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Morocco is a diverse country, home to people of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, whose traditions have been shaped by relations to other peoples to greater or lesser degrees. One of the most interesting groups of people are the Berbers, who have maintained a relatively isolated, un-changed lifestyle within Morocco and elsewhere in northern Africa. Berber culture itself is far from homogenous, though, with such fundamental differences as some tribes having patriarchal social structures...
•Tips For Your Annapurna Circuit Treks
If you’re looking into Annapurna Circuit treks the best piece of advice that we can give you is to plan your trip properly before leaving the UK. Many people make silly mistakes like waiting until they reach Kathmandu to book their Annapurna Circuit treks or packing so much stuff that walking becomes a struggle. Here are some tips that will help to make your trip easier and therefore more enjoyable:
Tip One – Go Now!
We don’t mean literally now, as in this instant, but rather that you should...
•Be Prepared for the Annapurna Circuit
It’s not always easy preparing for a trek, with so many different things to buy or keep track of before you even leave (let alone the things that become important while actually trekking). For people about to embark on a trek around the Annapurna Circuit, whether contemplating a shorter version of the trek or the more physically demanding full circuit, there are a few things to prepare before you go. Take a look at our guide for some things to remember before setting out around the Annapurna...
•Tibetan Mythology of Everest
If you’re planning to make an Everest Base Camp trek, chances are you know some of the local mythology about the mountain – almost everyone has heard of the Yeti, or “Abominable Snowman”, and no one would be surprised to know that Everest was considered a god’s abode, or a god in its own right, in old mythologies. Yet there are many other traditions concerning the highest mountains in the world, and knowing some of them might make your Everest Base Camp trek an even richer experience.
Tibetan...
•Local Festivals Around Nepal
The traditions and customs of Nepal are very different from our own and it is difficult for a visitor to be able to completely understand this beautiful culture. While visiting Nepal and the Annapurna circuit, many people make time to enjoy some of the many wonderful festivals which take place throughout the year, and experience the magic and colour as the Nepalese people pay homage to their saints. However it is important to realise these festivals are not just for the benefit of tourists....
•The Proverbial Bhutan Treks
In Bhutan there are many different things to experience whilst you’re visiting the country that just can’t be seen or done anywhere else in the world. However, one aspect of Bhutan’s unique culture isn’t quite what you might expect – Bhutanese proverbs. Almost every culture has its own unique sayings and proverbs that can lend a little insight into the local mindset, and Bhutan is no different. When in Bhutan, treks can often be made easier with a few useful proverbs and words of wisdom to help...
•Festivals to Visit While on Bhutan Treks
When on one of the variety of beautiful Bhutan treks available, try to plan so you can attend at least one of the traditional festivals held throughout the year for an even more memorable experience. Bhutan still emanates a beautiful old-world atmosphere, and although the modern world is slowly making its presence felt, the locals still live according to their important traditions and customs. Here are a few of the wonderful festivals and rituals that are recommended while on your Bhutan...
•Tips on Customs For Your Annapurna Circuit Treks
While on Annapurna circuit treks some of your most memorable highlights will be your encounters with the local Nepalese people. But remember, they live according to different traditions and customs to ours, and it is respectful to be aware of certain behaviours to adopt so you will not offend these lovely people. One of the most rewarding things on Annapurna circuit treks is integrating into, and learning about, the beautiful Nepalese culture.
Food and Drink
When you are on your Annapurna...
•Unusual Experiences on Your Bhutan Trek
It goes without saying that while on your Bhutan trek you’ll want to experience as much of the local culture as possible. However to the strait-laced Westerner, some of Bhutan’s ancient beliefs and customs can come across as slightly bizarre. Nevertheless they are fascinating to behold and if you come along with an open-mind then you’re certain to have an incredible time. These three unusual experiences simply must be experienced on your Bhutan trek:
Eat a Dish Made From Just Chillies and...
•Souvenir Shopping on Bhutan Tours
Let’s face it; no one goes to Turkey just to buy a carpet. However, thousands of holidaymakers returning from Istanbul and Ankara do so with a rolled up Turkish carpet in their suitcase. There’s something wonderful about travelling to an exotic destination and returning with a suitcase of assorted souvenirs that range from ceremonial hunting knives, to bags of the local sweets to hand out to your friends. Bhutan tours are simply perfect for souvenir shopping and if you want to buy an unusual...
•Apples on the Annapurna Circuit
Everyone has their own favourite part of the Annapurna Circuit, but for many people their favourite part of the trek is the charming ‘apple capital’ of Nepal - Marpha. Known worldwide for its delicious apples, you’re likely to find trekkers in this part of the circuit tucking into delicious apple pies and drinking the local liqueur made from fermented apples. Of course, Marpha isn’t just about the delicious food and drink; this part of the Annapurna Circuit is steeped in history and was once an...
