Jetsettersblog

Geringer Global Travel introduced a customizable 11-day cultural itinerary through the Kingdom of Bhutan. A Cultural Journey through Western Bhutan is designed to a variety of off-the-beaten-path experiences to one of the world’s most enigmatic countries, with visits to ancient temples, palaces, village homes, and opportunities to take in Bhutan’s scenery.

The suggested 11-day itinerary is completely customizable and starts at $2,460 per person double occupancy. The adventure begins in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where guests will experience cultural program of traditional folk songs, dance and music. While still maintaining its distinct cultural identity, this medieval kingdom has emerged from isolation. Clients will have panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas on a scenic drive to the Punakha Valley visiting Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of the Mo (Female) and Pho (Male) rivers. They will also visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the divine mad monk who is one of Bhutan’s favorite saints, and a school to interact with students and teachers.

After a stopover by Gangtey valley, the winter home to the rare and endangered black-necked cranes, guests will arrive in Trongsa to visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the present Royal Family in Bhutan. From Tongsa, guests will descend into the valley of Bumthang, the heart of the Bhutanese weaving industry, to visit the weavers of the Chumey valley, interact with the monks at Lhoda Karchu Monastery and visit a traditional Bhutanese farm house to enjoy dinner with a family in Bumthang.

Returning west, guests will have an overnight in Punakha before traveling back to Thimphu. In Thimphu, guests will look forward to an afternoon hike to Cheri Monastery, built by the first ruler of Bhutan in 1620, and attend a prayer session at the Drubthob Nunnery. On the last full day, guests will journey to Paro to witness an archery event, if available, and hike to Taktsang Monastery, or the Tiger’s Nest, situated more than 2,000 feet from the valley floor. This spectacular architecture, perched high on a cliff, is sure to exceed all expectations and is an incredible finale to a trip of a lifetime.

The price includes all costs aside from gratuity for the guides and airline flights, that is hotel accommodations for 10 nights in a standard room on twin sharing basis; meals; sightseeing; private transfers; English-speaking local guide; entrance fees; visa and permits; and complimentary bottled water in car.

Susan Geringer, India travel and tour specialist, is the owner of Geringer Global Travel, a travel company specializing in custom itineraries to India and beyond. Geringer has been to over 50 countries, but India holds a special place in her heart and soul. Considered a second home to her, she is extremely passionate about India and her enthusiasm for the country is infectious. Her first visit to India was in 1980 and has since traveled to Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. For more information, contact Geringer at 877-255-7438 or email susan@geringerglobaltravel.com

From colourful festivals to unique local celebrations, World Expeditions and their European division UTracks choose their favourite events around the world for 2012…

JANUARY: VIETNAM
TET NGUYEN DAN – VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR 23 January 2012
WHY: Festive atmosphere, street gambling and dragon dances: Tet Nguyen Dan (literally meaning “the first morning of the first day”) is the biggest and the most sacred festival in Vietnam and is celebrated nationwide. An occasion for family reunions, it marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and the arrival of spring, with the Vietnamese taking extreme care to start the new year out right: they buy new clothes, paint and clean their homes, pay off all debts and make amends to rid themselves of all bad feelings!
BOOK IT: Treat your family to the Vietnamese New Year celebrations with World Expeditions’ luxury 13-day Vietnam Family Explorer. Departs on 22 January, from £1,250 per adult (£790 per child).

FEBRUARY: LAOS
LAO ELEPHANT FESTIVAL 17-19 February 2012
WHY: Saddle up – who could pretend to have visited Laos, the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’, without meeting one of these superb animals? The Elephant Festival is organised to raise awareness of the need for action to protect the Asian elephant as part of Laos’ vital cultural and natural heritage. Expect to see colourful elephant processions, elephant bathing, mahout demonstrations, ancient Baci ceremonies, traditional Monk blessings, night markets and of course the prestigious ‘Elephant of the Year’ contest.

BOOK IT: Make sure you are in Laos on time for the Elephant Festival with World Expeditions’ Best of Laos and Cambodia (15 days) that departs on 16 February. From £1,550 per person.

