Posted by admin | Exotic Locations | Posted on September 22nd, 2009
” It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves – in finding themselves. “
By André Gide
To keep adventure lovers in high spirit and up their feet, North India is a great destination where adventure opportunities galore. The various destinations in North India beckon you to explore and enjoy the exciting adventure sports. The North India destinations like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh attract adventure buffs from across the world.
Adventure activities in North India enveloped in bewitching excitement and experiences seem to be endless. Whether you are lured by wildlife or passionate about trekking, skiing, mountaineering, camping, ice-skating, golf, angling, river rafting, aero- sports or camel safari, you can enjoy such a diverse range of adventure sports in North India.
The trekking tours in North India will take you to various beautiful destinations cocooned in sheer natural beauty. The snow-covered mountains offer fabulous opportunity for skiing during the winter, the gushing rivers are ready to take you on an adventure ride through river-rafting, go for interesting fishing expedition at the various lakes, take a camel ride to get acquainted with the mysterious desert, slip into the lifestyle of the Raja-Maharajas of the bygone era by indulging in the royal game golf, experience the wilderness of the dense forests by embarking on a wildlife safari or feel free like a bird by opting for aero-sports in North India.
The varied topography of the North Indian states make them some of the excellent places in India for reveling in adventure. Each state has its own famous adventure sites offering wondrous opportunities for different types of adventure.
Dominated by mesmerizing adventure sports destinations, North India is a land where adventure sports are an integral part of its rich culture.
Come get introduced to your adventurous side in North India!
Posted by admin | Exotic Locations | Posted on September 15th, 2009
What exactly is Small Group Adventure Travel?
Lucky means many things to many people. I have never won a large sum of money in fact I never won anything really. I have a nice place to stay and enough to eat but I work for that so I’m not sure how much it has to do with luck. I find more red lights than green and I never get away with anything that is even slightly naughty. But I am a lucky man.
I have worked in small group adventure travel for 10 years now I have experienced many countries and sights, made real friends and learnt a great deal. Travel makes me happy and a happy man is a lucky man.
Small group adventures is a fast growing sector of the travel industry, some say the fastest, but it’s a style of travel that has many misconceptions. Unlike other styles of travel such as cruising, or a beach resort the words small group adventure is quite cloudy for travellers and travel agents alike. So what I want to do, as simply as I can, is clarify what small group adventure is all about.
Adventure
Adventure is the word that starts to confuse us because adventure means different things to different travellers. Think of this type of adventure as a genuine experience of a country and it’s people. So if we are having an adventure in Tuscany, for example, we would stay in a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse, meet Tuscans in a local restaurant eating great Tuscan food. Now if we were having a genuine experience in say Papua we will be trekking through thick jungle, staying in a remote village house and the food, well, it will be local.
Escorted tours in small groups.
The words group or escorted tour can conjure up visions of name badges, flag waving guides and one hour toilet stops. Small groups average 12 people of many nationalities from different backgrounds and all ages. Small groups mean more attention from guides and leaders and a lot more freedom. For most it is a relaxed way to travel that gives you freedom and expert local knowledge but takes the hassles of day to day travelling away.
Age
The average age of one of our travellers is 18 to 70. Travellers are attracted to different destinations, level of budget and comfort. This determines what type of person travels on which trip. Generally the group you are travelling with will have chosen that trip for the same reasons as you. Will they be the same age as you? Maybe but you will find you will have a lot in common.
Accommodation
Small groups do not need to book big hotels. Your budget determines the facilities of your place to stay but not the comfort. People travelling on a budget will be staying in basic but clean, comfortable and central accommodation. You can afford something a little more then stay with a Maharajah in his palace or in a family run 4 star boutique hotel. You can afford the best then we will find you the best hotels hand picked for their uniqness.
Responsible Travel
The only time you can have more fun being responsible than not being responsible is travelling. Giving back to people who welcome you to their country is a responsible thing to do. How can we do this? We can use operators that take us to eat in a good local restaurants, that use family run hotels, that use local businesses to help run their trips, we could buy some souvenirs from the markets or visit some sight that is away from the crowds. We could also use operators that have different community projects help those that need help the most. We can even get involved in those projects by donations or spending a couple of days helping out on a volunteer holiday.
