135 Search Results for "glaciers"

• Different types of Tibet Tours Different types of Tibet Tours

  • From: tibettravel
  • Description:

    Tibet is a mysterious tourist place that can meet all kinds of tourists’ interests. If you are interested in exotic culture, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in natural sightseeing, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in outdoor activities, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in different life styles, travel to Tibet. If you want to enjoy a hot spring bath and relax yourself, travel to Tibet…Travel to Tibet 2013, you can enjoy different types of Tibet tours.

     

    Tibet Culture Tour

     

    Tibet culture tour will take you to experience the unique and rich Tibetan culture which is inseparably linked to Tibetan Buddhism. Over the last 1,000 years, Tibet has developed a unique, spiritual and peaceful culture with Buddhism. Tibetan monasteries bear Tibetan culture. Thus, visiting monasteries in Tibet is the best way to experience Tibetan culture.

     

    There are many famous monasteries in Tibet, such as Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery in Lhasa, Samye Monastery in Tsedang, Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse and Sakya Monastery in Sakya. You may see interesting ritual ceremony at a monastery or ancient

     

    Tibet Scenery Viewing Tour  

     

    If you are a lover of nature and wanna have a date with nature, make a Tibet tour plan right now. Tibet is a beautiful place with breathtaking blue sky, white clouds, alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, stunning river valleys, vast grasslands, ancient forests, etc. When you travel in Tibet, you can find beautiful sights everywhere.

     

    Tibet Pilgrimage Tour

     

    If you are a follower of Tibetan Buddhism or just wanna make a spiritual journey, Tibet is also a right place for you. You can travel to Tibet and do ritual walks around a divine mountain, a sacred lake or a holy temple as local people do, or meditate in a monastery or hermitage cave. In fact, once you are in Tibet, you will feel peace and calm down for you are in a peaceful world with peaceful people.

     

    Tibet Photography Tour

     

    If you are a photographer, the fabulous and various landscape of Tibet offers you lots of chance to take good pictures, beautiful holy lakes, snow-capped mountains, magnificent glaciers, vast grassland dotted with herds and nomads, boundless primeval forest, etc. You can get prefect picture no matter when and where you go.

     

    Tibet Trekking Tour

     

    Trekking in Tibet is good way to explore Tibet. You can see the sight other travelers cannot see and get an experience you cannot get at other places. The inaccessibility of most areas of Tibet makes lost of chance for trekking, such as Ganden to Samye trek, Tsurphu to Yangpachen trek, Tingri to EBC trek.

     

    So, are you ready to travel to Tibet? Remember, Tibet permit is a must for you to get to Tibet. But do not worry! The policy on Tibet travel permit 2013 makes it is quite easy to get a Tibet permit in 2013. What you should do is to prepare documents to apply for it. Copies of your passport and Chinese visa are needed to apply for Tibet permit.  

  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 13
  • Not yet rated

• Ice cap Ice cap

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    A wonderful combination of mountains, clouds, glaciers, and icebergs. The ice cap is also visible. East Greenland.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 485
  • Not yet rated

• Monserrat Monserrat

  • From: hrtfreeman
  • Description:

     

    
    Every self-respecting tourist that travels to Barcelona has to make at least one visit to Montserrat. Without this trip, a trip to Barcelona cannot be considered complete.
    
    In many cases there is usually the intention of going to Montserrat with a guided tour – sure, the professional tour guides will tell you many interested tales and legends, for example, it is said that one day the angels came to the mountain but got bored of the surrounding landscape so they cut the mountain in half and decorated it with various shapes.

    There is only one problem with organized excursions – by coming to Montserrat on a bus, you will lose the opportunity to enjoy the many breathtaking views that you can see when you take a trip to the mountain via cable-car.

    

    It is therefore advisable that you go to Montserrat on your own account (and of course it's much cheaper) as I did. Besides, you have the freedom to wander as you please, and as with any excursions that you make based on nature, being able to wander is how you get the most out of these kinds of trips.

     

    The easiest way to start the trip is to catch a train from Plaza España.

