A great way to explore new places and challenge yourself at the same time is to embark on an adventure holiday. Whether you prefer to hike, raft, ski or mountain climb, these types of challenging expeditions reveal countries in a completely different light and will undoubtedly leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
- Best Adventure HolidaysDarcy McCarty / Foter.com / CC BY
The adventure holiday industry has experienced a boom in recent years, and those eager to get out and explore the world have plenty of choices at their disposal. Whether you’re looking to focus on one country or putting together a multi stop flight with several destinations, to help guide you in your planning, here are a few of the top challenging expedition and adventure holiday spots.
1. Climb Mount Everest, Nepal
Mount Everest represents the quintessential adventure holiday destination. The hike to base camp from Lukla is an incredibly journey filled with breathtaking scenery and tiny Nepalese villages. You’ll find yourself wandering through rhododendron forests, entering dramatic mountain passes and visiting ancient monasteries. Trekking in and around Everest’s base camp will also reward you with clear views of the mountain’s summit. Tours are available throughout the year and typically depart from Kathmandu.
2. Camel Trek in the Sahara Desert, Morocco
The mystique of the desert reveals itself in all its glory on a trip to the Sahara. To immerse yourself in an ancient lifestyle, swap the usual Jeep or 4×4 for a camel tour across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Standing 50 metres high, they are the tallest in Morocco and are a stunning feature amongst an ocean of sand. Camping in the desert is another cultural experience as you pitch a tent in the style of the nomadic Berber people and enjoy an authentic tagine dinner with your guides. Camel treks last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, with many accessible from Marrakech.
3. Explore the American Southwest
Much of the American Southwest remains as wild as it ever was and there are few places that offer such a mix of dramatic geographic features. The Grand Canyon in Arizona holds enough opportunities for adventure to last a lifetime. You can donkey trek through the layers of the canyon, white water raft your way down the mighty Colorado River or hike through the vast desert landscape. The stunning Yosemite National Park in California is another must-see destination with countless miles of trails and once-in-a-lifetime mountain climbing opportunities.
4. Cycle or Horse Ride around Mongolia
Mongolia is a beautiful, unspoilt country with a unique culture. Cycling and horse riding tours that circle nation provide the best opportunity to see the real Mongolia. Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to meet the locals, hike ancient craters and visit centuries-old monasteries. Surrounding you the entire time will be the unforgettable Mongolian steppe. Full tours of the country typically last approximately 2 weeks and depart from Ulaan Baatar.
5. Hike through Patagonia
Patagonia is the ultimate expedition and adventure destination, complete with snowy peaks, alpine lakes, ancient volcanoes and unique native wildlife. The Torres del Paine National Park on the border between Chile and Argentina is full of amazing hiking trails and is home to puma, condors, deer and llamas. Carretera Austral is popular for its scenic lakes, while boat trips to Punta Arenas (available between October and April) are popular as the area is home to a penguin colony.
6. Safari in Kenya
The beautiful nation of Kenya is the perfect place for an African safari. Choices here range from minimalist camping to luxury accommodations. You can either walk or horse ride through places like the Lewa Conservancy or the stunning Chyulu Hills National Parks, where you’re likely to encounter giraffes and other native wildlife. The experience of camping in the Kenyan wilderness is a truly amazing experience, and you’ll not soon forget the beauty of the sun setting over the unspoilt landscape.
Choosing the perfect adventure holiday can be a difficult decision. It’s important to keep in mind your budget, as well as the activities you’d like to include in your trip. Read reviews from others who have taken similar expeditions and ask friends and family for advice. It’s also important to ensure that you’ve trained for your adventure accordingly, so that you can fully enjoy the experience once you arrive.
