About us
This is an adventure travel group for men and women who have been there, done that, but their lust has still not been satiated and they want more. You have probably already been to see the Midnight Sun, swam with the dolphins in California , done the tour around Cambodia or Lebanon, climbed Kilimanjaro, been to the Everest base camp or even done the Machu Picchu and are now wondering what next?
Ekzoitika is Esperanto for exotic, the main objective of this group is to seek out unique travel experiences, far from the madding crowds, in places that are not on the popular tourist circuit.
There will be one or two featured trips ever year for small groups of 6-8 people, in far flung places, in relatively unexplored areas. The trips may be hiking, four-wheel driving, motorcycle trips, trains, ships or any other mode of transport. The only thing common about these places would be that there will not be hordes of tour companies taking bus load of people to these areas every week.
Eight of us have just returned from a trip to the flooded forest in the Brazilian Amazon, 420 miles from Manaus, spending most of our times in canoes going deep into the jungle.
Other trips that are on the cards include:
• The unexplored Himalayas: Walking to the source of the Ganges
• To the top of the world : From Kathmandu to Lhasa by Road
• The explosive experience : Exploring the Volcanoes of Java
• The Simple Life : Papua New Guinea
• Meeting our Ancestors : See the Gorillas before they disappear
• The Silk Road : Through the Heart of Asia to Mongolia
• The untamed world : To the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert
• To the end of the World : A is for Antarctica
These trips will be mostly self-guided tours, with a lot of prior, pre-planning. We will use local tour companies and tour guides where appropriate but will avoid the more commercial ones like Exodus or similar, with the objective of making these a little easier on the pocket.
Over the next 4-5 years we hope to cover many of the ones listed above. People interested would need to commit to the trips 6-12 months in advance.
In addition to the featured trips, the group will provide a forum to exchange information, find travel partners and for people to share experiences. Members of the group will be encouraged to set-up their own meet-ups, which may include talks, exhibitions, book launches, or social evenings all broadly related to the groups travel objectives. Members interested in organising their own trips will also be welcome to do that, provided they are consistent with the objectives and guidelines of the group.
While anyone is welcome to join the group, featured trips will be designed for active people who can handle a little rough travel in the wilderness, the target age group is 30 to 55, younger or older people who are comfortable with people in this age group will also be welcome.
The trips will be mid-budget range and the not the rock bottom, low budget, sleeping in park bench type. Accommodation will vary from basic hotels or even camping with a day of two of luxury thrown into the mix. It will depend on the nature of the trip.
Please note, this group is not associated with any tours or travel company. It is a social, community group set-up to bring together like minded people to plan trips together.
Featured event
RWANDA - LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS
Experience an unforgettable Backabush journey through Rwanda’s lush rainforests, scenic lakes, and dramatic volcanic landscapes!
An optional mountain gorilla trekking experience is available for those who want a truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
We’re collaborating with a well-established and highly regarded local operator known for providing outstanding outdoor adventure experiences in Rwanda.
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/313447884/
Upcoming events
9
- £1,199.00
KAZAKHSTAN: MOUNTAINS, STEPPES & CANYONS (13-21 JUNE)
Almaty, Almaty, Zheltoksan Street 121, KZNow just one male twin share place available! Please RSVP on the main trip page here (add yourself the waitlist there) and contact the organiser if interested in joining.
Let's discover the wild beauty of Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s hidden gem and land of the great steppe!
Nights - 8. Cost - £1199. Group size - 16. Accommodation: twin share - 5 nights in hotels/guesthouses, 3 nights camping in comfortable twin share tents.
Join us on an epic adventure through the wild heart of south-eastern Kazakhstan, where glaciers, waterfalls, steppes, alpine lakes, and canyons await.
Starting from the vibrant city of Almaty, we venture into the Northern Tien Shan foothills, reaching the Talgarsky Pass and the stunning Bogdanovich Glacier, offering sweeping views of snow-capped peaks.
Next, we descend into the cool, green forests of Turgen Gorge to camp under the stars. From here, we hike to the powerful Kairak Waterfall and cross the vast Assy Plateau, a highland steppe where nomadic traditions still live on and traces of ancient Scythian culture can be found.
