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Home » Global Adventures

July 28, 2019 By YExplore Leave a Comment

Nepal Peru 2020

Nepal Peru 2020 is an ambitious plan to trek on two continents on two adventures of a lifetime in the span of two months. The journey begins March 22, 2020 in Kathmandu, Nepal. From there we will fly to the famous Lukla airstrip for the commencement of the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. Next we visit Peru in South America on May 22, 2020. Upon arrival in Cusco, we will tour that city and other Inca sites before embarking on our next expedition. Then we will take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to complete our epic journey.

Nepal Peru 2020

Nepal Peru 2020

I welcome all of you to join one or both of these exciting expeditions. Nepal Peru 2020 will be significant for many reasons. 2020 will be a major milestone year for me so I am looking to celebrate the entire year with adventures on multiple continents. I am personally going to join both trips and look forward to each one. Don’t hesitate and apply for your passport now.

Nepal 2020

The trip to Mount Everest Base Camp will be a 13 day trek. We will stop in tea houses along the way that will provide warmth and hearty meals. We will learn about Nepalese Culture while enjoying all the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya. Book now to make your Everest Base Camp reservation today. We are offering a special discount code EBC150 for $150 off each person.

Peru 2020

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will follow the historic path in Peru created centuries ago. This will be a 9 day tour visiting many cultural sites in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. We will begin in Cusco for some culinary delights blended in with tours of the vibrant city rich in culture. Then we will visit some locations nearby for more enriching experiences before our trek begins. Finally, we make a four day journey into the Andes Mountains for an unforgettable experience. Sign up now to make a Machu Picchu reservation today. We are offering a special discount code ITMP500 for $500 off each person.

Space is limited to 12 people for each tour. Sign up today to receive your discount. I hope to see you in 2020.

If you are interested to learn something about Kilimanjaro then read more here. To get a full picture of our global treks, take a look at this page.

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Filed Under: Everest Base Camp, Global Adventures Tagged With: adventure, adventures, andes, base camp, cusco, everest, expedition, global, hike, hiking, himalaya, kathmandu, lukla, machu picchu, peru, tour, trek, trekking

November 24, 2018 By YExplore Leave a Comment

2018 Small Business Saturday

On this 2018 Small Business Saturday, YExplore would like to be your choice for a Yosemite adventure of a lifetime.  We are a small family business in Yosemite National Park. Our mission is to explore nature to discover beauty, achieve self growth, and share rewards. We have been sharing rewards in Yosemite since 2006. Book now and find your Yosemite adventure today.

2018 Small Business Saturday YExplore

2018 Small Business Saturday

There is so much more to our small business than meets the eye. We employ a team of expert guides who are all local to Yosemite and provide professionalism on every trip. Our guides are first aid certified to ensure every trip is a safe one. Furthermore, we guarantee smaller groups to personalize your experiences. Each guide will share a wealth of knowledge about Yosemite on your outing. Please visit our review pages on TripAdvisor and Yelp to see what our guests have shared about their experiences.

2018 Small Business Saturday

2018 Small Business Saturday

For this 2018 Small Business Saturday, YExplore would also like to inform you that we offer international trips. In addition to Yosemite, we are heading back to Tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet) this January. We will also tour the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on an African wildlife safari. This tour will also visit a Maasai village where we will make substantial donations to the people of Tanzania. We believe strongly in giving so philanthropy will be tied into every international adventure. Visit our Kilimanjaro page for more details.

2018 Small Business Saturday

2018 Small Business Saturday

YExplore is more than just adventure tours. We launched our Yosemite Tunnel View Bear gear line in 2017. Each sale of a Yosemite Bear hat or t shirt helps protect bears in Yosemite National Park. All profits from sales go directly to the Yosemite Conservancy. All donations benefit the Yosemite National Park Bear Management Team. Please visit our Yosemite Gift Shop to view our exciting new line of hats. We also have organic cotton t shirts to select.

2018 Small Business Saturday

2018 Small Business Saturday

Everyone who visits Yosemite has a choice in tour guiding services. In an ever growing competitive landscape, we believe our mission, our ethics, and our personal care allows us to stand out among the other tour companies. We were established in 2006 when we moved our family to California and have survived several wildfires, including the 2018 Ferguson Fire that shut down Yosemite National Park for over a month. As snow is currently falling in Yosemite, we are looking forward to being your choice for your 2019 Yosemite Adventure.

If you are interested in learning more other Small Business Saturdays, then please read here. Otherwise, find an overview of all available hikes at Yosemite. 2018 Small Business Saturday

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Filed Under: Adventure Blog, Global Adventures, Yosemite Adventures

March 26, 2018 By YExplore Leave a Comment

2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure

 

2019 Kilimanjaro AdventureWe are pleased to announce the dates for the YExplore 2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure will be from January 17 until January 31, 2019. This includes a seven day African Wildlife Safari and a six day trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The duration of the trip activities will be 13 days from January 18th to the 30th. You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro airport on January 17th and returned to the same airport on January 31st.

2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure

With the success of our 2018 trip, we are so excited to get the ball rolling for our 2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure.

You too can stand on the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain on Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet (5895 meters) above sea level. This peak is one of the fabled Seven Summits and is an accomplishment of a lifetime. We have found a wonderful partner in Soaring Flamingo who provides us with experienced guides and a team of dedicated mountaineers who assist us through every step of this journey. I can’t say enough about our team from this past experience. Our lead guide Julius has guided over a thousand people on this trek and has summited more than 300 times. He stopped counting at 300. So many guides and porters we encountered, stopped along the way just to pay their respects to a legend.

