What we’re about
Who we are:
US Hiking & Backpacking Club (US-HBC) is an United States based outdoor group led by volunteers. Our mission is to model and contribute to a healthy life-style while leaving an ever-decreasing footprint.
US-HBC was founded in 2015 by, then, Washington, DC resident Jin Zhang, a passionate outdoor lover. In 2021 she created another outdoor club, Budget International Travel & Trek Club (BITTC), to focus on outdoor exploration via international travel, hiking and backpacking while making it affordable to most outdoor enthusiasts.
The Club promotes and supports both local and national hiking, trail maintenance and watershed cleanup organizations and participates in such volunteer endeavors.
WAIVER
Your participation in any club activity resulting in bodily injury and/or death, and personal and public property damage or losses is your sole responsibility. You are responsible for your own safety, preparedness and mental & physical wellbeing. You need to know your trip-related skill level, experience, physical fitness and medical condition. Event hosts may suggest alternative route to you for the benefit of yourself and the group. You are expected to be fully cooperative.
You are solely and fully responsible for any cost or fees accrued to you in case of search, rescue and evacuation involved.
Your attendance on any organized event signifies that you have read and accepted the terms of this liability waiver and absolve the US-HBC of any responsibility.
10 Essentials
(http://hikesafe.com/uploads/PDFs/hike_safe_10_Essentials.pdf).
EVENTS:
We focus on hiking, bike-packing, backpacking, kayak/canoe paddling, touring and other activities.
ACTIVITIES
These are the main activities US-HBC plans to have:.
Class A: Hiking and Backpacking.
Class B: Trip leading related training, skills & certificate classes.
Class C: Canoeing, Kayaking, SUP paddling, Swimming and Sailing.
Class D: Camping.
Class F: Trail maintenance & watershed cleaning voluntary events.
Class G: Sightseeing and traveling.
Class H: Other events hosted by the Club.
Class I: Other events not hosted by US-HBC leaders.
Class J: Other events cross posted by other groups.
Any success of a group depends on the contribution from all the members. We welcome and encourage all our Club members to participant in leadership by self-learning, training, co-leading and leading trips. It's a great personal growth and leadership skill learning opportunity.
EVENT FEES USAGE
“Pay it forward … according to need.”
MEMBERS & MEMBERSHIP
(1) Everyone is welcome to join DC-HBC, free of charge. Members are encouraged to learn, to share and to grow through participating in our events.
(2) Members are expected to follow Hiking Etiquette and "Leave No Trace 7 Principles" while participating in hiking events.
(3) Members should try their best to avoid last minute cancelation or "NO SHOW" to the event they signed up. Unexpected things do happen, please change your RSVP or message the Event Host ASAP.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Nepal's Langtang Valley Trek (APRIL 2024)Needs location
The trek to Langtang Valley is a classic route on the Great Himalaya Trail that affords hikers the chance to meet local villagers from different ethnic backgrounds with the Himalayas surrounding you every step of the way. In this region, hikers get a close look at the high peaks of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Gosainkunda while enjoying the diverse landscapes and flora ranging from jungle to high alpine passes. As always, this trek is led by female guides guides and a team of male & female porters to create equity and inclusion in the trekking tourism industry. This trek is open to both men and women and supports the mission of the non-profit human rights organization, The Porter Voice Collective (PVC), which advocates for Workforce Equity for porters in Peru, Nepal & Tanzania.
THIS IS A PART OF THE GREAT HIMALAYA TRAIL WOMEN LEADERS CAMPAIGN (SET TO HAPPEN FROM FEBRUARY TO JULY OF 2024) WHERE A TEAM OF NEPALI GUIDE AND PORTERS WILL BE WALKING 140 DAYS (THE ENTIRE GHT) - SO YOU WILL BE JOINING & SUPPORTING THEM IN THIS SECTION OF THE TRAIL. IT'S POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE TREK AND ADD ANNAPURNA & MANASLU TREKS. LEARN MORE HERE.
TRIP DATES: APRIL 22-MAY 2, 2024 (12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS)
ITINERARY
Below is a summary of the itinerary. Go HERE to view the full itinerary.
DAY 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
DAY 2 Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (4,931 feet /1,503 meters)
DAY 3 Syabrubesi to Gatlang (7,342 feet / 2,238 meters).
Ascending from Syabrubesi, you will reach a view point where you will get a glimpse of majestic view of Ganesh Himal, Gosainkunda range and Langtang Lirung. Hiking time: 3 hours
DAY 4 Gatlang to Somdang (10,689 feet / 3,258 meters)
We will start our trek climbing uphill as we reach the famous sacred Kunda called Parvati Kund, the areas representing Hindu shrine.