Heading south, we explore the spectacular Charyn Canyon, where colourful canyons and wind-sculpted formations contrast with the lush mountains. We’ll hike through the iconic Valley of Castles, known for its towering red sandstone formations.
Further south, we discover the enchanting Kolsai Lakes—blue alpine gems surrounded by fir trees and rugged ridges. Nearby, we visit Kaindy Lake, famous for its eerie submerged forest, where tree trunks rise from the water.
Our journey concludes with a hike in the rugged Bestamak Canyon, followed by some well-deserved relaxation at a spa guesthouse with natural thermal pools before returning to Almaty.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation on this trip will be a combination of twin share rooms in hotels (2 nights)/ guesthouses (3 nights) and camping in comfortable twin share tents (3 nights).
DIFFICULTY:
Hikes will be moderately challenging with some significant elevation gains and this trip is therefore suitable for fit and experienced hikers. You should be comfortable walking on rough, rocky and uneven terrain and have the fitness to hike up to 6 hours per day. We will only need to carry a day pack on our hiking days.
ITINERARY:
Sat 13/06 - Arrival in Almaty: Free time to explore this vibrant city.
Sun 14/06 - Bogdanovich Glacier Hike → Turgen Gorge: Morning pick-up in Almaty. Ride the cable car from Medeo to Shymbulak and up to Talgarsky Pass (3,000 m). Hike to Bogdanovich Glacier (5 hrs round-trip, max altitude 3,500 m) with a picnic lunch at the glacier. Return via cable car and drive to Turgen Gorge (2 hrs). Overnight at Trekking Club camp (1,600 m) with dinner.
Mon 15/06 - Off-road Adventure on Assy Plateau: After breakfast, set out by 4x4 across the Assy Plateau — vast alpine pastures with views of snow-capped peaks, grazing herds, and nomadic yurts. Stops include ancient Scythian burial mounds, Bronze Age petroglyphs, and a visit to the Assy Observatory. Picnic lunch en route. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Tue 16/06 - Hike to Kairak Waterfall: Scenic hike to Kairak Waterfall (8 km, ~5 hrs round-trip) — the tallest in the region (70 m), flowing year-round. The trail passes through alpine meadows and spruce forests, with great views along the way. Return to camp, dinner and relaxation.
Wed 17/06 - Charyn Canyon → Kolsai National Park: Transfer to Charyn Canyon and hike the Valley of Castles (2 hrs), known for its red rock towers and canyon walls. Enjoy a picnic lunch under ancient Sogdian ash trees. Continue to Kolsai National Park and check in at a cozy guesthouse. Dinner and overnight in the village.
Thu 18/06 - Hike from Kolsai Lake 1 to Lake 2: Drive to Lake 1 and start the hike to Kolsai Lake 2 (6 hrs round-trip). Follow a mountain trail through forests and alpine meadows with a scenic picnic at Lake 2.
Return to Lake 1 and transfer back to the guesthouse. Dinner and overnight stay.Fri 19/06 - Kaindy Lake → Bestamak Canyon → Chunja: Morning visit to Kaindy Lake — known for its submerged forest. Hike the lakeside trail (~2 hrs). Lunch in Saty village. Afternoon hike in Bestamak Canyon (2–2.5 hrs), a lesser-known area with colorful rock formations and views of the Charyn River. Evening transfer to Chunja and check in to a guesthouse with natural thermal pools. Overnight at the hot springs.
Sat 20/06 - Relax at Chunja → Return to Almaty: Enjoy a relaxed morning soaking in the thermal pools. Check out around 11:00 and begin the drive back to Almaty (4.5 hrs), stopping for lunch at a local café. Arrival in Almaty in the afternoon.
Sun 21/06 - Trip finishes in Almaty
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Accommodation: 8 nights accommodation in twin share rooms (2 nights hotel, 3 nights guesthouses and 3 nights in comfortable twin share tents.
