Growing up among Romanian gypsies and Mongol nomads shaped me into a globe-trotting, outdoor-loving social entrepreneur and storyteller at heart. 🏕️ I traveled 40 countries as a full-time volunteer, pouring my love into serving underprivileged communities. 🌏 After facing heart-crushing losses, I dedicated the next decade diving deep into personal development, trauma therapy, and nurturing my emotional health.❤️

From my Mongolian Ger (canvas yurt) in the woods of Idaho, I continue traveling to the far corners of the globe and hope to be in your neck of the woods next. Now 41 countries and no sign of slowing down...

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe travel is all about the people we meet, not the busy tourist sights and social media shots. I began my journey on Couchsurfing back in 2009, but then ventured into other ways of connecting with people. Now I'm back and ready to use this platform to make meaningful connections in my travels.

Interests

I'm an outdoor enthusiast and always down to try new things if you'd like to share a passion with me.

I also started sharing heartfelt stories about my outdoor adventures on YouTube since 2023. If you’re searching for grit, freedom, or a little wonder, my channel will inspire you to live simply and adventure wildly. https://www.youtube.com/@zacharyhooley

41 countries traveled — adventure in my blood 🌍
18yrs self-employed — never really followed the script
13yrs living in the round — yep, I’m serious about simplicity 🛖
12in mustache width — some things can’t be explained
5x to Mongolia — because once wasn’t enough 🇲🇳
2 Husqvarna chainsaws — the best way to heat a home 🔥
1 Wholehearted Hooley — all in, all heart

• outdoor activities
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• mountaineering
• snowboarding
• snowshoeing
• wakeboarding
• rock climbing
• paragliding
• volunteering
• mountain biking
• nature
• backpacker
• outdoors
• authenticity
• ice climbing
• paramotoring
• outdoor adventures
• hiking in the mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies
Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, Braveheart, The Patriot, Last Samurai, King Arthur, Robin Hood, Mongol, Into the Wild, Passion of the Christ

Adventure Films
National Geographic, Warren Miller Films, Sherpa Films, Patagonia Films

YouTubers
Eva ZuBeck, Fernweh Chronicles, Mr Brynnorth, Beau Miles, Kalle Flodin, Denis Barbas

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

After dreaming of solo flight ever since childhood, I overcame many obstacles and fears to become a paramotor pilot at 36yrs old. I'm now pushing into the backcountry with fly camping and winter flying.

Teach, Learn, Share

You can't have everything; where would you put it?

What I Can Share with Hosts

Authentic adventure stories and a wholehearted appreciation for all people.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Panama, Romania, Russian Federation, South Korea, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Romania, United States

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