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Aravaipa Canyon Backpacking

Aravaipa Canyon is a true gem of the Sonoran Desert, and a perfect place for spring or fall backpacking in the Southwest.

On a 3-day guided backpacking trip to this Arizona gem, you can wander through side canyons and climb up boulders if you’re feeling adventurous, or hang creekside in a hammock while you read a book. A balance of relaxation and exploration is found. Sound like your kind of adventure?

  • 3 Days, 2 Nights
  • Activity: Backpacking
  • Destination: Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, Arizona
  • Accommodations: Backcountry Camping
  • Difficulty: Moderate

What do you picture when you hear the term ‘desert’? Whatever may come to mind, it is unlikely to include lush grasslands, verdant groves of cottonwood and sycamore trees, and crystal-clear water that flows year-round. That is exactly what you’ll find on our Aravaipa Canyon backpacking trip! An Arizona highlight, this secluded canyon has long been an oasis for backpackers looking for adventure in the Sonoran Desert.


Services
Price Includes:
  • Meals starting lunch Day 1 through lunch Day 3
  • Filtered water during van transfers and a variety of healthy hiking snacks
  • Professional Wilderness First Responder certified guide(s)
  • Kitchen and group gear (cooking utensils, stove, fuel, water filter, food storage where needed, dish washing necessities)
  • Personal mess kit (bowl, mug, fork, spoon)
  • Van transfers to/from Holiday Inn Express to the Aravaipa Wilderness
  • Bottled water and snacks for van transfers
  • Backcountry permit for 2 nights of camping
Not Included​​​​​​:
  • Personal insurance and expenses
  • Pre- or post-trip lodging
  • Breakfast Day 1, dinner Day 3
  • Airport transfers
  • Air transportation
  • Sleeping bag (available to rent from AOA)
  • Sleeping pad (available to rent from AOA)
  • Backpacking pack (available to rent from AOA)
  • Backpacking tent (available to rent from AOA)
  • Trekking poles (complimentary upon request)
  • Gratuities to AOA Guides

Scottsdale: Half Day Trekking Tour

Venture into the lush desert and mountains surrounding of the Sonoran Desert on a half-day Scottsdale hiking tour. Scottsdale, Arizona is located in the Phoenix metro area, a region rich in beautiful desert scenery and amazing hiking trails. Learn all about the unique flora, fauna, geology, and history of the from our knowledgeable, professional guides.

AOA’s guided hiking trips are designed to be more than a simple nature walk while still accessible to a wide range of ability so that individuals of modest fitness levels, as well as more active ones, will enjoy themselves.

All of the trails where we lead guided hikes have been chosen not only for their scenic beauty but also their accessibility, safety, and low volume of visitors. Combined, these factors afford our guests an unforgettable Sonoran Desert experience.

Our most popular hiking routes are in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where a large variety of trails are available to accommodate all levels of hikers. Other hiking locations are available.


Terms
On the Day of Your Tour

You will meet at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s Gateway Trailhead.

To get from Phoenix to Scottsdale is easy, but the distance required depends on where in Phoenix you are staying. Other meeting locations may be arranged in advance by calling the office. You can expect to be with another group on your hiking tour unless you have booked a private tour. Our guides plan accordingly for varied skill levels and choose trails that fit the needs of everyone in the group.

Scottsdale: Half Day Trekking Tour

Reservation Policies
Advance reservations are required and can only be confirmed with receipt of guest contact information and a valid credit card. Final payment is due in advance of the tour. Guide gratuities are optional, but are appreciated.

There is no charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure time. Cancellations made less than 48 hours from departure time will be charged in full.

Tours, rentals, and add-ons may be subject to sales tax at the local rate.

Services
Tour Price Includes
  • Professional safety-certified guide
  • Bottled water & snacks
  • 1:8 guide to guest ratio
  • Park entry fees
The mountain cleaners of Salzburg

Climbing harness, rope, helmet and mountain boots - these are the unusual work tools of the mountain cleaners of Salzburg. 365 days a year, a small group of fearless men ensures that the city's residents are safe.


