Seven superb off the beaten track treks – with a members discount!

Posted by Carey Davies on 23/08/2013
A scene from the Helambu and Langtang trek

Save money on incredible treks. The BMC has teamed up with KE Adventure Travel to offer our members an exclusive discount on seven superb off-the-beaten-track treks in India, Nepal, Central Asia, Morocco and Eastern Europe.

Waking up to the cold, clear air of a Himalayan morning. Laying eyes on Everest from the top of a 4,000 metre mountain. Walking through fragrant alpine meadows and over snowbound mountain passes in India. Sharing tea with Moroccan villagers and Tajik shepherds. Seeing glaciers reflected in turquoise lakes. Visiting one of the oldest and most spectacular cities in Central Asia.

All those experiences and many more can be yours – at a discount. The BMC has teamed up with international trekking provider KE Adventure Travel to provide our members with a limited-time offer on seven superb off-the-beaten track trekking destinations.

Trekking is a fantastic way to explore some of the world’s most sublime landscapes and fascinating cultures. And what’s more, all these treks go to places that are seldom-visited by comparison with the ‘honeypot’ destinations in the Alps and Himalayas, meaning you’ll have much more space and quiet to take it all in.

BMC members get a 5% discount on the land only price (flights not included) for all the treks below departing in 2014 that are booked by 31 December 2013. That’s a saving of as much as £84.75 (BMC membership costs as little as £14.97 for the first year if you sign up by direct debit. ) 

Happy trekking!

 

India

1. In the Shadow of Nanda Devi

Straddling the districts of Garhwal and Kumaon, close to the Nepalese border, Nanda Devi (7817m) is the geographical and spiritual high point of India. The route of this trek passes through a delightfully scenic and unspoiled corner of the Indian Himalaya. Traversing alpine meadows and crossing high passes, you get panoramic views of the clustered peaks of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary and of the adjacent Panch Chuli group. Visits to several villages and shepherds' camps provide cultural interest and help to make this a truly memorable trekking holiday in an area visited by few adventure travellers.

Duration – 15 days

Grade – 5 (Moderate)

 

2. Curzons Trail and the Kuari Pass

Following a route trekked by Lord Curzon in 1905 and by Shipton and Tilman 30 years later, this excellent adventure trekking holiday traverses the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Reaching the high meadow of Bedni Bugyal, a famously scenic location, the skyline is dominated to the north-west by the peaks of Trisul (7120m) and Nanda Ghunti. Superb foothill trekking takes us through forest and farmland and by way of a series of ridges, the last of which crosses the Kuari Pass (3650m). Changabang, Kamet and Nanda Devi are just three of the India Himalayan giants visible from this sublime viewpoint. An unforgettable journey into the mystical Hindu territory of Garhwal.

Duration – 16 days

Grade – 5 (Moderate)

 

Nepal

3. Helambu and Langtang

North of Kathmandu (its peaks visible from the Nepalese capital on a clear day) the Langtang Himal is known for its brilliant trekking and spectacular landscapes. The approach to this unspoiled region involves a week of trekking through the district of Helambu. Follow the airy crest of the Thare Danda, cross the Laurebina La (4600m) to the sacred lakes at Gosainkund and enjoy fantastic views of the peaks of the Rolwaling and distant Khumbu. Hiking into the heart of Langtang and the monastery village of Kyanjin there is the option to trek to the summit of Tsergo Ri (4984m) for views that include the 8000 metre peak Shisha Pangma.

Duration – 15 days

Grade – 6 (Moderate)

 

4. Secret Everest

South of the high valleys leading to Mount Everest, the Solu Khumbu is the traditional homeland of the Sherpa People. Situated at elevations of 2000 to 4000 metres, with rugged ridge and valley scenery, this is a beautiful part of Nepal. Flying in to Phaplu from Kathmandu gives speedy access to a surprisingly remote area, which sees relatively few trekking groups. Passing through timeless Sherpa villages to the amazing viewpoint of Pikey Peak (4065m), and the incredible panorama which includes the relatively nearby peaks of Numbur (6958m) and Karyolung, as well as a slightly more distant Mount Everest and Makalu.  Heading north through pine, oak and rhododendron forest brings you to the holy lake of Dudh Kund, tucked up under the flanks of Karyolung. At just over 4500 metres, this is an impressive and inspiring place, visited by few people other than Hindu pilgrims, who believe that to take a dip in the frigid waters will take away the sins of a lifetime.

Duration – 14 days

Grade – 5 (Moderate)

 

Central Asia

5. Ultimate Fann Mountains

The rocky barrier of the Pamirs includes the little-visited Fann Mountains and defines the southern edge of the Central Asian republics. This spectacular range has numerous snow-capped 5000 metre peaks and the potential for brilliant trekking, through rocky valleys and across high passes. Amongst the rugged and picturesque landscape Tajik shepherds graze their flocks on remote upland pastures. High viewpoints include the dramatic Chimtarga Pass (4740m) and a succession of superb lakeside camping spots make this a truly memorable trekking destination. After the trek, travel into neighbouring Uzbekistan to visit the stunning Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Tashkent. More than 2500 years old and known as the 'Gem of the East', Samarkand is one of the wonders of the world.

Duration – 18 days

Grade – 8 (Challenging)

 

Morocco

6. Peaks and Valleys of Jebel Sirwa

Lying between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas, the extinct volcano of Jebel Sirwa is the high point of a rarely visited mountainous area that boasts some of Morocco's finest trekking. Home to the Ait Ouaouzguit Berbers, famed for their hand-woven rugs, this region has a distinctive landscape of high ridges and deep valleys, with flower-filled pastures, superb dry-stone villages and terraced fields of barley and saffron. This winter sunshine trek takes you via Tislit and Aghbalou Tizgui to the summit of Guilliz (2900m), and camps close to the summer shepherd's encampment at Azib Tagrara. An ascent of Jebel Sirwa (3305m), provides views that include many of the High Atlas peaks. A spectacular corner of Morocco where Berber life has little changed for centuries.

Duration – 8 days

Grade – 5 (Moderate)

 

Europe

7. Georgia and the High Caucasus

East of the Black Sea and separated from Russia by the long chain of the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is one of the most exciting adventure travel and trekking/walking destinations in Europe. Travel north from Tbilisi to the striking Mount Kazbek (5047m) and trek across the Sadzele and Borbalo passes into the remote Khevsureti Range. Crossing open ridges, with far-reaching views, and descending through flower-filled mountain pastures into steep-sided and forested valleys, you will find fortified medieval villages of Mutso and Shatili. Close to the border with the tiny republics of Chechnya and Dagestan, this is Georgia's most traditional region, home to animist shrines, hidden churches and impressive stone-built defensive towers

Duration – 9 days

Grade – 6 (Moderate)

 

Why BMC membership is an essential part of your holiday packing

BMC membership is a vital bit of kit for any traveller. Want to get insured for the treks above? We’ve got you covered with insurance specifically aimed at trekkers. For more information on our five policies, see here.

BMC members also get access to a superb range of money-saving travel benefits, including discounts on trekking and adventure companies, activity training, holiday providers, car hire, accommodation – even balloon flights.

Members also get a 10% discount in over 600 outdoor shops in the UK (plus a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor and a whopping 20% discount at Snow+Rock), so you can gear up before you go away for less.

Click here to become a member.



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Anonymous User
27/08/2013
All these treks sound amazing and a wonderful opportunity to view parts of the world the majority of us will never see. Bit too tough for me but if you get the chance enjoy.

Not one with the Great Wall of China? A little of this I was able to do bit but even then my legs were too short for the steepness of some of the steps. Go for it.....Dlj

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