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Archive for the ‘Turkey’ Category

Make BAI a Part of Your 2015

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015

Alright adventurers, the New Year has begun and the big question is how are you going to make 2015 a one to remember?

Whether it’s visiting an exciting destination, taking yourself to new heights, or just reaching a long term fitness goal, BAI is here to help you achieve your dreams! Check out this list of exciting adventures coming your way!

Perfect for any Trekker

Are you travelling in a big group or looking for a unique family adventure? Or are you looking to join a group of fellow adventure lovers to enjoy a great travel experience with? We have a few trips coming up this year perfect for travellers of all types. Check it out to see which is perfect for you!

Everest Base Camp

A classic Berg Adventures trip, a trek to Everest Base Camp takes you to the beautiful Khumbu region. Trekking to and staying in different villages is a great way for groups to immerse themselves in the fascinating Sherpa culture. The hiking is great for people of all ages and can be customized for those concerned about their hiking abilities. Contact us to inquire about our spring and fall treks!

Trekking through the stunning Khumbu region

Trekking through the stunning Khumbu region

Kilimanjaro

Looking to join in the fun spirit and great team camaraderie that Berg Adventures Kilimanjaro trips are known for? We have trips running in Tanzania almost all year round and can accommodate people of all different hiking levels. To add to an incredible African experience climbers can continue on for an exciting wildlife safari in Northern Tanzania.

Climbers celebrate in front of the new summit sign on Kili

Climbers celebrate in front of the new summit sign on Kili

Mount Elbrus in Russia

Every year Wally Berg and the BAI Russian guides and staff return to the Caucasus to climb to the highest point in Europe, Mount Elbrus. This is a journey that begins touring two iconic cities; St. Petersburg and Moscow and includes incredible climbing opportunities for those looking for an introduction to high altitude. Join us July 26 – June 12 for a true city to summit experience.

Pointing the way to the summit of Elbrus

Pointing the way to the summit of Elbrus

Mount Ararat in Turkey

From ancient cities to snow-capped mountains our trip to Turkey offers an exceptional travel experience that will open your eyes to a whole new world. Roaming the historic streets if Istanbul, visiting the underground cities in Cappadocia, balloon rides over picture perfect sceneries and a summit of Turkey’s highest point, this trip really does it all!

Granddaughter and grandfather team take a break while climbing Mount Ararat

Granddaughter and grandfather team take a break while climbing Mount Ararat

Great Learning Experiences for Mountaineers

Have you been looking to work on your mountaineering skills? Berg Adventures guides and staff (http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_main/guides.php) are always excited to help climbers gain the skills and confidence needed for climbing in altitude. The following trips are perfect for those looking to learn more about technical climbing.

Ojos del Salado

It may only be a few weeks away but there is still time to sign up for our 2015 Ojos del Salado expedition from February 15 – March 2() . Standing at 22,615ft/6,893m this climb is a way to learn the importance of acclimatization and preparing for high altitude mountain travel. Join us next month and stand on top of the world’s tallest volcano.

Summit success on Ojos del Salado

Summit success on Ojos del Salado

Bolivia

Colorful culture, breathtaking scenery and awesome climbing opportunities are just a few of the factors bringing Berg Adventures back to Bolivia every year. We offer a few different programs designed for beginner climbers or those looking to add some technical climbing to their list. There are a few spots left on our Sajama and Condoriri expedition this year from June 05-June 21. Contact our office for details!

Practicing glacier travel in Bolivia

Practicing glacier travel in Bolivia

Ecuador

Personal trainer Terri Truman has been offering us amazing information on how to train for mountain travel. Now Terri is set to embark on her own BAI adventure. She and her husband Tim will be travelling to Ecuador to climb four impressive volcanic peaks. She will be explaining her training process for climbers interested in a great fitness regime which you can read here. Join Terri and Tim from November 21 – December 5.

It’s an icy world on Ecuador’s volcanoes

It’s an icy world on Ecuador’s volcanoes

Island Peak

In November of last year we had a team of three successful climbers reach the summit of Island Peak. Climbing in Nepal is always a rewarding experience and practicing your glacier travel techniques while standing under the great Himalayan giants is the ultimate adventure!

The spectacular summit ridge on Island Peak

The spectacular summit ridge on Island Peak

Taking you to New Heights

Berg Adventures knows high altitude. We are here to take you to places not many people can say they have been. Whether it is an exotic and remote destination or a trip that has you standing on the high reaches of earth, we are here to take you there.

Carstensz Pyramid

If remote trekking, exotic cultures and technical climbing are what you are looking for then a trip to the remote jungles of Western Papua is perfect for you. A climb of Carstensz Pyramid is one unlike any out there. Contact our office about dates and prices!