This, I hope, clears some of the haze surrounding small group adventures. There are many other questions to be answered I’m sure so you can contact me on the address below.
Spencer Neal has worked in adventure travel since 1997. His many adventures and passion for travel has led him to part own an online adventure travel agency Travel Light www.travellight.co.za specialising in world wide adventures for South Africans. You can contact him at spencer@travellight.co.za
Posted by admin | Exotic Locations | Posted on March 9th, 2009
The loves of vacation makes people trespass the whole world just for that thrill of it. Vacation enables people to de-stress after a whole year of work and adventure vacation is the rage nowadays. The exoticness of the location fascinates the adventure spirit of many and there is no need to convince them to drop their work if they are presented with an adventure vacation to the places of their interest.
The break from routine and the chances to see places otherwise not able to experience right in their backyard led people to wanderlust. Any charming location that piques their curiosity will led them to take a trip and find out what the places got to offer. Of all types of vacations, adventure vacation is the most captivating and the globe offers many such destinations that will have you regretting not going there earlier.
On the subject of adventure vacation, there is adventure sailing vacation but don’t see yourself as Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. The adventure sailing adventure is safe and pleasant but will still tempt your adventure spirit. People irrespective of their ages can participate in adventure sailing vacation as it is getting popular with practically every imaginable activities available.
Adventure sailing vacation is action packed and is appropriate for those who are adventurous by pandering to those who like to live life on the edge but generally most desire to travel with their family. Adventure sailing vacation can accommodate people of all ages so you can bring even your 3 generation family to whatever they fancy.
Adventure vacation, especially sailing vacation is very memorable and full of joy which is different from leisure vacation. Knowing your budget and preferences, you can then pick the ultimate adventure sailing vacation. There are many types of themes to choose from that take you to exotic site. It can be a family theme sailing vacation or unique occasion such as Christmas or Halloween. Irrespective of what you’re looking for, an adventure sailing vacation that is informative, a total relaxation through indulging or pleasurable and exploratory, you can be certain to find one that is just there for you.
Once you have work out your budget and schedule, then choose the theme and book it. The itinerary will come with the theme and you can then get yourself pack for the vacation. Any vacation, including adventure sailing vacation require planning ahead, so whatever you need are be packed and ready. Do not leave it till last minute as a spoilt vacation is the greatest nightmare.
With the adventure sailing vacation that is a perfect fit for your budget and preferences, there is only to look forward to it. Go on a sailing vacation now as there is so much you can discover and benefit for it will enlighten you tremendously.
Posted by admin | Exotic Locations | Posted on October 23rd, 2008
Traveling to Fiji may very well be an adventure in and of itself, but not until you reach the tropical paradise will you realize what Fiji adventure is truly all about. Perhaps that is the mysterious allure of the exotic Fiji Islands. They are a place that is perfect for rest and relaxation, as well as being a place to find some of the world’s greatest adventures. Whether you love to play underwater as an honorary fish, surf with the dolphins or explore Fiji’s tropical and mountainous interior terrain, there’s something for every adventurous heart, even if you only feel like watching the surfers from your comfortable spot on the beach.
Fiji Adventure Travel
One of the best ways to enjoy true Fiji adventure travel is by finding a location that offers a little bit of it all. If you can find a location, then you need to find an outlet that offers access to help unleash your potential. One of the best adventure stays in all of Fiji can do just that, while allowing you to rest and relax like royalty when you retire for the day. That location: The Koro Sun Resort.
The Koro Sun Resort And Fiji Adventure
For starters, to enjoy a Fiji adventure, you want to get away from the crowds and the stream of people that are moving in one direction toward an activity on a particular beach. There’s no adventure in it — there’s no feeling of discovery. At the Koro Sun, problem number one is solved, because you’ll feel free from the crowds on their beautiful resort grounds located on the southern shore of Vanua Levu.
Nestled into nearly 100 acres of rainforest, you’ll quickly discover how perfect this area is for adventure. Whether you would want to explore the rainforest in search of tropical wildlife, or in search for waterfalls, you’ll find exactly what you’re hoping for. The beach gives way to perfect snorkeling opportunities, and as a guest of the Koro Sun, you can take advantage of a kayak in order to get to some more impressive depths, where the underwater world truly comes alive.