- Meals: 7 lunches, 5 dinners, 8 breakfasts - Drinking water: 1 litre per person per day (day 2-8)
- All transfers according to the itinerary (comfortable minibus with air conditioning)
- SUVs for Assy jeep-tour and full-day excursion
- English-speaking guide from day 2-8
- 1 Epic Adventure Club trip leader
- Cable car tickets Medeo – Talgarsky Pass and back
- SUV taxi to Kaindy Lake
- All guided hikes: Bogdanovich glacier, Kairak waterfall, Charyn, Kaindy, Kolsai Lakes, Bestamak canyon
- All National Parks/reserves permits and entrance fees: Ile-Alatau, Charyn both sides, Kolsai, Kaindy
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights (see below)
- Airport transfers (it will be easy to take a taxi to/from our hotel in Almaty and we will help to coordinate taxi sharing for those arriving/leaving on the same flights)
- Any other meals not specified
- Travel Insurance
FLIGHTS:
Please note that although the trip starts in Almaty on Saturday 13 June, we recommend booking the direct overnight outbound flight with Air Astana leaving on Friday evening 12 June.
See here the recommended flights with Air Astana:
Outbound Friday 12 June:
Air Astana KC664
Departs 19:00 LHR London Heathrow
Arrives 07:20 (+1) ALA AlmatyInbound Sunday 21 June:
Air Astana KC663
Departs 11:15 ALA Almaty
Arrives 16:45 LHR London HeathrowOther airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa offer connecting flights to Almaty.
If you decide to book different flights you can meet the group at the hotel in Almaty on Saturday 13 June.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
The trip cost is £1199. To confirm your place a £299 deposit is required. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip.
The remainder is to be paid as follows:
£300 by 13/09/25
£300 by 13/12/25
£300 by 13/03/26It is of course also possible to pay in one go or in fewer instalments if preferred.
Please send all payments through online banking and use KAZAKHSTAN 1 as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
These Terms and Conditions apply to all trip reservations.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.
16 attendees - £849.00
RING OF THE PICOS TREKKING ADVENTURE, SPAIN (18-24 JULY)
Bilbao Airport, Bilbao, ESJoin us for an epic hut-to-hut trekking adventure in the breathtaking Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain! 🏔️🥾
Please sign up on our main trip page here.
This trip is run in partnership with a superb local operator ⭐, renowned for their expertise in hiking adventures across Spain. You’ll be guided by an experienced, certified, English-speaking local guide 🧗♂️🗺️ who knows these mountains inside out. 🏔️
Epic Adventure Club Representative:
We’re thrilled to have Laura Hill joining this trip! 🌟 With her passion for the outdoors and friendly, sociable approach 😄, she’ll help make the adventure fun, inclusive, and seamless for everyone, ensuring the group has an unforgettable experience. 🙌Duration: 6 nights
Group size: max 16
Accommodation: 2 nights in twin share rooms in a comfortable rural hotel, 4 nights in shared rooms/dorms in cosy mountain huts/hostel
Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners
Trip cost: £849Tackle an epic hut-to-hut journey through rugged limestone peaks in one of Europe’s quietest yet most spectacular mountain regions! 🏔️✨
The Picos de Europa, a hidden gem in northern Spain 🇪🇸, offer untamed landscapes far from the crowds — deep gorges, alpine meadows, and ancient woodland create a breathtaking backdrop for adventure. 🌲🌄
Over five incredible days, you’ll traverse dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and forested trails that reveal sweeping panoramas at every turn 🌿👣, with a few short, playful scrambling sections 🧗 adding to the fun.
Spend your nights in welcoming mountain refuges 🛏️, sip local cider as the sun sets 🍎🌅, and enjoy hearty Asturian and Cantabrian dishes 🥘. Keep an eye out for chamois 🐐, Griffon vultures 🦅, and other wildlife as you explore this diverse and captivating landscape.
From limestone gorges to vibrant valleys, the Ring of the Picos trek combines exhilarating adventure, stunning scenery, and authentic mountain culture into an unforgettable experience 🌟💚.
ITINERARY:
Sat 18/07 (-/-/D) – Transfer from Bilbao airport, dinner and accommodation in the picturesque Asturian town of Cangas de Onis. Briefing with the guides.
Sun 19/07 (B/-/D) – Trek from Covadonga Lakes to Mirador de Ordiales and Cotalba peak (2026m), with breath-taking views in the Western massif of the Picos de Europa, where chamois are often spotted (13 Km +950m/-650m). Dinner and accommodation at Vegarredonda refuge.