MARCH: INDIA

HOLI – FESTIVAL OF COLOURS 8 March 2012

WHY: Let the spirit of revelry overtake you… Although it is the least religious of Hindu holidays, Holi (“the Festival of Colours”) is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. Celebrated all over India since ancient times, it welcomes the arrival of spring, commemorates various events in Hindu mythology and is a time of disregarding social norms and indulging in general merrymaking: participants hold a public bonfire, spray friends and family with coloured powders and water and go absolutely crazy!

BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ compact Delhi to Kathmandu trip (7 days) will make sure you are in Jaipur, the capital of the desert lands of Rajasthan, for Holi. Departs on 7 March, from £590 per person.

APRIL: HOLLAND
QUEEN’S DAY 30 April 2012

WHY: Europe’s biggest street party! Every year on 30 April the Dutch celebrate their Queen’s Day. It is by far the most widely celebrated holiday in the country (Amsterdam alone welcomes two million party-going visitors) and the entire nation dresses in orange, the royal colour. Grab a bargain at one of the many garage or car boot sales (street trading laws are relaxed for 24 hours), there are street performers on every corner and cafés see their outside terraces in full swing, with live music pulling in the customers.
BOOK IT: Celebrate Queen’s Day in Holland with UTracks’ compact 4-day Tulip Tour. Departs on 28 April, from £430 per person.

MAY: UK
GLOUCESTERSHIRE CHEESE ROLLING 28 May 2012

WHY: For hundreds of years the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling has been taking place on this steep hillside. Although traditionally by and for the residents of the local village of Brockworth, the event now sees people from all over the world taking part. A guest roller starts the race by releasing a 7-8lb round of cheese down a treacherous slope and competitors then hurl themselves down the slope after it. The first person to arrive at the foot of the hill (usually after numerous tumbles) is the winner and gets the cheese!
BOOK IT: Book UTracks’ self-guided A Week in the Cotswolds (8 days, NEW FOR 2012) which departs daily and plan it around the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling. From £556 per person.

JUNE: PERU
INTI RAYMI – FESTIVAL OF THE SUN 24 June 2012

WHY: Daytime expositions, street fairs, dancing in the streets and live music from the best of Peruvian musical groups: Inti Raymi (“the Festival of the Sun”) is a weeklong celebration marking the beginning of a new year. Originally celebrated by the Incas, today it is the second largest festival in South America, after the carnival of Rio de Janeiro, with hundreds of actors chosen to represent historical figures. The greatest honour? Being selected to portray the Sapa Inca, the Emperor of the Inca Empire, or his wife Mama Occla.

BOOK IT: Book World Expeditions’ Peru – Raft, bike and hike (14 days) that departs on 24 June and get to Peru on time for the Inti Raymi celebrations. From £1,590 per person.

JULY: MONGOLIA
NAADAM – THE THREE GAMES OF MEN 11-13 July 2012

WHY: Inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Naadam is a true test of manhood in such traditional games as horse racing, archery and wrestling. The most widely watched festival among Mongols, it enjoys special popularity comparable to that of football in Europe, baseball in the US or sumo wrestling in Japan. It is believed to have existed for centuries, although today it formally commemorates the 1921 revolution, when Mongolia declared itself a free country.

BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ special Trans Siberian Adventure Naadam Festival (23 days) departure on 2 July costs £3,690 per person.

AUGUST: FRANCE
CORSO DE LA LAVANDE – LAVENDER FESTIVAL 3-7 August 2012
WHY: Corso de la Lavande (“the lavender festival”) is a significant colourful local affair – and a wonderful excuse to visit Digne-les-Bains, the self-styled “capitale de la lavande” and one of the most visually striking regions of Provence! Here, the local lavender harvest is celebrated during the first week of August in a half-a-century old festival. The town comes alive as parades with elaborate floats and presentations of folklore culminate in a grand ball, all devoted to this abundant crop.

BOOK IT: Celebrate Corso de la Lavande with UTracks’ self-guided Best of Provence (8 days). Departs daily from April to October, from £790 per person.