Working over the roofs of the city
You can recognize them from afar. Day after day they hang on the harness in the steep rock faces of the Salzburg mountains Monk, Capuchin and fortress mountain. But what are they doing up there, high above the rooftops of Mozart's city?

The mountain cleaners of Salzburg

The mountain cleaners of Salzburg have an extraordinary, probably even world-wide unique profession: They clean the local mountains of the city neatly of loose rock and emerging root system. On steep slopes, endangered trees must be felled and stone catches erected. In winter, shrubs are cut back on the partially green cliffs and dangerous icicles are removed. Altogether, the mountain cleaners ensure that around 300,000 m² of rock are checked every year, removing between 50 and 80 m³ of loose rock.


Vocational training out of necessity
But why is there any need for this professional group in Mozart's city? The answer to this arises from the immediate vicinity of Salzburg to the mountains. The cliffs of monasteries, capuchins and fortresses tower in the old town in the air. They represent a unique and extensive green space, but also pose dangers for the inhabitants and houses of the city.

The mountain cleaners of Salzburg

1669 Salzburg was the victim of a devastating rock fall disaster. At that time huge masses of rock fell from the steep walls of the Mönchsberg and buried the Markuskirche, the "Seminarium Alumnorum", the Lieb-Frauen-Kapelle and 13 houses below. In this disaster, 230 people were killed.

Before the rockfall already sporadic checks and purges of the local mountains took place, in 1574 the mountain cleaners were first mentioned in a document. These works were then greatly intensified from the year 1669. Only several years later, after another rock fall in 1778 every year and now 365 days a year, the local mountains in Salzburg are checked.

The mountain cleaners of Salzburg

From an initially spontaneously built, daring community of citizens formed over the centuries, its own professional group - the mountain cleaner. A squad usually consists of two rappers who hang in the ropes and clean the mountain, two rope holders, which secure the Abfahrer and descend, and two floor men who shut off the work area and take over the soil cleaning.


A tour of the city? Why, surely!
While the people down in the city stroll through the streets and alleyways, the mountain cleaners hang in their climbing harnesses and ropes, loudly shout their commands and ensure that life in Mozart's city can go its usual course. In wind and weather they expose themselves to the dangers of falling rocks to protect the inhabitants and the entire city. Some people will probably not even know that they exist - so keep your eyes open on your next visit to Salzburg. Maybe you can discover one or the other mountain cleaner during your city tour or your hike to the local mountains.


Fascination Vesuvius: the Neapolitan fire mountain

"Certainly the Neapolitan would be a different person if he did not feel himself trapped between God and Satan." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe comes to this conclusion when he observes a marvelous sunset in March 1787 on his descent from Mount Vesuvius. And indeed, it is this mixture of the terrible and the beautiful that creates fascination worldwide: the dangerous volcano on the beautiful Gulf of Naples.

Every child in Italy knows the name of the fire-breathing mountain near which lies the metropolis of Naples. The Italians call it "Vesuvio" and every year thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to the fate mountain. It is widely known that the volcano could erupt at any time without great warnings ...

It is the only active volcano on mainland Europe and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country - which means something in the rich Italian cultural history. However, the reasons for his worldwide fame go hand in hand with disasters and calamities.


The dark end of Pompeii
In addition to Mount Vesuvius, it attracts tourists especially to Pompeii. Yet, the city has not existed for centuries. In ancient times, Pompeii was a prosperous Mediterranean city. It was located on a high plateau ten kilometers south of Mount Vesuvius, and from the palaces of the city, the view over the Gulf of Naples must have been splendid.

Fascination Vesuvius: the Neapolitan fire mountain

On August 24, 79 AD, the sky over Pompeii suddenly darkened. Daily earthquakes had announced the eruption of the volcano over weeks. House walls were torn open and water pipes were broken. But not all Pompeians knew how to interpret these warning signs in time. The panic that erupted at the sight of the threatening ash cloud came too late. In just a few hours, the city and its inhabitants were buried under ashes and ash avalanches.


