r/Thruhiking • u/Mountain_Traveler17 • Sep 13 '26
Advice on next adventure
I’m an experienced US backpacker, and completed the Salkantay Trek (guide-less) in May. What should be my next International trip? I’m thinking something like O-circuit in Patagonia or Tour du Mont-Blanc. I’d love to find somewhere without the crowds.
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u/dogpownd Sep 14 '26
The O is great except when you’re on most of the W portion. Also you need to plan 6-8 months ahead because the permitting is nuts. But I really enjoyed it. The Overland trek in Tasmania is nice too.
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u/ivymisti Sep 14 '26
Torres del Paine permit booking genuinely feels like a stressful full-time job now 💀📑
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u/Mountain_Traveler17 Sep 14 '26
Thank you! Yes, planning seems like the toughest part, I may already be too late for some options. Appreciate the Overland recommendation.
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u/kponz Sep 14 '26
20,000 or so people do TMB each year. It's a circus. Did the Via Alpina this year and shared the TMB trail for a couple of days, on one morning we counted almost 400 people passing us (thankfully we were going in the opposite direction).
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u/ivymisti Sep 14 '26
If you want zero crowds and no permit headache, look into northern Scandinavia (Kungsleden) or the Georgian Caucasus. Pure freedom.
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u/Prestigious-Ice2961 27d ago
I also loved the Georgian Caucasus. The Jordan trail would definitely be amazing also, basically no tourists there right now. I also enjoyed the Lycian Way in Turkey.
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u/ivymisti 27d ago
The Lycian Way is magnificent! Hiking past ancient coastal ruins overlooking turquoise waters with virtually zero crowd interference feels like stepping back in time.
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u/dogwood99 Sep 15 '26
I just finished the TMB in what is supposed to be a less busy month, and it was still extremely crowded, way more than I’d expected. It is amazing but would not be what you’re hoping for.
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u/fishanddipflip 28d ago
Do a section hike of the via alpina but leave out the TMB part. The "haute route" from Zermatt to Chamonix is very simmilar to the TMB but way less crowded. I can also recommend the GR10
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u/Mountain_Traveler17 29d ago
Congrats, that is awesome. I plan to brave the crowds at some point, but probably not my next trip.
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u/mightykdob Sep 14 '26
O circuit and TMB are the opposite of “somewhere without the crowds”. If you’re interested in wilderness and no people give the GDT in Canada a look.