Mon 20/07 (B/-/D) – This challenging stage climbs to Collado Les Merines, crosses the rocky karst of Pozas Jou and Vega Huerta, then descends through beech forests past the Dobra River source to Vegabaño’s ancient oak. (16KM, +1000m/-1100m). Dinner and accommodation at Vegabaño refuge.
Tue 21/07 (B/-/D) – Trek from Vegabaño through the Valdeón Valley to Caín, gateway to the spectacular Cares Gorge. (17KM, +300m/-1100m). Dinner and accommodation at Albergue Diablo La Peña.
Wed 22/07 (B/-/D) – Trek through the Cares Gorge, crossing tunnels and bridges, then tackle the steep Canal de Trea to Vega de Ario, where stunning views of the central massif reward our effort.
(7KM, +1300m). Dinner and accommodation at Vega de Ario refuge.Thu 23/07 (B/-/D) – From Vega de Ario refuge to Covadonga lakes with ascent ofJultayu peak (1,940 m). (10KM. +350m/-900m). Farewell dinner and accommodation in Cangas de Onis.
Fri 24/07 (B/-/-) – Trip finish, transfer back to Bilbao airport (drop off at Santander airport also possible).
Please note that this itinerary may be altered depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
DIFFICULTY:
This hut-to-hut trek is best suited for fit and active hikers. You’ll cover 10–17 km per day (around 5–9 hours), with some steady ascents and descents over rocky terrain and a few short scrambling sections. Daily elevation gains can reach up to 1,300 m, and confidence on uneven paths and a head for heights is important. You’ll carry a backpack with your gear for the five trekking days. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the refuges, and lunch packs are available along the route.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 6 nights accommodation: 2 nights in twin share rooms in a comfortable rural hotel, 4 nights in shared rooms/dorms in mountain huts/hostel
- Meals: 6 dinners, 6 breakfasts
- 5 guided trekking days
- Local certified English speaking hiking guide and Epic Adventure Club representative
- Airport transfers from/to Bilbao
- Transport to/from the start/finish of the trek
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Any other meals not specified (picnic lunches can be purchased in the refuges or local shops)
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
FLIGHTS:
Airport transfers for this trip will be scheduled to align with the following flights:
Outbound Sat, 18 July 2026:
Vueling Airlines VY6632
09:20 LGW London Gatwick - 12:25 BIO BilbaoReturn Fri, 24 July 2026:
Vueling Airlines VY7296
14:45 BIO Bilbao - 15:40 LGW London GatwickPlease note that on the return, a drop off at Santander airport is also possible.
We highly recommend extending your stay to explore the vibrant city of Bilbao after the trip. Vueling offers direct flights to Bilbao every day and so do other airlines such as Wizzair (not every day) or Iberia (with a stopover). If you choose to book a different flight for your outbound then you will need to meet the group at Bilbao Airport on Saturday 18 July at 12:45.
HOW TO BOOK:
The trip costs £849. To secure your place, either full payment or a £299 deposit is required. RSVPing alone won’t reserve your spot.
If you’re paying in instalments, the remaining balance is due on the following dates—please kindly make a note of them in your calendar:
£275 by 30 January 2026
£275 by 30 March 2026Please make all payments via bank transfer and use 'PICOS TREK' as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003After you’ve sent your payment, just drop us an email at ingridhansen1@gmail.com so we can officially confirm your spot on the trip!
These Terms and Conditions apply to all trip bookings.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Safety is our top priority. While we avoid unnecessary risks, all outdoor activities carry a potential risk of injury or death. You should be aware of and accept these risks, as you are responsible for your own safety and should not attempt anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to ensure you are properly equipped for both the weather and the activity you choose to participate in.
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If you don't want to miss out on any new Epic Adventure Club trips, please join our WhatsApp group for trip announcements here!
11 attendees 
JULY 31 - AUGUST 7 - THE LYSEFJORD CIRCUIT, HUT-TO-HUT IN NORWAY
Location not specified yetLysefjord is one of the most beautiful places in Norway. Its huge granite cliff face reflects the light unusually more than its neighbours which is how it earned its name, meaning the light fjord.
TO RSVP VISIT: https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/311899921/
1 attendee
Past events
175