     

    Before you buy a ticket, can even go to people behind the counter titled “Montserrat” for information on the train schedule, tariffs, etc. A normal ticket of coming and going (via cable-car) costs around €24.25 and in 30 minutes you will arrive in one of the most marvellous places in the world.

     

    

    

    
    Millions of years ago where modern Catalonia is situated today, there would have been the sea, and the seabed reared up to eventually become a mountain. Later, the decline of the glaciers formed the Pyrenees, a mountain which Montserrat separated from and was set aside in its own right.
    
    

    

    
    Aside from the wonderful scenery (there are several trekking routes that you can follow to see almost all sides), Montserrat is known for its Benedictine monastery and cathedral.

    

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Hundreds of pilgrims from all over come to worship the black virgin; touch it and make a wish.

    
    

    Upon leaving the cathedral, you will find that it's worth taking a walk around the area, you can try some of the honey and cheese made locally by the monks, you can even buy some to take home if you like it. And of course, be sure to take in the fantastically fresh air that will fill you and your lungs with life and energy.

     

     

    

     

     

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 290
  • Not yet rated

• Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Ev Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp 10 Days

  • From: redpandatravel
  • Description:

    

    The Buddhist Kingdom of Tibet has captured the hearts and minds of the western world since long. Lost in its historical and spiritual treasures, we could spend happy weeks in the home of the Dalai Lama and the target of devout pilgrimages. This 10 day Tibet overland tour by 4 wheel drive (Toyota Land cruiser), from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp offers a unique mystery and allure. This tour covers a vast tract of this ancient land, crossing spectacular passes, through unforgettable landscapes and spiritual heart of the country. Over ten days, our tour manages to take in a little bit of everything of the attractions this country has to offer.

    

    You will fly or drive to Lhasa and spend four nights in Lhasa, so that you could get time for acclimatization and sightseeing. We will visit the holiest Jokhang temple, see the legendary eighth wonder Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama), Drepung, Sera Monastery and many more.After sightseeing program, you will leave Lhasa in our 4 wheeler for Kathmandu along the way stopping at quietly enchanting Buddhist monasteries like Sakya, Shalu, Natang, Rongbuk and remote villages untouched by modern civilization. Rongbuk is the home of the highest monastery in Tibet. Leaving plenty of time to explore this historic treasure, you go ahead to the highlight of the trip, Everest Base Camp, where the sheer grandeur of Everest's north face has to be seen to be believed. We will continue drive via 'Friendship Highway' to Kathmandu. The mountain views and inspiring landscapes, rich Buddhist culture and history complementary with the recent development makes your Tibet visit a truly unforgettable experience.

    

    Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp Day to Day Itinerary

    Day 01: Arrive in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft) Your tour starts with your arrival in Lhasa today. There are two ways to arrive Lhasa—one is via Nepal and another via mainland China. If you choose to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa you will have 1 hour 10 minutes Trans-Himalayan flight which is considered one of the most beautiful air route in the world that takes you over the Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8536m) and other Himalayan peaks. If you are coming via mainland China, you might fly from any major cities or take the world’s highest train route to reach Lhasa. You will be received by our Tibetan guide at the airport/train station. Approximately 1.5 hours drive along 93 km road, from the airport/train station, you will reach Lhasa. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude. Overnight in Lhasa

    Day 02: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft) Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery with an experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts. This is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting rhythm builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Markets can be quite a alter from other visits as you roam around the city testing every details around the stalls and you may purchase some goods that displays Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Overnight in Lhasa. Day 03 Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft)

    Today your visit to Potala palace and Drepung monastery will bestow invaluable insights. From the Mar Po Ri Hill where the Potala Palace, the 17th century great monumental structure stands, you can get an awesome view of entire city. Potala Palace, an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Your next visit will be to Drepung Monastery, a residence of Dalai Lama before Potala Palace which was built in 14th century and used to shelter around 10,000 monks some time ago. Tibetans' immensely believe and respect this monastery. Overnight in Lhasa.

