WELCOME! Start here.
Headquartered near Nashville, Tennessee, Hobnail Trekking Company is one of the few American-based companies providing full-service adventure travel packages to epic locations like the Nepali Himalayas, Peruvian Andes, Montenegro, the European Alps, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, and others. Every trek is personally curated by owners Mark and Holly Johnson to be a life-changing combination of cultural discovery, incredible scenery, and physical accomplishment.
No, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to complete our treks; only a motivated hiker with the willingness to prepare. You’ve got this! We help you every step of the way, from booking to departure, and provide you with only the best, most experienced guides in each amazing destination.
Remember, these aren’t simple vacations; they are bucket-list experiences that will become important chapters in your life’s story. Don’t wait for that mythical “perfect” time that may never come — start enjoying your world today!
Read about us in the February 2023 issue of the Tennessee Magazine! Tap the image to read the online flip-page version or visit our Media page HERE.
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Alps
When most people picture European mountains — snow-covered peaks, wild-flower meadows, lederhosen, and pints of frothy beer — they’re picturing the Alps of Switzerland, France, and Italy. Our Alps packages include all of those elements (well, the beer’s on you) and much more! In particular, the iconic Tour Mont Blanc circuit is a must-do for any serious trekker, and the Central Alps Odyssey is a wonder of culture, history, and crazy landscapes.
Croatia
Traverse the diverse landscapes of this country, from the tranquil Istrian countryside to the sun-kissed shores of the Dalmatian coastline, as you embark on a series of exhilarating treks through some of Croatia’s most scenic regions. Enjoy the culinary delights and storied history of the land of “Game of Thrones.” Choose between our Croatian Odyssey and Croatian Culinary Adventure!
Ecuador
With it’s three distinct ecosystems — the Galapagos Islands, Amazon rainforest, and Andes mountain range, Ecuador is an adventurer’s playground and a cultural wonder. Only a few hours’ flight from the American mainland, Ecuador is a perfect introduction to South America. Choose between our 8-day Andean Adventure and 15-day Ecuadorian Odyssey.
Italy: Amalfi Coast Expedition
Experience the heart of Southern Italy with our unique itinerary, the Amalfi Coast Expedition. This journey — a combination of hiking and sightseeing — will take you from the Bay of Naples to the island of Sicily, and will immerse you in Italy’s incredible history (including Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius), breathtaking natural beauty, and diverse landscapes. Enjoy authentic regional cuisine and experience Italy’s renowned warm hospitality at every stop.
Nepal
A trekking journey into the mysterious Himalayas is one of Earth’s great adventures. No climbing experience is necessary, but you will nonetheless be treated like climbing royalty during your entire stay in Nepal, from the moment you arrive until you climb back aboard your plane. Our guides, porters, and yak handlers are the best in the business and will make this journey one you’ll never forget.
Montenegro
Our “Three-Jewel Odyssey” trek explores Montenegro’s three amazing national parks — Durmitor, Biogradska Gora, and Prokletije — over seven spectacular days. There is even a day of whitewater rafting through the incomparable Tara River Canyon!
Morocco
Channel your inner Indiana Jones! Visit the ancient cities, Roman ruins, and incredible Atlas Mountains of this North African gem. Ride camels through the sweeping dunes of the mighty Sahara, indulge in culinary treats, and shop the bazaars of Marrakesh!
The Peaks of the Balkans
This trek combines the best elements of adventure travel: incredible, welcoming culture and cuisine, off-the-charts landscapes, and a formidable physical challenge. The trail boasts some of the most unspoiled scenery on the planet with easy-to-handle altitudes.
Peru
Our “Peruvian Odyssey Trek” will send you to Salkantay Mountain, Lake Titicaca, Rainbow Mountain, and to the jewel of the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu. Over 17 days, immerse yourself in the amazing history and culture of the Incas! Check out our other Peruvian treks, too. Hobnail is proud to partner with Peru’s #1 outfitter, Alpaca Expeditions, to handle our boots-on-the-ground activities.
Scotland
Choose between two incredible itineraries: Northwest Highlands or Three Lochs Way. You can’t go wrong with either of these — just depends on when you want to travel and how much time you have. Each itinerary is an awesome journey into the culture, history, and landscapes of this amazing land of William Wallace, with varying degrees of physical challenge.
