Issue 144: Hajar Mountains

Plus: Orangutan trekking, Bivacco Gervasutti and more.

Author

Amanda Zeisset
May 24, 2024

 

ISSUE 144

 

 

In partnership with

This week’s issue is sponsored by Surf Shark. Enjoy secure online adventures with 24/7 privacy protection.

 

 

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

  • Wildlife Encounters: Orangutan Trekking in Sumatra

  • Hiking: Traverse of the Western Hajar Mountains

  • Stays: Bivacco Gervasutti

 

 

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Orangutan Trekking in Sumatra

Sumatra is home to one of the last strongholds of wild orangutans. Here and Borneo are the last places you can see these captivating primates in their natural habitat.

Following a local guide, trekkers set off from the small riverside village of Bukit Lawang and venture into the rainforests of Gunung Leuser National Park in hopes of observing semi-wild and wild Sumatran orangutans.

Swinging through the trees or tenderly caring for their young, orangutans offer a mesmerizing glimpse into their lives. They are arguably the most intelligent of the great apes and sharing a moment with them in the wild is a special experience.

Explore more:

 

 

TOGETHER WITH SURFSHARK

Travel Without Worries

Setting off on adventures comes with inherent risks. Twisting an ankle while hiking in the Himalayas or getting stung by a poisonous fish while scuba diving in a remote atoll in the Indian Ocean are the obvious ones. 

But what about the risks we don’t often consider, like exposing your privacy and data while surfing the internet on a public Wi-Fi network? 

Luckily, with Surfshark VPN you can explore the virtual world worry-free, no matter where your journeys lead. Their built-in alert function notifies you when your data is exposed, ensuring you stay one step ahead of potential breaches. 

In today's data-driven world, your information is valuable currency. Take control of your online privacy with Surfshark VPN today

Don't let data brokers profit off your personal information. 

 

 

HIKING

Traverse of the Western Hajar Mountains

Rising from the great central deserts of the Arabian plateau, the Hajar Mountains are one of Oman's most beautiful and remote regions.

To experience the grandeur of these mountains, take to the trails and tackle the 200-kilometer traverse that traces the spine of these ancient peaks. Following historic trading routes that have connected villages for centuries, this hike offers a unique glimpse into Arabian mountain culture.

This epic traverse can be undertaken as a sixteen-day expedition, or it can be broken up into smaller sections.

The best walking weather in Oman is from mid November to March.

Explore More:

STAYS

Bivacco Gervasutti

Perched high in the Italian Alps is a tiny capsule so isolated that few people know about it.

At 9,300 feet (2,835 meters) above sea level this hut is situated above the Frebouze Glacier and is protected by a series of waterfalls and cliffs. Which means the only way to reach it is by using cables.

It is named Bivacco Gervasutti, after the Turin-born Alpine climber Giusto Gervasutti, and replaces a modest wooden shelter built in his memory in 1948.

This space-age capsule includes living and dining areas, and two sleeping quarters that can accommodate up to 12 mountaineers.

Anyone up for tackling the challenging ascent from Val Ferret by foot is welcome to visit and stay in the bivouac.

Explore more: 

 

 

RESOURCES

What’s the best travel insurance for hiking trips?

Whether you plan on trekking to K2 basecamp, summiting remote peaks in the Andes, or tackling some of the toughest routes of the Himalayas, having insurance is always a good idea.

Even something as minor as a twisted ankle or bad stomach bug can mean real problems in remote places.

While some travel insurance policies cover hiking trips, there are limitations.

Learn how to get the right coverage for your next hiking adventure 👇

 

 

QUICK FIX

Overlanding: Winter camping in the $1.1 Million EarthRoamer SX.

Travel: Via Ferratas are finally catching on in the United States.

Life: We all know people who seem to attract fun — here’s how you can do it too.

Discovery: Hidden undersea mountains off Chile hold 100+ new species.

 

 

THE COMPASS

Where in the World

Photo: Unknown

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Guess where this pic was snapped!

Stumped? No worries. The answer is at the end of this email.

 

 

COMMUNITY

In our adventure community Summit, there’s a conversation this week about swimming with Basking Sharks.

Have you ever seen them or would like to?

Join the conversation on Summit here »

 

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If there is any period one would desire to be born in, ⎯ is it not the age of Revolution; whenthe old and the new stand side by side, and admit of being compared; when the energies of all men are searched by fear and by hope; when the historic glories of the old, can be compensated by the rich possibilities of the new era? This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

I’d love to hear what you think of this issue, scroll down to the poll to let us know.

Until next time…

Keep exploring,

-Amanda

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