GUIDE TO 400 WORLDWIDE ADVENTURES For every type of adventurer
NEW
GO SELF-GUIDED IN EUROPE
NEPAL
A comprehensive guide & tips for successful trekking An insider's guide to
Morocco
PLUS 65 new trips 42 family adventures 43 cycling holidays 32 wildlife journeys
2019-2020
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KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
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EXCELLENT
AITO independent reviews
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KE online reviews
Award Winner
Award Winner The Juniper Trust KE’s partner charity has raised over
£240,000 for Nepal
Fully ATOL licensed and ABTA and AITO bonded tour operator
5075
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
Photo Credit. Special thanks to Colin McCullough, KEon SPECIFIC who took this stunning picture of Nepal his way AREA – COUNTRY to Everest Base Camp with KE, March 2018.
Your next great adventure starts here
KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
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I feel very privileged to be introducing the latest collection of KE adventures. After more than 25 years in adventure travel, I am incredibly excited and proud to have joined KE in the last year, and to be working with a team of such genuinely passionate adventurers and travellers. Since their early days of taking groups to experience the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan, KE has always been renowned for creating pioneering trips and pushing the limits of adventure travel. This spirit of true adventure remains at the heart of KE's ethos to this day, and will continue to be our focus in the years to come. As you browse these pages you'll find iconic destinations and off-the-beaten path journeys, hear from our experts as they travel the world uncovering the very best in adventure, and discover some incredible new trips in a range perfect for active travellers of all abilities. We’re also revealing something brand new to KE; a collection of finely crafted self-guided walking and cycling holidays which showcase the very best of Europe. So sit back, let your imagination wander, and take the first step into your next great adventure. Enjoy the journey,
Ashley Toft CEO – KE Adventure Travel
INDEX OF ADVENTURE P4 Meet the KE team P8 NEW for 2019 P12 Travel Calendar P14 Iconic Trips P20 Adventure Travel Inspiration P70 Index of trips P98 Quick Glance All Trips
Go to keadventure.com and enter the Trip Code
THE KE TEAM OF EXPERTS
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KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
ABOUT US
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Adventure is more than just our business – it’s our way of life. Based in beautiful Keswick in the Lake District, everyone at KE lives and breathes it, whether it’s a post-work jaunt up the friendly face of a familiar fell or intrepidly exploring the world on a KE trip (or personal adventure). Our team of experts have collectively travelled to every continent, reached over 100 major summits and travelled on over 500 KE trips – and when we’re not out there living it, we want to be using our skills and expertise to help others get there too. Get in touch and our expert team will help you choose your perfect next holiday – every time.
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors. But because no one likes unpleasant surprises (especially when it comes to a well-deserved holiday), at KE we make sure the land only price of your trip will not change after you have booked. That's right - no surcharge, guaranteed. What you see when you book is what you pay, whether you’re planning an adventure for this year or the next.
Book your flights with us to ensure you are financially protected. Not only will we find the best prices so you don’t have to spend time searching, we’ll deal with any tour and airline changes or cancellations for you. Our Adventure Travel Consultants will find you the best flights available from over 50 airlines we have agreements with, and if you’d like to extend your stay or arrive early, we’ll sort that too.
Chat, skype, email sales@keadventure.com or call us on 017687 71677
OUR EXPERT TEAM
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WHAT WE DO We offer a range of different activities, so that whatever embarking on an adventure means to you, we've got you covered.
rek & Walk: Delve into breath-taking T landscapes on foot. We have something for everyone across over 250 expertly crafted holidays.
NEW Self-Guided: Travel with your favourite companions, get off the beaten track and enjoy the flexibility and freedom of a self-guided adventure at a pace which suits you.
Cycle: Go further, cover more miles and explore more of your chosen destination on one of our road, leisure, mountain bike or adventure cycling holidays.
Family: The best things in life are shared, so bring your kids and grandkids on a varied and exciting family-specific adventure – guaranteed to get them away from their screens. Climb: Stand on the summit of Mont Blanc in the Alps or conquer a classic Himalayan trekking peak such as Mera in Nepal or Stok Kangri in India.
Winter: Escape the crowds and try something new such as snowshoeing, hut-to-hut crosscountry skiing or even dog-sledding.
Discovery: More than your average discovery holiday, these itineraries are full of once-ina-lifetime moments, from genuine cultural encounters to seeing incredible animals in their wild habitats.
Widlife: From African Savanna to the jungles of Costa Rica, get up close and personal with the world's most incredible species on an authentic wildlife experience. Polar: Discover the unique wildlife and otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctica, perhaps the last truly pristine wilderness on our planet.
“ KE ADVENTURE TRAVEL IS THE COMPANY WHEN YOU WANT TO BE SURE ABOUT YOUR HOLIDAY, YOU KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO HAVE A FANTASTIC TRIP” Maria-Victoria from Alicante ★★★★★
SPEAK TO THE TEAM NOW 017687 71677
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
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WHY BOOK WITH KE
OFFERS & EXTRAS RECOMMEND A FRIEND
RECOMMEND A FAMILY
SOMETHING A LITTLE EXTRA
It's always great to have the next big adventure in the calendar to look forward to and, with this offer, you and your friend could be travelling for less than you thought. Simply choose your next adventure, invite your mate and if they haven’t travelled with us before you’ll both receive a recommened a friend discount.
Travelling as a family? Then invite another family to join you! If they’re new to KE, both families will receive a recommend a family discount. And because we know that families come in all sizes, this offer is available to families as compact as one adult and one child. Make sure you hurry to take advantage of this fantastic offer.
We love to include extras to make your holiday that bit more special – like all meals included – but we also like to give you a just that little bit extra once you’ve booked.
Find out more at keadventure.com/ friends-offer
Find out more at keadventure.com/ family-offer
When you book a KE holiday, we send you a gift, free of charge and of your choosing, such as a trek bag, a wicking t-shirt or a cosy fleece jacket.
Go to our website for full terms and conditions
There’s also the option to waive your gift and instead, we’ll donate £10 to the Juniper Trust (see page 7).
Go to our website for full terms and conditions
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
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Our pledge to protect the planet At KE we travel because we think this big and beautiful world is a pretty special place, so ensuring we respect and preserve the destinations we love to visit is deeply ingrained in how we operate. We’re dedicated to abiding by the following principles:
We specialise in small group travel to minimise our impact
We benefit local economies by employing
local people and using small or family owned restaurants and hotels
We make sure our local staff and operators are paid fairly for the incredible work they do
We do everything we can to respect and understand local culture and customs
We abide by a strict leave-no-trace philosophy We benefit local communities with the Juniper Trust, our partner charity
15% off Water-to-Go This year, as part of our AITO Project Protect pledge, we want to prevent the use of single-use plastics on all of our trips. We’ve teamed up with Water-to-Go to promote the use of filtered water bottles and make clean water much more accessible, whether you’re in your hotel room or a remote mountain range. After booking, KE clients will be able to purchase Water-to-Go bottles and filters with a discount of 15%. For every purchase, Water-to-Go will also donate 15% to Plastic Oceans, a global foundation which raises awareness about plastic pollution. By using one of these bottles, you won’t need to purchase any plastic bottles – saving both money and the environment.
We are committed to ensuring we do not cause
any unnecessary waste by encouraging the use of reusable bottles and bags, and with your My KE login, our booking process is available entirely online, with no need for printed documents
We recognise the importance of animal welfare; we do not offer elephant riding and ensure animals are not exploited on all of our holidays
We aim to lead by example; we're helping keep our local Lake District clean with regular litter picks and are promoting the use of reusable products
The Juniper Trust KE has been working in partnership with the Juniper Trust for 20 years, supporting the poorest communities in many parts of the developing world. The Juniper Trust was founded in 1994 by a group of volunteers and since then has expanded hugely. It supports projects worldwide and has gained Sir Chris Bonington as a patron, but its basic vision remains the same: to work in a low-impact, sustainable way to support the poorest communities. On behalf of KE customers, we’ve already raised over £240,000 which has helped build orphanages and aided flood appeals. In 2018 alone, contributions helped rebuild 3 more schools destroyed in the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
Book online at keadventure.com
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NEW HOLIDAYS – EUROPE
Greece Walks and Wonders of the Peloponnese Peninsula Known by its medieval name, the Mani Peninsula is a wild and under-explored region, and the chance to enjoy guided walking on this rugged peninsula is a unique adventure. Soak up 2,500 years of Peloponnese myths, legends and mighty battles, enjoy Mediterranean sunshine and fuel your walks with delicious regional food. keadventure.com – Trip Code – PMM
NEW
Trolltunga, Kierag and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock); three iconic and spectacular rock formations which lie nestled deep in the beautiful Norwegian Fjords, perfect both for summiting and picture-taking. We’ve devised a week’s holiday that not only ticks off all three rocks, but recognises that Fjord Norway is another super-star attraction. keadventure.com – Trip Code – RSN
NEW
Portugal Wines and Walks of the Minho and Douro Portugal was founded in Minho and beautiful medieval towns reflect its proud history. You will walk the wild Atlantic Coast and ancient pathways, including the historic Portuguese Way. Moving to the Douro, enjoy a Rabelo boat-ride down the world-famous Douro, your base for 3 days of stunning walks. A sightseeing day in Porto rounds off a wonderful trip. keadventure.com – Trip Code – PMD
NEW
Italy Walking the Italian Lakes A relaxing easy walking and sightseeing holiday to the magnificent Italian Lakes of Maggiore and Como. Walk on beautiful lakeside trails, take a boat ride to the Borromean Islands and travel on cable cars and funiculars for panoramic views of the Italian and Swiss Alps. A gorgeous, immersive Italian experience, there'll also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy Italy’s delicious food and wines. keadventure.com – Trip Code – WIL
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
NEW
NEW EUROPE 2019
Norway Rock Stars of Fjord Norway
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Europe is one of the world’s best destinations for history, culture, and amazing food – and also some of the world’s most unforgettable adventures. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to walk the timeless trails of the Peloponnese or to explore the fascinating Baltic States. Our new self-guided range is a great way to enjoy the best European walks and cycling. In fact, with over 140 holidays in 34 different European countries, we have something to suit everyone. Here are some of our most recent additions.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland Baltic Trails The Baltic States are filled with wonderful culture, fascinating history, beautiful architecture, charming cities, delicious food and captivating scenery, perfect for a walking and cultural holiday. Highlights include the medieval cities of Vilnius and Tallinn, the Gothic Spires of Riga, the breath-taking dunes of the Curionian Spit and laid back Finnish capital of Helsinki. keadventure.com – Trip Code – BSH
NEW
Turkey Turkish Coastal Family Active Adventure The Lycian Coast is the ideal destination for swimming, sea kayaking and boat trips on the warm Mediterranean sea. This fabulous one-week family holiday is based first in Dalyan close to the Loggerhead Turtle beach at Iztuzu. Moving to the beautiful, coastal town of Kas, we sea kayak over sunken ruins and walk the wonderful Lycian Way. keadventure.com – Trip Code – FTC
NEW
Albania and Macedonia Ultimate Albania Cycling Tour A colourful and welcoming country with a mix of unique attractions, Albania has a lot to offer those looking for a cycling holiday with a difference. Starting out from the thriving capital city of Tirana and finishing with days cycling through the beautiful Albanian Riviera, this bespoke itinerary balances relaxed cycling with plenty of time to soak up the essence of the country. keadventure.com – Trip Code – ALMB
NEW
Self-Guided France, Italy and Switzerland Tour du Mont Blanc Experience this world-class, long distance trail in the heart of the French Alps independently, safe in the knowledge that all the arrangements have been made for you. New for 2019, this self-guided holiday follows in the footsteps of great mountaineers as the mighty Mont Blanc dominates the skyline. keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGTM
NEW
Book online at keadventure.com
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NEW HOLIDAYS – WORLDWIDE
WORLDVIEW 2019 As adventure lovers, we continue to seek out the best new travel ideas, hottest destinations and exciting trekking routes. With over 35 NEW holidays launched for 2019, you will find fantastic new inspirational adventures from all four corners of the Earth. Some of which are mentioned below.
Gondogoro Peak and the Hushe Valley
Captivating Cape Verde Islands
Discovering the Hidden Guianas
One of the world's greatest trekking adventures, ascending Gondogoro Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains is an experience of a lifetime. This trips starts with a supported trek through the unspoiled Hushe Valley, with a final camp beneath the beautiful spire of Laila Peak. After skills practise on the Gondogoro Glacier, we hope to conquer Gondogoro Peak for sensational views. One of KE's classic treks, we're delighted to be returning to this incredible peak with a brilliant revised itinerary for 2019.
A walker’s paradise, the Cape Verde archipelago is located just south of the Canary Islands. With it’s rugged coastlines and fertile terraced volcanic slopes, this new holiday explores four of these beautiful islands. One of the highlights is standing on the summit of the active volcano, Pico do Fogo, the highest point at 2829m. The diversity of these islands means you'll encounter everything from ashy slopes and sub-tropical mountains to wonderful rugged trails and turquoise blue oceans.
This little known corner of South America boasts some of the richest biodiversity in the world. In Suriname, we follow in the footsteps of the Maroons, plantation slaves who escaped to the jungle. In French Guiana visit the notorious Devil’s Island prison, featured in the story of Papillon. In Guyana we take a flight over the Kaieteur Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in the world, then cross the largest unspoilt rainforest left on the planet to explore the land of the jaguar.
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GHU
NEW
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CVW
NEW
keadventure.com – Trip Code – DHG
NEW
Gosainkund and Langtang Trek
Best of Japan on Foot
East Bhutan – Merak and Sakteng Trek
This special region north of Kathmandu is one of the most accessible trekking destinations in Nepal. Our new 2 week combination of Gosainkund and Langtang offers brilliant trekking along part of the Great Himalaya Trail and amongst some of Nepal’s most spectacular peaks. You can trek to the summit of Tsergo Ri at 4984m (although it is optional) otherwise you can simply enjoy being immersed in the mountains with views towards the Annapurnas, Manaslu and Ganesh peaks.
Japan’s timeless attraction lies in its fusion of ancient traditions with hi-tech modernity. A combination of easy walks and sightseeing explores all the sacred and secular highlights. We’ll walk through the Zen Gardens of Kyoto and the Shinto shrines on Miyajima island, join the monks at prayer at Koyasan, discover the dramatic Japanese Alps, and hike on the Nakasendo Trail, before concluding with a visit to the iconic Mt Fuji and neon-lit metropolis that is Tokyo.
Spend 5 days trekking through the beautiful pastoral valleys of the protected Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, until very recently closed to travellers. Experience the semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Brokpa, a race of Tibetan origin with their own culture and dress, who still practice their ancient barter economy. Overnight stays in Merak and Sakteng village are truly special. In Paro we can visit the Tiger’s nest and join the festivities at either the Paro or Trashigang Festivals.
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GLT
NEW
keadventure.com – Trip Code – JOF
NEW
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BMS
NEW
Patagonia’s Classic Trails
Cycling in Kazakhstan
Namibia Bush School – Family Holiday
Patagonia is one of the most breath-taking regions in the world. There are spectacular views around every corner, from glacial lakes to magnificent peaks. This is a land big on adventure. Tick all the highlight boxes of Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy area in just 11 days on our NEW exciting holiday, perfect for anyone who is short on time and on a tighter budget. You won’t be backpacking on this trip as our fantastic team of porters will look after your trek bag so you can simply enjoy the scenery.
Central Asia is a wild and wonderful part of the world and this brand-new cycling holiday shows it off perfectly. KE has a long history of running mountain biking holidays in Kazakhstan (first trip in 2004), but this latest version is a little bit different. Riding cross-country between riverside camps you will have the chance to sleep in a traditional yurt camp, explore a beautiful desert world and experience the magic of sunrise on Charyn Canyon’s striking rock formations.
Teach the family the difference between a white and black rhino (and it’s not the colour of the mud bath) on this new, fun and informative adventure in Namibia. It includes a visit to the Cheetah Project in Solitaire, game drives in Etosha to see lion, leopard, rhino and elephants, kayaking with seals in Walvis Bay and a chance to meet the Himba people with their painted hair and colourful beads. Altogether this is an unbeatable voyage with the family.
keadventure.com – Trip Code – PCT
NEW
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
keadventure.com – Trip Code – KNMB
NEW
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FNM
NEW
KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
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MORE THAN
40 NEW HOLIDAYS
FOR 2019 KE ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
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THE KE CALENDAR
YOUR YEAR OF ADVENTURE
The best places to visit, when and why. Plan your year with a little help from our monthly guide.
JANUARY
PATAGONIA’S WILDERNESS Kick start the year in a region unlike anywhere else on earth, where glaciers have sculpted some of the world's most dramatic and stunning rock spires. The Best of Patagonia – Trip Code – TDP
MAY
EXTRA SCOOP OF SUNSHINE IN ITALY Avoid the scorching hot, dry summers and visit in spring to enjoy warm evenings, blooming flora and perfect walking temperatures. Footpaths of Liguria – Trip Code – IWW
SEPTEMBER
THE ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL IN PERU Explore further than most and discover the secrets of Choquequirao, an ancient Inca fortress, on your way to reach the iconic site of Machu Picchu. Choquequirao – Trip Code – CHQ
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
THE KE CALENDAR
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FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
THE CANARY ISLANDS
THE KINGDOM OF JORDAN
WONDERS OF COSTA RICA
Perfect for winter sun walking and just 4 hours from the UK. Climb up to 3718m in Tenerife, hike mountain trails on La Gomera or walk from coast to coast in Lanzarote.
Jordan's Wadi Rum and the Rose-Red City of Petra provide a magical setting for a winter walking holiday. Expect warm weather and an even warmer welcome.
Featuring both a Pacific and a Caribbean coastline and with a backbone of fiery volcanoes, Costa Rica is one of the most varied of Central American countries.
Tenerife Walking Week – Trip Code – TWW
Jordan Wadi Rum and Petra – Trip Code – JOR
Costa Rica Walks and Wildlife – Trip Code – CWW
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
NORWAY'S ISLAND PARADISE
MULTI-COUNTRY ALPINE JOURNEY
TREK IN THE INDIA HIMALAYA
Enjoy endless daylight and epic landscapes as you explore knife edge fjords, scattered island archipelagos, luxury mountain huts and gritty Viking history in Norway.
Chamonix in France is a walker’s mecca and the perfect place to start one of the world’s classic treks through France, Switzerland and Italy.
Behind the Nepal Himalaya out of reach of the sub-continental monsoon, the summer months are the perfect time to trek and climb in India’s mountains.
Walk the Lofoten Islands – Trip Code – LFI
Tour du Mont Blanc – Trip Code – TMH
Stok Kangri Climb – Trip Code – ISK
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
ETHIOPIA
NEPAL, A TREKKERS’ PARADISE
WINTER IN MOROCCO
Ethiopia is a land of surprises, from the striking Simien Mountains and rare wildlife of the north, to the 17th century castles of Gondar and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
The ultimate mountain destination, trek to Everest Basecamp via the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, or take a classic hike around the beautiful Annapurnas.
The snowy Atlas mountains are the perfect place for you to learn, and test, your winter mountaineering skills. Stand atop the highest peak in Northern Africa while you're at it.
Simien Mountains – Trip Code – SIM
The Ultimate Everest Trek – Trip Code – EVL
Toubkal in Winter – Trip Code – WIT
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
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ICONIC ADVENTURES
MAKE YOUR NEXT EXPERIENCE TRULY ICONIC Every traveller has their ultimate list of experiences. The rarest, the toughest, those which aren’t around for much longer, the newest, or the trendiest. But the ones which appear on lists time and time again are the ones we define as truly iconic – the ones you'll remember for the rest of your life. From the legendary Machu Picchu to a few you might not have heard of, our experts think that these 11 adventures are ones you need to make sure are on your bucket list...
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
TRIPS OF A LIFETIME
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Explore the lost city of Petra – Jordan Why? This unique-to-KE trek is the best way to discover the secrets of this ancient city. In keeping with the spirit of exploration, you'll reach it by following hidden trails and off-the-beaten track routes through beautiful desert landscapes to experience the very best of Jordan trekking. keadventure.com – Trip Code – JDP
11 ICONIC
ADVENTURES
Kangchenjunga Trek – Nepal Why? If you want to see big mountains in one of the most remote parts of Nepal, then this trek is for you. Visiting both the north and south basecamps, this longer trek goes deep into the heart of a breathtaking range. It’s ideal for experienced trekkers who love the feeling of solitude and being truly immersed amongst some of the world’s greatest peaks. keadventure.com – Trip Code – KAN
Climb Mount Toubkal – Morocco Why? Jebel Toubkal is Morocco’s highest peak, standing 4,167m above the mighty Atlas Mountains of North Africa, and has captivated adventurers for centuries. It's an ascent rife with beautiful contrasts as you trek through charming Berber villages and rocky gorges. This is a challenging walk rather than a climb and needs no special skills or climbing gear. Make sure you bring your camera as the views from the summit are spectacular. keadventure.com – Trip Code – OWT
Climb Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
The Classic Paine Circuit – Patagonia
Why? This is one of the epic Seven Summits of the world, but you don't need ropes or mountaineering experience to conquer it. Tanzania's Kilimanjaro is completely accessible to any fit hiker and should be on every travel bucket list for that reason alone. It's also a stunning natural wonder; on your journey to the top you'll pass through dry savannah and lush green forest before emerging onto a snow-covered mountaintop.
Why? The scenery in Patagonia is unlike anywhere else in the world. Vast, wild and pristine, as soon as you set foot into the Torres del Paine national park you'll be constantly rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery, granite towers, crystal blue lakes, cascading waterfalls and beautiful glaciers. This premium holiday is the perfect choice to trek the best trails in Patagonia and experience the most incredible scenery on the planet.
keadventure.com – Trip Code – KLR
keadventure.com – Trip Code – PPC
Book online at keadventure.com
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ICONIC ADVENTURES
Everest Basecamp Trek – Nepal Why? Summiting Everest may remain a daydream for most, but you can still follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers and reach Everest Basecamp. Revel in the unique magic of trekking in Nepal whilst ticking an iconic achievement off your bucket list. keadventure.com – Trip Code – EBL
Trek to Machu Picchu – Peru Why? It’s virtually impossible to make an iconic list of adventures that doesn’t include Machu Picchu. A secret city, perched high in the mountains, shrouded in swirling mists – it’s the stuff of travel legend. Whether you choose the Inca trail or another ancient mountain route to reach it, Machu Picchu is a mind-blowingly located UNESCO site that everyone must visit at least once in a lifetime. keadventure.com – Trip Code – IMP
The Snowman Trek – Bhutan Why? This is the greatest and most challenging Himalayan trek of all time. During your journey through Laya and Lunana you’ll cross 11 high passes and see the spectacular lakes of Thpe Tsho & Om Tsho as well as visit the spectacular cliff-face Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery. keadventure.com – Trip Code – BST
Walking New Zealand from North to South Why? It's an outdoor lover's paradise.New Zealand is blessed with volcanoes, mountains, beautiful coastline, forests, beaches and huge lakes. 3 weeks here means you get time to trek two world-class trails: the Abel Tasman Coast Track and the Routeburn Track. keadventure.com – Trip Code – TNZ
Classic Haute Route – France, Italy & Switzerland Why? It’s not only one of the most well-known long-distance hikes in Europe, but it provides some of the finest views and the greatest concentration of 4000m peaks in the Alps. An ultimate high-level trekking traverse, you’ll spend two weeks sleeping in picturesque locations in atmospheric alpine huts and refuges. keadventure.com – Trip Code – CHR
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
Cycle Madagascar – Highlands to the Coast Why? This epic adventure shows off the very best of a beautiful and varied island. No other cycling holiday combines so many unforgettable experiences including spotting ring-tailed lemurs, soaking in volcanic hot springs and relaxing by the Indian Ocean, alongside days exploring utterly unique landscapes from the seat of your bike. keadventure.com – Trip Code – HCMB
EXTENSIONS
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ENHANCE YOUR ADVENTURE
To make your trip even more awesome, extend your holiday with another amazing experience. KE has over 50 carefully curated extension trips across all continents ranging from sightseeing in Angkor Wat to swimming with seals in the Galapagos, or, if you want to enjoy some sightseeing before or after your trip we can arrange extra hotel nights. It is also possible to run many of our trips back-to-back and create a holiday packed full of contrasting experiences. Just ask our friendly experts for advice, and in the meantime, take a look at some highlights below.
MORE THAN
After Petra, relax by the Red Sea, Jordan
It’s said that some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world can be found in here. The lack of strong currents, together with the warm sea temperature, creates perfect conditions for coral growth and this has resulted in fabulous KE ADVENTURE TRAVEL underwater life. You can also swim with sea turtles amongst schools of multi-coloured fish or take a glass-bottomed boat ride over the reefs. There is also, of course, the option to simply relax in the sun on the sandy beaches.
BACK2BACK
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ADVENTURES
FOR 2019
FOR 2019
EXTENSIONS
After the Inca Trail, discover Lake Titicaca, Peru Forming part of the border between Peru and Bolivia, this sacred lake of the Incas, at an elevation of 3830 metres, was where the god Viracocha rose and created the sun, moon, stars and the first people. It is the largest navigable lake in the world. There are several islands in the lake including the ‘floating’ Uros Islands which are man-made from reeds and are home to a pre-Incan people who live a simple traditional life. Travel by luxury train or comfortable bus across the altiplano from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
KE ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Mountains & Deserts in Morocco From the Sahara desert to the highest snowy peak of the Atlas. Our Edge of the Sahara trek and Winter Toubkal Mountain climbing holiday can be put together to create a two week Moroccan adventure of complete contrasts.
Double Canary Islands Take on Spain’s highest mountain and conquer Tenerife’s Mount Teide whilst enjoying spectacular walking in the undiscovered lush peninsula of Anaga. Then ferry to La Gomera, with its breathtaking barrancos & primal cloud-forest, for world-class hiking.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing A chance to find your cross-country ski legs and try snowshoeing for the first time. Combine a beginner cross-country skiing holiday in Aosta, Italy with a fantastic 5 day snowshoeing break over the border in Chamonix, France.
After India’s Himalaya, see the wonders of the Taj Mahal, Agra and Jaipur The Taj Mahal in Agra is the most famous man-made wonder of the world and easily accessible from Delhi. Our 3 day tour visits Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and the Amber Fort. You will depart Delhi on the early morning express train to Agra where a full day's guided sightseeing includes the Agra Red Fort and the Taj Mahal and stay overnight in a hotel. In the morning you depart Agra by private car to Jaipur, stopping en route at the 'ghost' city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Jaipur you check-in to your hotel and have time to explore the famous 'Pink City'.
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
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TRAVELLING SOLO
TRAVELLING SOLO? 5 reasons why it’s great to join a small group One of the biggest trends in 2018 was the growth of people travelling independently. Studies by Adventure Travel Trade Association and Wanderlust Magazine report that 31% of UK travellers did so without friends or partners. So what’s so compelling about joining a group of complete strangers rather than going it alone?
