Should I hike for a week？

[chriswei]

Hi:
I am a Chinese guy who is making a plan for the Overland track. I found this track introduced as 6-7 days. I am little confused that ,the total distance is 65km, should I hike for a whole week? I have been hiking in China for 6 years. 65km maybe take at most 4 days even with 1000+meters ascending per day. So the 6-7days in this track are much like a leisure way, or the trail is full of descending or ascending? More days always mean more food to carry. It is pretty terrible for two to carry 7 days food( if we had more members, we may carry 7 days).

By the ways, we are two guys living Sydney. And we are buying jetstar tickets for Launceston and Hobart. Possibly we will set off on 1st Dec and go back on 6th. Anyone who have their own equips can join us.

[Son of a Beach]

Fit/fast walkers can hike the Overland Track in 4 or 5 days (to as far as where the ferry could pick you up near the end). However, it is advised to take longer to enjoy what the area has to see. Ie, climb mountains, see waterfalls, etc, most of which are a little off the main track. Most people walk through there, not so much for the walking, but to see the area, and enjoy being there, so most people think it is worth spending longer doing it.

The track is mostly flattish, apart from the first day. There are other ups and downs, but nothing that is terribly long and terribly steep. Except the first day - there's a substantial steep section near the beginning.

[chriswei]

Thanks for your reply, SoB.
Very valuable suggestion.

[JamesMc]

Take as long as you can. 7 days is better than 6, 8 days is better than 7.

JamesMc

[mr majestik]

...65km maybe take at most 4 days even with 1000+meters ascending per day...

you're right, myself and my friend walked it in Oct/Nov in 4.5 days including around lake st claire, and that was when we slowed down. the entire track can be run in a day if you're into that kind of thing, however it is at the expense of many awesome side trips and peaks. personally it just wet my appetite and now i want to go back and do many of the side peaks that i skipped, so i would advise you take it a bit slower and enjoy your time to see the sights.