The Koro Sun also offers opportunity to catch a few waves, catch a few fish, enjoy some hiking, biking, tennis, golf, volleyball or experience the best scuba diving in Fiji.
Koro Sun Accommodations — Fiji Adventure Travel
The Koro Sun Resort offers so much access to so many activities, that a stay here is completely appropriate. When you consider what your accommodations include in the world of adventure, as well as the enjoyment three all-inclusive gourmet meals daily, you really can’t find a better way to find yourself neck deep in Fiji adventure or Fijian culture.
Choose from any number of Bure style accommodations, offering privacy, romance or even the space to host or vacation with friends and family. You can choose from two-bedroom deluxe Bures, or three-bedroom Koro Sun Villas, which take the living adventure, to another level.
If Fiji adventure travel is your goal, consider the Koro Sun Resort to be your luxurious base camp at which to start!
Posted by admin | Exotic Locations | Posted on June 9th, 2008
Trekking is the most preferred adventure sport in India, a land endowed with snow-bound peaks, crystal glaciers, rolling meadows, jagged rock faces, scenic valleys, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, dense forests and hospitable people with a rich culture, a country bestowed with many trekking alleys. For those fascinated by the unexplored, the hills offer breath taking adventurous trekking routes. Trekking tour in India is the best way acquaint with any land, its people, its culture and traditions. The Indian mountain ranges promise breathtaking and exciting trekking trips. In almost every part of India, there are innumerable trekking adventure options expecting the trekkers. One may find some trekking routes in India soft, while others may turn out to be arduous. In the expanse of the vast wonderland of India, trekking avenues provide infinite opportunities for exploration and discovery among trekkers.
Trekking adventure in India is an unforgettable experience as it not only let you to experience the unexplored trails made by nature, but also brings the trekker directly in touch with the country and its people and helps to appreciate the mountain environment. There are trails, which ascend steeply, and paths, which go around local villages, passing through forests of rhododendron which gives way to fragrant stands of Juniper and conifers. It is this very splendor that captivates and invites the spiritual joy that trekkers have found to be alluring.
The Indian Himalayas are an adventure travelers’ paradise, a natural incommensurable playground. Himalayas affords trekkers with special interests such as Flora and Fauna, photography, geology or anthropology et al. Trekking have immense possibility of stretching the trekkers walking hours into an even more rich experience. The rugged beauty of these lofty mountains attracts travelers and tourists from all over the world. Garhwal and Kumaon regions, Chamba, Manali, Ladakh and Leh, Zanskar, Lahaul- Spiti, Kullu, Kangara, Darjeeling and Yuksam in Sikkim offer interesting trekking routes to the tourists.
Trekking in India is all about setting oneself a challenging pace, to enjoy the landscape of wild flowers, grand scenery, local people, breaking up when you please, conversing and dancing, forgetting all worldly troubles and losing your mind and soul to forging new, uncomplicated memories. The serenity and purity of the environment can be best enjoyed by trekking. Undoubtedly trekking the flourishing hills of the Himalayas will fill your heart with limitless joy and provide you the unmatched peace of mind. Hence India is a prime travel destination not only for those in search of spiritualism but also for the adventurer enthusiasts who have an ardent desire to unravel the unexplored.
The serenity and chastity of the environment can be best enjoyed by trekking at your own pace. There is not a shadow of doubt that trekking the verdant hills of the Himalayas will fill your heart with limitless joy and provide you the unmatched peace of mind. Hence India is a prime travel destination not only for those in search of spiritualism but also for the adventure enthusiasts who have an ardent desire to unravel the unexplored.
You may need permits and licenses in sensitive trekking areas where security is at stake. Pack your bags and gather your equipments: rucksack, sleeping bags, wind and waterproof jacket, a tent etc. and get going to confront the treks discovering the bountiful nature and absorbing in the rapture of mystical ecstasy.
