INTRODUCTION
Nepal is a small country lying across the top of India. It is 900km long
from east to west and only 150 - 200 km from north to south but it encompasses
a remarkable range of climatic zones from below sea level to the highest
mountain in the world. The Terai was in former times a malarial jungle occupying
the southern strip which defined the border with India and protected it from
outside influence. The northern border with Tibet is protected by the Himalayan
chain, only crossed by a few high passes.
Until China took over Tibet and closed the border, many Nepalese made their
living as porters carrying goods such as salt on their backs between India
and Tibet. Fortunately mountaineering and tourist trekking using the old
trade routes began to provide an alternative source of employment for some
of these porters at the time when this trade ceased. Nepal was closed to
foreigners until the fifties which preserved it as a snapshot of mediaeval
life. Street scenes are often reminiscent of a Brueghel painting with potters,
weavers, vendors and children driving hoops down the streets with sticks.
Even after thirty years of tourism and modernisation the life of most Nepalis
is little changed and you can witness scenes that might have come out of
European life hundreds of years ago. Because of the monsoons of the summer
and the snows of winter, Nepal only receives visitors for brief periods during
the the late Autumn and early Spring when days are beautifully warm, clear
and bright. Until malaria began to be controlled the Terai was sparsely inhabited
and left to the tigers, rhinos, elephants and other wildlife. The cold, high
mountains are are only inhabited by hardy Yak herding peoples such as the
famous Sherpas. The fertile valleys between the two are the Shangri-la of
Nepal. For thousands of years they have sheltered a wide range of ethnic
groups, probably driven into the hills by persecution elsewhere but now living
in remarkable harmony.
These valleys, towered over by snowy peaks and watered by warm monsoons can
support a dense population with enough leisure to develop complex cultures
and the finest of fine arts. Architecture is their greatest expression and
encompasses many of the other arts. Of the many Nepalese peoples, the Newars
are artistically the most influential and it is thought that they originated
architectural forms which spread across Asia from India to China. They live
principally in what is now misleadingly called the Kathmandu Valley. This
is by far the largest fertile area and was originally called Nepal until
this name was extended to mean the current political entity and is still
called the Nepal Valley by many Newars. It supported a number of important
kingdoms, one of which was based in the city of Kathmandu and eventually
became dominant. All the modernisation and tourism has naturally been
concentrated in the capital Kathmandu and although it is still a fascinating
city to visit, the other royal cities and villages are quieter and hardly
changed.
PAGODAS & STUPAS
A BRIEF OUTLINE OF NEPALESE ARCHITECTURE based on an article by David Halford
NEWAR PAGODAS
Most people know of the Chinese pagodas which were sometimes replicated in
England during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when Chinoiserie was
popular. Multi-tiered structures are found in several parts of Asia but it
is thought that the most developed form originated in the Newar art of Nepal.
"Newar Pagoda" is the generally accepted term for the tiered structures of
the Kathmandu valley. They are found in many forms and locations and are
royal-religious monuments to particular deities which can be either Hindu,
Buddhist, purely local or a combination of any of these.
BUDDHIST STUPAS
A Stupa is a Buddhist monument which in its basic form is a hemispherical
mound. It is thought to have originated from ancient burial mounds. Buddhist
believe that Buddha's remains were divided among eight stupas which is why
these became the symbols of Buddhist worship. From this origin as a reliquary
they developed a complex symbolism based upon the Buddhist mandala which
is an abstract diagram of the cosmos. The mound therefore represents the
cosmic Mount Meru at the centre of the spiritual universe and the basic form
acquired elaborations which represent other aspects of the cosmos. For example
shrines face the cardinal points where the axis of creation-destruction is
resolved with the axis of pure-impure at the vertical axis of the stupa.
The structure is divided into three parts representing the tripartite nature
of the cosmos with a base, the mound and a finial. These also represent the
elements of earth, water and fire. Buddhist and Hindu symbols almost always
have multiple meanings.
These forms come in all sizes from bronze castings that can be held in the
hand to massive whitewashed mounds on the top of hills. The word stupa is
normally reserved for the few largest examples whereas the hundreds of smaller
versions, usually a only few metres high, are called chaityas or chortens
in Tibetan.