•Mental Preparation For an Everest Climb
So you’ve arrived safely at Everest Base Camp, and are wondering what it would be like to ascend all the way and reach the pinnacle that is the dream of so many – to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Though treks to Everest Base Camp don’t require as much time or effort as a three-month ascent to the top, not all of the preparations you can make are physical ones: a good attitude and mental preparation can be just as important as physical fitness. If you are thinking about an attempt to scale...
•Mountains and Legends of the Annapurna Circuit
‘The Annapurna Circuit’ is the popular name for a 300 kilometre trek in Nepal, and one of the best-known treks around the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalaya. Reaching an altitude of 5,300 metres on the ‘Thorong La’ pass, the trek touches the edge of the Himalayan plateau. ‘Thorong La’ is the highest point on the trail, and can cause acute mountain sickness in unwary trekkers who have not acclimatised themselves to the altitude - it is very important to follow the advice of local...
•Everest Base Camp – The View From Down Here
The challenge of conquering the highest peak in the world is a common childhood dream. But only an elite and determined few actually carry that dream through to fruition to plant a flag atop the majestic Mt Everest. It takes more than just a yearning for adventure to summit a mountain as tough as Everest. Many months, if not years, of training and preparation are behind a successful climb of the mighty mountain. But for the rest of us mere mortals who perhaps do not have the time or physical...
•Bhutan For Family Adventurers
Simply the mention of the word, Bhutan, conjures up visions of a remote and exotic destination with a spectacular landscape and a rich, magical history. Bhutan is all of this and more but, perhaps surprisingly to some, it is also an accessible and welcoming place to visit. Although tourism numbers are limited in order to preserve both the cultural and physical integrity of Bhutan, treks through this fascinating country will open your eyes to an authentic land, unspoilt by modern western...
•Bhutan, Treks For All Seasons
As with any visit to a country abroad, when planning to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan it is important to consider the best time of the year to go. This varies greatly between individuals and, depending on what sort of traveller you are, the weather may be your priority, or on the other hand you may be more concerned about how busy or quiet the region will be. Bhutan treks and tours in the months during spring and autumn are more comfortable because of the even temperatures and reduced chance of...
•Something Different to Do on a Bhutan Trek
One thing you are definitely likely to do while you’re in Bhutan? Trek! But if you need a bit of time to rest your legs in between your various explorations, you might want to do something a little different instead. Why not try a spot of archery?
Bhutanese Archery
If you’ve ever been on a Bhutan trek, you’ll know that the Buddhist beliefs of the Bhutanese are integral to their everyday lives. As such, it might seem a little bizarre that the treasured national sport is, in fact, shooting with...
•Get an Everest Base Camp Trek in Before the Mountain Melts
An Everest Base Camp trek is, for many, the challenge of a lifetime and the culmination of much time spent in training and preparation. Scientists maintain however, that Everest is changing – better get that climb in quick before the mountain melts away...
The Mighty Mountain
The world’s highest mountain, Everest stands tall at a recorded height of 8,848 metres, though those doing the Everest Base Camp trek will only reach an altitude of around 5,000 metres. There are suggestions that with...
•Saving the Best ‘til Last – Girl Power on the Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna circuit takes you to the foot of one of the 14 highest peaks in the world – Mount Annapurna - and on April 26th 2010 one young woman made history by becoming the first female climber ever to conquer all 14 of those peaks, saving Mount Annapurna, the highest point of the Annapurna Massif, until last.
The History Books
The first of the 14 mountains whose peaks rise above 8,000 meters ever to be climbed, Mount Annapurna was first scaled by members of a French expedition led by...
•Everest – After the High
By now, most people have heard of Bonita Norris who climbed her way into the record books by becoming the youngest Briton ever to summit the world’s highest peak – Mount Everest. She made headlines around the world and her remarkable feat, coupled with her model good looks, have made her a household name – at least in her native United Kingdom.
Immediately after her dramatic, but safe, return from the summit back down to Everest Base Camp, arriving in to the cheers and accolades of her team...
•Bhutan Trekking in Scenic Paro
In the Bhutanese language of Dzongkha, the country is known as Druk Yul, which means ‘the land of the thunder dragon’. The elusive dragon has been a symbol of the country since 1200 AD when a monastery was set up called the Druk (dragon) by a religious sect, the Drukphas. Today, the dragon is synonymous with the country and even appears on the country’s flag as a symbol of purity.
The dragon is certainly well-revered in Bhutan and during the 2007 mock elections all the four parties standing...
