Past Adventures – Ziba Adventures

Cycling in the Alps, a Breathtaking Adventure

John Horsfall — Thu, 07 May 2020 15:06:08 +0000

Cycling in the Alps, A Breathtaking Adventure

Lake Annecy, France

IT NEVER GETS EASIER YOU JUST GO FASTER

A Breathtaking Adventure Cycling in the heart of the European Alps

Why go cycling in the Alps? The Alps are an impressive mountain range stretching kilometres across Europe. Towering snow-capped peaks, high-altitude grassy plains, and superior valleys are the characteristic of the world’s best-known mountains.

Of all the destinations in the world for riding a bike, cycling in the Alps is as gruelling and rewarding as it sounds. The adventure crossed back and forth between countries as we did the climbs up and over each pass.

Switzerland, France and Italy all offer their unique spots along with the climbs and descents. Our route took us to mountain towns that were the perfect place to get some spectacular riding while avoiding the usual tourist hotspots.

Lake Geneva, Switzerland

The mountain passes and climbs are set up as a natural climber’s paradise when the snow has melted—rustic chic chalet towns and staying in remote places away from the crowds.

With the mountains comes unpredictable weather and we had to be cautious at times. Lapping in the glorious summer sun turned very quickly to thunderstorms as we passed from Switzerland back into France.

The early morning cycles, watching the sunrise over the icy peaks of the Alps were a joy—the feeling of the fresh, crisp air on one’s face and the wind blowing through my hair.

The Alps

Our journey ended in Italy coming over the Petit st Bernard Pass. The descent down the mountain valley and into Aosta.

Cycling in the Alps offers so much more than spectacular vistas. It means every day is going on a new adventure. An adventure that will stay with you long after the bike has been put away.

Highlights

We were waking up to seeing Mont Blanc just above you as you get ready for the start of the day.

Jumping into the refreshing Lake Annecy after a tough climb over the pass.

Indulging in the mountain cuisine throughout the day

The mountain views throughout the whole trip

If you are interested in Central Asia see also

https://www.zibaadventures.com/portfolio/an-epic-tour-of-the-wakhan-corridor/

Other Adventures we’ve done

Exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan
An Epic Tour of the Wakhan Corridor
The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran

The post Cycling in the Alps, a Breathtaking Adventure appeared first on Ziba Adventures.

An Adrenaline-Fuelled Horseback Safari Kenya

John Horsfall — Fri, 01 May 2020 14:03:37 +0000

A Horseback Safari in Kenya

Lakipia, Kenya

The only person I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to

An ADRENALINE-FUELLED adventure in the heart of Kenya's wilderness

If you want an action-packed experience, which involves riding out on the horses from dusk to dawn, horseback safari in Kenya is it.

Kenya had it all, the majestic plains of rainbow sunsets and beautiful savannahs. This was the perfect location for this adventure.

Our Guide and Masai spotter gave us unparalleled opportunities to see the game. For instance, his unique knowledge led us to secluded spots to spy on cheetahs, elephants, lions, giraffes and rhinos. As they roamed the Kenyan plains.

The first part of the safari was riding across the Masai Mara for ten days. We were staying in the most unique and secluded spots on the plain. Giving us unforgettable moments across the way.

Up close with a lion on our morning ride

We were always ready for the excitement of the game. This meant dropping everything to ride out to find cheetahs and her cubs hiding in the tall grasslands.

Moments of magic seemed to happen with each ride. Galloping with the giraffes as they chanter along the open wilderness. To up close and personal with a lion as she rested in the bush.

The community is what keeps Kenya as the majesty of the animal kingdom. We were treated throughout by the Masai community. Giving us a tour of their village and a Masai evening dance.

Finishing the first of the safaris in the Mara we left happy. Safe in the knowledge we were contributing to a beautiful conservancy, as well as the local Masai community. We had seen unbelievable game throughout, and some moments which will stay with the group for a lifetime.

A Masai Wedding dance at sunset

The second part of the riding safari took place in the stunning Laikipia. Another ten-day adventure over beautiful terrain watching the game as we ventured through.

