THE OLD VICARAGE ADVENTURE CENTRE
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.
This trip is aimed at offering a real multi day expedition experience through the heart of
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Email: enquiries@ovac.co.uk