    Day 04: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft) In morning you will visit Tibet Museum. Officially inaugurated in October of 1999 the museum houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics including Buddha statues in different postures, imperial jade seals, gold albums, gifts granted by emperors, colorful Thankas, and various printed Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures. You can also see variety of folk art such as unique Tibetan handicrafts, costumes, jewelry, and adornments made of gold, silver, and jade, as well as fine Chinese pottery. Despite the collections the museum holds, the museum building complex with its ornamented beams, pillars, lintels, banners and wall hangings exhibit traditional Tibetan architectural styles. In the afternoon, you will be free for shopping. Over night in Lhasa.

    Day 05: Drive to Gyantse (3950m/12956ft) -265 km Following Friendship Highway, while driving past Khamba La (4794 m), you will have a break to appreciate majestic views of Yamdrok‐Tso Lake, a lake deep blue in color and Nazin Kang Sang glacier standing proud at 7252m. Ahead to westwards, you come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. Glance through the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. After hours of driving for 261 km, you enter town of Gyantse where you will see beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages. Overnight in Gyantse

    Day 06: Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m/12792ft) -92km Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has large gold domed 35m high chorten(stupa ) and houses with several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. Kubum means 100,000 images in Tibetan. After enjoying and exploring Gyantse, you will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. Shalu monastery built with Han, Tibetan and Indian style architecture is about one and half hour away from Gyantse on the way to Shigatse. After a brief observation of the monastery you drive further to Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery is the major attraction of Shigatse being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse.

    Day 07: Drive to Shegar (4150m/13612ft), visit Natang and Sakya Monastery en route-274km Today you will transverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. You will visit Natang Monastery which is 12 Kms far from Xigatse, again you drive to Sakya Monastery, where you can see the largest book in the world in Sakya's great library written in gold. In the evening time we reach in Shegar. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible in route to Shegar. Overnight in Shegar

    Day 08: Drive to Rongbuk (5050m/16564ft)-Explore Everest Base Camp (5250m/17,220 ft)-85 km Away from Shegar, you drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m/16890. Along the drive, you can laze around in the splendor of majestic views of snow capped peaks such as Makalu and Shishapangma. After driving for 85 km, you eventually reach Rongbuk from where you get spectacular sight of Mt. Everest. The program today is to explore to Everest Base Camp through the day. Drive to EBC is allowed only for expeditions, so you need to walk 8 km (one way) or take a horse or local bus to reach the Everest Base Camp. You will also visit Ronbuk Monastery, a Buddhist pilgrimage site founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. Hermitage meditation caves dot the cliff walls all around the monastery complex and up and down the valley. Many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. Overnight in Rongbuk

    Day 09: Drive to Zhangmu (2300m/7, 544ft)-245 km In case, on Day 08 due to bad weather or some consequences, if you are not able to explore around Everest Base Camp, today’s first light will be utilized to explore around Everest Base Camp and to watch sunrise on Mt. Everest. It is a truly awe inspiring place with the absolute north face of the highest mountain in the world soaring above you. You return back to the Friendship Highway to continue drive to Zhangmu. Driving past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at (5124 m/ 16068 ft) and Shung La pass at (5200 m/ 17056 ft), Nalyam Pass (3800m/12464 ft) which offer enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shanker, you tumble down from gradually from the dry Tibetan Plateau. Now, you find yourself amidst the verdant and fertile vegetation of

    Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft)-123km Few kilometers drive away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi River brings you closer to Immigration Control in Kodari where you depart with your Tibetan guide and driver, and walk across the river to meet Nepalese guide to drive to Kathmandu. After 4 hours of driving through deep valleys, you finally arrive in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu (hotel not included in Kathmandu).Zhangmu at 2300 meter in the Nepalese border.Overnight in Zhangmu.