OTHER ARCHITECTURAL FORMS
Pagodas and stupas are only the most obvious of the numerous architectural
forms of Nepal. The cities, villages and even isolated houses are a feast
of arts and crafts. The ordinary houses that linethe streets and courtyards
of the towns display magnificent carving and onentering a simple stone house
out in the hills one often finds an interior of smoke blackened Jacobean-
bean type panelling, only apparent externally in the window shutters. The
mountain paths and particularly the pilgrimage routes are strewn with chortens
surrounded by prayer flags, walls containing prayer wheels which passers-by
turn by hand while chanting, prayer wheels driven by horizontal water wheels
and mani walls, made up of stones inscribed with prayers. Many villages are
very dramatically sited and their styles vary both with the ethnic origins
of the inhabitants and with their locations - from the flat roofed courtyard
dwelling of cold dry zones to steeply thatched, mud rendered farmhouses of
the monsoon belt.
Apart from temples and houses, some of the main architectural forms are Buddhist
Monasteries, Hindu priest houses, various forms of Rest House and of course
the Palaces.
A visit to a Buddhist Monastery, especially during a festival can be an
impressive experience. The chanting, blowing of long horns and beating of
gongs by monks dressed in dark red robes all adds to the mystical aura of
these places. There are two types of monastery, the simpler ones of the celibate
monks who continue the ancient Mahayana Buddhist traditions and those of
the Newar Buddhist who were influenced by Varayana scriptures. They consists
of courts with cells and shrines. There are hundreds of monasteries especially
in the Buddhist town of Lalitpur and those at pilgrimage stupas are arranged
for the pilgrims to circumambulate the stupa and other shrines.
There are two basic types of palace architecture. That of the Malla kings
who presided over Nepal's golden age of arts and those of the Ranas. The
Ranas were nominally only Prime Ministers but were the effective rulers of
Nepal from the middle of the nineteenth century until the middle of the twentieth
while the kings became mere figure heads. They kept the country completely
closed but paradoxically coveted European artefacts which they had carried
in from India on the backs of porters. They built vast palaces and ostentatious
villas in European styles which since their overthrow in 1951 have fallen
into neglect or been converted for other uses such as hotels or government
departments. Although Nepal as we know it today was effectively unified by
Gurkha conquest in the eighteenth century (from the west of Kathmandu valley),
the new rulers took over the existing Malla palaces and with them the whole
legacy of Newar art.
Since the monarchy regained power in 1951 these palaces have been maintained
and still form the heart of the royal cities. They are based on the normal
Newari town house which is usually three stories and built around a large
courtyard called a chok. Even the normal houses are decorated with elaborately
carved fretwork windows and wide overhanging roofs supported by struts like
the pagodas but the palaces have everything on a finer, grander scale. Palaces
have dozens of interconnecting courts but have no sense of symmetry or formal
entrance of the type we expect from a Western palace. They are more like
a royal district of the city than a single unit. Pagoda-like towers of different
shapes mark the corners of many of the choke. Royal patronage and religious
devotion was the inspiration for artistic excellence and often this was combined
in religious foundations sponsored by kings both to demonstrate their munificence
to their subjects and to please the gods. The public squares outside the
palaces are therefore packed with temples, shrines and monuments rising out
of the everyday clutter of ordinary life such as street vendors, weavers,
or washerwomen and creating an unforgettable townscape.
OTHER ARTS
Many of the arts such as woodcarving, stone sculpture, metalwork and bronze
casting and even painting are integrated into the architecture making it
both picturesque and fascinating even for those not particularly interested
in architectural form.
Many other arts and crafts can be seen such as the performing arts at festivals
and crafts such as paper making usually using cloth and other non wood materials,
painting of mandalas and banners such as the famous thankas, wood block printing,
wool processing, pottery and jewellery.
AN INTEGRATED VIEW
The Nepalis have an integrated view of life and correspondingly it would
be a mistake to attempt to view the architecture in isolation. Visitors who
make the effort to get to know Nepal always come away enchanted by its general
ambience created by the combination of stunning landscapes, friendly people,
beautiful artefacts and an indefinable spirit of the place.
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SERVICES WE OFFER
We can arrange all kinds of tailormade tours in Nepal and the surrounding
regions such as India, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. These include nature and
cultural tours, white-water rafting and of course, trekking, staying in either
tea- houses or camping. If camping, we carry all our own food and fuel so
as to have as little impact on the villages and environment as possible.