•Experience a Tsechu While Trekking Bhutan
Bhutan, the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, is a land shrouded in mystery and steeped in ancient tradition. This is never more apparent than if you coincide your Bhutan trekking holiday with one of the country’s Buddhist tsechu festivals known as tsechus. There are festivals throughout the year and some tour companies provide tailor-made Bhutan trekking itineraries to take advantage of the festival calendar.
History of Tsechus
The Bhutanese are a spiritual people and the tsechu is a very...
•Over and Under on a Bhutan Trek in Dagala
As a visitor to Bhutan, trek ‘over and under’ the mountains and valleys of a thousand lakes and you will come face-to-face with one of the highest mountains in the Dagala range, as well as some of the largest lakes. This remote and unpopulated path is by far the best way to see the authentic face of Bhutan.
The Labatamba Area
This is one of the lesser explored areas of Bhutan. Trek through the Pagalapthsa Pass and you will reach a wide valley. Within the valley you will not only find one of...
•Take Laos Trekking to New Depths
If you visit Laos, you may well struggle to believe that the peaceful and pristine environment you see was once at the centre of a violent and revolutionary war. Today, tranquil village life, the fascinating culture and the impressive natural scenery of the country makes it high up on many people’s list of must-see holiday destinations. But if history is one of the main things pulling you towards Laos, trekking under the ground rather than over it might prove to be of extra interest to...
•Bonita’s Trek: From Base Camp to Everest Record
On the 17th of May 2010, Bonita Norris returned to the safety of Everest Base Camp, trekking down to meet her team and earn a place in history as the youngest Briton ever to summit the world's highest peak.
At the age of 22, Bonita (from Berkshire, Great Britain) has eclipsed the record of Victoria James, who was 25 when she climbed Everest.
In the wake of her achievement, a number of newspapers have focused, rather disrespectfully, upon Bonita's novice status as a climber, picking up on the...
•Jordan Romero: Everest Trekking Teen
“Hello Mum. I’m calling from the top of the world.” These were the words of 13-year- old Jordan Romero. He was calling home via a satellite phone before descending to the Chinese Everest Base Camp, trekking down the treacherous North Col route, and into the history books as the youngest climber ever to have successfully climbed Mount Everest (8,848 metres).
Jordan’s youth record on the world’s highest mountain was not only historic, but controversial, with some experienced mountaineers and...
•Annapurna Circuit Highs
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is, for some, the culmination of a life’s dream and for others, simply the opportunity to explore one of the most remote mountain regions of the world. Passing through four provinces, the lower regions of Lamjung and Myagdi, and Manang and Mustang in the higher elevations, the Annapurna Circuit will take you on a journey not only of miles and mountains but of fascinating flora, fauna, and culture. The Annapurna circuit stretches for over 300km and...
•Bonita at Base Camp: Trekking Up Everest
In April 2010, every commuter in London knew the face of Bonita Norris after she made the papers by becoming the youngest woman to summit Mount Manaslu. Later that month, with her sights on the British Everest youth record, she began a series of training climbs from Everest Base Camp. Trekking progressively higher up the world's highest mountain, Bonita dreamt of trekking her way into the history books.
Mount Everest (8,848 m) played host to two record-breaking summit attempts in the first...
•Ripley’s Mongolia: Trekking Alone in the Wilderness
For the months of high summer, Mongolia trekking offers adventurers and holidaymakers the chance to take in some of the Far East’s most remote and unexplored landscapes. But on Ripley Davenport’s 2010 Mongolia Trekking Expedition, he aims to cover 1700 unforgiving miles of Mongolia by foot – the breadth of the country – a record-breaking distance for unassisted and solo walking.
How many countries can you think of where you might encounter both a sandstorm and a blizzard? Mongolia is a vast...
•Bhutan Tours – Finding the Formula For Happiness
People travel to Bhutan for many reasons. For some it is the lure of an ancient culture steeped in spiritual history; for others it is the challenge of entering the interior of a country which is still much of a mystery to the outside world; and for those with adventure in their hearts, it is an opportunity to trek through the spectacular mountains and valleys of Bhutan. Tours to this country can be as diverse as the travellers themselves, but the one common thread running through all the...
•Hillary’s Last Chance to Depart From Everest Base Camp
Willi Unsoeld, a member of the first American expedition to conquer Mount Everest in 1963 once maintained, “You’ve climbed the highest mountain in the world. What’s left?” However, it seems there is a Sherpa who would strongly disagree with this sentiment, having made the journey from Everest base camp to the mountain’s summit a record-breaking nineteen times.
49-Year Old Nepalese Sherpa, Apa, is known only by a single name as is often the tradition for Sherpas. However, as he now holds the...