SEPTEMBER: ETHIOPIA
MESKEL – FINDING OF THE TRUE CROSS 27 September 2012

WHY: Meskel is Ethiopia’s most colourful Christian festival – but even for non-believers, it offers a dazzling excuse to celebrate with bonfires and parties! Thousands of locals and visitors get together to watch priests, nuns and parishioners sing, clap, beat drums and dance as they put on a unique show for the crowd. Meskel commemorates the recovery, 17 centuries ago, of the cross on which Jesus was crucified and the Ethiopian Church still claims to have its own piece, hidden from public view at the remote monastery of Gishan Mariam.

BOOK IT: Make sure you are in Ethiopia to celebrate Meskel with World Expeditions’ special departure of the Ethiopia Explorer (16 days) on 21 September. From £2,220 per person.

OCTOBER: BHUTAN
JAMBAY LHAKHANG FESTIVAL 29 October – 2 November 2012

WHY: A hugely popular religious festival, Jambay Lhakhang takes place every autumn at one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Jambay Lhakhang is known for its two special events: ‘Mewang’ (the “fire blessing ceremony”), where locals run underneath a huge flaming gate made out of dry grasses with ambers and piles of burning grasses falling on their head; and ‘Tercham’ (the “dance of treasure”), where dancers with their face covered by a mask perform a dance completely naked.

BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ dedicated departure for Land of the Thunder Dragon – Jambay Lakhang Festival (13 days) is on 25 October 2012. From £1,890 per person.

NOVEMBER: ARGENTINA
FIESTA DE LA TRADICIÓN – TRADITION DAY 10 November 2012

WHY: This is the best opportunity you will have to see the ‘gaucho’ culture and get a feel for country life in Argentina. There are competitions, dances, horse and bronco riding, folk music and asados (“barbecues”), as well as exhibitions of local craftwork including silverware, spurs, stirrups and saddles. The finale involves hundreds of gauchos in their traditional dress – typical bombachas (“baggy jodhpurs”), wide-leather belts, boots and leather hats – parading through the centre of town.

BOOK IT: Book World Expeditions’ 11-day Patagonia Adventure which culminates just in time for Fiesta de la Tradición. Departs on 27 October, from £1,890 per person.

DECEMBER: CHILE
NEW YEAR’S FESTIVAL 29-31 December 2012

WHY: Attracting one million tourists from around the world, this three-day festival culminates with a huge (30,000 explosions!) firework display. Live bands play until the early hours of the morning on Plaza Sotomayor, while local traditions include: eating lentil dishes with 12 grapes to symbolise each month of the year; writing down everything that was bad about the old year and then symbolically burning the paper; going out walking with luggage so that you travel during the year; and wearing ‘lucky’ items, such as yellow underwear.

BOOK IT: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chile with World Expeditions: Book Chile End to End (18 days) that departs on 31 December 2012, from £3,290 per person.

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk and www.utracks.com  The all-inclusive policy of World Expeditions and UTracks ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

Join Echo River Trips on a Himalayan rafting expedition that is sure to be not only an adventure, but a life-changing cultural and spiritual experience as well. Bhutan is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia that has long been closed off to outside influence. It is only in the last few years that the Bhutanese government has begun to open its borders to foreign tourists, allowing just 25,000 foreigners into the country in 2010. 2012 is just the third year that ECHO has been allowed to lead commercial trips into this untouched land, though the guides who will lead this trip are experienced with traveling in Bhutan and Southeast Asia.

Rafters will get to experience pristine Himalaya-fed rivers and natural landscapes that have been preserved for thousands of years thanks to the nature-honoring national religion of Vajrayana Buddhism. The group will spend equal time on river and taking part in cultural and spiritual experiences among the amazing Buddhist temples, monasteries and shrines that are scattered throughout the landscape. The highlights of the trip include floating past the massive Punakha Dzong Monastery Fortress on the banks of the Paro Chhu (river) and hiking to the Taktshang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery which is perched on a cliffside 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

For 2012, ECHO River Trips will be offering one departure to Bhutan taking place November 1– November 12, 2012 and is priced at $3900pp excluding airfare to Paro, Bhutan.

www.echotrips.com

The newest trip from experiential travel company Myths and Mountains gives active, adventurous clients a chance to explore parts of Bhutan rarely seen by visitors. Through a partnership with non-profit READ Global, the company has gained access to some the country’s most remote villages.

