What's New at BikeHike for 2008-2009

Nepal - Everest Base Camp and Mani Rimdu Festival

Trekking, 21-days Moderate

There is no greater mountain than Everest, the world's highest peak at (29,028ft/8848m). This special departure is to Everest Base Camp, the foot of the mighty Everest summit and it's designed around the colorful Mani Rimdu Festival. This festival is a religious ceremony performed by the monks of the Tengboche monastery and is full of lively activities. Sherpas trek for several days to witness this important event. After exploring Kathmandu, we fly to Lukla where we begin our 16-day trek through Sherpa country. We hike along cultivated fields and through small villages, through the Khumbu Valley, savouring the high mountain views from the best possible campsites. We follow the Dudh Kosi before the hard work begins as we climb up to Namche Bazaar. There are rest days at the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and Dingboche village, set below the spectacular peak of Ama Dablam to help adjust to the altitude. Once we reach Loboche, the temperatures will have dropped and we'll be walking over the Khumbu Glacier in a winter wonderland. From here, it's the stretch to Base Camp and lastly the final highlight, Kalar Patar (18,300 ft/5545m) with intoxicating views of Everest and the Khumbu Glacier cascading below. This trek is designed to fulfill the dream of many trekkers to experience the historic route to the base of the world's highest mountain.
Dates 2008: Nov 8 - 28, 08
Price: $2699 Land Only

Romania - Transylvania Traverse

Mountain Biking, Hiking and Horseback Riding, 10-days Moderate

Romania - Transylvania Travers Romania. The name alone conjures up iconic images of Count Dracula, Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains and old world Eastern European culture. It's a country where Western and Byzantine influences meet, shepherds still tend their flocks, horse drawn carriages are more numerous than cars, and medieval villages retain their traditional character. On BikeHike's Transylvania Traverse we explore the South East of Romania by mountain bike, horseback and foot. We'll show you ethnic diversity from Romanians, Hungarians and Saxons to Gypsies, Ukrainians and Poles and we'll learn about their traditions and beliefs. We'll sample the region’s local cuisine and wines in the ambiance of a medieval castle, visit Dracula's Castle and hike and bike in the legendary Carpathian Mountains, the backbone of Eastern Europe. Our trip to Romania and the Transylvania Alps is an artful blend of active adventure, traditional culture, exquisite scenery and ancient history.
Dates 2009: May 22-31, June 26-Jul. 5, Aug. 7-16, Sept. 11-20, Oct. 9-18, 09
Price: $4299 (2 travelers) and $3799 (3+ travelers) Land Only

Laos - A Captivating Culture

Mountain Biking, Trekking, Kayaking and Elephant Riding, 13-days Moderate

Laos - A Captivating Culture They say that variety is the spice of life and on this Northern Laos Sports Extravaganza, there is plenty of it. Our adventure starts and ends in the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by forested mountains, the mighty Mekong River and golden Buddhist monasteries filled with chanting orange-robed monks. In 13-days we mountain bike into rural communities where time seems to stand still. We spend four days on foot, trekking high up in the magnetic mountains through Hmong and Akha hill tribe villages with overnights in family homes. We ride elephants through expanses of bamboo forests and float down the peaceful Nam Ou river in kayaks. This adventure to Laos is a trip into the past, to a quieter, less hurried time.
Dates 2009: Jan 18-30, Feb 15-27, Mar 29-Apr. 10, Apr. 19-May 1, May 17 - 29, Sept. 6-19, Oct. 11-24, Nov. 22-Dec. 4, 09
Price: $2299 USD per person Land Only

