Cultural trekking in Bhutan, a first-of-its-kind multisport trip in Japan, cycling through rice fields in China, and rafting and cycling in Patagonia, Argentina, are all new experiences in the 2016 Active brochure from G Adventures, represented in Ireland by Sunway.
In addition, the small group adventure operator, which is the largest on the Inca Trail, has experienced an increase in demand for the Lares Trek as an alternative option to the Inca Trail in Peru, and is now offering the Lares Trek on all of its trips taking travellers to Machu Picchu.
Each new Active trip includes a mixture of different activities and often uses camping as its main accommodation option to get travellers up close to nature. New trips for 2016 include:
- Bhutan Trekking – Where else but the happiest country in the world can travellers trek the Himalayas smiling all the way? This 11-day cultural trekking trip has travellers visiting some of the most gorgeous temples and monasteries in the world. Here they will trek the sacred mountain passes of the celebrated Druk Path, ascend to the profound Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), and explore the unique beauty of the city of Paro. Priced from £2,199pp for an 11-day trip from Paro return.
- Japan Hike, Bike & Kayak – This first-of-its-kind active trip has travellers hiking along the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route where Kyoto’s ancient emperors once prayed to deities in the trees and rocks. Next cycle across stunning islands following the world’s largest series of suspension bridges, known as the Shimanami Kaido. Finally travellers will kayak around the Bay of Miyajima to see its main attraction, the floating Itsukushima Shrine. A 13-day trip from Osaka to Tokyo is priced from £2,999pp.
- Cycle China – Enjoy five days of cycling through the back roads and countryside of China, stopping to marvel at scenery that has captured the minds of poets and painters for centuries. This varied active trip will also have travellers hiking along the hills and terraces of China’s rural regions as well as experiencing the iconic Great Wall of China, historic Tiananmen Square, and the sprawling Forbidden City. A 12-day trip from Hong Kong to Beijing is priced from £1,649pp.
- Patagonia Multisport – This varied active trip sees travellers trekking in Torres del Paine National Park, cycling out to Laguna Sofia, kayaking alongside the Grey Glacier, and cycling among the peaks of Patagonia. Priced from £1,839 for a 10-day trip from Santiago to Puerto Natales.
Lares Trek
G Adventures is also now offering the three-day Lares trek beginning outside Cuzco, Peru, to travellers who may be looking for an alternative way to reach Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek has fewer ascents and descents, but is at a higher altitude, and is often described as the less discovered route.
“The scenery, which is as awe-inspiring as its famous counterpart, takes travellers off the beaten path and much closer to the indigenous Quechua people,” said Brian Young, Managing Director, G Adventures. “Starting in Ollantaytambo, trekkers make their way through the Lares valley on an undulating path that rises higher than the Inca Trail. The Lares Trek also offers opportunities for insight into rural Andean life as the trail itself passes through very remote mountain communities.”
Travellers on the Lares Trek will visit a number of G Adventures for Good projects along the way, including a community-owned campsite featuring composting toilets, solar showers, and a solid-waste management system, which is the first of its kind in Peru.