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 5 Somdang to Pangsang Pass (12,566 feet / 3,830 meters)
This short trek gives the best view point of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal range after Pangsang Pass. Hiking time: 4 hours
DAY 6 Pangsang Pass to Tipling (6,200 feet / 1,890 meters)
You will descend from Pangsang to Tipling through the jungle. After descending from Pangsang Pass, you will reach Pansan Kharka where people graze their cattles. Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 7 Tipling to Lapa Gaon (6,070 feet / 1,850 meters)
Today’s journey is a bit tiring as you need to go up and down. You will trek from Tipling and descend from Serthung, a village known as sister village. Hiking time: 7 hours
DAY 8 Lapa Gaon to Nauban Kharka (9,022 feet / 2,750 meters)
You will trek uphill from Lapa Gaon to Magne Goth Kharka. Hiking time: 6 hours
DAY 9 Nauban Kharka to Chama Kharka (5,249 feet / 1,600 meters)
Today, you will descend towards Chama Kharka. Your day starts with the sounds of the birds in the middle of the jungle. Hiking time: 6 hours
DAY 10 Chama Kharka to Machhakhola (2,851 feet / 869 meters)
Hiking time: 6.5 hours
DAY 11 Machhakhola to Kathmandu
DAY 12 Fly home.TREK STYLE
This is a STRENUOUS trek. Recent hiking and/or backpacking experience is highly recommended. You will need to prepare for a cardio workout and consult with your doctor before joining the trip given the high altitude reaching up to almost 6000 meters / 20,000 feet. however, this is a supported trek; hence, you only carry a daypack with your essentials (porters are hired to carry your belongings). You will be staying in teahouses each night except for one night where you will be camping.PRICING
Per person for a group of
1 person: $3150
2-12 persons: $2250
Maximum group size: 12HOW TO JOIN
You must fill out the application form and send a deposit of $750. Join via THIS LINK. Click on "Book Now."INCLUSIONS
- 2 nights hotel stay in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
- Farewell dinner on the last night in Kathmandu.
- Teahouse and camping stays during the trek.
- Land transport to and from the trailhead.
- Airport transfers.
- Guide and porter salaries.
- Guide and porter insurance.
- Assistant guide salary & insurance for a bigger group.
- National Park entry fees.
- All trekking permits.
- First-Aid Kit.
- Equipment for staff.
- Trip informational & preparational meetings prior to your trip departure.
To learn more & book, go to this page.
Questions? Email me at equity@browngaltrekker.com - Nepal's Manaslu Circuit Trek (April 2024)Needs location
Manaslu is the 7th highest peak in the world located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The circuit treks allows hikers to experience diversity in the landscapes from forested hills to alpine high passes while visiting villages near the Tibetan border where locals are mainly Buddhists. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is stunning and a worthy rival of the more popular treks like Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. The trek takes you to Larke La Pass where you immerse yourself in the grandeur of the mountain ranges of Annapurna II, Kang Garu peak and Cheo peak for a view of a lifetime.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is world class for good reasons. To make the experience more meaningful for hikers, we are organizing a trek that is led by female guides guides and a team of male & female porters to create equity and inclusion in the trekking tourism industry. This trek is open to both men and women and supports the mission of the non-profit human rights organization, The Porter Voice Collective (PVC), which advocates for Workforce Equity for porters in Peru, Nepal & Tanzania.
THIS IS A PART OF THE GREAT HIMALAYA TRAIL WOMEN LEADERS CAMPAIGN (SET TO HAPPEN FROM FEBRUARY TO JULY OF 2024) WHERE A TEAM OF NEPALI GUIDE AND PORTERS WILL BE WALKING 140 DAYS (THE ENTIRE GHT) - SO YOU WILL BE JOINING & SUPPORTING THEM IN THIS SECTION OF THE TRAIL. IT'S POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE TREK AND ADD LANGTANG & ANNAPURNA TREKS. LEARN MORE HERE.
TRIP DATES: APRIL 29-MAY 13, 2024 (15 days/14 nights)
ITINERARY - Below is a summarized version - SEE FULL ITINERARY.
DAY 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
DAY 2 City Tour & Permit Preparation
DAY 3 Kathmandu to Machha Khola (2,952 feet / 900 meters)
Today, we will do an all day scenic drive to get to the start of the trek. You will pass through the headquarter of Dhading, Dhading besi, Arughat and Soti Khola. . Driving time will be around 7 hours.
