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BY  Sibashree Jul 18, 2024

Is it your dream to climb Denali in Denali National Park? Standing at 6,190 meters height from sea level, the highest peak of North America is surely going to give you a tough time. However, the toughest routes in the world are the most alluring for travelers. So, its remote location and the deadliest terrains attract mountain lovers across the globe. As the monumental centerpiece, Denali adds to the popularity of Denali National Park.  Are you also planning a climb on Denali or Mount McKinley? Here are the things you must know before you make an attempt. Many people talk about the magnificence of the peak and its beauty. I will primarily discuss how you will prepare and conduct yourself for the pain-stricken journey and sail through it.  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park (How You Will Prepare Yourself) Many people find climbing Denali in Alaska’s Denali National Park more difficult than climbing Mount Everest. Extreme weather conditions, steep terrains, and fixed lines make this exotic peak one of the deadliest in the world.  So, we must be particular about our preparations, and these are the areas where we need to prepare ourselves.  Physical Preparedness And Endurance Physical preparedness and endurance are the most crucial things while climbing Denali. Your training activities will include the following.  Fitness Test  VO₂ Max Test Carrying Packs Weighing around 55lbs Hike Training at Sea Level Strength Building While attending a training session for physical strength and endurance, take a step-by-step approach to success.  Working On Team Dynamics And Preparations Traveling solo is not a great idea when it comes to conquering Denali. Maintain clear communication, mutual respect, trust, and a supportive environment within the team. Trust me! Denali will challenge you in every possible way. You don’t want to add to it by having a discord within the team.  Make Sure To Have The Correct Mental Training Reaching the Denali summit is going to be tough. The weather conditions and the routes will throw endless challenges. So, you have to be mentally resolute to keep at it. Train yourself mentally and learn to push limits during your physical training sessions for the Denali trek. Staying positive and being persistent is very crucial in your journey.  Work On Your Technical Proficiency Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is a demanding task. Things are not going to be as easy as visiting Biscayne National Park,  Everglades National Park, or any other national park.  You can attend courses on the following prior to joining a trip to Denali. Ice and snow travel Crevasse rescue Self-rescue Fixed line climbing Self-arrest techniques These technical climbing skills will prepare you for adverse conditions.  Be Particular About Food And Hydration  Planning food and nutrition before and during climbing Denali has two aspects. You have to eat healthy and nutritious food that keeps you in shape. If you are on a guided tour, you will have a proper diet and nutrition plan that you need to follow.  At the same time, having good food is crucial when it comes to climbing a height. You may face appetite issues at a higher altitude. However, you must ensure that you finish your meal properly. There will be no scope for overpacking snacks.  Further, nutrition is different for each person. So, your primary diet will be rich in healthy fats and high protein. However, for the instant energy kick, you must also carry some energy food items and chocolate bars.  The “Diet, Supplementation and Nutritional Habits of Climbers in High Mountain Conditions” report featured in the National Library of Medicine shows the food choices of climbers. Check the table below.  Food Choices Of Climbers Canned Meat3.6%Fruit Mousses7.1%Canned Fish7.1%Halvah7.1%Dry Smoked Pork Sausage10.7%Sandwiches10.7%Dried Fruits10.7%Nuts 10.7%Instant Dishes10.7%Dried Meat28.6%Salty Snacks32.1%Jelly Beans35.7%Energy Gels39.3%Chocolate71%Freeze-dried Dishes86.8%Bars100% Data Source: Diet, Supplementation and Nutritional Habits of Climbers in High Mountain Conditions This study was conducted on 28 men, and the average age group was “33.12 ± 5.96 years.” Take Care Of Hydration  Your body needs more hydration as you climb up the mountain. Water boosts the efficiency of our red blood corpuscles, which collect oxygen in the lungs. So, for proper breathing at a high altitude like Denali, you will have to keep drinking water.   You also need water to stay away from body aches and injuries and preserve your energy level. Water further helps in digesting your food.  Moreover, as you climb up, the air starts getting dry, and rapid breathing and an increased heartbeat promote faster loss of water from our bodies.  Along with drinking 3-4 liters of water every day, you will need to take multivitamins, electrolytes, and hyperhydration solutions available in sachets.  