    Trip Cost Includes

    • Sightseeing by Land Cruiser as per program.
    • English speaking guide, Sherpa staff comprising of guide, cook and helper.
    • Camping equipment (tents, mattress, Sleeping bags, Dining tent & Table/ Chairs).
    • Freshly cooked full board vegetarian meals during trek.
    • Upper Humla trek permit.
    • Yak & Yakmen during Parikarma.
    • Tibet / China Visa fee.
    • Oxygen & Gamow Bag.
    • Full board in Kathmandu.
    • Sightseeing in Kathmandu
    • Donation includes

    Trip Cost Excludes

    • Domestic airport taxes and excess baggage.
    • Riding Yak or horse.
    • Liaison officer Rs. 2500.
    • Tips for trek staff.
  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 318
  • Not yet rated

• Kerala trip: Attracting Travel Kerala trip: Attracting Travelers From Across the Earth

  • From: amitkamat
  • Description:

    Kerala is one of the most preferred holiday places. Rewarded with pure marvels and astounding natural exquisiteness, Kerala the state positioned in the southwestern part of India is consecrated with stupendous natural gorgeousness, exciting allure and idyllic climatic conditions.
    Kerala has few of the most pleasant tourist appeals that plead thousands and hundreds of traveler’s from athwart the nook and corner of the globe. It has stunning hill stations, mesmeric beaches, pleasant wildlife parks and sanctuaries, blissful waterfalls and on top lively cities and towns. It is abode to affluent culture and customs, rejuvenating Ayurveda treatment, affluent ethnicity and customs and on top friendly people that make the Kerala Trip really an exhilarating experience.
    
    The state Kerala is bestowed with dazzling tourist appeals among which the top tripped places by the travelers are Munnar, Wayanad, Kumarakom, Kasargod, Kollam, etc. All these sightseeing places are sanctified with stupendous natural amazements and allure that engross the travelers on their Holiday in Kerala.
    Well despite from the numerous tourism lures with which this state is tripped, backwaters top the list. Sanctified with the appealing natural splendor and amazements, the natural stupefactions generated by the lagoons, lakes, rivers and glaciers waters, the Backwaters of Kerala occupies a well-known spot as the chief lure of Kerala Tour. Most of the backwaters here are acknowledged for providing tours which are just beyond the range of words to explain. And so is the reason that travelers who travel this state never fail to miss to enjoy the once in a life travel over the dazzling and appealing Backwater Destination of Kerala, India. So if you happen to drop here for holidays, don’t miss to savor backwater tours over the customary houseboat, well crafted with up to date amenities and much more.
    Kerala is as well renowned for its cool climatic conditions, dazzling tourism spots and chronological forts and architectural amazements that pleas travelers and nature lovers from athwart the nook and corner of the world. So come and soak in the grandeur of the nature and savor vital holiday with friends and families in an enchanting and unforgettable way. Truly speaking, Kerala Tourism has great potential and proffer magnificent chance for travelers to enjoy unforgettable holidays exploring the beauty and wonderments that is afar the visual and verbal portrayals.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 283
  • Not yet rated

• The Greenland Sun The Greenland Sun

  • From: bschrotenboer
  • Description:

    Sunrise lights up the fjords and glaciers of southeastern Greenland (enroute from Chicago to Amsterdam).

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 273
  • Not yet rated

• Greenland from above Greenland from above

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    It is always a special treat to have views of Greenland when flying home from Europe.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 405
  • Not yet rated

• Snow Capped Mountains and Glac Snow Capped Mountains and Glaciers @ Sunset seen on Alaska Cruise in May 2008

  • From: mmiwig
  • Description:
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 550
  • Not yet rated

• Beautiful Reflection of Alaska Beautiful Reflection of Alaskan Glaciers and Snow Capped Mountains

  • From: mmiwig
  • Description:

    Pic taken in Glacier Bay, Alaska in May 2007 while on a cruise.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 1773
  • Not yet rated

• Alaskan Glacier with Snow Capp Alaskan Glacier with Snow Capped Mountains in Background

  • From: mmiwig
  • Description:

    Pic taken on May 2007 Alaskan Cruise.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 570
  • Not yet rated

• Fishing boat in Glacier Bay Al Fishing boat in Glacier Bay Alaska

  • From: mmiwig
  • Description:

    Pic taken in May 2007 on an Alaskan Cruise.   The glaciers and snow covered mountains dwarfed this little fisning boat in Glacier Bay. Alaska.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 601
  • Not yet rated

• Light House on Alaska Coastlin Light House on Alaska Coastline

  • From: mmiwig
  • Description:

    Beautiful light house taken in May of 2008 while on an Alaskan Cruise.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 800

• China's Ten Most Beautiful Mou China's Ten Most Beautiful Mountains

  • From: travelingislife
  • Description:

     

    In October 2005, Chinese National Geography and 34 media co-evaluated and co-graded "China's most beautiful places." The result was a compilation of over 100 scenic splendors -- divided into 17 types of attraction: mountains, lakes, forests, grasslands, deserts, Danxia landscapes, islands, coastlines, waterfalls, glaciers, gorges, city districts, country towns and villages, show caves, peak forest, Yadan landforms and wetlands. 
    China is a vast land, rich in tourism resources. It comes out in front in the world in scenic spots and historical sites, spectacular landscapes, and colorful and varied national customs.It is hard to tell how many beautiful places there are on China’s 9.6 million square kilometers of land and its 3 million square kilometers of seas. Though many similar comparisons have been made, using different criteria, methods and categories, we still believed that we should make our own summary.
    The list of China's Ten Most Beautiful Mountains (BEST time to go just for reference):
    TOP 1 Namjagbarwa Peak (Tibet Autonomous Region): Paradise in the Clouds
    BEST time to go: from February to April, October and November is the best to climb.
    TOP 2   Mountain Gongga or Minya Konka (Sichuan Province): Where the wind stops to rest
    BEST time to go:May and June is the period of dry and wet (rain) seasons alternating and also is the best time for climbing.
    TOP 3   Qomolangma Peak (Tibet Autonomous Region): The soul’s sentinel
    BEST time to go:from the beginning of March to the end of May and from the beginning of September to the end of October for climbing.
    TOP 4   Meili Snow Mountains (Yunnan Province): Guard of honor for the snow God
    BEST time to go: From October to May next year especially at the end of October.
    TOP 5   Huangshan Mountains (Anhui Province )：God’s miniature landscape
    BEST time to go: April, May, June, September, October, November
    TOP 6   Three Sacred Mountains in Daocheng (Sichuan Province): Landmark of “ Shangri-la”
    BEST time to go:April, May, September and October.
    TOP 7   Chogori Peak (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region): Distant Mystic Land
    BEST time to go: From May to June and September through October is the best time to trek or mountaineering.
    TOP 8   Kangrinboqe Peak (Tibet Autonomous Region): Home of all the Gods
    BEST time to go: May, June, and from mid-September to early October are probably is the best times.
    TOP 9   Mount Tai (Shandong Province): Totem of ancient China
    BEST time to go: April May, June, September, October.
    TOP 10 Emei Mountain (Sichuan Province): The rise from a basin to the Heaven
    BEST time to go: April May, June, September, October, November and December.
    Criterion of China's Ten Most Beautiful Mountains:
    * With unique well-worth appreciating value;
    * With the characteristics of that kind of geography shape and high scientific value;
    * Above 1000 meters in relative height, featured in the number and characteristics of vertical severity;
    * With high cultural values;
    * No excessive exploitation by humankind.

    Which one of above mountain you have been to and how about your experience? Did you think above is the most beautiful mountain in China? And which other mountain you do like and why?
    
    Travelinglislife
    

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 391
  • Not yet rated

• Spectacular Switzerland! Spectacular Switzerland!

  • From: Gailhennessey
  • Description:

    Hope our eight day trip to Switzerland may give others some ideas if they are planning such a trip. We had a wonderful time! We arrived in Zurich and proceeded to go to Mt. Rigi mountain summit outside of Luzerne for the night. We took a boat ride and then a cog train to the summit of about 6000 ft. where the hotel, Rigi Kulm was located. We had fantastic sunset views and a good dinner. We had a great view of the mountains from our room. Interestingly, there is a marker on the summit where surveyors base their calculations for the entire country of Switzerland. The next morning, we left the hotel and heard a Alpine horn being played. With the cow bells and the horn, I felt we were definitely in Switzerland.

