Swiss Alps Hike (October 9–15, 2010)

Join members of the OBI Board for a hike on the central section of the Alpine Pass Route. Our plan is to hike from Engelberg to Murren over a 5 day period.

Each day can be customized to make it easier, if desired, by taking trains or lifts. Accommodation will be in comfortable hotels in the villages we pass through.

The variety of scenery first day is impressive, traversing beautiful glaciated valleys, passing idyllic lakes, taking lunch at a mountain hut and seeing the mighty peaks of the Bernese Alps; the Eiger, Jungfrau, Monch and Wetterhorn.

This expedition is being run on an expense sharing basis with no formal leadership from OBI. Those invited are supporters of OBI and their colleagues.

Brochure | Application

Galapagos Islands Expedition

Come and visit this window into the past where strange species flourish on remote islands surrounded by water, protected by wind, distance and ocean currents.

Come relive the journey that inspired Darwin to a place that time seems to have forgotten. Visit this little world within itself on foot, by boat and in the water. Swim and snorkel the turquoise waters amongst brightly colored fish, rays and sea turtles. Laugh at the antics of the curious sea lions while they frolic in the surf with their pups and delight when they decide they want to play around you. Maybe catch sight of a Manta ray or a pod of Orcas from the bow of your boat. View Marine Iguanas or a Night Heron on the lava rocks or enjoy the dancing blue footed boobies on the beach.

Our itinerary takes us to three main islands where you'll encounter a wealth of wildlife and different ecosystems. We walk and snorkel where other, more intrusive modes of transport would not take us, and we are rewarded by not only what we see but by the thrill and satisfaction of getting there. The Galapagos is an interactive must see destination for young and old alike.

Oman

One of the great successes of Oman’s transition into a sophisticated country has been the preservation of the cultural and traditional elements that make it distinct from any other country in the region. It is this distinctive culture, together with a varied landscape that now increasingly draws discerning travelers from around the world. Oman has 1,700 km of coastline, mountains that reach 9,000 feet altitude, green frankincense forest caressed by the summer monsoon and the world’s largest sand desert, the Rub Al Khali, or Empty Quarter, spills over the border from Saudi Arabia.

Led by senior Outward Bound Oman staff, we will journey south from the capital city of Muscat to the Sharqiya (Eastern) Sands, a sea of sand the size of New Jersey. Leaving the relative luxury of our desert camp, we will spend three days, moving slowly on foot and by camel through the sands where, in the company of our Bedouin guides and camel handlers we will have the opportunity to learn about this rich culture. The journey will be conducted at a slow pace, with regular breaks for Arabic coffee and dates. We will visit Bedouin camps, and for three days you will live the simple life the Bedu.

OBI Board member Peter Britton has been a long time supporter of Outward Bound in the Middle East and he has designed this expedition to support the launch of the first Outward Bound School in the region.

Brochure from Past Expedition

Kilimanjaro

Join Outward Bound International on our most popular Guest Expedition and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. The expedition begins with your flight into Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania just minutes from the trailhead. Two nights in a luxury hotel and a 1-day safari, get you rested for the 6 day climb.

The itinerary is designed to give ample time for acclimatization and maximize the chance reaching the summit and enjoying the experience! We take “the route less travelled” for two days, missing most of the crowds. At the Barafu high camp (15,100’) we take a full day of rest and acclimatization, while other parties gasp past. Our climb to the 19,330’ summit begins in the middle of night so we arrive on top for sunset and great views from one of the “Seven Summits”.

Ian Wade, Executive Director of Outward Bound International, will accompany the expedition. Ian has climbed Kilimanjaro sixteen times, leading Outward Bound groups. He is past President of the American Mountain Guides Association and an Everest summit climber.

Kilimanjaro expeditions are best arranged in the dry season (mid-November – mid-March or mid-May to September). Many climbers have arranged a safari afterwards to such amazing parks as Serengeti or Ngorongoro. Stays can be arranged in luxury hotels or tent camps. Other places to relax are Zanzibar (a 45-minute flight from Kilimanjaro) or even the Seychelles.

