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June 18, 2013 by Arlene

Exploring Central Asia: A Guide to the Region’s Adventure Hotspots

If you’re anything like me, you won’t be looking for a conventional holiday, but will be searching for somewhere to explore that’s not packed with hoards of other travellers and that is certainly classed as well off the beaten track.

Recently I’ve been searching around for interesting places to visit for my next holiday and I think I’ve at least narrowed it down to one region – central Asia. Now I have the difficult task of choosing a specific country! The following three destinations have jumped out at me and look like ideal candidates for an overseas adventure holiday.

1. Tibet

My first choice is Tibet, which I thought of quite early on having visited Nepal a few years ago. I love trekking so this seemed like a logical place to consider, especially given that it’s become a bit easier to travel to this remote Himalayan region in recent years.

The Tibetan Plateau boasts outstanding views of the Himalayas – and Mount Everest in particular – as well as being home to some fascinating cultural sites like the Potala Palace and the Jorkhang Temple in Lhasa. What also appeals to me about Tibet is that you can take a walking tour that will lead you up to the north face of Everest and around to the base camp, allowing you to follow much less crowded trails than you’d get if you approached this spot from the Nepalese side of the border.

2. Uzbekistan

Another country I’m very tempted by is Uzbekistan, partly because it sounds absolutely beautiful and partly because it’s peppered by outstanding historical and cultural sites. Many of its most famous cities were on the Silk Route that ran all the way from Asia to Europe and they are home to some astounding monuments.

If I’m totally honest, I’d love to have the time to walk a significant part of the Silk Route, but unfortunately I don’t have the luxury of that much free time at the moment. So, a tour that visits a selection of the most important stops in Uzbekistan seems like a very appealing proposition.

Samarkand is one city that’s caught my eye. The settlement was established in the 7th century BC and has thrived ever since. One site I’d especially like to visit is Registan Square, a beautiful public square surrounded by mosques, madrassas and khans that date back to the 14th century. Another stop I’d like to make on a tour of Uzbekistan is at Khiva, with the majority of this desert city’s most important monuments located in its centre.

3. Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is my final choice and this country appeals to me because of the range of unique experiences you can have during a trip here. Among them is swimming in an underground lake near the Kopetdag Mountains, eating dinner with a local family in a traditional village and camping in the vast Karakum Desert.

I think the Karakum Desert would actually be a highlight of exploring Turkmenistan, as it’s just so unusual. Firstly, it’s made up of black sand, which makes the landscape incredibly interesting.

Secondly, it’s home to the Darvaza Gas Crater, which is a real sight to behold. This huge 70 m-wide hole was created by Russian geologists in the early 1970s when they were trying to tap into a gas deposit. Their rig collapsed into the hole and the decision was taken to burn off the gas in an attempt to prevent poisonous fumes escaping into the atmosphere – over 40 years later, the fire is still burning.

If you’ve been lucky enough to visit central Asia, where did you go and what would you recommend seeing?

…

Photo by theowright on Flickr

Filed Under: Asia, Nepal, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Tagged With: Asia, Central Asia, Himalayas, Nepal, Tibet, trekking adventures, trekking holidays, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

October 1, 2012 by Arlene

The 6 Best Countries For White Water Rafting

White water rafting is one of the prime adventure sports around the world. The thrill of navigating through rough white water is immense and adventure enthusiasts always search for new rivers to conquer. It has always been considered a very dangerous sport but the advancements in safety equipment have reduced the risk significantly.

There are various rivers around the world which are famous for their turbulent white waters. Some of those locations are presented below…

1. Río Upano, Ecuador

This river is present in South America and it has white water zones that range from Grade 2 to Grade 4. The wide variety of water currents that one faces in this river makes it suitable for all kinds of White water rafters. There are narrow canyons and huge waves that challenge the skills and courage of most rafters. The grade 4 region in the Namangosa Gorge is a must try for professional rafters and adventure travel enthusiasts.

2. Colorado River, USA

It is one of the primary rivers in USA which is used for white water rafting. The popular sites for white water rafting are situated in the higher altitudes of Rocky Mountains. National Geographic has named West water canyon region as “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip” as the journey is very thrilling and one will surely experience an adrenaline rush. There are various organizations and adventure travel clubs who organize rafting trips here.

3. Futaleufú River, Chile

Futaleufú is an untouched river that runs through Chile. It has natural surroundings and the raw power of the river water makes white water rafting a memorable experience. This river gets most of its water from the lakes present in Los Alerces National Park. The river water has a blue tint as the water comes from a glacier. The rapid water currents and dangerous rocks make it a paradise for adventure hunters.

4. North Johnstone River, Australia

It is the northern branch of the Johnstone River situated in Australia. This river is suitable for very good rafters as it provides Grade 5 and Grade 6 white waters which are mainly filled with large drops, big waves and fast currents. The river goes through the rain forests of Palmerston National Park .The rafting organizations use helicopter to carry people to the starting point of the course.

5. Sun Kosi River, Nepal

The Himalayas are home to various adventure sports and White Water rafting is not an exception. “The river of gold” can be visited any time of the year except the rainy season (June-August). It is grade 3- grade 5 white water and hence provides lot of excitement. Along with rafting one can also have the pleasure of admiring the beauty of the mountains.

6. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

The Zambezi is the 4th largest river in Africa and it has fabulous white water zones like the Batoka Gorge. Other amazing rapids that are present here are Stairway to Heaven, Gulliver’s Travels and the Midnight Diner. There are 4 say and 7 day rafting packages. Multi day packages make it a complete experience as people have to spend the night on riverbanks and work as a team.

Filed Under: Africa, Asia, Australia, Chile, Ecuador, Nepal, North America, Oceania, South America, Travel, United States, Zimbabwe Tagged With: Himalayas, parks, rafting, rivers, sports

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About Seek Your Trip

Here at Seek Your Trip, we post twice-weekly articles that will get your travel juices flowing. The idea is to inspire you to get out there and explore far-flung places and unusual cultures.