1. Western Mongolia
Destination: Bayan-Olgiy, Western Mongolia
Duration: 3 nights
Best Time To Travel: Oct -Mar
Price: On application. Prices include extensive trip planning and consultation, expedition set-up and all in-country logistics. The price also includes a world-class head guide who is a specialist in the chosen environment, an extensive local guiding support team, all on-trip training and technical equipment, all domestic travel including any flights required as part of your expedition and your accommodation. Most meals and drinks will also be included, but specific details will be provided on quotation.
Flights: We can organize international flights from anywhere in the world to this destination and offers both scheduled and private charter services.
Essence of the trip:
This Epic Weekend will take you on a breath-taking journey to Mongolia’s wild west for an incredible and unique nomadic experience. For three nights you’ll stay in ger camps with local nomadic families, set against the vast landscapes of the Bayan-Olgiy region. This remote area of Mongolia that lies close to the border with Russia and Kazakhstan is still untouched by mass tourism and honest to its cultural roots, traditions such as hunting for food and fur with golden eagles are still very much alive in Bayan Olgiy. During your stay here you’ll learn how to master the art of hunting with these majestic birds on horse back, a thrilling ancient practice that not many people get the chance to experience.
This trip will give you:
- Discovery of Mongolia’s most remote regions and unexplored deserts that will ignite a feeling of complete isolation.
- The chance to camp with local Mongolia families in the middle of the Mongolian Steppe, and learn their way of life.
- The opportunity to learn how to hunt on horse back with Eagles using age-old techniques.
Details:
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s fascinating capital city where you will be met by guide and driver. Situated on the Tuul River, this ex-soviet city is a mixture of traditional and modern, where flowing eaves of monastery temples stand beside communist planned courtyards and modern sky scrapers. Settle into your hotel for a quick freshen up before visiting the Museum of National History to gain an understanding of Mongolia’s remarkable past. You’ll end your first day in the country with dinner at one of our favourite Mongolian restaurants where you can sample the delicious local fare.
Day 2 starts early as you wake up for a flight arriving in Ulgii at around breakfast time. The capital of the westernmost aimag, Ulgii is a predominantly Kazakh city where a Muslim influence is widespread – from street signs, religion, clothes and food, and gives the town its diverse atmosphere. From here drive east to Altantsogts stopping on the way at Oni mountain to see some nests where eagles lay eggs in early march – the chicks stay their until mid July until they can fly themselves so the nests will be empty now. At Altantsogts, meet your host for the next two nights; the Eagle Hunter, his family, and his magnificent bird and experience first-hand Kazakh hospitality and the nomadic lifestyle. The Eagle hunter will be one of the most experienced eagle hunters in the region and trains the rest of the family to become an eagle hunters. Here he’ll give you an introduction to Kazakh eagle hunting skills and history.
Spend time with your host family, learning about the nomadic way of life in this hostile environment. You’ll be about a 6 hour drive to the nearest town so you’ll get a real sense of how life is lived out into the middle of nowhere. Amid the arid yet strikingly beautiful landscape is where these nomadic hunters still live a very traditional way of life that has defied history, geography, and political change. Roam the vast, empty lands learning the unique skills and techniques of eagle hunting. Before embarking on a hunt, you’ll take training sessions with an eagle against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and breath-taking glaciers. Then on horseback, or on foot if you wish, you’ll trek deep into the Altai Mountains to begin the hunt, watching the eagles soar to monumental heights before swooping down to catch rabbits or foxes.
After a few days out in the harsh environment you’ll soon appreciate the practice of hunting with eagles as a life’s profession and way of existence that the hunters have mastered over years of toil; master and bird have an intimate relationship which is built on over 20 years of trust. As legend goes the man trains the eagle, so does the eagle train his man.
For a insight into these communities you can meet a shaman who will give you an idea of his rituals. From here its back to Ulgii and Ulaanbaatar for your departure home.
If you are interested in taking this trip, please contact us.
2. Norway
Destination: Lofoten Archipelago, northern Norway
Duration: 3 nights
Best Time To Travel: Feb – May
Price: On application. Prices include extensive trip planning and consultation, expedition set-up and all in-country logistics. The price also includes a world-class head guide who is a specialist in the chosen environment, an extensive local guiding support team, all on-trip training and technical equipment, all domestic travel including any flights required as part of your expedition and your accommodation. Most meals and drinks will also be included, but specific details will be provided on quotation.