Trekking is the most preferred adventure sport in India, a land endowed with snow-bound peaks, crystal glaciers, rolling meadows, jagged rock faces, scenic valleys, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, dense forests and hospitable people with a rich culture, a country bestowed with many trekking alleys. For those fascinated by the unexplored, the hills offer breath taking adventurous trekking routes. Trekking tour in India is the best way acquaint with any land, its people, its culture and traditions. The Indian mountain ranges promise breathtaking and exciting trekking trips. In almost every part of India, there are innumerable trekking adventure options expecting the trekkers. One may find some trekking routes in India soft, while others may turn out to be arduous. In the expanse of the vast wonderland of India, trekking avenues provide infinite opportunities for exploration and discovery among trekkers.
Trekking adventure in India is an unforgettable experience as it not only let you to experience the unexplored trails made by nature, but also brings the trekker directly in touch with the country and its people and helps to appreciate the mountain environment. There are trails, which ascend steeply, and paths, which go around local villages, passing through forests of rhododendron which gives way to fragrant stands of Juniper and conifers. It is this very splendor that captivates and invites the spiritual joy that trekkers have found to be alluring.
The Indian Himalayas are an adventure travelers’ paradise, a natural incommensurable playground. Himalayas affords trekkers with special
Posted by admin | Exotic Locations | Posted on November 1st, 2006
Cycling and Mountain Biking in Crimea
Crimea can be a mountain biker’s dream come through. A large number of roads make the mountains easily accessible, and trails and dirt roads crisscross the peninsula suitable for biking.
Since bikers deal with many of the same issues as hikers, read the article about hiking in Crimea for information on water, climate, transportation, and regulations that may apply to you.
The main starting points for cyclists are Simferopol, Bakhchisaray, Sevastopol, and Feodosiya — all connected to other major Ukrainian cities (Lviv, Kiev, Kharkov, Donetsk) by train. South Shore towns like Yalta, Alushta, and Sudak are not accessible by train, so bikers rarely start there unless they are traveling as a large group and get a van to carry their bikes to their starting point. Read about transporting bikes on Ukrainian trains.
All Crimean automobile roads are suitable for road cycling, however, some are best avoided during the tourist season. For example, traffic is quite heavy on highway M18 from Sevastopol to Yalta, Alushta, and Simferopol during summer months, and moderate at other times of year. The views of the sea and mountains are beautiful. Between Foros and Alupka (25 km) there is an older highway that runs parallel to the M18 higher up the slope with very little traffic, but there are more ups and downs and in places damage from landslides (the road is no longer maintained). In one location west of Parkovoe there is a sudden half-meter drop-off in the road—an unpleasant surprise if you’re cruising down the road at 30 km/hr.
A beautiful route that is unfortunately closed to the public is the paved road from Yalta to Alushta over the highest part of the Crimean mountains through the Crimean Nature Reserve. It is 77 km long and rises to 1448 m at Nikitskyy pass, making it the highest paved road in Ukraine. Ride at your own risk, as there is a minor chance of being caught and fined, or made to turn around. Supposedly the forest patrollers watch the section between Besedka Vetrov and Chuchelskyy pass and go home after 6:00 p.m.
Southeastern Crimea also has tons of roads fit for cycling. The Kerch Peninsula is almost completely flat, but there are many roads and relatively little traffic. As strong winds can be an issue, check wind direction before finalizing the direction of travel. West of Feodosiya begin the Crimean Mountains with their great and varied scenery. In the eastern section of the mountains there are numerous paved roads up these long valleys to remote small towns and villages, as well as endless kilometers of dirt and rocky roads suitable for mountain biking.
NICE ROADS FOR CYCLING by yourself.
Bakhchisaray to Yalta (86 km), Beautiful ride with few cars through foothills and mountains with a strenuous 1000 m climb up switchbacks (over 12 km) to the stunning Ay-Petri plateau, then a steep descent into Yalta with switchbacks and more traffic. Descend into Yalta either early morning or late in the day when people are returning from Ay-Petri to Yalta and there is no oncoming traffic.