The once magnificent Pompeii is forgotten for a long time. Centuries later, amazing ancient finds are made in the region, which are in great demand during the Renaissance. Marauders and historians are slowly revealing the mystery of the lost city, but it is not until the 18th century that it is systematically and almost "unharmed" unearthed. Pompeii rises like a phoenix from the ashes, because the pumice stone of the volcanic eruption has virtually preserved the city and the dead. "There has been much mischief in the world, but little that would have given posterity so much pleasure," notes Goethe during a visit to the excavation site.


A volcano as a tourist attraction
The eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79 should not be the only one. Larger eruptions follow in the years 472 and 1631. The last eruption so far occurred on 18 March 1944. Since then, Mount Vesuvius is in a period of rest, whose duration is difficult to predict.

Fascination Vesuvius: the Neapolitan fire mountain

A visit to Pompeii and the ascent of Mount Vesuvius should not be missed when staying in the Napoli region. The danger of the volcano, the perishable sinking of the city and the nevertheless undeniable beauty of mountain and antiquity on the Mediterranean - Vesuvius and its stories have not only captivated Goethe.
Peru - On the legendary Inca Trail

Trekking on the classic Inca Trail to Lake Titicaca
  • 4-day trekking Inka Trail (about 5 - 8 hours daily)
  • Hikes 2 x easy (2 - 3 hours), 3 x moderate (4 - 5 hours)
  • In the footsteps of the Incas - on the most beautiful way to Machu Picchu
  • Walk across the island of Taquile with panoramic views of Lake Titicaca
  • Get to know the culinary delights of Peruvian cuisine during a cooking class
  • Stroll through the narrow streets of the Inca capital Cusco
  • Explore the mystical legend of the Inca site Machu Picchu

Like the mystical Inca site Machu PicchuEven the way to her - hidden away from the wild mountain forest - was a mystery for a long time. From Cusco, numerous paths through Peru and neighboring Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile have already taken place during Inca times. The most famous among them has for ages united the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu, the city in the clouds. In the last century, the Inca Trail was rediscovered and uncovered. 

Peru - On the legendary Inca Trail

Following in the footsteps of the Incas, we hike the cobbled path through the middle of the Andes, past archaeological sites, snowy Andean peaks, over streams and rivers. We cross vertiginous suspension bridges, continue over rock-cut steps into the deep jungle, and then suddenly hit a wall: in front of us the sun gate!Carefully, we walk through and have a fabulous view of the world heritage site before us: Machu Picchu. All hardships and sweat drops are forgotten, we put down the backpacks and enjoy the magical moment. Important Booking Note: Is this the adventure you have always dreamed of? Then follow our advice: book as early as possible! The places on the Inca Trail are sought after and limited. Already around six months before the trip we have to decide if the trip actually takes place.


Planned program sequence
(Meals: F = breakfast M = lunch A = dinner)

Day 1: Arrival to Peru
Departure in Germany and flight to Peru.

Day 2: Arrival in Cusco
We land in the Peruvian capital Lima. After the immigration formalities we fly on to Cusco (3.400m). Here we are received by our tour guide. The afternoon is free for us to slowly gain altitude.


Hotel Samay (F), Cusco

Day 3: Cusco city tour and Inca culture
In Cusco, the juxtaposition of two cultures fascinates. Once, the Inca rulers built temples and numerous palaces for their families. After the conquest, the Spaniards shaped the image of the city. On our city tour we will get to know the center of the UNESCO World Heritage City, the lively Plaza de Armas. We visit the main market as well as the artistic district of San Blas and the cathedral. The ruins of Tambomachay, Sacsayhuaman and Qenko are also on the program. The afternoon is at our free disposal.

