Adventure Travel
“Rock, and snow peaks all around, the sky, and great birds and black rivers–what words are there to seize such ringing splendor?”–Peter Matthiessen, The Snow Leopard
Adventure trips offer you different ideas about ways to travel and physical means to explore a country. You may wish to trek through the Himalayas or deep sea dive in the Similan Islands. You may want to view the birds and wildlife in the jungles of Burma or bicycle from village to village past rice paddy fields in Vietnam. Adventure tours let you physically become a part of you journey.
Magical and mystical is the elusive Snow Leopard which is predominately found in Asia. It is rated high on the endangered species list with 500 said to remain in Nepal. On this adventurous trek, you walk in the steps of Peter Matthiessen, author of The Snow Leopard, along the Bheri River, on to Ring-mo, and [...]
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In 2002 the Haa Valley, also known as the “Hidden-Land Rice Valley”, was opened to foreign tourism, although its tourist resources remain largely undeveloped compared with Paro, Thimphu, and Bumthang districts. On this tour you explore this steep north-south valley with a narrow floor where contrary to its name only some rice is grown the [...]
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(Departure Fridays – June to October) Have your own “Out of Africa” adventure beginning in Nairobi with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum. Take a guided tour of her house, which features rooms designed in both the original decor and with props from the 1985 film. Combine culture and conservation with a visit to [...]
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This is a small group tour escorted by Teri, herself, who has been a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner and student of comparative religion for the past 30 years. Dates: September 11 – September 19, 2013 Space is limited This pilgrimage is meant for those persons who seek inner solace through Buddhist values and philosophy. You will [...]
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Mongolia is home to numerous ethnic groups including the Tsaatans or the Reindeer People. Now there are only 400 Tsaatan people in Mongolia and they inhabit the remotest but amazing beautiful mountain taigas. The Tsaatan love their nomadic lifestyle of “breeding reindeer and sleeping in huts”. This tour offers an outstanding introduction to this diverse, [...]
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Jalbire Larcha Region Bhairab Kunda is a remote and unfrequented Himalayan region that lies close to the Kathmandu valley. The abrupt variation in altitude is astonishing. From Bhairab Kund one can easily view peaks including: Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), Madiya (6,257m) & Phurbi Ghhyachu (6,637m). The mix of mountains, cultures and natural wonders while in route [...]
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Myanmar translates as union of many people with 135 nations living together in an area twice as large as any European country, yet leaving plenty of remote land to explore. Bordering on five countries -Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand – Myanmar takes its influences from all. Land of Temples, Land of Festivals and Land [...]
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A cultural tour of China, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan The Silk Road was probably the most important development in human history, which brought close trading and subsequently cultural contacts between the east and the west. Silk Road to Bukhara traces the Silk Road from the place where it started in Xian and the follows its caravan [...]
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Vietnam’s best kept secret may be its many trekking destinations. The areas of Mai Chau and Pu Long are full of great hiking trails, stunning scenery, and local hilltribes which are just waiting to be discovered. From Hanoi you travel southwest toward the Laos border. The change in scenery is dramatic as you leave behind [...]
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Isolated and unspoiled, the 800 islands of the Myeik Archipelago are the dramatic setting for this 8-day sailing tour. Off the southeastern coast of the country, just across the border from Thailand, you will set off on a multi-day cruise to Myanmar’s best kept secret. Underwater this area promises scenic reefs and a multitude of [...]
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Mt. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania. Not only is Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa but is the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 19,341 feet (the Uhuru Peak/Kibo Peak). It has three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. There are six official trekking routes by which to climb Mt [...]
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Departure June 15 – June 26, 2014 This tour, led by the distinguished Dr. Barry Levine, is a rare chance to get to know Rwanda and Masai Mara. Mountain gorillas and stunning volcanic scenes are the attractions that make Rwanda a prime destination to visit for you seasoned travelers wanting a once in a lifetime [...]
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Bhutan’s weaving of beautiful textiles is one its most important forms of art both traditionally and spiritually. Knowledge and skills have been passed down generations to generations. The weaving tools used are still handmade and the raw materials natural. On this journey, you have the rare opportunity to compare different aspects of Bhutanese textiles including [...]
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Photography is about choosing and capturing moments to remember and share in a creative way. Every moment in this itinerary has been precisely crafted through the personal experience of a Bhutanese photographer to create a unique experience in Bhutan for fellow photographers visiting this remote and magical land. Places you visit on this tour have [...]
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Humla region Humla is the highest, most remote and northerly region of Nepal, lying on the border with Tibet. The region’s main town of Simikot is reachable only on foot or by plane in the absence of paved roads. Life for the Humli people is challenging as the agricultural season in these high mountain valleys [...]
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(Departure September) Strung along the foot of the Alps, for millennia the lakes have been a gateway to the color and life of the Mediterranean world for the pilgrims, traders and armies who marched across the Alps on foot. The walks on the tour follow these same routes, ancient stone paths that wind above the [...]
