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EXPEDITIONS & TOURS


2008 will be the sixth year of commercial world wide trips run by the centre, with trips aimed at adults wanting an adventure experience of a lifetime, with unrivalled personal attention to detail and supervision, from pre trip information right through to your return to the UK.

The trips have been put together by Anthony Eddies-Davies who is the Centre Owner / Head of centre since it started in 1984. Anthony has been part of, and has organised, many major expeditions all over the world during the last 15 years including world firsts, both canoeing and climbing. Anthony and his manager Bill will be leading each trip from the UK. Both have a wealth of  qualifications and expedition experience climbing, trekking, and paddling. Anthony has been a Senior Level 4 Instructor for the British Canoe Union for over 15 years, and is an Internationally recognised Instructor for ‘Rescue 3 International’ and certified to teach the emergency services for search and rescue, due to his experience and knowledge. He is also a qualified  Emergency Medical Technician and will be equipped for the trip with satellite phone, necessary safety equipment and first aid supplies for all of the group.

In addition to the itineraries listed below the centre specialises in arranging worldwide expeditions for groups, tailored to your needs. We can organise your flight, insurance, transportation, accommodation, itinerary and all of your equipment - you just need to come along for the adventure!! 

HIMALAYAN EXPEDITIONS

 We have been going to Nepal since 1991, trekking, climbing and paddling across the Himalayas. These trips are in partnership with ‘Equator Expeditions’, who are the market leaders and pioneers of commercial trips in Nepal. Equator is run by Anthony’s friends Gerry Moffatt, who ensures high standards required by western clients, together with Mahindra Thapa, who with his Nepalese family and guides, ensures first hand knowledge of Nepal making this a most exciting experience. Anthony first met Gerry and Mahindra in 1995 and was so impressed by the quality of their trips that they were his first choice to run the programs with him. This friendship has led to an increase in the number of trips and a choice of exciting itineraries. The centre also now runs a staff exchange between the UK and their friends in Nepal to forge even greater links with the country.  

 

Sun Kosi Expedition & Kayak School   

 November 2008

This trip is aimed at offering a real multi day expedition experience through the heart of Nepal . Known by the Nepalese as the ‘ River Of Gold ’ the Sun Kosi starts near the Tibetan border and travels right through the heart of Nepal to the confluence with the Ganges . Described as one of the best rafting trips in the world, with big rapids, warm water, beautiful scenery, a fine ‘jungle corridor’, and great camping.

 The river starts at about 100 cumecs flow and by the ‘jungle corridor’ reaches 400 cumecs  ( equivalent to the Grand Canyon-Colorado), and reaches a flow of 800 cumecs by the end of the trip. The river takes the form of flat sections in between the rapids, which allows time to relax and take in the local villages and scenery and pick and choose which sections you wish to run.

 The trip caters for all abilities from those purely wishing to experience the thrills of white water rafting, to the experienced kayaker wanting to paddle with full raft support allowing empty kayaks and loads of great river features to play on.

 Unique to this trip we also offer a kayak school. Designed for those with no experience right through to advance we can teach you all you need to know to enjoy the thrills of this sport. With the ability to pick and choose the sections of river to paddle based on how confident you are, and the option to raft any sections you choose not to paddle by loading the kayaks and jumping into a raft.

With our highly experienced, qualified coaches along side you on the river we will build your ability and confidence along the journey.

Click here for the full trip itinerary & prices. 

 

  SCHOOL PROJECT NEPAL 2008

Project start date 29th July – 9th August 2008

The Old Vicarage Adventure Centre makes a real effort wherever we go to give something back to the people who host us on our adventures. With our Nepal expeditions, our deliberate policy has always been to employ local porters, and to support local education and health initiatives hand-in-hand with local community leaders.  

This trip manages to take things further, creating an opportunity for you to participate in the much needed work of a local community project. By participating you will be enriching the lives of the local community and children who live in this beautiful, but poor region of the Himalayas.   

Our project site is located in the BhoteKoshiriverValley which carves a path from Tibet through the mighty Himalayas. Our project mission will include building and refurbishment work at the SukutePrimary School which teaches some of the poorest cummunities of Nepal. The main goal will be to build a new classroom for the school to provide them with much needed extra space, and improving existing facilities.

  Base camp is located at Sukute river camp a one hour trek from project sight. Sukute provides an ideal camp with comfortable facilities for the project team after a long day of work. This will be our home for the duration of the project work.  

In between project days there will be the opportunity to have some fun white water rafting the rivers next to the camp, and after leaving the project we will tour some beautiful areas around the Kathmandu valley to spend a few nights seeing the highlights around the capitol and its surrounding villages.  

This trip will involve some very rewarding physical work combined with some adventure and excitement, and will require you to work in some poor communities. The weather will not always be at its best as it is towards the end of the monsoon period, but we run this project at this time to keep all expenses down for each person and put more into funding the work. It is by no means a luxury holiday, but certainly will be a trip with memories of a lifetime.