Driving time: approx. 1 hr.
Driving distance from: approx. 30 km
Hotel Samay (F), Cusco

Day 4: Excursion to Tipón
Today a secret tip awaits us: we make our way to the Inca site Tipón in the south-eastern valley of Cusco. Tipón is located on the slopes of Mount Pachatusan, the main apu (mountain deity) of Cusco. In total there are 12 larger terrace units to see. These are well preserved and made of red stone. We walk to an elevation where religious ceremonies used to be held, and from here we have a view of the whole area. Past the terraces we go to a natural spring that irrigates the terrace structure through an extensive canal system. Return to Cusco and afternoon free.

180m
Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours
Travel time: approx. 0.5 hrs.
Driving distance from: approx. 25 km
Hotel Samay (F, M), Cusco

Peru - On the legendary Inca Trail

Day 5: Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo
After breakfast we drive to Pisac to the big Indian market. Here a lot of crafts, fruits and vegetables are offered. We also visit the legendary Inca terraces of Pisac that tower over the village and then hike back to the village. After lunch we drive through the sacred valley in a westerly direction, along various villages until we reach the "living" Inca village Ollantaytambo. We visit the Inca fortress and walk through this beautiful settlement to our hotel.

200m
Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours
Driving time: approx. 1 hr.
Driving distance from: approx. 70 km
Hotel Tunupa (F, M), Ollantaytambo

Day 6: Trekking start on the Inca Trail
Today begins our adventure on the Inca Trail. We get up early and drive the short distance to Chilcha to the "kilometer 82". Here begins our trekking on the legendary Inca Trail, the historic route from Cusco to Machu Picchu. First, we follow the course of the Rio Urumbamba downstream to the Inca ruins of Llactapata. After the visit, we will build our tent near the small community of Chamana.

780 hm
Walking time: approx. 4 hours
Travel time: approx. 0.5 hrs.
Driving distance from: approx. 11 km
Tent (F, M, A)

Day 7: 2nd trekking day: Llaqtapata - Llulluchapampa
After breakfast we walk in the shadow of the mountains through the Cusichaca valley, past small farms until we reach the Andendorf community Huayllabamba. Here a steep ascent awaits us until we set up our next camp below the first pass we will cross tomorrow. We have a breathtaking view of the mountain Huayanay (5,464 m) in front of us. On the slopes grow in the fog the rare Polylepis, a unique rose plant. We end the day with a dinner together.

1250m
Walking time: approx. 6-7 hours
Tent (F, M, A)

Day 8: 3rd trekking day: Llulluchapampa - Phuyupatamarca
Today, the long ascent to the highest pass of our trek, the Warmiwañusca Pass at 4,200 m. Above we enjoy the view of the snow covered high mountains of the Cordillera Urumbaba. We cross the pass and descend again to the Pacamayo River, where we can refresh ourselves briefly. About the Runkuraqay ruins it goes to the Qachapatta Pass at 4,050 m. Descent to Yanacocha Lagoon. Then it goes over steep stairs uphill and downhill through the lush vegetation to the Inca fortifications Sayacmarca and Ayacmarca. We continue to our camp at Phuyupatamarca with a beautiful view of the Urubamba valley. In the distance we can already see Machu Picchu.

860 meters
1050 Hm
Walking time: approx. 8-9 hours
Tent (F, M, A)

Peru - On the legendary Inca Trail

Day 9: 4th trekking day: Phuyupatamarca - Machu Picchu
We start early and master the descent to the 3rd and last ascent to the pass Phuyupatamarca (3.700 m). At the top, a wide panorama opens onto the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Long descent over a steep natural rock spiral staircase through dense jungle until we reach the vegetation-overgrown Inca sites Intipata and Winay Wayna (2.700m). After a short visit, we continue through the cloud forest to Intipunku, the sun gate. We walk through the gate and have a gigantic view of Machu Picchu. We have to be patient, because we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site tomorrow with more time. We get off briefly and take our bus, which brings us to Aguas Calientes.

