Sunny Walkers

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:
https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306847359

Let's visit lovely Andalucia on the south coast of sunny Spain for some hiking fun in the spring sunshine! Please RSVP on the main trip page here.

Nights - 4. Accommodation - 3 star hotel - bed and breakfast

Cost - £359 for twin (or double) share and £469 for single occupancy (double room for single use).

We will base ourselves in the delightful white town of Nerja on the Andalucian coast which boasts nearly 10 miles of powdery beaches and a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains.

Perfectly located for access to fabulous hikes, Nerja is framed by dramatic coastlines and rocky summits cut by lush gorges and dotted with stunning villages. Walking in Andalucia is an absolute joy and offers endless variety within it's beautiful natural parks.

During our visit we intend to explore some of the best hiking trails in the wild countryside, through deep canyons and along sparkling waterfall dotted streams plus enjoying panoramic views across the azure Mediterranean sea from craggy heights.

Spring is the perfect time to hike in Andalucia, when the climate is moderate and the countryside is in bloom. Vibrant colours blanket the mountains and the beaches are uncrowded.

Join us to discover the beauty of Andalucia on an exhilarating spring hiking adventure!

ACCOMMODATION:

We have booked modern and comfortable twin/double and single occupancy rooms in the 3-star Hotel Toboso Chaparil situated just 300 metres from Nerja’s Torrecilla Beach, and a 5-minute walk from the famous Balcony of Europe Viewpoint.

All rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV and a private bathroom. The hotel also offers a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and sunbathing terrace.

ITINERARY:

Thu 16/04 - Arrival in Nerja. Rooms ready for check in from 4PM.

Fri 17/04 - The Chillar canyon is on the edge of Nerja and is one of Andalucia's most spectacular natural features. This fantastic gorge cuts a deep gash through the Sierra de Almijara and is only 2 metres wide at it's narrowest point. It's a real adventure which necessitates wading the stream from bank to bank, scrambling over boulders and climbing a series of waterfalls while ducking beneath tree trunks. This hike is weather and water level dependent (15km, 375m up/down).

Sat 18/04 - Just a short drive from our hotel, a stunning mountain trail begins in the tiny hamlet of Maro and winds up to the picturesque white village of Frigiliana—often ranked among Spain's most beautiful. Known locally as El Camino del Imán, this is one of Andalucia's most spectacular hikes as the route rollercoasters across deep gorges and through wild mountain scenery (14.5km, 930m up/660m down).

Sun 19/04 - Driving a little further east along the cost our hike starts and ends at the Mirador de Cerro Gordo on the edge of pretty La Herradura, a sleepy coastal town. Our figure-of-eight route brings us past coastal watchtowers and two of the best stretches of sand on the Costa Tropical. A dramatic section of the trail takes us along the spine of the Caleta ridge with stunning views but will not be enjoyed by anyone who struggles with vertigo (11km, 550m up/down).

Mon 20/04 - Trip finish, check out from the hotel by 11AM.

DIFFICULTY:

Hikes on this trip are adventurous and the terrain can sometimes be rocky and uneven. You will need a good level of hiking fitness and a head for heights. The Chillar canyon hike involves a lot of walking in water so bring suitable footwear which will get wet and be prepared to clamber over boulders.

On this trip it will be easy to take a rest day (or extend your stay) to explore the famous nearby Nerja Caves or relax on the beach.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 4 nights twin/double or single occupancy (double for single use) accommodation in a 3 star hotel (on a bed and breakfast basis)
• 4 buffet style breakfasts
• An itinerary of organised hikes
• Trip organiser
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunches (we can buy packed lunch supplies at local supermarkets and cafes)
• Dinners (we will help book restaurants where we can sample the local cuisine)
• Flights and airport transfers (see below)
• Transport to/from hikes (we will share local affordable taxis)
• Entry fees
• Travel Insurance

FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

There are numerous convenient flights to Malaga from the UK with options from/to multiple London airports with easyJet, British Airways, Iberia and Jet2 already available. Other budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizzair are likely to release their flight schedules soon. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you.

In order to give everyone the flexibility to choose the flights most convenient for them (or decide to extend their stay) we have not included airport transfers. Local taxis are affordable if we group people together arriving/leaving at similar times, which we will help to coordinate.

It will also be easy to catch a bus to Nerja and back to the airport. The bus schedule for next year April is not out yet however usually there is a daily direct bus Malaga Airport to/from Nerja, and there are regular buses from Malaga city to/from Nerja (requiring a short bus/train/taxi ride into Malaga city centre).

For current bus schedules please check the ALSA website. If you require any help please contact the organiser.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use ANDALUCIA as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:

Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003

Please 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.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT: https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/311104551/

Now 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 Almaty

Inbound Sunday 21 June:

Air Astana KC663
Departs 11:15 ALA Almaty
Arrives 16:45 LHR London Heathrow

Other 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 13/03/26

It 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: 63235003

Please 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.