DESTINATIONS ALTERNATIVE OUTDOORS | ACTIVE & ADVENTURE 3 CYCLE THE SILK ROAD


The Silk Road has inched its way onto the agenda in recent years and at its heart is Kazakhstan, where 7,000m-high mountain peaks, huge sand deserts and verdant farming villages form a backdrop for off-the-beaten-track hiking and biking. For those serious about the latter, suggest KE Adventure Travel’s 11-day Cycling in Kazakhstan trip, which takes guests pedalling through the Bogutti Mountains, the Charyn Canyon and the Altyn-Emel National Park – a desert of colourful sandstone formations, known for its soaring Singing Sand Dune. But it’s not only about the scenery. Cultural highlights include staying one


night in a yurt camp (pictured) and sharing tea with nomadic shepherds. Book it: From £2,545 including guide, all meals, accommodation and flights. keadventure.com


SADDLE UP IN CANADA


Canada’s landscapes need little preface, but for adventurous types wanting to explore them in a different way while avoiding the crowds of the national parks, look to the country’s ranches. These working farms aren’t only for horse riding pros, with many offering riding for beginners, while other activities give guests a chance to get involved with the workings of the land. Specialist operator Ranch Rider recommends La Reata Ranch (pictured) in Saskatchewan for an especially tranquil retreat, with lessons for all levels available alongside other activities such as sorting calves and moving the herd,


fishing and boating on the lake. Book it: Seven nights at La Reata Ranch costs from £995 based on two sharing, including ranch activities. ranchrider.com


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RAFT YOUR WAY THROUGH SLOVENIA


Slovenia’s reputation as an outdoor adventure hub is growing, and not only because of its winter sports. For a memorable way to experience its landscapes, suggest rafting the rapids of the Soca River (pictured) – a wild, frothing plume of aquamarine that rushes down from the Julian Alps against a backdrop of mountains and forests – or abseiling the falls of the Susec canyon, as huge, frothing torrents rush over your head. Exodus Travels combines both with white-water kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, ziplining and other adventures on an eight-day Mixed Activity trip that’s tailor-made


for customers seeking an adrenaline rush. Book it: From £1,299 including accommodation, some meals, guide, equipment and flights. exodus.co.uk


² travelweekly.co.uk 16 JULY 2020 25


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