There are several benefits associated with independent hiking vs. organized hikes:
- Economical – one bootcamp equals the cost of one single commercial trek and gives you a lifetime free hiking
- Sustainability – independent hiking (solo or small group) leaves a smaller footprint on the environment vs. large organized groups
- Hospitality – experience unseen humanity in unexplored regions vs. frequented touristic places
- Gratification – of planning and executing your own independent hikes is immense
- Freedom – make your own way, chose your own destination, pace and schedule
- Knowledge/Learnings – gain insight in route planning, navigation, terrain study, weather & season planning
- Peacefulness – experience inner peace while exploring the lesser known paths far away from the crowded commercial locations
- Accomplishment – sense of accomplishment is far greater than an organized trek where everything is pre-arranged
- Decision making – your decision making and planning skills are tested every day
- Prioritize – between want to have (comfort) vs. need to have (essentials)
| Alpine Style Hiking | Organized Group Hiking |
| Cost effective | Expensive |
| Environmentally sustainable | Environmentally deteriorative |
| Plan own route and understand terrain | Guide shows you the way |
| Differentiate between needs vs. wants | Porters carry luggage, comfort |
| Hospitality in untouched places | Crowded commercial campsites |
| Sense of accomplishment | Everything taken care of |
| Discover yourself – push your limits | – |
| Total freedom | Fixed schedule, group, pace |
| Pre-trek preparation & fitness | – |
| Peacefulness | Crowded touristic places |