1
You’ll be joining solo travellers too With solo travellers making up almost 50% of group numbers, it’s highly likely you’ll meet fellow travellers who like you, have chosen to go it alone and join a group trip (see box on right for guest Neal’s experience).
2 Off-the-beaten track itineraries designed by experts
You don’t want to miss those iconic sites, and you also want to get off-the-beatentrack. Arrangements on the ground are often hard to organise by yourself so let us take the strain. You may also like the added safety net of travelling in a small group with a guide.
3 When it comes to logistics, KE has it all covered
Baggage transfers are literally a massive weight off your shoulders. For the majority of our holidays, you’ll be walking with a light weight day pack and we’ll transport your main bag every day.
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don’t have to pay more for 4 You travelling solo Unlike many hotels and tour operators, we don’t automatically charge you more because you’re travelling on your own. We first give you the choice to pair up in a twin room or tent with someone in your group of the same sex. However, if you don’t want to share a room, on most tours you can upgrade. your adventure. Make life-long 5 Share friends You will be travelling with like-minded people and you will make life-long friends. You’ll find it’s the moments like chatting away the miles on long walks, reaching that summit together and enjoying a beer or a raki at the end of the day’s triumph, which are the times you’ll remember best in years to come. Top Tip: You can always contact the KE office and ask about the group make-up for a tour you’re thinking of joining.
Hear from fellow adventurer Neal from Wirral, who travelled solo on our Mount Toubkal in Winter trek. Travelling alone was a first for me therefore I was nervous about spending a week with people I didn’t know. My fears were quickly allayed as soon as I met everyone. 10 people with one aim – to summit Toubkal. We could not have wished for a better guide in Omar and his assistant Abdul… the welcome we received was heartwarming and the advice invaluable. To get to the summit above the line of the cloud is an experience which will stay with me for the rest of my life. The views are amazing and the friendships you build with likeminded people are wonderful. This should be on everyone’s bucket list." keadventure.com – Trip Code – WIT
PRIVATE GROUPS AND SELF-GUIDED
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Other ways to travel with KE Private groups and charity challenges If you already have a group of family and friends, it’s possible to join an existing departure. However, sometimes we know that our departures might not match your perfect travel dates, or you might have a significant birthday or an anniversary you’d like to share with family. Or you may want to take on a challenge with your group, either as team-building, or for charity or both. Over the years, we’ve helped many private groups do many different things. One family climbed Kilimanjaro successfully for Dad’s 50th birthday, one private group conquered sand dunes trekking in the Sahara for charity (they raised £24,000) and one group of friends picked their own date to go walking and drinking prosecco in the Italian Lakes. Travelling with KE as a private group gives you flexibility and choice and also the peace of mind that everything is organised for you. We’ll also reward the group organiser with a KE fleece and group members will receive one of our complimentary free gifts. Just pick the trip you’ve always wanted to do, choose your date and give us a ring. We’ll do the rest.
NEW Self-Guided trips in Europe Choosing one of our new self-guided holidays means you’re in charge. We’ve chosen the best hotels, we’ve arranged to transfer your bags and we’re on the end of the phone if you need us, but you’ll be following our detailed route notes, you can choose to walk or cycle at your own pace or spend a little longer at lunch enjoying that extra glass of wine. Take on the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc, or choose more relaxing options like walking the beautiful Cinque Terre coast or a long weekend rambling the shores of exquisite Lake Como. In Spain, choose the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and explore the old quarters of Granada or discover the Austrian Lake District and its beautiful UNESCO towns including Salzburg. Easy-paced self-guided cycling packs a spectacular punch with journeys from The Italian Alps down to Venice, cycling 3 countries (Germany, Austria and Switerland) round beautiful Lake Constance or enjoying life on the Danube from Passau to Vienna. Our self-guided trips are perfect for families too. Pick your perfect date, your perfect trip and we arrange everything else. More details on p84-85 and full information at keadventure.com
Win £50 every month Send us your favourite travel moments Whether it’s standing on top of a long sought-after summit or relaxing at camp with your new adventure buddies, we want to see your favourite moments from travelling on a KE adventure. Simply tag us on Facebook or Twitter, or upload your photo on Instagram and include @keadventure and #keadventuremoments in the caption. If you want to tell us why it’s your favourite moment, we’d love that too! 'For terms and conditions head to keadventure.com/travelmoments. Each month we’ll select a winner to receive a £50 holiday voucher. Happy snapping!
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TREK WALK DISCOVER EUROPE
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TREK WALK DISCOVER EUROPE
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EUROPE HUT-TO-HUT Travel hut-to-hut for complete immersion in a world of high alpine peaks. On each day you can enjoy high trails and reach summits without needing to return to the valleys, and well-stocked huts mean that all you need to carry are a few clothes and your toothbrush. Pete Royall, KE Customer Services Manager, takes us through our top 8...
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TREK WALK DISCOVER EUROPE
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Tackle the Haute Route – Chamonix to Zermatt
This is THE ultimate high Alpine, point to point trekking adventure following the Haute Route from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Taking an uncompromising line from Chamonix to Zermatt, covering 120km and accumulating more than 10,000m of ascent and descent, the Haute Route takes 11 days to complete. You’ll spend 10 nights in classic Alpine huts such as the beautifully perched Cabane de Bertol. Opened in 1898, the Swiss cabin now houses 80 people over 5 dormitories. It has solar panels on the roof to power lights and wood to fuel the stoves. Pies, cakes, tartiflettes, soup, bread and omelettes are all made on site. Classic Haute Route – Trip Code – CHR * Top Tip: Don’t forget to pack some eco-friendly wet wipes and wear merino wool under layers as you’ll be trekking for multiple days without shower facilities – it’s the polite thing to do!
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Switch off in Slovenia’s Julian Alps
Supersize a trip to Slovenia when you venture high into the spectacular Julian Alps. You'll spend 5 nights hut-to-hut trekking, traversing through the heart of the Triglav National Park before summiting Mount Triglav itself, topping out at 2864m. A major highlight of this traverse is the time you spend in the valley of the Seven Lakes and your night at the Prehodovici Hut, nestled between the lakes. Treat yourself to a bottle of Zlatarog (Golden Horn) beer which is named after Slovenia’s famous chamois (a popular local legend). No trip to Slovenia is complete without time to dip your feet in the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Bled. Across the Julian Alps to Triglav – Trip Code – JAT * Top Tip: Travel in July and join our special Digital Detox Departure where you’ll be joined by like-minded travellers who want to unplug from the modern world and say goodbye to their phones.
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The Alpine summiting holiday for mere mortals
Kicking off with an afternoon of Alpine glacier skills training at the Gandegg Hut above Zermatt close to the Matterhorn, KE’s Italian High Level Route is the perfect trip for experienced walkers wanting to summit a number of 4000m peaks. Almost all the mountain huts you’ll stay in are completely inaccessible by regular vehicles meaning you’ll carry your equipment throughout. However, bedding is always provided so you can get your backpack down to around 10kg. On route, you’ll stay at the high-tech, fuel efficient Monte Rosa Hut. Its aluminium shell stores power from the sun in batteries which can fuel a whopping 90% of the hut’s energy needs. The views of the Matterhorn are breath-taking too. Italian High Level Route – Trip Code – IHL * Top Tip: Get a group of 5 together and we'll put on a private departure, on your preferred dates, for the same price as our usual tour.
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Walk in Norway’s “Home of the Giants”
The “Home of the Giants”, Norway’s Jotunheimen is the mightiest mountain region in Northern Europe. Untamed and rich with wildlife, you will trek through a wilderness of peaks, cut through by rivers and ice-blue glaciers. The Norwegians excel at everything outdoors and that includes mountain huts; these are certainly not basic establishments. They are fully staffed and serviced mountain lodges providing dormitory accommodation, plus also have restaurants, bars, lounges, drying rooms and showers. My favourite place to stay is the grass-roofed Skogadasboen hut. It was opened in 1888 and one of its early guests included the famous British mountaineer Cecil Slingsby. Traverse of the Jotunheimen – Trip Code – NOR * Top Tip: Your Norwegian hosts will want you to ‘fill your boots’ at the breakfast buffet and actively invite you to make your packed lunch from the breakfast items.
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Europe’s most challenging long distance trail...
If you want to walk the whole GR20 – North to South, then this is the itinerary for you. Following Corsica's granite backbone down through the heart of the island, you will encounter a variety of terrain, which means that every day will present a different challenge; whether it be hiking forested slopes, high pastures and alpine valleys or scrambling airy ridges and rocky outcrops. This unique European trekking holiday offers the perfect combination of Mediterranean sunshine, inspiring scenery and a challenging walking adventure; you will return a hero. Corsica The Complete GR20 – Trip Code – COR * Top Tip: Book with KE where on the majority of nights you'll camp outside the busy refuges. You can still use the refuges' toilet and washing facilities, but also enjoy the peace, quiet and space of your own tent.
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Trek in the Transylvanian Alps in Romania
Home to fairy-tales and vampiric legend, Romania comprises of medieval villages, dramatic castles and wild mountains. Dating back to 1382, Bran Castle is the fabled home of Count Dracula and a must see when you’re travelling in Romania. However we recommend mixing culture with some real hiking and getting high into the Transylvanian Alps. Here you’ll find Romania’s highest peak Moldoveanu (2544m) and the country’s highest mountain hut – the Cabana Omu mountain refuge. The refuge is built on the mountain Omu which means ‘The Man’. On the way to the hut you’ll hike past the Heroes Cross popularly known as the 'Cross on Caraiman' which was built in memory of railway men who lost their lives during World War I. Trekking the Transylvanian Alps – Trip Code – ROM * Top Tip: Even in remote mountain huts, you'll be able to buy a Romanian beer. Learn the word 'noroc' – it means 'cheers' in Romanian.
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Kungsleden Trek – The King’s Trail of Sweden
Trek through Swedish Lapland and climb its highest peak on one of Europe's most wild and remote hikes, the 'Kungsleden' or 'King's Trail'. The trail is situated 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle where the indigenous Sami people tend their herds of reindeer. Carrying light backpacks, you can spend 8 days trekking through unspoiled flower-carpeted birch forests and spectacular glacial valleys. At night you sleep in Swedish Tourist Association huts, whose hosts ensure the dorms, kitchen and lounge spaces are clean and warm. Many come complete with a provisions shop and there is usually a wood-fuelled sauna too. A great way to relax and ease tired muscles. Kungsleden Trek – The King’s Trail – Trip Code – SKT * Top Tip: You can do this same journey, in winter, on cross-country skis with husky dog support! Check out KE’s Skiing the Kings Trail (SKS) for a unique alternative winter adventure.
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The most dramatic of huts on Europe’s most famous route
Situated at the junction of France, Italy and Switzerland, the glaciated massif of Mont Blanc is circled by one of the world's greatest and most popular long distance walks – the Tour du Mont Blanc. Taking the high-level option wherever possible, you traverse passes like the Col des Fours (2665m) and the Col de la Breya (2401m) and also hike the stunning Monte de la Saxe Ridge. En route, you stay in dramatically located mountain huts. We recommend a beer or hot chocolate on the terrace of the Bonatti Refuge (make sure it’s at sunset to make your moment extra magical) and the Cabane d'Orny, which has, frankly, some of most awesome mountain views in the world. Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc – Trip Code – UTM * Top Tip: This is a high alpine challenging route. The fitter you are and the more walking you can do before you depart, the more you'll enjoy this incredible journey.
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s r u o v a l F
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KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
OF ADVENTURE
Food is more than a simple source of fuel for our adventures – it’s the cultural gateway to the places we love. For us, whether it’s a day spent on mountain trails, walking alongside spectacular coastal views or exploring the streets of idyllic towns, your travels should be rewarded with mouth-watering, authentic local food, experienced and shared together. Take a journey into the ultimate foodie destination, Europe, where there's a whole range of diverse and delectable delicacies waiting to be tasted, if you know where to look...
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MADEIRA | PORTUGAL
ISTRIA | CROATIA
Due to a wonderfully mild climate which enjoys year-round sunshine, you'll find in Madeira countless succulent tropical fruits on display in colourful markets. Discover the flavours of the island by browsing the bustling Mercado do Lavradores and sipping a bica, the Portuguese espresso; enjoying a slab of delicious honey cake as part of a picnic lunch and sampling sweet and rich Madeira wine – best saved until after you’ve finished walking.
Immersed in the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea, much of Istria's gastronomic flair lies in a bountiful selection of seafood. Make sure you experience the fresh, salty taste of the local coast and sample Istria’s succulent oysters and squid. But that’s not all – treasures abound inland too, with unique delicacies such as ćevapčići, perfectly seasoned sausages, or tender wild asparagus, beautiful with a little Istrian olive oil.
Footpaths & Flavours of Madeira – Trip Code – MFS
Footpaths & Flavours of Croatia – Trip Code – IST
TUSCANY | ITALY
MACEDONIA | THE BALKANS
Tuscany makes its mark amongst the culinary giants of Italy by utilising two simple ideologies: simplicity and quality. Tuscan food is all about using the freshest, most beautiful ingredients and letting them do the talking. Days spent walking and drinking in the breath-taking views of the Apennines range are rewarded with an organic range of freshly-plucked fruit, sun-soaked vegetables and delectable local cheeses.
A melting pot of rich culture and beautiful scenery, warm and welcoming Macedonia offers the curious traveller a wonderful taste of Balkan life. Delve into dishes from the Mavrovo region including flaky pies, rich cheeses and a tasty potato speciality, kachamak. A highlight is to be hosted in a Kuratica family home, enjoying a wonderful home-cooked dinner and special homemade rakija infused with local herbs.
Walking Wild Tuscany – Trip Code – WTI
Tastes and Trails of Macedonia – Trip Code – MAC
TREK WALK DISCOVER EUROPE
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Europe’s newest kids on the block, the beautiful Balkans offer the curious traveller a truly authentic travel experience. Get there soon and make sure you try… Börek a delicacy consisting of layers of filo pastry, stuffed with spiced ground meat or cheese. You’ll find it everywhere from Slovenia to Turkey and it’s mouth-wateringly addictive.
Žganje despite its fiery reputation, you must sample the local liquor. An almost compulsory after dinner digestive, zganje transforms you from a tourist to a local in one small glass. Dining late Sofia, Tirana, Skopje and Sarajevo all have a fantastic vibe you’ll want to drink in. Join the locals and head out to dinner in the evenings but be warned, no-one eats before 9pm. Belgrade coffee houses pull up a chair in the Bohemian area of Skadarlija. Thanks to the Ottoman Empire, Serbia was home to coffee houses a century before Vienna. Here you’ll find cobbled lanes dotted with local kafanas; the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.
Teran wine grown in Slovenia and Croatia’s red soil, Teran is heavenly with its delicious scent of raspberries and a rich ruby red colour. It turns a simple dish of bread, prosciutto and cheese into a meal fit for a king. Ljubljana’s elegant atmosphere order a large glass of ruby Teran or chilled Sivi Pinot at Crna Macek (The Black Cat) in the capital of Slovenia and sit overlooking the river and weeping willows in one of the prettiest, greenest capitals in Europe. Vibrant Ish-Blloku the former block, this upmarket district in Tirana used to be home to Albania’s communist leader Hoxar. Now it’s the most happening place in the city and less than a 10 min walk from the centre. Grab yourself one of their fantastic cocktails or an ice cold beer and watch the world go by from the buzzing street terrace.
Kosovan Flija make sure you try this painstakingly constructed but simple Albanian dish. One of the most-time consuming treats to create, flija consists of multiple delicious crêpe-like layers of dough and cream or yoghurt, traditionally cooked slowly over an open fire.
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FAMILY EUROPE
FAMILY ADVENTURES IN EUROPE Our centre-based family holidays in Europe are the perfect way to travel together – no matter whether there are 2 or 10 of you. Arrive at your destination, unpack, settle in and relax into the easiest week of fun and thrilling activities you’ll ever enjoy as a family.
Our week in a Swedish husky lodge Last summer, KE’s Web Manager Lucy spent a week exploring Lapland with her daughter, Katy, on our Swedish Wilderness Family Adventure. Here’s why she’d go back in a heartbeat. When I was asked if I would like to go KE’s family holiday to the Swedish Arctic with my daughter, my immediate thoughts were of snow – so I was rather surprised when I was told I would be going in August for a summer wilderness week. I was also thrilled. This would be a real adventure for just Mum and daughter, doing all the things that Dad would ordinarily organise! It was also the chance for both of us to have a digital detox – utterly perfect.
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Flying from Manchester, within a few hours we were descending into a vast Arctic landscape. Our base for the week, Snowtrail Dog Camp Lodge, was perched on the side of a fishing lake in the forest and felt truly idyllic. We were first greeted by the lodges huskies – all 100 of them! Katy was delighted and ran from one dog run to the other to say hello. We were then introduced to our guide, Lottie, and the rest of our group. There were two other families, one of which had a daughter the same age as Katy. I could tell immediately that they were going to get on brilliantly.
We set up tents and whittled skewers for toasting marshmallows. Whilst a mouth-watering beef stew simmered over the fire, we foraged for wild bilberries, and after dinner we sang campfire songs and toasted marshmallows before getting cosy in our tents, ready for a well-earned sleep.
Our days were spent blissfully exploring, interacting with the huskies (a real highlight for the younger members), canoeing on the lake, relaxing in the lodge’s lakeside sauna and spotting wild reindeer on hikes. We even had the chance to visit Kiruna and the Ice Hotel, a truly memorable experience for everyone young and old.
This holiday far exceeded my expectations. From the vast landscapes, delicious homecooked food, a great balance of activities and relaxation time, to the friendly staff and adorable huskies. But best of all was spending some real quality time with my daughter, far away from the distractions of Minecraft and Roblox!
The highlight of the week was our bush-craft camp night. We travelled by boat to reach camp – a real adventure into the wilderness!
Swedish Wilderness Family Adventure – Trip Code – FSF
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JOURNALIST BEN WESTWOOD
FAMILY EUROPE
Sun, sea and adventure in the Algarve “As a single father, my idea of the perfect family holiday is one where my children are not only kept busy with activities but also meet other families, taking the pressure off me a little.” says journalist Ben Westwood. “The close-knit small group vibe of this centre-based family adventure was ideal.” This summer Ben and his family travelled to Portugal on behalf of The Telegraph on our Family Adventures in the Algarve holiday – here’s Ben’s account of a typical day.
Recommend a family see page 6 for full offer details
After a sumptuous buffet breakfast on the terrace overlooking the valley, we set off on mountain bikes through forests fragrant with pine and eucalyptus trees. Jake and I took off towards the front, leaning into the steeper hills and enjoying our first bike ride in far too long. Isabella took things at her own pace further behind. It was hardly a competition to get there, but rather take in the spectacular surroundings. We stopped off for fresh lemonade in the village of Carrapateira, then headed north to the hills above stunning beach Praia da Bordeira, a haven for surfers. Some offroad fun along the coast ensued as we turned south to our destination Praia do Amado for an afternoon of swimming and bodyboarding. Conditions on Amado were ideal and, while surfing here is quite challenging for first-timers, bodyboarding doesn’t take long to learn. After an hour of not quite timing my jumps correctly, I raced into the beach on the breaks alongside Jake and his new friends, who were loving it. After a perfect day of cycling, bodyboarding and relaxation on the beach, we returned to the farm. I enjoyed an indulgent spell in the outdoor African shower followed by a delicious barbecue, some board games, table tennis and a beer at sunset. I could definitely get used to days like this. Family Adventures in the Algarve – Trip Code – FPA
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TREK WALK DISCOVER EUROPE
YOU DON’T ALWAYS HAVE TO TRAVEL HALF WAY ROUND THE WORLD Sometimes, the adventure we’ve been looking for is just on our doorstep, says journalist Will Hide. Captivated by the treasures of this spectacular Atlantic island, Will accompanied one of our groups to explore Portugal’s Madeira in January 2018. He travelled on behalf of The Times. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Madeira. But usually the best holidays are ones where you go with an open mind and few preconceptions. The pall of a cold, drizzly day in London was replaced less than four hours later by the sunshine and warmth of a January afternoon. I meandered around the market in Funchal, the Portuguese island’s capital, with its array of flowers, fruits and meanlooking Black Scabbard fish, which, actually, turned out to taste delicious when fried lightly with a passion fruit sauce. But I was here for the hiking and, on this point, I genuinely had no idea what lay ahead of me. To say by the end I was blown away was an understatement. Partly it was down to my guide Roberto, who brought the countryside to life every
kilometre with his tall tales and explanations of flora and fauna. And it was certainly down to the varied, lush, green countryside with its many ups and downs. In fact, I was amazed by the variety of hiking on Madeira, which I just hadn’t anticipated. One day we started at Pico do Arieiro, which at 1,181m, is the island’s third highest peak, before zigzagging through both sun and mist up hills and down steep gorges to the coast. En route, we passed some of the island’s 2000km-long network of levadas, the man-made canals that have made Madeira agriculturally rich over the centuries. On another morning, we hiked from Queimadas, with giant dandelions and rhododendrons, along the 18th-century Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This took us through seemingly-prehistoric laurel forests where water dripped from ferns and
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branches. Tiny Firecrest birds darted about busily, extracting insects from underneath tree bark. On other days, we walked on the sunnier western side of the island where giant cactuses lined the path as we descended to the sea, finishing by dabbling our feet in the Atlantic and downing a refreshing lager to celebrate more kilometres under our belt. I came home from Madeira refreshed, and reminded that we don’t always have to travel half way round the world when gorgeous scenery and adventure lie on our doorstep. Levada Trails and Peaks of Madeira – Trip Code – MWW
29 NORWAY – Lofoten The Lofoten Islands might be trending in the world of travel, but much of this now famous archipelago remains untarnished by time. Amongst stunning craggy peaks and bright blue waters, discover the lively fishing community of Henningsvaer, a collection of islands which remained unconnected to the mainland until 1981. Walking the Wild and Untamed Lofoten Islands – Trip Code – LFI
PORTUGAL – The Azores Crater lakes, turquoise waters and lush volcanic scenery abound in the Azores – but this isn’t surprising for a far-flung archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic. Cruise around the perfectly conical peak of Pico on a zodiac and keep your eyes peeled for sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins. Walks and Whale-Watching in the Azores – Trip Code – AWW
SPAIN – The Canaries Recently made the official newest member of the Canary Islands, take a ferry to the charming isle of La Graciosa as part of your holiday exploring Lanzarote. Enjoy constantly changing scenery as you wander off-the-beaten path on its stark but beautiful landscapes. Walking Lanzarote – The Island of Eternal Spring – Trip Code – LWW
FRANCE – Corsica Snaking across the granite peaks of France’s ‘Scented Isle’ lies one of the toughest longdistance treks in Europe – the iconic GR20. Hike the whole route to witness spectacular scenery revealed only to those prepared to explore on foot. Corsica – The Complete GR20 – Trip Code – COR
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GREECE – Crete
islands in Europe to visit in 2019
On an island adventure, you’re witness to the results of some of the most powerful forces of nature on earth – tectonic plates shifting, volcanoes erupting and super-heated rock bursting from the ocean’s depths. This explosive activity creates destinations ripe for adventure; from walking atop inspiring coastal cliffs to thrilling scrambling across rugged peaks, summiting fiery volcanoes to spotting marine life. Uncover the secrets of some true geological marvels…
This richly varied isle embodies everything Greece has to offer in both culture and adventure. With spectacular gorges, the dramatic limestone peaks of the White Mountains and miles of sun-kissed shorelines, it’s not hard to become enchanted by this island’s mesmerising beauty. Walk the White Mountains of Crete – Trip Code – CRE
ITALY – Sicily The highlight of an island-hopping adventure around Sicily’s sparkling Aeolian Islands. Ride the hydrofoil to reach Stromboli’s black-sand beaches, before ascending to watch the fiery sparks of volcanic activity over a picnic dinner at sunset. Walking the Islands and Volcanoes of Sicily – Trip Code – SVW
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CYCLING EUROPE
ADVENTURES IN CYCLING Whether it’s speeding along smooth Alpine roads, cruising down the banks of a winding river or navigating thrilling forest tracks, there is something truly invigorating about exploring on your bike. Take on a different kind of journey and discover Europe on two wheels – it’s an adventure in itself. Europe has a great deal to offer the cyclist. It has one of the best cycling infrastructures in the world. Long distance cycling paths like the Danube bike trail allow for cross-border adventures while bespoke bike paths connect tiny villages and towns together. For the avid road cyclist, it has endless sweeping cols that weave through snow-capped peaks and offer even the fittest rider an exciting challenge. Some of our KE Classic road cycling holidays like our Tour of Gran Canaria include dramatic climbs like these as well as super smooth sweeping descents and are enough to satisfy any adrenaline-seeking roadie. This year we’ve seen NEW trips in exciting destinations like the Balkans become firm favourites. Our Balkan Trilogy Road Cycle Tour journeys through Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro, ending in Dubrovnik and has rightly received rave reviews. Or for something completely different, cycle the out-of-this-world scenery of Turkey’s Cappadocia.
In 2018, we decided we wanted to expand our range of cycling adventures, because we want everyone to be able to enjoy the freedom of exploring by bike, at every level. We have a new easy cycling holiday on the sun-kissed Greek island of Kefalonia, where you’ll cycle through olive groves and enjoy picturesque harbour side cafes and a glass of Robola wine with the locals. Or try the delicious food in Istria, Croatia as you journey gently from hilltop towns to the coast. Rides like these will create memories of a lifetime. Balkan Trilogy Road Cycle Tour – Trip Code – BAMB Cycling Captain Corelli’s Island – Trip Code – KFMB Turkish Delight – Trip Code – TUMB Tour of Gran Canaria – Trip Code – GCMB Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria – Trip Code – WRMB More cycling on page 91-93
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“ EASY CYCLING, BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE AND SERIOUSLY GOOD FOOD AND WINE. THIS HOLIDAY DELIVERED EVERYTHING IT PROMISED, AND MORE” G illian from Totnes, Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria ★★★★★
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Self-Guided Cycling Choose your pace with a self-guided cycling holiday. Having recognised that not everyone wants to be part of a small group adventure we’ve now launched our new for 2019 self-guided cycling range. We understand that some of you prefer to feel more independent while exploring new places, so in order to help you relax and enjoy a worry free holiday, let us do the hard work for you. We can arrange all the logistics, plan your routes, book your accommodation and transport your luggage. It will save you spending endless hours organising and planning. Our new self-guided holidays range from pedalling through the stunning Italian Alps, past lush orchards and green vineyards to Venice, to cycling through Switzerland, Germany and Austria around Lake Constance with a chance to visit the mighty and impressive Rhine Falls.
Why KE? Why spend time on all the boring logistics of booking hotels and looking for the best routes to follow. We do it all so you don’t have to! With more accumulated experience of worldwide adventure cycling than any other tour operator our itineraries are created by cyclists for cyclists and cater for all levels of ability. We aim to cycle more and transfer less, include bike hire for free wherever possible and most of our holidays are fully supported with a back-up vehicle so you can just sit back and ride!
