ADVENTURES 2010/2011

Climbing (& Skiing) the High Peaks of Bolivia -  May 2 weeks, 2010 - $4850
Bolivia Description | Bolivia Itinerary | Bolivia Details

Climb remote peaks in the Cordillera Real where few other climbers go, including Sajama, the highest peak in the country. At least one first-ascent of a 16,000' peak! Adventure skiiers will do several descents, including one from 20,000', with Bolivia's best snow conditions. A big adventure in the big mountains.

Antique Tajikistan (and visit Afghanistan)   - June 28th - July 13, 2010 - $4400
Trek Description | Trek Itinerary | Trek Details | Trek Suggested Reading

Trek 8 days through the spectacular Pamir Mountains with pack animals & full camp staff in the heart of the friendliest of the ‘Stans. Tour the ancient Silk Route where few others go, visit ancient forts and traditional markets. Optional crossing into Afghanistan for lunch in the heart of the Wakhan Corrider. Also optional visits to the ancient silk route market cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.

Utah Canyoneering Adventure - October - 4 - 9, 2010 - $1950
Utah Itinerary | Utah Details | Utah Description

Explore dramatic slot canyons in southern Utah. A wide variety of hiking adventures await in this remote and colorful land. We’ll camp deep inside some canyons, & others will be traversed in a day, accessed from lodges.

Trekking and Festivals in Bhutan - October 24th - November 8th, 2010 - $6300/$6800
Bhutan Description | Bhutan Itinerary | Bhutan Details | Bhutan Suggested Reading

Trek into the mystical Himalayas to the foot of the sacred peak, Chomolari.  Full Sherpa support, perfect weather, moderate altitude.  Visit remote villages and ancient fortresses. Optional visit to colorful Buddhist festivals before the start of the trip.

South Pole Ski Expedition - Antarctica - December 2010 - 2 Weeks - $45,000
South Pole Description | South Pole Itinerary | South Pole Suggested Reading

Ski the Last Degree. Fly to 89 degrees South and ski 70 miles across the Antarctic wilderness to the Pole. Then fly out!  We’ll pull sleds andcamp on the ice each night. This is a demanding trip, but is open to anyone with mental and physical toughness and a spirit of adventure.  Also possible ascent Mt.Vinson, highest peak in Antarctica, as an add-on.   At 16,000’, this is not a technical climb, but requires top fitness.

The Wilds of Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) - December - 4 - 18, 2010 - $5500
Patagonia Itinerary | Patagonia Details | Patagonia Description

The Amazon River bursts forth from its source in a tall rock face high in the Andes, jetting from cracks and burbling from springs, icy, clear and pure. We’ll be among the very few ever to witness the birth of our largest river. Along the way we’ll visit the deepest canyon in the world, the Colca, then thoroughly investigate the Inca culture with 2 days each at Cuzco & Machu Picchu. Finish at a remote eco-lodge deep in the Amazon rainforest to investigate the stunning flora and fauna.

Tanzania Wildlife Safari -  February 15th - 28th, 2011 - $6890
Tanzania Description | Tanzania Itinerary | Tanzania Details | Tanzania Suggested Reading

In February of 2011, a select group of Mel Wichter’s friends will spend 12 days on safari in the finest wildlife country on earth, the great game parks of northern Tanzania. We’ll tour the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, names that evoke the exotic thrill of a classic East African safari.

Amazon, Top to Bottom (Peru) - May 1 - 14, 2011 - $6200
Croatia Itinerary | Croatia Details | Croatia Description

The Amazon River bursts forth from its source in a tall rock face high in the Andes, jetting from cracks and burbling from springs, icy, clear and pure. We’ll be among the very few ever to witness the birth of our largest river. Along the way we’ll visit the deepest canyon in the world, the Colca, then thoroughly investigate the Inca culture with 2 days each at Cuzco & Machu Picchu. Finish at a remote eco-lodge deep in the Amazon rainforest to investigate the stunning flora and fauna.

Cruise Croatia - May 28 - June 11, 2011 - $6500
Croatia Itinerary | Croatia Details | Croatia Description

Cruise the coasts and the islands of the Adriatic aboard our private yacht. We’ll visit the graceful pine-covered islands of Hvar & Korcula, as well as scenic Opatija & Dubrovnik. Daily visits to quiet locations with ancient appeal, the historic fortified towns and the busy fishing villages. Each night we’ll drop anchor in secluded coves where our on-board chef and experienced crew will make life very enjoyable for us on this one-of-a-kind adventure.

Antique Tajikistan (and optional Afghanistan) - June 25 - July 10, 2011 - $4900
Tajikistan Itinerary | Tajikistan Details | Tajikistan Description

Trek 8 days through the spectacular Pamir Mountains with pack animals & full camp staff in the heart of the friendliest of the ‘Stans. Tour the ancient Silk Route where few others go, visit ancient forts and traditional markets. Optional crossing into Afghanistan for lunch in the heart of the Wakhan Corrider. Optional visits to the ancient silk route cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.

Climb Kilimanjaro - August 7 - 21, 2011 - $6500
Kilimanjaro Itinerary | Kilimanjaro Details | Kilimanjaro Description | Kilimanjaro Suggested Reading

Climb Africa’s highest peak by the seldom-used Rongai Route. Experience solitude on the big mountain while carrying only a day-pack, camping in style. Before and after, visit the great game parks of Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Amboseli.

Rafting the Grand Canyon - September 5 - 18, 2011 - $4250
Grand Canyon Itinerary | Grand Canyon Details | Grand Canyon Description

The Grand-Daddy of whitewater adventures. The best adventure in the US. We’ll float the Colorado River through the entire 220 mile length of the Grand Canyon. We’ll camp on sandy beaches every night, hike myriad side-canyon each day, and of course run all the exciting rapids.

The Magic of Madagascar - October 30 - November 17, 2011 - $6900
Madagascar Itinerary | Madagascar Details | Madagascar Description

Madagascar is the 4th largest island on Earth, and brims with unimaginable species of animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. We’ll take an inside look from the forested North, to the lush and steamy East, to the dry and bizarre South. Exotic wildlife, weird landforms, other-worldly flora, and remote cultures, on a seldom-visited island.

Australia, Top to Bottom  -  September 6th - 24th, 2012 - 3 weeks - $13,000
Australia Description | Australia Detailed Itinerary | Australia Details | Australia Suggested Reading

A cross-country ramble, from the Broome and the Kimberley Range in the far north-west, to the wildlife spectacles of Kakadu and Arnham Land, to the tropical rainforests near Pt Douglas, to the glories of Sydney. We will travel by charter aircraft, 4X4 Land Cruiser, sea-kayak, helicopter, and on foot, as we see the land of Oz from a totally unique perspective.