Vietnam and Cambodia - Active Indochina for the Deluxe Traveler

Mountain Biking, Hiking, Sailing and Sea Kayaking, 12-days Moderate

Vietnam and Cambodia - Active Indochina for the Deluxe Traveler This double dose of adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia is for those travelers wanting a luxurious experience in South East Asia. We stay in deluxe boutique hotels and on a Luxury Indochina Sailing Junk. The first eight days are in Northern Vietnam, kicking off in Hanoi, where we hike and ride cyclos around the bustling old quarter. We mountain bike through remote villages past mountainsides of terraced rice paddies, trek into the Sapa Region to see the colourful Dzao hill tribe and overnight in a cozy Eco Lodge high in the lush mountains. In Halong Bay we explore a labyrinth of limestone cliffs that rise out of the sea from the comfort of our sailing junk and in our sleek ocean kayaks. The last four days are in Cambodia, visiting Ankor Wat, the epitome of classical Khmer architecture. This 12-day ramble is loaded with comfort, culture, nature and adventure and is a sure bet to satisfy.
Dates 2009: Jan. 21-Feb . 1, Mar. 4 -15, Apr. 29-May 10, May 27-Jun. 7, Sept. 16-27, Oct. 28- Nov. 8, Nov. 18-29. Dec. 9-20, 09
Price: $3599 US per person Land Only

India - Royal Rajasthan

Biking, Hiking and Elephant Riding, 9-days Moderate

Medieval fortresses rising out of golden deserts are the legacy of Rajasthan. It’s an exotic place of vibrant colours -the ruby reds and bold yellows of the tribal clothing, the soft pinks of princely palaces, the earthy browns of the Indian desert. Traditional culture is one of Rajasthan's enchantments, and it’s prominent everywhere. You’ll feel transported back in time on this 9-day affair that is bursting with culture and a multitude of activities. We start in delightful Delhi, exploring the bustling city by rickshaw. There are 3 days of cycling, from the dazzling Taj Mahal, to the exquisite “ghost town” of Fatehpur Sikri and through tribal villages where traditional rural lifestyles remain preserved. We visit Ranthambhore in search of tigers and ride elephants in Jaipur. A morning sunrise at the Taj Majal and an overnight in a maharaja's palace add to our royal pleasures in this fascinating country.
2008-2009: Oct. 25-Nov. 2, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Dec. 27-Jan. 4, Jan.31-Feb. 8, Feb. 28-Mar. 8,
Price: $2599 USD Land Only

India - Mountains and Monasteries of Ladakh

Biking, Hiking and Elephant Riding, 9-days Moderate

Ladakh, often referred to as "Little Tibet" is a true adventure kingdom. It's bounded by the Great Himalayas and the Karakoram Range, and is part of the great Tibetan Plateau. It boasts a mesmerizing landscape of deep-cut gorges, snowy mountains and ancient monasteries, perched high on the hilltops. This high-energy extravaganza features fat tire biking through fertile valleys and stark moonscapes, a raft trip bouncing down the gurgling Indus River and a rugged mountain trek with nights in tents below starry skies. We visit some of Ladakh's most outstanding monasteries, rich in art and history. To add to the flavour, the culture is vibrant and colourful and prominent around every bend.
Dates 2008-2009: Jun. 17-28, Jul. 15-26, Aug. 19-30, Sept. 2-13.
Price: $2799 US Land Only

Mexico - Baja Bliss!

Yoga, Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling and Whale Watching, 8 Days Moderate

Join BikeHike Adventures on this Women's Only full moon wellness and yoga retreat in Baja, Mexico– where the desert meets the sea. Imagine solitude, peace, serenity and a deep sense of connection with your inner source – the SELF. Empower, inspire and nurture your mind, body and spirit. Revitalize, energize and restore health and vitality, inviting an abundance of well-being. We tune into the power of our bodies with movement through the meditative practices of Yoga, Chi Gung, Dance, and Pranayama. We spend peaceful time hiking in the desert, and sea kayaking in the tranquil waters of the Sea of Cortez. There is time to pamper ourselves with a spa treatment and learn the magic of culinary arts with Mexican cooking classes. Align yourself to the rhythms of nature and be free from the past and the future, BEING only in the NOW. Discover a profoundly rewarding and healing experience on this transformational journey with other like-minded women to reconnect with nature and unlock your potential!