After a short time in the capital city of Thimbu, travelers will fly to a recently converted military airstrip near the village of Trashigang to start their 12-day trek. From there, they will climb mountain passes and trek through the habitat of the Himalaya’s “lost” tigers, which are often spotted by travelers. For the most part, travelers spend the nights camping in tents or staying the homes of local villagers.

The land is populated by the semi-nomadic Merak people, who hold deep animist beliefs and make their living herding sheep. In the villages, travelers will have the opportunity to help locals with the chores of day-to-day life, and those who are handy in the kitchen will have a chance to learn recipes for some local dishes.

Bookings for the trip, which starts sets out next October, are available now. The October will be the first tour of its kind from Myths and Mountains, and one of the first tours in the region itself.

www.mythsandmountains.com

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has launched its brand new Small Group Journeys brochure for 2012/2013, featuring 70 unique itineraries and 1,000 departures to destinations across Asia including the latest addition of Burma and various new Specialist Collection Journeys to Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Bhutan.

Created by an award-winning designer, Travel Indochina’s new-look brochure is the company’s best and most user-friendly yet. It offers a simple way of digesting Travel Indochina’s great range of quality escorted small group tours, including the largest diversity of holidays to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos of any UK tour operator, together with a large variety of journeys to Thailand, China and Tibet, India, and Japan – for groups of up to 16 people.

The new catalogue perfectly enables the specialist tour operator to share its experience of the “real” Asia with interested customers. Every journey page now features top “Insider Experiences” detailing unique encounters that are exclusively available to guests of Travel Indochina, such as the opportunity to avoid the crowds at Angkor Wat by entering the temple through a lesser-used entrance.

In addition, most journey pages highlight Travel Indochina’s fantastic array of online travel videos to give customers a real taste of Asia. Each online video enables the expert operator to share information on their destinations, top Insider Experiences and unique style of travel whilst providing a great opportunity for interested travellers to hear from – and be inspired by – expert Western tour leaders and professional local guides, as well as past clients.

New for 2012, travellers can enjoy some very special experiences on Travel Indochina’s new 9-day and 13-day tours to Burma, which will operate every month from January 2012 onwards. Whilst covering the highlights of this unspoilt destination, guests of Travel Indochina can take a horse and carriage ride through the Bagan plains at sunset, share lunch with the resident nuns at a local nunnery in Mandalay, and meet the locals at a little-visited village on the banks of the Irrawaddy river.

Further good news is that journeys to Indochina and beyond can be booked in conjunction with Vietnam Airlines, which is launching the UK’s first ever non-stop flights to Vietnam from 9th December 2011. This new service will shave up to seven hours off the flight time and offer convenient onward connections to Cambodia, Laos and Burma.

Lesley Wright at Travel Indochina comments: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Small Group Journeys brochure, which we believe is our best ever design. The content really highlights the breadth and depth of our company’s offering, whilst also developing our philosophy of sharing the experience through our “Insider Experiences”, which delve deeper into the destinations and provide our customers with insights and experiences that many travellers miss. We very much hope our new revamped brochure will inspire them to share the real Asia with us in 2012 and beyond.”

1. WHERE: VIETNAM
HOW LONG: 7 days
Set in the cool mountains of Vietnam’s northwest, Sapa became a favourite amongst the French colonialists seeking to escape the heat. Enjoy true rural hospitality, follow secluded trails, experience an overnight train journey and explore the busy Old Quarter of Hanoi.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 7-day Sapa Trek departs daily year round, from £650 per person.

2. WHERE: TANZANIA
HOW LONG: 8 days
An up, close and personal African safari trip that presents countless captivating moments to savour. Explore the renowned parks of Tanzania with numerous game drives and visit incredible sites such as the world famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 8-day Northern Tanzania Circuit departs on 22 December 2011, with further departures scheduled in 2012, from £1,690 per person.

3. WHERE: BHUTAN
HOW LONG: 8 days
A comprehensive journey through the remote and culturally rich kingdom Bhutan, taking in the iconic Taktsang Monastery, the sights and sounds of capital Thimphu and a drive across the Dochu La Pass to explore the isolated yet beautiful Gangtey Valley.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 8-day Essence of Bhutan departs daily from September to May, from £1,250 per person.

