Last month's photo ultimately proved too challenging, and we never got a winner! Although certainly shot from an uncommon angle, those are the Swiss Alps profiled in the background.
This month we thought we would go a bit easier on you: be the first to submit the name of the city featured in photographer Adam Vaught's picture to editor@travelofftheradar.com and we'll reward you with a great gift from Eagle Creek.
Where Was This Photo Taken?
808 Juniper Drive,
Sante Fe, NM 87501
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Visit Nepal this year and make sure to enjoy some of Kathmandu’s delightful absurdity on your way to the mountains. In January 2007, I joined one of Effie Fletcher’s Himalayan High Treks guides, Amber Tamang, for a personalized tour of the historic city and its surrounding areas.
Call Effie for custom trips in Nepal, or join her team on one of their scheduled departures. Novice trekkers will enjoy both the hubbub of Kathmandu, as well as the sheer drama of Everest on the “Essential Everest” trip this October. You will walk through blue pine and rhododendron forests on your way to incredible mountain views. Savor the clean air, the natural beauty and sleep in comfortable guest-houses with hot water and meals.
In Kathmandu, take time to stroll the chaotic and historic World Heritage Site Durbar Square. We made our way through the area’s narrow streets teeming with vendors, their baskets filled to overflowing with everything from carrots and grapes to soap, while vehicles of every shape and size - rickshaws, cars, bicycles - clamored for position amongst the local kids and hipsters, tourists, and dogs.
Trip Cost: Varies according to customization
Contact: 800-455-8735; effie@hightreks.com
Wrap yourself in the rich, ancient mythology of the Persians when you join friend Gordon Janow’s Alpine Ascents team for a cultural trek or climb through the Alborz Range in Iran this year.
One of the historic legends of Mount Damavand in the Alborz tells the story of the three-headed dragon Aži Dahāka, said by ancient Persians to lie within this dormant volcano, waiting until the end of the world to emerge. Modern writers refer to the famous Mount Damavand in gentler terms, speaking of it as a “true and reliable friend” bearing all against the changing winds of history and ideology.
Whatever form Damavand takes in your imagination, however, there’s no doubt that from the nights you spend camping with the shepherds in the grassy valleys, to the days you spend exploring the remote mountain villages, you’ll find yourself enveloped in the remarkable culture of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations.
Depending on the season Damavand can be a moderately technical, glaciated climb, requiring climbers with a good comfort level on crampons. In the summer months, however, it’s viewed as a non-technical climb easily attempted by novice climbers and trekkers.
Trip Cost: Approximately $3000
Contact: (206) 378-1927; gjanow@alpineascents.com
With a philosophy similar to Off the Radar, Elayne Chow and Carolyn Rumbarger founded Graceful Edge to give you their top picks in outdoor and adventure gear, clothing and activities. This well-researched site provides inspiration for outdoor adventure enthusiasts who want to make the most of their local city. Visit their website for city-specific inspiration. |