     

    The next day we traveled by train about 2 hours to the traditional town of Appenzell. We had lunch in the town and were thrilled that the annual tradition of bringing cows down from the mountain for the winter took place during our visit. I had contacted Appenzell tourism before leaving and they said the festival is determined by the cows and there wasn’t an actual date but that it was usually in September.The young children and adults were dressed in traditional outfits and the cows, many had flower headdresses. It was a beautiful event to see. We also said two other such parades from the train at two other stops along the way. We then traveled back to Zurich area by train and then by boat and stayed with my cousin in her village of Richtersvil. Johanna Spryi wrote the story Heidi in the nearby town. Went for dinner at a local restaurant , Restaurant Freihof,and ate on the terrace.

     

    The next morning, we took the train to Luzerne and did a walking tour of the city. We climbed up to the old bell tower and walked a bit of the old fortress wall. We went through the old city, buildings dating to the early 1300s,many with paintings on them, and saw the lion monument. Stayed at the Hotel Waldstatterhof. It was expensive but due to a classic music festival, most hotels were booked. It was a very beautiful hotel, but then, again for $280 for the night...it should be. Great location, across from the train station.

     

    The next day we went by train for the town of Andermatt to board the Glacier Express for the town of Zermatt. This was the only really cold day, glad we packed our winter coats. There were snow flurries in the air. We had coffee at a cute bakery as we waited for the “red train” to arrive. The hours on the train went fast as the views were spectacular as the train weaved around up and down valleys and into the mountains. Arrived in Zermatt and our hotel, the Hotel Butterfly. With flowers everywhere, Zermatt is a beautiful place to visit! Very touristy but you can see the Matterhorn as you walk the streets. The hotel, a Best Western was great.The meals were reasonable for Swiss standards where everything is expensive. Four men were playing Alpine horns so we stopped to listen to two of their songs.

     

    Another beautiful day, and we went up to the Gornergrat summit, around 10,000 ft., by way of a train that hugged the edge of the mountain. Amazing feat of engineering to build this railway! I was a bit dizzy until I acclimated to the heights.The views were amazing. Glaciers, Matterhorn....just spectacular! Decided to hike down some of the mountain. We traveled down one train stop, Rotenboden, and meet a German couple that helped get us on our way as there were no actually paths down the mountain. We stopped at a lake and the man told us that this was a famous place to take a picture of the Matterhorn as it is reflected in the water. I got a great shot. As we walked down the mountain, we were glad we had our winter coats but quickly shed them as we got warmer. We were able to yodel at one point and both of us said we loved the other to hear an echo. As we continued down, I heard “cow bells” but we came upon a bunch of black goats with white backing wearing the bells. They were so cute and friendly, I got up close and took some great photographs. We felt that we’d had enough walking and stopped at the next station to get the train back to the valley. The train was broken and not running so we had a rest and decided, the weather was great, so why not continue walking down the mountain. We went to the next station and got the train, having walked for a couple of hours. Later in the day, we took a cable car to a village called Furi and walked(yes, again) about 50 minutes to the village of Blatten. Black wooden buildings, the traditional Swiss village look, with nothing but a couple of houses, a tiny church and a small restaurant. We treated ourselves to some ice cream and I found the Ricola Herb Garden, one of several around Switzerland where they get their natural ingredients to make their cough drops. Walked all the way back to Zermatt, another 50 minutes or so. We were exhausted.

     

    Left by train from Zermatt to Montreaux(French area of Switzerland by Lake Geneva) and took the Golden Pass, on a classic train, with wood paneling, to Interlaken. Although a beautiful ride, I wouldn’t recommend it, suggesting going right to Interlaken from Visp, saving a couple of hours of travel time. I am sure that the other train’s route was also beautiful. Got to Interlaken and we took a cable car to Lauterbrunnen. From there, we took a small train that hugged the mountain to the alpine village of Murren. Think traditional Swiss village and this was it. I pinched myself a few times as I walked around the village, listening to cow bells and staring at the Jungfrau Mountains, Eiger and Monch. Spectacular views. I would definitely come to Murren again! The Hotel Eiger was wonderful.What a picture perfect Alpine community. The price is about what we paid at other hotels(around $250 a night with a view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau)-less without the view but isn't that why you want to stay in an Alpine village? There is a pool and the rooms are a nice size with a modern bathroom(robes/slippers, too).The owners were wonderfully helpful and friendly. They offered a reception for all the guests once a week, champagne flowing freely with the owners coming to speak with all the guests. Dinner is an experience with the staff coming to show the meal for your inspection before serving it.We had a large portion of a chicken dish, with Swiss potatoes and veggies AND, then,we were offered-seconds!!!!! (All for about $28 dollars per person). You could get a complete meal for $50 but we didn't wish all the different courses. Breakfast was included in the price with lots of choices AND more champagne!