Flights: We can organise international flights from anywhere in the world to this destination and offers both scheduled and private charter services.
Essence of the trip:
This Epic Weekend will take you on a breath-taking journey to some of the most hidden and remote fjords of Norway – reaching as far north as the Arctic Circle – for an incredible and unique trekking and skiing experience. For three nights you’ll stay on a yacht sailing around the snow-covered fjords and peaks, including the mighty Geitgaljen and majestic Middagstindan mountains. You’ll be taken to the hidden fjords of Lofoten, where you’ll find yourself in the prime spot for witnessing the northern lights and the Aurora storms. Lofoten is a truly epic location, sitting in an archipelago of islands stretching 200km southeast into the Atlantic Ocean north of the Arctic Circle; here you can expect to find yourself trekking and skiing the most dramatic mountain scenery amidst awe-inspiring views of the mountains disappearing into the icy ocean. The peaks might not stand as tall as the other Alps of Norway, but with untouched powder covering the steep slopes sliding all the way to the sea, you can literally hike to the top of a mountain before you ski right to the water’s edge.
Details:
You’ll fly into Svolvær airport before being whisked off to your home for the next three nights – a beautifully kitted out sail boat. Your classic yacht is made for handling the icy arctic conditions and is equipped to the highest standard, making this the perfect boat for the intrepid explorer. You’ll meet the Captain and crew before having a delicious dinner cooked for you by the on-board professional chef, ready for your adrenaline-inducing trip into the fjords.
Day two of this snowy adventure sees you travel towards Geitgaljen – an amazing mountain approximately two hours’ sailing time from Svolvær. Start the trek from the boat to Geitgaljen (1085m above sea level) before hitting the untouched powder and steep slopes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean for some of the most incredible views imaginable.
On the third day of this epic weekend you’ll sail towards Trollfjorden – a spectacular small fjord with steep walls and a narrow entrance, where you will have breakfast on board before you set off towards Middagstindan (929m above sea level) for more thrills skiing down the steep fjord slopes.
On your final day, enjoy breakfast on board as you travel back to Svolvær, stopping by Vaterfjordpollen to climb Rundfiellet (803m above sea level). This mountain north of Svolvær provides a spectacular panoramic view in every direction; the perfect ending to your epic weekend.
If you are interested in taking this trip, please contact us.
3. Moroccan Desert
Destination: Sahara Desert, Morocco
Duration: 3 nights
Best Time To Travel: March – June and Sept – Nov
Price: On application. Prices include extensive trip planning and consultation, expedition set-up and all in-country logistics. The price also includes a world-class head guide who is a specialist in the chosen environment, an extensive local guiding support team, all on-trip training and technical equipment, all domestic travel including any flights required as part of your expedition and your accommodation. Most meals and drinks will also be included, but specific details will be provided on quotation.
Flights: We can organise international flights from anywhere in the world to this destination and offers both scheduled and private charter services.
Essence of the trip:
Your Moroccan Epic Weekend away takes you to one of the world’s most culturally rich cities – Marrakech – before setting off into the heart of the Moroccan Sahara desert close to the border with Algeria. For two days you’ll embark on an epic trek through the vast expanse of the Erg Chegaga sand dunes, where these mighty sand structures reach up to 120m in height . You’ll sleep out under the stars in traditional Berber accommodation in the middle of the desert and soar over the Moroccan landscape in a helicopter on your way back to civilisation.
Details:
Your epic weekend begins in the cultural hub of Marrakech with a day spent exploring the vibrant city and an overnight stay at Riad Farnatchi – an urban bolthole right in the heart of Marrakech – before your desert adventure begins.
Day two starts with a transfer to the beautiful Draa Valley via Ait Benhaddou an ancient fortified city that’s renowned for its impressive earth coloured kasbahs. Along with your guide you’ll explore the impressive surroundings, or head off on a mountain bike tour where you can explore the oases and learn about the unique geography of the area before heading to your remote Kasbah for the night – Kasbah Azul.