Spain
Both our Camino Classic and Andalucia Classic packages offer a unique fusion of spiritual exploration, historical immersion, and breathtaking landscapes. The Camino route itself — a segment of the French Way — is a pilgrimage that winds through diverse terrains, picturesque villages, and awe-inspiring cathedrals, culminating at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. As you venture into the enchanting Andalucia region, you’ll be greeted by the rhythms of flamenco music and the architectural marvels of cities like Seville, Ronda, and Granada. Check out both treks by tapping “Go to Spain.”
Tanzania
Experience a life-changing ascent of mighty Africa’s highest and most famous peak — Mount Kilimanjaro. We hike the Lemosho Route in the fall and the Rongai Route in the spring.
What people are saying
See more at our Testimonials page.
I chose Hobnail Trekking Co. for my trip to Everest Basecamp and Gokyo Lakes. Hobnail helped create one of the fondest memories and experiences I have ever had. Mark and Holly were so incredibly attentive and had thought of every little detail to make our trip special. Our guides were so present and supportive to the group and made every day on the trail incredible. I can’t recommend this company more!! Don’t wait any longer, sign up NOW!
My experience with Hobnail made me change my preference between a solo trek and a group trek. For me, a group trek is better than a solo trek. The other trekkers and Sherpas definitely improved the overall experience. Plus, being with an organized group allowed me to focus on the trek and not the compulsory logistics (flights, lodging, where to eat, what to eat, etc). This adventure was exactly what I was looking for.
I had an amazing experience with Hobnail Trekking on my recent to trip to Peru! The app they’ve created has everything you need including your flight info, detailed itinerary and even recommendations for places to check out for each city you’re in. Mark and Holly were easy to reach and communicate with prior to the trip as well as during. Felt very informed, supported and prepared each step of the way. Would 10/10 recommend anyone thinking about going on one of their trips to say YES!!
This is an ideal trek for someone who wants challenging hiking during the day with wonderful views and scenery, but also it is very comfortable for overnight accommodations. Of course, like with any trek, it helps to have a good attitude, not expect everything to be like it is here, and be able to be happy with all the good things and let anything else just go. Loved the trek, thought the guides were great, and Hobnail was very responsive and nice about everything. Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this trek and Hobnail Trekking.
ABOUT OUR MOBILE APP
When you book a trek with Hobnail, we will send you the login credentials to your own, customized mobile app! By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff. Get more details at our app page.
Mark's books
Mr. Ledbetter’s boots
Mark Johnson’s (M. Ernest Johnson) 2023 release is the epic story of a fictional Tuskegee Airman pilot, Raymond Ledbetter, who escapes certain death during a WWII dogfight, bailing out over the Austrian Alps. The story of his survival becomes legend and, ironically, launches his 75-year obsession with mountain climbing and trekking. Now 95 — and somehow tapping into the Fountain of Youth — Raymond vies to become the oldest known person to complete the 40-mile hike into Nepal’s iconic Everest Base Camp. However, his strange old hiking boots hold a historical secret that will turn the adventure on its head.
A wonderful tale filled with both heart and adventure, loved it!
Mr. Ledbetter’s Boots by M. Ernest Johnson was a wonderful read! I have been a fan of Johnson’s writing since reading his wonderful book, Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp, chronicling his trek along the Himalayan trail.
In this volume the author tells the story of 95 year old World War 2 veteran (Tuskegee Airmen) Raymond Ledbetter’s quest to hike to Everest Base Camp (EBC) wearing a old pair of boots that hold deep significance for him. Along the way Ray meets a wonderful cast of characters that enrich his adventure, lives are changed in a variety of ways along the Himalayan trail.
I can’t say enough good things about this story, it was wonderfully written and had so much heart. I truly felt like I was right there beside Ray and his companions as they made their way slowly but surely towards their ultimate destination, which in many ways went well beyond EBC, to arrive at their own unique state of being by the end of the book. I hope M. Ernest Johnson continues to write and share his stories with readers, this book holds a special place in my heart as I hope to reach EBC one day as well. Highly recommended!
Doofus dad does everest base camp
Since Mark Johnson published it in the fall of 2018, “Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp” has become the most widely read and reviewed (by a mile) book about the iconic EBC trek. Although it is a lighthearted, often funny memoir based on one person’s impressions, the book also contains loads of practical information, including daily distances and elevation gains, gear lists, training suggestions, and the standard EBC itinerary. Get the paperback, Kindle, or Audible audiobook version read by the author.