Getting technical on Carstensz Pyramid

Getting technical on Carstensz Pyramid

Ama Dablam

This classic Himalayan climb is technically challenging and thrilling at the same time. Berg Adventures guides will lead the route and fix it where necessary. Our climbing team will ascend one of the regions 6000m peaks in preparation for this impressive ascent. Join us in Nepal from October 17 – November 21 when we attempt the lofty summit of Ama Dablam.

Ama Dablam on Base Camp

Ama Dablam on Base Camp

Aconcagua 2016

Our first climb of 2015 was of Aconcagua. It was a fantastic way to start of the New Year as our Friends from Vancouver did it right with two team members standing on the summit and the rest reaching personal high altitude records. It is not too early to start planning for a summit of the highest point in the Western Hemisphere.

2015 Aconcagua summit team

2015 Aconcagua summit team

Whatever your goals are BAI is ready to be a part of your next great adventure. Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your dreams into reality this 2015!

Discover Turkey with Berg Adventures this August 2014

Friday, January 24th, 2014

If you’re looking for a getaway this summer, then look no further. The 2014 Mount Ararat Expedition in Turkey is taking place from August 2 – 15 and here’s why we think you should join us.

1. The Perfect Summer Adventure should be well-rounded allowing for a little relaxation, a little culture and a whole lot of adventure. Berg Adventures Mount Ararat & The Wonders of Turkey expedition has it all including the colorful sophistication of Istanbul, the peculiar history and geology of Cappadocia and the rugged adventure of Mount Ararat. It is a great trip for the whole family too! Check out our unique itinerary.

2. The Diverse, Rich History of Turkey is truly extraordinary. Istanbul is one of the most historically rich cities in the world and Mount Ararat is said to be the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. Whether it is culture, religion or ancient civilizations that interest you, you’re sure to find it here. Read our article about Things to Do in Istanbul to learn how you can maximize your historical and cultural experience in Turkey!

3. The Unique Landscape of Cappadocia has quickly become one of our favorite places to visit and we are sure it will captivate you too. We will hike along beautiful trails, visit an ancient underground city and stay in a hotel carved out of rock.

4. Our 2013 Berg Adventures Expeditions were so much fun! Last summer we operated three fantastic expeditions on Mount Ararat. Read the past dispatches for trip highlights and photos. Check out our testimonials too!

5. The Perseides Meteor Shower will reach its peak of around 60 meteors per hour when we are camping high on Mount Ararat on August 12 and 13! What better place to view stars and meteors than from the side of a mountain?

Contact us to sign up today.

Hiking for the views

Hiking for the views

View of Istanbul from our hotel rooftop

View of Istanbul from our hotel rooftop

Strange scenery of Cappadocia

Strange scenery of Cappadocia

A building carved out of the rocks

A building carved out of the rocks

On the summit of Ararat last summer

On the summit of Ararat last summer

Together as a team they climbed

Together as a team they climbed

2013 Ararat Expedition Recap

Friday, September 13th, 2013

After three successful climbs on Mount Ararat this summer, the season has come to an end. Congratulations to the entire Berg Adventures team as they accomplished their goals while experiencing the challenges a great mountain like Ararat has to offer. With great teamwork and superb leadership all three of our teams gained some worthy mountaineering experience while making lasting memories and friendships! Enjoy some of the great photo highlights from these three trips.

Join us for our next Turkey adventure and sign up for the 2014 Ararat Expedition.

Our friends from the Netherlands started our Ararat 2013 season off with a beautiful rooftop dinner at their hotel overlooking Istanbul

Our friends from the Netherlands started our Ararat 2013 season off with a beautiful rooftop dinner at their hotel overlooking Istanbul

There is so much to learn about Cappadocia, the region is full of great history and culture and this group was ready to learn!

There is so much to learn about Cappadocia, the region is full of great history and culture and this group was ready to learn!

And explore!

And explore!

Jan, with his unmistakable orange umbrella, taking in the beauty of Cappadocia

Jan, with his unmistakable orange umbrella, taking in the beauty of Cappadocia

While the team waits for their flight to Van they take a minute to enjoy the Berg Adventures dispatches of their trip so far.

While the team waits for their flight to Van they take a minute to enjoy the Berg Adventures dispatches of their trip so far.

The team ready to take on Mount Ararat.

The team ready to take on Mount Ararat.

Every night on the mountain the team would get together in the dinning tent to play bridge.

Every night on the mountain the team would get together in the dinning tent to play bridge.