•Michael Palin Tours Bhutan Trekking With the BBC
Travelling by foot, Michael Palin’s Bhutan tour, part of his BBC Himalaya adventure, took him from woodland to high country with bare mountain faces and isolated, spectacular villages. Having said farewell to the giants of the Himalaya, he then explored the religious centres of the Bhutanese towns and monasteries.
Michael began this episode of his epic Himalaya journey near the Tibetan border on the north-western extreme of Bhutan. Tours running through this region can include various trekking...
•Experience the Great Naadam Festival on a Mongolia Trekking Holiday
Enjoy the Spectacle
The great Naadam Festival is included on many Mongolia trekking holidays, as it is a spectacular representation of a traditional and untainted country.
When people visit Mongolia, trekking tends to be the order of the day. The history of the domination of Genghis Khan echoes about the land, which remains largely unhindered by the modern world and its developments. Full of physical challenges, Mongolia’s landscape offers everything from the wilderness of the Gobi Desert, to...
•Mustang Trekking – Jomsom and Beyond
For those adventurers who arrive in Mustang, trekking through this ancient Buddhist kingdom can fulfil an aspiration to explore a destination that is so remote that until 1992 was a closed book to western travellers. In a region where much of the population still believes the Earth is flat, trekking through this land, virtually untouched by modern life, is a fascinating insight into the true traditions and cultures of the ancient Tibetan way. Annexed by Nepal in 1950, Mustang, although once...
•Jessica Biel Aims For Everest
With one of the world’s iconic mountains under her belt, film star Jessica Biel already has her sights set on visiting another. Everest Base Camp is next on her list, having just reached the summit of Kilimanjaro as part of a charity trek. Biel was the international star among a group of celebrities, largely of American fame, taking part in a televised expedition to Tanzania’s popular trekking venue.
“I’d love to trek to Everest Base Camp,” said Jessica following her Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895...
•From the Olympic Camp to Mt Everest - Sports and Tourism
Canada and South Africa are not the only countries where tourism is closely linked with sport. Ahead of Nepal’s Tourism Year of 2011, the Himalayan country is hoping to boost tourism and capitalise on the popularity of Everest Base Camp. Trekking is the major activity in the region, and vital for Nepal’s tourism, with adventure sports set to boost visitors in the coming years.
Sherpa at the Olympics
As I write, the 2010 Vancouver Olympics are in full swing. In the Ice Hockey, the hosts Canada...
•Everest Trekking & The Military
There’s something about Mount Everest (8,848 metres) that repeatedly attracts members of the military to its slopes. No strangers to a challenge and hardship, soldiers have been testing themselves on the world’s highest mountain for decades. Perhaps it’s the pull of an extreme environment, or perhaps it is the thrill of seemingly insurmountable odds that brings enlisted men and women to the Khumbu looking for adventure.
The Soldiering Tradition
George Mallory’s fateful 1924 expedition was...
•Everest Photography
For many people, television and film images are their only window onto Mount Everest (8,848m). However, TV pictures rarely manage to capture and preserve for prosperity the unique majesty of the mountain. The striking impact of good photography - such an expressive art form - is the only medium that truly does justice to this iconic landscape and the dramas played out on it. In fact, the power of a single unforgettable image can only really be matched by seeing Everest with the naked eye.
From...
•The Cultural Events of Bhutan – Festival Tours
Seeing the best of a country once closed-off from the world, Bhutan tours can introduce you to a culture of vibrant colour, deep spirituality, and flourishing tradition. Like any ancient nation, Bhutan has a host of sights and events to dazzle its visitors.
The Spring Festival at Paro
The Paro Festival (known as a Tsechu) is the principal Buddhist festival of Bhutan, taking place over a period five days each Spring. The event is set at the spectacular riverside monastery at Paro. Here, the...
•The New Milestones of Mount Everest
We all know that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first mountaineers to conquer Mount Everest (8,848 m), and many of us will have heard that Sir Ranulph Fiennes was the first British pensioner to make the summit in 2009. But there are always new records being set and new challenges being launched from Everest Base Camp. It seems everything about this historic staging area is dramatic: the determination and the accomplishments of the people that pass through Base Camp, and...
•Everest Base Camp – a Spiritual High
The Everest Base Camp Trek, through the soaring Himalayan mountain range, presents a (manageable) physical challenge, a psychological reward, and an uplifting experience to treasure for a lifetime. Part of its appeal is that it taps into the innate human instinct of exploration and allows a reconnection to nature on a grand scale.
Exploring: Human Nature
In the increasingly secular society of the western world, we often look to nature to revive a sense of spirituality missing from our modern...