The following pages give descriptions of the main trekking areas and an outline
of the architecture and culture of Nepal (based on an article by David Halford).
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DESTINATIONS IN NEPAL
KATHMANDU
Kathmandu has become a thriving, city that excites your senses. Buzzing traffic
and busy streets can be lost in quiet courtyards and in temples. The Durbar
square is set in a medieval era with its temples and royal buildings. Not
too far away is Swayambhunath Temple which stands on a hill watching over
the city. Boudhanath is also an important temple. Pashupatinath is one of
the holiest temples in Nepal and is an important pilgrimage site. Thamel
is the most touristed area but a short walk away you can explore the lanes
and streets of everyday Kathmandu.
PATAN
Patan, also known as Lalitpur, art place, is the cradle of art and
architecture in the Kathmandu Valley. There are nearly 200 beautiful temples
and countless artisans and local craftsmen. It too has a Durbar Square containing
a Royal Palace and temples dating back to the 16th century.
BHAKTAPUR
Bhaktapur is the town least affected by modern development. It is home to
medieval art and architecture and has very little transport. Pottery, weaving
and the typical industries present a timeless atmosphere as life goes on
as it has done for centuries.
POKARA
The Pokhara Valley lies nestled under the natural splendour of Machupuchare
and the Annapurna Range. Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu, the town of Pokhara
with its serene Lake Phewa and panoramic views, is the next most popular
destination after Kathmandu. It is also the best place to set off for treks
into the Annapurna range. The town itself is quite small but rapidly expanding.
There is a local mixed population with Brahmins, Chettris, Thalkis and Gurungs
or Ghurkas. There are regular flights from Kathmandu and now a relatively
good road connects the two.
ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Easily accessible from Kathmandu, Pokhara and northern India Chitwan has
become a popular destination for tourists. It supports a healthy population
of one-horned rhino as well as deer, sloth bear, monkeys, wild boar, leopard,
and the elusive Bengal tiger. There are over 400 bird species and many reptiles
including species of crocodile. The vegetation is a mixture of forest, tall
elephant grass and marsh. The highlight of a stay here is an elephant safari
to go out searching for rhino or leopard. A two night package is easily combined
with a stay in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
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TREKKING IN NEPAL
There are many reasons why Nepal can be called a trekker's paradise. Some
of these have already been described in the Introduction such as the beauty
of the landscape and the friendliness of the people but there are a couple
of other important reasons. Firstly, Nepal is a pedestrian country. The country
outside The Valley is served by a network of ancient pedestrian highways
and byways. Trekking is a way of life in Nepal. Secondly, during the trekking
seasons of late Autumn and early Spring, the weather is perfect for walking.
Days are clear, dry and bright. At high altitudes it can be very cold at
night or even during the day and at low altitudes it can be hot, but generally
the temperature is just right for walking. Thirdly, you can rise from tropical
to glacial landscapes within one week's walk.
Because there are paths everywhere there are treks to suit everyone, from
a day to a month. To reach the very high altitudes over about 14,000 feet
you do need to have reasonable stamina, but there are lower routes suitable
for any reasonably fit person.
We can arrange any kind of trek, as well as visits to Chitwan game Park
and White water Rafting. We give brief descriptions of some of the options
by way of illustration.
There are two basic ways of trekking, either camping or "Teahousing". On
the main trading routes, there are Teahouses at regular intervals which provide
board and lodging. These range fromcomfortable to very basic.
Using these can be cheaper because you don't need so many porters to carry
camping equipment, but camping gives more flexibility and choice of route.
When crossing uninhabited passes for example, the teahouses can be too far
apart for comfort. Which method you choose will probably depend on your
itinerary.
The main regions visited by first timers are Annapurna and Everest and the
most popular routes are the "Annapurna Circuit" and "Everest Base Camp".
Both of these require a lot of time and effort (ideally 3 or 4 weeks) although
shorter walks are possible. Helambu and Langtang are an alternative for those
who have less time.
ANNAPURNA REGION
The Annapurna region offers a range of routes where you can experience a
variety of breathtaking scenery in only a few days, even if you do not have
time for the full 3 week circuit. Many people do half the circuit at a time
rather than crossing the pass at 5,380 metres. The route up to Manang on
the east side or Muktinath on the west of the pass takes you through every
gradation of landscape from rice terraces, woodland, yak pasture and up to
the glaciers. They also take you through the homelands of many different
ethnic groups from the Hindu lowland farmers to the Tibetan yak herders.