Work On Gear Selection And Preparation Pick and prepare your gear right for climbing Denali in Denali National Park. You will need to pack layered clothing, insulated boots, sleeping bags (-20 F), and mountaineering jackets. Further, if you are on a guided tour, you will be handed over a detailed kit list. Be particular about procuring the following items. Climbing helmet Balaclava Glacier glasses  Goggles Crampons Ice axe Harness Climbing rope Carabiners, etc. These gears ensure that you can navigate through the hard terrain comfortably and remain connected to your team.  Acclimatize With The Condition  With Denali, you are going to make a trek on harsh terrains under extreme weather conditions. So, you cannot plan a successful trip to Denali without devoting some time to acclimatization.  Join a group or guided expeditions that have acclimatization built into their itineraries.   Did You Know?  Mount Denali was renamed Mount McKinley on 28th August 2015.  Denali is the third-highest peak among the Seven Summits or the tallest peaks in seven continents. Denali means “the tall one,” and its name is derived from a Native Alaskan language, Koyukon.  Harry Karstens, Hudson Stuck, and their team of climbers first conquered Mount Denali in 1913.  Galen Johnston became the youngest climber to Mount Denali in 2001. He was 11 years old, and he climbed the peak with his parents.  Final Words  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Reaching the summit can be the ultimate reward for your years of training and preparations.  Also, when your road leads to the highest peak in North America, you have to be physically and mentally fit and proficient in technical skills related to mountaineering.  In addition, respect the wonder of nature and be humble so that the wonder of nature embraces you with open arms and paves your way to the summit. Have you ever been a part of a climbing team to Denali? Do you have plans to make a trip to this steep mountain soon? What do you think is most important to prepare yourself for this arduous trek? Don’t forget to share your insights with us!  Denali National Park FAQs How Difficult Is Denali To Climb?  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is a serious affair. You will at least need intermediate-level expertise or advanced expertise to climb the highest peak in North America.  If you are a serious climber and want to climb Denali, you must get your preparations right and acclimatize to difficult situations with some prior ventures. For preparations, you can climb the Cascades of Washington or the European Alps before your attempts to climb Denali. Further, you need to have the fitness and the agility to survive at all altitudes. You also need to be experienced in knots and hitches, rope work, and fixed-line climbing. In addition, you have to know about glacier travel, crampon techniques, and crevasse rescue.  What Is The Cost Of Climbing To Denali? The cost of climbing Denali for each person will be around $400 per day. Overall, the cost of climbing Denali will be around $12000. In addition, you will have to pay the NPS climbing registration fee. The National Park Service offers a detailed breakdown of the expenses you will need to bear when climbing Denali.  The expenditure includes guides, meals, and transportation costs to reach the kick-off point.  What Is The Hardest Part About Climbing Denali? Climbing the north face of Denali is the hardest, as there will be encounters with avalanches at Wickersham Wall. The Wickersham Wall extends 4,572 m upward from the glacier to the northern peak of Denali.  Another deadliest route for climbing Denali is the West Buttress route. Since the 1980s, there have been reports of at least 14 people dying on this route. (Source) What Is The Best Time To Climb Denali? Late April to mid-July is the best Denali climbing season. However, if you want to experience a milder temperature, you must visit the mountain in June and July. The weather is also less windy in June and July.  Traveling in late July is not a great idea, though, as the snow bridges over the crevasses will start melting. Further, it will be difficult for you to reach the base camp by airplane.  Climbing Denali in any season is not going to be a cakewalk for you. So, daily weather observations are crucial in determining the right time to climb the highest peak in North America. Also, it is always to be a part of guided expeditions to avoid fatal consequences and casualties.  Can I Die While Climbing Denali?  It would be harsh to say that you will die while climbing Denali. However, climbing the highest peak in North America is an arduous journey. You at least need an intermediate-level skill and glacier experience for the trek.  However, a solo climber to Denali died recently, just as the summer climb season this year kickstarted. The body of the deceased climber was found on 20th May 2024. (Source) So, commit to the climb only if you have the desired mental and physical fitness, have the expertise and experience, and have proper safety measures in place. Also read From Hiking To Stargazing: The Top 10 National Parks In Utah! 7 Fun Things To Do In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plan A Day Trip To Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It.

