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 | EWP News 2005 |  Latest News |
New Destinations EWP policy is to add only locations to our programmes which have something
special to offer, something that you maybe would not find elsewhere. Libya Libya stands out immediately as a very unique destination that has been almost
closed to tourists following reactions against the support Libya offered
terrorists for so many years. But things are changing rapidly here and the
country is opening up in many ways. The deserts of Libya rank with the most
extensive, wild and beautiful in the world; the population and officialdom are
friendly and welcoming to visitors who will be rewarded by superb and unspoilt
landscapes and a unique insight into the Arab world. We offer several programmes, most involve little trekking or walking but are really aimed at travelling in the country to see the vast expanses of deserts with magical oasis and dunes. In the north Leptis Magna and Sabratha easily rival the world's best examples of Roman ruins and the medina of Tripoli rivals that of Marrakech. In the Acacus mountains of south-western Libya, magnificent trekking in a landscape of rugged mountains interspersed with sandy wadis and dunes can be combined with viewing the famous cave paintings. details Italy: Gran ParadisoSince our first trip in 2004 we have led 5 trips to this superb area. The walking here is quite tough - 4 to 7 hours per day involving considerable uphill and downhill sections but generally this is on well made-up, gentle-angled, zig-zagging paths. All our feedback from these trips has been excellent, this area is a must for the serious mountain walker.
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Morocco The High Atlas of Morocco has been a popular destination for years especially
as it can be combined with the uniquely exotic Marrakech. We are keen to offer
you our Moroccan trips because of the wonderful group of Berber guides and
staff we have based in Marrakech. They will delight in introducing you to their
cuisine and the Berber way of life. We have added 3 trips to areas that are more off the beaten track, the Mgoun-Toubkal trip combines the ascent of the highest summit of North Africa (Jebel Toubkal, 4167m) with a trek in the much more remote Mount Mgoun area. The latter is a slightly lower summit and its ascent provides good acclimatisation for Toubkal. The Mgoun region offers wonderful opportunities to visit friendly, remote Berber communities. We also offer a desert camel trek and a superb Atlantic Ocean camel trek. details The Rwenzori The Rwenzori are an exceptional mountain range. The area has emerged from a
period of instability and corrupt mismanagement into a period when it is
possible to think about visiting the mountains again. Although it is now safe
to visit, the infrastructure of huts and trails is still poor, the level of
guiding is variable and mountain rescue structure minimal. Prices are high and
funds are still being misappropriated by local monopolies. We do however have some excellent contacts in the area who will do their utmost to provide you with the best possible services under prevailing conditions. details Georgia and Tuva These areas were visited by our groups in the past but we stopped running trips
to them for a variety of reasons. We are now happy to resume offering services
here:Georgia offers stunning trekking in some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Treks are combined with visits to some of the numerous cultural monuments that are found here, in one of the world's first Christian countries. details The unique Russian republic of Tuva in the centre of the Asian continent is back on our programme list for 2006. details Other NewsAzores - there are now weekly flights, every Tuesday, from London to Sao Miguel. detailsElbrus - we have maintained our high success rate on Elbrus and we are planning to continue running our trips here in 2006 without any major changes. details Tanzania - we are opening a new lodge on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater which will add considerably to the flexibility of running our Safari Programmes. More information on this will be available in February 2006. details Latest Programmes - list of all scheduled programmes and departure dates and their prices. |
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Our routes pass through areas free from ski systems with the associated tourist
developments and environmental damage. The Gran Paradiso is in fact one of the
most strictly controlled and carefully preserved National Parks in the Alps.
The route includes a variety of terrain with some high passes (up to 3000m),
forested valleys, lakes and alpine pastures rich in wildlife. The area is
particularly renowned for the King Ibex that has proliferated and survived here
since king Vittorio Emanuele created a hunting reserve. At the same time he
also established many excellent paths to allow access to the area and to some
of his hunting lodges (Casa di Caccia). On several of the days you will see
more ibex and chamois than other people during the trek. 
Gran Paradiso itself is accessible to strong mountain walkers with ski poles
(or ice axe) and crampons and it is the easiest 4000m summit in the Alps
(excluding the Breithorn which uses cable cars most of the way).
A system of mountain lodges 'rifugios', manned by welcoming local people offer
accommodation in either small rooms or occasionally in mixed dormitory; only a
sleeping sheets are needed, blankets are provided. The lodges are all clean and
have indoor toilets and wash rooms. Most provide hot showers. Several nights
are spent in simple (* or **) hotels.
We offer two trips: an 8 day trip that includes an ascent of Gran Paradiso and
the Grand Traverse of this majestic massif.