Brochure from Past Expedition

Amazon Expedition

Few places on the planet have escaped the touch of man but Ecuador offers a country lush in nature’s gifts like the Enchanting Wilderness of the Amazon Rainforest. Outward Bound Ecuador and OBI have designed the ideal adventure for your family and friends. Travel down rivers into the Amazon wilderness area, where both shores are covered in the magnificent tangle of vegetation at the water’s edge and the opportunities to visit with some of the most spectacular and exotic wildlife in the world exists. From Pumas to Howler Monkeys, Pink Dolphins to Piranha. Watch as the confluence of the cappuccino and espresso colored waters churn together into what is the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest and find out that this once in a lifetime adventure is the perfect way to view the Amazon rain forest and gain hands on perspective to this unique ecology.

Brochure from Past Expedition

Costa Rica

The Costa Rica Outward Bound School operates in very diverse terrain that is easily accessible from San Jose. Expeditions can be customized for 4 – 14 days and include any of the following activities: -

• Hike miles up majestic mountains and through exquisite cloud and rainforests surrounded by exotic plants and animals. Discover the complex ecosystem of Costa Rica. See monkeys, sloths, parrots and maybe even the endangered tepezquintle.
• Stay with local families in villages deep in the rainforest and get a rich taste of a different culture and lifestyle.
• Explore the summit of an active volcano, raft down class III/IV rapids and bike on trails that slice through dense tropical forests.
• Visit natural hot springs and glide through the trees high above the canopy floor on zip-lines.
• Explore isolated tropical islands and white, sandy coves while kayaking through the warm waters of the Pacific.
• Perform a service project before leaving that will allow you the opportunity to be actively involved in preserving the rainforest and the culture that depends upon it.

Alternatively expeditions can be organized to Cuba where caving and sea kayaking complement discovery of an unfamiliar culture. Or Panama where sailing, snorkeling or scuba diving from the Bocas del Toro archipelago will offer remarkable experiences.

Past Expedition Brochures
Rainforest Expedition	Multi-Element Expedition	Cuba Expedition	Panama Expedition

Bhutan

Along the lofty ridges of the Himalayas, cradled between Tibet and India, lies the Kingdom of Bhutan, a place that has for centuries remained blissfully untouched by the rest of the world. With very few visitors entering the country, Bhutan’s landscape has remained pristine, the rivers are pure, and the mountains are magical. On our trek through this modern-day Shangri-La we pass through scattered hamlets and farmland, into a deep and richly forested valley, and to high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. We meet welcoming local people, red-robed lamas, and nomadic yak herders as we learn about the Bhutanese way of life and gaze in awe at 25,000’ Chomolhari and spectacular nearby mountains.

Brochure from Past Expedition

Taseko River, BC

The world class whitewater of the Taseko and Chilko are teeming with wildlife. There is an extraordinary salmon run which attracts hundreds of bald eagles, and the occasional bear sighting. Big horn sheep and deer frequent the area. Flowing east from the glaciated peaks of the Coast Mountain Range these grade I-IV rivers cut through the cowboy country of the Chilcotin, to join the Mighty Fraser River on its’ journey to the Pacific Ocean. Fly by float plane to Taseko Lake over the glaciated Coast Range. Learn your paddle rafting skills as you proceed down the Taseko for 4 days and finish with a one-day run of the spectacular Chilko river before flying home from Chilko Lake Lodge.

Brochure from Past Expedition

Silk Road Journey

The Silk Road is the most historically important trade routes between China and the West. It cuts through Xinjiang passing the foot of Tien Shan and Kunlun Mountains and around the Taklimankan Desert. The expedition brings you back to the ancient time when the trading teams crossed the desert with the camels in the Hotan area. You will participate in a long journey in the desert passing through villages and spending nights on the vast sand dunes. After a number of challenging activities in the ancient city of Kashgar, you will trek in the Pamirs Plateau over 3,500 meters, camp near the alpine lakes, and visit the nomadic people in Pamirs during a multi day expedition under the snow-capped of Mt. Muztagh Ata. You will also participate in a community service project that will let you experience the joy of caring and sharing.