Your questions answered What do I have to carry? Will my hire bike come with a bottle cage? Can I wear lycra when cycling in Morocco? What happens if I can't keep up with the group? Got a question about your cycling holiday? We do our best to answer everything you’re not sure about to help you feel ready and prepared for your holiday. Check out our FAQ’s on www.keadventure.com/ holiday-types/cycling or call the office anytime to speak to our cycling and destination experts. Cycling Bolzano to Venice – Trip Code – SGBV Cycling Lake Constance & Rhine Falls – Trip Code – SGCO
How to choose the right cycling holiday With itineraries to cater for all levels, to help you choose we divide our holidays into different categories. Road cycling holidays – Ideal for those who love a smooth surface and long distances best tackled on a drop handlebar road bike. Mountain biking holidays – You’ll experience anything from forested dirt tracks to technical singletrack, the bike you’ll be riding will be either a hardtail or full suspension. Adventure cycling holidays – These range from easy to epic so check the grade. You’ll generally ride on tarmac or dirt roads on a mountain bike with semi-slick tyres. Leisure cycling holidays – You’ll mainly ride on easy-to-ride hybrid bikes on quiet roads or cycle paths. Bike hire is normally included in these holidays and they are generally suitable for everyone.
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KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
THE KING'S TRAIL
SWEDEN'S CROWNING GLORY hen I joined this KE holiday, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but it really was a trip of a lifetime. W In fact it is probably one of the best KE trips I have ever been on. I loved the fact that although I was in a group with some lovely people, sometimes it felt like it was just me, the sound of crunching snow and the remote wilderness. I found I could lose myself in my own thoughts and enjoy a pleasant (occasionally challenging) week of total digital detox. Tavienne Kelly - Marketing Manager. Remember to look up – You're only in Abisko for two nights at the beginning, so don't forget to look up. It's one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights and I was blessed with an amazing light show one evening when walking back to my lodge from dinner. If you keep an eye out you can also see them while staying in some of the huts along the way. In March they are maybe not as active as at other times of year, but I was mesmerised. Trust me, it's worth a nightime visit to the outdoor loo and the effort to carry a good camera. In winter, it doesn't get much better than Sweden's magical Lapland. The Kings Trail (also known as Kungsleden) is a 400km route that weaves its way from Abisko in the far north to Hemavan further south. Its intriguing scenery and stunning mountain landscapes, along with beautifully situated hosted cosy mountain huts, provide for a fantastic skiing (or walking) adventure. Here are some lessons I learned along the way.
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Have a wood fired sauna – The Swedish huts were far cosier and better equipped than I had imagined. Some of them even have amazing little saunas with small washrooms. You may not feel like stripping off after you’ve got cosy in your hut after skiing all day, but it’s worth the effort to feel warm, relaxed and clean... and of course be ache free the next day. Don't forget to take a small towel with you – although, you are in Sweden!
Cuddle the dogs – One of the most magical and fun parts of this holiday is that you have dog sledges and there is nothing more mesmerising than watching the mushers drive their teams of Siberian and Alaskan husky dogs so peacefully through the mountains. These gorgeous, fluffy, yet incredibly hardy creatures love a good cuddle after a hard day pulling the sleds and there is plenty of time after skiing to go and give them some attention. They really make the trip special. Don’t take too much in your doggie bag – I'm not talking about leftover pizza or chinese takeaway, I mean the small lightweight bags that go on the dog sledges. Not only do the dogs have to tow all the weight, but you will also find that you’ll use a lot less than you think. You really do just need one change of top, a few undies & spare socks, some PJs, hut slippers, your toothbrush, camera, medical supplies and a book. We say you can take 7kg in your dog bag, but you could get this down to 4-5kg.
WINTER EUROPE
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MORE WINTER INSPIRATION…
Enjoy your digital detox – Some of us don't like the thought of being without text messages, Facebook or the internet. If I have one bit of advice, it's give it a go on this adventure. Warn everyone at home that they won't hear from you for 6 days and relish in the peace and quiet. No message notifications, no annoying ringtones, just pure silence and the opportunity to enjoy the groups company. However much I missed my partner while I was away, I was disappointed to see the telephone mast at Kebnekaise Mountain Station and the feeling of heading back to reality. How to pack your bags – The confusion of what gets packed in what bag can be a little daunting. Don't worry. We have all the information clearly listed on our equipment lists. But these are my suggestions. Take 3 bags. Bag 1 which is your main bag should be a large wheely suitcase or KE trek bag. This is what you will pack everything into and leave stuff in when you head off on the tour. Bag 2 is your small bag; it should hold just a few personal items for the tour only and weigh no more than 7kg. Bag 3 is your rucksack which you will carry on your backs every day. In this you'll carry a sleeping bag, thermos flask, roll mat, medical kit, down jacket, warm top, lunch, water and a share of the group’s saftety equipment. A 60 ltr rucksack is ideal.
It's not always glorious sunshine – It's on the equipment list but do remember to take ski goggles – ones with a clear or persimmon lens and not ones with polarised ones. You’ll definitely need these if the weather turns bad and for the super exciting snowmobile ride from Kebnekaise to Nickaloukta on the last day. What a way to finish...
The key to having a fantastic snow-filled adventure holiday is picking the right one for you. Whether you have snowshoed or cross-country skied for years, or are just experimenting for the first time, we have plenty of choice that covers all levels of ability from beginner to backcountry. Bulgaria is a great choice for a first snowshoeing holiday as there are plenty of easy snow-covered trails in the Vitosha National Park that take you through a magical winter wonderland. Skiing in the Jura mountains in France and Switzerland is more challenging and ideally needs some previous cross-country ski experience as you will be exploring one of the secret pockets of the Alps. And if you're not a skier, don't forget you can experience the wilds of the Swedish Arctic by showshoeing too. Experience the beauty of the Far North as you head out in search of the Northern Lights and stay in a remote mountain cabin. Bulgaria Snowshoe – Trip Code – BSA Traverse of the Jura Ski Tour – Trip Code – TJS Northern Lights Snowshoe – Trip Code – NLS
Stop, take a breath and admire the scenery – Remember, you are in one of the most unique and beautiful places on the planet, Swedish Lapland. Filled with frozen waterfalls, icy lakes, sparkling snow covered mountains, Northern Light shows and remote Sami villages. It's easy to keep your head down and look at your skis, but remember to stop, take a breath and admire the magnificent scenery all around you. One of my favourites was the valley just after the downhill section after you have left Tjakja hut en-route to Singi. It was truly mindblowing. Have some fun – Go for a little sledge at Singi or have a snowball fight at Salka, laugh at each other as you fall over on the downhills or end up knee deep in powder snow. This holiday has a lot of fun opportunities when you have finished for the day, as well as enjoyable skiing. Inside the Arctic Circle, Ski the Kings Trail – SKS
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NEPAL Ranking no.1 amongst the world’s adventure travel destinations, a journey into the Nepal Himalaya is one every mountain lover must make at least once in their lifetime. A legendary land of towering mountains, timeless villages, welcoming people and miles of winding trails awaits – will you answer the call?
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TREK WALK DISCOVER ASIA
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A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO NEPAL Kit Wilkinson who has worked at KE for over 30 years knows this incredible country almost as well as his hometown of Keswick. We asked him: where is perfect for that first trekking holiday to Nepal? And then – where do you go for your next trip?
Mount Everest is the obvious choice for a large number of people. It’s the world's most iconic mountain, and largest of course, with a wealth of fascinating mountaineering history to boot. The Everest Basecamp experience has changed since the early days of Nepal trekking, and there now exists an infrastructure alongside the awe-inspiring landscapes which will make your trek more comfortable than ever before. All KE groups now take advantage of the colourful trailside lodges which have been set up by the Sherpa people, and some of the lower villages have cafes, clinics, bars, shops and even Wi-Fi, making this epic region accessible to all kinds of traveller.
Only the Annapurna region comes close to rivalling Everest in terms of its popularity with first-time Nepal visitors. More accessible than the Khumbu, since there is no flight to a mountain airstrip to factor in, your trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary starts from the laid-back, lakeside town of Pokhara and includes the chance to experience the wonderful range of Nepalese landscape, from rice paddies and banana trees low down, to some of the finest mountain views from Poon Hill and in the Sanctuary itself. Just like on the Everest Basecamp Trek, you’ll stay in comfortable lodges overnight with all meals included in your holiday price.
Not everyone wants to follow the crowd. It's not always about a Bucket List adventure; it's more about visiting remote areas in beautiful countries and learning about culture and local traditions. If that is you, then an area that will suit you better is the Ganesh Himal. Close to Kathmandu yet rarely visited by Western Trekkers, the secret trails of this timeless region are well worth exploring for a taste of Nepal at its most authentic. Everest Basecamp Trek – Trip Code – EBL Annapurna Sanctuary – Trip Code – ASL Ganesh Himal Panorama – Trip Code – GHP
KIT'S TOP TIPS FOR TREKKING TO EVEREST BASECAMP D-I-Y HOT WATER BOTTLE
YOU’LL BE ABLE TO GET ONLINE
After dinner your water bottles (I take two indestructible one-litre Nalgene bottles) will be filled with water that has been boiled to purify it. Slip one of these bottles in your sleeping bag to keep you warm at night.
I would recommend having a digital detox while trekking but if you want or need to you can get WiFi at the lodges all the way to basecamp! Costs and reliability vary but it’s highly likely that you can get that proud photo of Everest on Instagram if you want, or report back to relatives at home.
PACK LIGHT BY TAKING TRAVEL WASH It's important to pack light for the internal flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Take travel wash rather than lots of extra clothes. Use biodegradable travel liquid wash or similar and wash a few items when you have two nights in one place. Put them on a wall in the sun and they’ll dry in no time.
TAKE SUN CREAM AND SUN-BLOCK FOR YOUR LIPS The hot sun, dry air and likely breathlessness at altitude mean your lips can get dry, cracked and sore. Sun cream or lip balm with a high SPF and moisturising factor will help prevent this.
FIND TIME TO BE ALONE WITH THE MOUNTAINS You’ll have free time in the afternoons after arriving at your destination for the day. This is a great time to relax, drink tea and play cards. However, it’s also nice to spend time appreciating the mountains on your own. You only need to walk a short distance from the lodge and sit alone for a few moments to appreciate the scale and beauty of your surroundings in peace - it’s a truly magical experience.
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TREK WALK DISCOVER ASIA
WHY ONE VISIT TO NEPAL IS NEVER ENOUGH
“ IT'S NOT A QUESTION OF WHY YOU GO BACK, IT'S A QUESTION OF WHEN.”
K
it’s guide to where to go and what to do on your second, third and every trip to Nepal after that.
So, you’ve experienced trekking at 4000 metres and know you can deal with it. You’ve tried the food and know you like it. And, you’ve had a go at lodge-trekking and want to experience the original style of travelling through Nepal, staying in tents and supported by a full trek crew. You’ll find that trekking one of Nepal’s quieter regions does offer a different experience to the Everest Trail. There’s something very special about passing through a remote village and spending time with local people who, seeing few outsiders, are just as curious about you as you are about them. Then, having walked all day through a high and pristine valley, far from the trappings of the outside world, it’s life-affirming to settle in at camp as the sun sets, alone except for the other members of your group. This is arguably a more authentic taste of Nepal. And talking about taste, the food provided by our first-rate cooks on these camping trips is usually a highlight. Involving two internal flights just to get there, our classic Shey Gompa and Inner Dolpo trip has always been rated as ‘remote’. As a result, very few people visit this wild-west outpost and the starkly beautiful landscape and unique cultural outlook of the people, the Dolpo-Pa, has remained special and unchanged. This is classic trekking over 20 days in the footsteps of 'The Snow Leopard' author, Peter Matthiessen.
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At the other end of the country, Kangchenjunga to Makalu via the Lumba Sumba La provides you with the chance to undertake a rare journey between two of the world’s great peaks. Only recently opened up and a part of the Great Himalayan Trail, this adventure combines some of the finest trekking in Nepal. You'll not only be rewarded with spectacular mountain views from the Lumba Sumba La, but also get to enjoy walking through the multi-ethnic villages of the Tamur and Arun valleys and experience the wildlife of the Makalu-Barun National Park. If combating the challenges of altitude on a 6000 metre peak is more your speed, then consider heading west to the remote Buddhist
villages of Naar and Phu where you can trek in an unspoilt remote area. Here you get to climb the magnificent Chulu Far East (6059m) boasting a superb panorama of the Annapurnas, and views of the snowy peaks of Tibet. Whatever it is you are looking for, Nepal has a great deal to offer time and time again. With its sheer variety of trekking trails, towering peaks, timeless villages and welcoming people, there is every reason to return.
Our recommended trips for returners: Shey Gompa and Inner Dolpo – Trip Code – DOL Kangchenjunga to Makalu – Trip Code – LSL Chulu Far East – Trip Code – CTL
TREK & WALK – NEPAL
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Ladakh Another view of the Himalaya
When it comes to trekking in the Himalaya more often than not people turn towards Nepal. However, I was lucky enough to get another view of the Himalaya when last year I visited the mountains of north-west India for the first time.
Head of Product Jo Rolls. undertook KE’s Markha Valley Trek last year, and it was one of the most amazing trips of her life. She shared some highlights with us.
A little less well-known than their Nepali neighbours, the mystical peaks of Ladakh offer just as inspirational an adventure for any mountain-lover. Landing at 3500m in the laid-back town of Leh is a great introduction to mountainous Ladakh. As breath can be sparse to start with, it’s good to take your time and visit Buddhist temples, haggle in markets and drink in the wondrous layers of snow-capped mountains, properly acclimatising before starting into the ruggedly beautiful landscape which awaits. The Markha Valley trek itself is some of the most stunning hiking I’ve been privileged enough to embark upon. The route sees you constantly surrounded by Himalayan peaks, such as Stok Kangri and Kang Yantze, but also introduces you to mountain colours unlike anything I’d ever seen. Rock hews formed by mineral deposits display ranges of reds, browns, greens, purples and greys which change colour as the day progresses and the light of the sun waxes and wanes.
Along the way you come across remote villages adorned with colourful prayer flags flapping in the breeze, monasteries perched precariously atop rock faces and the impressive mani stones. They’re carried for miles by villagers to form isolated walls, all made up of these intricately carved stone prayer tablets. From a cup of tea snuggled in your sleeping bag at the start of the day to a hot chocolate at the end, the days on the trek are filled with chatter and support from your group as you dodge the occasional errant yak, cross streams on stepping stones and catch your breath on the ascents. I was always in awe of the wonders around us. If you like the idea of an alternative view of the Himalaya, or just a truly stunning 8-day hike to accompany time spent in Leh or Delhi, I cannot recommend the Markha Valley enough. I only hope one day I will get the chance to return. The Markha Valley Trek – Trip Code – MAR Stok Kangri & the Markha Valley – Trip Code – STK
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TREK WALK DISCOVER ASIA
INTO THE THRONE ROOM
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Our story in Pakistan Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
Sometimes it’s impossible to predict when inspiration will strike. In 1982, KE’s founders, Tim Greening and Glenn Rowley, picked up a copy of In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods, travel writer and photographer Galen Rowell’s account of the failed American expedition to climb K2. Stunned by the photos inside, they were instantly inspired to make their own journey to this astonishing range and discover it for themselves. They made their first trip at a time very few people were trekking in this spectacular mountain region, and were instantly hooked. This was real adventure – but that didn’t have to mean it was inaccessible. Tim and Glenn, together with Mohammed Iqbal, their guide from that first trip, set up the ‘Karakoram Experience’ to take British trekkers into these astounding peaks and offer them the same experience. Over the coming years, this venture would become what KE Adventure Travel is today – an adventure travel company built upon years of expertise of guiding people to remote
and wonderful places. But the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan will always hold a special place in our hearts. We’ve organised trips there nearly every year since we began, and some of our leaders – and lifelong friends – have been guiding trekkers there for over 30 years. Even today, these mountains remain relatively untouched by tourism and are the answer for those seeking a sense of the wild, to dive into remote regions and feast their eyes upon places few other Western trekkers will have seen. Whether it’s hiking to the ‘throne room’, the breath-taking junction of Concordia, donning crampons to walk atop glaciers, or conquering the summit of Gondogoro Peak, this is adventure trekking at its finest. The future of trekking in Pakistan is bright with the lifting of travel restrictions by a number of countries and more and more people wanting to discover what our leaders describe as ‘the best mountain scenery on the planet’. Before the crowds arrive, 2019 could be the year to follow in the footsteps of Galen Rowell.
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“ THE KARAKORAM MOUNTAINS ARE WHERE IT ALL STARTED FOR KE...” Glenn Rowley, Co-Founder
In the 90s, our brochures featured intricate hand drawn maps, pictured, of the Karakoram mountain range which we’d created ourselves. They must have been pretty accurate – on a flight a year later, we found them inside the pages of the Pakistan International Airlines welcome pack.
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TREK WALK DISCOVER ASIA
Among the Mountain Gods Probably around the same time Tim and Glenn were poring over the impossible photos inside In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods, Bryan Hardaker was doing the same. Around 30 years later in 2017, he decided to make the journey himself and so joined a KE group on our K2 and Concordia trek. Galen Rowell clearly has a lot to answer for…
Bryan Hardaker’s journey was published
in Adventure Travel magazine – here’s an
excerpt from his excellent account.
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For the first couple of days on trek, we followed rough goat-herders' tracks along the Braldu River to Paiju at 3,340m. I had settled into that wonderfully relaxing routine of trekking life. The simple pleasures of the early morning cup of tea, the breakfast porridge, lunch magically produced in the middle of a glacier, faffing in the tent before dinner, and best of all for me, no phone signal and no idea what’s happening in the world outside our bubble – except of course in the cricket! Some days later we were there - Concordia, the place that Rowell had called “the throne room of the mountain gods”. This is what I had come to see. It’s on a T-junction of glaciers creating a stunning cirque of some of the most
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“ ONE BOOK CAUGHT MY ATTENTION MORE THAN ANY OTHER – IN THE THRONE ROOM OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS. IF BUCKET LISTS HAD BEEN INVENTED IN THE 70S THEN K2 WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE TOP OF MINE!”
spectacular mountains on Earth. But the cloud had closed in and the big peaks couldn’t be seen. I snuggled into my sleeping bag that night hoping for a better day tomorrow. It wasn’t to be. The cloud closed around the mountains and the first snow flurries started as we set off to walk the five miles along the Godwin-Austen Glacier to Broad Peak Base Camp. The unpredictable weather is part of the appeal of travelling in the mountains for me, so I was disappointed but philosophical about the outcome, or I would be if only the clouds would clear from K2! The next morning was better, with some blue sky, but the mountains were still shrouded in mist. We passed part of the day walking on the
glacier towards the Gasherbrums, mountains on which Tom had organised expeditions in the past. As I went to bed that night I was resigned to the fact that I wasn’t going to see the view that had captured my imagination all those years ago. At 4am I was awoken. Someone was saying: “It’s clear; it’s clear!” I was out of the tent in a flash and there it was, the perfect triangle of K2 set against a blue sky with the sun just touching the Abruzzi Spur. It was absolute magic. For the next two hours we wandered around taking hundreds of photos and just gazing in awe at the scale of everything surrounding us.
days later, we were back in the heat, experiencing the sights and sounds of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. But my mind was still full of those magical mountains of the Karakoram. I felt so privileged to have been able to visit the throne room of the mountain gods. K2 and Concordia – Trip Code – K2 Gondogoro Peak – Trip Code – GHU K2, Concordia and the Gondogoro La – Trip Code – GLA
We were a much happier group as we left Concordia on our walk back to Askole.Seven
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TREK WALK DISCOVER ASIA
TREKKING IN THE KINGDOM OF HAPPINESS Caroline Williams, our Product Manager for Bhutan, fulfilled a long-held ambition in 2018 by trekking the ancient Druk Path in Bhutan. Steeped in tradition whilst embracing modernity, the last Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is a land like no other. Spirited festivals dominate the yearly calendar and its national philosophy of measuring success by happiness is starting to take on around the world. But what makes it just so special? Caroline kept a daily diary of her time on the Druk Path Trek to capture a little of its magic for us.
Day Three : We arrive at sunrise on the final day of the festival to witness the unfurling of the Great Thangka which is said to liberate the soul. Then a red carpet arrives – it is the King. He is the same age as Prince William, has a ‘commoner’ wife (the daughter of a pilot) and is adored by his subjects. Everyone is visibly thrilled to meet him as he wanders the crowd. We’ve met royalty, now it’s time to set off into the mountains for our 5 day trek.
Day One : There are only 8 pilots in the world qualified to land in Paro. We make it, with spectacular views of Everest from the left hand side of the plane. We head straight to the Paro Festival. The Bhutanese ladies look exquisite and the temples covered with golden banners are amazing.
Day Four : We are trekking on a trading route
Day Two : We’re off to The Tiger’s Nest, a quiet 3 hour walk with an ascent of 700m to get us acclimatised. The Tiger’s Nest is as amazing as all its photos. We take off our shoes and leave all our phones and cameras. No photos of the interior exist. It makes it truly special because there’s no ‘spoilers’. Then it’s time for more festival dancing – a whirling feast of vibrant hounds hunting the golden stag.
from Paro to Thimphu, the capital. The scenery is spectacular. Our two guides look after us really well, in addition to gathering litter to win a prize run by our team to make sure the mountains are kept clean. We stop at a tiny hill-top monastery and arrive into camp just as it starts to snow, but hot drinks and noodle soup are ready and waiting for us.
Day Five : Tonight we will be camping by the side of a lake which is said to be home to a mystical ox, and local farmers bring their cows here in the hope that they will produce strong offspring. Chillies and cheese is on the menu tonight – Bhutan’s national dish. Early to bed in our carpeted tents with hot water bottles as it starts to snow again.
ESSENTIAL MONTHLY FESTIVAL FACTS Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
“ GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS IS THE ENTIRE ETHOS OF HOW THE KING RUNS BHUTAN. HAPPINESS IS HOW SUCCESS IS JUDGED.”
February – Punakha Festival Taking place at the stunning Dzong in Punakha, this festival includes a dramatic recreation of a scene from a 17th century battle and victory against the Tibetan army. April – Paro Festival The highlight of this festival is on the last day: the unfurling of the Giant Silk Thangka depicting Guru Rinpoche. The Thangka is unfurled at dawn and rolled away again just hours later.
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Day Six : More French toast in our snow covered camp. We set off into the wilder mountains and towards the yak herds. The high plateau is home to a rare parasitic fungus used for a very precious Tibetan medicine ($20,000 per kg!). Only the yak herders are allowed to collect it. It looks like grass – we tread carefully. Later we try some in tea – it’s awful. We arrive at our highest campsite and the ponies hang out with us as we relax in camp. Day Seven : Our final day of trekking is
over the highest pass at 4100m. Time for a triumphant group photo with snowy Himalayan peaks behind us. There are so many peaks, the Bhutanese don’t name them. Mountaineering is banned as the mountains are sacred. That’s why Bhutan has the world’s highest unclimbed peak – Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m). Now we start our descent past monasteries (the young monks were reading Sherlock Holmes) and we can soon see the capital in the distance, as well as the world’s largest golden seated Buddha watching down on it. We drive the last stretch to Thimphu. There are no traffic lights in Bhutan so the dancing policeman guides us round the roundabout safely.
Day Eight : After a visit to the market, we get
to the archery ground. Competitors have to fire their arrows 140m. The ribaldry is hilarious and hair-raising as competitors try to put each other off by dancing round the tiny target and jeering. A drive takes us to Punakha via Bhutan’s highest road. It’s warmer and there are rice paddies around our hotel.
Day Nine : Punakha is decorated everywhere with penises. Home to Drukpa Kunley, a revered monk who believed in drinking, womanising and naughty jokes, images of his penis (known as his ‘flaming thunderbolt of wisdom’) are said to protect against evil and promote fertility. Punakha is not a town for the faint-hearted. Next we visit Punakha Dzong, a mighty fortress built at the confluence of two rivers, The Mother (Mo) and The Father (Po). The decoration in the altar room, again which can’t be photographed, is intricate, ornate and wonderful.
CHINA
Punakha Tongsa
Thimphu Paro
Wangdue Prodrang
Jakar
Mongar
Phuntsholing
Sarpang
Our final dinner is taken at our favourite restaurant in Paro, where we can see the night lights illuminating the Dzong, towering over the town. Chillies and cheese has never, ever, tasted so good.
BHUTAN Trashigang
Geylegphug Samdrup Jongkhar
The Druk Path Trek – Trip Code – DRK
October – Chomolhari Mountain Festival The local mountain communities come together to celebrate one of the region’s most elusive visitors, the Snow Leopard. It takes place at the foot of the sacred mountain, Chomolhari. The festival includes snow leopard themed dances performed by the local people.
October – Thangbi Mani Festival Watch the Mewang Ceremony (fire blessing) where people jump over flames to purify themselves from their evil deeds. Jump three times and you will be blessed for an entire year.
November – Black-Necked Cranes Festival Celebrate the arrival from Tibet of the endangered black necked cranes. These rare migrating birds make the Phobjikha Valley their home from November to February each year.
October – Thimphu Festival Taking place in Bhutan’s capital city, this is ‘Bhutan’s Ascot’. Expect to see the crowd wearing their most colourful and elaborate decorated Gho and Kira.
December – Trashigang Festival People from all around East Bhutan gather at this festival, including the nomadic Brokpa, who stand out from the crowd in their unique dress.
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KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY “ IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE WILD UNSPOILT HIGH MOUNTAIN TREKKING AS IT USED TO BE DONE, GO GET YOURSELF OUT TO THE FANN MOUNTAINS.” John from Telford, The Ultimate Fann Mountains Trek ★★★★ 44
BEYOND THE SILK ROAD
There are few places left in the world which can match the undiscovered beauty of the Stans. A journey here is liking stepping into the world of travel fiction; jewels such as the gleaming blue domes of Samarkand's grand architecture are matched in grandeur only by exploring beyond to experience the epic quiet of mountain ranges still untouched by travellers. Whether it's on foot or by bike, step into the heart of Central Asia and discover a land that time nearly forgot...
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TREK WALK CYCLE THE STANS
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The Fann Mountains: relatively unknown, utterly spectacular. KE Operations Manager Tim Nicholl reports on his journey through the paradisiacal peaks of Tajikistan.
PURE TREKKING IN THE FANN MOUNTAINS When I told people I was off to trek in the Fann Mountains, I was met with blank stares from most people, including many who are well travelled. The former Soviet republic of Tajikistan lies nestled in the heart of Central Asia. It’s not a well-known destination, so tourism and trekking are still in their infancy there. This is one of the many factors that make the Fann Mountains an exceptional place to travel to. Visit and you’ll find a sprawling range of trails to take you on a journey through breath-taking mountains, some of which soar to heights of over 5000m and are interrupted only by the lush grooves of verdant green valleys and azure lakes. We wound our way through the peaks and troughs of this truly unique range on routes devoid of human contact, save for the times we would stumble across the settlements of transhumant shepherds who make the
mountains their summer home. Women in colourful headscarfs and bright dresses were working hard as we walked through, heartily churning butter in wooden urns. We stopped for a break as offers of fragrant green tea, yoghurt and curd were bundled out from inside their yurts. At night, we camped in locations which can only be described as little pockets of paradise. Tents were erected next to gurgling mountain rivers and azure lakes, surrounded by the lofty presence of striking peaks. When I could, I leapt at the chance to take a cathartic dip in the bracing but refreshing waters of some of the lakes. The weather during the summer months is generally settled and we were treated to blue skies throughout, enjoying balmy day time temperatures and cooler nights, which makes the trekking that bit easier.