4. WHERE: JAPAN
HOW LONG: 8 days
Stunning coastlines, rolling mountain scenery, World Heritage National Parks and a rich cultural heritage: team this with an exquisite cuisine and hot springs to soak in after a stunning day’s ride and you see why Hokkaido is one of Japan’s most idyllic destinations.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 8-day Secrets of Hokkaido by bike has five departures from June-September 2012, from £1,990 per person.

5. WHERE: NAMIBIA
HOW LONG: 10 days
Game viewing in Etosha National Park, cultural interaction with a Himba tribe, rock art at Twyfelfontien and visits to the Skeleton Coast and the Namib Desert: just some of the highlights of this encompassing itinerary in stunning Namibia!
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ Namibian Explorer departs every Tuesday until March 2012 (every Friday from April 2012), from £990 per person.

6. WHERE: FROM EGYPT TO JORDAN
HOW LONG: 8 days
Step into the rich historical legacy of Pharaonic Egypt’s pyramids before journeying into the Sinai and the land of the Bedouins. In Jordan, tour the dramatic Wadi Rum by jeep, explore the iconic monuments of Petra and have a swim in the world famous Dead Sea!
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 8-day Pyramids to Petra departs on 4 December 2011, with further departures scheduled in 2012, from £990 per person.

7. WHERE: ANTARCTICA
HOW LONG: 10 days
Follow in the footsteps of the great heroes of the Antarctic history as you set sail from the tip of South America, accompanied by expert naturalists. With the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife, Antarctica is all about discovery and exploration.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 10-day Discover Antarctica departs on 1 January and 20 March 2012, from $5,290 (£3,299) per person.

8. WHERE: CHINA
HOW LONG: 10 days
Trek along a remote section of the Great Wall, one of the greatest wonders of the world, away from the crowds. Take in the vast and diverse scenery, savour true rural Chinese hospitality and complete the experience in Beijing visiting the historic Forbidden City.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 10-day Great Wall Trek has six departures from May-October 2012, from £1,150 per person.

9. WHERE: ECUADOR
HOW LONG: 7 days
This jam-packed trip is an ideal introduction to Ecuador. In addition to the bustling capital of Quito and the colourful Indian markets of Otavalo, it incorporates the volcanic spine of Ecuador, the sensational Cotopaxi National Park and the famous Devil’s Nose Train.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 7-day Ecuador Experience departs every day except Thursday year round, from £1,050 per person.

10. WHERE: NEPAL
HOW LONG: 8 days
From the vibrant capital of Kathmandu and the stunning sunset and sunrise in Dhulikhel to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, and the wildlife safari at Chitwan National Park, this trip is a balanced mix of relaxation and marvellous mountain views.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 9-day Nepal Discovery departs on 16 December 2011, with further departures scheduled in 2012, from £890 per person.

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk  or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions’ all-inclusive policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

The new 2012/13 Mountain Kingdoms brochure is out now – call 01453 844400 for a copy or email info@mountainkingdoms.com

Packed with 120 exciting holidays, there are 23 fabulous new treks and tours in addition to lots of old favourites.

Highlights include four new trips to the must see destination of 2012, Burma, some wild and remote treks in Nepal, and the southernmost trek in the world in Tierra del Fuego.

Once again the Mountain Kingdoms Early Bird booking incentive will reward those keen to book, and this year applies to all 2012 flight inclusive holidays featured in the new brochure.
Clients booking before the 30th November 2011 will receive a £50 discount – visit www.mountainkingdoms.com  for details and conditions.

NEW TREKS & TOURS

Bhutan

Birding in Bhutan – an exceptional specialist tour created for true birding enthusiasts in a paradise of rare and endemic birds.

Dragon Kingdoms of Burma & Bhutan – an easy walking and sightseeing holiday to two of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist kingdoms.
Mount Chomolhari & the Bonte La – magnificent high mountain trekking beneath snowy peaks, through remote valleys and across high passes.

Nepal

Village Trails of Nepal – the perfect gentle walking holiday combining relaxed day walks, comfortable hotels and the spectacular Himalaya.

Annapurna & Everest Panorama Trek – two short tea house treks amidst the breathtaking scenery of Nepal’s two most famous mountain ranges.