From the second day walking onwards the views of the massive snow clad Annapurnas
are spectacular. Even a one week recturn trek up the western valley or to
the Sanctuary will provide diverse scenery, including great panoramas of
the mountains. Not surprisingly, these routes are popular but another area
between the two valleys, just south of Machupuchare is little visited. This
is because it is off the main trade routes and it is therefore necessary
to camp, but it contrasts the beautiful scenery of the valleys with views
of the Annapurnas and the great Fish Tail mountain.
EVEREST REGION
Everest is a more demanding region. Most of this area, known as Khumbu, is
at very high altitude, usually above 15,000 feet (5,000m). To acclimatise
you need to spend a week walking in from the road head at Jiri through the
fertile Solu region which has an average altitude of below 3,000m. It is
possible to fly into Lukla by small aircraft but this can cause two problems.
If you fly in, you will not be acclimatised to the altitude and even if you
do not suffer serious altitude sickness, it might make the walking for the
next week less than enjoyable. If you fly out, you might have to hang around
in Lukla for days waiting for cancelled flights. Unless you are really short
of time, it seems better to spend the time enjoying the walk in through the
beautiful valleys of Solu. Because Khumbu is so high, you are really in amongst
the mountains and the whole landscape is very rugged. It is also very cold
so you must be prepared for rough nights whether camping or Teahousing. Although
most people set their goal as Everest Base Camp, there is little to see when
you get there (except mountaineers queuing for the climb, who don't want
to be disturbed) so the main thing is the experience of being among the highest
mountains in the world.
LANGTANG and HELAMBU
Both Everest in the east and Annapurna in the west require long road journeys
to reach them, but there are some beautiful treks just north of Kathmandu
which are much less frequented. The highest of these routes is Langtang which
takes you to a valley at 3,750m circled by mountains and glaciers and a ridge
overlooking Tibet at about 5,000m. There is a tremendous range of scenery
and just one days walk below the glacier there is an extraordinary pocket
of tropical rainforest in a warm microclimate caused by a deep ravine.
The next valley system to the east is called Helambu. This makes a very good
week trek in its own right especially in mid winter because it is generally
below 3,000m. Between the two there is a pass at 4,600m to the pilgrimage
lakes of Gosainkund so when this is passable you can combine Langtang, Helambu
and Gosainkund. Although less than 10,000 feet, the ridges in Helambu give
great vistas of the Himalayas. The landscape is also varied from the lush
cultivated valleys through rhododendron groves to uninhabited wilderness,
only used as seasonal pasture. The people of the lower valleys are Tamangs
and those of the higher areas are Sherpas. Their villages are part of the
attraction of the area.
Another route suitable for winter runs parallel with the mountains from Trisuli
near the edge of the Kathmandu Valley to Pokhara via Ghorka. It can also
be divided into three stages to suit people with limited time. In and around
The Valley itself there are many mini-treks often to view points which are
good for acclimatising and are remarkably unfrequented.
OTHER REGIONS
For keen old hands there are enormous areas of the country seldom visited
by trekkers such as the Mustang Valley and Upper Dolpo but it does take a
little more time and organisation to reach them. Eastern Nepal offers some
easy to moderate trekking with views of Kanchenjunga and the Everest Ranges.
This area receives fewer tourists and the local culture is still very strong.
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WHO CAN TREK?
Trekking is walking, unlike mountaineering, it needs no technical skills.
We can arrange treks suitable for anyone who is moderately fit and enjoys
walking. The main routes are well made paths for the commercial porters,
rather than tough overland terrain. However, the average Nepalese porter
is twice as tough and nimble as any European and will carry a 80kg to 100kg
load twice as far as most trekkers can carry themselves. Working for trekkers
is like a holiday for most porters, since the loads are small and the distances
short. We organise all necessary support services and all you have to do
is carry a small day pack for your camera and jumper.
Obviously the more exercise you can do before arrival, the better but nothing
except the real thing will prepare you for days of continuous walking up
and down steep hills. It is therefore very important to pace yourself and
plan an itinerary which will allow you to build up the necessary strength.
