Hiking the Himalayasby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 14 May 2008 05:45 PM If you are a die-hard hiker who is looking to kick up your next adventure a notch then you might consider the following trips. Several tour groups are offering package deals designed specifically for nature lovers who enjoy taking the road less traveled. If you are an outdoorsy type who loves to get your adrenaline going these land-only trips are perfect for you... and your wallet. PERU The South American country of Peru is home to one of the world's most amazing ancient cities, the legendary Machu Picchu, and the famous Inca Trail, which leads hikers to the top of the Andres mountain chain. This particular package is not for the faint of heart or those who don't do well at high altitudes. If you are fit enough to tackle the trek Mountain Travel Sobek is currently offering an eight-day adventure that starts at $3,645. The price includes lodging accommodations in picturesque Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire; a tour of the stunning highland ruins where the Incas flourished; and a one-day hike along the last stretch of the Inca Trail to breathtaking Machu Picchu. The package price also includes in-country transfers; sightseeing tours with entrance fees; and meals. PATAGONIA For the hiker with a little more time on her hands and a few more dollars in her wallet Patagonia, a vast region at the southernmost tip of South America, is calling. Considered a hikers' paradise the picturesque area is framed with soaring pink and white granite towers, golden grasslands, enormous glaciers, and sparkling cobalt blue lakes. It is also home to some of the world's best trails in its two national parks: the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Right now you can set off on the adventure of a lifetime with Mountain Travel Sobek's 15-day Patagonia Explorer tour. The price might be steep (the 15-day tour is priced at $6,595), but tour guides maintain that the experience is priceless. Not only will you experience the joys associated with hiking both national parks but you will also cruise through the scenic Chilean fjords all the way to Cape Horn. The cost covers the five-day cruise; day hikes in Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks; lodging for ten nights (four nights on the cruise and six nights in hotels and lodges); meals; and transfers. NEPAL What serious hiker doesn't dream of scaling Mount Everest? The landmark is divided between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and India, but its beauty is shared by all. The mountainous area features diverse ethnic groups, and rich cultural traditions both of which you can experience on a scenic 14-day Everest Escapade journey in Nepal with Mountain Travel Sobek. The package is priced at $2,545 for fall departures and includes nine days of moderate to strenuous hiking at medium elevation along the Khumbu region of the Himalayas. Your flat fee covers 13 nights of accommodation - nine nights' camping in the mountains and four nights in various hotels; daily meals; sightseeing tours and activities; guides and porters and ground transportation. Related Articles: Fun Family Travel Destinations-Part 3: Hiking Trails "Take A Hike"---On The Appalachian Trail Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Discuss this article
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