DAY 4 Macchakhola to Jagat (4,625 feet/ 1,410 meters)
Hiking time: 6.5 hours
DAY 5 Jagat to Deng (5,922 feet / 1,805 meters)
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 6 Deng to Namrung (8,628feet / 2,630 meters)
Hiking time: 6 hours
DAY 7 Namrung to Samagaun (11,581 / 3,530 meters)
Hiking time: 5.5 hours
DAY 8 Acclimatization day in Samagaun
DAY 9 Samagaun to Samdo (12,664 feet / 3,860 meters)
Hiking time: 3 hours
DAY 10 Samdo to Dharmashala (14,632 feet / 4,460 meters)
Hiking time: 3 hours
DAY 11 Dharmashala to Bhimtang (16,929 feet / 5,160 meters)
Hiking time: 7 hours
DAY 12 Bhimtang to Karche (8,858 feet / 2,700 meters)
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 13 Karche to Dharapani (6,102 feet / 1,860 meters)
Hiking time: 4 hours
DAY 14 Dharapani to Kathmandu
Today, we will drive about 6 hours towards Kathmandu after a long trek. The group will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
DAY 15 Fly home.TREK STYLE: This is a STRENUOUS trek. Recent hiking and/or backpacking experience is highly recommended. You will need to prepare for a cardio workout and consult with your doctor before joining the trip given the high altitude reaching up to almost 6000 meters / 20,000 feet. You will be required to familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high-altitude trekking, and sign a liability waiver and terms & conditions forms. However, this is a supported trek; hence, you only carry a daypack with your essentials (porters are hired to carry your belongings). You will be staying in teahouses each night.
PRICING
1 person: $3750
2-12 persons: $2750
Maximum group size: 12HOW TO BOOK
You must fill out an application form and send the deposit of $750. You will receive an invoice to make the payment upon completion of the booking form - go to THIS PAGE to learn more and join.INCLUSIONS
- 3 nights hotel stay in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- City tour in Kathmadu.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- All teahouse accommodations during the trek.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Guide and porter salaries.
- Guide and porter insurances.
- Assistant guide salary & insurance for a bigger group.
- National Park entry fee.
- All trekking permits
- First-Aid Kit.
- Equipment for staff.
- Land transportation and airport transfers.
- Trip preparation meetings and resources including gear list.
- Online pre-trip consultation & support prior to your trip departure.
To learn more, go to Equity Global Treks page where you can also book and confirm your spot for this trek.
Questions? Send me an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com
- ONLINE (self-paced) Wilderness First Aid available ALL DAYS NOW until April 30thLink visible for attendees
In your own home, at your own leisure (anytime -- not just the date of this event): now you can learn a ton in the online portion of Disaster + Travel + Wilderness First Aid! COURSE TOPICS VIDEOS are almost exactly as MEDIC SOLO always presents them with the latest on disaster and wilderness medical science. Intermixed at several points we guide you to practice various skills.
Choose one of two ways to learn:
a) Take the self-guided course (no certification) $99.
b) Take the self-guided online course and attend a skills scenarios workshop (one day on-line) and get certified $249 (Early Bird).Register here: https://solowfa.com/register-online-SOLO-disaster-wilderness-first-aid-course.html
In order to get certified, you will start watching our highly-rated, self-paced videos one month prior to your Skills Scenarios Workshop date and:
- Practice skills at home before your Workshop date, send us photographs and our Instructors will provide you with kudos and constructive ideas.
- Pass the multiple-choice quiz and test is what verifies that you're ready for your workshop day with an instructor.
- Attend your online Skills Scenarios Workshop full day with a live instructor and a live human patient. Use a unique software which nearly replicates the in-person learning experience.
- Gain as much to more hands-on learning experience as compared to an in-person course.
- Instructors give individual live feedback to students while you perform hands-on skills in your own home.
- Graduates receive the internationally-renowned SOLO 2-year WFA Certification.
Upcoming online Skills Scenario Workshop dates:
April 28, 2024
May 11, 2024
June 2, 2024
June 15, 2024Sneak peek at the course:
https://www.solowfa.com/online-sample.htmEmail us at courses@solowfa.com with questions.
Not open - Trip Meeting for 2 tours in Peru: Huayhuash Trek & Machu Picchu-Cusco TourNeeds location
Hello, everyone.
Did you know we have tours scheduled for Peru in 2024?
- Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley & Ausangate Tours - set for September in 2024.
- Huayhuash Circuit Trek - set for August 2024
We are forming groups now - solo trekkers welcome! The treks are open to all genders but will be led by women guides and a mixed gender trekking team as a way for us to elevate the roles of women in the trekking tourism industry.
I'm scheduling a trip meeting for May 14 at 6pm PST / 9pm EST via zoom. Join us to learn more about these two tours we are organizing in Peru in 2024.
Join via this ZOOM LINK.
See you then!
Marinel (BGTrekker)
https://www.browngaltrekker.com/bgtequityglobaltreks