On our way to the summit

On our way to the summit

Our friends from the Netherlands on the summit of Ararat

Our friends from the Netherlands on the summit of Ararat

“To earn, to learn and to return” is a theme that Alfons Driessen came up with at the beginning of the trip and it really represents well our expeditions on Turkey this year. Here Jan Dekker and Leila Berg look proud to stand on the summit of Ararat. Great Job Team!

“To earn, to learn and to return” is a theme that Alfons Driessen came up with at the beginning of the trip and it really represents well our expeditions on Turkey this year. Here Jan Dekker and Leila Berg look proud to stand on the summit of Ararat. Great Job Team!

Our great team leader Wally Berg!

Our great team leader Wally Berg!

The Sibley’s and Vaughan’s arrive in Istanbul!

The Sibley’s and Vaughan’s arrive in Istanbul!

The Hagia Sofia is a structure of architectural wonder in Istanbul and one of our favorites to visit.

The Hagia Sofia is a structure of architectural wonder in Istanbul and one of our favorites to visit.

The Sibley family stopping for a photo in front of the iconic Blue Mosque

The Sibley family stopping for a photo in front of the iconic Blue Mosque

Beautiful Cappadocia

Beautiful Cappadocia

The team crouching for a photo in the Kaymakli underground city

The team crouching for a photo in the Kaymakli underground city

Posing for a photo with the main goal, Ararat, in the background

Posing for a photo with the main goal, Ararat, in the background

Our home during our time on Ararat

Our home during our time on Ararat

This Summit group walked arm in arm for the last bit of the climb and they all stepped on to the top together. Congratulations team!

This Summit group walked arm in arm for the last bit of the climb and they all stepped on to the top together. Congratulations team!

We have never seen anything like this. Jake’s legs were incredible sore when he got back to High Camp from the summit and we witnessed him walk backwards the whole way from High Camp to Camp 1. Incredible!

We have never seen anything like this. Jake’s legs were incredible sore when he got back to High Camp from the summit and we witnessed him walk backwards the whole way from High Camp to Camp 1. Incredible!

We are back in Istanbul with the third and final group of our 2013 season in Turkey.

We are back in Istanbul with the third and final group of our 2013 season in Turkey.

Longtime friends stop for a photo in the streets of Istanbul.

Longtime friends stop for a photo in the streets of Istanbul.

The group could not wait to arrive in Cappadocia .

The group could not wait to arrive in Cappadocia .

What better way to explore Cappadocia then from high above the region in a Balloon.

What better way to explore Cappadocia then from high above the region in a Balloon.

The best part about arriving early in the morning is taking off into beautiful pink skies.

The best part about arriving early in the morning is taking off into beautiful pink skies.

The climb begins!

The climb begins!

Valentine decided it was best for her to support the team from Camp I. Since she spent her time on the mountain there and loved it so much we named it Camp Valentine!

Charles at his high point on Mount Ararat proudly holding a sign for his surgeons that made climbing this high possible for him

Charles at his high point on Mount Ararat proudly holding a sign for his surgeons that made climbing this high possible for him

Carolyn at the high point in her life 16,200ft. Well done Carolyn!

Carolyn at the high point in her life 16,200ft. Well done Carolyn!

Our third and final Summit team of the 2013 season. Great job to all our climbers!

Our third and final Summit team of the 2013 season. Great job to all our climbers!

After a great climb on Ararat it’s so nice to soak our feet in the crystal waters of Lake Van.

After a great climb on Ararat it’s so nice to soak our feet in the crystal waters of Lake Van.

Valentine with our amazing guides Duygu, Jamal and Mehmet. Thank you for helping us achieve our goals!

Valentine with our amazing guides Duygu, Jamal and Mehmet. Thank you for helping us achieve our goals!

Farewell Turkey, see you next year!

Farewell Turkey, see you next year!

Travel Brings Family Together – Plan a Family Trip with Berg Adventures

Wednesday, August 7th, 2013

Nothing brings people together like shared experiences. Think outside the box and plan your next family reunion abroad for an epic experience you will never forget! Many of our adventure destinations are great for families, but we have a few that are particularly suitable for groups with a range in physical fitness levels, stamina, outdoor prowess and age.

Tanzania

Tanzania is a perfect destination for families. Those members looking for a physical challenge can climb Kilimanjaro and after the climb everyone can join together for an exciting wildlife safari through the Serengeti. Those wishing to forego the climb can simply arrive in Tanzania later or we can help them arrange alternate activities. Zanzibar is a great place for those family members who prefer beach to mountain and a cultural tour of the Kilimanjaro region is perfect for the more adventurous.

