Hobnail Trekking Co.

05/18/2026

Alabama father/daughter team, Russ and Hensley, are on their way to Everest Base Camp by way of the Gokyo Lakes Extension! They are being led by our amazing guide, Pasang Bamjan. Although Russ has dealt with a temporary health issue, the team is back on the trail and headed to the foot of the world's most iconic mountain. Give them some love to help propel them on their way!

See the trek here: https://hobnailtrekkingco.com/nepal-treks/ebc-gokyo-lakes-extension/

05/07/2026

Reminder! Our INCREDIBLE Camino Primitivo trek is open for booking! This 9-day adventure crosses northern Spain from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela using a combination of walking, horseback riding, and electric bikes. (We call is the Pilgrim's Triathlon.) It’s a demanding route — steady climbs, rugged sections, real mileage — but it’s thoughtfully structured so your body can adapt before the terrain gets tougher.
You’ll walk the first four days through the Asturian countryside, ride horseback across the more remote mountain stretches, and finish by e-bike into Santiago as routes begin to converge.
We handle the logistics:
• Small groups
• Luggage transferred daily
• Carefully selected accommodations
• Experienced local guides
• Clear training guidance before departure
You don’t need to be an expert rider or cyclist. You do need to be prepared to move each day.
You may choose any 9-day block in September through December 1, 2026.
If you’ve been waiting for the right Camino — this might be it.
Send us a message or visit the website for the details here: https://hobnailtrekkingco.com/camino-primitivo/ See less

04/14/2026

One of the most common things we hear from people preparing for a high-altitude trek is some version of this:

"I really need to get out to Colorado before we go so I can train at altitude."

We get the logic, and we're not going to tell you that training at altitude is a bad idea. But here's the truth: for most people, it's not necessary — and it's definitely not the most important thing you can do to prepare.

You know what is?

Find some stairs. And use them relentlessly.

A stairwell, a parking garage, a stadium, a hill with a steep trail — anything that forces you to move upward under load will do more for your trek fitness than a weekend in Denver ever will. Your legs need to learn what it feels like to climb 2,000 feet before lunch. Stairs teach them that. Flat ground doesn't.

The altitude itself? Your body will adapt to that on the trek, often with the help of acclimatization days built into your itinerary. That's what those days are for, along with proper pace, food, and water intake. What you can't fake your way through is the physical demand of sustained climbing, and that's exactly what stairs prepare you for.

Bonus points if you do it with a loaded daypack or rucksack. Your legs won't thank you at the time. They will later.

One other thing about altitude: You can't really train for it, specifically. Being able to operate well at high altitudes is mostly a function of genetics, according to the research we've seen. Indeed, some of the very best trekkers we've worked with have been flatlanders. One wilderness doctor that we follow says, "If you want to be a great high-altitude hiker, choose your parents wisely."

The bottom line is that you won't really know how you'll do at altitude until you place yourself there, but with aggressive training and strict adherence to the instructions of your guide, you'll likely do just fine.

www.hobnailtrekkingco.com

03/11/2026

A great trip can be elevated — or completely undermined — by the people guiding it. Honestly, it makes all the difference.

Over the years, many of our trekkers have shared stories about trips with other providers where things didn’t go quite right:

• Inexperienced guides
• Language barriers
• Rushed or impersonal service
• Poor ex*****on

We have experienced some of this ourselves on industry trips, and let’s just say… it’s not much fun. More importantly, it’s simply not acceptable for a Hobnail trek.

At Hobnail, we do things differently:

• We work only with the best, most carefully vetted guides in the industry
• Our guides are local, bilingual, and experienced with American travelers
• They’re patient, kind, and genuinely excited to share their country with you
• And most importantly, they’re people we trust completely

What does that mean for you?

You feel supported, informed, and truly welcomed every step of the way.

Not herded.
Not rushed.
Not left figuring things out on your own.

Because who you travel with matters — and we take that responsibility seriously.

If you'd like to meet a few of the wonderful people who help make Hobnail treks so special, take a look at the Partners page on our website.

Hobnail Trekking is proud partners with some of the best adventure travel guides and destination management companies in the world.

03/03/2026

Booking Opens Today: Camino Primitivo (Oviedo to Santiago)

If you’ve been considering walking the Camino, but have held out for something quieter, less crowded than the standard routes, and incredibly unique, this is it.

Our 9-day Camino Primitivo crosses northern Spain from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela using a combination of walking, horseback riding, and electric bikes. (We call is the Pilgrim's Triathlon.) It’s a demanding route — steady climbs, rugged sections, real mileage — but it’s thoughtfully structured so your body can adapt before the terrain gets tougher.

You’ll walk the first four days through the Asturian countryside, ride horseback across the more remote mountain stretches, and finish by e-bike into Santiago as routes begin to converge.

We handle the logistics:
• Small groups
• Luggage transferred daily
• Carefully selected accommodations
• Experienced local guides
• Clear training guidance before departure

You don’t need to be an expert rider or cyclist. You do need to be prepared to move each day.

Booking opens today.
You may choose any 9-day block:
📅 May through early June
📅 September through December 1

If you’ve been waiting for the right Camino — this might be it.

Send us a message or visit the website for the details here: https://hobnailtrekkingco.com/camino-primitivo/

02/27/2026

Ever landed overseas and thought, “Why am I wide awake at 3:00 a.m.?”