Camping on the escarpment our camp had the stunning sculpted peaks surrounding Mount Kenya on the horizon. We woke up with the crimson sunrise associated with Africa each morning.

We were riding through the rugged bush encountering herds of Elephants roaming majestically through the terrain and Cheetahs hunting for Thomson Gazelle.

Masai Mara, Kenya

The two safaris gave a unique insight into the different areas around Kenya. The various communities that protect the wildlife and landscape.

We left having a better understanding of the sustainability of the areas and how they can be protected for the future generations. But we left believing that we had witnessed something special over the three weeks on this Horseback Safari.

Highlights

We were waking up to Hippos playing in the water outside our tent.

Getting dress up to join in with the Masai Wedding and dance late into the night with the tribe.

Dropping everything in the evenings to watch the Lions hunt together and catch their prey.

Able to get up close and personal with the horses, we were ready to jump on any opportunity that arose—spontaneous, unscripted adventure.

We watched Kenya’s most iconic species in their habitat and contributed to their vital conservation.

If you are interested see also

https://www.zibaadventures.com/portfolio/the-great-game-of-the-wakhan-corridor/

Other Adventures we’ve done

Exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan
An Epic Tour of the Wakhan Corridor
The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran

The post An Adrenaline-Fuelled Horseback Safari Kenya appeared first on Ziba Adventures.

The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran

John Horsfall — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 14:30:10 +0000

The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran

SKI TOURING IRAN AND THE FRESH SNOW

Discovering a new climate to the Middle East, the secret of ski touring in Iran

For most skiers, the idea of an off-piste ski touring heaven usually evoke up thoughts of Verbier’s world-famous freeride terrain or Japans legendary powder fields. Probably not the Middle Eastern country of Iran for ski touring.

Our epic ski touring adventure was high in the Alborz Mountains which stretches across the northern edge of Iran. Compared to the Alps this is something back in time, with poorly groomed runs and old lifts. But where we were going, we didn’t need either.

Our mountains are majestic, covered in snow and more importantly, empty. No competition for fresh tracks, this was what every freeride skier could only dream—the ability to ski tour anywhere and be alone with the mountains.

Dizin, Iran

Our trek began with a three-hour hike across the rugged terrain, the fresh snow late last night had given us a new drive to move and to get as far as we can.

Once the skins were on the whole mountain range was our, and the climb to the top began. Gasping for breath at times, 4000 metres above sea level can leave you breathless, although I would like to claim it was the mountain view.

The skiing certainly lived up to our expectation. The weather was erratic throughout the tour from bright sunshine to snowstorms, to thunderstorms. The weather gave us its all.

We left feeling euphoric as well as excited to come back. We didn’t come close to scratching the surface of Iran’s ski touring potential. There were fantastic touring opportunities in every direction.

Trekking through the snow along the river

Many of the mountains and couloirs looked like they had never even seen a pair of skis on them. In genuine Iranian hospitality, we left with a cup of tea and some incredible stories of what our adventure had incurred.

There are moments in life that you know will stay with you forever, ski touring in the Iranian mountains is one. Skiing in Iran offers a real adventure for those looking, combining incredible culture and unforgettable skiing experiences.

If you are interested in Central Asia see also

https://www.zibaadventures.com/portfolio/a-horseback-safari-kenya/

Other Adventures we’ve done

Exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan
An Epic Tour of the Wakhan Corridor
The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran

The post The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran appeared first on Ziba Adventures.

An Epic Tour of the Wakhan Corridor

John Horsfall — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 14:11:46 +0000

An Epic Tour of the Wakhan Corridor

The Hindu Kush, Tajikistan

A glimpse into 'The Roof of the World'.

A tour of the Wakhan Corridor transpires power from every pore.

Nothing can prepare you for the moment you turn into the Wakhan Corridor, after a while in the rough roads leading to it, The Wakhan Corridor is like a rainbow after the rainstorm. A scene of relief as well as beauty.

With an unrestrained sense of adventure, we got into the Wakhan Corridor to tour across the rugged mountain valley. This vast landscape offers the country’s wild side with the Local Tajiks living a demanding, semi-nomadic existence that’s rooted in centuries of culture.