     

    We hiked down from the mountain village of Murren, to Gimmerwald, a very small village. There was an honesty store, where you leave the money for items purchased. A small school was recently closed(only about 12 students) and I was told Murren’s school was closing, too. Kids will have to take cable car/train to the school in Lauterbrunnen Valley.It was fun walking down the mountain, stopped to see some construction men working on building avalanche barriers. Took the cable car to the valley where we took a bus to the Trummelback Falles. Ten glacier water falls(water from the glaciers of the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger Mts.) are found INSIDE the mountain! It is the only such place in Europe where you can still go inside the mountain to see the falls. It took 15 years and workers using only pickaxes to build the inside walkways. Walked more to another falls where I went up to see it(traveling up stairways and through a tunnel). Met up with a base jumper(the Lauterbrunnen Valley is THE place to base jump). He had “wings” that he used to glide through the air before releasing a parachute.Walked the rest of the way to Lauterbrunnen and then took the bus back to the cable car to Murren. Bed was turned down and a chocolate was on the pillow when we came back after dinner at the Hotel Eiger Restaurant.

     

    We had thought to take the cable car to the Schilthorn, about 12,000 ft. but the video showed the summit was cloudy and you couldn’t see anything. And, for about $100 per person, we decided to pass. Instead, we sat and watched hang gliders take off from a running point in Murren. We also had fun watching a parade of cows(two wearing pine tree hats with colorful flowers) come down from the mountain as we had seen in Appenzell. A couple of goats came, too. The men weren’t dressed in traditional clothing. Funny, the entire parade of men/animals boarded a cable card down to the valley! Spoke in length to a couple from Great Britain and another couple from the states(they hiked 4 hours to a place for the night without electricity or plumbing! Yikes!) One of the wonderful things about traveling is the meeting of people from all over the world. Interestingly, I read that only 20% of Americans have a passport! The world is a much smaller place when you don’t experience the world around you and the people that help make up that world!

     

    Make sure to get a Swiss Pass. It makes traveling by trains so much easier,not having to worry about getting tickets. With the pass, boat rides are free as are many cable cars(others are 1/2 price!).

     

    Gail Hennessey: http://www.gailhennessey.com

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 680
  • Not yet rated

• Amazing Glaciers Amazing Glaciers

  • From: carolyndcooper
  • Description:

    Glacier hikes above Lake Louise.  Tea house at the top of a 7 mile hike.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 192

• Sunrise at Lake Louise over Gl Sunrise at Lake Louise over Glaciers

  • From: carolyndcooper
  • Description:

    Glacier hikes above Lake Louise.  Tea house at the top of a 7 mile hike.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 318

• Horrible cold day Horrible cold day

  • From: Tuckerg
  • Description:

    New Zealand Fox Glacier on a horrible cold day

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 374
  • Not yet rated

• Alaska's Inside Passage Alaska's Inside Passage

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    Spectacular scenery along the Inside Passage, Alaska.  Mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, mist, forests...

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 800
  • Not yet rated

• Coastline of College Fjord Ala Coastline of College Fjord Alaska

  • From: mmiwig
  • Description:

    This pic was taken in May 2007 as we cruised College Fjord along the Alaskan Coastline.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 889

• Glacier Bay Alaska Glacier Bay Alaska

  • From: mmiwig
  • Description:

    This pic was snapped in May 2007 as we cruised Glacier Bay in Alaska on an incredibly beautiful day.  The Glaciers make the coastline in Glacier Bay.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 3161
  • Not yet rated