Everest Base Camp in Style – exhilarating strenuous trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar, staying in the Khumbu’s best lodges.

Rolwaling & Bigu Gompa – a glorious trek to one of Nepal’s best ‘off the beaten track’ mountain valleys, next to the Tibetan border.

Api Base Camp with Tashi Tenzing – a reconnaissance trek led by Tenzing Norgay’s grandson, in a remote, little visited, corner of Nepal.

The Kagmara La Pass to Dolpo – a thrilling trek in ‘Wild Nepal’, from the calm waters of Rara Lake, over the Kagmara La to isolated Upper Dolpo.

India & Sri Lanka

Incredible India & Brahmaputra River Cruise – an enthralling tour encompassing both the frenetic energy and serene beauty of India.
Leh & Indus Valley Trails – a delightful short summer walking holiday to the mountains and monasteries of ‘Little Tibet’.
Trails of Buddha’s Island, Sri Lanka – a gentle walking holiday visiting the island’s main historical, cultural, wildlife and scenic highlights.

Mongolia & Central Asia

Genghis Khan Trails & Naadam Festival – take the Trans-Mongolian train from Beijing to experience ancient cities, desert travels, mountain walks and traditional festivities.

Nomads & Ibex Trek – a two week magical, mountain adventure in the remote northwest corner of Mongolia.
K2 & Gasherbrum Base Camps – a sensational trek through wild, dramatic and unspoiled scenery into the heart of the Karakoram mountains.

Burma

First Class Tour of Burma – a relaxed exploration of the cultural and scenic highlights of the Golden Land, staying in quality hotels throughout.

Dragon Kingdoms of Burma & Bhutan – an easy walking and sightseeing holiday to two of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist kingdoms.

Golden Trails of Burma – gentle walks, cultural highlights and comfortable accommodation – the best way to explore this remarkable country.
Mount Phongun & the Burmese Himalaya – trekking in the remote highlands of northern Burma, with an ascent of Phongun Razi (3,635m/11,920ft).

Other destinations

Northern Lights & Husky Sledding, Norway – an action-packed winter adventure in Norway’s icy north, aiming to see the dazzling Northern Lights and taking in a thrilling sledding experience.

Tierra del Fuego – the Ultimate Adventure – from the southernmost trek in the world to Patagonia, via a voyage through the Beagle Channel.

Bedouin Trails of Jordan – easy walking and sightseeing in Jordan, from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea.

Serengeti Walking Safari – unspoiled landscapes, impressive wildlife and luxury camping – the best way to experience wild Africa.

Ngorongoro Highlands & Serengeti Wilderness – a fabulous walking safari in style in two of Africa’s most pristine wildlife areas.

The newest trip from experiential travel company Myths and Mountains gives active, adventurous clients a chance to explore parts of Bhutan rarely seen by visitors. Through a partnership with non-profit READ Global, the company has gained access to some the country’s most remote villages.

After a short time in the capital city of Thimbu, travelers will fly to a recently converted military airstrip near the village of Trashigang to start their 12-day trek. From there, they will climb mountain passes and trek through the habitat of the Himalaya’s “lost” tigers, which are often spotted by travelers. For the most part, travelers spend the nights camping in tents or staying the homes of local villagers.

The land is populated by the semi-nomadic Merak people, who hold deep animist beliefs and make their living herding sheep. In the villages, travelers will have the opportunity to help locals with the chores of day-to-day life, and those who are handy in the kitchen will have a chance to learn recipes for some local dishes.

Bookings for the trip, which starts sets out next October, are available now. The October will be the first tour of its kind from Myths and Mountains, and one of the first tours in the region itself. In addition to the trip’s cost, clients are askeed to provide a tax-deductible donation to READ Global.
www.mythsandmountains.com

Audley have launched a new Indian Subcontinent brochure covering India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan.

Highlights include:

Rural Rajasthan – Audley have placed emphasis on rural Rajasthan, getting away from the cities to experience a more traditional way of life. They have included a number of smaller villages including Samode, Bundi and Rohet and are using characterful boutique hotels as well as a choice of tented properties. They suggest a number of itineraries that combine the more traditional sites and cities with time in these rural areas to give a complete experience of the region. For example they offer an Ultimate Rajasthan 21 day itinerary that combines the wilderness of the deserts, magnificent forts and palaces and sleepy rural villages and costs from £2,688 per person.