Cycling at 4000 metres above sea level on very difficult terrain. The view was worth it though

We explored the most remote and precious parts of the Wakhan Corridor. Coming down from Khorg, the Corridor opens up into a glorious vista stretching for miles and view over to Afghanistan and towards the icy peaks of the Hindu Kush.

The rich culture offers you the chance to venture off the Wakhan Valley and explore 12th Century fortresses climbing to the top to get the view down the valley, Yamchun Fortress is a with elements dating back to the 1st century, cooling off a hot soak in Bibi Fatima Hot Springs where we relaxed during the midday sun.

The Wakhan Corridor evenings were the highlight were we dined with a local Wakhan family. Introduced to the family and how they make their living creating traditional Wakhan belts and hats, in which some of us took a liking to.

Wakhan Corridor

The extensive mountain ranges offer us unique places to set up, and we overlooked the Wakhan Valley with a fire to keep us warm in the mountain top. It was a fitting end to an adventure like no other—pure, authentic hospitality at its finest.

Relaxing evening in the view of the Hindu Kush Mountains

Highlights

Walking around the ruins of the ancient Fortresses in the Wakhan Corridor

Waking up to waking the sunrise over the Hindu Kush and marvelling at the immense views of the vast icy peaks

Driving through the rugged terrain and meeting the most friendly local people

Exploring the wild Tajik markets and the hustle of the crowds

If you are interested in Central Asia see also

https://www.zibaadventures.com/portfolio/the-mosques-of-uzbekistan/

Other Adventures we’ve done

Exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan
An Epic Tour of the Wakhan Corridor
The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran

The post An Epic Tour of the Wakhan Corridor appeared first on Ziba Adventures.

Exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan

John Horsfall — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 09:24:00 +0000

Exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan

Teleshayakh Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

THE SILK ROAD GEM OF UZBEKISTAN

A Cultural feast of Islamic Architecture and History

Our journey exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan started in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent.

We were exploring the local markets, experimenting with the local cuisine, and opening our eyes to the jaw-dropping Islamic Architecture around the city.

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian nation and was part of the Soviet Republic. It’s known for its mosques, mausoleums and other sites linked to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Uzbekistan is an enchanting country that will give you a glimpse into the past.

Swimming the Amu Darya River at Sunset

The route we took was from Tashkent down to Samarkand, where we got to see the magnificent Registan; this was at the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand of the Timurid Empire.

Our journey continued to onto Bukhara. The city is rich in historical sites, with about 140 architectural monuments.

The thriving city used to serve as the capital of the Samanid Empire. There was plenty to see, and we gave ourselves enough time here as the old town was truly spectacular.

Uzbekistan

Khiva was the last of our stops on our adventure in Uzbekistan. We ensured our experiences were flexible so that we could adventure to different spots along the way.

Take detours out of main routes to explore off the beaten track monuments and meet locals who don’t see many tourists. Ziba gave a unique insight into Uzbekistan and left, wanting to go back.

Highlights

Visit the Registan in the early hours of the morning and watch the sunrise over the city up in the Mosque window.

Watch a Traditional Uzbek Concert.

Hast-Imam Square is the religious centre of Tashkent. The square is located in the old town. It appears near the tomb of one of the first Imam of Tashkent. The scientist, a scholar of the Koran, Hazrati Imam.

The Chorsu Bazaar – Under an impressive blue dome is this most significant market in Uzbekistan where daily life takes place—seeing mountains of spices, nuts and dried fruits.

Kaylan Minaret, also known as the Tower of Death. According to locals, criminals were executed and thrown off the top for centuries

Swimming the Amu Darya River at sunset

If you are interested in Central Asia see also

https://www.zibaadventures.com/portfolio/the-great-game-of-the-wakhan-corridor/

Other Adventures we’ve done

Exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan
An Epic Tour of the Wakhan Corridor
The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran

The post Exploring the Mosques of Uzbekistan appeared first on Ziba Adventures.