Make new friends around the globe - list of travel packages - Directory

Sierra, Nov-Dec, 2001

Africa

Tanzania Wildlife Culture from North to South and Zanzibar. June 8-24. Visit the premier game reserves of Tanzania, with the world's largest concentration of wildlife. We'll have many opportunities to observe and photograph birds and animals; visit native people; and explore well-known attractions and remote places. We'll end our journey exploring the fabled island of Zanzibar. Varied accommodations will always be comfortable. Leader: Herb Grench. Price: $5,395 (12-15)/$5,695 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02580A]

The Best of Kenya. September 1-13. Leader: Ruth Dyche Price: $3,855 (12-15)/$4,155 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02675A]

Discover Madagascar. September 21-October 5. Madagascar is remote, culturally exotic, and richer in unique flora and fauna than almost any other country in the world. On this wide-ranging tour, you'll see lemurs and numerous other rare creatures and plants. Leader: Ruth Dyche. Price: $3,295 (12-15)/ $3,565 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02705A]

The Salt Caravans of the Central Sahara, Niger. November 17-December 2. Journey to the geographical center of the Sahara, crossing the Erg de Tenere along the route of the last great salt caravans. We'll trace these camel trains to the salines of Facchi and Bilma, where people still live in specimens of the earliest urban architecture. We'll camp among the geologic marvels of the Jado plateau, cross the Rien de Rien, surf the world's greatest dunes, and trek among the high oases of the Bagzane Plateau. For those who like the Sahara, this is the definitive journey. Leader: Dennis Schmitt. Price: $5,495 (10-12)/$5,895 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02745A]

Asia

Springtime in the Annapurnas, Nepal. March 24-April 6. Visit one of the most breathtakingly beautiful regions of Nepal at the height of rhododendron season on this moderately strenuous lodge-to-lodge trek. Leader: Cy Englert. Price: $1,545; Dep: $200. [02530B]

Springtime Ecstasy, Southern China. April 7-23. Our odyssey begins in Shanghai, followed by a visit to the garden cities of Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. We then fly to the southern mountainous provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, and explore the ancient walled city of Dali. Cruise the Li River; see the Stone Forest and breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge; experience the Sunsanling Monastery; and enjoy a Tibetan museum and Tibetan family visit. Leader: John Bird. Price: $3,075 (13-16)/$3,395 (12 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02540A]

Around Manaslu Himal, Nepal. April 7-May 4. This strenuous trek begins in the historic city of Gorkha, climbs to Dharchy Peak, then follows the Burl Gandaki to its headwaters in the Manaslu Himal. We'll visit a region that's been open to trekking for only 10 years. See the Manaslu and Himatchuli peaks and be challenged by steep canyon walls with the raging river below. We'll cross Larkya Pass, join the Annapurna Circuit trail, then return to Kathmandu. Leader: Jim Sumrall. Price: $2,545 (10-12)/ $2,995 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02535A]

Everest Lodge Trek, Nepal. April 20-May 14. Leader: Brad Carlson. Price: $2,295 (11-14)/$2,545 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02550A]

Bhutan: Hidden Kingdom of the Himalayas. May 2-23. Leader: Cheryl Parkins. Price: $3,745; Dep: $200. [02545B]

Trekking the Steppes of Mongolia. August 8-20. Step back in time as we travel from Ulaan Baatar to the Hangay Mountains and to Kharherin, ancient site of Genghis Khan's capital. Five days of horse-supported trekking takes us through flowery valleys and the summer encampments of nomadic herders. We'll go into the mountains to visit high lakes and take in alpine vistas. Leader: Sally Vogel. Price: $2,565 (10-12)/$2,995 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02655A]

Rainforest Walkabout in Papua New Guinea. September 1-16. We begin with a canoe trip along the jungle-fringed tributaries of the Sepik River and continue with a forest trek to three remote villages in a highlands conservation area. We end with a visit to the Garoka Show for three days of traditional dancing, singing, and cultural exhibits. A local anthropologist joins us throughout. Accommodation in hotels, village guesthouses, and tents. Leader: Mike MacFadyen. Price: $3,595 (10-12)/$4,295 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02680A]

Ming and Qing Gardens and Chinese Minorities of Southern China. September 1-17. See 02540A for trip description. Leader: Mary O'Connor. Price: $3,095; Dep: $200. [02670A]

Tibetan Odyssey: Jewel in the Ice Revisited. September 15-October 3. Cross the vast Tibetan plateau by Toyota Land Cruiser and spend four days acclimatizing in Lhasa. We'll negotiate 17,000-foot passes through the ice-bound Himalayas and visit ancient monasteries, temples, and historic sites. We'll journey through Thingri and end in Katmandu, Nepal, for a traditional farewell Nepalese banquet. Leader approval required. Leader: Patrick Colgan. Price: $2,995 (12-15)/$3, 395 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02700A]

Pandas, Yaks, and Glaciers: Langtang and Gosainkund Lakes, Nepal. October 7-25. South of the Tibetan border, narrow Langtang Valley, dominated by 7,246-meter Langtang Lirung, is home to spectacular glaciers as well as numerous plants, birds, and mammals, including the rare red panda. Nepal's first national park, this area is surprisingly isolated, despite its proximity to Kathmandu. Moderate to strenuous hiking. Leader: Cahit Kitaplioglu. Price: $1,855 (10-12)/$2,325 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02710A]