Adventurous Himalaya – Audley have included a new itinerary that includes rafting on the Ganges, an elephant safari and game drives in Corbett National Park and trekking in the remote Kumaon region staying in village houses. This 12 day itinerary costs from £2,865 per person.

Rail Travel – Audley have put more focus on the number of different rail routes on offer throughout India, both on local trains and luxury trains. They have introduced a ‘Train Travel and Backwaters’ itinerary. This combines a week on a luxury train – travelling between Mumbai and Delhi and seeing the classic attractions of Rajasthan – with five nights in Kerala, including two days on a converted rice barge, for a complete change from the frenetic pace of rail travel. This 15 day itinerary costs from £5,245 per person.

Homestays – Audley are offering more homestays throughout India – a great way to really get a feel for the country and its people. Their favourite options include Tranquil Hideaway, set on a coffee estate in Wayanad with some wonderful walking routes and Ayesha Manzil in Tellicherry where you will enjoy some of the finest food on offer in the region and can also have a cookery lesson. A 10 day itinerary using homestay accommodation costs from £1,545 per person.

Wildlife in India and Sri Lanka – Audley now have two dedicated Indian wildlife specialists and are using some of the lesser known National Parks such as Satpura and Tadopa as well as the more established ones including Ranthambhore and Corbett. They suggest ‘India’s Widlife Treasures’ itinerary combining the national parks of Pench, Kanha, Badhavgarh and Satupura in Central India to give a good contrast in scenery, activities and game. This 13 day itinerary costs from £2,995 per person.

Wildlife is also a focus in Sri Lanka where Audley suggest an itinerary called ‘On the Leopard’s Trail’ which combines some of the key sites with the top National Parks and the chance to see the spectacular variety of birds and flora as well as looking for leopard and sloth bear and taking a whale and dolphin watching trip. This 16 day itinerary costs from £3,422 per person.

Everest and Annurpurna Trekking Combined – the opening of some new luxury lodges on the Everest Trail means it is now possible to combine trekking in the Annapurnas and Everest in comfort. Audley also suggest using a variety of accommodation, staying at simple local tea houses as well as the lodges to really immerse yourself in the region and with all money going straight into the local community. They have included ‘The Sherpa’s Trail’ itinerary which combines both Annurpurna and Everest trekking, suggesting a mix of accommodation to suit each client’s requirements. This 16 day itinerary starts from £2,650 per person.

Bhutan – Audley suggest timing your visit to coincide with a tsechu or festival that is being held in one of the villages. They are a fundamental part of Bhutanese life and a great way for visitors to really get a feel for the country, particularly at one of the smaller events where you get a more intimate experience. Audley also suggest including a farm visit as part of any trip – a chance to enjoy a typical Bhutanese meal and the local rituals.

For further details and a copy of Audley’s Indian Subcontinent brochure call Audley on 01993 838 300 www.audleytravel.com

Small group specialist Odysseys Unlimited has added a 13-day exploration of Bhutan to its 2012 collection. Limited to just 12 to 16 guests, Odysseys Unlimited visits Duchula Pass to partake in the tradition of raising prayer flags in the name of peace and compassion, a nature walk through the Gangtey Valley and a visit to Paro Taktsang, the sacred Tiger’s Nest monastery and temple complex that hangs 2,000 feet above the upper Paro Valley.

First built in 1692, the Himalayan Buddhist monastery honors the “Guru with Eight Names” who established Buddhism in Bhutan. Priced from $4,595 air and land inclusive,

Odysseys Unlimited’s 13-day Bhutan The Hidden Kingdom includes roundtrip air to Delhi and flights within the itinerary; 10 nights’ accommodation in deluxe, first class and unrated hotels (hand-picked for quality) in Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Paro; most meals; extensive sightseeing including all entrance fees, luggage handling, gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters and all drivers; and services of a skilled, attentive Odysseys Unlimited tour director.

The tour debuts March 21, April 11, May 9, Sept. 26, Oct. 10, and Nov. 7.

For more information, visit www.odysseys-unlimited.com