Orlinoe to Golubinka (25 km), Kholmovka to Shturmovoe (25 km), Bakhchisaray to Aromat through Schastlivoe (50 km), and Skalistoe to Nauchnyy (14 km)
These roads all run through the foothills (up to 500 m in elevation) southwest of Simferopol and have great views, varied scenery, and light automobile traffic. These routes can easily be connected to make a loop or set of loops.
Crimea’s terrain is hilly and mountainous and covered with trails and dirt roads. Grades range from flat to very steep. Once during a ride I met a Ukrainian guy from Donetsk who had marked on his topographical map all the places he had ridden; the map was literally covered in ink. He traveled alone and took a sleeping bag with him just in case night caught him on the road.
I won’t list routes here because there are hundreds of them. Any trail or dirt road can be biked if it’s not fenced off! The high-detail topographical maps show most of these trails. The easier rides, of course, are in the hills below about 500 m. Most of the “extreme” routes are above this altitude.
A good idea is to pick a destination, say, Bakhchisaray, buy topographical maps when you get there, and begin exploring areas you find interesting. Or, you can take the maps to the local Mountain Rescue Service post and get their advice on the routes you have chosen (if you speak at least some Russian/Ukrainian). See the “lodgings” section on our hiking page for tips on finding a place to stay.
Guided tours
Kirill Yasko, an experienced mountain guide living in Kyiv. He speaks English, German, Russian, and Ukrainian and has led a large number of hiking groups in the mountains of Ukraine, including several groups of foreigners. Each trek is 7 days long. Participants will need to arrange travel to Simferopol themselves (train is most convenient), where they will be picked up at the train station and taken into the mountains. In the trek itineraries below, each day’s hiking mileage is indicated in parentheses.
Valley of the Ghosts, a hike through some of the most mysterious mountains of Crimea.
Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Perevalnoe village. Ascent to Chatyr-Dag Plateau. Visit equipped caves — Marble Cave and Emine-Bair-Hosar.
Day 2 Climb Mt. Eklizi-Burun. Descent to Kutuzov Lake.
Day 3 Angarskyy Pass, Funa fortress.
Day 4 Ascent to South Demerdzhi through Valley of the Ghosts.
Day 5 Dzhurla and Dzhur-Dzhur waterfalls. Haphal Gorge.
Day 6 Tyrke plateau. Karabi plateau.
Day 7 Descent to Black Sea at Rybachye village. Return to Simferopol.
Cave Towns, a hike through the ancient cave settlements of Crimea’s hilly inland with a descent to the coast.
Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Bahchisaray. Tour of Bahchisaray Palace and Uspensky Monastery. Chufut-Kale cave town. Camp by Beshik-Tau Mt. (10 km)
Day 2 Tepe-Kermen cave town. Visit Kyz-Kermen ruins. Descent into the Kacha River valley. Kachi-Kalyon Monastery. Camp by the river. (14 km)
Day 3 Hike through Crimean oak forest to the Chelter-Koba Monastery. Belbek River crossing. Syuiren Fortress. (16 km)
Day 4 Climb to Mangup-Kale plateau. Mangup cave town, capital of the Feodoro princedom. Camp next to the ruins of the city walls. (12 km)
Day 5 Descent to Adim-Chokrak Valley. Shuldan cave monastery. Eski-Kermen cave town. (12 km)
Day 6 Descent to the coast near Inkerman. Kalamita tower. Arrival in Balaklava. Camp by the sea cost next to the Golden Beach. (15 km)
Day 7 Chembalo fortress. Tour of underground submarine factory. Transfer to Sevastopol. (5 km)
Canyons of Crimea, a classic hike through Crimea’s picturesque canyons and mountains.
Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Sevastopol. City overview. Transfer to Morozovka village. Camp by the Black River. (5 km)
Day 2 River crossing. Chernorechenskiy Canyon. Hike upstream through the canyon floor. Camp in the canyon. (6 km)
Day 3 Leaving the canyon. Baidar valley crossing. Visit Skelska Cave. (16 km)
Day 4 Ascent to Uzundzha canyon. Hike through beech forest to the Te?house camp. (15 km)
Day 5 Descent to Silver Waterfall. Camp by the entrance to Crimea’s Grand Canyon. (12 km)
Day 6 Hike through the Grand Canyon. Tthe Bath of Youth. Climb to the northern edge of Ay-Petri Plateau. (15 km)
Day 7 Ay-Petri Plateau crossing. Descent to the Uchan-Su waterfall through Taraktash Gorge. Transfer to Yalta. Return to Simferopol. (12 km)
Above the Sea, a hike along the rim of Crimea’s highest mountains with the Black Sea ever in view below.
Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Angarskiy Pass. Climb upper plateau of Chatyrdag. Rest at the top of Eklizi-Burun Mt. Descent to Saurgan Meadow. (5 km)
Day 2 Cross the Safun-Uzen River valley. Ascent to Babugan Plateau. Camp next to forbidden deer-forest. (10 km)
Day 3 Hike along edge of Babugan Plateau. Roman-Kosh Mt. (highest in Crimea at 1545 m). Gurzuf Pass and Arbour of the Winds. Camp at treeline. (12 km)
Day 4 Hike along plateau above Yalta. Taraktash Gorge. (12 km)
Day 5 Ascent to the Ay-Petri Mt. Visit oriental bazaar. Tour of Three Eye Cave. Descent to Besh-Tekne Hollow. (12 km)
Day 6 Walk through the Guerrilla Forest. Climb old Roman road to Shaytan-Merdven Pass. (15 km)
Day 7 Hiking along Foros mountain ridge. Tour of Foros church. Baidarskiy Pass. Descent to Laspi Bay. Rest at the seashore. Transfer to Sevastopol. (40 km)
Crimea Mountain Bike Tour, see the Cave Towns and South Shore of Crimea. This is a non-technical mountain bike tour around some of southwest Crimea’s most interesting sights.
Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Crimean Observatory. Lunch. Briefing, safety equipment. Uphill and downhill training. Bike trip in vicinity of observatory. Dinner. Tour of observatory and telescope viewing. Camp. (8km)
Day 2 Breakfast. Trip across Sel-Buhra to Tepe-Kermen cave town. Visit Kyz-Kermen cave town. Set up camp. Dinner. (18km)
Day 3 Breakfast. Transfer to Bakhchisaray. Tour of Bahchisaray Palace and Uspenskiy Monastery. Journey to the Kacha River valley and Tash-Air — an ancient campground with rock paintings (4000 B.C.). Set up camp. Dinner. (25 km)
Day 4 Breakfast. Journey to the Belbek valley. Lunch. Ride to Khodzhi-Sala village. Rest at lake. Climb to Mangup-Kale plateau. Visit the capital of Feodoro princedom — Mangup cave town. Set up camp near the ruins of the city walls. Dinner. (35 km)
Day 5 Breakfast. Passage to Ternovka village. Cave monastery Shuldan and Cholter-Marmara lookout. Passage to Black River. Visit 16th century fortress. Lunch. Black River Canyon. Swimming in lake. Set up camp near the river. Dinner. (35 km)
Day 6 Breakfast. Passage to Morozovka village. Lunch. Journey to Cape Aya. Descent to the Black Sea. Set up camp by the shore. Dinner. (30 km)
Day 7 Breakfast. Pass above Golden Beach to Chembalo fortress. Descent into Balaklava. Lunch. Transfer to Sevastopol. End of tour. (6km)
All tours cost around 220 Euros apart from the last one, which costs around 290 Euros with rental of bike and around 250 Euros without.
Payment is at the end of each tour. Prices are indicated in each trek description below. You will see that they are very reasonable, as they include all meals, transfers, and guide services. For the bike tour, a car escort is also included in the cost. Prices can change depending on changes made to itineraries and any additional services or activities participants choose to add to the tour.
All hikes are intended for normal people in good condition without special training. Average walking time per day is 6 hours. Participants live in tents and are expected to bring all necessary gear with them. However, equipment rental can be arranged if given prior notice. Meals are cooked on a fire. Food for three meals a day is included in the cost of each tour. Tour members carry their own belongings, carry water, and are expected to help gather firewood and tend the fire. Conveniences such as toilets and showers will be nonexistent. When you order a tour Kirill will take into account your preferences for routes, food, and service. You may go alone, with family (including children), or with friends. You can also take pets along. The usual group size is 6 to 15 people.