
What we’re about
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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 14 - MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK, NEPALNeeds location
Join Backabush for the ultimate Himalayan trekking adventure - the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal!
The magnificent Manaslu Circuit trek circumnavigates the 8th highest peak of the world, the mighty Manaslu (8,163m). A perfect blend of remoteness and physical challenge, this circuit is one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal and a true bucket list experience not to be missed!
Full of dramatic contrasts, the scenery on the Manaslu Circuit trek is as impressive as it is diverse. It takes us from lush agricultural lowlands and rhododendron forests along the spectacular gorges of the Buri Gandaki River, with its turquoise waters and amazing waterfalls, crossing exhilarating suspension bridges.
Passing through idyllic mountain villages, where we stay in authentic Nepalese tea houses, we continue upwards to alpine meadows inhabited by remote Tibetan communities. We eventually cross the magnificent but challenging Larkya pass (5,106m) from where we have jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, and a stream of glaciers, before we descend through subtropical forest.
Due to the serenity and pristineness of this trek, the Manaslu Circuit is often referred to as the ‘New Annapurna Circuit, signifying its growing popularity, yet it remains far less crowded than some of the better-known routes through the Himalayas, making it a real off-the-beaten track adventure!
Please click here to see a detailed day by day itinerary for the trip.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- A spectacular and peaceful off-the-beaten-track Himalayan wilderness trek, more secluded than other popular routes.
- Staying in teahouses in quaint hillside perched villages along the way
- Trek through picturesque traditional Tibetan villages.
- Crossing the remote Larkya La pass at 5106 metres.
- Visiting unique monasteries, mani walls, and stupas.
- Enjoying the rare and beautiful panorama and presence of Manaslu 8163 metres.
- The constant presence of the Budhi Gandaki and its raging torrent.
- The almost daily adventure and views of the numerous suspension bridges that have to be crossed.
DIFFICULTY:
This is a lengthy, challenging and physically demanding trek (13 days of trekking with up to 8 hours per day) requiring good fitness, stamina and the ability to endure a certain amount of hardship over a prolonged period. You are also likely to need to take 12 holiday days off work.
INCLUDED:
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu.
- Accommodation for 16 nights: 3 nights shared accommodation in Kathmandu (3 star hotel) with breakfast, 13 nights in tea houses (basic Nepalese style guesthouses).
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu on first night.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during our trekking days.
- All necessary trekking permits (Manaslu Special, Manaslu Conservation Area, Annapurna Conservation Area, TIMS card).
- Backabush trip leader.
- Professional, English-speaking, government-registered and
first-aid-trained guide (a senior leader and an assistance
guide). - A porter for every 2 people (10kg each max).
- Transfers from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and Dharapani to Besisahar by jeep.
- Transfer from Besisahar to Kathmandu by private vehicle.
- If and when available, fresh fruit will be provided.
- Complimentary duffel bag, t-shirt, trekking map, and four-season sleeping bag, if needed.
- Rescue arrangements, if necessary.
- Certificate of achievement, if needed.
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.
NOT INCLUDED:
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee.
- Any other meals not specified (lunches and two dinners in Kathmandu).
- Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft.
- Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, etc).
- All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, WiFi.
- Tips for our Nepalese staff.
FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/304357924/
- JANUARY 22 - 26 – NORTHERN LIGHTS, SWEDISH LAPLANDTrafalgar Square, London£599.00
ONLY 1 MALE TWIN SHARE BED LEFT.
Do you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join Backabush to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!
Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (please enquire about single supplement option)
The magical dance of the northern lights is a spectacular sight and a true bucket list experience. Over the next year aurora borealis activity should continue to be at its highest levels in over a decade as we are in a solar maximum, so now is the time to go and see this unique spectacle!
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a dream destination for aurora seekers as it offers some of the best conditions in the world for northern lights watching. The unique climate of the area keeps the skies almost always clear, and light pollution is minimal.
Our plan is to walk to the best nearby viewing areas each night to hunt for the aurora borealis, for example at the shore of the fantastic lake Torneträsk. There is also the option to book a night visit to the Aurora Sky Station on one of the evenings, taking the chairlift up to its amazing viewing platform at 900m above sea level.
During the day we will have the opportunity to explore more of the national park, hiking to nearby lakes and waterfalls (weather and snow conditions permitting). There are many other exciting winter activities available to book including snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobile tours.
Come and join us on an amazing arctic adventure to the world's best place for the aurora borealis!
ACCOMMODATION:
We have secured comfortable en-suite twin share rooms at the wonderful STF Abisko Turiststation, at the heart of Abisko National Park. A delicious Swedish style buffet breakfast is included every day.
Limited single room places may be available based on availability and room cost at the time of booking, please enquire.
The accommodation has an on-site restaurant, bistro and convenience store and there are self-catering facilities available. There is also a grocery store 2km away.
The on-site sauna is the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a day of exploring and our accommodation is perfectly placed for aurora hunting with many great viewing points nearby.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 nights accommodation in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (limited single supplement possible at extra cost - please enquire)
- 4 breakfasts
- Airport transfers
- An itinerary of organised walks to view the northern lights each evening and to explore the national park during the day (weather and snow conditions permitting)
- Access to on-site sauna
- Self-catering facilities
- Trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches and dinners (a restaurant, self catering facilities and convenience store are available on-site and there is also a grocery store 2km away)
- Flights (see details below)
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (please enquire)
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers (included) are timed to meet the below recommended connecting flights with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to/from Kiruna:
Outbound - Thursday 22 January:
SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:05
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 11:55 – Kiruna KRN 13:35Inbound - Monday 26 January:
SK 1045 Kiruna KRN 14:15 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 16:00
SK 1527 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 19:45 – London Heathrow LHR 21:20It will be easy to break up your journey by spending a day or two in Stockholm or arrive in Kiruna earlier/leave later to extend your stay, and make your own way to/from the airport to meet the group. There is also an overnight train to Kiruna/Abisko available from/to Stockholm although tickets only go on sale closer to the date.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use AURORA as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
- NORTHERN LIGHTS, SWEDISH LAPLANDNeeds location
Do you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join Backabush to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!
Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms.
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306414605