A highlight of the trip? Sublime evenings spent at camp after an unforgettable day of walking, gathering outside of our tents to eat together and watch the sun sink behind glowing skylines. I’ve been raving about the Fann Mountains since I’ve been back to anyone who’ll listen. Pristine valleys, stunning snow-capped mountains, welcoming, friendly local people who are genuinely pleased to see you and the unique feeling of being in a place that very few travellers get to see. What more could you ask for? Fann Mountains Trek – Trip Code – UFT
CYCLING UNDER CELESTIAL MOUNTAINS New for 2018, our Cycling in Kazakhstan adventure is an incredible immersion into the fascinating region of SouthEast Kazakhstan and the Tien Shan, the legendary 7000 metre-high snow-capped range known as the Celestial Mountains. Kazakhstan might not be the world’s most renowned mountain biking destination, but that shouldn’t stop you from making it your mission to get on your bike and explore. With the Stans increasingly making it onto bucket lists everywhere, now is the ideal time to beat the crowds and go. This adventure will take you from under the shadow of the Tien Shan, through echoing canyons and into the beautiful desert world of the Altyn-Emel National Park. An astounding country of contrasts, over 9 days you’ll pedal
across the grassy steppes below towering mountains, discover the weird and wonderful landscapes around salty Lake Tuzkol and witness outrageously colourful sandstone formations that form in the desert. Topping it all off is Kazakhstan’s intriguing culture and history, which defines any visit. Whilst riding cross-country between riverside yurt camps, you’ll encounter the scattered settlements of nomadic Kazakh shepherds who will insist you stop for a freshly brewed tea. From the rural to the ritzy, this adventure starts and finishes in the city of Almaty, a product of the Soviet era which is now a fascinating melting pot of Western and Central Asian culture. Make sure you keep an eye out for the striking U.S.S.R monuments which remain dotted throughout the city.
This is the chance to experience true adventure in a remote, seldom visited and utterly captivating part of the world. Cycling in Kazakhstan – Trip Code – KNMB
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TREK WALK DISCOVER SE ASIA
Secret Trails of the Black Lo Lo
Introducing our new trek in Northeast Vietnam
The remote northeast of Vietnam, a succession of limestone peaks and wildly scattered valleys, is partially covered by pristine primary forest and is the habitat of monkeys, pythons and sun bears. During Colonial times the French attempted to fortify it and due to both its remoteness and the 1979 war with China, it was closed to foreigners between 1950 and 2011. Now open for curious travelers to explore, here are four reasons why we think our new trip to this mysterious region is so special: 9 overnight homestays with 6 different hill tribes
Learn traditional fishing methods on Ba Be Lake
There are over 50 recognised tribes in Vietnam and the most colourful are the hill tribes of the North. In the northeast, close to the border of China, live the most remote and unvisited. The tribal groups who live in this area feel mysterious, even to the Vietnamese, and we are lucky to meet many different groups - the Tay, the White Hmong, the Dao, the Lolo, the Giay and the Nung. Nights will be spent as guests of different hill tribe villages in homestays, a highlight being Mr Ke’s stilt house in Nam Ngu. Time in villages will be spent learning local customs and traditions, engaging in traditional crafts like weaving, spinning and textile dying, socialising with the villagers and eating delicious home prepared Vietnamese food; the highlight of this will be a full day spent with a remote Black Lolo tribe.
Ba Be National Park is a haven of towering limestone mountains, spectacular waterfalls, caves and lakes. Located in the middle of the national park is the lake of Ba Be, which is the biggest natural lake in Vietnam extending over a surface of 5000 square metres. On the southern end of the lake lies the Tay village of Coc Toc, reached by boat. Here the Tay will give lessons in the local fishing techniques they have practised for centuries.
Outstanding trekking through superb limestone ranges The hill tribe villages nestle on jungled hill slopes or lie hidden in lush valleys, and trekking between them may seem special enough. However, do not underestimate the outstanding landscapes of the North East. The massif of Thong Nong and the foothills of Phu Ta Ca (2276m) the second highest point in the province of Ha Giang, offer wild, untouched landscapes of plunging highland valleys, soaring limestone peaks, primeval forests and spectacularly tiered rice paddies.
All the iconic moments – with a twist Just because the hill tribes are so remote, it doesn’t mean you miss out on the big highlights of North Vietnam, and on this trip, we try to make them even more unique. The traditional Halong Bay junk boat journey is not to be missed, but on this trip the junk sails further to the remote shores of Lan Ha Bay. Here the limestone pinnacles are fringed with white-sand beaches and hidden lagoons. The wild Cat Ba Island is the overnight stop. Secret Trails of the Tribal Heartland – Trip Code - VNT
THE HILL TRIBES OF NORTH VIETNAM The Tay
The Black Lo Lo and the Flower Lo Lo
Tay villages are usually found at lower elevations and in the valleys. They are the largest and oldest of the ethnic groups and have generally adopted Vietnamese beliefs, such as Buddhism and Taoism. The Tay usually wear more modest clothing than the other hill tribes.
Originating in southern China, the Lolo are a Tibetan-Burmese people of the Yi group. After being displaced from China in the 18th century, many of the Lolo clans chose to immigrate to Vietnam. The Lo Lo are one of the smallest ethnic groups, numbering under 2000. They generally wear black clothing, intricately appliqued with yellow, pink and green ribbons sewn into strips or geometric patterns.
The Red Dao The villages of the Dao (or Dzou) people are found in mountain foothills and they usually build their houses on the ground, rather than on stilts. The Dao practise ancestor worship and traditionally dress in black, decorated with red stripes or bands of intricate weaving. In some areas the Dao women shave their eyebrows and the hair above their foreheads, wrapping their long hair in a large red or black turban.
The Nung The Nung people are only found in the far north east of Vietnam, living in small villages. Spiritually the Nung are most similar to the Tay, though most Nung villages still have a resident Shaman. The Nung are renowned for their handicrafts, which are generally made from bamboo and rattan.
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The White Hmong The Hmong people migrated to Vietnam from China in the 19th century. The tribe is divided into many smaller subgroups: black, white, red, green and flower, each with their own subtly different dress. Hmong villages are usually found at higher altitudes, often clinging magically to the side of mountains. Traditionally White Hmong women, pictured right, would wear white skirts, but most now opt for the black trousers worn under a black apron, with black shirts and lots of silver jewellery.
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TREK WALK DISCOVER SE ASIA
Trekking & hill tribe homestays in Vietnam & Laos In December 2017, our intrepid KE expert, Vanessa Douglas, travelled to Vietnam and joined our Mountains to the Mekong trip, a walking journey which starts in Halong Bay and ends in Luang Prabang in Laos. Highlights include a unique 3 day journey down Laos’ Nam Ou river on foot and by long boat and also staying with remote hill tribes in Vietnam and Laos. Here Vanessa explains why homestays are such a special experience. “Spending the night in a wooden stilted house amongst some of the most humble people I have ever met was an absolute highlight of my experience with the hill tribes.” – Vanessa Douglas, KE's Customer Sales and Support Team. Each tribe has its own clothing, accommodation style, culture and tradition with differing festivals and rituals. There is so much to understand, to experience, to reflect upon. The Hmong and the Thai are two of the most densely populated ethnic groups and the two which our group came across the most. Staying with our Thai families my group and I were rewarded with a truly unique experience. We received a delightfully warm welcome to share their home and endless rounds of rice wine to toast at any opportunity. Not to forget the countless smiles and hugs that they gave us all with abundance. The Thai villagers are mainly located in lands near a water source as their primary source of living is the cultivation of rice. We therefore stayed in traditional accommodation, wooden stilted houses which have two floors; the ground reserved for roaming animals as well
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as protection from flooding and the second as sleeping space. Perhaps to the relief of travellers, the arrangements have been amended to make a stay as comfortable as possible (although still basic). You cannot fault the hospitality; small changes have been made to the ground floor with a separate lounging area, dining table and chairs, charging facilities and even Wi-Fi throughout! The Hmong people on the other hand live a more basic existence, most likely based on the fact that their settlements are on lands higher in the hills and it’s more remote. It’s an extraordinary culture and one that is lesser seen. We met a mother with child freshly dying an item of material to make her own clothes and on another occasion, we were invited into a gentleman’s home. In his eighties, he was keen to show us around his small, dark, tortoise shaped house, full of flags for a good harvest. Another time, we stopped to sit with some ladies enjoying their daily catch up while sewing amazingly colourful skirts! When was the last time you were invited by a host of strangers into their home? This was an amazing trip and I will always be humbled by the sheer kindness and friendliness of the people of the hill tribe villages.
Tribal Homestays in South 49 East Asia
Laos The effort of walking uphill through humid jungle is worth it to visit unspoilt villages of the Laos Hmong, enjoy some simple home-cooked food and stay in small wooden stilted bungalows. The next day trek through villages belonging to the Khmu people in a rare opportunity to visit this unspoilt region. The trip also visits Vietnamese hill tribes as recounted by Vanessa opposite. Mountains to the Mekong – Trip Code – VLL
Cambodia
VIETNAM Vietnam by bike With so much choice in Vietnam, from classic road cycling on the Ho Chi Minh Highway to the easier paced cultural ride from Hoi An to Angkor Wat, there is a cycling holiday to suit everyone. One of our favourites is our Cycle Saigon to Hanoi trip with its remote coastal roads, iconic Halong Bay cruise, visit to bustling Saigon and finally a welcome stop to relax on the beaches of Nha Trang.
Cycle through hidden trails in the jungle and swim in the clear waters beneath O’Malu Waterfall, while staying two nights in a local community project homestay in Chi Phat, home of the Khmer tribe. Known as Cambodia’s Wild West, for a long period, this village was closed to the outside world. Backroads of Cambodia Bike – Trip Code – CAMB
Hanoi to Laos Mountain Bike Epic – Trip Code – HLMB
Vietnam on foot From Hanoi to Saigon, this active, cultural and colourful tour of Vietnam includes all the highlights and more. It features a 2-day junk cruise around UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay, the imperial palaces of Hue and a sampon cruise on the Mekong Delta, and a beautiful, unique easy 4-day walk in North Vietnam. You stay in hill tribe homestays to experience the real Vietnamese village life on foot. Vietnam and South – Trip Code – VNS
Vietnam with the family A complete Vietnam experience for the family, exploring the best and most fun parts of the country. Homestay with the Muong tribe in the rural Mai Chau Valley region, walk through bamboo forest, sleep on a junk boat, watch a water-puppet show, ride a cyclo and take the overnight sleeper train. Add in some Vietnamese cooking lessons, kayaking and cave exploring, and you've got an action-packed itinerary – which luckily ends at the beach! Vietnam Jungles and Junks – Trip Code – FVT
Thailand The Karen people’s agricultural way of life has changed little for centuries. Stay in Baan Mae Jok village where you will enjoy a welcome ceremony and learn how to walk in the jungle and spot wildlife. The next day travel down the river by bamboo raft between local villages. Thailand Bamboo and Buddhas Family Adventure – Trip Code – FAT
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TREK WALK DISCOVER LATIN AMERICA
LATIN AMERICA Spotlight on Costa Rica There are few other places on the planet you could go to see such an astounding diversity of natural wonders. With a landmass covering just 0.3% of the world’s surface, Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world’s animal and plant species. This adds up to more than 500,000 different species – including 52 species of hummingbird. A world leader in conservation, over 25% of its landmass is dedicated to protected forests and reserves. There are more than 100 different protected areas to visit. Costa Rica has 801 miles of stunning coastline and also 121 volcanic formations, including Arenal, your typical volcano. Beautifully symmetrical with a perfect cone at the top with an occasional puff of smoke – it’s one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. There are abundant trails on its slopes to enjoy while spotting as many incredible species as possible. See overleaf for more information about volcano trekking.
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Costa Rica has a great reputation as a country that has truly embraced ethical and responsible tourism. You will find potable water available at most hotels and lodges to avoid the use of single plastic bottles, co-operatives and fair trade organisations are in abundance and the regulations around wildlife viewing/experiences are very strict. The average life expectancy is 80 years old. How? Ask a local and they’d answer “pura vida” (pure life). More than just a phrase, it’s a national philosophy for appreciating life and nature that you’ll hear everywhere you go.
Soak up the special atmosphere of a country which knows how to live life well: Costa Rica Walks and Wildlife – Trip Code – CWW Natural Wonders of Costa Rica and Panama – Trip Code – CRP Family Costa Rica Adventure – Trip Code – FCW
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“ WE WENT TO COSTA RICA EXPECTING TO SEE RAINFOREST AND WILDLIFE. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED!” Arthur from Hindhead, Costa Rica Walks and Wildlife ★★★★★
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TREK WALK DISCOVER LATIN AMERICA
HIKING THE WORLD’S MOST VOLCANIC TRAILS Captivating, beautiful and a spectacular force of nature, volcanoes and the stunning landscapes that form around them are a highlight of many of our Latin American trips. But what does it take to hike in the realm of these fiery mountains? Product Manager Tom Sargeant answers some common questions and explains how we craft the perfect volcanic adventure. Volcano hiking – what’s it all about? It's one of the biggest thrills in the world to see nature's power close up. On any day’s hike, you can see massive calderas, steaming geysers or swim in hot springs. There will be completely unique flora and tons of birds and wildlife. Volcanic ranges are home to a host of out-of-thisworld sights and that’s before you even hike to the summits where the views are always stunning. But what if regions become active? It's simple – we monitor the situation in the countries we visit closely and if need be, we'll tweak the itinerary. So where's best to go? For sheer volume, the Central American Ring of Fire. This chain of volcanic activity lies around the largest tectonic plate on Earth, and in Central America this results in one of the world's largest concentration of volcanoes. For size, Ecuador and Bolivia. What’s your favourite volcanic highlight? That’s hard to choose! Hot springs and wildlife. One of the great “by products” that come with volcanic regions are hot springs and, in Ecuador, a visit to Banos to soak away those aches and pains is a must. Hot springs can also be found after the summit of Volcan Zunil in Guatemala and at La Fortuna, the small town at the foot of the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. The trails around the volcano offer some great walking and wildlife opportunities, as does Costa Rica as a whole. In addition, El Salvador is stunning for birdlife, although the Galapagos Islands win hands down for wildlife experiences. Also, coffee grown in volcanic soil is world-class! How do I choose where to go? Read our guide on the opposite page, see our website for further details and if you have any further questions, please get in touch. We’ve all enjoyed trips to these regions and are more than happy to give advice. As Vanessa Douglas from our Sales Team says “It’s all just amazing”.
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Latin America’s Ring of Fire – which one’s for you? GUATEMALA A volcanic extravangza of a trip including conquering the highest peak of Central America, Tajumulco. We summit seven volcanoes in vibrant Guatemela including the often photographed “perfect” volcano, Volcan de Agua, a symmetrical, forested stratovolcano. Camping just below the summit of Volcan Toliman makes for an unforgettable sunset and sunrise experience. Plus, there's the option to extend your trip with a visit to the iconic Mayan ruins at Tikal. Guatemala’s Magnificent Seven – Trip Code – GVO
EL SALVADOR Not content with a magnificent seven, we also have El Salvador’s Eight! Although one more peak to “bag”, the El Salvador trip combines some slightly easier ascents, including a glimpse into the still warm crater lake at the top of Santa Ana (Ilamatepec), the highest volcano in El Salvador. A surprising jewel of Central America, the country is home to a multitude of dazzling bird life and has some of the best sandy beaches in Latin America. El Salvador’s Eight – Trip Code – ESE
ECUADOR Traditionally known for its “Avenue of Volcanoes”, Ecuador’s volcanoes are BIG. KE offers the chance to conquer the 3 highest peaks in Ecuador – Chimborazo, Cotopaxi and Cayambe. However you can also visit Cotopaxi and Chimborazo National Parks on a more varied trekking trip that also includes a ride on the famous Devil's Nose Railway. Enhance your trip with an extension in the Galapagos and see some of the most amazing wildlife in the world, and top up your volcanic fix as the Galapagos contains 13 volcanic islands. Walking the Volcanoes of Ecuador – Trip Code – ECV Ecuador’s Triple Crown – Trip Code – ECU
BOLIVIA In Bolivia, there’s a whole host of completely unique, slightly bizarre and definitely unforgettable landscapes to discover. Hike to the crater of Volcan Tunupa, a rich and vibrantly coloured peak which interrupts the vast white of the Bolivia’s salt flats, before witnessing the incredible wildlife and remote lagoons of Sajama National Park. Geysers, hot springs, flamingos and Lake Titicaca all in one trip. Salt Flats and Volcanoes of Bolivia – Trip Code – BSP
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TREK WALK DISCOVER LATIN AMERICA
PERU THE KE WAY In May 2018 Alex Stephenson travelled on her second KE Adventure and trekked from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. We asked Alex about the trip – here are her answers. How hard was it? I’m not going to lie, it was pretty tough with some hard passes to ascend, like the Tortora Pass. But it was well worth every step and gave me some great memories.
One thing you weren’t expecting? Apurimac Canyon. Flipping humongous with views to die for. Amazing geology to feast your eyes upon and plenty of challenging ascents to get stuck in to.
Which was your favourite campsite? The campsite at Maizal. It was an amazing spot overlooking a beautiful glacier and we had clear, starry skies. Plus it was perfect for a well-deserved beer.
Choquequirao or Machu Picchu? Choquequirao definitely. We had it mostly to ourselves and could properly explore for hours without seeing a soul.
What was your WOW moment? When a family of 4 condors soared right over us and put in a display with the Andean mountains in the background. What was your favourite view? It has to be the first sight of Machu Picchu. It was just incredible. What was the food like? The food on the trek was absolutely out of this world. Michelin star standard and that’s no exaggeration the quality and presentation was insane. Weirdest thing I ate was probably the local delicacy, alpaca, which you just have to try while in Peru – it was nice, it tasted a lot like beef. What was your best day? Exploring Choquequirao. It’s so quiet and it was made even more special by having a spontaneous yoga class at the ruins, surrounded by the mountains. Did you have any embarrassing moments? Unfortunately yes. I couldn’t open my tent on the first night which got a good laugh from my trek mates and I also broke my flip flops when we visited the springs halfway through the trek. I spent the whole afternoon walking around with one flip flop and had to get a piggyback to the van. Pick one memory. My first ever sighting of a hummingbird. By the end of the trek you realise that they’re quite common and I’d seen hundreds but the sound of them is quite exquisite.
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Where next? I’m off to Kilimanjaro. Choquequirao to Machu Picchu – Trip Code – CHQ
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Alternative Peru – how to see what others don’t At KE, we’re into the special – we want you to experience the authentic heart of wherever you adventure. Here are our trips that show you the heart of Peru. KE style.
Glorious mountains: Alpamayo Circuit Alpamayo in Northern Peru has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful mountains, and is situated deep in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca. This distinctive pyramid shaped peak is nestled amongst snow-fluted summits, knifeedge ridges, tumbling glaciers, blue mountain lakes and steep-sided valleys. Trekking here will take you on a high and wild tour of the range.
A trek less explored: Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Famed as the setting for Joe Simpson’s bestselling book, Touching the Void, the Cordillera Huayhuash is considered by some to offer the best and most remote trekking in all of South America. KE treks are led by Val Pitkethly, long-time KE leader and Andean specialist. Val is an expert in the area and knows the best trekking routes, as well as having a great relationship with the locals.
How KE treks responsibly in Peru 1. We help our clients understand local customs 2. We employ staff from local communities 3. We cook with fresh local produce 4. W e craft itineraries which avoid crowds and help prevent over-tourism 5. We leave nothing but footprints
The alternative route: Inca Trail and Beyond The Classic Inca Trail is Peru’s must-do, mustsee trail for bucket list chasers, culture buffs and trekkers alike. It never fails to meet high expectations. This alternative route treks through the quiet Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the main route, and our responsible itinerary ensures we leave nothing but footprints behind.
The beautiful south: Ausangate Circuit This little-visited and impressive mountain range has some of the best scenery in the Cusco region. A remote and rugged trekking circuit runs through alpine valleys which are home to Quechua herdsmen and some rare Andean wildlife. 2 weeks of circumnavigating the Inca's sacred peak Nevado Ausangate offers remote mountain views and a challenging alternative to the Inca trail. The Alpamayo Basecamp Trek – Trip Code – CBP Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit – Trip Code – PHH Inca Trail and Beyond – Trip Code – INC Ausangate Circuit – Trip Code – AUS
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TREK WALK DISCOVER LATIN AMERICA
PATAGONIA Follow the epic spine of the Andes to its uttermost end and you'll have reached the vast wilds of Patagonia. A land forged by ice and fire, its iconic jagged peaks and piercing blue glaciers will arrest any traveller in their tracks – this is a place to let yourself be awestruck. Take a moment, and breathe in nature in its purest form.
Sleep in style Remote, luxurious and fully sustainable – the awardwinning geodesic domes of EcoCamp Patagonia offer the perfect pocket of paradise from which to enjoy one of the world’s most iconic adventure capitals. The first of its kind, EcoCamp Patagonia has won countless awards due to its commitment to pioneering a responsible approach to tourism, including winning Hotel of the Year in this year’s Latin America Travel Association awards. But to anyone who’s visited, it’s clear the team’s dedication to sustainable practices is about more than the accolades. 100% of the energy used at EcoCamp is derived from solar and hydro sources and since 2008 it’s been a recognised carbon neutral company. They’ve worked out how to combat Chile’s low temperatures and keep a composting toilet working, and in the showers you’ll find a range of beautifully-fragrant and completely biodegradable products to wash away the day’s adventure. Nestled in prime location under the sheer granite towers of the Torres del Paine National Park, there’s an undeniable pleasure to being welcomed into these cosy domes, where quilted walls protect you from the elements and skylights overhead offer a window onto the nightly show of crystal clear, star-studded skies. The ideal respite before you the answer the irresistible call of Patagonia’s epic wilderness. Stay at EcoCamp Patagonia on our Premium Patagonia hikes: The Classic Paine Circuit – Trip Code – PPC Spires and Ice – Trip Code – PAT
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3 LATIN AMERICA ADVENTURES FOR CHRISTMAS DAY There’s no better way to beat the winter blues than with a little time spent in some tropical climes. Escape to Latin America and spend Christmas Day…
Rafting the Sarapiqui Grab the kids, head to Costa Rica and enjoy a memorable Christmas Day shooting the easy but thrilling rainforest rapids of the Sarapiqui River, before exploring La Fortuna – the colourful village at the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Costa Rica Family Adventure – Trip Code – FCW
The Best of Patagonia’s Paine Circuit Short on time? A week is more than enough to immerse yourself in the jaw dropping wonder of Patagonia. Check off each of these epic experiences on our short and sweet tour of the iconic Torres del Paine Circuit – a week-long adventure for life-long memories.
Relaxing in thermal pools After summiting three of Ecuador’s iconic volcanoes, you’ll have Christmas Day to rest your legs as you soak in the thermal pools of the spa town of Banos. And if you’re not a fan of the standard turkey, dinner that evening in an Ecuadoran restaurant will be a welcome treat. Volcanoes of Ecuador – Trip Code – ECV
Cross the John Gardner Pass Sail across the turquoise lake of Pehoe Camp under unpolluted star-filled skies Trek the best sections of the Paine Circuit F east your eyes on the breath-taking Grey Glacier B ag a group photo at the base of the Paine Towers S pot woodpeckers in the Magellanic subpolar forest T ry local Chilean delicacies like spit-roasted lamb or ceviche E xplore El Calafate, the adventure-town outpost of Patagonia The Best of Patagonia's Paine Circuit – Trip Code – TDP
Dolphin and turtle spotting Celebrate finishing your El Salvadorian volcano odyssey on Christmas Day as you reach your final summit on the island of Meanguera. To get there, you’ll go by boat between mangrove forests and natural lagoons whilst looking out for resident dolphins and turtles. El Salvador’s Eight – Trip Code – ESE
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TREK CRUISE DISCOVER POLAR
SERENITY IN SVALBARD In May 2018, KE Polar expert Chloë Johnson journeyed to Svalbard for a truly special hiking holiday – her base, the beautiful sailing schooner The Rembrandt van Rijn.
Two things make this trip absolutely amazing and unique – the first is the lovely sailing schooner that will be your home for the week and will sail you into the smallest fjords other ships can’t reach. The second is the chance to hike and walk on Svalbard archipelago, a profound experience. The walking and hiking varies depending on the nature of the walk. The wildlife walks can be quite short, depending on where the wildlife is. On what came to be known as ‘Wednesday’s Walrus Walk’, we only did a very short, easy walk, as the walruses were chilling out at the end of a sandy spit near where we landed. We got so close, we could smell them. Sadly, it’s a bad smell, but that didn’t put us off staying near the herd, watching them, for over an hour. When the objective is hiking, then it’s a proper hiking expedition, and you will be using snowshoes. The day we hiked ‘Fjortende Julibukta’ (the 14th July Glacier) was a full day hiking over the grey-blue of the glacier and up a small peak, where we had lunch.
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The only evidence of our existence was our snowshoe footsteps and, below in the fjord our beautiful schooner. Sitting in the immensity of the deserted polar landscape, in the profundity of overwhelming silence, is a moment that even as I lived it I knew would never happen to me again. On our return, we sat on deck, sipping Gløgg, hot Norwegian wine. It would have been harder to be happier. There are also some sightseeing stops, even in the wilderness. Ny Ålesund is the most northern permanently inhabited community in the North, lying at 78 degrees 56’. Roald Amundsen launched his airship from the village and became the first person to fly over the Arctic Circle – you can still see the launch pad. You can also possibly more excitingly, post a postcard home in the village’s tiny post office. Obviously we all did. I spent many moments during the trip speechless with wonder and I hope my words have captured for you just how breath-taking this whole experience was. Svalbard Hike and Sail – Trip Code – PHS NEW
TREK CRUISE DISCOVER POLAR
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“ JOHN MUIR SAID THE GLACIER EATS HILLS AND DRINKS SUNBEAMS’ IT’S TRUE THAT SVALBARD HAS A FRESHNESS AND A BEAUTY I HAVE NEVER FOUND ELSEWHERE”
THE REMBRANDT VAN RIJN This beautiful three-mast sailing schooner, was originally built as a herring lugger in the early 20th Century, then rebuilt in 1994 before its top-notch refurbishment in 2011. It holds an exclusive 33 passengers. Its small scale (just 49.5m in length) is a huge advantage. It can sail where the other ships can’t. One day, we sailed into a smaller fjord, clearing a sand-bar by only 1.5m, the first mate hanging over the side with a rope to test the depth! On board there is an experienced crew of 12 including 2 guides who deliver lectures on the local history, geology and wildlife. The beauty of Rembrant van Rijn also continues below deck where there is a restaurant, reading area with a bar and 16 en-suite cabins. Above deck you can stay out as late as you like in 24 hour daylight.