For anyone unsure about their fitness, it is better to cover shorter distances
and enjoy the experience than push yourself over the pain barrier.
The two essentials required are stamina and good shoes. Although you can
hire all necessary equipment in Kathmandu we strongly recommend that you
bring your own boots. These should be well worn-in so that you are sure that
they will not give you blisters. A secret of avoiding blisters is to wear
up to four layers of socks, so you need to take this into account when buying
boots.
After a couple of days, when you have discovered your muscles, you can forget
the walking and revel in what is for most people the experience of a lifetime,
however often they repeat it
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TYPICAL ITINERARIES
As an example of what we can arrange for you in Nepal we have given a selection
of itineraries. Treks to all the regions mentioned in the dossiers can be
arranged and modified to suit your interests and ability.
NEPAL EXPLORER- 16 days
An excellent all-round tour with an introduction to Kathmandu, an easy-grade
trek in the spectacular Annapurna region, white water rafting and Chitwan
National Park.
Day 1: Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the time free
to explore this fascinating city. Overnight hotel.
Day 2: In the morning a city tour including Durbar Square and the awesome
Swayambhunath stupa. In the afternoon a visit to Patan., the cradle of art
and architecture in the Kathmandu Valley. We visit only a few of the 200
temples and then visit the Handicraft Centre where you can see the craftsmen
at work as they have done for hundreds of years. Of course, there is an
opportunity for some souvenir shopping. Overnight hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3: After breakfast proceed to Pokhara (approx. 200 kms). The roads have
been vastly improved and passing through the Kathmandu Valley is a spectacular
journey. Afternoon free to wander through the town of Pokhara or visit the
lake. Overnight hotel in Pokhara.
Day 4-8 : Trekking
Begin the 6 day trek. This takes us through the Gurung villages in the foothills
of the Annapurna Range. It has been selected as a "Quieter" route in this
region. The views extend to the Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and Himulchuli. Our
camps will be set up by our porters and there will be time at the end of
each day to relax and take in the view.
(A more strenuous walk can be arranged if you want to be challenged!)
Day 9 : Arrive back into Pokhara in the late afternoon. Overnight in a real
bed!!
Day 10: Drive to Baireni, the put-in point for the Trisuli River. Half day
rafting. Overnight camp.
Day 11: Continue rafting in the morning then drive to the Chitwan National
Park. Overnight in the lodge.
Day 12: Today we embark on an elephant safari to search for game, we also
take a canoe ride and go for a nature walk. Overnight Lodge.
Day 13: Today we return to Kathmandu. Overnight hotel.
Day 14: A free day to catch up with souvenir shopping or to visit more of
the old kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley.
Day 15: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
REMOTE EASTERN NEPAL
A moderate 8 day trek in the Milke Danda region. Spectacular views and villages
where local traditions as still very strong.
Day 1: Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the time free
to explore this fascinating city. Overnight hotel.
Day 2: In the morning a city tour including Durbar Square and the awesome
Swayambhunath stupa. In the afternoon a visit to Patan., the cradle of art
and architecture in the Kathmandu Valley. We visit only a few of the 200
temples and then visit the Handicraft Centre where you can see the craftsmen
at work as they have done for hundreds of years. Of course, there is an
opportunity for some souvenir shopping. Overnight hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Transfer to the airport and flight to Tumlingtar. Spectacular views
as we pass over the Everest range. Leave Tumlingtar and set up camp.
Days 4-11: Trekking
We rise quite steeply from the Arun River and follow the ridge to Chainpur.
Down into the valley and then climbing to the Milke Danda ridge where we
should get our best views of the Everest range in the north-east and Kanchenjunga
in the north west. We descend to Basantpur via the villages of Ghupha Pokhari
and Chauki.
Day 12: Drive to Dhasan or Biratnagar. Overnight hotel.
Day 13: Return to Kathmandu. Overnight hotel.
Day 14: Transfer to the airport for your flight out.
Prices for these tours start from £750 ( $1200 US) per person based
on 2 people travelling together. This includes accommodation, transfers,
breakfasts, full board while trekking, guide, porters, trek permits and internal
flight where mentioned.
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CLASSIC EVEREST TREK
This trek takes the gradual route into Everest, passing through wonderful
villages of the Solu and Khumbu regions and allowing you to acclimatise more
easily. Once through Namche Bazaar we head for the Base Camp. We go up to
Kala Pattar from where the views are superb. This is an all round trek with
a great variety of culture and scenery.
