and all our communication with you and all your trip details will be given to you digitally via a smartphone app.

If you are traveling from Europe, we offer a 3% discount if you travel here by train rather than plane. To claim this please ask at booking. It is not accumulable with other discounts and the train journey needs to be international, eg Eurostar to France and then onward on local French TGV or trains.

Walking is a low-carbon activity and this tour is 100% accessible by train from anywhere in Europe so there is no need to hire a car. As you are staying in one place there are no baggage transfers, just short grouped lifts to the starts and ends of walks, minimizing transportation pollution.

By staying in one accommodation rather than changing every night, you are also saving on unnecessary washing, cleaning, and linen changes saving water, and energy, and reducing the usage of polluting cleaning products.

This is a great advantage for the environment but also a great comfort for you not to have to live out of a suitcase for a week!

This tour exemplifies economic sustainability in the tourism industry by ensuring that the benefits are directly channeled into the local economy.

By opting for accommodations like La Tourtette guest house, which is independently owned and operated, the tour supports local businesses and contributes to the economic vitality of the region.

The choice of local transportation services further bolsters this approach. Such practices provide a more authentic experience for tourists and help sustain the local communities financially. By focusing on small-scale, locally owned entities, the tour avoids funneling its economic benefits to large, non-local corporations, thereby keeping the economic benefits within the community. This approach also often leads to a deeper and more enriching cultural exchange, as guests can interact closely with local hosts and service providers, gaining insights into the region's way of life, traditions, and values.

The tour demonstrates socio-cultural sustainability through various practices that respect and uplift the local culture and community.

By using local accommodations and services, the tour provides visitors with an authentic experience and encourages meaningful cultural exchanges. This approach helps preserve local traditions and customs, as guests may learn about and engage with the regional culture directly from the people who live it.

By staying in one place you will also get to know the locals much more deeply than a fleeting visit, helping in cultural exchanges and appreciation of each others' cultures.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
It's recommended to be in good physical condition to do this trip.

Embark on a challenging journey as you trek the full Kokoda Track, uncovering its historical WWII significance & rewarding landscapes. Carbon removals included!

[11 days] Full Kokoda Track Historical Trek | Yugen Earthside

Embark on a challenging journey as you trek the full Kokoda Track, uncovering its historical WWII significance & rewarding landscapes.

Our 9-day trek along the entirety of the Kokoda Track is designed to provide guests with an opportunity to experience and learn about the historical significance of the land while also gaining the personal satisfaction of completing this challenging trail. Our goal is for all trekkers to safely complete their trek, and have some fun while doing so!

This trek is longer and more strenuous than our shorter sister trip. If you prefer a slightly less strenuous trek with much more cultural interaction, stories, and demonstrations, check out our related trip.

Enjoy a scenic flight over the brilliant green canopy to the start of the trek

Relish the personal & shared thrill of conquering this difficult 60-mile trek

Delve into global history by retracing the steps of American, Japanese, & Australian soldiers

Soak in breath-taking sceneries as you traverse steep ascents, ridges, mountains, & creeks

Uncover the local culture & traditions of the villages that we visit and stay in

Connect with your porter who will ensure your safety along the trail

Marvel at indigenous flora and fauna, including stunning Birds of Paradise & magnificent butterflies

As leaders of this Kokoda Track tour, we consider ourselves first and foremost a community-focused organization. Our mission is threefold:

1. To provide trekkers with a challenging, life-changing experience on the Kokoda Track, while offering them an opportunity to hear the voice and stories of the local people, as told by the people of the Kokoda Track. 

2. Take hikers beyond the trail, by offering opportunities to hear the voices and stories of the local people, as told by the people of the Kokoda Track. Trekkers will see firsthand what life is like in our villages.

3. Break the cycle of poverty that has existed here for decades by providing a more equitable employment experience for our porters and guides. We believe that providing more personal, immersive time in our home provides a truly unique experience that is also more sustainable.

Papua New Guinea is a tropical rainforest with warm, and sometimes very rainy, weather conditions and two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Rain patterns along the Kokoda Track significantly influence the tourism seasons. We are very flexible with start dates so please contact us if you are interested in a particular month as some tend to be busier than others. 

June to August: The dry season offers stable and rain-free conditions, attracting the majority of hikers and tourists. July and August in particular are the busiest times to be on the trail. The temperatures are pleasantly warm, ranging from 59°F to 82°F (15°C to 28°C), and evenings are cooler yet mild, as temperatures drop at higher altitudes. It's an excellent time for trekking as conditions are relatively predictable.

April to May & September to Mid-October: These transition months are considered the off-season, though the trail is still viable. The track will be less crowded with other trekkers. You may encounter occasional rain showers and increased humidity, so be prepared for insect activity.

Medical insurance and evacuation insurance

This trip is available from April through October.

