ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT, NEPAL
If reaching 10,000 steps a day brings you
joy, why not up the ante and book yourself
a walking trip through the epic snow-
capped peaks of Nepal’s mountainous
regions? “Next year marks fi ve years since
the massive earthquake, and while the
country has recovered from its shocking
effects, tourism has not fully bounced
back,” Bruce explains. “It’s a good time to
visit and support the Nepalese, as tourism
is a huge industry there.” The Annapurna
Circuit through the Himalayan region of
Central Nepal is one of the country (and
world’s) most famous long-distance hiking
treks. It can take up to 20 days, depending
how speedy you are, but there are plenty of
opportunities to warm up in tea houses and
lodges lining the trail. “This trek is a great
way to visit local communities and villages,”
Bruce says. It’s challenging, but worth it for
a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience
yummy Nepali meals, traditional mountain
temples and breathtaking views.
ALL THE ‘STANS
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: a tour
through these fi ve ‘stans is becoming a
go-to since visa restrictions were lifted.
“It’s one of the fastest-growing tourism
industries because it’s now easier to
get to,” Bruce says. “This region is so
unspoiled, and has an amazing, unique
culture that sits between Asia, China,
Turkey and Russia.” Head to this part of
the world – which is on the ancient Silk
Road trading route – for eclectic market
bazaars, vast plains and the opportunity
to learn more about its nomadic cultures.
There are quite a few famous lakes worth
a visit, too, including Kaindy Lake, nestled
in the Tian Shan mountains. (It’s known
as a ‘sunken forest’ for the spruce trees
growing out of its turquoise water.) You’ll
need a pair of sensible walking shoes to
see everything, but don’t fret, because
you can rest up at the end of the day in
traditional yurt accommodation.THE PANTANAL, BRAZIL
Now is the time to go to Brazil. Well, maybe
not this very second, because that would be
impossible – unless you have access to an
impressive teleportation portal – but on the
whole, it’s easier than ever. “Australians have
always needed a visa to travel to Brazil, but
this has been lifted since June 2019,” Bruce
says. Don’t skip Rio de Janeiro if your trip
coincides with the country’s annual party,
Carnival (think feathers, sequins and more
feathers). A lot of people also go for the
super-duper famous Amazon rainforest, but
if you’re up for something a little different
and just as amazing, Bruce suggests
heading farther south for the Pantanal- a UNESCO World Heritage site. At nearly
195,000 square kilometres, it’s the world’s
biggest wetland. It’s also chock-a-block
with amazing wildlife, including jaguars,
marsh deer, toucans, storks, giant anteaters,
giant otters and the surprisingly adorable
Brazilian tapir, which looks a bit like a cross
between a pig and an elephant. Rad, right?
oh, te plces
ou’ll o... ext
we asked bruce poon tip, founder
of g adventures, for some ideas for
travellers thinking outside the box.
WORDS LISA MARIE CORSO ILLUSTRATION SOPHIE BEER