Families on top of Kilimanjaro

Families on top of Kilimanjaro

Close to the summit with a BAI guide

Close to the summit with a BAI guide

Fresh off the mountain after a successful climb

Fresh off the mountain after a successful climb

On safari post-climb

On safari post-climb

Patagonia

Patagonia is the region Chile and Argentina that makes up the southern tip of South America. This region offers some of the world’s finest trekking opportunities with a variety of options in intensity. On the Torres del Paine trek, we stay in comfortable mountain lodges instead of tents which will satisfy the family members who are not keen on camping. Furthermore, each day there are easy and extended hiking options so everyone gets the level of physical activity that they desire. Some days we even offer the option to travel by boat instead of by foot!

Trekking lakeside in Patagonia

Trekking lakeside in Patagonia

Looking back on the Torres del Paine

Looking back on the Torres del Paine

Loading into a boat in Patagonia

Loading into a boat in Patagonia

Turkey

Berg Adventures Turkey itinerary is another that is well-suited to families. Our first two destinations of Istanbul and Cappadoccia are accessible to everyone. We will tour these two beautiful places to soak in the culture and the scenery. We will do some day hikes in the Cappadocia region, but there are always other alternatives such as a hot air balloon ride or a spa day. Finally we travel to Mount Ararat to climb Turkey’s highest peak. Not interested in the climb? The Turkish Riviera is a great place to relax while other family members sweat it out on the mountain!

Enjoying a rooftop dinner in Istanbul

Enjoying a rooftop dinner in Istanbul

Taking a break on Mount Ararat

Taking a break on Mount Ararat

Exploring in Cappadoccia

Exploring in Cappadoccia

Nepal

Nepal is a fantastic family destination for those families keen on trekking. What makes trekking in Nepal different from climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking in Patagonia is that you are actually trekking from village to village so you will meet local families, visit schools, shop at a local market and even receive a blessing from a local monk. If you are concerned about the hiking abilities of all of your family members, we offer modified itineraries with shortened days and more down time. We crafted our Christmas Trek in Nepal with families in mind and have designed the trip to work with school schedules. December is a great time to visit Nepal because it is the sunniest and driest month in the Everest region!

Grandfather with granddaughter in Nepal

Grandfather with granddaughter in Nepal

Trekking to Base Camp

Trekking to Base Camp

A Note about Kids and Altitude

We are frequently asked about children at altitude and from our experience children are not affected any differently than adults. If anything children and young adults do better at altitude! On both Kilimanjaro and at Everest Base Camp we have had kids as young as 11 and adults as old as 75+ complete the climb/trek. If you’re not interested in an altitude climb, Patagonia is a good option for you as the highest point on the trek is only at about 3,000ft/915m.

Start Planning Today!

As is the case with all of our trips, if you do not see dates that fit your schedules we are happy to create or alter trip dates to better suit your family. Contact our office to start planning your family trip today!

New Trip! Discover the Wonders of Turkey and Climb Mount Ararat

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Ripe with untapped opportunities for outdoor exploration, Turkey is a spectacular travel destination for adventure seekers. Join us as we climb Turkey’s highest mountain, Mount Ararat at 16,854ft/5,137m. A glaciated, dormant volcanic cone, Mount Ararat has long been a site of intrigue because, according to Judeo-Christian tradition, it is the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. We will leave the quest for the Ark to the experts and focus on the summit, but we’ll keep our eyes open just in case.

Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat

Before we venture up the mountain, we will acclimatize by exploring some of Turkey’s most exciting places. The journey begins in Istanbul, one of the world’s most historically rich cities. We take in a few of the key historic sites including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Next we head to Cappadocia where huge pinnacles of rock define the region’s lunar landscape and where buildings, including our hotel, are carved into the rocky hills. We will begin by exploring the ancient underground cities that served to protect villagers from invading armies for centuries. Then, to stretch our legs and prepare for Mount Ararat, we will climb Mount Hasan at 10,672ft/3,253m in the Cappadocia region.

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

A balloon flies over Cappadocia

A balloon flies over Cappadocia

Finally, we head to the mountain. The climb involves basic glacier travel, but does not require mountaineering experience. On summit day, you will walk with crampons and an ice axe to the summit, but we will practice proper techniques during our acclimatization hikes so that you will be ready. We will spend four nights/five days on the mountain.

Climb to the summit

Climb to the summit

Looking for a family get-away during summer vacation this year? Our Turkey expedition is great for families. While the mountaineering required on Mount Ararat is suitable for young teenagers, we can make other travel arrangements for family members who do not want to climb.

Contact our office for more information or to reserve your spot on this year’s expedition so that you can see the wonders of Turkey firsthand! Dates for 2013 will be available soon. Visit the Turkey homepage.