Or returned from an incredible, two-week trip only to feel like your body has missed the memo that your home now and not still in [insert amazing destination here]?

Jet lag isn’t weakness. It isn’t age. And it isn’t just “being tired.” It’s actual biology.

Hobnail co-owner (and longtime freelance writer) Mark just published a new blog post that dives into the science behind jet lag — what’s actually happening inside your body when you cross time zones — and, more importantly, realistic ways to manage it before you leave and after you get home.

No impossible routines, just practical steps that travelers can actually follow.

If an overseas trek is on your horizon (or even just in your dreams), this is worth a few minutes of your time.

Read it here: https://hobnailtrekkingco.com/the-science-behind-jet-lag/

02/26/2026

Here's another installment of our trekker profile series, "Featured Hobnailer." This time, we feature Walter Nicolau, a Marylander who will undertake our July 4-18 Ecuadorian Odyssey. We're still looking for additional team members to join Walter on this trip, so read his story and check out the trek page today!

America's premium choice for trekking adventures.

02/24/2026

Does worrying about travel money keep you up at night? 💸✈️

You’re not alone.

Before a big overseas trip, the questions start swirling:

How much cash should I bring?
Who do I tip — and how much?
Should I exchange money before I go? In what denominations?
What if I need more while I’m there?

We hear these concerns all the time — especially from first-time or hesitant travelers. And they’re completely valid.

Here’s the good news: when you travel with Hobnail, you won’t be guessing.

We give you clear, practical guidance on:

✅ Exactly how much cash to bring (and in what form)
✅ When and how tipping works
✅ What to exchange — and where (and where not to!)
✅ What’s expected in your destination vs. what’s optional

No awkward moments.
No scrambling at airport kiosks.
No lying awake wondering if you’re “doing it wrong.”

In fact, you’ll even connect with your local guide by video weeks before departure — so you can ask questions and feel fully prepared before you ever leave home.

The result?
You arrive comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy the experience — not stress about it.

And here’s one more piece of wisdom: the key to handling travel money (and every other trip detail) is simple — early preparation.

We recommend booking your trek at least six months in advance if possible. That gives you:

Plenty of time to train and prepare

Time to get your logistics in order

And several months of pure excitement and anticipation (which is half the fun!)

Travel should feel joyful — not nerve-wracking. And with the right preparation, it absolutely can.

Ready to start planning? Send us a message or visit our website to learn more about upcoming treks. Let’s get you confidently on your way. 🌍 www.hobnailtrekkingco.com

02/23/2026

In our latest installment of "Featured Hobnailers", we've interviewed Texans Randall and Molly, who are taking on our Everest Base Camp Classic trek this September. Read their story here!

America's premium choice for trekking adventures.

02/23/2026

Montenegro may be small, but it delivers some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe — and our Three-Jeweled Odyssey takes you straight into its wild heart.

https://hobnailtrekkingco.com/peaks-of-the-balkans/montenegro-three-jewel-odyssey/

Over the course of this trek, we explore three extraordinary national parks, each with its own personality and beauty.

In Durmitor National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — you’ll find rugged peaks, glacial lakes (including the famous Black Lake), and the breathtaking Tara River Canyon. One day features an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience on the Tara River, floating beneath the historic Tara Bridge and through one of the deepest canyons in the world. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you stop mid-step just to take it in.

In Biogradska Gora National Park, one of Europe’s last remaining virgin forests, the atmosphere shifts. Here, you walk beneath centuries-old beech, fir, and pine trees and circle the pristine waters of Biogradsko Lake. Protected since 1878, this park offers a peaceful, almost reverent hiking experience — quiet trails, rich biodiversity, and a sense of stepping back in time.

Then there’s Prokletije National Park, known as the “Accursed Mountains.” This is Montenegro’s most remote and dramatic corner, where jagged peaks rise sharply above alpine meadows and shepherd paths wind through hidden valleys. We’ll hike in beautiful Grebaje Valley and enjoy sweeping views from high vantage points that rival anything in the Alps — without the crowds.

Beyond the landscapes, what makes this trek special is the people. Montenegro’s mountain communities are known for their resilience, hospitality, and deep-rooted traditions. You’ll experience hearty local cuisine, warm welcomes, and a culture shaped by generations who have lived in harmony with these rugged mountains.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone ready to stretch into a new level of adventure, this itinerary offers a thoughtful balance of challenge and enjoyment. It’s immersive without being overwhelming, adventurous without being extreme.

If you’re looking for a destination that still feels authentic, uncrowded, and genuinely memorable, Montenegro’s Three-Jeweled Odyssey may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

2026 Departures & Registration Deadlines:

• June 20–27, 2026
Registration deadline: April 6

• July 18–25, 2026
Registration deadline: May 4

• September 5–12, 2026
Registration deadline: June 22

If one of these dates fits your calendar, we’d love to have you join us in the mountains of Montenegro. If these dates don't work, put together a group of at least 4 and reach out with your preferred dates. We'll see what we can do...

See the trek page here: https://hobnailtrekkingco.com/peaks-of-the-balkans/montenegro-three-jewel-odyssey/

02/21/2026

Here's a quick video Mark shot in Japan last month. Enjoy!