Has anyone done a mountain hut type trek?

Creasedlinen · 2022-10-15T14:30:56+00:00

I'd love to do the Tour de Mont Blanc and other similar treks. The fact that you're sleeping in shared, basic mountain huts has always put me off. However, now I'm travelling solo, I'm thinking it might actually be a good way to avoid the outrageous single supplements and meet some people. What is it like. I'm in my 50s and suspect most would be younger? Does that matter? I've seen a 4 day one in the Alps as a starter and am wondering how bad can it be?!

lljkk · 15/10/2022 15:32

I did something similar in Kenya. Our ages in the group were...
2 x late 20s
1 x late 40s
2 x mid 50s
1 x early 60s

I'd suspect you're exactly right age.

pd339 · 15/10/2022 15:33

The huts in the Alps attract a wide range of ages - you certainly wouldn't be the oldest.

AnnapurnaSanctuary · 15/10/2022 15:35

Go for it OP! I've done this kind of trek in Nepal (hence the username) and there's a range of ages.

PauliesWalnuts · 15/10/2022 15:44

I’ve done them too - started at 30 and I’m now 50. I was most worried about not getting any space to myself, but it’s easy to just walk on your own for a bit, or read a book or kindle in the tea house or refugio. I got used to sharing rooms - operators tend to put similar people together in my experience. You don’t tend to spend too much time in bedrooms - due to the time of year that I’ve trekked it’s far too cold and you tend to stay in the main communal room where the stove is.

In Spain the refugios were mixed dorms, but I didn’t have any problems - just got in there quick for a bottom bunk. Some of the European trekkers do have a laissez-faire attitude to stripping off to get ready for bed but everyone just averts their eyes. I took several pairs of earplugs - both for me and to offer out as menopause has brought with it a horrendous snoring habit.

I haven’t yet done TDMB, but the routine is usually early to bed, early to rise, and to be honest, you’re kind of ready to sleep about nine-ish if you’ve been walking all day!

PauliesWalnuts · 15/10/2022 15:47

And would second @AnnapurnaSanctuary - if the bug bites you and you want to go further afield, get to Nepal! I’ve never been anywhere so beautiful.

VenusClapTrap · 15/10/2022 15:48

Never done it but if I was on my own I totally would. I’ve been hiking in Norway and peeped into the huts and they’re lovely.

Original poster

Creasedlinen · 15/10/2022 16:36

PauliesWalnuts · 15/10/2022 15:44

I’ve done them too - started at 30 and I’m now 50. I was most worried about not getting any space to myself, but it’s easy to just walk on your own for a bit, or read a book or kindle in the tea house or refugio. I got used to sharing rooms - operators tend to put similar people together in my experience. You don’t tend to spend too much time in bedrooms - due to the time of year that I’ve trekked it’s far too cold and you tend to stay in the main communal room where the stove is.

In Spain the refugios were mixed dorms, but I didn’t have any problems - just got in there quick for a bottom bunk. Some of the European trekkers do have a laissez-faire attitude to stripping off to get ready for bed but everyone just averts their eyes. I took several pairs of earplugs - both for me and to offer out as menopause has brought with it a horrendous snoring habit.

I haven’t yet done TDMB, but the routine is usually early to bed, early to rise, and to be honest, you’re kind of ready to sleep about nine-ish if you’ve been walking all day!

Thank you. I've never used earplugs. Is there anything I need to know about what to buy?

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Has anyone done a mountain hut type trek?

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