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TREK WALK DISCOVER NORTH AFRICA
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AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO ADVENTURE IN MOROCCO
Mighty peaks, enchanting coastline, memorable encounters with wonderful people and fantastic value for money - just a few of the reasons why at KE we're in love with the magical gateway to Africa, Morocco.
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TREK WALK DISCOVER NORTH AFRICA
“Morocco remains one of the most incredible places I've ever visited” says Product Manager Lisa. Here she offers her insider’s insights for the ultimate guide to adventure in Morocco.
T
here are very few places in the world where after a brief flight from the UK, has you feeling as if you’ve arrived in a country a million miles away. The incredible Kingdom of Morocco is one of them, from the stark beauty of the mountains to the magic of the cities. Nothing can prepare you for the ancient walled medinas of Marrakech or Essaouira, where you feel as if you’ve stepped into an Ali Baba folk tale. As you wander the souks, exotic spices and heavenly smells drift through the air, whilst a kaleidoscope of colour fills every available space. Morocco wouldn’t be Morocco without the welcoming smiles of the Berber. This proud ethnic group are the backbone of the country, and over the years have captivated us with their delicious food. From light as air couscous to a fragrant slow-cooked tajine eaten with fresh bread, Berber cuisine is not just a meal; it’s a social occasion for sharing stories. You may join a Moroccan meal as a stranger, but you’ll leave feeling like a long-lost friend.
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My first visit to Morocco was an adventure into the Rif Mountains in 2011, and as I stepped into Tangiers at the end of my journey, I was wildly in the love with the scenery, food and culture. Less than a year later I was back, and this time it was the summit of Mount Toubkal calling. In 2014 I was mesmerised, as I trekked and camped along the magnificent Atlantic Coast, complete with deserted beaches, magnificent dunes and not another tourist in sight for five fabulous days. However in the back of my mind I’d secretly wished to explore the magnificent Sahara Desert on foot. Seems in 2019 that wish will come true, as I represent KE in the Marathon des Sables, the 6-day epic ultra-marathon which spans over 254km of the Sahara Desert. Why not make 2019 your year to follow a Moroccan dream? As I I’ve realised, they do come true.
A Taste of Morocco Our brand new trip and the ultimate in cultural immersion Our new 8-day trip is the perfect adventure to set your senses alight with the sounds, tastes and aroma of this wonderfully exotic country. You’ll have the chance to try a little bit of everything, whether it’s learning to make a fragrant tagine, shopping for spices in the heady Marrakech medina, relaxing in a steamy hamman in the Atlas Mountains or soaking up the atmosphere in the colourful harbour town of charming Essaouira. If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to Morocco, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. keadventure.com – Trip Code – ATM
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For intrepid hikers
For desert wanderers
For weekend warriors
A week spent trekking to Toubkal allows you to immerse yourself in Morocco’s mountains. Snake through the Berber valleys on an exciting circuit across the backbone of the High Atlas to reach the bucket list achievement of standing atop the highest point in Northern Africa, Mount Toubkal. Looking for a longer adventure? Then explore even further off the beaten track by spending two weeks trekking on a wider circuit. You’ll get to experience the rhythm of Berber mountain life, feast your eyes on views most trekkers won't get to see – and also bag four 4000m peaks.
A vivid tapestry lying south-east of the High Atlas Mountains, the Moroccan Sahara is a place of unreal beauty and wild splendour. Where you start and finish your days is the key to being immersed in the magic of a trek into the Sahara. Before setting off, you’ll spend a night at a Berber camp, sleeping in Bedouin tents adorned with traditional Moroccan carpets, whilst in the desert you’ll make camp nestled between the sand dunes, out of sight from other travellers. Climb to the ridge of the nearest dune to watch a fiery sun set over golden sands, before the nightly show of clear, star-studded skies unfolds before your eyes.
Short on time? Conquer Toubkal in one exhilarating weekend of adventure. If you live in Europe, simply take two days leave and you’ll find yourself back in the office by Tuesday, telling tales of where you jetted off on Friday and what you achieved over one weekend. And for those who live further afield or are on a longer holiday, this is an excellent addition to any trip to Morocco which will take you out from Marrakech and plunge you into the incredible mountain landscapes it has to offer. This is also the perfect challenge to enjoy as a private group – see page 19 for more information.
Four 4000m Peaks of Morocco – Trip Code – MFF
Edge of the Sahara Trek – Trip Code – WST
Ultimate Toubkal Weekend – Trip Code – TWE
For winter thrill-seekers
For curious families
For biking buffs
See another side to Toubkal by taking on its summit in the heart of winter – it’s transformed into a different kind of wonderland when covered in snow. You’ll stay in huts and refuges tucked away in the hills and meet some incredibly welcoming hosts, and after summiting Toubkal, you can take on the optional unique challenge of also summiting Ouanoukrim (4089m), which involves some scrambling and a traverse of a snowy ridge. This thrilling ascent is easily worth the effort; at the summit you’ll be taken aback by an epic sense of wilderness as you cast your eyes over views across to Toubkal few will have seen.
This is how you escape the crowds and take the kids on a truly memorable holiday. Start beyond the Atlas Mountains, trek with a traditional camel caravan on the edge of the Sahara and finish in magical Marrakech by exploring the living history of the Djemaa El Fna together. The moments they won’t forget? Seeing more stars than ever before whilst camping in the Sahara, under the clear night skies of one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world, and being captivated by the skills of traditional acrobats and storytellers on their final night in Marrakech.
Incredible biking might not automatically come to mind when you think of Morocco, but a cycling adventure is the perfect way to take in this country’s variety of impressive landscapes. Road cycling offers superb days on sinuous mountain roads as you complete a unique circuit of Toubkal, sailing along smooth tarmac with the occasional break for a mint tea, whilst mountain biking is best way to delve in and discover the otherworldly Jebel Sahro. Either way, your journey will be packed with breathtaking views of the Atlas peaks and gorges.
Mount Toubkal in Winter – Trip Code – WIT
Morocco Family Desert Trek – Trip Code – FPC
Morocco – Ride the Kasbah – Trip Code – JEMB
One Week Mount Toubkal Trek – Trip Code – OWT
Road Cycle Tour of Toubkal – Trip Code – MSMB
Book online at keadventure.com
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TREK WALK DISCOVER AFRICA
SUNDOWNERS IN THE SERENGETI An African Love Affair "Africa turns me into a hopeless romantic every time I visit," says Alison Bembridge, KE's Africa Product Manager "I love the smells, the exciting and exotic wildlife, the vast landscapes and the amazing people who live there." Here's why this whole continent holds a special place in heart. Firstly, the laughter of the people that live there. Most recently on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, sitting in our mess tent having a game of cards (in a very British way), we were listening in the background to the 20+ porters in their tent endlessly chatting away without pause, laughing and clearly having a great time. Obviously, it’s all in Swahili and I haven’t got the best grasp even now, but the optimism and cheeriness sets a wonderful mood for every trip. Secondly, Sundowners. It’s a safari tradition. A sundowner is a cool beverage, usually a G&T, a beer, or fruit cocktail that is sipped as the sun goes down. One of my favourite memories is stopping in the safari land cruiser for a sundowner on the plains of Savuti in Botswana watching the antelope in the golden grasses. We simply got out of the vehicle, put crisps in a bowl on the cruiser bonnet and got drinks out of the cool box. Thirdly, the safari scene does accommodation at a world-class level, whatever budget you are on. Inside the classic safari tent, you’ll find proper beds and a separate section at the back with an en-suite bathroom. More simple tents have netting at the top so that you can lie and watch the African stars from your sleeping bag. Mid-range lodges are often a number of beautifully thatched cottages, with the main areas having open sides and exposed wooden beams and railings. Additionally some of the lodges I have stayed at have water-holes, so you watch wildlife, such as elephants coming for a drink, whilst you are sipping another sundowner or while you’re enjoying a wild shower! Finally and maybe primarily, of course, you’re on safari to see wildlife like nowhere else on earth. From giraffes and lions to the zebras, baboons and wildebeest, African wildlife is incredible and beyond my words to explain, but I’ll give it a go. I was lucky enough to go on my first safari when I was just 25 years old, to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. I saw my first elephant and my reaction was profound – butterflies in my tummy, adrenalin pumping and heart racing. And many years on I still get all the same feelings. In Botwana recently a lion was hanging out next to the vehicle – I could hear her softly breathing and almost smell her, my heart was pounding and I was still as a statue not wanting to break the spell. I would love for more people to go and witness this amazing wildlife and have these experiences. It is so humbling to be among such precious creatures and walk among their lands, and it has certainly made me more passionate about ensuring their habitat and species are in existence for hundreds of years to come.
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
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“ IN BOTSWANA RECENTLY A LION WAS HANGING OUT NEXT TO THE VEHICLE – I COULD HEAR HER SOFTLY BREATHING AND ALMOST SMELL HER, MY HEART WAS POUNDING AND I WAS STILL AS A STATUE NOT WANTING TO BREAK THE SPELL”
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
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TREK WALK DISCOVER AFRICA
Alison’s guide to choosing the right safari holiday Africa is a vast, ever-changing land and the choice is wide. Alison Bembridge has spent nearly twenty years in the travel industry specialising in Africa. Here’s her guide to which safari to choose.
“ WHAT I WAS NOT EXPECTING WAS THE SHEER QUANTITY OF WILDLIFE THAT WE SAW, OR HOW 'UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL' YOU GET.” Andrew from Bridgewater ★★★★★
The Big Five & First-timers
Witnessing the Migration
The Big One. 3 Weeks, 4 Countries
In case you weren’t sure, the Big 5 are lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Complete the loop from South Africa’s Kruger National Park through Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Botswana for almost guaranteed sightings of all five.
“The migration” refers to the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest moving in a seasonal loop through the lands of the Maasai. Interspersed with the wildebeest are zebra and many other antelope who use the wildebeest numbers to graze on the plains and hide from the ever-present predators… lions, cheetahs, leopards. You can witness this spectacle from November to June, following the ebb and flow of life in the African wildlife paradise of the Serengeti.
Starting in South Africa and finishing after the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this epic trip includes everything from coasts, deserts, deltas, plains and waterfalls. Go tracking with Kalahari Bushmen, explore the Okavango Delta by Mokoro Canoe and travel in a purpose built overland vehicles.
Tanzania Safari – Trip Code – TMS
I can highly recommend Namibia for your second safari. Etosha National Park, where the waterholes bustle with African big game are sure to be teeming with big cats and herds of elephants. Moving deeper into Namibia you can visit the coastal town of Swakopmund before heading south to the famous dunes of the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei.
Game Trails of Zimbabwe and Botswana – Trip Code – ZAB
Safari on Foot Starting in Kruger National Park, with walking and game safaris with specialist guides we continue to the less well-known Hlane Game Reserve, Swaziland for a unique safari walking experience. We have 3 days walking in Drakensberg Mountains, which includes some of the most dramatic and breath-taking scenery in South Africa. Walking South Africa – Trip Code – WSA
Family Safari My favourite family safari is Kenyan Wildlife Wonders. It is an itinerary rich in conservation education and local culture, with time to relax on the beach in Zanzibar and of course, go on game drives. We visit an elephant orphanage and giraffe centre, overnight at a Maasai village, and go on game drives in the famous Amboseli National Park with views of Kilimanjaro behind the herds of zebra and elephants. Kenyan Wildlife Wonders – Trip Code – FSK
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
Cape Town to Victoria Falls – Trip Code – CKD
Second Timer’s Safari
Namibia Desert, Etosha and the Caprivi Lodge Safari – Trip Code – NAC
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African Trekking Adventures Rift Valley Trekking The countries of Ethiopia and Malawi are home to the Rift Valley and offer fantastic mountain trekking amongst Grand Canyonesque scenery. In Ethiopia's Simien Mountains you'll find wild Gelada Baboons and be able to summit Ras Dashen (4620m), plus nearby are the UNESCO rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Hiking on the massif of Mulanje in Malawi will take you past spectacular waterfalls over granite boulders and through a land home to some of the ‘friendliest people on earth’. Simien Mountain Trek – Trip Code – SIM Trek Malawi – Trip Code – MMM
Summit Kilimanjaro In 2019, join the 95% of KE travellers who reach the top of Kilimanjaro. Summiting one of the world’s seven summits is a serious affair. At the top you’ll be standing at almost 6000m and many companies will offer you the trekking experience for less. But why not increase your chances of summiting? With us, we spend no less than 6 nights on the mountain for proper acclimatisation, a 1:2 guide to traveller ratio and we’re proud to have been taking groups to the summit for 18 years. Plus, consider bolting on a Safari or Zanzibar extension to the end of your trip, all available with our Kilimanjaro holiday options. Kilimanjaro Rongai Route – Trip Code – KRR Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route – Trip Code – KLR Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro – Trip Code – MK
Active Island Adventures Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique, Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. It’s famous for its unique wildlife which has developed over the 165 million years the island has been separated from the mainland. Further east, French administered Reunion Island is a trekker’s paradise, with dramatic mountain and canyon landscape rising to over 3000m. To the west of Africa, Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands which boasts paradise flat sandy beaches to craggy peaks and green valleys. Trek Madagascar – Trip Code – MAD Reunion Island Paradise – Trip Code – RUN Walking on Cape Verde – Trip Code – CVW
Book online at keadventure.com
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TREK WALK DISCOVER DESERT
DESERT JOURNEYS WITH A DIFFERENCE The unique magic of an adventure in the desert is made even more memorable by the treasures to be found within them. Delve into these out-of-thisworld destinations to discover ancient cultures, explore dramatic mountain ranges, and get lost in some of the starriest skies you'll ever see...
JORDAN: Best for ancient history
MOROCCO: Best for mighty sand dunes
The dramatic Lawrence of Arabia landscapes of Jordan are truly something special – think red-ochre sandstone and rolling sands, with winding camel caravans and scattered Bedouin camps. A highlight however is a visit to one of the world’s New 7 Wonders; hike the Jordan Trail through these breath-taking views to visit the rock-hewn formations of the lost city of Petra and uncover the secrets this jaw-dropping ancient site holds.
Morocco – home to one of the world's largest deserts, the epic lands of the Sahara. Immortalised in countless poems, books and films, its legend precedes it and it's something every serious traveller should see at least once. Hiking through the Sahara will offer you mountainous golden sand dunes, dazzlingly varied landscapes, glowing sunrises and fiery sunsets, with Morocco's rich culture evident in Berber camps and the chance to visit the holy shrine of Sidi Naji.
Jordan's Dana to Petra Trek – Trip Code – JDP
Edge of the Sahara Trek – Trip Code – WST
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
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CHILE: Best for starry skies Chile is nature on a grand scale - take on a challenge and hike through the Atacama Desert, a 1000km long plateau known as one of the driest places on earth. Not only is it home to salt flats, rocky peaks and active volcanos, it’s also renowned for the clearest night skies on Earth due to its high altitude and lack of light pollution, which makes each night spent at camp utterly spectacular. Red Hot Chile – Trekking the Atacama Desert – Trip Code – CAE
OMAN: Best for mountain panoramas
THE CANARY ISLANDS: Best for lava fields
Oman is a desert state – over 80% of the territory is covered in sand – but it's also home to some stunning mountain vistas. The dramatic Al Hajar range runs the length of Oman’s northern coastline, rising above the crystal clear blue waters of the Gulf to the height of 3000 metres and offers excellent and varied trekking. And if the heat feels too much, find yourself a pocket of pure natural beauty and take a dip in one of the sparkling pools in Oman's famous wadis.
Lanzarote may be a beach pilgrimage for many holidaymakers, but the adventurous traveller will find a rich terrain beyond the resorts, which includes desert landscapes such as the Rubicon Plain. An impressive lava field on the south-west coast of the island, trekking here feels truly wild as breakers crash ashore and mountains in the distance frame every view. A highlight is to walk through Lanzarote's black soil vineyards, where bursts of green interrupt fields of soft ash and volcanic cinder.
Oman Adventure Trekking – Trip Code – OAT
Walking Lanzarote – The Island of Eternal Spring – Trip Code – LWW
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
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OUR BEST-SELLING HOLIDAYS
In the next section we have put together a quick reference index highlighting our best-selling holidays. The full list of our holidays is included inside the back cover.
For full information about any of these holidays go to keadventure.com and enter the 3 or 4 letter Trip Code. keadventure.com – Trip Code – EBL
If you have any questions you can get in touch with one of our expert staff by phone (017687 71677), by email (sales@keaadventure.com), by skype (sales.keadventure) or by clicking on online (Chat with us!)
TRIP GRADES EXPLAINED Each adventure holiday is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip and our general grade explanation appears below. Online you’ll find more detailed information about our grades under the Holiday Types menu for each activity type.
2 ellow 1-3 Leisurely Y Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade allow you to enjoy your trip at a more leisurely pace.
11
8
5 Green 4 - 6 Moderate Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.
Blue 7 - 9 Challenging Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go. For those who fancy a challenge.
Red 10 - 12 Tough Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous experience is needed.
ACTIVITY TYPES We offer a range of different activities, so that whatever embarking on an adventure means to you, we've got you covered.
Trek & Walk
Self-Guided
Cycle
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
Family
Climb
Winter
Discovery
Wildlife
Polar
TREK & WALK
The White Mountains of Crete
71
6
GREECE
TREK & W LK
Guided walking week on the beautiful Greek island of Crete • Summit Pachnes, the highest peak in the White Mountains
AMAZING JOURNEYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF ADVENTURER Our worldwide collection of more than 220 trekking and walking holidays includes something for everyone, from remote and challenging Himalayan supported treks to leisurely foodie European walking adventures.
Trails of the Amalfi Coast
3
Icefjords and Villages of East Greenland
5
• Descend to the Mediterranean Sea through the dramatic Samaria Gorge • Discover Crete’s hidden beaches on the coastal walk from Agia Roumeli • Traditional accommodation and excellent Cretan food and hospitality From £795 / 8 days / May, Aug-Oct keadventure.com – Trip Code – CRE
Sacred Summits of Olympus and Meteroa
6
ITALY
GREENLAND
GREECE
Visit Pompeii and Vesuvius on this centre-based walking holiday
The ultimate Arctic wilderness walking holiday
Summit Mount Olympus & visit Meteora’s mythical monasteries
• M editerranean hiking along the ‘Walk of the Gods’ to Positano
• Trekking beside ice-filled fjords and on rocky peaks
• Hike up the highest peak in Greece – Mount Olympus 2919m
• W alk around Amalfi, Ravello and in the Lattari Mountains
• Some of the world’s most dramatic peak and glacier landscapes
• Walk ancient trails in Meteora's sandstone mountains
• E xplore ancient Pompeii and head up the Italian giant Vesuvius
• Visit remote and colourful villages of Inuit fishermen and hunters
• Visit the UNESCO floating monasteries of Megalo and Varlaam
• O ption to visit and explore the Island of Capri or Herculaneum
• Two nights in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik
• Look for eagles and chamois, walk along the E4 long distance trail
From £895 / 8 days / Mar-May, Aug-Oct
From £3545 / 12 days / Jul-Sep
From £795 / 8 days / Jun, Oct
keadventure.com – Trip Code – VCA
keadventure.com – Trip Code – IRV
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GMO
Book online at keadventure.com
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TREK & WALK
Footpaths and Flavours of Madeira MADEIRA
3
NEW
The Ultimate Tour Du Mont Blanc
9
Undiscovered Tenerife and Pico Teide
5
FRANCE
SPAIN
Lush levadas, fantastic flora and charming coastal walks on Madeira
KE’s unique high-level version of Europe`s Tour du Mont Blanc
Hike up Mount Teide on the largest of the Canary Islands
• D iscover lush and sun-kissed Madeira on a series of easy paced walks
• All the Mont Blanc high pass crossings and best vantage points
• Watch sunset and sunrise from Spain’s highest peak
• V isit a Madeira wine cellar and Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores
• Saxes Ridge and the dramatically situated Cabane d’Orny
• Walking in the beautiful and undiscovered area of Anaga
• W alk the flower fringed Caldeirao Verde and the Levada das 25 Fontes
• Circular trek through France, Switzerland
• Amazing coastal hiking, the fantastic Masca Gorge and boat trips
• S eafront hotels in pretty Porto Moniz and the charming fishing village of Paul do Mar
• The connoisseur's choice for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Unique to KE
• Explore the UNESCO town of La Laguna and the capital Santa Cruz
From £795 / 8 days / Feb-Jun, Sep-Dec
From £1695 / 12 days / Jul-Sep
From £855 / 8 days / Jan-Apr, Sep-Dec
keadventure.com – Trip Code – MFS
keadventure.com – Trip Code – UTM
keadventure.com – Trip Code – TWW
High Tatras Trekking
Rural Romania and Backroads of Bulgaria
Tour de Monte Rosa
7
4
9
POLAND
ROMANIA, BULGARIA
A trek in the Carpathian Mountains of Poland and Slovakia
A fantastic walking & cultural holiday through 2 Balkan countries
An Alpine Trekking holiday around Switzerland’s highest peak
• F antastic cross-border trek to Poland’s highest peak, Rysy (2499m)
• Explore the colourful gems of Sofia, Bucharest, Brasov and Veliki Tarnovo
• Crossing the Teodulo Pass in sight of the Matterhorn
• E xplore UNESCO Krakow, Zakopane and the Five Lakes Valley
• Hike through the heart of Transylvania’s Carpathian Mountains
• Overnight in a succession of atmospheric Alpine refuges
• L ook out for wolf, brown bear, chamois and golden eagle
• Walk in Bulgaria’s undiscovered national parks and stay in alpine hamlets
• Stunning Swiss Alps scenery with 10 breakfast and 10 dinners included
• S uperb trekking and easy scrambling through wild Europe
• Sample delicious local dishes and meet Romania’s mountain shepherds
• A challenging full circuit trek around Switzerland's highest mountain
From £685 / 8 days / Jun-Sep
From £1275 / 14 days / May-Sep
From £1565 / 11 days / Jul-Sep
keadventure.com – Trip Code – HTT
keadventure.com – Trip Code – RAB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – TMR
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
NEW
SWITZERLAND
TREK & WALK
PORTUGAL
La Gomera, the Jewel of the Canaries
NEW
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5
SPAIN
Timeless Trails of Portugal’s Algarve From £915 / 8 days / Apr-Oct
4
Lovely walks, charming accommodation and delicious food walking in Portugal’s Algarve This one week walking holiday on the south west coast of Portugal offers the perfect relaxing retreat for those looking to get away from the busy bustle of everyday life, and be enchanted by the remote and wild Atlantic coastal trails and the ‘Inner’ Algarve’s rolling hills and white painted villages. Centre-based at a charming eco lodge just 10km from the very tip of Portugal, over the course of the week we will enjoy five hand-picked walks, each designed to showcase the wild splendour of this region; the dramatic cliffs, sand dunes, hidden coves and sweeping golden beaches of the south-west coast and the contrasting interior, offering a lush green tapestry of farmland, cow meadows and forests of chestnut, eucalyptus and cork. keadventure.com – Trip Code – PAW
The Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc
7
Rich variety of walking on the charming island of La Gomera • Explore the best of La Gomera on mountain and coastal trails • Views over to Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria and El Hierro • A day on the GR131 with laurel forest and mountain ridges • See traditional island potters and timeless villages in the Valle Gran Rey From £875 / 8 days / Jan-Apr, Sep-Oct keadventure.com – Trip Code – LGT
Walking in the Balkan Borderlands
5
Ridges and Summits of Bulgaria
6
FRANCE
KOSOVO
BULGARIA
Hotel-based one-week walking holiday around Mont Blanc
Hike Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, the undiscovered Balkans
A trekking holiday in the rugged Rila and Pirin ranges
• T rek the stunning Bovine Trail and the impressive Col de la Seigne
• Trek the Accursed Mountains of Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania
• Summit the big four of Vihren, Kotelo, Maliovitsa and Musala
• S tay in the Swiss chocolate box village of Champex
• Experience a cultural melting pot of Balkan flavours and local life
• Go off the beaten track on the spectacular Marble Ridge
• H otel-based tour du Mont Blanc trek with full vehicle support
• Stay in rural guesthouses and enjoy lunch with a Kosovan family
• Remote trekking via the Pirin Ridges to the Dark Lake
• F antastic food in France, Switzerland and Italy with all meals included
• Explore Lake Skadar and the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor
• Wander through Sofia and visit UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery
From £1245 / 8 days / Jun-Sep
From £850 / 8 days / Jun-Sep
From £625 / 8 days / Jun-Sep
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BTM
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BBL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BUL
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
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TREK & WALK
Italian High Level Route
8
Footpaths and Flavours of Liguria
3
Corsica the Complete GR20
9
ITALY
ITALY
FRANCE
The ultimate Alpine mountaineering introductory week
Coastal walks to Portofino and villages of UNESCO Cinque Terre
Europe’s most challenging long distance trekking trail
• C ross from Italy to Switzerland over the high pass of the Lisjoch
• Walk between the pretty towns and villages of UNESCO Cinque Terre
• World class hiking and scrambling in Corsica’s Mediterranean sunshine
• C limb several 4000 metre Alpine summits including the Breithorn
• Take a boat trip to Isola Palmaria from the Italian gem of Porto Venere
• Walk the entire GR20, north to south from Calenzana to Conca
• A lpine mountaineering skills tuition and a 1:5 guide to client ratio
• Explore Vernazza, Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore
• A wild landscape of granite spires, forested valleys and rocky cirques
• A n ideal holiday for novice alpinists with a good level of fitness
• Travel by train through a Mediterranean landscape and all meals included
• Vehicle support and regular access to bags
From £1625 / 8 days / Jun-Aug
From £999 / 8 days / May-Jun, Sep-Oct
From £2095 / 15 days / Jun–Sep
keadventure.com – Trip Code – IHL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – IWW
keadventure.com – Trip Code – COR
High Peaks of the Balkans
Traverse of the Picos de Europa
Bohemian Trails from Krakow to Prague
8
8
2
ALBANIA, KOSOVO
SPAIN
POLAND
The highest peaks in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro & Macedonia
A walking traverse through the Picos – Spain’s finest mountains
Walking and cultural holiday through the heartland of Bohemia
• A genuine trekking journey through the heart of the undiscovered Balkans
• Stunning views from Torre de los Horcados Rojos
• Experience a Klezmer concert and dinner in the Jewish Quarter of Krakow
• C limb the mighty three – Korab (2751m), Gjeravica (2656m) and Zla Kolata (2534m)
• Trek through the dramatic Cares Gorge to Puente Poncebos
• Discover Prague and the Klodzo Valley in the heart of ancient Bohemia
• B oat across Lake Koman and overnight in bustling Tirana, Albania’s capital
• Stay in remote mountain refuges and small village hotels
• Walk in the Stołowe Mountains and Karkonosze National Park
• A real off the beaten track experience in Eastern Europe
• A challenging mountain journey with all meals included
• Visit the beautiful Church of Swidnica and the Valley of Castles and Gardens
From £895 / 8 days / Jun-Sep
From £995 / 8 days / Jul-Sep
From £945 / 8 days / Jun-Jul, Sep
keadventure.com – Trip Code – HPB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SPE
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BOH
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
NEW
TREK & WALK
Trekking in Georgia and the High Caucasus
6
75
TAJIKISTAN, UZBEKISTAN
GEORGIA
Classic trekking in Georgia’s remote Caucasus mountains & villages • O utstanding views of Mt Kazbek (5047m) the highest peak in Georgia
Ultimate Fann Mountains Trek
From £2325 / 17 days / Jul-Sep
7
A trek in the Pamirs of Tajikistan and a visit to Samarkand
From £1095 / 9 days / Jul-Aug
The spectacular, little-visited, Pamir mountains make for brilliant trekking and pristine camping in true wilderness. Accessed through the Tajikistan capital, Dushanbe, our sensational 12-day trek makes a comprehensive tour of this rugged and picturesque landscape, where Tajik shepherds graze their flocks on remote upland pastures. Climbing to high viewpoints, including the dramatic Mazalat Pass (4133m) and enjoying a succession of superb lakeside camping places, this is a truly memorable trek. After the trek, we travel into neighbouring Uzbekistan, where we visit the stunning Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Tashkent. More than 2500 years old and known as the ‘Gem of the East’, Samarkand is one of the wonders of the world, with mosaic-clad monuments that are guaranteed to take your breath away. This is Central Asia at its best!
