2004 international trips

Tribes and Trails of Tanzania: A Wildlife and Cultural Safari. May 27-June 9. Join us to visit premier game viewing areas such as the Ngorongoro Crater (the largest intact caldera in the world) and the Serengeti Plains, and be awed by the variety and sheer number of animals and birds. We'll also hear from field researchers; visit various tribal people, community projects, and schools; and join a local chief as he gives us a guided tour of his town. Accommodations in comfortable tent camps and unique lodges. Leader: Ruth Dyche. Price: $4,455 (12-15)/$4,885 (11 or fewer). [04570A]

A Wildlife Safari in Kenya. August 14-27. Join us to witness the great annual migration of plains animals as we seek out lions, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, and wildebeest in the Masai Mara. We'll marvel over the flamingo masses at Lake Nakuru, explore a Sambaru village, visit the Karen Blixen House (Out of Africa), stay at the Joy Adamson house (Born Free) on the shores of Lake Naivasha, and much, much more. Accommodations in comfortable tent camps, rustic lodges, and homes. In-country flight included. Leader: Jon Kangas. Price: $4,395. (12-15)/ $4,875 (11 or fewer). [04575A]

Botswana and Zambia: A Classic African Safari. September 5-18. Leader: Mary O'Connor. Price: $3,995 (12-15)/$4,595 (11 or fewer). [04580A]

Morocco: Deserts, Mountains, and Empires. October 8-21. Leader: Joe Bruno. Price: $2,845 (12-15)/$3,165 (11 or fewer). [04585A]

ASIA

Holiday in Paradise: Bangkok and the Tropical Southern Beaches of Thailand. December 20, 2003-January 3, 2004. Leader: Brad Carlson. Price: $2,775 (10-13)/ $3,175 (9 or fewer). [04500A]

Treasures, Tigers, and the Taj Mahal, India. February 8-24. Our cultural and wildlife journey takes us by rail and van to four national parks where we'll have good chances of seeing wild tigers, superb birds, and maybe all of the big game animals of the Indian subcontinent. We'll let this ancient land weave its magic with the earthiness of Khajuraho, the sublime magnificence of the Taj Mahal, and the mysteries of lost temples reclaimed by the forest and taken over by big cats. Accommodations in hotels and nature lodges. Leader: John O'Donnell. Price: $3,895. [04525A]

Birding, Trekking, and Kayaking: An Adventure in Bangkok and Southern Thailand. February 11-24. Leader: Cy Englert. Price: $3,495 (10-12)/$3,995 (9 or fewer). [04530A]

Treasures, Tigers, and the Taj Mahal, India. February 24-March 11. See trip 04525A for details. Leader: Pritpal ("Pepi") Singh Kochhar. Price: $3,895. [04525B]

Springtime in the Annapurnas, Nepal. February 29-March 13. Well visit Kathmandu and explore several of its temples and exotic bazaars. With Nepalese staff carrying our gear, we'll then make a circular trek from Pokhara up into the southwestern Annapurna foothills to revel in views of 26,000-foot peaks. We'll end our journey with a return to Pokhara (with its beautiful lakeside bazaar) and Kathmandu. In-country flight included. Leader: Brad Carlson. Price: $1,795 [04565A]

Springtime in the Annapurnas, Nepal. April 18-May 1. See trip 04565A for details. Leader: Jim Sumrall. Price. $1,795. [04565B]

Bhutan: The Last Eden. April 18-May 4. Be enchanted by this exotic country as we marvel at its ancient fortresses, monasteries, and temples. We'll visit the national museum in Pare, explore craft centers, and meet with local dignitaries. We'll then drive to Bhutan's revered Bumthang Valley for a five-day trek, where we'll hike through alpine meadows dotted with prayer flags, rhododendron forests, and subtropical woodlands known for rare birds. Afterward we'll explore the local market in the capital city of Thimpu and visit the famous Tiger's Nest monastery. Leader: Kate Froman. Price: $3,845 (12-15)/ $4,345 (11 or fewer). [04590A]

Annapurna Short Circuit, Nepal. May 3-20. Our challenging and rewarding trek follows the Annapurna Circuit to Manang, staying in teahouses along the way. We'll take a seldom used trail past Tilicho Lake at the base of Annapurnal, enjoying spectacular views of the Great Barrier Ridge. We switch to camping as we cross Mesokanta Pass to Jomosom on our return to Kathmandu. In-country flight included. Leader: Jim Sumrall. Price: $1,995 (11-14)/$2,495 (10 or fewer). [04595A]

Bali: The Island of the Gods, Indonesia. May 24-June 5. Leader. Brad Carlson. Price: $2,625 (10-13)/$2,925 (9 or fewer). [04545A]

Mongolia by Horseback: In Search of the Reindeer People. July 6-23. Leader: Kern Hildebrand. Price: $3,225 (10-12)/$3,695 (9 or fewer). [04600A]

Overland Journey Through Nepal and Tibet: The Ultimate Base Camp Adventure. September 8-27. In exotic Kathmandu, Nepal, we'll start and end our journey, which includes visits to Tibet's fabled capital city of Lhasa, the sprawling and impressive Potola Palace (the Dalai Lama's former summer home), some of Tibet's most revered Buddhist shrines, the Tashilhunpo monastery, and Everest Base Camp (at 18,000 feet!). Leader: Michael Andrews. Price: $3,175 (13-16)/$3,455 (12 or fewer). [04605A]