Tour Outline: Day 1& 2 Kathmandu, Day 3-Drive to Jiri, 4-23 (20 days)
Trekking, Day 24- fly to Kathmandu, Days 25 &26 In Kathmandu, Day 27
Depart Kathmandu
Grade: this trek is strenuous in parts, including a pass of 5450 metres so
a good fitness level is required.
Price: £1495 per person. Including accommodation in Kathmandu before
and at the end of the trek, all camping equipment (except sleeping bags),
experienced Sirdar, Sherpa, and porters, meals whilst trekking, transport
and internal flight. Transport, meals and insurance for local staff.
JIRI PIKE
The setting of this trek is again the Solu region, the Sherpa country, and
one of the most beautiful areas in Nepal. We do not visit the Everest Base
Camp as we try to get off the beaten track and understand the Sherpa culture.
On this 12 day trek we will have good views of the mountains and landscapes
as well as have the opportunity to visit fascinating temples and villages.
Tour Outline: Day 1& 2 Kathmandu, Day 3-Drive to Jiri, 4-15 (12 days)
Trekking, Day 16- drive to Kathmandu, Day 17 In Kathmandu, Day 18 Depart
Kathmandu
Grade: this trek is moderate and a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Price: £1085 per person. Including accommodation in Kathmandu before
and at the end of the trek, all camping equipment (except sleeping bags),
experienced Sirdar, Sherpa, and porters, meals whilst trekking, transport
and internal flight. Transport, meals and insurance for local staff.
POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING
When to Go: There are two trekking seasons in this region; March/April and
late September to early November. It is possible to trek out of these times
but you must be prepared for very cold conditions from December toFebruary.
The monsoon usually arrives in June and persists until September. This makes
travelling difficult because some of the roads may be washed away.
How to get there: We can help you to arrange your flights. There are direct
flights to Kathmandu or you can fly via Delhi.
Extensions: Any itinerary in Nepal would combine well with a tour to Tibet,
Bhutan and India.
* We provide full Pre-Departure Information on booking or by request.
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Arc Journeys
Destinations
This is a brief description of the regions we cover, go to the
MAIN INDEX for links to Dossiers on each destination.
South East Asia
Visit ancient temples and traditional villages, relax
in exclusive hideaways, witness colourful festivals, learn about textiles,
local cooking or music and dance, cruise jungle rivers, meet orangutans or
trek the jungles and volcanoes .... We are acknowledged experts on this region;
this is what the Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore Handbook says about
us: "Arc Journeys have excellent cultural and natural tours run by people
who understand and care for the country, its people and environment."
Australasia
Meet the koalas & 'roos, visit the wineries, stroll deserted beaches,
dive The Reef, climb The Rock, experience the open spaces and untouched
wilderness. Escape the crowds. Accommodated self-drive, treks, 4WD tours,
gourmet cycle tours...indulge in the Aussie way.
India and The Himalayas
Walk through small villages among 8000m peaks, receive blessings from a Buddhist
Lama, stay in magnificent palaces, search for rhino and tiger. Himalayan
treks, rail journeys, camel & horse safaris, palace hotels, houseboats
or homestays...
Africa
Meet the curious lemurs, look out for the Big 5, climb Kilimanjaro, visit
villages where time has stood still. Luxury lodges or camping expeditions,
Self-drive or escorted 4WD safaris, horseback safaris, rail journeys, treks,
fly- in tours ......
South America
Discover the mysteries of the Incas, explore colonial towns and Indian markets,
hear the music and festivals, trek the Andes, take great train journeys,
cruise the Amazon and the Galapagos, meet blue footed boobies and giant turtles.
Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.
The Arctic
Dog sledding, polar bears, birds & whalewatching, cruise Alaska, Greenland
or rivers, touch an iceberg, see the Northern Lights or midnight sun, experience
the wilderness of the Arctic. Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.
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CONTACT DETAILS
Email 
David Halford Travel 102 Stanley Rd Cambridge CB5 8LB UK
UK Tel 0207 681 3175 Fax +44 0207 6813175
Australia Tel & Fax +61 3 9923 6158
Home page http://www.travelarc.com
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