 Please click here for full details.

 

 BHUTAN – ‘Land of the Thunder dragon’.

5th –13th April 2009   

The Kingdom of Bhutan – the last Shangri-La - is a mystical land tucked away in the high Himalaya where time stands still. It is the last remaining Buddhist kingdom on earth, and even in the 21st century virtually undiscovered by western explorers. In order to protect this breathtaking landscape, culture, and simple way of life, a highly successful policy of ‘restricted’ tourism has been initiated. Against this backdrop of isolation, a unique culture has evolved. So for centuries, Bhutan has remained hidden from the outside world and isolated from western influence. Until now…   

In November 2006 as part of an international team with The Discovery Channel the centre owner, Anthony, completed the first descent of the Mangde Chu river in the Manas region of the country and in doing so had unrestricted access to parts of the country never before explored. Anthony will be working with Ugyen Dorjie, local expert, and guide from the 2006 expedition who has been involved in adventure travel for over a decade and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. As we travel across Bhutan, Ugyen will introduce us to many Bhutanese customs and points of interest, including exploring castles, monasteries, hidden hamlets and even a lesson in archery, Bhutan’s national sport. Not to mention the opportunity to mountain bike from high Himalayan passes, trek to hidden areas and descend some of the finest white water in the world as we travel on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the last remaining Buddhist Kingdom.

Click here for full itinerary & prices.

 

THE MIGHTY GRAND CANYON

August 2008

Reputed to be the best wilderness trip available and one of the rarest trips to be able to run, this multi-day self supported expedition takes you down the most famous canyon in the world. With dates available for 2008 this trip is open to experienced kayakers or people wanting to raft on this world class white water run. Watch this space or contact the centre for more details.

Click here for further details

 

  ADVENTURE NEPAL 

This itinerary has been designed to show you the very best of Nepal . A trek with great Himalayan views, white water rafting through remote villages, then finally finishing with a safari experience in the south of the country. Stunning scenery and some amazing people will add to the truly memorable experiences on this trip. Ininerary includes:

 Poon Hill Trek (pilgrims trail)  - This is a moderate grade trek in the foothills of the Annurpurna range, but offers fantastic views of the mountains and glimpses of traditional village life. Porters will help with our loads as we go at a leisurely pace throughout the trekking route. The highlight of this trek is the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill (3000m) arguably one of the best in Nepal . We then trek down the Kali Gandaki river banks, the deepest gorge in the world to the start point of the rafting.

Kali Gandaki River  - The river begins its journey in the Tibetan Plateau, plunging its way down through the Himalayas , carving the deepest gorge in the world between two 8000m peaks Dhaulagiri and Annurpurna. The river was first opened to commercial use in 1991 after exploration by Anthony's friends at Equator Expeditions. This 60 km stretch of class 3/4 river combines big volume rapids with quiet flat sections of water through lush scenery, cascading waterfalls and local villages, so there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the mountain backdrop between rapids and gain a healthy tan after the previous days trekking. Each night is spent camped on the river bank where all of us help with the camp set up and assisting the Nepalese guides to chop the great fresh food and sip rum punches!! The rafting is suitable for anyone, no previous experience required. 

CHITWAN NATIONAL GAME RESERVE (Optional - see itinerary) - After the work out from the trek, we then head for a trip that most don’t associate with Nepal . We spend 3 days at the Jungle Lodge deep in the Royal National Park, surrounded with a complete contrast in scenery to the previous parts of the trip and the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife from Royal Bengal tigers, crocodiles and rhinos, all from the back of an elephant, or even stalking some on foot if you have still got some drive for more adrenaline. With a well stocked bar, hearty continental & Nepalese food and plenty of time to relax and talk about tales of the trek or white water terror!  Please contact the centre for the next trip details.

  

 Mountaineering School 

Dates in October & November 2008  

Maybe you've managed a trek or dreamt of looking at a 360* view of mountains. These courses are designed to teach the complete climbing novice all the necessary skills to be part of a team and summit a 6000m himalayan peak. After 5 days training and acclimatising in the best training grounds in the world we reserve two days to summit your first 6000 metre peak under the full supervision of an experienced team. The view from the summit is something you will never forget! Contact the centre for details. If you want more information on this exciting course, please contact the centre.

 

ECUADOR

This beatiful South American country has it all - Jungles, snow capped volcanoes, wonderful coast line and fabulous people. 2008 /2009 sees the centre offering a range of trips including horse riding holidays, kayaking tours and more. Watch this space OR GIVE US A CALL !!

  

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE CENTRE.

 

 



View of mountain top at sunset Picture of group celebrating at top of mountainPicture of group with elephantsPicture of lone mountaineer in the snowPicture of walkers with mountains beyondPicture of group on river rafting

The Old Vicarage Adventure Centre, Stottesdon, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY14 8UH Tel: 01746 718436
Email: enquiries@ovac.co.uk
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