world adventures

If you are a dog lover, this may be the adventure of a lifetime. Imagine teaming with five beautiful huskies as you guide a sled across snowy Sweden and Norway. You will traverse ancient traveler routes, along river edges, and pass traditional settlements, with the magnificent Norwegian mountains looming in the distance. All the while zooming along behind a pack of hearty huskies.How else could you see the 6,000 foot plus Oxstindarna, the highest peak in Norway, Sweden birch forests yet to be touched by mankind, and drop a fishing line in a fresh lake to catch a fresh Arctic Char, all in one trip? During evenings, with the bright moon and stars reflecting off the abundant snow, you will stay in cozy farmhouses and mountain lodges, enjoying local foods, bright fireplaces, and of course relaxing saunas.

If sitting on the deck of a boat, breezy veranda, or sunny patio is not your idea of high adventure, maybe you should consider this one.New Zealand has been known for years for its ruggedly beautiful terrain. In the past decade, rock climbers from across the globe have started to appreciate it, too. A string of mountain peaks works its way down the country South Island like a backbone and dots the coastlines. The weather is almost always perfect, the air is unpolluted and clean, and the views from the tops of these peaks are amazing. This beautiful landscape coupled with high quality limestone rock has put New Zealand top of the list of international climbing destinations.

The seven small islands sprinkling the waters just north of Sicily contain some of the most picturesque living you can imagine. The smallest and western most of the islands, Alicudi, is covered by pink heather in the spring, and is mostly overlooked by tourists. The western half of the island is completely uninhabited, and the steep cliffs drop straight into the blue waters beneath, while the eastern half is covered by steppes on which the village sprawls.While Alicudi is covered in pink heather, the next island, Filicudi, is covered in green ferns. This rugged island has two small villages on a peninsula, and hardly any noise the only usable road here is a path for mules. The largest island, Lipari, is an island of beautiful contrasts. White pumice stones and pitch black obsidian cover the coasts. Volcanic peaks rise above long white beaches. And though there are 600 thermal springs, it only has four towns.Four more islands, each a magnificent gem in the crown of the Mediterranean, covered in olive groves, fields of golden corn, and strawberry tree woods. The seven volcanic islands contain a spectrum of diverse landscapes from fields to beaches to mountains. And all of it free of smog, bright lights, and city noise.

The city of Chiang Mai, nestled in northern Thailand, is a quick flight from the bright lights big city of ultra urban Bangkok, but it might as well be another world altogether. Here you can hire a tuk tuk, a small carriage drawn by a motorcycle, to motor you around the small but thriving city, sampling delicious native foods such as fish curry and banana coconut pudding. In the hot afternoon, you can take a bamboo raft down the river. Or spend a day exploring the famous Chiang Dao Caves, and visit a nearby village where Karen Long Neck Ladies purposefully extend their necks with the help of metal neck extenders.All of these are optional. But, one thing you absolutely must do while you are in this exotic city is to go on an elephant trek. The driver sits on the elephant head, while the passengers (usually two) share the seat strapped across the animal back. The elephant can cross streams on tiny stepping stones with the grace and balance of a gymnast. As he steps down, you are tilted at a 90 degree angle to the ground. (The motion may make you feel sick at first, but your body will soon become accustomed to it.)

The well known Nubra Valley is not only famous for hiking and trekking trails, but for road trips as well. The open wide roads leading to Khurdung La also known as the Highest Motorable Road in the world at 18380ft, throws open challenges. Are you ready to take on the steepness of Chang La, Khardung La.

The best spot to raft would be the Doda River in Ladakh. You could even go for a jeep safari or have a long drive around Pensi La. After rafting, the most popular attraction around would be the famous Drung Durung glacier. And if you want more of rafting fun, there are more avenues flowing wild at its 6000 metre high peaks. Do not forget to have a look at the famous monasteries as well.

Rumbak is amazing to camp at, and if you fancy mountaineering, you could do so at Skiu and Kandala. While on the Markha Valley trek, you could also cross bridges, especially the one from Skiu to Markha. Move towards Tchatchutse, and trek forward to the famous Kang Yaze peak as well. And on the way check out the well known Hemis Monastery.

The strenuous climb takes you to 6000m where you would mingle with the local Ladakhi folks living in high altitudinal surroundings. The Stok Palace and the Spituk monasteries are attractions here, and in addition to that, the Stok Kangri climb would bring you face to face with Tanglang La and the Lachalunga La, which are two of the highest passes in the world.

Chadar Trek is an unusual trek than any other treks in the world, Chadar trek is walking on the Frozen River. During the winter ,Ladakh, is isolated from the whole country due to heavy snowfall. The only way to Ladakh is by air from Delhi. In winter the temperature goes down to 3o below zero and the mighty Zanskar river freezes. This seven to eight day trek from Chilling to Padum over the Zanskar is both challenging as well as an unforgettable experience. The landscape acquires a pristine grandeur in winter as the trail enters into the gorge of the Zanskar.

Horse Polo in Ladakh is famous and appreciated all over the globe. The appreciation has made most in the world understand Ladakhi culture and tradition. Horse Polo is a very popular sport played in the rugged terrains of the famous Karakoram range. And no game of Horse Polo is enjoyed to the full without a dose of Surna and Daman, a musical soiree.