After a good night’s rest, your desert adventure begins; you’ll wake before dawn as you begin your journey further into the vast expanse of the Moroccan Sahara Desert. Today you’ll begin the first part of the trek through the desert from M’hamid, the last settlement before the road runs out and only the Sahara lies ahead. Throughout your half-day trek into the dunes with your guide and support vehicle you’ll spot Berber communities camping out amidst the dunes. Here, you can stop for a break and experience the welcoming nature of the communities over a cup of mint tea and learn about their nomadic existence. As you hike further into the Erg Chegaga area you’ll notice the distinct change in the landscape, where dunes reach up to 120 meters high. Tonight you’ll set up camp under the star-flecked sky where you’ll get a real taste for life in one of the most remote locations in the world.
The following morning you’ll be woken before dawn to the watch the sun rise over the sand dunes. These incredible landmarks look completely different in the morning light, as the shadows are cast over the towering dunes. Today you’ll take on the most challenging part of the dune trek as you embark on a full day’s trek for 25 km through the heart of the Erg Chegaga dunes. After a full day of journeying through the spectacular landscapes you’ll be greeted at the end of the day with a luxury camp setup in a sheltered area of desert, where you can rest your aching muscles around the campfire as your guide lets you in on a few star-gazing secrets of the desert night sky.
After your final night in the desert (and after re-fueling with a hearty breakfast) you’ll be air-lifted out of the desert via helicopter, giving you one last glimpse of the dramatic landscapes on your way back to Marrakech international airport for your flight home.
If you are interested in taking this trip, please contact us.
4. Rwanda
Destination: Mt. Visoke & the Virunga Mountains
Duration: 3 nights
Best Time To Travel: All year round
Price: On application. Prices include extensive trip planning and consultation, expedition set-up and all in-country logistics. The price also includes a world-class head guide who is a specialist in the chosen environment, an extensive local guiding support team, all on-trip training and technical equipment, all domestic travel including any flights required as part of your expedition and your accommodation. Most meals and drinks will also be included, but specific details will be provided on quotation.
Flights: We can organise international flights from anywhere in the world to this destination and offers both scheduled and private charter services.
Essence of the trip:
On this Epic Weekend you’ll first head to the base of the Parc National des Volcans chain for a tough trek through the forests, towards the summit of Mt. Visoke at 3700m. We’ll then transfer you to the Virunga mountains to track gorilla families through the dense jungle.
Details:
With Epic Weekends, you’ll be taken across the crater rims of dormant volcanoes and deep into cloud forests to track the elusive mountain gorilla.
Step off the plane, onto the tarmac and our private helicopter will transfer you directly to the northern border of Rwanda. 140km away lies the Parc National des Volcans; the base of the Virunga mountain chain and your camp for the night. This verdant expanse of dense vegetation and soaring hills is a haven for mountain gorillas, and the site of Dian Fossey’s important studies into their behaviour.
It’s an early start on your first morning in Rwanda. Take in the spectacular view from your lodge, before you begin the unrelenting trek up the mountain. You’ll climb up through bamboo and senecio forests, bringing you to the cool summit at 3700m above sea level. Take a moment or two to soak up the spectacular view of the glass-like crater lake and the sheer expanse of surrounding volcano range. It’s a physically demanding climb that will test your endurance but with rewarding views up and from Mount Visoke.
The next day the true Rwandan adventure begins, as you leave to start tracking the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Leave the lodge as dawn breaks: you’ll spend the day searching for these creatures amidst the forest of the steep Virunga slopes. Seven gorilla families inhabit the area, from the Sabinyo group to the Amahoro. Your chances of seeking them out are high, but will rely on your physical stamina as you hike through miles of hot, steep, jungle paths. Once you’ve spent the afternoon with these incredible mammals, you’ll be taken back to the airport. Journey home thoroughly challenged, but with the memories of a lifetime.
If you are interested in taking this trip, please contact us.
5. Morocco Mountain
Destination: Marrakesh & Jebel Saghro
Duration: 3 nights
Best Time To Travel: Jan – Apr
Price: On application. Prices include extensive trip planning and consultation, expedition set-up and all in-country logistics. The price also includes a world-class head guide who is a specialist in the chosen environment, an extensive local guiding support team, all on-trip training and technical equipment, all domestic travel including any flights required as part of your expedition and your accommodation. Most meals and drinks will also be included, but specific details will be provided on quotation.
Flights: We can organise international flights from anywhere in the world to this destination and offers both scheduled and private charter services.
Essence of the trip:
Take to the mountainous region of Jebel Saghro with this four day adventure into the heart of Morocco. Stay in the heart of Marrakesh for a night, before you drive into the foothills of the shadowing Atlas Mountains to begin your trek. Here you’ll trek alongside a nomad family of the Ait Atta tribe learning the bush craft and shepherding skills along the way.
