Hiking, biking, and river trips at home or abroad - let your adventurous spirit lead you to places far from the crowds.

Bhutan:  Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon and the Snowman Trek

Bhutan, a country with a Gross National Happiness Index, has managed to avoid many of the problems of modern civilization. This land-locked nation at the eastern end of the Himalayas has been protected for centuries by its topography and remoteness, but for the adventurous the reward is some of the most glorious vistas in the world.  Visitors trekking in Bhutan use ancient pathways to access remote areas and share the road with nomadic yak herders, maroon-clad monks, and blue sheep.

The "Iron Man" of Bhutan is without a doubt the Snowman Trek.  Be forewarned - this is not for the faint-hearted.  More people have climbed Mt. Everest than have completed the Snowman.  This is a grueling, true high-elevation trek.  For more than half of the twenty-four days, you are above 12,000 feet, and the window for good weather is a mere three weeks at the beginning of October.

The trekking companies supply pack horses at the lower elevations and then switch to yaks higher up.  Camp staff usually consists of a guide, a cook, and a helper.  The trails can be very rough and muddy, and altitude sickness can be a problem, but for those of you who have done it, it remains an unforgettable experience.