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(Departures Spring & Fall) Note: Partial proceeds aid Himalayan Healers Organization Journey to the mystical country of Nepal and embark on a sojourn of this enchanted country. After exploring Kathmandu Valley, fly to Lukla to begin your spa trekking trip. Spend the mornings trekking with an experienced team of local guides and Sherpas, and stay [...]
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(Departure July 5 – July 17) Life is about deriving happiness out of what we choose to do and understanding others. Nothing offers more of an opportunity for this than travel, especially with like minded people. This tour is handcrafted by a Bhutanese woman to make it easy for women travelers to express themselves and [...]
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Go West! The Canadian Rockies’ magnificent peaks span from the Interior Plains of Alberta to the Rocky Mountain Trench of British Columbia. Made of shale and limestone, and tipped with sparkling white snow, they’re so beautiful that UNESCO made them a World Heritage site. They’re also so tall, only advanced mountaineers can tackle them. But [...]
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This tour is a cultural mix of volcanic beauty, ancient Mayan ruins, sparkling Caribbean beaches and colorful colonial towns. Traveling from Mexico’s famous beachside city, Cancun, to the idyllic shores of Playa del Carmen, this trip combines anitquity with adventure. Experience an official new Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza, in Mexico and learn Mayan [...]
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(Departures: June – October) One of the world’s great trade routes, the exotic Silk Road has captured the imagination of many, stirring visions of a wondrous and far-off land. Bring the adventure to life on this incredible journey. Experience the rich convergence of cultures and religions as you travel from Xian to Kashgar, passing countless [...]
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This trip combines two diverse settings from the lush green valley of Kathmandu to the semi – arid conditions of Lower Mustang. You walk the Kali Gandaki gorge, perhaps the deepest gorge in the world. This trip offers a chance to get close of views of Dhaulagiri, Niligiri and the Annapurnas. Visit quaint villages and [...]
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(Departure April – December) No trip can be more exciting than one which includes history, culture, adventure and transport by rail and by cruise. This concise tour to Peru is for the adventurous at heart who wishes to still travel at a comfort level. Explore the colonial heritage of Peru’s capital, Lima, before embarking on [...]
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Explore the lushness of Ecuador on foot, by bus, boat, canoe, zipline, raft and yacht in this active adventure tour. With more than 1600 species of birds, plus 38 more in the Galapagos, 106 endemic reptiles, 138 endemic amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterfly, it is paradise for nature lovers. Explore colonial Quito and shop [...]
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Departure August 23 to September 7, 2013 On this amazing tour of China we visit the magnificent Longmen Caves. Leaders of the Northern Wei dynasty (420-589 AD) moved their capital to Luoyang in 493, and began carving out the Longmen Caves in the hills along both sides of the Yi River. The caves and niches [...]
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Peru borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast and Chile to the south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west. The Andes Mountains run parallel to the Pacific Ocean and define the three regions traditionally used to describe the country geographically. The costa (coast), to the west, [...]
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(Departures January – November) This small group tour reveals the treasures of Laos through its history, scenery and gracious people. Spend the night in a remote eco lodge as you cruise slowly down the Mekong, stopping at a sacred cave and hilltribe village. Explore the temples of fabled Luang Prabang and join the locals in [...]
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(Departures January – November) Little-visited Southern Laos is a hidden treasure, which reveals temples and mountains, the endangered Irrawaddy River Dolphin, as well as the idyllic 4,000 Islands, a great contrast with touring in Luang Prabang and the north. Visit the Bolaven Plateau at an elevation of 4400 feet. The plateau is crossed by several [...]
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Treasures come in many different forms. Regarding travel, this term may refer to a language, an art or trade or may even mean the people’s tribe itself which has been preserved. Palaces and temples, beautifully hand carved houses and buildings which are restored instead of ignored even rationalized for destruction to build better, bigger and [...]
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Great South Africa Safari begins in gorgeous Cape Town. Explore its quaint fishing villages, colonies of barking seals and arctic penguins. At the Cape of Good Hope you witness the angry Atlantic and sanguine Indian Oceans meet and mingle. Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Cape Winelands.Explore Kruger National Park home to all the Big [...]
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The region of Mongolia has been ruled by various nomadic empires throughout the years and is the second largest landlocked country next to Kazakhstan. Its remoteness and history both contribute to its magic and mystery. Mongolia, with the lowest human population density of any country and with one of the highest proportions of land area [...]
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For you nature lovers, there is no better way to interact with Sri Lanka than an adventure into its wild. You begin in the hill country at Kandy and make your way south to colonial Nuwara Eliya before your first nature exploration, Horton’s Plains. Visit where The Bridge on The River Kwai was filmed and [...]
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There’s no way better to visit four countries in Indochina than to see the countryside from the window of a train or from the top deck of a river cruiser. Begin your journey in Bangkok, the “Venice of Asia” before embarking on the E & O Express for a 4 day trip to Vientiane. Fly [...]