•Everest: A Base For Remarkable Stunts
Remarkable things happen around Everest Base Camp. It is more than a staging point for mountaineering expeditions; it is a popular trekking destination, a forum for important global issues, and a place where people test themselves and achieve monumental goals.
The Everest Declaration
On Friday 4th December 2009, the government of Nepal conducted an unusual open-air meeting, swapping their traditional cosy boardroom for a high-altitude mountain setting. They convened at Kala Pattar, the top of...
•What You Will See at Everest Base Camp
Ever wondered what the world looks like from Everest Base Camp? In the last sixty years only a few thousand people have been able to look down on the world from Everest’s peak, but access to the camp below is not restricted only to Sherpas and mountaineers with ambitions of reaching the summit. Adventurous holidaymakers can visit this historic staging area at the climax of the classic Everest Base Camp Trek through Nepal.
From the South, Nepal
Standing at Everest Base Camp you will be at an...
•Everest Environmentalists
It was almost inevitable that a high mountain like Mount Everest (8,848m) would become a high profile platform for environmental issues. On December the 7th 2009, the UN Climate Change Conference will begin in Copenhagen, but green campaigns are already under way to put pressure on world leaders to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
The most daring stunt aiming to influence the Copenhagen summit from Everest's summit had been planned by an Indian expedition. They intended to draw attention to the...
•Mount Everest: A Base For Green Issues
The world’s highest mountain has found itself at the centre of the global debate on the environment. In recent years, mountaineers at Everest Base Camp have attracted criticism because of the accumulated high-altitude litter left by summit expeditions. Environmentalists have also used changes to the environment on Mount Everest (8,848 metres) to highlight the issue of global climate change. But this publicity cuts both ways; it makes Everest both a cause for concern and a high-exposure platform...
•Space Trek & Everest Trek: Astronaut Mountaineer
Most people can only dream of seeing the earth from space; and reaching the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 metres) is a formidable challenge that fewer than 3,000 people have ever achieved. In May 2009, American astronaut, Scott Parazynski became the first human to have done both.
In 2008, NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski embarked on his first expedition from Everest Base Camp, trekking towards the summit. He was forced to turn back on that occasion, but this year he returned for a second try....
•Mythical Bhutan
Bhutan tours immerse you in a kingdom of fables, flying tigers and evil spirits – a Himalayan landscape where the power of deities, reincarnation, meditation and prayer are intrinsic to the national culture.
Bhutan is a country where evil spirits and mythical deities are as much a part of daily life as eating and drinking, and on Bhutan tours you'll also see the people wearing their national costume at work and home. This is a country that will astonish you with its beauty and enchant your...
•Women on Top – Everest Summiteers
For a long time Everest Trekking was seen as a male-dominated pursuit, with the majority of climbers to have made the peak being men. But there are several notable female climbers who have successfully trekked from Everest Base Camp to the summit.
The first woman to trek from Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,360 metres to the summit at 8,848 metres above sea level was Junko Tabei. She had to conquer more than the formidable mountain; she first had to overcome the prejudices of the age....
•The Everest Marathon
The Everest Base Camp Trek is quite an undertaking, so can you imagine how athletes do it at running pace? In November, the 13th Everest Marathon will take place and the trail from Namche Bazaar to Everest base camp will have running shoes pounding along it, rather than the usual hiking boots.
The Everest Base Camp Trek takes you through an unforgettable environment with challenging trekking and scenery to get your heart pumping. But each year, there are a select group of endurance runners who...
•Tailor Made Trekking
There are many existing itineraries out there for trekking holidays and it can be difficult to choose between them. If you want to do something a little different, some tour operators will create tailor made holidays and tours to accommodate people with individual requests. Think of the amazing possibilities that arise with planning your own tailor made trekking itinerary.
Where Do You Want to Go?
The world is full of exciting holiday destinations. When travelling to a new country everyone...
•Kilimanjaro and Meru - An Introduction
Kilimanjaro trekking in Tanzania is one of the most popular adventures for visitors to Africa. Read about some of the sights you will see leading up to a Kilimanjaro climb and what you can expect from a Kilimanjaro trekking holiday.
Introducing Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro (5,892 m) is a mighty mountain and a worthy test for an enthusiastic trekker. Because it is the highest mountain in the continent of Africa it represents an obvious challenge and is ideal for people who want to experience...
•Kilimanjaro – Choose Your Route
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a physically challenging endeavour, which is why reaching the summit is so satisfying. Any difficulties experienced while Kilimanjaro trekking are usually related to inadequate acclimatisation, the pace of the trek, and the route that is taken up the mountain. You should choose the route for your Kilimanjaro trekking holiday carefully, and prepare properly.