150m
1370m
Walking time: approx. 6-7 hours
Travel time: approx. 0.5 hrs.
Driving distance from: about 8 km
Hotel Hatun Samay (B, L), Machu Picchu Pueblo

Day 10: Machu Picchu in the early morning
In the early morning we take the bus over serpentines through dense forest up to Machu Picchu. The whole morning we visit in detail and under expert guidance the mysterious jungle town Machu Picchu. UNESCO designated the ruins in 1983 as a cultural and natural heritage of humanity. The sight of the ruins in the middle of a wild mountain landscape is overwhelming. Long after the arrival of the Spaniards in 1911, Machu Picchu was discovered and uncovered by Hiram Bingham. In the afternoon the bus brings us back to Aguas Calientes. From here we take the train to Ollantaytambo and from there by bus to Cusco.

Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours
Driving time: approx. 2 hours
Hotel Samay (F, M), Cusco

Day 11: Cusco
Today is at leisure. We can stroll through the city on our own and discover yet unknown lanes in Cusco.
Hotel Samay (F), Cusco

Day 12: Cusco - Puno
We leave Cusco and drive to Lake Titicaca. We take the approximately 390 km long and scenic route back by bus. On the way we stop at the sights of Andahuaylillas, Racchi and Pucara. Crossing the Altiplano highlands we see small villages and on the horizon the glaciated mountain ranges. Important note: When traveling with a small group of less than 8 people, the journey from Cusco to Puno takes place on a comfortable public tourist bus.

Driving time: approx. 8 hours
Driving distance from: about 420 km
Hotel Intiqa (B, L), Puno

Day 13: Excursion on Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, a motorboat takes us across the deep blue lake of Lake Titicaca to Taquile, a tranquil island of livestock and agriculture that is characterized by communities with "Cooperativas" (cooperatives). From the pier we hike over the island. The islanders are good weavers and also produce the finest knitwear. By boat we drive back to Puno. On the way we dock at the floating reed islands of the Uro. Once the Uros Indians led an almost self-sufficient life on their reed islands. The floating islands on which the individual families live are made of tied bundles of reed bundled together in blocks of up to 8 square meters. Boat trip about 4 hours

150m
150m
Walking time: approx. 3-4 hours
Hotel Intiqa (F, M), undefined

Day 14: Puno - Lima
We first visit the mysterious grave towers of Sillustani, near Puno. Sillustani is located on a peninsula on Umayo Lake and was one of the most important centers of the Colla culture. Then transfer to the airport in Juliaca and flight to Lima. Transfer to the hotel.

Travel time: approx. 0.5 hrs.
Driving distance from: about 20 km
Hotel Lima Wasi (F), Miraflores

Day 15: Lima - return flight to Germany
In the morning we get to know the metropolis Lima on a small city tour. The palace of the viceroy, the palace of the archbishop and many churches and convents. We stroll through the colorful local market. Our tour guide shows us the variety of exotic fruits. Afterwards, we get to know the local products during a cooking class to conjure up a typical Peruvian dish at our cooking class. In the afternoon transfer to the airport. Flight from Lima back to the homeland.

Day 16: Arrival at home
Arrival at the home airport.
Nepal - Mount Everest Basecamp Trek

Trekking trip to the base camp of Mount Everest and Kala Pattar
  • 12-day trekking (4 - 9 hours daily)
  • Ascent of Kala Pattar (5,643 m), summit day ↑ 450 m ↓ 1,450 m, 6 - 7 hours
  • From the base camp of Mount Everest look out over the famous Khumbu Icefall
  • Trekken on a scenic mountain trail from Pangpoche to the terraced village Phortse
  • Cross the rushing Dudh Kosi at dizzy heights on Hillary Bridge
  • From the panoramic summit of Kala Pattar marvel at the mighty Mount Everest pyramid
  • Visit the reforestation project "One Day - One Tree" in Pangpoche

Like a wide white ribbon, the Dudh Kosi meanders through the "valley of the milk flow". Left and right rise the rock walls, the path is slowly but steadily uphill. Trekkers, porters and pack animals bustle along the way, and there's plenty of activity on the suspension bridges as well - especially on the Hillary Bridge, which swings high above the canyon in the wind. The waving prayer flags are as colorful as the houses in the villages along the way. 