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GHC
keadventure.com – Trip Code – UFT
• E xplore the historic fortified villages of Mutso, Shatili and UNESCO Mtskheta city • T rek across mountain passes, by lakes and through flower strewn meadows • F ully supported trekking and all meals included
The Snowman Trek in Bhutan
11
Everest Yeti Mountain Home Trek
5
Sikkim Beneath Kangchenjunga
8
BHUTAN
NEPAL
INDIA
Through Laya and Lunana, the ultimate high-level Bhutan traverse
A holiday in sight of Everest with the best accommodation
The best Sikkim trek – from the Singalila Ridge to the Goeche La
• O ne of the greatest and most challenging of Himalayan treks
• On trek, stay in well-appointed ‘Yeti Mountain Home’ lodges
• Close up views of Kangchenjunga from the Goeche La (4940m)
• J ourney through Laya and Lunana across 11 high passes
• Kongde Lodge, a special experience with amazing Everest views
• A sightseeing day in the British Raj hill-station of Darjeeling
• G et up close to Gangkar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed peak
• Namche Bazaar and Thame, principal towns of the Sherpas
• Unspoiled camping at Lam Pokhri below the Danphebir Pass
• T he spectacular lakes of Tampe Tsho and Om Tsho
• Option to hike to the 5000 metre viewpoint of Farak Ri
• A classic Indian Himalaya trekking holiday with itinerary unique to KE
From £5695 / 30 days / Sep-Nov
From £2095 / 13 days / Apr-May, Sep-Nov
From £1995 / 21 days / Oct-Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BST
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ELL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SIK
Book online at keadventure.com
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TREK & WALK
Everest Basecamp Trek
7
Around Manaslu Trek
8
The Druk Path Trek
5
NEPAL
NEPAL
BHUTAN
The classic Nepal trekking holiday to Everest Basecamp
A challenging trek across the remote pass of the Larkya La
Classic trekking and many of Bhutan’s cultural highlights
• A superb lodge-based trek to Everest Basecamp
• Classic circuit trek around the 8th highest mountain in the world
• A great introductory level, fully supported, 5-day trek from Paro to Thimpu
• S tunning views of Everest from Kala Patar at sunset
• Link the Burhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi valleys across the Larkya La
• Breathtaking views of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake
• I ncludes a full day exploring and acclimatising in Namche Bazaar
• The Tibetan villages and monasteries of Sama and Somdu
• Hike up to the amazing, cliff-side Taktsang or ’Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery
• W alk out via Phortse and across the Mon La with views of Ama Dablam
• Great views of Himal Chuli, Manaslu and Himlung Himal
• Visit the imposing dzongs at Paro, Punakha and Thimpu
From £1795 / 17 days / Jan-May, Sep-Dec
From £1895 / 19 days / Apr, May, Oct, Nov
From £2595 / 12 days / Mar, Oct-Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – EBL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – MAN
keadventure.com – Trip Code – DRK
The Laya Trek
Kerala and the Cardamom Hills
Ganesh Himal Panorama Trek
7
4
5
BHUTAN
INDIA
NEPAL
Discover the remote Eastern Himalaya on foot in Bhutan
Walking and discovery in laid-back Kerala, India’s tropical south
A trekking and camping holiday on the secret trails of Nepal
• T rek to the Chomolhari Basecamp at Jangothang
• Enjoy four days of trekking in the lush Cardamom Hills
• Classic trekking and camping in style on Nepal's Great Himalaya Trail
• C ross 4 high passes including the Shinge La (4900m)
• Take a houseboat cruise on the Kerala ‘Backwaters’
• The Pansang La and the beautiful ridge of the Tiru Danda
• D escend the Punakha Gorge via the monastery and hot springs at Gasa
• Fantastic wildlife viewing at the Periyar Nature Reserve
• Views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu and the Ganesh and Langtang peaks
• M eet the charming people of Laya Village near the Tibetan border
• The stupendous Sri Meenakshi temple complex at Madurai
• A great value holiday with no internal flights – perfect for a first Nepal trek
From £3445 / 18 days / Oct-Nov
From £1345 / 13 days / Nov-Feb
From £1295 / 15 days / Apr, Oct-Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – LAY
keadventure.com – Trip Code – KWG
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GHP
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
TREK & WALK
The Ultimate Everest Trek
8
Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill Trek
6
Everest the Hard Way
77
9
NEPAL
NEPAL
NEPAL
A challenging trekking holiday with the best Everest views
One of the finest trekking holidays in Nepal into the heart of the Annapurnas
Trek to Everest Basecamp across the high passes of the Khumbu
• T rek to the top of Gokyo Ri and Kala Patar for far-reaching views • V isit the most famous of the Khumbu monasteries at Thyangboche • T rek via the string of sacred lakes in the Gokyo Valley
• Spectacular views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill • Trek beneath Machhapuchhre, the sacred 'Fish-Tail' peak • Experience the best of Nepal on this perfect 2-week trekking holiday
• A high level circuit trek exploring the homeland of the Sherpas • Trekking over the Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La • Climb the viewpoint peaks of Gokyo Ri and Kala Patar
• Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Lodge trekking with a Nepalese guide and full support crew
From £2095 / 20 days / Mar-Apr, Oct-Dec
From £1945 / 14 days / Mar-May, Oct-Jan
From £1995 / 22 days / Mar-May, Oct-Dec
keadventure.com – Trip Code – EVL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ASL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – EHW
The Markha Valley Trek
Sri Lanka Tracks and Trails
K2 and Concordia
• C ross the glaciated Cho La to reach Everest Basecamp
7
4
8
INDIA
SRI LANKA
PAKISTAN
A classic trekking holiday in Ladakh, north of the Indian Himalaya
See the real Sri Lanka on this tropical paradise walking holiday
Trek to K2 and Concordia in the Karakoram Mountains
• S pectacular views from the Kongmaru La
• Explore the cave temples of Dambulla and spend some time in Kandy
• Spectacular views of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum and K2 from Concordia
• W itness the traditional way of life in the Markha Valley
• Watch the sunrise from the summit of Adam's Peak
• Trek past the dramatic towers of Trango, Cathedral and Lobsang
• L adakh is a veritable stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism
• Take in the dramatic views of the Knuckles Range and World’s End
• Option to trek to the Gilkey Memorial at K2 Basecamp
• V isit several Indus Valley monasteries including Thikse and Hemis
• Look out for leopards at Yala and chill out on the beach at Arugam Bay
• The Karakoram is the ultimate adventure travel destination
From £1475 / 14 days / Jul, Aug
From £1595 / 14 days / Aug-Apr
From £2735 / 21 days / Jun-Aug
keadventure.com – Trip Code – MAR
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SLT
keadventure.com – Trip Code – K2
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
78
TREK & WALK
Edge of the Sahara Trek
MOROCCO
5
MOROCCO
One Week Mount Toubkal Trek
From £425 / 8 days / May-Jun, Aug-Oct
6
A unique High Atlas circuit trek to the summit of Toubkal
Cross the Atlas Mountains and explore the Sahara Desert
This superb Moroccan trekking holiday follows a genuine off the beaten track circuit through the heart of the mighty High Atlas Mountains to the summit of Mount Toubkal. Heading through the welcoming land of the Berbers, we’ll explore picturesque mountain villages, hidden valleys and charming lakes whilst immersed in breath-taking scenery. From Marrakech we join an exciting circuit which heads across the spine of the High Atlas and into the remote and beautiful Tizgui Valley. After waking up beside the turquoise lake of Ifni, we make our way to the Neltner Refuge and join a superb trail to the summit of Mount Toubkal. Here we’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping panorama stretching all the way from the mighty High Atlas to the magnificent Sahara Desert. If you’re looking for a Toubkal trek which follows lesser-known trails and explores Marrakech, then KE’s One Week Toubkal circuit is the perfect choice.
• Unique walking through the heart of the magnificent Sahara
keadventure.com – Trip Code – OWT
keadventure.com – Trip Code – WST
A Taste of Morocco
2
Mount Toubkal in Winter
6
• Explore Marrakech and the UNESCO listed Djemaa El Fna • Sunsets, sunrises and star-gazing amongst magnificent dunes • Two nights at a fixed Berber camp and all meals included From £450 / 8 days / Jan-Apr, Oct-Dec
Walking Morocco's Undiscovered Coast
4
MOROCCO
MOROCCO
Summit North Africa's highest peak in Morocco's Atlas Mountains
Walk Morocco’s Atlantic Coast and explore Essaouira
• Perfect introduction to winter trekking in the High Atlas Mountains
• Coastal walking along Morocco’s magical Atlantic coast
• All meals, crampons and ice-axe hire plus highly trained leaders included
• Stay in the UNESCO World Heritage medina of Essaouira
• S hop for spices in Marrakech
• Time to explore Marrakech and the vibrant UNESCO Djemaa El Fna
• Lose yourself amongst the spice vendors in the Marrakech souks
• E njoy fragrant Moroccan gardens, and explore a saffron farm
• Discover Berber villages and the Atlas Mountains in spectacular winter conditions
• All meals included on this excellent cultural journey
From £545/ 8 days / Apr, Jun, Sep-Oct
From £525 / 8 days / Nov-Apr
From £545 / 8 days / Mar-Apr, Jul, Sep
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ATM
keadventure.com – Trip Code – WIT
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CCM
MOROCCO
NEW
Walks, culture and cuisine in Marrakech, Essaouira and the High Atlas • W alk in the High Atlas, prepare Berber bread and cook a tajine • S tay in a riad in Essaouira, discover its authentic fish market
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
TREK & WALK
Ethiopia Simien Mountains Trek
7
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
8
Captivating Cape Verde Island
79
5
ETHIOPIA
TANZANIA
CAPE VERDE
Simien Mountains trekking and visits to Gondar and Lalibela
Climb Kilimanjaro (5895m) via the stunning Rongai Route
Winter sunshine walking holiday on the islands of Cape Verde
• T rek to the top of Ras Dashen (4620m), Ethiopia’s highest peak
• Our experienced and expert guides maximise your chance of summiting
• Walking on the four islands in Cape Verde: Sao Vicente, Santo Antao, Santiago & Fogo
• V isit Gondar’s castles and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
• Watch the sunrise from the crater rim of Africa’s highest mountain
• Hike up the magnificent and active volcano of Pico do Fogo (2829m)
• E xtraordinary wildlife up close, including amazing gelada baboons
• Join the exclusive group who have climbed one of the world’s ‘7 Summits’
• E xperience Cape Verde’s wonderful climate, lush scenery and delicious food
• F antastic value holiday with all meals included
• Includes a vital, additional acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn
• S tunning volcano, excellent coastal walking and Creole hospitality
From £1995 / 13 days / Oct-Mar
From £2095 / 9 days / Dec-Apr, Jul-Aug, Oct
From £1495 / 13 days / Nov-Apr
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SIM
keadventure.com – Trip Code – KRR
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CVW
Reunion Island Paradise
Walking South Africa
Active & Wild Uganda Gorilla Safari
5
3
REUNION ISLAND
SOUTH AFRICA
A superb trekking holiday on Reunion Island
Enjoy a walking safari and game drives plus the famous Drakensberg Mountains
• D istinctive Creole flavour and Indian Ocean beaches • C limb Piton des Neiges (3070m), Reunion Island’s highest mountain • P roper volcano walking and overnight in mountain refuges
NEW
• Unique safari walks in search of the Big 5 in Kruger & Hluhluwe • Day walks in the Drakensberg Mountains, Swaziland & Blyde River Canyon
UGANDA
NEW
3
NEW
Uganda at its best: enchanting safari walks with the Batwa people • Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest • Chimpanzees at Kibale and the tree climbing lions in Ishasha
• Stay on the Ukuwela Conservancy
• Unique day walks through Bwindi and with the Batwa people
• S unrise on the summits and stunning mountain scenery
• Visit the historic battlefield of Zululand and Rorke’s Drift
• Dugout canoe trip on Lake Mutanda, and walk in the Rwenzori foothills
From £1595 / 11 days / Apr-May, Aug-Sep
From £1795 / 15 days / Jan-Apr, Jun-Dec
From £2995 / 10 days / Feb, Jun-Sep
keadventure.com – Trip Code – RUN
keadventure.com – Trip Code – WSA
keadventure.com – Trip Code – UGA
Book online at keadventure.com
80
TREK & WALK
The Classic Paine Circuit
7
Best of Patagonia’s Paine Circuit
7
8
CHILE
CHILE
Hike the complete Torres del Paine circuit in jaw-dropping Patagonia
Experience the trekking highlights of Patagonia’s most famous trail
• T rek over the superb John Gardner Pass and hike along Lake Nordenskojd
• Stand at the base of the Paine Towers and trek over the John Gardner Pass
• S tay in cosy domes with breath-taking views and star-gazing windows
• Stay in El Calafate, the gateway to Patagonia, and sail across Pehoe Lake
• Enjoy San Pedro and an acclimatisation trek through the Atacama
• H ike the Frances Valley, see the incredible Cuernos and trek up Valle Ascencio
• Hike along the incredible Cuernos Trail and enjoy views of Glacier Grey
• See flamingos, explore Laguna Verde and the Tatio Geysers
• E xplore El Calafate before enjoying fully supported trekking in wilderness Chile
• Excellent leaders, fully supported camping and porterage included on trek
• Sunsets over the Valley of the Moon, hot springs and Chaxa Lagoon
From £2895 / 11 days / Nov-Jan, Mar-Apr
From £2245 / 9 days / Mar
From £2395 / 11 days / Sep, Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – PPC
keadventure.com – Trip Code – TDP
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CAE
ECUADOR
NEW
Red Hot Chile – Trekking the Atacama Desert CHILE
Trek through the Atacama Desert before summiting Licancabur (5920m) in Bolivia. • Summit the incredible volcano Licancabur
Walking Cuba's Wild West
NEW
CUBA
Walking the Volcanoes of Ecuador From £1795 / 14 days / Mar, May, Aug-Oct, Dec
6
Experience the very best of Andean Ecuador on the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ This walking adventure showcases the greats of Andean Ecuador, its breath-taking nature and colourful culture as we explore the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ on foot. We will aim to summit three volcanoes: the viewpoint peak of Fuya Fuya (4263m), Imbabura (4575m) and the central summit of Ruminahui (4650m). We’ll also visit the high refuges on three of Ecuador’s volcanic giants, Cotopaxi, Illiniza and Chimborazo. Cotopaxi (5897m), recognisable due to its iconic conical shape, is the highest active volcano in the world. We end with a ride on the world famous 'Devil's Nose' train, a free day in the spa town of Banos and sightseeing in colonial Quito. Expect charming accommodation throughout including incredibly located lodges with outrageous volcanic views, traditional family run ‘hostals’ and a community funded guesthouse crammed with colourful local arts and crafts. keadventure.com – Trip Code – ECV
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
4
NEW
A one week walking holiday on the Caribbean Island of Cuba • Explore the trails and mogotes of the stunning Vinales Valley • Trek to the highest point in the Sierra del Rosario mountain range • Experience UNESCO-listed, Havana in vintage 1950's American cars • Channel the Latino spirit during a salsa lesson with the locals From £895 / 8 days / Feb-Apr, Nov-Dec keadventure.com – Trip Code – WCT
TREK & WALK
Traverse of Bolivia’s Cordillera Real
8
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
5
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
81
8
BOLIVIA
PERU
PERU
A stunning high level trek through the 'Royal Mountains'
Walk the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trek the ‘alternative’ Inca trail and visit Machu Picchu too
• E ight high mountain passes, including two over 5000 metres
• Quiet campsites, superb guides and support team, and delicious local food
• A full day to explore the secluded Inca fortress of Choquequirao
• E xplore the pre-Inca archaeological site at Tihuanaco
• Includes guided tour of magnificent Machu Picchu
• Camp on Inca terraces and hike through the awe-inspiring Apurimac Canyon
• A cclimatise beside Lake Titicaca and stay on the Isla del Sol
• Explore vibrant Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Trek high passes and beneath the dramatic 6000m peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba
• S tunning views of Huayna Potosi (6088m) and Condoriri (5648m)
• Maximum group size of 12 people means great service for all
• Visit both of Peru's premier Inca ruins with a guided visit to Machu Picchu
From £1985 / 20 days / Jun–Aug
From £1215 / 8 days / Mar–Dec
From £1395 / 13 days / Mar-Oct
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BOL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – IMP
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CHQ
Guatemala’s Magnificent Seven
El Salvador’s Eight
Costa Rica Walks and Wildlife
7
5
3
GUATEMALA
EL SALVADOR
COSTA RICA
Hike to the summits of 7 Guatemalan volcanoes
Sensational volcano walking holiday in El Salvador
Wildlife Holiday in Costa Rica, the Jewel of Central America
• E xperience the sights, sounds and unique local colour of Guatemala
• Trek up Santa Ana (2381m), El Salvador's highest volcano
• Trek the slopes of Arenal Volcano & visit Corcovado NP by boat
• T rek to the top of Tajumulco, Central America’s highest peak
• Camp on the beach on Isla Zacatillo in Gulfo Fronseca
• Rainforests, waterfalls and beaches on this Costa Rica holiday
• C hill out and relax on the shores of Lake Atitlan
• Walk up El Pital (2730m), El Salvador’s highest point
• Walk amongst abundent birdlife, including the elusive quetzal
• E xplore the 16th century Spanish colonial capital of Antigua
• Time in colonial Suchitoto, and the Pacific beach resort of El Cuco
• Wonderful wildlife, including coatis, sloth and tapir
From £1755 / 15 days / Nov-Jan, Mar
From £1595 / 14 days / Jan, Nov-Dec
From £2155 / 15 days / Feb-Apr, Nov-Dec
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GVO
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ESE
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CWW
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
82
TREK & WALK
New Zealand North to South
5
Land of the Living Mountains
5
Mountains to the Mekong
4
NEW ZEALAND
INDONESIA
VIETNAM
Hiking the highlights of the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’
Climb 5 of Indonesia's major volcanoes on Java and Bali
A walking journey through colourful Vietnam and Laos
• T rek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand’s best 1-day walk
• Island hopping and trekking through Indonesia’s surreal volcanic landscape
• Travel down the Nam Ou River in Laos on foot and by long boat
• M arlborough Sound, the Nydia Track and the Abel Tasman Track
• 2-day traverse of Mt Raung, home to the largest volcanic crater on Java
• Overnight junk cruise and kayaking on UNESCO-listed Halong Bay
• S uperlative star gazing from the remote Rex Simpson Hut
• Experience the cultural melting pot of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam
• Meet the hill-tribes of Vietnam and Laos with village homestays
• W alk beneath Mount Cook and cruise on Milford Sound
• Relax on the palm-fringed, white sand beaches of Bali
• Explore Hanoi and Luang Prabang, the ‘Jewel of South East Asia’
From £4595 / 19 days / Nov-Mar
From £1595 / 15 days / Apr-Oct
From £1595 / 15 days / Feb, Sep-Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – TNZ
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ILM
keadventure.com – Trip Code – VLL
Secret Trails of the Tribal Heartland
Beyond the Mekong
Vietnam from North to South
5
5
3
VIETNAM
LAOS, CAMBODIA
VIETNAM
Trekking in remote North Vietnam with hill-tribe homestays
Discover the highlights of Laos and Cambodia on foot
From Hanoi to Saigon – an active journey through Vietnam
• M eet the Tay, Red Dao, White Hmong, Black Lolo, Flower Lolo and Nung tribes
• Jungle trekking and longboat river cruising in northern Laos
• Unique 4-day trek through traditional villages and rice paddies
• E xplore Hanoi, cruise Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay
• Meet the colourful hill-tribes of the Laotian highlands
• Experience life on the Mekong Delta and the Perfume River
• E njoy a night sleeping on the idyllic Cat Ba Island
• 3 full days to explore the temples of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
• Discover the imperial palaces of Hue and the lantern lit bridges of Hoi An
• S pend a full day in a traditional Black Lolo village
• Luang Prabang, its colonial architecture and Buddhist temples
• Cruise the UNESCO listed Halong Bay for two days on a traditional Junk boat
From £1345 / 14 days / Feb-Apr, Aug-Nov
From £1795 / 12 Days / Feb-Mar, Nov-Dec
From £1295 / 14 days / Feb-Apr, Aug-Dec
keadventure.com – Trip Code – VNT
keadventure.com – Trip Code – LAC
keadventure.com – Trip Code – VNS
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
TREK & WALK
Oman Adventure Trekking
JORDAN
83
7
OMAN
Jordan Dana to Petra Trek
From £995 / 8 days / Feb-Apr, Oct-Dec
5
A trekking adventure following the Jordan Trail Six days of trekking takes us through the most rugged country in Jordan, straddling the edge of the great Rift Valley. Starting out from Wadi Feinan in the Dana Nature Reserve, we follow hunters' trails through deep gorges and across high ridges, climbing gradually from around 300 metres at Feinan to around 1100 metres at the high viewpoint above Petra. Nights will be spent camping Bedouin-style with the local guide and crew. Crossing a final escarpment, we reach the spectacular ‘Monastery', which heralds our arrival at Petra - one of the world's ‘New7Wonders'. The route from Dana to Petra is now part of the ‘Jordan Trail’ which spans the length of this interesting and diverse country. The ‘Jordan Trail’ is an upcoming brand new way-marked trek and the Dana to Petra section is probably the most beautiful and best. This great adventure follows in the footsteps of many explorers and is a magical week of discovery, walking and above all, Jordanian hospitality. keadventure.com – Trip Code – JDP
Damavand and the Pearls of Persia
8
Walk the most dramatic sections of the Al Hajar mountains • Hike the Balcony Trail into Oman’s Grand Canyon • Swim in rock pools and wild camp on the beach • Enjoy a guided tour of the exquisite Muscat Grand Mosque • Camp next to the Arabian Sea • Explore the forts and souks of Nizwa From £1895 / 10 days / Nov-Apr keadventure.com – Trip Code – OAT
Jordan’s Wadi Rum and Petra
4
Oman Walks, Wadis and Wonders
2
IRAN
JORDAN
OMAN
Summit Mount Damavand and visit Iran’s most beautiful cities
Explore Petra and the canyons and jebels of Wadi Rum on foot
Easy walks, dolphins, sand dunes and adventure in Oman
• A cclimatise in the Alborz Mountains to Iran’s second highest peak
• In the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in ‘Rum the magnificent’
• The dramatic ‘Balcony Walk’ and the Grand Canyon of Jebel Shams
• S ee the Persian cities of Shiraz, Persepolis and Isfahan
• Ascend Jordan’s highest peak – Jebel Um Adaami
• Dolphin-spotting boat trip, turtles on the beach and camel riding
• E xperience the genuine warmth of the Iranian people
• Explore the amazing rock cut temples and theatres of Petra
• See the pools and palm trees of Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid
• P erfect combination of wild mountain trekking and culture
• Meet and learn about the Bedouin people who live in Wadi Rum
• Experience desert and dunes in the Wahiba Sands
From £2645 / 15 days / Jun-Sep
From £895 / 8 days / Feb-Apr, Oct, Dec
From £1575 / 8 days / Jan-Apr, Nov-Dec
keadventure.com – Trip Code – IDP
keadventure.com – Trip Code – JOR
keadventure.com – Trip Code – WWW
Book online at keadventure.com
84
KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
SELF-GUIDED IN EUR PE WE DO ALL THE PLANNING, YOU DO ALL THE ENJOYING Travel with your favourite travel companions, get off the beaten track, remove the hassle of hours researching, booking hotels and route planning and go at your own pace. Pick your perfect date and book a self-guided adventure with KE. Suitable for families too.