BY  Sibashree Nov 19, 2025

Canada is bursting at the seams with festivals, wild celebrations, and lively events. You blink, and there’s probably something going on in every corner of the country. Whether you’re catching the Montreal Jazz Festival’s energy or braving Quebec’s famous icy parties, these gatherings are honestly the stuff of bucket lists. But, you know, any trip, especially the fun, hectic kind, can bring chaos you just didn’t see coming. And that’s exactly when having decent Canada trip insurance jumps from “optional” to “pretty necessary.”  It’s your safeguard for all those “Hope that doesn’t happen, but if it does…” moments. Let’s break down why travel insurance Canada should be high on your checklist, what it actually covers, and—since it’s 2025—how to buy it without ever leaving your couch. What Is The Significance Of A Canada Trip Insurance? Honestly, the festivals and weirdly joyful events are half the reason people come here. However, let’s get real! They’re not stress-free. Big crowds and moody weather aren’t just “quirky” perks. They can flip your trip from amazing to “why did I even get on the plane?” really fast. A few solid reasons make having travel insurance for attending the festivals and events in Canada a must. 1. Medical Emergencies You never plan for a medical emergency, but all that running around, dancing, and squeezing through crowds. Yeah, accidents happen. The right policy grabs your back with coverage for surprise hospital visits, unexpected illness, and even wild scenarios (think: evacuations). That means if things go sideways, you’re not left frantically Googling “nearest clinic open now.” You get the treatment you need, fast. 2. Unpredictable Weather It can rain when it’s supposed to be sunny, or it can snow in June. The weather in Canada loves to throw curveballs at festival plans. Storms mess up flights, force cancellations, and generally make you question your packing skills. Travel insurance gives you a fallback, so changes in the forecast don’t wreck your whole trip. 3. Delayed Flights Missed connections, endless airport coffee, or racing to an event that started without you! Delays are a special kind of festival pain. Canada trip Insurance can at least help soften the sting with reimbursement for lost time (and sometimes lost money). 4. Lost Or Stolen Luggage Are there jam-packed crowds at the airport, bus stations, or the festival venue? It is Awesome for energy, but not great for keeping track of your backpack. If your stuff disappears or gets snatched, insurance can cover what you lost, saving you from the “how do I survive without my essentials?” panic. While choosing Canada trip insurance, make sure that you compare various policies. You have to be specific about your budget, needs, and coverage limits. Furthermore, you have to read the “exclusion” section carefully. Suppose you want to do rafting in Canada, and the policy you have chosen does not cover any injury that happens during that particular activity. You cannot claim compensation if such happens. In addition, pick a policy that covers the pre-existing conditions. How To Purchase Travel Insurance For Canada Online? The days of slouching through long lines at insurance offices? Gone, luckily. Getting a travel insurance plan in Canada is basically a breeze—here’s the “pain-free” approach: Step 1: Jump onto your insurance company’s website and poke around for the travel insurance section. Step 2: Toss in some basic details (they’ll ask… it’s always something), and pick the type of coverage you want. Step 3: Find Canada in the list—there’s always a dropdown. Add your departure and return dates, plus your phone number (they need it for confirmation, not for spam… supposedly). Step 4: Click whatever version of “view plans” pops up. Now, you’ll be asked for traveler info. Step 5: Hit “Next.” Browse through a few plan options, tweak the coverage amount for your stuff, and throw in any extras that seem smart. Step 6: Another round of “Next” and fill out health details, whatever else they want, and you’re basically done. Step 7: Pay up, sit back, and wait for your new insurance details—both an email and a shiny online document should show. Tips For A Smooth Festival Experience With Canada Trip Insurance If you want your Canadian festival trip to be something you’ll brag about (and not just complain about), make sure your travel insurance really covers the possible drama. There are a handful of other little tricks for making the whole journey actually enjoyable. 1. Plan Ahead Don’t just show up and read up on the festival, double-check where it’s happening, and figure out your route. Sorting tickets and booking places to stay, way before the rush, saves future headaches when everyone else is panicking. 2. Stay Informed Keep checking the weather (surprises are the default here), and watch for updates about the event. A last-minute change can throw off everything, unless you’re already in the loop. 3. Keep Records Make copies of the stuff you don’t want to lose: your insurance info, tickets, ID, passport—that sort of thing. Having backups makes it way easier if you need to file a claim (or just find your way home). 4. Carry A First-Aid Box Pack meds you actually use and a tiny first-aid kit, just in case. Minor emergency? You’ll thank yourself for thinking ahead. Travel Insurance Canada Gives You The Coverage To Enjoy Your Trip In the end, travel insurance isn’t just paperwork. It’s peace of mind. You get to throw yourself into the fun, knowing you can handle whatever hiccups the universe throws your way. Go for coverage that fits your trip: delays, lost documents, and last-minute changes. That way, you’re not stuck worrying; you’re actually enjoying the festival (and maybe even finding a new favorite one). Thinking about travel insurance for Canada right now? Give Niva Bupa Travel Insurance a look. They’ve got a huge network (10,000+ hospitals) and claim to process things in under 30 minutes. One crore customers vouch for them, which honestly calms a lot of nerves. If you want to skip stress and just focus on the adventure, it’s worth checking their plans. Read Also: Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Travel Top 8 Travel Medical Insurance Trends to Consider The Overlooked Connection Between Safe Travel And Strong Networks

