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Are you an adrenaline junkie? Does the mere idea of spending your holiday quietly reading a book by a pool somewhere leave you wrinkling your nose in distaste? Perhaps you’re an adventure seeker, constantly on the look out for your next thrilling experience? If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, keep reading. We have a story for you. For the brave at heart, we’ve compiled a list of 5 incredible extreme adventure holidays. Ranging from the desert to the Antarctic, from the rainforest to the highest mountains - our collection will inspire you to physically and mentally push yourself. A once in a lifetime experience will be your reward. You’ll need to be fit, determined and full of energy to tackle these destinations. So get ready to hike, climb, cycle, dive, and plain-old walk your way through some of our planet’s more thrilling destinations. 1. Trek the heights of the Himalayas (if you dare) Why not start with the most ambitious? Are you game enough to explore the dizzying heights of Mount Everest, K2 or Kanchenjunga? Yes? Then keep reading. Just watch out for altitude sickness… Everyone knows that the Himalayas are famous for their mountains: the region contains some of the world’s highest mountain peaks – and thus presents some irresistible challenges towards devoted climbers. Not for the rookie mountaineer, these peaks will stretch you to your limits, but the satisfaction of conquering them will be an invaluable reward. Good news is that the Great Himalaya Trail opens early next year. Once finished, the 4,500 kilometre-long trail will officially classify as the longest, highest alpine walking track in the entire world. If you take on this epic adventure, you’ll embark upon a route that stretches all the way from Tibet’s Namche Barwa to Pakistan’s Nanga Parbat. Along the way, you’ll also cross the borders of China and India, coming into contact with some of the most remote communities in the world. As you move between the incredible peaks, be careful to watch where you’re going. It’s easy to get distracted and trip when you’re surrounded by such breathtaking natural scenery. Have a look at The Great Himalaya Trail Project for more detailed information. 2. Climbing and diving in Antarctica Even if you’re an old-hand when it comes to scuba diving, take our word for it that you’ve never experienced anything quite like diving in the Antarctic Peninsula. Should you choose this particular adventure, here’s what you can look forward to. Sitting on the boat on your way to the dive, you’ll soak up the stunning Antarctic scenery around you, the glimmering ice reflected in the crystal-clear water. Perhaps you’ll spot a penguin or two. You’ll take a deep breath and plunge into the icy blue water, and suddenly you’ll discover the secret life going on below the surface. Diving allows you a special insight into the Antarctic that a boat tour alone just can’t offer – and makes you part of a minority of visitors luckily enough to witness something so private. Not adventure enough for you? Maybe we can interest you in a combined holiday. Combining diving and trekking, that is. On a polar expedition, you can travel up through the peaks and glaciers that together form the western flanks of the Trans Antarctic Range. Fanatical climbers with ice in their blood will warm to the fact that this region has hundreds of never-before-climbed peaks just waiting for you to take them on. Could Antarctica could be your next adventure holiday destination? Check out World Expeditions – just one of several polar expedition companies who organise tours to this truly unique spot. Shop around to find the program that most sparks your interest. 3. Borneo – to trek or to cycle? Why not both? The cycling machine at the gym has nothing on this extreme adventure. Start training now, because this bicycle experience will require strong muscles and some extreme pedalling endurance! That said, you won’t always be chained to your saddle – there will be plenty of chances to have a relaxing walk, take in your surroundings at a more leisurely pace and give the gears a rest. Borneo is home to an incredibly rich diversity of flora and fauna. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the third largest island on earth, if for nothing else than the chance to encounter the Sumatran rhinoceros or even the endangered Bornean Orangutan. Cycle your way through tranquil rainforests and along picture perfect coast-lines. You’ll unavoidably need to stop to take a photo or two. An adventure in Borneo could see you climbing to the highest peaks of the island, exploring the island’s many caves, meeting a vast array of local wildlife (we don’t just mean the bats in the island’s caves!), and interacting with the charming local people. Just one day in Borneo can pack in enough experiences to last a week. Borneo Travel is just one of the many adventure providers that organize cycling tours of Borneo. We suggest that you shop around, do your research and find a tour company that sounds right for your needs. 4. The Mojave Desert – can you take the heat? We’ve said our Top 5 aren’t for the faint-hearted. Well, this particular adventure isn’t for anyone who can’t take extremely hot temperatures. If dry heat isn’t an issue for you, keep on reading! The 100-mile trek through the Mojave Desert in Southern California is home to Death Valley. Can you imagine trekking 100 miles along Mojave Road? Yes? Then you’re up for an intense physical challenge along with some amazing scenery. History buffs may be interested to learn that Mojave road was originally a trade route travelled by the Mojave Indians to reach the Pacific from the Colorado River. Later, European settlers also relied upon this road to cross the desert. Because it’s largely unchanged today, your extreme adventure can be infused with an authentic historical atmosphere. In our opinion, it’s a good idea to take a few desert training courses before committing to this kind of trek (and we need hardly mention that for all our adventure holidays, a clean bill of health is essential!) Desert Ways will provide you with advice and well as training. Trust us that this desert adventure could be life changing – just make sure that you are physically and mentally prepared for the experience. 5. Sail away in Spitsbergen We’ve described the heights of the Himalayas and the dry hot desert of California. Now for something completely different: an Arctic cruise in Spitsbergen. If you’re fortunate enough to see beautiful Spitsbergen, chances are you’ll meet some of the local wildlife. You might spot an Arctic fox, reindeer, walruses or several members of the 2000-strong Polar bear population. David Attenborough eat your heart out. Part of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is located just 600 miles from the North Pole. Obviously, if you don’t think you’re up to facing sub-zero temperatures, then it’s probably a wise idea to give this particular adventure a miss. If a bit of cold weather doesn’t sound too bad, then consider visiting this remote and unspoilt wilderness. Your sailing skills will be tested as you navigate between the spectacular fjords, splendid mountain scenery and impressive glaciers. Too good to miss. Summer is the ideal time to visit. The long daylight hours during the summer combined with ice-free shores conspire to present Spitsbergen to visitors at its most beautiful. So, if you’re suitably intrigued, do a bit of research on Ocean Adventures and Discover the World. Both operate small group tours to the Arctic region. Just remember to wrap up warm (and we do mean very warm), and don’t forget to bring a water-proof camera with you. Well, that’s our top 5. If you’re a true thrill-seeker, no doubt you’ve already been tempted by some of our suggestions. Perhaps you’re currently hatching plans and concocting schemes to partake of your next extreme adventure holiday? We should warn you, adventure is addictive.
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