The Kilimanjaro Ambition
Rising abruptly from the Tanzania plain, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,892 m) is an awe-inspiring...
•Joanna Lumley & The Gurkhas Of Nepal
Following the success of her high profile Gurkha Justice Campaign, Joanna Lumley went to Nepal in August for the first time. She visited villages set in the Annapurna trekking region of astonishing mountains and valleys, and received a rapturous welcome.
Joanna Arrives in Nepal
Joanna Lumley had originally planned a "quiet, private visit" to Nepal, but following her campaign for Gurkha veterans’ rights in Britain, she has become a hero in Nepal. She was met at Kathmandu airport by more than a...
•What You’ll See on the Annapurna Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is a longstanding trekking route in the beautiful mountain landscape of western Nepal. At a height of 8,091 metres, Annapurna is the tenth highest mountain in the world. Although it is not as well known as Mount Everest (8848m), many visitors to Nepal walk the Annapurna trek to take in the region’s amazing scenery. Find out what the popular Annapurna trek has to offer an enthusiastic walker.
What You’ll See
The Annapurna Circuit offers a wide variety of scenery from the...
•Kathmandu: The Gateway to the Annapurna Circuit.
The bustling capital of Kathmandu, which lies at the heart of the Himalaya, is both the start and the finish point for many visitors trekking the Annapurna circuit. Once believed to be the inaccessible Shangri-La, the capital is the perfect base from which to start your Annapurna trek.
Many visitors like to spend a few days in the bustling capital of Kathmandu before they attempt their Annapurna treks. The city has many spectacular sights all of which should be explored whilst on your...
•Machu Picchu: How Was the Inca Civilisation Destroyed?
Mythic Machu Picchu continues to enthrall and fascinate people from all over the world, but despite numerous studies knowledge of this incredible site and its ancient resident remains sketchy. We don’t know for sure the exact reason that the citadel was built and occupied, but a mystery that remains even more enigmatic is why Machu Picchu was abandoned, and how it then remained hidden from the world for so many years.
Virgin Sacrifices Took Place at Machu Picchu
Over 50 burial sites have been...
•Trekking With Children, The Top Three Holidays
The Annapurnas
A family holiday in the Annapurna mountains of Nepal provide the perfect destination for both little and long legs. A four-day trek provides the perfect gentle pace through the Annapurna foothills and tired youngsters can even enjoy a carry up the hill in the mountain Sherpa’s specially adapted cane baskets. Children love animals and unique blue sheep and furry pikas are bound to enthral your children. Many operators even offer a jungle an elephant-back safari expedition, which...
•The Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site in Peru, situated in a mountain ridge above Urumba. Known as “The Lost City of the Incas,” this site has incredible spiritual and mythological symbolism, dating back to ancient Inca civilization. For centuries, tourists have embarked on the Inca trail trek to reach this historical wonder, and have felt the long history and spiritualism of the site.
The Incas began building Machu Picchu in 1430, but it remained relatively unknown for nearly 5 centuries....
•Introducing the Animals of the Annapurna Circuit
Pika
Most people haven’t heard of pikas, but these small critters are commonly spotted on the Annapurna Circuit. A pika is similar in appearance to a chinchilla, albeit slightly smaller. They are native to the colder climates of Asia, Eastern Europe and North America and are sometimes called rock rabbits or coneys. Pikas are most active during the winter season as they don’t hibernate; instead they rely on collected hay for warm bedding and food.
Blue Sheep
Yes, you really can spot blue...
•Leo Dickinson: Extreme Cameraman on Everest
Leo Dickinson is an action sports filmmaker who gets a thrill from working at extreme heights. As a parachutist and mountaineer, he has used is expertise in the Himalaya to organise sky-diving holidays over the range that can include an Everest Base Camp Trek. Whether he is jumping into a cave, off a mountain, or flying over it, Leo Dickinson will have a camera strapped to his hand or his head while he’s doing it.
Flying Over Everest
Together with his pilot Chris Dewhirst, Leo was on board...
•Everest Base Camp: Brian Blessed’s Home From Home
The actor Brian Blessed, with his bulky beard and booming voice, is probably the most recognisable person to have attempted to climb Mount Everest’s massive 8,848 metres. He is no stranger to Everest base camp, having been part of three expeditions up the mountain.
Blessed’s Everest Trek Emulates Mallory
He made his first run at the mountain in 1991, as part of a film called Galahad of Everest, which was a tribute to his childhood hero, George Leigh Mallory. On this occasion, Blessed reached...
•The Myth of Shangri-La
Nepal and Tibet are now hugely popular destinations for trekking holidays (with the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek reckoned as two of the best treks in the world) but it wasn’t always so.