We devote ourselves to the history and development of the Everest region, familiarize ourselves with the culture of the Sherpa in Namche Bazar, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Hospital in Khunde and the reforestation project "One day - one tree" in Pangpoche. Our trek takes us through the Sagarmatha National Park, home to the highest mountains in the world. 

We follow the classic route through the Sherpa villages, admire the view of the shapely Ama Dablam from Khumjung and the view of the other ice giants of the Khumbu region from Tengpoche. The trail above the Pheriche Valley leads us to the Khumbu Glacier and on through the hollow of the Lobuche Mountains over the high alp Gorak Shep to the base camp of Mount Everest. From here it goes even higher: We climb the summit of Kala Pattar and enjoy the "black mountain" the "white view". In front of us, the Everest pyramid seems to be within reach, beneath us is the ice world of the Changri glacier, and next to us, the angular Nuptse peak radiates in the sun. 

Not only the altitude but also the sight takes our breath away - surrounded by the highest mountains of the world. admire the view of the shapely Ama Dablam from Khumjung and the view of the other ice giants of the Khumbu region from Tengpoche. The trail above the Pheriche Valley leads us to the Khumbu Glacier and on through the hollow of the Lobuche Mountains over the high alp Gorak Shep to the base camp of Mount Everest. From here it goes even higher: We climb the summit of Kala Pattar and enjoy the "black mountain" the "white view". 

In front of us, the Everest pyramid seems to be within reach, beneath us is the ice world of the Changri glacier, and next to us, the angular Nuptse peak radiates in the sun. Not only the altitude but also the sight takes our breath away - surrounded by the highest mountains in the world. admire the view of the shapely Ama Dablam from Khumjung and the view of the other ice giants of the Khumbu region from Tengpoche. The trail above the Pheriche Valley leads us to the Khumbu Glacier and on through the hollow of the Lobuche Mountains over the high alp Gorak Shep to the base camp of Mount Everest. From here it goes even higher: We climb the summit of Kala Pattar and enjoy the "black mountain" the "white view". 

Nepal - Mount Everest Basecamp Trek

In front of us, the Everest pyramid seems to be within reach. Below us, the ice world of the Changri glacier stretches out, and next to us the angular peak of the Nuptse radiates in the sun. Not only the altitude but also the sight takes our breath away - surrounded by the highest mountains of the world. The trail above the Pheriche Valley leads us to the Khumbu Glacier and on through the hollow of the Lobuche Mountains over the high alp Gorak Shep to the base camp of Mount Everest. From here it goes even higher: We climb the summit of Kala Pattar and enjoy the "black mountain" the "white view". 

In front of us, the Everest pyramid seems to be within reach. Below us, the ice world of the Changri glacier stretches out, and next to us the angular peak of the Nuptse radiates in the sun. Not only the altitude but also the sight takes our breath away - surrounded by the highest mountains of the world. The trail above the Pheriche Valley leads us to the Khumbu Glacier and on through the hollow of the Lobuche Mountains over the high alp Gorak Shep to the base camp of Mount Everest. From here it goes even higher: We climb the summit of Kala Pattar and enjoy the "black mountain" the "white view". 

Nepal - Mount Everest Basecamp Trek

In front of us, the Everest pyramid seems to be within reach. Below us, the ice world of the Changri glacier stretches out, and next to us the angular peak of the Nuptse radiates in the sun. Not only the altitude but also the sight takes our breath away - surrounded by the highest mountains of the world. We climb the summit of Kala Pattar and enjoy the "white view" from the "black mountain". In front of us, the Everest pyramid seems to be within reach, beneath us is the ice world of the Changri glacier, and next to us, the angular Nuptse peak radiates in the sun. 

