Archive for September, 2010

A “lost” population of tigers has been filmed living in the Bhutanese Himalayas. The discovery has shocked tiger experts, as these tigers are living at a higher altitude than any others known and appear to be successfully breeding.

Their presence of tigers in the mountains of Bhutan has been confirmed by video tape taken by a BBC natural history camera crew. Tigers are known to live in the Himalayan foothills of Bhutan, though little is known about them, or how many there are.However, leading tiger expert Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, formerly of the World Conservation Society and now President of Panthera, a conservation organisation dedicated to safeguarding big cat species, suspected that tigers may also be living at higher altitude, following anecdotal reports by villagers suggesting that some were roaming as high as 4000m.

So, together with a film crew, Dr. Rabinowitz decided to investigate by journeying to Bhutan to seek proof that such mountain tigers did indeed exist. Dr. Rabinowitz enlisted the help of BBC wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan, who has filmed wild cats worldwide for more than 10 years. Under Dr. Rabinowitz’s direction, Mr. Buchanan trekked up into the mountains, where he then set a series of camera traps, that would automatically film any creature moving in front. The team left the traps at an altitude of between 3,000m and 4,100m, above which trees start being unable to survive.

Three months later, he returned to see what they had caught on camera. The cameras recorded a wealth of wildlife, including red foxes, jungle cats, monkeys, leopards, Himalayan black bear, tarkin, serow, musk deer and even a red panda. This is the only place on earth known to have tigers, leopard and snow leopards all sharing the same valley. It is remarkable to have these three big cats sharing their range.
Most extraordinarily, the cameras took footage of two wild tigers, one male and one female, a discovery that moved Mr. Buchanan to tears. The images are the first known footage of tigers in the remote mountains of Bhutan and the first hard evidence that tigers are capable of living at that altitude. This find was made in close collaboration with Bhutan Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, with help and guidance from forest guard Phup Tshering. “The fact they can live here is just so important, for tigers in the wild, for their future,” said Mr. Buchanan, on seeing the footage for the first time.

The large male tiger, sighted at an altitude of 4,100m is recorded scent-marking, confirming that the tiger pair are living within their own territory, and not just passing through. The female tiger, sighted at the same altitude, can also be seen to be lactating, strongly suggesting the tigers are breeding at that altitude. Further footage shows tigers living lower at an altitude of 3000m.

WATCH THE VIDEO OF TIGERS IN BHUTAN:

httpv://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8998000/8998042.stm

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

You should be in good physical condition before taking a walking, hiking or trekking tour; but especially when it is at altitude.

Gaining Altitude in Nepal

Our routes are not full-on mountaineering ascents, yet they do have some testing sections. How else can you view some of the most majestic scenery on the planet, without a climb or two? Ascending during a Nepal trekking tour, Peru hiking tour, or similar adventure can have its complications; as paths and tracks steepen, walkers can quickly find themselves at altitudes they have never experienced before. Thanks to expert local knowledge and fully trained guides, all our ascents are completely safe. We do, however, recommend you prepare physically and take a minute to better understand how altitude can affect people on an adventure vacation.

Leaving the U.S. you could easily be at, or near sea level. Arriving in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu you will be at 4,265 feet above sea level, or in Cuzco Peru at 11,200 feet. Yet no one bothered to tell your body! As you increase altitude available oxygen decreases. This is something you can get used to by taking it easy until your body adjusts. Just a day or two at your new altitude and your body will be ready to get trekking. You could experience some lightheadedness and headaches, but these should pass, especially if you keep well hydrated – this includes drinking sufficient water even before the hiking starts. Food is also important. At altitude the body finds it easier to get energy from carbohydrates, than from proteins and fats.

At a good pace it’s possible to climb a few thousand feet in a day. During our Nepal trek on the route from Modi River Valley to Ghandruk you will gain 3,130 feet in elevation. Having dropped your pack and enjoyed a cup of tea (Nepalese style with milk and spices) take a look at your altimeter – it will read 6,600 feet! On walking tours every step is worth it; each takes you closer to the snow dusted peaks that crown the world. Take care of yourself and you’ll get to take the best travel photographs of your life.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

The Magellan Award is the premier award for the travel industry, honoring the best in travel and saluting the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.