The Himalaya, for a long time, remained the last blank on the map, an uncharted and unexplored land. Nepal, Tibet and the other Himalayan nations were closed to outsiders for centuries (most until well into the twentieth century), their lands and people a mystery. Myths clung to the...
•Celebrating Inti Raymi at Machu Picchu
If you’re thinking of attempting the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, but can’t decide on the time of year to attend, then why not team it up with the ancient Incan festival of Inti Raymi.
Machu Picchu was an important place for sun worship during the Incan era and as a civilization that held the sun in such high regard, you can imagine that for the Incas, winter was not a pleasant time of year. They feared that the annual disappearance of the sun would mean the onslaught of famine and to prevent...
•Five Gadgets You Probably Don’t Need on an Everest Base Camp Trek
It’s your first Everest Base Camp Trek and you’ve packed your clothing, bedding, food, emergency supplies and sundries. But you’ve still got at least a litre of space left in your backpack. What do you really need? What indulgence do you deserve? What will baffle and irritate your trekking mates even as they burn with jealousy…?
Five Gadgets You Probably Don’t Need on an Everest Base Camp Trek
1. A Rotary Airer
What is it?:
A lightweight, four-armed, miniature, portable version of the heavy...
•“Measuring Everest”: Q&A
Anyone who has visited Everest base camp or who has an interest in the mountain will know that it stands at 8,848m. Something fewer people know is when this figure was discovered and who was responsible for it. The following is a question and answer session designed to satisfy your curiosity.
“Measuring Everest”: Q&A
How tall is Mt. Everest exactly?
8,844.43m [± 0.21m], according to the Chinese State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. This is based upon the highest point of rock and ignores...
•The Annapurna Circuit – The Best Trek in the World?
When the finest trekking holidays in the world are discussed, there are plenty of strong contenders. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc, and the trek to Everest Base Camp are amongst the most famous walks in the world, but veteran walkers often point to another, perhaps lesser known trek as their personal highlight – the Annapurna Circuit. This epic circumnavigation of the Annapurna Massif visits an astonishing range of highlights: high mountain passes festooned...
•The Five Must See Sights of Bhutan
‘The Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon’ is a destination for those who truly want to travel off the beaten track. Closed to outside visitors until 1974, trekking holidays and tours in Bhutan are becoming increasingly popular, but it is still relatively unknown compared to Nepal, Tibet and the other Himalayan nations. Yet with its traditional Buddhist culture and stunning mountain landscapes, it is an unforgettable holiday destination for those who choose to venture there – here are five of the...
•Five Heroes of Mountaineering
Adventure holidays have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially where mountain trekking is concerned – routes such as the Inca Trail, Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp have become some of the “do before you die” holiday experiences for the more adventurous traveller. But while plenty of people enjoy going on trekking holidays to great mountain ranges, climbing the most difficult peaks is a far greater challenge. There are countless great mountaineers who have risked life...
•Conquering the Eight-thousanders – Everest, K2, And Beyond…
There are fourteen mountains that present the ultimate challenge to the world’s most experienced climbers. They are the so-called eight-thousanders, the fourteen mountains on Earth that are over eight thousand metres in height, all of them to be found in the Himalaya and the Karakoram mountain range. They are:
•Everest (8848m)
•K2 (8611m)
•Kangchenjunga (8586m)
•Lhotse (8516m)
•Makalu (8463m)
•Cho Oyu (8201m)
•Dhaulagiri (8167m)
•Manaslu (8163m)
•Nanga Parbat (8125m)
•Annapurna I...
•Why Take a Tailor Made Holiday in Bhutan?
Bhutan, a country around the size of Switzerland that only opened its borders to tourism in the 70s, is a wonderful destination for a trekking holiday or cultural tour. Bhutan tours can take in so much, from the memorable festivals, to the breathtaking mountain scenery and the friendly people, the country is really like no other. If you still need convincing, here’s a breakdown of what makes the country so special.
The Unspoilt Nature of the Landscape
The Bhutanese, having only opened their...
•Top Five Family Experiences on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
South America. The Amazon River. Thick, humid rainforest. The towering Andes. Lost Inca cities. Nothing could be more exciting or hold more promise than these sights and experiences. The same excitement you feel is quadrupled when it comes to your children, and their wide-eyed wonder at what they see will create a truly unique family experience to be treasured for years to come. We count down the top five family experiences you can enjoy on your Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu and beyond.
5....
•The Most Challenging Trekking Holidays Around
Trekking holidays offer adventure, a great atmosphere, exotic cultures and some outstanding views, all of which are making them an increasingly popular holiday option. It’s a common misconception that you need to be incredibly fit to take one of these adventure holidays, and there are a number of shorter treks with easy acclimatisation to ensure that most people can enjoy them.