Our organization was built on the premise that keeping as much of the tourism dollar in Papua New Guinea and in particular, on the Kokoda Track, would offer the best way for the communities along the track to finally benefit from tourism. We believe that supporting our porters and guides by providing a more equitable employment experience offers the best way for economic growth to occur on the Kokoda Track. More money put directly into our guides and porters means they are better able to take care of their families and educate their children.

While we are aware that Papa New Guinea requires a flight, and usually a long one, to arrive in our country, our tours and treks are, for the most part, all human-powered. One quick 15-minute flight from Port Moresby to the beginning of the track starts both our treks. After that point, all travel is by foot and there is very little access to electricity until we arrive back at the hotel at the end of the trek.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to providing our guests with an experience that is not only challenging but also culturally immersive. We ensure that there is plenty of one-on-one time for our guests and their porters to learn about each other and their respective cultures as well as experience life along the track the way it is for those who call it home.

One of the pillars on which we are built is equitable employment for our guides and porters. We believe that the best way to chip away at the cycle of poverty is to educate the next generation. Paying our employees a fair wage and providing employment benefits that much of the world takes for granted, provide a means for them to take better care of their families and educate their children, both girls and boys. Eliminating the middleman in this tourism tier, allows us to better compensate our guides and porters as more of the tour dollars paid by our guests go to them (usually by way of bank accounts which we help open for them with the support and assistance of our local bank).

The safety of everyone on our trips is our number one priority and this includes our trekkers, guides, and porters. We travel with a fully equipped medical kit on every trek and we also have an arrangement with a local helicopter company that is fully prepared to assist in the unlikely necessity of an evacuation. We are trained and certified in First Aid and always travel with a satellite telephone and two-way radio in case of emergency.

Our fully trained guides and porters have a minimum of a decade of training. We have seen all types of injuries during our many years on the track and have experienced breaks, strains, and sprains and are experienced and trained in emergency evacuation from our villages. This being said, we do require medical insurance for each guest including evacuation insurance. We also recommend consulting with your physician to determine if you require any particular vaccinations for traveling to this part of the world. We do specifically recommend malaria tablets for everyone planning a trip to Papua New Guinea but again, please consult with your physician prior to traveling.

Spend 9 days responsibly trekking along the Gaucho Way in pristine and untouched wild Chilean Patagonia. Carbon removals included!

[9 days] The Gaucho Way Trek in Patagonia, Chile | Yugen Earthside

Spend 9 days responsibly trekking along the Gaucho Way in pristine and untouched wild Chilean Patagonia.

This is the extended version of our signature route for Patagonia trekking. The main differences between the 9-day trek and its sister trek, completed in 7 days, are:

A more leisurely start to your journey, spending the first night in Puerto Bertrand

An extra day at our main ranch, with options for a day hike

An extra day hiking to discover more of Patagonia, and an extra night in the tent camp

8 nights of accommodations at the ranch, tent camp, and guest house

We give back to our community not just in monetary ways, but how we show up as a business and personally as part of the community since this is not just a place we work but our home. 

This off-the-beaten-path trek along Nepal's Khopra Ridge is a serene alternative to more crowded routes. Stay at community lodges along the way. Carbon removals included!

[14 days] Nepal: Khopra Ridge Community Trek | Yugen Earthside

This off-the-beaten-path trek along Nepal's Khopra Ridge is a serene alternative to more crowded routes in the region. Rest and recover at community lodges and homestays along the way as you discover the hidden treasures of the Annapurna region.

Are you dreaming of an adventure that combines breathtaking natural beauty with authentic cultural experiences? Wishes come true! Our sustainable trekking trip to Khopra Ridge and Khayar Lake is the perfect choice! This incredible journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high alpine areas, where you'll witness panoramic mountain views and the vibrant colors of cascading rice fields. The hike to Khayar Lake, a hidden gem nestled in the Annapurna Sanctuary, is a true highlight - a glacial lake so beautiful, it will take your breath away.

The stunning scenery of this trip is combined with a deep immersion in the local culture. By staying at community lodges and homestays along the trail, you'll directly support local communities and gain a unique perspective on traditional life. 

Take a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu and see a UNESCO world heritage site

Visit Monkey Temple, the center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism, and witness religious practices

Hike through different trails in the Annapurna region surrounded by mountains, rivers, and dense forests

Explore Ghandruk, a settlement of a local ethnic group, to gain an understanding of their traditional lifestyle

Spot endemic species such as mountain goats and the Danphe pheasant, Nepal's national bird

Enjoy free time in Pokhara by either exploring cultural attractions such as caves, museums, and pagodas or engaging in adventurous activities like paragliding or bungee jumping.

With moderate trails that are perfect for solo travelers or families with children, our sustainable trekking holiday is the ideal way to experience the beauty of nature while learning about authentic local culture. From the warm hospitality of the local people to the magnificent mountain views and serene natural surroundings, this adventure will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

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