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Joshua Tree National Park, named after the crooked Joshua trees, is known for its endless hiking trails and desert ecosystems of the lower Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.  Further, the Joshua Tree is one of the few national parks in the USA to offer equally amazing daytime and nighttime experiences.  The geology of Joshua Tree is “interesting.” You will find Arch Rock and many other fascinating rock formations in the park. Wind power, erosion, and different weather forces have created many other spectacularly-formed rocks and other sculptures.  Hiking is the best way to cherish the beauty and splendor of this national park to the fullest. So, let’s know the tales from the trails!  Best Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree had an impressive 3,270,404 visitors in 2023, and hiking is one of the most popular activities in this park. Home to some of the best hikes in the USA, Joshua Tree also has many trails for kids and beginners.  Further, you can explore various short walking routes and nature trails like Bajada, Oasis of Mara, and Barker Dam in this park.  Here, I have curated some amazing hiking trails in the park across various difficulty levels.  Joshua Tree Hikes (Easy) The easy hiking trails in Joshua Tree are accessible in all seasons. To make the most of your hiking expeditions, you must start by 9 am in the morning.  Cholla Cactus Garden The Cholla Cactus Garden trek is easy, and even kids can explore it. It will take just 15 minutes to get completed. You will find the trailhead 20 miles north of Cottonwood Visitor Center. As you can guess from its name, the trail is named after the growing cholla cacti found in abundance here. Wear full-length clothes and closed-toe shoes and follow the trail to avoid getting hurt by the cactus thorns.  Discovery Trail You can start hiking this trail from the Skull Rock parking area. This easy hike will take you around 30 to 40 minutes. Catch a glimpse of the desert washes and boulders throughout the route.  Skull Rock  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Tree National Park (@joshuatreenps) Start hiking this trail early in the morning from the Jumbo Rocks Campground. You can even take the trailhead from the Skull Rock parking area, which is east of the Jumbo Rocks Campground. Skull Rock is one of the many unique rock formations you will see in the park, and it’s the highlight of this trekking route.  You can cover the trekking route within just one or two hours. A night-time view of the Skull Rock can offer you the perfect Halloween experience!  Moderate Hiking Trails Like the Channel Islands National Park and the Death Valley National Park, the Joshua Tree also has many moderate hiking trails. Here is a brief overview of some of the most amazing moderate Joshua Tree hiking trails.  Hi-View  The Hi-View trail, starting from the Northwest of Black Rock Campground, will require you to hike for at least an hour. However, based on the weather conditions, you may also need to walk for more than 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Once you reach the top of the steep ridges, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire park. Further, the iconic Joshua trees are found in the steeper sections of this trail.  If you feel tired in the course of your trekking, you can catch some rest on the benches across the park.  Mastodon Peak The Mastodon Peak trail starts from the Cottonwood Spring parking area, and here, you will experience an elevation change of 175 feet. To reach the granite mountain peak, you will have to pass through a rugged terrain.  You can complete the entire trek within 1.5 to 3 hours.  Split Rock Loop The Split Rock picnic area is the starting point for hiking this trail of 2.5 miles. You can complete the trek within two and a half hours. However, if you are a seasoned hiker, you can complete the safe route within 1 and a half hours.  On a spur trail of the Split Rock Loop, you will find a rock formation that looks like the profile of a human face. It is called the Face Rock.  Pine City  Go to the end of the Desert Queen Mine Road to find the trailhead of Pine City. The dense vegetation of junipers and pinyon makes this 4 miles long trail picturesque. It will take around 3 hours to complete the hike.  Strenuous Hiking Trails  These strenuous trails are not suitable for summer hiking. You can try conquering them in autumn and spring.  California Riding and Hiking Trail Stretching over 36.6 miles, the California Riding and Hiking Trail is a two-day long hike. If the weather conditions are unpleasant, the total duration of the hike can stretch up to three days.  As you hike the route from Black Rock Canyon to the park’s North Entrance, the amazing landscape of the Mojave Desert will charm you.  Ryan Mountain Hiking to the summit of Ryan Mountain is one of the most popular activities to do in Joshua Tree National Park. The trekking route has an elevation of 1,050 feet, and it stretches over 3 miles.  Despite being strenuous, this trail can be hiked in 2.5 hours. So, it is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park.  