Details:
An early morning start and set off on a rumbling 4X4 climb up through the High Atlas Path and down into the deserts of Southern Morocco, towards the village of Hamdor for two more night away from your home comforts, hiking through the wilderness of Jebel Sahgro. This small settlement is perched on the desolate outcrops of the Jebel Saghro region. Here, you’ll be provided with some nourishing pre-trek tajine and a night in the local gite d’etape before you begin your mountain-spanning trek.
This area is home to, amongst many wandering tribes, the Ait Atta. As the heat of summer descends upon the region, this semi-nomadic group of desert dwellers migrate north en masse into the cooler climes of the High Atlas mountains. With Epic Weekends you will dip into this extraordinary journey, travelling alongside a family of the Ait Atta as they travel through mountain passes open plains to their destination. You’ll meet your host nomad in Hamdor and from then on, your life will become intimately entwined with his family as you hike alongside them for a tough five hours each day through the wilderness.
At night, you’ll camp beside the travelling bivouac like one of the tribe. There will be numerous opportunities to extend your route, including some mountain summits for the more adventurous and challenge thirsty. Immerse in cultural experiences as afternoons are spent learning traditional shepherding and Berber survival skills from the Ait Atta themselves. Expect to return home on Monday feeling like a true pioneer that has been immersed in a unique cultural and physical expedition.
If you are interested in taking this trip, please contact us.
6. Jordan
Destination: Wadi Rum & Petra
Duration: 3 nights
Best Time To Travel: All year round
Price: On application. Prices include extensive trip planning and consultation, expedition set-up and all in-country logistics. The price also includes a world-class head guide who is a specialist in the chosen environment, an extensive local guiding support team, all on-trip training and technical equipment, all domestic travel including any flights required as part of your expedition and your accommodation. Most meals and drinks will also be included, but specific details will be provided on quotation.
Flights: We can organise international flights from anywhere in the world to this destination and offers both scheduled and private charter services.
Essence of the trip:
Over three spectacular nights, experience the deserts and ancient cities of Jordan. This trip will take you across the sands; challenging your personal endurance whilst relying on the use of 4×4, quads, camel and Arabian horses. This is a truly epic expedition through the inspiring landscapes of Wadi Rum and Petra. A weekend desert trek that combines startling scenery, incredible history and desert survival.
Details:
Experience the deserts, mountains and ancient cities of Jordan over one non-stop Epic weekend.
Land in Amman before jumping straight into your adventure. Take in the magnitude of Jordan from the skies as you cross over to Aqaba in the east of Jordan and its only coastal city on the Gulf. From here we’ll transfer you 70km westwards across the desert to the awe-inspiring Wadi Rum and The Valley of the Moon. You’ll stop off at a Bedu camp to undergo crucial desert survival training. You will be taught genuine desert survival expertise, as you will learn how to cope within the desert’s unforgiving environment with instruction from local Bedouins alongside your Epic lead guide, who have thrived within this setting for countless generations.
Taking your new skills and learnings of one of natures most challenging environments you’ll set off on a gruelling trek around Wadi Rum.
Whilst taking in the incredible rock formations, this is truly a challenging desert trek that combines startling scenery with incredible history. Taking a well deserved rest after 4 hours of trekking, you’ll work with berbers to set up an traditional underground feast, a local means of cooking that has been handed down generation to generation. Once revived, a support RV and camel trek through the challenging desert will lead you to your quads where you will fight the wrath of the desert’s force to find your way to your next berber tented camp.
The next morning will be an early rise, before we pack you off for a hot air balloon ride up and over the sandstone mountains of Southern Jordan to take in the all consuming desert – your challenge for the day ahead. We’ll take you by off-road vehicles towards the iconic Petra before changing your modern day mode-of-transport for something a little more traditional. Return to the desert on Arabian horses through Petra’s surrounding mountains and plains and the ancient Nabatean ruins of Petra to take in the aeons-old architecture that used to be home to an entire civilisation.
To ensure a smooth connection home we’ll leave Petra and head back to Aqaba to connect to Amman for your continued journey home, leaving the desert having experienced it’s incredible force yet leaving with an appreciation of how to survive and move around its vast expanse.
If you are interested in taking this trip, please contact us.