Not only the altitude but also the sight takes our breath away - surrounded by the highest mountains of the world. We climb the summit of Kala Pattar and enjoy the "white view" from the "black mountain". In front of us, the Everest pyramid seems to be within reach, beneath us is the ice world of the Changri glacier, and next to us, the angular Nuptse peak radiates in the sun. Not only the altitude but also the sight takes our breath away - surrounded by the highest mountains of the world.


Conditions
Profile: This journey through the Khumbu region leads up to the famous base camp of Mount Everest and the panoramic summit of Kala Pattar, from which the highest mountain in the world seems within reach. On the way through the Dudh-Kosi valley to Namche Bazar and on through the villages of Khumjung and Pangpoche you can experience the Sherpa culture of the region. Requirement: Prerequisite for this trip are fitness and stamina for hiking with up to 9 hours walking time on unpaved roads. For the trekkingtechnically there are no special requirements. The ascent of the Kala Pattar does not pose any technical challenges in good conditions and requires only 6 - 7 hours of walking, including descent back to Pheriche. The ascent can also be left out. Due to adverse weather conditions and depending on the condition of the group, the walking time can be extended, but the trekking stages are regularly interrupted by restful breaks.

Altitude: Due to the altitude of more than 2,500 m, there is the possibility of altitude sickness. In order to reduce the risk, the itinerary is designed in such a way that at the beginning of the journey the possibility of adaptation is given and the body can get used to the changed circumstances. This includes slow and steady walking and intake of sufficient fluid. Nevertheless, there remains a burden on the body and we ask you to contact your family doctor before departure. Further information can be found at www.hauser-exkursionen.de/reiseinfos/hoehe-auf-reisen

Lodging: We stay in Kathmandu in a middle class hotel. All rooms have a bathroom. During the trek we are lodged in lodges. These are simple and functional. The rooms have two beds (with mattress and pillows) and in most cases no bathroom. Only the lodge in Lukla has bathroom in the room. The sanitary facilities are usually located in the corridor or away from the accommodation in the yard. Toilets are mostly available in dry toilets and no toilet paper is provided. The lodges offer running cold water. As a shower opportunity there are often shared showers (hot water for a fee). But especially at high altitudes bowls of heated water are made available for freshening. The rooms are not heated, additional blankets are usually available. In the main building of the lodges is the dining room / lounge, which can be heated by means of an oven. This is usually only cheered in the evening from about 18 clock, as fuel is limited.

Meals: Breakfast is included in this trip and lunch and dinner during the trek. In Kathmandu we eat at the property or stop in traditional restaurants. During the trek we eat in the lodges. For breakfast there is toast / Tibetan bread, jam, porridge (oatmeal), cereals, eggs (fried or fried eggs) or pancakes. For lunch and dinner, dhal bhat (lentil soup with rice and mixed vegetables), soup or pasta dishes. For all meals, tea is served in varying variations. During the hikes, boiled water must be purchased in the lodges for bottling in your own drinking vessel. The cost of services to be purchased in the lodges increases with increasing altitude. So drinking water in Lukla costs about 100 NPR, in Gorak Shep about 300 NPR. This is the same for the use of electricity and Wi-Fi as well as for general meals and consumables such as toilet paper. For food intolerances, we ask you to take care of appropriate food. Vegetarian food is possible, vegan food unfortunately not feasible. We ask for your understanding!

Power supply: In the vast majority of lodges are sockets for charging electrical appliances available (partly for a fee). Periodic power outages affect availability. Depending on the power requirement, it is recommended to take an external battery (power bank) with you.

Favors: It has become a nice touch during our trekkings, the escort team after the trekking no longer needed, but still well-preserved clothing to give. The joy is also great about party favors for women and children of the team members. Your tour guide can arrange a raffle for the farewell evening with the accompanying team, so that a fair distribution is guaranteed. Small gifts, such as colored pencils or chalk, can also be given locally in schools or kindergartens.