Willow Hole At the end of the Willow Hole trail, you will find the amazing willow trees. You can start hiking from the Boy Scout Trailhead located inside the park at the South end.  The sandy washes, Joshua tree vegetation, and famous boulder landscape make the trail amazing.  Short Walks And Nature Trails In Joshua Tree National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Tree National Park (@joshuatreenps) The short walks and nature trails of Joshua Tree are available for year-long hiking. These trails also have wheelchair facilities, offering the most inclusive experience to visitors.  It’s time to be familiar with some of these amazing nature walk trails.  Oasis of Mara (Oasis of Mara is the only trail in Joshua Tree that allows dogs. So, hiking this trail is surely one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree as a pet lover.)  Arch Rock Barker Dam Ryan Ranch  Bajada  Among these short walks and nature hiking trails, Cottonwood Spring is the shortest. You can finish the trail within just 10 minutes. Enjoy the view of cottonwood trees as you take a walk to the fan palm oasis.  Integratron: The Wonder Of The Joshua Tree National Park  Facts to Know Integratron is four stories high.Its diameter is 55 feet.It’s a 16-sided metal-free building.The construction technique used in it is called joinery.No nails or screws are used in the construction.It is made of non-ferromagnetic materials. George Van Tassel said that Nikola Tesla’s writings influenced the structure of Integratron.  The western half of the Joshua Tree National Park is on the Mojave Desert’s southern tip. UFOlogist George Van Tassel built “a time machine for basic research on rejuvenation, anti-gravity, and time travel” in the Mojave Desert in the 1950s.  This is a place where visitors are offered sound therapy that is believed to have the power to rejuvenate living tissues in human beings.  From the time it was built, this place has attracted reporters, visitors, artists, and spiritual minds.  George Van Tasse chose the Mojave Desert for building Integratron as, according to him, this place had a connection to the Great Pyramids in Giza. The proximity to magnetic vortices was another reason for choosing the site.  Final Words: Schedule Your Hike Right   March to May and October to November are the two best seasons for hiking in Joshua Tree. The park remains open throughout the year. However, the scorching and dry summer makes hiking impossible on many moderate and strenuous trails.  During summer, the daytime temperature of the park reaches around 100 degrees F, and the temperature falls to 75 degrees F at night.  Further, if you visit the park between March and May, you will see the wildflowers blooming. Also, in April, you can celebrate the National Park Week here.  In October, there are important events in the park, such as the Joshua Tree Music Festival and Pioneer Days. The temperature is also pleasant in the fall season, recording an average temperature of 80 degrees F and 50 degrees F at day and night. So, plan your visit to Joshua Tree right and share your travel stories with us as you return with the most amazing hiking experience.  Joshua Tree National Park FAQs  Is It Safe To Visit Joshua Tree At Night? Yes, it is safe to visit Joshua Tree at night. In fact, stargazing is one of the most popular activities in this national park. The roads in the park are marked, and there is strict patrolling on all roads.  However, this desert park is an important preservation hub for vulnerable ecosystems. Also, there are snakes and scorpions in the park.  So, camp in the park or explore it at night as a responsible visitor. It is safer to restrict your movements near the campsites at night.  Is Joshua Tree Worth Seeing? Yes, Joshua Tree is worth seeing, as you can hike through the California Riding and Hiking Trail, Pine City, Bajada, and many other amazing trails. As you explore these routes, you will come across a wide variety of flora and fauna.  Further, the Joshua Tree is an important preservation and conservation center for fragile ecosystems. In addition, this is a place where stargazing is an ultimate immersive experience. Other highlights of your trip to this national park will be exploring the Penguin Rock, Arch Rock, and other iconic rock formations. Moreover, indulge in a sound bath at the Integratron. Built by UFOlogist George Van Tassel, this dome-shaped place offers sound therapy that promises to rejuvenate living human cell tissues.  Can You Sleep Inside Joshua Tree?  Yes, you can sleep inside Joshua Tree, as there are nine campgrounds inside the park. The Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, White Tank and Belle campsites can remain temporarily closed during summer.  For the India Cove, Ryan, Cottonwood, Jumbo Rocks, and Black Rock campsites, you will need to make a prior booking.  In addition, you can try backcountry camping and consider putting up a tent in the campsites outside the park.  Remember, there are no restaurants and modern lodging facilities inside the park.  Can You See Milky Way From Joshua Tree? The International Dark-Sky Association, or IDA, has identified Joshua Tree as an International Dark Sky Park. You can get the best view of the Milky Way here.  Joshua Tree also has the darkest nights in Southern California. So, you will get to see the passing meteors, stars, and planets from this national park.  Stargazing from any part of the park is an amazing experience. However, there are also four designated stargazing spots in the park. These are: Quail Springs parking lot Hidden Valley parking lot Cap Rock parking lot Ryan Mountain parking lot Further, you can put up tents at one of the nine camping grounds, and among them, the Cottonwood Campground demands a special mention. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.