Brochure from Past Expedition

Scotland

This is a hotel based hiking journey touching some of the lesser known but amazingly scenic parts of the Scottish Highlands. Places may include: -

• High level walk to Ben Hope, 927m – the most northerly peak on the British mainland
• A low-level walk to the lighthouse at Cape Wrath, the most northwesterly landfall on the mainland.
• A short walk to spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge. Climb in the Isle of Skye of Bruach na Frithe, one of the peaks on the mighty Cuillin ridge.
• A high-speed RIB/zodiac boat to the Hebridean islands of Eigg, Rum and Canna.
• An ascent of Ben Nevis, 1344m, Britain’s highest mountain.

Brochure from Past Expedition

Spain

This pilgrimage hike is an experience for all to enjoy - those who wish to explore a spiritual journey, or those who simply want to journey along a well trodden path. Since the time of Christ thousands of pilgrims seek to walk this magical route. Some famous names, such as Carlos Magno, El Cid, San Francisco of Assissi, Fernán de Aragão and Isabel de Castella, have crossed this route and left their names in the journal of history. For a week wander from town to village along this ancient path ending in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela a week later.

Brochure from Past Expedition

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Outward Bound Guest Expedition Experience?
• What are Guest Expeditions?
• How do Guest Expeditions support OBI financially?
• Why Support Outward Bound International?
• How do I contact Outward Bound?
• The Expedition You'd Like is not Listed Here?

What is the Outward Bound Guest Expedition Experience?

Outward Bound programs around the world help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them by engaging in challenging experiences, in new environments.

Outward Bound International (OBI) Guest Expeditions offer adventure and renewal with congenial companions while supporting the worldwide Outward Bound mission. Our programs are conducted by the 35 licensed Outward Bound Centers or carefully selected outfitters.

What are Guest Expeditions?

Guest Expeditions are journeys to exotic locales with a special purpose: to promote the understanding of the mission and programs of Outward Bound, to build support for the work of OBI, and to provide a "taste" of the programs in a unique and meaningful way. By utilizing the staff of the global network of Outward Bound, OBI is able to offer a personal experience of Outward Bound and provide a forum for sharing ideas and culture between board members, their colleagues and friends worldwide. With Outward Bound schools on six continents, we are able to offer a variety of adventures.

How do Guest Expeditions support OBI financially?

Part of the cost of Guest Expeditions is a tax-deductible contribution (usually about US$1,500) to OBI. The total cost is often similar to a commercial expedition. The contribution may be shared with the inviting board member's own Outward Bound school.

Why Support Outward Bound International?

OBI licenses and supports Outward Bound schools starting in new countries (10 are currently in progress). OBI also strives to enhance the quality of existing Outward Bound educational services through various audit and best practice programs.

As a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, OBI relies on donations to conduct much of our work. What better way to support our cause and deepen your understanding and experience of the benefits of Outward Bound programs than to join us on a Guest Expedition?

How do I contact Outward Bound?

Please Contact:
Expedition Director
Outward Bound International
1914 East 9400 South
Suite 104
Sandy, Salt Lake City UT 84093-3002 USA
Business: 1 801 733 1248
Mobile: 1 801 560 1287
Fax: 1 775 249 9766
Email: expeditions@outwardbound.net

The Expedition You'd Like is not Listed Here?

The list of potential expeditions could be extended indefinitely! The key factor to the trip being a success is the enthusiasm of one or two people to "host" the expedition and recruit friends and colleagues. Let us know where you've always wanted to go, and we'll make it happen!

Please contact: expeditions@outwardbound.net