Respect: Respect is particularly important in unknown cultures and should be self-evident for all participants and we ask for tactful behavior towards the local population.

Nepal - Mount Everest Basecamp Trek


Services
Services included
  • local Hauser tour guide from / to Kathmandu
  • Flight with Turkish Airlines from / to Frankfurt via Istanbul to Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight with Tara Airlines from / to Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Current airport tax, departure tax and security fees
  • Rail & Fly ticket from / to German border
  • Overnight 3 x in the middle class hotel, 12 x in lodges (shared bathroom)
  • 15 x breakfast, 12 x lunch, 13 x dinner
  • Hauser travel health insurance incl. Search, rescue and rescue costs and repatriation and 24-hour emergency call service


Desired services

Additional bookable services
  • Journey without route Frankfurt - Kathmandu - Frankfurt via Istanbul - 620,00 €
  • Connecting flights subject to availability: within Germany 50,00 €; Vienna, Zurich: surcharge on request
  • Single supplement (hotels only) 135,00 €


Not included services
  • Visa fees
  • Other meals and drinks (about 180,00 €)
  • gratuities
  • Individual excursions and visits
Hikes in Norway

In Norway, Wanderer expects a wild and original nature with challenging paths and paths. The diverse landscape stretches from white beaches and blue glacial lakes to dense forests where only one's own breath can be heard, and endless boulders to rugged peaks. Mountain rivers and waterfalls are always on the way and the view extends far beyond the fjords to the coast.


Arrival by Fjord Line
Norway can be reached particularly well with a ferry of the shipping line Fjord Line. Relaxed it goes from Denmark to Bergen or Stavanger. Start of the ferry trip is in the Danish Hirtshals. From here it goes every day at 20 clock to Fjord Norway, where the tourists arrived rested. The return journey with Fjord Line starts in the afternoon in Bergen and in Stavanger in the evening.

Especially fast is the hiker with the catamaran ferry "HSC Fjord Cat" to his holiday destination. In just 2 hours and 15 minutes, the Fjord Line ferry shuttles between Hirtshals in Denmark and Kristiansand in Norway from April to September, up to three times a day. Langesund is also served daily by Fjord Line. As a gateway to Telemark and Eastern Norway and less than 2 hours drive from Oslo, Langesund is the ideal base for a holiday in Norway.

On the trip with the MS Bergensfjord and the MS Stavangerfjord you can enjoy the view of the Norwegian coast from the large sundeck or from the Fjord Lounge and plan the last details of the tours. The first tour starts right in Bergen, before going further into the country's hiking diversity.


In the north of Norway and the Lofoten on the way
Lofoten shows the diversity of the Norwegian natural landscape. Green meadows and sparse birch forests can be found as well as rugged mountain ranges and bizarre rock formations. On the way adventures can be experienced and also one or the other climbing part lies on some ways. One of the most famous postcard motifs can be found on the Rhine and one of the most beautiful coastline is at Uttakleiv. Especially in the summer, the fjords, mountains, plateaus and countless islands can be admired, because then it is consistently bright in the north of the country.


The national park Jotunheimen
The name already indicates what hikers are looking for in the Jotunheimen National Park: the word "jotar" means mountain giants. And you can find them here: jagged, wild and alpine peaks. The highest mountains in Norway and northern Europe's highest peak, the Galdhøpiggen, are located in the area. In the Breheimen glacier region west of the National Park, Europe's largest mainland glacier awaits you alongside many smaller glaciers with the Jostedalsbreen.


Traveling in Southern Norway
In the south of Norway you walk between the fjords or explore the beautiful hinterland of Stavanger. The gently rounded hills impress with all vegetation zones. Rough peaks and a beautiful nature convince hikers for the Ryfylkeheiane region. With the Hardangervidda, Europe's largest contiguous plateau awaits nature lovers. Wild reindeer can be spotted here. Gentle valleys, forests and mountains as well as beautiful coastal paths lure into the surroundings of Telemark.