But what if you want the challenging ascent that only a more gruelling trekking holiday can provide? Here are a...
•The Discovery of Machu Picchu
The discovery of Machu Picchu was actually the unintentional consequence of the search for Vilcabamba – a town established by the rebellious Inca Manco Capac II after Peru was invaded by the Spanish. From this town, the remaining Incas would attack the Spanish settlers in Cusco for the following 36 years. But in 1572, the Spanish invaded the troublesome settlement, and executed Manco Capac’s successor ending the Incan dynasty. The location of this legendary settlement was forgotten – living on...
•Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Thrusting up dramatically out of the Tanzanian grassland, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,892 m) is an unforgettable sight. It is the highest mountain in Africa, making it one of the ‘Seven Summits’ that elite mountaineers often seek to climb (the seven highest mountains on the seven continents.) Unlike most of the other ‘Seven Summits’ the trek to Kilimanjaro’s summit is very achievable for any fit trekker. The Kilimanjaro ascent is one of the classic walking holidays of the world, as it is the highest...
•7 Strange Everest Facts
What’s in a name?
Everest, previously known just as Peak XV, was confirmed to be the highest mountain in the world in 1856. It was named after Sir George Everest (a previous Surveyor General of India) due to the fact that Tibet and Nepal were sealed off at the time, and so the local names couldn’t be discovered. In Tibetan it is known as Chomolungma (mother goddess of the universe), while the Nepalese call the mountain Sagarmatha – goddess of the sky.
To put that in perspective…
The summit...
•Top Ten Views on a Trek to Everest
Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is also one of the most amazing areas of natural power and beauty on earth. As you travel up the mountain towards the Everest base camp, the sights become more poignant and awe inspiring. We count down the top ten.
10. Kathmandu
While not strictly on the route, Kathmandu is the city from which you base your Everest Trek Kathmandu urbar square is a work of ancient architectural genius, the people of the Kathmandu valley are warm and welcoming,...
•Annapurna Trekking Holidays
The Annapurna mountains
Commonly regarded as the most beautiful mountain range in the Himalayas, the Annapurna massif consists of six major peaks, including the towering majesty of Annapurna I, one of the fourteen peaks in the world that is over eight thousand meters high. The main Annapurna trekking routes are rated as some of the best in the world by veteran hikers – they showcase the best scenery the Himalayas have to offer, from high alpine passes to rolling grasslands and traditional...
•Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – What You Need to Know
Machu Picchu, the so called “Lost City of the Incas”, has become a classic “see before you die” sight since it was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. It is an unforgettable place – a set of excellently preserved Inca ruins perched on top of a mountain in the middle of the Peruvian Andes.
Machu Picchu is visited by almost a million people every year, and though the site is accessible by bus from the local town of Aguas Calientes, many...
•Staying Healthy on Your Trekking Holiday
It may sound obvious, but a trekking holiday in distant lands is not made any easier by a lack of personal fitness. Not only will it make the days physically exhausting (Kilimanjaro involves climbing 1,219m/4,000ft, and the Inca Trail’s final days include an ascent of 1,097m/3,600ft) but exhaustion is a risk factor towards altitude sickness. Reduced oxygen levels the higher you go also may make those with fitness problems struggle – at the summit of Kilimanjaro there’s half of the oxygen...
•Nepal Trekking Holidays – The Five Best Treks
Nepal trekking holidays have long been popular with avid trekkers, who come from all over the world to explore the spectacular Nepalese mountains. The country enjoys the most dramatic part of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna mountain range and Mount Everest, and there are dozens of outstanding routes where you can go trekking in Nepal. From well known trips to off the beaten track adventures, there’s a diverse range of routes available; here are five of the very best…
Everest Base...
•5 of the Most Famous Everest Expeditions
Treks to Everest continue to captivate the imagination of climbers and walkers all around the world. Ever since its discovery, hundreds of expeditions have been made to the world’s highest mountain. Some have ended in disaster, others have discovered new routes to the top or achieved significant records. Here are five of the most famous Everest expeditions…
1924 – The Mallory Expedition
The famed British explorer and mountaineer George Mallory had made a previous attempt on the summit in...
•Trekking to Everest Base Camp
A trek to Everest remains a dream for many, and achieving the summit of the highest mountain in the world will always be the ultimate prize for experienced mountaineers. Standing at 8,848 metres above sea level, Everest defeated attempts from climbers for over thirty years until Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay made it to the top in 1953. Since then, several thousand people have made it to the summit; but the skills required, the danger of the climb and the considerable expense of...
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