Hike in Valley of the Winds (Kata Tjuta)
One of the most renowned walks and hikes in Australia is the ‘Valley of the Winds’ in the Northern Territory of Australia. During my last travel to Uluru with a friend, we headed to Kata Tjuta as we wanted to do a small hike in this part of the national park.
The other walk to do when you visit Uluru is the RIM walk at Kings Canyon. The walk is stunning and goes through the canyon providing amazing views.
About Valley of the winds
The walk in the valley of the winds offer spectacular views of Kata Tjuta. Kata Tjuta in Pitjantjatjara means ‘Many heads’. It has about 36 domes and the surroundings provide breath taking photographic opportunities. This area is sacred under Tjukurpa and Anangu men’s law.
The Valley of the winds walk passes through rugged mountains, rocks and landscapes. This walk teaches one how to be humble as we look very insignificant in front of these huge mountains and rocks.
The walk has two main lookouts:
- Karu lookout which is about 800 meters from the car park and
- Karingana lookout which is another 2 kilometres from the Karu lookout.
Kata Tjuta is around 60 kilometres from the Uluru (Ayers Rock) airport and it takes about 45 minutes to drive.
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to the national park. One can fly into the Ayers Rock airport and hire a car. I had hired the car with Hertz Australia as I have found their cars to be well maintained and clean. Ensure to hire the car with zero excess and full insurance as you can enjoy your vacation without any headaches.
Logistics of the hike
Below is the logistics of the hike:
- Starting and finishing point: Car park.
- Distance: 7.4 kilometres circuit.
- Time required: 3 to 4 hours.
- Type of walk: Circuit loop.
- Grade: Moderate.
- Cost: One needs to purchase an entrance fee of AUD 38 for 3 days for an adult. The entrance ticket can either be purchased online or at the entrance of the national park.
Tip: I would suggest doing the walk anticlockwise, which reduces the steep climb to Karingana lookout.
Safety for solo female travelers
Yes, the national park and Uluru is very safe for solo female travelers. I have been to Uluru twice and out of which one time solo and I did not have any issues or concerns whatsoever. However, be careful especially at nights as the park and the place is very secluded and remote. There is no mobile network inside the national park too. Also, it is advisable to have at least one more person while hiking so you are ready for any uncalled situations.
Download Emergency Plus app on your phone for any unforeseen scenarios. The app provides information about your location and does not require mobile network.
Closing Notes
I have always loved hiking and walking in between the dry and rocky mountains. I am always drawn towards them and enjoy them more than the lush green mountains. The walk in the Valley of the winds is a spectacular walk and I highly recommend doing it when visiting Uluru.
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