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Discover northern Vietnam in depth from its nature preserve to its hill country. Wild Vietnam begins by exploring the capital city, Hanoi, and continues on to the national park, Cuc Phuong. Visit the Primate Rescue Center to see rare species and hear what is being done to protect them. Explore a prehistoric cave, boat to [...]
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Always wanted to explore fascinating Nepali culture, see Mt Everest and visit Bhutan? Then this exotic adventure is for you! You do not need to be a mountain climber to enjoy panoramic views of Machupucharia, Ama Dablam, Lhotse or Mt. Everest. Explore west Nepal and enjoy hot springs and relaxing by the lakeside after your [...]
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If it is the thrill of adventure you are wanting, Thailand is your destination. In the city of Bangkok, you can easily take a boat, a cycle or a tuk tuk (motor rickshaw) if you wish to bypass the traditional modes of transit such as a car, bus or taxi. Outside of Bangkok especially in [...]
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Trek to Laya is one of Bhutan’s most interesting treks. The route offers superb views of snowcapped peaks including Mt. Gangchey Ta or Tiger mountain. Diverse Himalayan flora and fauna puts this trek in a league if its own. There are many chances to glimpse the Blue Sheep, Takin or even a Snow Leopard. Numerous [...]
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Explore a side of Thailand that few tourists see on this cycling trip through Central and Northern Thailand. Bike through rural country roads and mountain trails to see fruit orchards, teak plantations, mountain streams and secluded villages and discover Thailand’s scenic beauty and legendary hospitality along the way.
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(Departures March, April May & September, October) Explore the Kathmandu Valley in the highest mountains of the world, the Himalayas. Fly to Pokhara where you will begin on your Himalayan adventure through forests, medieval villages and cross one of the Himalaya’s highest mountain passes. Descend to visit Muktinath, a pilgrimage spot that yogi’s ard Buddhists [...]
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(Departures July & August) A trek through Zanskar is an exhilarating adventure. Trek through lush barley fields, along roaring rivers and over hanging bridges. Visit century old monasteries. See the shepherds grazing their yaks and horses. Meet monks and local villagers who travel on foot for days with their donkeys for supplies. Panoramic views from [...]
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(Departure November) Colorful festivals are very much part of life in Bhutan and the festivities held to celebrate the annual return of the black-necked cranes to the Phobjikha Valley from their summer breeding grounds high on the Tibetan plateau are ones not to be missed. Held annually on November 12, this “welcome” festival for the [...]
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The name Africa conjures up images of big game, beautiful sunsets, remote villages and exotic tribes. Blue Africa gives you all of the above and much more! Begin your sojourn in Cape Town and see where the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic and the Cape Peninsula meet. Take an overnight ride on the luxurious Blue Train [...]
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Embark on a train journey from Pretoria through Namibia in grand, golden rail fashion from the past. Your 8 day rail journey on Rovos Rail takes you on an adventure to Kimberly, diamond mining central and the fertile wine growing region of Upington. Explore fish River canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Tour [...]
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Ask about Cinque Terre, Venice, Verona, Puglia, Tuscany, Sicily and Provence Walking Tours The Amalfi Coast is only an hour’s drive south of Naples but is one of the most spectacular parts of the Mediterranean, with mountains rising dramatically to almost 1500 metres above the prisitne sea. The whitewashed houses of the villages are strung [...]
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(Departures July & August) This cultural tour of India starts in Delhi and Amritsar, before trekking to one of the most beautiful valleys of the mighty Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers, which is one of India’s geographical regions where diverse civilizations and cultures flourish. The Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude Himalayan valley that has [...]
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Botswana, a landlocked country in southern Africa, is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world with up to 70% covered by the Kalahari Desert. In addition to its delta and desert areas, there are grasslands and savannas making Botswana’s vast open space perfect to see its diverse wildlife inhabitant. Traditionally game drives [...]
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There’s no better way to explore the Andes than by trekking through its terrain. Cotopaxi Park in Equador is unique with its volcano and glacier lake which is home to rare birds and wildlife. Colca Canyon, Peru is where you can see large herds of llamas and alpacas. Cusco welcomes you to hike the Inca [...]
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Relax on the pristine beaches of Nicaragua, visit the surfing town of Jaco Beach and travel overland to the Salinas along the Ecuadorian Coast. This coastal adventure of three Central/South American countries gives you time at leisure to explore at your own pace. From Managua to Jaco Beach, from Tamarindo to Guayaquil, you’ll see wildlife [...]
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We Do More Than Asia (Departure July – September) Inca Trail permits are limited so call 4 – 6 months prior to travel to reserve space It’s time to head for the hills! For those of you who want to explore the great outdoors and retrace the beauty and steps of the Incas, this adventure [...]
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Not all of our tours are listed. Call us to discuss your travel plans 415-331-3791 We’re like you — curious when we hear about a culture or a place and crave to see it for ourselves. That’s what we do. We satisfy your curiosity through genuine cultural and environmental interactions. We arrange private and small [...]
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Tour Guides, San Francisco, CA