Judged by a group of travel industry peers and held to the highest standard of excellence, our entry stood head and shoulders above the rest. Our Web site, www.BoundlessJourneys.com has been selected as a 2010 Silver Magellan Award Winner in the Tour Operators | Consumer Website category! The 2010 Magellan Awards received entries from top travel organizations and professionals worldwide and the quality of the work was outstanding. Being selected a Magellan Award Winner is a tremendous achievement and celebrates a high standard of excellence within the travel industry.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Mt. Everest

Independent-minded adventurers have long found themselves drawn to Asia. The continent’s mystique is commonly bound in such ambiguous phrases as ‘eastern religion’, and ‘far east’. While such references may be unhelpful, they do allude to a spiritual calling and a land far removed from that found in the west. And in many of this continent’s countries, places such as Bhutan, Nepal and India, spirituality is central to the everyday experience.

But what of the land mass itself? At its western boundary are the eastern Ural Mountains. The continent then extends east, as far as the Pacific Ocean and mountainous regions commonly define its geology. In Central Asia you find Everest, towering above Nepal – so favored for its trekking tours and renowned for its friendly peoples. Tibet and China also border here, both embracing a spirit of openness that draws curious travelers from across the globe. South of the world’s most magnificent peak is India. Here the climate is dominated by the Asiatic monsoon, which brings life to the northern plains and the country’s rapidly developing economy.

Within South East Asia there’s Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, all in the vast peninsula that separates the Indian Ocean from the South China Sea, and commonly known as Indochina. An Indochina walking tour then gives you access to all three. From here the continent extends south, from Thailand to Malaysia and into Indonesia, and at its southern extremity, East Timor.

Gobi Desert

Facing north from Everest there’s the vast landmass of China, which shares its Gobi desert with Mongolia to the north. Further east, the continent’s other economic powerhouse, Japan, faces west across the Pacific but looks east for its identity. All of these countries are crowned geographically by Russia and its satellite states, together forming the most significant of Asian landmasses.

Whether as a first-time visitor or returning to extend your knowledge, you’ll soon realize Asia cannot be defined by any one country or religion. The world’s largest and most populous landmass, it will always be a place for discovery.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Traveling to a foreign country, you’ll quickly spot the differences, the subtleties and the intricacies of a new culture. On a walking tour it’s even more marked, as you get to engage on a personal level with your surroundings.

Moroccan treats

Food is an integral part of a country’s culture, however it’s not always the first thing you explore – we all sometimes keep to what we know and seek out familiar tastes: a big mistake! Foreign food is traditional, regionally specific and often thoroughly delightful! It’s also not uncommon to find dishes and staple foods that are surprisingly similar to those from back home, just with a twist. Take bread for example: it’s eaten all over the world, but in Botswana it is prepared as dumplings and flat cakes, now travel to India you’ll commonly have it baked in a tandoori oven and sometimes stuffed with potatoes or minced lamb.

And yet, other dishes served up in local villages bear no resemblance at all to what we put in front of ourselves, so be prepared…

Key to the diversity of foreign dishes is the local herbs and spices, which we in the west only occasionally enjoy – and often just from a packet. A typical South Indian meal, for example, will finish with a selection of spices chosen especially to aid digestion: cardamom, cloves, arecanut and aniseed. Some travelers keep their distance from such gourmet delights: it is wise to take care in certain regions, especially if you know in the preparation the water wasn’t boiled – and it’s here the wise words of your local guide will prove valuable.

Here are some of the best local delicacies you could sample on an exotic adventure vacation:

In India try kormas, tandoori meals and biryanis.

In northern China ask for crab shell cakes, while if you travel to China and visit the southern provinces, you’ll discover stir-fried dishes with elegant presentation.

Moroccan chefs favor lamb over all other meats, perhaps try a shish kebab (skewered marinated meat and vegetables).

Cebiche (Seviche) is a Peruvian favorite. It’s raw fish marinated in lemon, with chilies, onions and garlic.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.