Self-Guided Tour Du Mont Blanc FRANCE
7
NEW
Self-Guided Walking on Cinque Terre ITALY
3
NEW
Self-Guided Walking on Lake Como ITALY
2
NEW
Experience the classic TMB route in the freedom of your own pace
Discover the 5 colourful villages of the Cinque Terre
Discover the Italian Lakes staying on the shores of Lake Como
• E xperience traditional alpine mountain huts, waking up to views of Mont Blanc
• Stay in Corniglia in the heart of the Cinque Terre
• Visit the beautiful Villa Carlotta and Balbaniello
• W alk in France, Italy and Switzerland along spectacular trails
• Enjoy the villages from a new perspective on a boat trip to Monterosso
• Lakeside hotel with rooms overlooking Lake Como
• L uggage transportation included along the route
• Swim in the clear blue waters and feast on local seafood
• Take the boat cruise to Bellagio for panoramic views of Lake Como
• R ide the Mont Blanc Tramway, the highest tramway in Europe
• Explore Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore
• Walk through olive groves and explore cobbled Italian villages
From £1299 / 11 days / Jul-Sep
From £425 / 7 days / Mar-Oct
From £445 / 5 days / Mar-Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGTM
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGCT
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGLC
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
SELF-GUIDED
Self-Guided Walking in Las Alpujarras SPAIN
4
Self-Guided Walking in Austria AUSTRIA
NEW
2
NEW
Self-Guided Walking in Tuscany ITALY
85
3
NEW
Discover the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the culture of Granada
Discover the crystal clear lakes of Austria’s Salzkammergut
Discover Florence, Chianti and Sienna, the jewels of Tuscany
• D iscover the distinct whitewashed villages of Las Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada
• Visit the Imperial Villa and Hotel Austria where Emperor Franz Joseph proposed to Elizabeth of Bavaria
• Enjoy walking through rolling hillsides and hill top towns
• S ample the local delicacies in quaint bodegas
• Swim in the waters of Wolfgansee
• Follow wine roads through Chianti and the hidden gem of Panzano
• E xplore the fascinating old quarters of Granada
• Stay in colourful alpine villages and enjoy the warm Austrian hospitality
• Stay in handpicked 3 and 4 star hotels with pool and spa facilities
• S tay in charming accommodations with swimming pools
• Discover the World Heritage town of Hallstatt and panoramic views from the Skywalk
• All Breakfasts included and freedom to choose your evening restaurants
From £430 / 8 days / Feb-Nov
From £485 / 8 days / May-Oct
From £675 / 7 days / Apr-Oct
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGLA
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGSL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGCF
Self-Guided Cycling the Danube
Cycling Bolzano to Venice
Cycling Lake Constance 2 & Rhine Falls
AUSTRIA
2
NEW
ITALY
2
NEW
GERMANY
NEW
Enjoy the Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna at your own pace
Self-guided cycling from the Italian Alps to Venice and sail across Lake Garda
A Self-Guided journey exploring the beautiful Lake Constance and dramatic Rhine Falls
• E xplore the historic towns of Passau, Linz and Vienna
• Bike hire is included in the cost of your holiday and e-bikes available
• Bike hire and e-bikes available
• S ample Riesling and Gruner Veltliner wines at a wine tasting in Wachau
• Cycle to fair Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet
• C ycle through vineyards, farmland and picturesque valleys shaped by the river
• Relax on a boat cruise across Lake Garda
• Visit the magnificent Rhine Falls and take a boat journey across to Reichenau Island
• Bike hire and e-bikes available
• Enjoy a glass of wine in Piazza San Marco and soak in Venice’s splendour
• Stay in stylish hotels and discover Bavaria's medieval castles
From £605 / 8 days / May-Oct
From £840 / 8 days / Apr-Sep
From £700 / 8 days / Apr-Oct
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGPV
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGBV
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SGCO
• Cycle through Germany, Austria and Switzerland in just one day
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
86
TREK & WALK SE ASIA
Tanzania Safari Maasai Adventure TANZANIA
DISCOVERY & WILDL
SAVOUR THE AUTHENTIC OR SEE THE WORLD’S MOST INCREDIBLE ANIMALS
E
1
Spirit of the Dragon
NEW
Superb classic safaris plus walk with the Maasai • Herds of elephants, zebra and wildebeest in Tanzania’s finest park – the Serengeti
Our Discovery collection draws together the best of our holidays that focus on the culture of a destination, as well as on visiting iconic sights and embracing local traditions. Our wildlife holidays take you up close and personal to the world's most incredible animals across several continents.
Best of Northern India
1
2
• Search for rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant in the Ngorongoro Crater • Visit Lake Natron for walks with Maasai guides, and meet the tribal Hadzabe people • Stay in classic safari tents with proper beds and en suite facilities From £2295 / 8 days / Feb, Jul, Sep-Oct keadventure.com – Trip Code – TMS
The Spirit of India
1
INDIA
BHUTAN
INDIA
The definitive tour from Jaipur to Varanasi
A complete tour of the iconic wonders of Bhutan
Discover the Western Himalaya from Rishikesh to Amritsar
• S ee tigers, temples and the splendour of the Taj Mahal
• Visit the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery in the Paro Valley on this discovery holiday
• Watch the aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh
• T wo game drives at the famous tiger sanctuary of Ranthambore
• The beautiful valleys and spectacular monasteries of Bumthang
• E arly morning boat ride on the River Ganges at Varanasi
• Stay in the Phobjika Valley, winter home of the rare Black Necked Crane
• Explore the hillstations of Shimla and Mussoorie and take a scenic ride on the famous narrow-gauge Toy Train
• S ee the Golden Triangle cities of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi
• Bhutan’s impressive dzongs at Trongsa, Punakha and Thimphu
From £745 / 9 days / Feb-Apr, Oct, Dec
From £2495 / 10 days / Feb-Apr, Oct, Nov
From £1095 / 12 days / Mar-Apr, Sep-Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BON
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BDT
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SOI
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
• Visit Dharamsala, the home of Tibetan monks and the Dalai Lama • Sunset at the Golden Temple in Amritsar
DISCOVERY AND WILDLIFE
Discover Nepal NEPAL
1
Cape Town to Victoria Falls
1
Best of Botswana, Lodge Safari
87
1
BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, ZIMBABWE, SOUTH AFRICA
BOTSWANA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE
Capturing many of Nepal’s cultural and scenic highlights
The classic safari adventure with all the highlights
Safari across the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Chobe NP and Vic Falls
• H imalayan views from Bandipur, Sarangkot, Tansen and Nagarkot
• Witness Africa’s finest wildlife in Etosha, Okavango Delta & Chobe NP
• Explore the Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro canoe
• W ildlife activities at Chitwan and lakeside relaxation in Pokhara
• Sunrise in dunes of Sossusvlei and hike Dune 45 in Namibia
• Enjoy a boat cruise in Chobe and Game drive in Moremi
• V isit UNESCO listed Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha
• Explore Cape Town, Cederberg and canoeing on the Orange River
• Drive across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, see rhino at the Khama Sanctuary
• G uided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
• Travel by mokoro canoe, meet the Kalahari Bushmen, see Victoria Falls
• Experience endless African night skies in wilderness tented lodges
From £1245 / 11 days / Oct-Jan, Mar-May
From £2945 / 22 days / Jan-Dec
From £2495 / 15 days / Jan-Dec
keadventure.com – Trip Code – DXN
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CKD
keadventure.com – Trip Code – OCV
Burgundy Riverboat Cruise
Realm of the Polar Bear
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure
FRANCE
NEW
2
NEW
3
3
ARCTIC, SVALBARD, NORWAY
ANTARCTICA
Dijon, France - with wine tasting, cycling and walks in the vineyards
Travel on the MS Expedition, one of the best polar cruise ships
Active cruise with kayaking & camping on Antarctica
• V isit local vineyards with wine tasting along the way
• Zodiac and shore excursions around Spitsbergen
• Kayaking, snowshoeing, photo-workshops, mountaineering, camping
• E xplore traditional villages on foot and bike
• Spot polar bears and whales around Svalbard
• Shore excursions and wildlife spotting from zodiacs
• R elax in comfort on board the wonderful Daniele riverboat
• Expert team of expedition polar leaders on-board
• Learn from expedition polar leaders onboard
• F ree time for sightseeing in Dijon, the capital of Burgundy
• Board in Longyearbyen, the world’s most northerly town
• Scuba diving in the Antarctic Ocean available for the intrepid
From £1979 / 8 days / Apr-Oct
From £2799 / 8 days / Jun-Jul
From £5885 / 13 days / Nov-Mar
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BRB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – PRP
keadventure.com – Trip Code – PAB
Book online at keadventure.com
88
KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
Family Adventures in the Algarve
8+ AGE
PORTUGAL
FAM
Y
Sunshine and multi-active family adventure in Southern Portugal
REAL ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Designed to deliver magical times, maximum fun and minimal screen time, our collection of 40 family holidays are suitable for families of all sizes. Whether you want to share experiences like surfing in Portugal to looking out for leopards in Sri Lanka, it will be a holiday none of you will forget.
• Centre-based at a farmhouse close to Portugal’s south-eastern tip • River and freshwater lake kayaking close to our accommodation • Surf lesson, rock climbing, beach time, boat trips and much more • Enjoy delicious home-cooked food and local wine From £895 / 8 days / May, Summer, October keadventure.com – Trip Code – FPA
Bamboo and Buddhas Family Adventure
6+ AGE
Julian Alps Jamboree Family Adventure
8+ AGE
Sri Lanka Family Island Explorer
6+ AGE
THAILAND
SLOVENIA
SRI LANKA
11 days of family activity, culture and adventure in Thailand
Our Best-Selling holiday for active families
A fun mix of activities, culture and wildlife and relaxation
• E xplore bustling Bangkok and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai
• C entre-based at a hotel with pool in Kranjska Gora
• V isit orphaned baby elephants at the Born Free Elephant Transit Home
• Easy 3-day jungle walking adventure
• R ock climbing, high ropes and mountain biking
• E xplore the rock fortress of Sigiriya, go on safari to see leopard and elephants
• W aterfalls, lake walks and the summer toboggan
• Make a batik and go whitewater rafting!
• S tay at a hilltribe homestay and on a floating raft house
• Enjoy downtime in the town of Bled
• R elax at the end with 2 days on an Indian Ocean Beach, Sri Lanka
From £925 / 11 days / Easter, Summer, Christmas
From £725 / 8 days / May, Summer, October
From £1345 / 14 days / Easter, Summer, Christmas
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FAT
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FAS
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FSL
• R ide a bamboo raft, try Thai boxing and swim in waterfalls
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
FAMILY
Family Guided Cycling Holiday in Istria
7+ AGE
Winter Wonderland Arctic Family Adventure
6+ AGE
Teenage Toubkal Ascent
10+ AGE
CROATIA
SWEDEN
MOROCCO
Cycling along coastal tracks, through olive groves & vineyards
A winter activity holiday in Sweden, north of the Arctic Circle
Climb Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, with your family
• C ycling for 4 days on rural roads, tracks and through National Parks
• Husky dog-sledding and night-time snowshoeing
• A perfect Moroccan walking holiday for families with teenage children
• S ea kayak, snorkel, swim and visit a cave in Croatia's most beautiful fjord
• Take your family to the spectacular Icehotel
• Spend time exploring the souks and sites of Marrakech
• D inosaur footprints, fossils and ice cream in Kamenjak National Park • C ycle through mysterious tunnels on the old Parenzana railway track
• Ride a snowmobile on a frozen lake and see the northern lights • Great value with all meals and activities included on every day
From £945 / 8 days / May, Summer, October
From £1295 / 6 days / Christmas, February, Easter
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FCY
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FSW
Families On the Tapas Trail
8+ AGE
SPAIN
89
• Meet the Berber people and enjoy the mules for baggage carrying • A great first trek for teenagers to the summit of a beautiful mountain From £425 / 8 days / Summer keadventure.com – Trip Code – FTT
Self-Guided for Families Enjoy more flexibility and freedom on a self-guided holiday. Many of our European self-guided trips are suitable for families too. Contact our team for more details.
Active family adventure holiday on Spain's Northern Coast • W alk to and overnight in a mountain refuge in the Spanish Picos • D on your wetsuit for adrenaline-charged canyoning • E njoy kayaking and cycling on this family adventure holiday in Spain • O ption to rent a surf board and ride the waves with the children From £945 / 8 days / Summer keadventure.com – Trip Code – FPE
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
90
FAMILY
Costa Rica Family Holiday Adventure
8+ AGE
Namibia Bush School
8+ AGE
8+ AGE
COSTA RICA
NAMIBIA
Walks and wildlife in Monteverde and beaches of Manuel Antonio
Learn about the wildlife and ‘the bush’ on this informative tour
Travel from North to South including the cultural highlights
• W hite-water rafting and see turtles at Tortuguero National Park
• Game viewing in Etosha to see The Big Five
• Homestay with the hill-tribes of Mai Chau and walk through rural Vietnam
• D iscover how chocolate is made, enjoy zip-wires and rainforest canopy walks
NEW
Vietnam Jungle and Junks VIETNAM
• Visit the Cheetah Project in Solitaire & learn about wildlife conservation and education
• Cruise Halong Bay in a traditional junk boat
• V isit the famous Arenal volcano
• Camp at sites with swimming pools and also in the wild under the Africa skies
• Explore the Mekong Delta backwaters, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and relax at a coastal resort
• M agnificent adventure holiday in Costa Rica, a perfect destination for families
• See the beautiful Sossusvlei sand dunes, and kayak with seals in Walvis Bay
• We watch a water-puppet show, make a lantern and learn to cook Vietnamese food
From £1935 / 16 days / Easter, Summer, Christmas
From £1595 / 12 days / Easter, Summer, Christmas
From £1195 / 14 days / Easter, Summer, Christmas
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FCW
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FNM
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FVT
Southern Spice Adventure in Kerala
6+ AGE
Himalaya Teenage Trek
11+ AGE
Jordan Family Adventure
5+ AGE
INDIA
INDIA
JORDAN
Family holiday in Southern India, Kerala and the Western Ghats
Mini trekking adventure and the Taj Mahal
Explore Jordan’s Petra, Wadi Rum and the Red & Dead Seas
• E lephant and tiger spotting at Periyar Nature Reserve
• Scenic and easy paced 5 day mini trek in Ladakh's Northern India
• Visit the ancient Lost City of Petra
• T ea plantation walk and visit the incredible temples at Madurai
• Visit a Tibetan refugee centre and enjoy a whitewater rafting trip on the River Indus
• O vernight in a houseboat on the Kerala Backwaters
• Meet the charming Ladakhi people and see colourful Buddhist Monasteries
• Relax on the Indian Ocean beach at Kovalam
• A guided sightseeing tour of the worldfamous Taj Mahal in Agra
From £1045 / 12 days / Easter, Summer, October, Christmas keadventure.com – Trip Code – FSS
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
• Sleep under an endless blanket of stars in the desert of Wadi Rum with the Bedouin • Snorkel in the warm Red Sea and have a float in the salty Dead Sea • Visit Jerash, home of the Roman chariot racing and gladiators
From £1475 / 14 days / Summer
From £795/ 8 days / Feb, Easter, Summer, October, Christmas
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FAL
keadventure.com – Trip Code – FJO
CYCLE
Balkan Trilogy Road Cycle Tour
91
7
MONTENEGRO, CROATIA, BOSNIA
C CLING
A road cycling holiday through the Balkans • Cycle through villages and vineyards of the Dinaric Alps
VENTURE FURTHER AND DISCOVER MORE ON A TWO WHEELED ADVENTURE Set up by cyclists for cyclists, our collection of biking holidays across 5 continents cover a full range of destinations and types of cycling holidays; road cycling, adventure cycling, leisure cycling and mountain biking. Guides, vehicle support and bike hire included on many of these holidays.
Backroads of Cambodia Bike
2
Morocco Ride the Kasbah
5
• Cycle across Montenegro’s beautiful Lovcen National Park to Cetinje • Ride Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the Island of Korcula • Visit medieval towns such as Kotor and Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic From £1075 / 8 days / May, Sep-Oct keadventure.com – Trip Code – BAMB
Turkish Delight
4
CAMBODIA
MOROCCO
TURKEY
Cycling from Angkor Wat to the Cardamom Mountains
A cycling journey in Morocco's desert world – Jebel Sahro
Cycle Turkey, an off-road mountain biking holiday in Cappadocia
• B iking amongst the amazing temples at Angkor
• Mountain biking to the Tazazart Pass, Draa Valley and Todra Gorge
• Cycle the excellent singletrack of the Ihlara Canyon
• G et off-the-beaten-track and ride through the rural heart of Cambodia
• One of the best winter-sun cycling destinations
• Explore the underground city of Derinkuyu
• P hnom Penh and a sunset cruise on the Mekong River
• Bike across the Atlas Mountains to the amazing landscape of the Jebel Sahro
• Bike to the colourful traditional market at Urgup
• B ike provided locally and included in the trip cost
• 2 nights in Marrakech and the chance to visit the UNESCO listed Djemma el-Fna
• Experience the weird and wonderful landscapes around Goreme
From £1345 / 14 days / Mar, Oct-Nov
From £745 / 8 days / Feb-Mar, Oct-Dec
From £845 / 9 days / May, Jun, Sep, Oct
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CAMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – JEMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – TUMB
Book online at keadventure.com
92
CYCLE
Bike Jordan Dead 2 Red
8
Cycle Madagascar – Highlands to the Coast
5
Victoria Falls to Cape Town
10
JORDAN
MADAGASCAR
BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, ZAMBIA, SOUTH AFRICA
A mountain bike holiday in Jordan from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea
Explore the highlights of the land of lemurs
• A sensational mountain biking holiday in Jordan
• Cycle from Antananarivo in the centre of the island, southwards to Ifaty
A mountain bike epic in Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa
• S pend a night with the Bedouin in Wadi Rum
• See several famous national parks; Ranomafana, Andringitra and Isalo
• Experience unforgettable game drives at Moremi
• F ree day to explore the 'Rose Red City' of Petra
• History, culture, landscape and wildlife, including lemurs
• Cycle across the Namib Desert on a part of 'The Long Way Down' route
• R ide down to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth
• Two days of R&R at a beach-front hotel beside the Indian Ocean
• Giant 29er bikes available to hire with knobbly and semi-slick tyres
From £1295 / 9 days / Mar-Apr, Oct-Dec
From £2395 / 17 days / Mar-Dec
From £2595 / 21 days / Apr-Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – DRMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – HCMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – VCMB
Route of the Conquistadores
Bhutan Thunder Dragon Ride
Road Tour of Gran Canaria
9
10
• See the magnificent Victoria Falls
8
GUATEMALA
BHUTAN
GRAN CANARIA
The best mountain biking holiday in Central America
A mountain biking holiday across the Shangri La kingdom of Bhutan
Cycling the mountainous island of Gran Canaria
• I ntroduction to Guatemalan singletrack on Volcan de Agua
• Challenging climbs, endless descents, the perfect cycling holiday
• Climb Serenity – 9 kilometres of super smooth hairpins
• F ree time at Casa del Mundo on beautiful Lake Atitlan
• The monasteries at Punakha, Tongsa, Gantey and Jakar
• Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on Gran Canaria (1951m)
• C hill out in the colourful Spanish colonial city of Antigua
• A challenging ride from west to east meeting Bhutan's colourful people by bike
• Ride the 'Dragon's Tail' from Agaete to San Nicolas along the island's wild west coast
• C ycle across the Cuchumatanes to magical Semuc Champey
• From Paro to Sandrup Jongkhar, the complete traverse
• Expert locally-based cycling guide and full-time vehicle support
From £1895 / 14 days / Nov-Feb
From £2995 / 12 days / Nov
From £1295 / 8 days / Feb-May, Oct-Nov
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GUMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BHMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GCMB
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
CYCLE
Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria
3
Cycling Captain Corelli’s Island
3
Ultimate Albania Cycling Tour
5
CROATIA
GREECE
Coastal trails, wine roads and cultural sites in Northern Croatia
A chilled cycling holiday on the Greek island of Kefalonia
Cycle through this unspoiled and little-known Balkan country
• R elaxed cycling from Buje to Pula across the charming Istrian Peninsula
• Enjoy the ambience of picturesque Fiscardo at one of its harbour-side cafes
• V isit beautiful Lake Ohrid and nearby Monastery of Saint Naum in Macedonia
• T ime to explore the coastal gems of Porec, Rovinj and Pula
• Ride the dramatic coast road to the viewpoint above Myrtos Beach
• Quiet roads, colourful wild flowers and traditional agriculture of the Korce Plateau
• T wo excellent days along the atmospheric rail line of the Parenzana
• Cycle the Omala Valley, visit a winery and sample the Robola white wine
• Stroll through 2500 years of history at Butrint, Albania’s premier archaeological site
• T imeless hilltop villages, wonderful food and excellent Istrian wines
• Take a boat out onto the weird and wonderful Melissani Cave Lake
• Bike and ALL meals included. Expect to be amazed by the sheer quality of the food
From £1095 / 8 days / May, Sep-Oct
From £945 / 8 days / May, Sep
From £995 / 9 days / May, Sep-Oct
keadventure.com – Trip Code – WRMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – KFMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ALMB
Danube Cycle Path Ride – Passau to Vienna
Cycling in Kazakhstan
Pokhara to Kathmandu Mountain Biking
AUSTRIA
2
NEW
ALBANIA, MACEDONIA
93
NEW
KAZAKHSTAN
6 NEW
NEW
7
NEPAL
Classic easy-paced cycling holiday beside the Austrian Danube
A mountain and desert biking holiday in Central Asia
A superb Himalayan off-road mountain biking holiday in Nepal
• E njoy a quiet 300 kilometre cycle path ride beside the River Danube
• Views of Khan Tengri (7010m) and the central Tien Shan peaks from Lake Tuzkol
• Explore the ancient temples of Kathmandu
• E xplore the streets of the contrasting cities of Passau and Vienna
• Meet and take tea with nomadic Kazakh shepherds at their yurt encampments
• Stunning lakeside rides at Pokhara's Phewa Tal
• E njoy the Riesling and Gruner Veltliner wines of Wachau (wine tasting included)
• Visit the Golden Man Museum, dedicated to a Scythian warrior from the 4th century BC
• Bike the Vertical Mile across the Kathmandu Valley rim
• S uper-picturesque region, dotted with churches, monasteries and historic castles
• Hike to the top of the ‘Singing Sand-Dune’ for far-reaching views
• Cycle to to the sensational Annapurna viewpoint of Sarangkot
From £1045 / 8 days / May, Aug-Sep
From £1595 / 11 days / Jun, Aug
From £1295 / 12 days / Jan, Apr, Oct-Dec
keadventure.com – Trip Code – DAMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – KNMB
keadventure.com – Trip Code – PKMB
Go to keadventure.com for all 400 trips
94
KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
Climb Mont Blanc
10
FRANCE
CLIMB G
Two opportunities to summit Mont Blanc
CLIMBING AND MOUNTAINEERING HAS BEEN A PART OF OUR DNA FOR 35 YEARS
• T ackle the classic route with IFMGA guides and a radio of 1:2 during climb
Led by the best guides in the business, this range of holidays includes big Himalayan peaks like Mera and Stok Kangri, Latin American giants Aconcagua and Chimborazo, Alpine classics Mont Blanc and the Haute Route and summiting remote peaks such as Mount Khuiten in Mongolia.
• S tay in mountain huts The Albert Premier & Cabane du Trient • T hree fantastic acclimatisation and skill training days • T wo nights in a beautiful chalet near Chamonix at the start and end From £2295 / 8 days / Jun-Jul, Sep keadventure.com – Trip Code – MBC
Monte Rosa Climb
11
Classic Haute Route
11
Gran Paradiso Summits
7
SWITZERLAND
FRANCE, ITALY, SWITZERLAND
FRANCE, ITALY
Climb to the summit of Monte Rosa – the highest mountain in Switzerland
The ultimate Alpine route from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn
An excellent adventure to the summit of Italy’s highest peak
• C limb three 4000 metre Alpine summits
• C hamonix to Zermatt, the Haute Route traverse
• Trek via high passes and two 3300m summits
• S tay at the environmentally friendly Monte Rosa hut
• Climb the Pigne d'Arola and the Tete Blanche
• Ascend Gran Paradiso the only 4000m peak entirely in Italy
• F antastic acclimatisation on the Breithorn, Pollux and the Riffelhorn
• Overnight in atmospheric high mountain huts
• Enjoy fantastic mountain refuges on this continuous journey
• S tunning views of the Matterhorn, Liskamm and the Signalkuppe
• Learn the ropes with experienced IFMGA guides
• A perfect holiday for experienced and novice Alpinists alike
From £2195 / 8 days / Jul-Aug
From £2285 / 13 days / Jun-Aug
From £1545 / 8 days / Aug
keadventure.com – Trip Code – MRA
keadventure.com – Trip Code – CHR
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GPA
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
CLIMB
Saribung Peak and the Damodar Himal
10
Mera Peak Climb
10
Everest Basecamp and Island Peak
95
9
NEPAL
NEPAL
NEPAL
Trekking and climbing in Nepal from Mustang to Naar-Phu
Summit Mera Peak in Nepal for the world’s best view
A sensational trek to Everest Basecamp and climb Island Peak
• A n adventurous trek with the optional ascent of Saribung Peak (6328m)
• From Mera's summit look out at 5 of the world's 8000 metre peaks
• Acclimatise when trekking to Namche Bazaar and Thyangboche Monastery
• M ustang, the Damodar Himal and the Annapurnas
• Walk-in from Phaplu and out to Lukla for the ultimate Mera Peak trek
• Ascend the 6000m Island Peak in the shadow of Lhotse face
• H igh and wild trekking with a Nepali IFMGA Guide
• Crossing the Thaksindo and Pangkongma for great acclimatisation
• Enjoy trekking in the Khumbu to Everest Basecamp
• C ross the Saribung Pass and trek out via the remote village of Phu
• IFMGA Guide, all meals, Kathmandu hotels and transfers included
• IFMGA qualified mountain guide and high altitude Sherpas
From £2995 / 22 days / Oct
From £2695 / 20 days / Apr-May, Oct-Nov
From £2695 / 20 days / Oct
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SBP
keadventure.com – Trip Code – MER
keadventure.com – Trip Code – IPC
Mount Khuiten Ascent
Stok Kangri Climb
Ecuador’s Triple Crown
10
8
10
MONGOLIA
INDIA
ECUADOR
An expedition to Mount Khuiten, the world's most remote peak
Classic trekking peak climb to 6000 metres in just 2 weeks
• C limb Mount Khuiten (4374m), the highest mountain in Mongolia
• Stok Kangri, an excellent introduction to Himalayan climbing
Summit the 3 highest peaks in Ecuador; Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
• S leep in a yurt and enjoy a camel-supported trek to Basecamp
• Superb acclimatisation trek across the Shang La
• C limb Nairandal (4082m) where Russia, China and Mongolia meet
• Explore Leh, the Indus Valley and its Buddhist monasteries
• M eet the Mongolian eagle hunters and explore the land of Genghis Khan
• A great summer mountaineering holiday with internal flights and all meals included
• 4-day acclimatisation trek through the Cotacachi-Cayapas bio-reserve
From £2795 / 15 days / Aug
From £1545 / 15 days / Jun-Sep
From £2495 / 17 days / Nov-Feb, Apr, May, Aug
keadventure.com – Trip Code – KHU
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ISK
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ECU
• Climb Chimborazo (6310m), stand on the furthest point from the Earth’s centre • Summit Cotopaxi (5897m) and Cayambe (5790m) • Enjoy skills training on Cayambe
Book online at keadventure.com
96
KE SPECIFIC AREA – COUNTRY
Skiing the Kings Trail
7
SWEDEN
WINT
R
A classic hut-to-hut Nordic ski tour north of the Arctic Circle
SKI TOURING, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING
• Keep a look-out for the spectacular northern lights
Escape the crowds and try a new way to keep active in winter. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing in the Italian Alps, experience a hut-to-hut journey skiing Sweden’s Kings Trail with husky dog support or enjoy the quiet away from busy downhill slopes by snowshoeing in the Alps.
