Tag Archives: local customs

adventure, community, culture, environment, travel

Hiking in Lesotho: Remote villages to explore

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**Hiking in Lesotho: Exploring Remote Villages**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 25, 2025, 11:19 AM*

Lesotho, a tiny landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Its remote villages offer an ideal hiking destination for adventurers seeking an offbeat experience. Winding trails lead through lush valleys, towering mountains, and traditional Basotho communities, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the unique lifestyle of the locals while enjoying breathtaking vistas.

### Discover Traditional Basotho Culture

Hiking through Lesotho’s remote villages provides a rare glimpse into the traditional Basotho way of life. Locals live in stone houses with thatched roofs and proudly wear colorful blankets as part of their daily attire. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with villagers eager to share their customs and traditions. This cultural exchange fosters a deeper appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of the Basotho people amid modern changes.

### Navigate Scenic Trails

The hiking routes across Lesotho’s countryside vary in difficulty, accommodating all fitness levels from easy walks to challenging treks. These trails traverse lush green valleys, rugged rocky terrain, and offer panoramic mountain views that captivate every nature lover. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, hikers should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout their adventure.

### Engage with Local Communities

Connecting with local communities is an essential aspect of hiking in Lesotho. Many villages host community-led initiatives where visitors can participate in traditional activities such as weaving or farming. These experiences not only provide meaningful insight into everyday life but also contribute to supporting local economies through sustainable tourism practices.

### Tip: Preparing for Your Hike

Before setting off on your Lesotho hike, thorough preparation is key. Equip yourself with sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reliable map or GPS device. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended, as they offer valuable knowledge about the region’s history and geography while ensuring your safety along the trails.

Embark on a journey through Lesotho’s remote villages and discover a captivating combination of natural beauty and vibrant culture unlike anywhere else in the world.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/hiking-through-lesotho-a-guide-to-remote-villages/story

community, culture, health, traditions

Sapporo Warns Against Placing 10 Yen Coins in Coffins

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As part of funerary traditions, flowers and personal mementos are often placed in the coffin as final offerings to the deceased. However, the city of Sapporo is now cautioning that certain items—especially metals—are increasingly being included despite restrictions. This trend is creating problems as the number of cremations rises with an aging population.

Kenichi Fujita of Sapporo’s Health and Welfare Bureau explained, “As cremation numbers continue to increase, the impact of such items can no longer be ignored.” Crematoria operators have reported that metals, particularly 10 yen coins, are causing significant difficulties.

Osamu Tsumaki, manager of the Yamaguchi Crematorium in Sapporo, noted that the coins melt during cremation, sticking to the bed of the furnace and causing wear. “It damages the cremation equipment and reduces its durability, forcing more frequent replacements,” he said. In addition to altering the color of the bones, the melted coins adhere stubbornly to furnace surfaces, making removal difficult.

The practice of including coins is rooted in local customs. Residents explained that coins are placed in the coffin as a symbolic fare for crossing the River Sanzu, the mythological river separating life from the afterlife. Others said they kept surviving coins as protective charms after cremation. “When my parent died, we placed 10 yen coins. It was considered a kind of amulet,” one resident said.

Although the city has long posted notices at government counters warning against such practices, it has now produced illustrated flyers to raise broader awareness. Officials are asking for public cooperation to ensure safe and smooth cremation.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147008.php