• Enjoy husky dog-sled support and cosy Swedish mountain huts • Introductory Nordic ski skills day before starting the tour • Spectacular landscape of magnificent peaks and frozen waterfalls From £1695 / 9 days / Feb-Mar keadventure.com – Trip Code – SKS
High Level Pyrenees Snowshoe
7
Traverse of the Jura Ski Tour
8
Northern Lights Snowshoe Safari
3
FRANCE
FRANCE
SWEDEN
A challenging snowshoe adventure in France and Spain
A journey through the Jura Mountains on cross-country skis
In search of the Aurora Borealis north of the Arctic Circle
• I ncludes 2 days of snowshoeing and winter safety training
• Ski door to door and with full baggage support. So no heavy bags
• Guided snowshoeing in Sweden, suitable for beginners
• E xciting 3-day snowshoe expedition in the Aigues Tortes National Park
• A taste of authentic mountain life in this quiet corner of the Alps
• A real winter adventure with 2 nights at a remote cabin
• C omfortable base in the stunning spa town of Luchon
• Characterful accommodation and hospitality in gites and hotels
• Free day for optional activities in the Abisko National Park
• O ptional snowshoe ascent of Pic Montardo (2833m)
• Expert guides and a maximum group size of just 8 skiers
• Great value winter activity holiday, all but one meal included
From £845 / 8 days / Feb-Mar
From £1695 / 8 days / Jan-Mar
From £1145 / 6 days / Feb-Mar
keadventure.com – Trip Code – PSH
keadventure.com – Trip Code – GTJ
keadventure.com – Trip Code – NLS
Speak to an expert now – 017687 71677
WINTER
Queyras Snowshoe Winter Paradise
6
Bulgarian Snowshoe Adventure
5
Black Forest Ski Traverse
97
7
FRANCE
BULGARIA
GERMANY, SWITZERLAND
Snowshoeing in the quiet Queyras area of the French Alps
Off-the-beaten-track snowshoe adventure in the Rila Mountains
• S nowshoe in remote valleys & quiet trails, away from the crowds
• Stay in colourful Sofia and experience Bulgaria's larger than life capital city
A high level ski traverse on the Black Forest Fern-Ski-Wanderweg in Germany
• E njoy spectacular mountain views, including the Ecrins National Park
• Enjoy a snowy journey through the beautiful region of the Seven Lakes
• C entre-based in a charming family run hotel in the picturesque village of Aiguilles
• Snow shoe on the slopes of Mount Maliovitsa and in the Vitosha Natural Park
• F ully guided tour with all snowshoe equipment provided
• An off the beaten track winter and cultural holiday in the heart of the Balkans
From £1295 / 8 days / Jan-Mar
From £645 / 8 days / Jan-Mar
From £1495 / 7 days / Feb
keadventure.com – Trip Code – QUY
keadventure.com – Trip Code – BSA
keadventure.com – Trip Code – SBF
Mont Blanc Snowshoe Week
Italian Cross-Country Ski Short Break
Snowshoe Traverse of the Chablais
5
4
• A ski touring holiday through forested valleys and high ridges • Ski the highest peak in the Black Forest Feldberg at 1425m • Apres ski in comfortable hotels & traditional guest houses • Enjoy traditional cuisine en route
5
FRANCE
ITALY
FRANCE
Enjoy snowshoe walks around Chamonix with an expert guide
3 days expert cross-country ski instruction in Cogne, Aosta Valley
A snowshoe traverse from Megevette to Lake Geneva
• S tunning views of the Mont Blanc range and a great alternative to downhill slopes
• Ideal for beginners and improvers, with separate 'Intro' and 'Intro Plus' dates
• Snowshoeing in France with hidden valleys and pristine snow conditions
• I nstruction included making this a fantastic trip for beginners and intermediates
• Tuition from fully qualified expert instructors
• Stay in traditional Alpine villages in the Chablais Alps
• S uperb chalet accommodation in the Chamonix Valley
• Small group size, excellent accommodation and Geneva Airport transfers included
• Small group sizes and fully qualified expert leaders
• S pend a night in a mountain refuge; such as the Grand St Bernard Monastery
• Stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains
• Baggage transfers throughout allowing you to carry a lightweight day pack
From £1295 / 8 days / Jan-Mar
From £895 / 5 days / Jan-Mar
From £1345 / 8 days / Jan-Mar
keadventure.com – Trip Code – MBS
keadventure.com – Trip Code – ISW
keadventure.com – Trip Code – STC
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2019 HOLIDAYS THE FULL LIST! We introduce new holidays every month, please check keadventure.com for full listings. EUROPE COUNTRY
DAYS CODE GRADE ACTIVITY
4 Albania Walking the Secret South 8 WSS 5 Albania Walking the Albanian Alps 9 ALB 5 Albania Balkan Borderlands 8 BBL 8 Albania High Peaks of the Balkans 8 HPB Albania Ultimate Albania Cycling Tour NEW 9 ALMB 5 5 Armenia Armenia's Trekking Highlights 11 ATH 7 Austria Best of the E5 Trans Alp 10 ETA 7 Austria Across Austria's Zillertal Alps 8 AZT Austria The Dachstein Circuit NEW 10 DCA 6 10 Austria Grossglockner - Austria's Triple Crown 8 GGA Austria Danube Cycle Path Ride - Passau to Vienna NEW 8 DAMB 2 2 Azores Walks & Whales 8 AWW 4 Bosnia Undiscovered Balkans 8 BAC 6 Bulgaria Summits Weekend 4 BWE 6 Bulgaria Ridges & Summits 8 BUL 5 Bulgaria Snowshoe Adventure 8 BSA 3 Canaries Lanzarote - Island of Eternal Spring 8 LWW 5 Canaries El Hierro - Secret Canaries 8 SCI 5 Canaries La Gomera - Jewel of the Canaries 8 LGT 5 Canaries Undiscovered Tenerife & Teide 8 TWW 5 Canaries Mount Teide Weekend 4 CWE 4 Canaries Volcanoes and Cloudforests of La Palma 8 LPW Canaries Gran Canaria Road Bike Tour 8 GCMB 8 8 Corsica Best of GR20 8 CBG 9 Corsica Corsican Haute Route - The GR20 15 COR Corsica Tour of Corsica 8 COMB 9 3 Croatia Walking Croatia's Coast & Islands 8 CCI Croatia Footpaths and Flavours of Croatia NEW 8 IST 3 4 Croatia Coast & Canyons 8 CAC 2 Croatia Family Cycling Adventure in Croatia 8 FCY Croatia Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria 8 WRMB 3 7 Croatia Balkan Trilogy Road Cycle 8 BAMB 2 Cyprus Cycling in Cyprus NEW 8 YPMB Czech Republic Central European Adventure NEW 14 CEA 2 3 Faroe Islands Far Out in the Faroe Islands 8 ISF France Burgundy Riverboat Cruise NEW 8 BRB 2 France Mont Blanc Walks NEW 8 MBW 3 3 France Walks and Wine in the Auvergne NEW 8 AFR 4 France The Pyrenees on Foot 8 POP 4 France The Way of Saint James 7 SJW 4 France Villages and Trails of the Riviera 7 RTF 5 France Undiscovered Alps and Valley of the Marvels 8 MMF 6 France Verdon Gorge Europe's Grand Canyon 8 VER 7 France Pyrenees Walk to Freedom 7 WTF 7 France Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc 8 BTM 7 France Chamonix Alpine Climbing Course 8 CHC 7 France Alpine Trails and Summits of the Queryas 8 QST 8 France The Ecrins Circuit - GR52 8 TEC 8 France Classic Tour du Mont Blanc 12 TMH 8 France Best of Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn 8 BMM 9 France Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn 12 MBM 9 France One Week Haute Route 8 SHR 9 France Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc 12 UTM 11 France Classic Haute Route 13 CHR 10 France Climb Mont Blanc 8 MBC 10 France Mont Blanc & Gran Paradiso 8 MBA 3 France Chamonix Alpine Adventure 8 FCH 6 France Family Tour du Mont Blanc 8 FMB France Geneva to Nice 9 GNMB 10 France Pyrenees Coast to Coast 9 PYMB 11 4 France Chamonix Snowshoe Short Break 5 SEB 5 France Snowshoe Summits of Haute Savoie 8 SAM 5 France Mont Blanc Snowshoe Week 8 MBS 7 France Pyrenees Snowshoe High Level 8 PSH 8 France Grand Traverse of the Jura Ski Tour 8 GTJ 6 Georgia Georgia & the High Caucasus 9 GHC 7 Germany Black Forest Ski Traverse 7 SBF Greece Walks and Wonders of the Peloponnese NEW 8 PMM 3 3 Greece Greek Island Odyssey 8 GHS 6 Greece White Mountains of Crete 8 CRE 6 Greece Olympus & Meteora 8 GMO 2 Greece Family Greek Island Watersports Adventure NEW 8 FGI 3 Greece Cycling Captain Corelli's Island NEW 8 KFMB Greenland Frozen Coast and Ice Caps NEW 8 IGG 3 5 Greenland Icefjords & Villages of East Greenland 12 IRV 4 Iceland Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork 8 ILT 6 Iceland Three Peaks Challenge 8 ICC 1 Italy Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples 8 AMF Italy Walking the Italian Lakes NEW 7 WIL 2 Italy Taste and Trails of Hidden Tuscany NEW 8 ITT 2 3 Italy Trails of the Amalfi Coast 8 VCA 3 Italy Footpaths and Flavours of Puglia 8 PWW 3 Italy Footpaths & Flavours of Liguria 8 IWW 4 Italy Secret Sardinia 8 SWW 5 Italy Islands & Volcanoes of Sicily 8 SVW
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5 Italy Walking Wild Tuscany 8 WTI 7 Italy Dolomites Via Ferrata 8 VIA 7 Italy Gran Paradiso Weekend 5 GPW 7 Italy Gran Paradiso Summits 8 GPA 8 Italy Italian High Level Route 8 IHL 8 Italy Italian Summit Climber 7 ISC 2 Italy Amazing Amalfi 8 FAF 2 Italy Families on Foot in Cinque Terre 8 FCQ 3 Italy Sicily Volcanic Islands Explorer 8 FSV 3 Italy Lake Garda Watersports 8 FLG Italy Snowshoeing in the Dolomites NEW 8 DSS 3 4 Italy Cross-Country Ski Break 5 ISW Lithuania Highlights of the Baltic States NEW 8 BSS 1 Lithuania Baltic Trails and Helsinki Adventure NEW 10 BSH 2 5 Macedonia Tastes & Trails of Macedonia 8 MAC Macedonia High Trails of Macedonia 8 MAMB 7 3 Madeira Footpaths and Flavours of Madeira NEW 8 MFS 5 Madeira Peaks & Levada Trails 8 MWW 2 Madeira Treasure Island Family Adventure - Madeira NEW 8 FPM 5 Norway Rock Stars of Fjord Norway NEW 7 RSN 5 Norway Wild and Untamed Lofoten Islands 8 LFI 8 Norway Traverse of the Jotunheimen 9 NOR 3 Norway Norwegian Fjords - Tromso to Bergen 11 NFC 3 Norway Norwegian Fjords & Svalbard 15 NFS Poland Bohemian Trails - from Krakow to Prague NEW 8 BOH 2 7 Poland High Tatras Trekking 8 HTT 2 Poland Multi-Active Tatras Explorer 8 FPL Portugal Wine and Walks of the Minho and Douro NEW 8 PMD 3 Portugal Timeless Trails of Portugal's Algarve NEW 8 PAW 4 2 Portugal Adventure in the Algarve 8 FPA 4 Romania Rural Romania and Backroads of Bulgaria NEW 14 RAB 7 Romania Transylvania Traverse 8 ROM 1 Serbia Tito's Trails Belgrade to Dubrovnik 10 BTD Serbia Through the Heart of the Balkans NEW 9 SER 5 5 Slovenia Julian Alps Lakes & Mountains 8 JLM 7 Slovenia Across the Julian Alps to Triglav 8 JAT 7 Slovenia Triglav Weekend 4 SWE 2 Slovenia Julian Alps Jamboree 8 FAS 4 Spain Camino de Santiago 8 CDS 5 Spain High Pastures of the Picos 8 SPP 6 Spain Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca 8 CBS 8 Spain Traverse of the Picos de Europa 8 SPE 2 Spain On the Tapas Trail 8 FPE 7 Spain Cheeky Costa Blanca Cols 8 CBMB 2 Sweden Wilderness in Summer 8 FSF 3 Sweden Winter Wonderland Adventure 6 FSW 3 Sweden Northern Lights Snowshoe Safari 6 NLS 7 Sweden Skiing the King's Trail 9 SKS 7 Sweden Kungsleden The Kings Trail 9 SKT 8 Switzerland Tour des Combins 8 TDC 8 Switzerland B. Oberland Haute Route West 8 WBO 8 Switzerland B. Oberland Haute Route East 8 EBO 8 Switzerland Swiss High Level Route 8 SHL 9 Switzerland Tour de Monta Rosa 11 TMR 9 Switzerland Swiss 4000 Metre Peaks 8 SWP 11 Switzerland Monte Rosa Climb 8 MRA 9 Switzerland Ski Traverse of the Swiss Jura 8 TJS 4 Turkey The Lycian Way NEW 8 TUR 6 Turkey Capadoccia & the High Taurus 12 CHT 2 Turkey Turkish Coastal Family Active NEW 8 FTC 2 Turkey Cappadocia and the Taurus Mountains NEW 8 FTM 4 Turkey Turkish Delight 9 TUMB
ASIA
COUNTRY
Bhutan Spirit of the Dragon Bhutan Druk Path Trek Bhutan Black Necked Cranes - Royal Orchid Trek Bhutan East Bhutan - Merak & Sakteng Trek NEW Bhutan Daga La & the Thousand Lakes Bhutan Chomolhari & the Bonte La Bhutan The Laya Trek Bhutan The Snowman Trek Bhutan Thunder Dragon Ride China Minya Konka Trek China Everest from Tibet NEW India Kerala & the Cardamom Hills India Shivling Source of the Ganges India Curzon's Trail & the Kuari Pass India In the Shadow of Nanda Devi India Sikkim Tosha Lake India Markha Valley India Sikkim Kangchenjunga & the Goecha La India Beyond Kulu India Stok Kangri & Markha Valley India Stok Kangri Climb
Walk Trek Trek Trek Trek Climb Family Family Family Family Winter Winter Walk Walk Walk Cycling Walk Walk Family Walk Walk Trek Cruise Cruise Walk Trek Family Walk Walk Family Walk Trek Walk Walk Walk Trek Trek Family Walk Walk Trek Trek Family Cycling Family Family Winter Winter Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Climb Climb Winter Walk Trek Family Family Cycling
DAYS CODE GRADE ACTIVITY 2 10 BDT 4 12 DRK 4 15 BCO 15 BMS 5 6 13 BSD 7 12 CHO 7 19 LAY 11 32 BST 12 BHMB 10 7 15 MKT 2 16 EFT 4 13 KWG 4 13 SSG 5 16 KUA 5 15 NAN 5 13 TOL 7 14 MAR 8 21 SIK 8 18 BKT 8 21 STK 8 15 ISK
Walk Walk Walk Walk Trek Trek Trek Trek Cycling Trek Discovery Walk Walk Walk Walk Walk Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek
10 India Mentok Kangri 21 MTK 1 India Best of North India 9 BON 1 India The Spirit of India 12 SOI 1 India Tigers Temples & Taj Mahal 14 TTT 4 India Cycling Tour of Rajasthan 12 RJMB 6 India Himalayan Hill-Stations Ride 14 HPMB 9 India Leh to Manali Bike Traverse 15 INMB 1 India Tigers & Temples of Rajasthan 10 FNI 1 India Southern Spice in Kerala 12 FSS 6 India Himalaya Teenage Trek 14 FAL 2 Japan Best of Japan on Foot NEW 12 JOF Japan The Kumano Kodo Trail NEW 12 JKK 5 5 Kazakhstan Mountains and Deserts of Kazakhstan NEW 15 MDK 6 Kazakhstan Cycling in Kazakhstan NEW 11 KNMB Kyrgyzstan Trekking in Turkestan NEW 16 TTK 7 10 Mongolia Mount Khuiten Ascent 15 KHU 2 Nepal Highlights of Nepal and Bhutan NEW 14 NBH 3 Nepal Annapurna & Bandipur in Luxury 13 ANL Nepal Hidden Annapurnas - Khopra Ridge Trek NEW 12 KRT 5 5 Nepal Everest Yeti Mountain Home Trek 13 ELL 5 Nepal Everest Monasteries Trek 12 EVP 5 Nepal Ganesh Himal Panorama 15 GHP Nepal Lamjung Himal Trek NEW 14 LHT 5 6 Nepal Annapurna Sanctuary & Poon Hill 14 ASL 7 Nepal Everest Basecamp Trek 17 EBL Nepal Gosainkund and Langtang Trek NEW 15 GLT 7 7 Nepal Annapurna Circuit & the Thorung La 15 ACL 7 Nepal Hidden Valleys of Naar and Phu 16 NAP 8 Nepal Ultimate Everest Lodge Trek 20 EVL 8 Nepal Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary 22 UAT 8 Nepal Around Manaslu Trek 19 MAN 8 Nepal Naar to Mustang 22 NTM 9 Nepal Kangchenjunga 25 KAN 9 Nepal Shey Gompa & Inner Dolpo 26 DOL 9 Nepal Kangch to Makalu - Lumba Sumba La 23 LSL 9 Nepal Everest The Hard Way 22 EHW 10 Nepal Dhaulagiri Circuit via the French Pass 18 DLG 9 Nepal Everest Basecamp & Island Peak 20 IPC 10 Nepal Mera Peak 20 MER 10 Nepal Saribung Peak & Damodar Himal 22 SBP 1 Nepal Discover Nepal NEW 11 DXN 7 Nepal Pokhara to Kathmandu 12 PKMB 2 Nepal Family Nepal Discovery Adventure 13 FNA 5 Nepal Family Teenager Nepal Trek 13 FNT 8 Pakistan K2 and Concordia 21 K2 9 Pakistan Gondogoro Peak and the Hushe Valley NEW 15 GHU 11 Pakistan The Gondogoro La 22 GLA 4 Sri Lanka Temples and Tea Trails of Sri Lanka 14 SLT 1 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Explorer 14 SLH 2 Sri Lanka Island Explorer 14 FSL 7 Sri Lanka End to End Road Cycle Tour 12 SEMB 5 Tajikistan Mountains & Marvels of Central Asia 15 MCA 7 Tajikistan Ultimate Fann Mountains 17 UFT
THE AMERICAS COUNTRY
Climb Discovery Discovery Discovery Cycling Cycling Cycling Family Family Family Walk Walk Walk Cycling Trek Climb Walk Walk Walk Walk Walk Walk Walk Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Climb Climb Climb Discovery Cycling Family Family Trek Trek Climb Walk Discovery Family Cycling Walk Trek
DAYS CODE GRADE ACTIVITY
Argentina Highlights of Northern Argentina NEW 14 WWA 2 11 Argentina Aconcagua Ascent 20 ACO 8 Bolivia Traverse of Bolivia's Cordillera Real 20 BOL 8 Bolivia Salt Flats & Volcanoes of Bolivia 14 BSP 11 Bolivia Bolivia Climber 20 BOC Brazil Expedition Into the Heart of the Amazon NEW 7 ERB 1 7 Canada Summit Scramble 14 CSS 10 Canada Chilkoot Trail & Yukon 15 CYR 2 Canada British Columbia Bonanza 12 FBC 3 Chile The Best of Chile 13 BCD 5 Chile Spires and Ice - Premium Patagonia 13 PAT 5 Chile Patagonia's Classic Trails 11 PCT Chile The Best of Patagonia's Paine Circuitl NEW 11 TDP 7 7 Chile The Classic Paine Circuit - Premium Patagonia 11 PPC 8 Chile Red Hot Chile - Atacama Desert 11 CAE 6 Chile Pedal Patagonia 14 PPMB 3 Costa Rica Costa Rica Walks and Wildlife 15 CWW 1 Costa Rica Natural Wonders of Costa Rica and Panama 15 CRP 2 Costa Rica Costa Rica Family Adventure 14 FCW Cuba Walking Cuba's Wild Westl NEW 8 WCT 4 Cuba Buena Vista Cyclingl NEW 12 CUMB 4 6 Ecuador Walking the Volcanoes of Ecuador 14 ECV 10 Ecuador Triple Crown 16 ECU 5 El Salvador El Salvador's Eight Volcanoes 14 ESE Guatemala Mayan Trails NEW 15 GMT 3 7 Guatemala Guatemala's Magnificent Seven 15 GVO Guatemala Route of the Conquistadores 14 GUMB 9 Guyana Discovering the Hidden Guinanas NEW 15 DHG 1 5 Peru Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 8 IMP 5 Peru Luxury Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 10 SAL 5 Peru Inca Trail & Beyond 13 INC 5 Peru Salkantay Trail & Lake Titicaca 12 STL 5 Peru Machu Picchu Multisport 9 MPM 7 Peru Cordillera Blanca & Alpamayo 15 CBP 8 Peru Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 13 CHQ 8 Peru Ausangate Circuit & Machu Picchu 14 AUS 9 Peru Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit 21 PHH 1 Peru Amazon Riverboat Adventure 9 ARB 2 Peru Andes to Amazon - Family Peru Adventure NEW 10 FPH 7 Peru Teenage Inca Trail Trek 9 FIP
Walk Climb Trek Trek Climb Discovery Trek Trek Family Walk Walk Walk Trek Trek Trek Cycling Walk Discovery Family Walk Cycling Trek Climb Trek Walk Trek Cycling Discovery Walk Walk Walk Walk Walk Trek Trek Trek Trek Discovery Family Family
AFRICA COUNTRY
DAYS CODE GRADE ACTIVITY
1 Botswana Best of Botswana Lodge Safari 15 OCV 1 Botswana Botswana Baobabs Safari 10 BBA 1 Botswana Great Southern African Safari 21 NAB 2 Botswana Okavango & Botswana Family Safari 13 FBO Cape Verde Captivating Cape Verde NEW 13 CVW 5 7 Ethiopia Simien Mountains Trek & Lalibela 13 SIM 9 Kenya Mount Kenya & Kilimanjaro 15 KK 2 Kenya Kenyan Wildlife Wonders - Family Safari 13 FSK 4 Madagascar The Land of the Lemur 15 MAD Madagascar Highlands to the Coast 17 HCMB 5 5 Malawi Mt Mulanje & South Luangwa 13 MMM Morocco A Taste of Morocco NEW 8 ATM 2 4 Morocco Morocco's Undiscovered Coast 8 CCM 5 Morocco Peaks & Valleys of Jebel Sirwa 8 JES 5 Morocco Edge of Sahara Trek 8 WST 5 Morocco Jebel Sahro Walking Week 8 JBO 6 Morocco One Week Mount Toubkal Trek 8 OWT 6 Morocco Mount Toubkal in Winter 8 WIT 6 Morocco Ultimate Toubkal Weekend 4 TWE 6 Morocco Peaks and Passes of Mgoun 8 MGO 7 Morocco Twin Peaks - Toubkal & Mgoun 9 TMW 7 Morocco Four 4000 Metre Peaks of Toubkal 15 MFF 8 Morocco Mount Mgoun in Winter 8 MGW 8 Morocco Across the High Atlas 22 MAT 5 Morocco Ride the Kasbah 8 JEMB Morocco Road Cycle Tour of Toubkal 9 MSMB 6 2 Morocco Morocco Magic 8 FMM 3 Morocco Family Adventure Desert Trek 8 FPC 4 Morocco Camels on the Beach 8 FMC 5 Morocco Teenage Toubkal Ascent 8 FTT 1 Nambia Desert, Etosha & Caprivi - Camping 15 NCC 1 Nambia Namibia Highlights Safari 14 NHT 3 Nambia Namibia Bush School NEW 12 FNM 5 Reunion Island Reunion Island Paradise 11 RUN South Africa Walking South Africa NEW 15 WSA 3 1 South Africa Cape Town to Vic Falls - Camping 22 CKC South Africa Cape Town & the Winelands 12 CWMB 5 2 South Africa Garden Route Family Adventure 12 FGR 2 South Africa Zulu Warriors Family Safari 13 FSD Tanzania Tanzania Safari & Maasai Adventure NEW 8 TMS 1 8 Tanzania Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 10 KLR 8 Tanzania Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro Summits 12 MK 2 Tanzania Hakuna Matata - Family Safari NEW 9 FTS 1 Uganda/Rwanda Ultimate Gorilla Safari 13 URG 3 Uganda Active and Wild Uganda NEW 10 UGA Zambia Victoria Falls to Cape Town 21 VCMB 10 Zim/Botswana Game Trails of Zimbabwe and Botswana 17 ZAB 1
SE ASIA COUNTRY
Cambodia Backroads of Cambodia Indonesia Land of the Living Mountains Indonesia Cycle the Islands of the Gods Laos Beyond the Mekong - Laos & Cambodia New Zealand North to South Island Explorer Thailand Bangkok to Phuket Road Cycling Tour Thailand Bamboo & Buddhas Adventure Vietnam Highlights of North Vietnam Vietnam Mountains to the Mekong Vietnam Secret Trails of the Tribal Heartlands NEW Vietnam Saigon to Bangkok - Mekong Explorer Vietnam Mekong Riverboat Experience Vietnam Vietnam North to South Vietnam Cycle Saigon to Hanoi Vietnam Hoi An to Angkor Wat Cycle Discovery Vietnam Hanoi to Hue Ho Chi Minh Highway Vietnam Hanoi to Laos Mountain Bike Epic Vietnam Jungle & Junks
MIDDLE EAST COUNTRY
Iran Damavand & the Pearl of Persia Iran Cycle Discovery Jewels of Persia Jordan Wadi Rum & Petra Jordan Dana to Petra Trek Jordan Dead 2 Red Mountain Bike Jordan Jordan Family Adventure Holiday Jordan The Ultimate Adventure Oman Walks, Wadis & Wonders Oman Adventure Trekking Oman Dolphins and Deserts Adventure
POLAR
COUNTRY
Antarctica Antarctic Classic Antarctica Antarctic In Depth Cruise Antarctica Spirit of Shackleton Antarctica Quest for Antarctic Circle Antarctica Polar Circle and Whale Watching NEW Antarctica Antarctic Basecamp Adventure Arctic Realm of the Polar Bear Arctic Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth Arctic Arctic Highlights - Svalbard Arctic Svalbard Hike and Sail NEW
Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Family Walk Trek Trek Family Walk Cycling Walk Walk Walk Walk Walk Walk Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Trek Cycling Cycling Family Family Family Family Wildlife Wildlife Family Walk Walk Wildlife Cycling Family Family Wildlife Trek Trek Family Wildlife Wildlife Cycling Wildlife
DAYS CODE GRADE ACTIVITY 14 CAMB 15 ILM 14 BJMB 12 LAC 19 TNZ 11 BPMB 11 FAT 15 HNV 15 VLL 14 VNT 14 STB 10 MRB 14 VNS 17 SHMB 14 HSMB 11 HVMB 13 HLMB 14 FVT
2 5 4 5 5 6 3 3 4 5 1 1 3 5 5 8 9 3
Cycling Walk Cycling Walk Walk Cycling Family Walk Walk Walk Discovery Discovery Walk Cycling Cycling Cycling Cycling Family
DAYS CODE GRADE ACTIVITY 15 IDP 15 IRMB 8 JOR 8 JDP 9 DRMB 8 FJO 8 JMA 8 WWW 10 OAT 8 FOM
8 7 4 5 8 1 4 2 7 2
Trek Cycling Walk Walk Cycling Family Multi-Active Walk Trek Family
DAYS CODE GRADE ACTIVITY 1 12 PAC 1 14 PAD 2 22 PSS 1 15 PQC 16 PDS 1 3 13 PAB 3 8 PRP 3 11 PRD 3 15 PAH 8 PHS 3
Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise
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