Bonaventure was our other guide with almost as many summits as Julius. They complemented each other well and made sure of our safety throughout our journey. Also included on our team was a cook, a server, and several porters who carried our food and overnight gear. I know this may sound excessive but it is a great boost to their economy to provide jobs and it is actually illegal to trek Kili without a guide service.

We will be climbing the Machame route in 2019 and have decided the duration of the trek will be six days. This will provide enough time for acclimatization while providing a healthy challenge for the hike. Many others attempt this route in less time but we feel the acclimatization process is too important to ignore. You can expect to camp in some of the most exciting landscapes the world has to offer. Tent space is limited in these smaller camps so you can imagine how exciting some of the tent placements are. Here’s a view from our tents on summit night.

2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure

The 2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure actually begins with an African Wildlife Safari in Serengeti National Park. We will spend 3 days in the savannah before moving up to the Ngorongoro Highlands to begin our acclimatization for the six day Kilimanjaro hike. I’ve never been more excited than sleeping in a tent on the floor of the Serengeti. Wild animals will be our neighbors for two nights in the Serengeti, and we receive all kinds of visitors. Soaring Flamingo will have chefs cook every meal for us on this trip and they are truly dedicated to pleasing their guests.

2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure

On safari, we can expect to see many mammals and birds with a few reptiles and interesting insects. On our last trip we saw every member of the fabled African Big Five. You can view some more of the wildlife images I took in the gallery below. All photos are by John P. DeGrazio except the ones with me in them. Those are from kindred spirits.

From the Serengeti, we will spend two nights on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. On the first night, we will camp at a location that will provide an excellent opportunity to spend the entire next day viewing wildlife like lions, hippos, and possibly even a rhinoceros. For the second night, we will be treated with luxury accommodations at the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge where we will be able to photograph both sunset and sunrise on the crater.

From the lodge we will venture to the Ngorongoro Highlands for a couple of moderate acclimatization hikes to the Olmuti and Empakai Craters to see some more exotic wildlife. Then we will proceed to our specially arranged camp in a Maasai village for an exclusive cultural exchange. From camp, we will be able to visit a school, a medical center, and the boma of our host and lead guide, Olotumi Laizer. Each year he invites special guests to his native home in Tanzania, and we are extremely fortunate for this unique opportunity.

2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure

2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure

We have incorporated philanthropy as a major component of this trip. The price was set at $6850 USD to allow for fair wages to all our guides and support teams as well as establishing funds to donate. This will help provide a sustainable infrastructure to the village. YExplore will be donating to the school and medical center as well as providing opportunities for some local children to advance their education. That is where you come in to help, and you have to do nothing more than sign up for this trip of a lifetime. We have also created flexible options for 2019 if you only wish to participate in the safari or the Kilimanjaro trek but not both.

The time I spent in Tanzania this past January has affected me deeply. That is why I am so dedicated to developing a successful international program at YExplore. I am looking forward to the 2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure and hope you may join me on the Endless Plain next winter.

Please visit our Kilimanjaro Trek and Wildlife Safari Page for more details.

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To get a full picture of our global treks, take a look at this page. If you would like to read an interesting story about Kilimanjaro, read here more.

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Filed Under: Global Adventures

March 2, 2018 By YExplore Leave a Comment

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

We are all on a journey in this lifetime. Many of us are on a quest for adventure as we live for each exciting day. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania for an incredible trip to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. The first step in preparing for my Kilimanjaro summit trek was to read a short story by Ernest Hemingway titled “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”. Next, I decided to work out and train for the occasion. Finally, I was ready both physically and mentally. Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro was a spiritual journey as much as it was a physical challenge. It is an experience that will stay with me forever.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

When I decided to train for Kilimanjaro, I knew that I wouldn’t need to significantly alter my normal fitness routine. As a guide in Yosemite National Park, I am able to hike over a thousand miles in a season. This year, I was fortunate enough to hike Half Dome and Clouds Rest several times. I was also able to add a summit of Mt. Whitney this past September. The peak is 14,505 feet and the tallest in the lower 48 of the U.S. so I knew it would be my best chance to prepare for some significant altitude. My buddy Ziggy and I achieved the summit and returned in under twelve hours so I was confident I was ready for Africa’s tallest peak.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

Summer and fall training went well, but I was more concerned with the winter conditions for my winter conditioning. I was expecting to be able to train with a few snowshoe hikes like in year’s past. One of my favorite activities is downhill snowshoe racing on my Yukon Charlie’s snowshoes. The snowshoes in the photo are the lightweight Pro Series I’ve had for a little while. They are so lightweight and durable. As a Yukon Charlie’s Ambassador, I was hoping to test out my new snowshoes before my trip, but it wasn’t meant to be. Instead, I completed my training by summiting Half Dome in early January on a completely dry trail.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

If you think escaping the Sierra Nevada across the globe to Africa in search of snow is a bizarre plan, you’re not the only one. The safari portion of the trip was productive for incredible wildlife photos (Instagram: @yexplore_global), but I felt I was rapidly losing my fitness with each prepared meal we enjoyed. Not being allowed to leave the vehicle for a few days added to the challenge. Fortunately, we adjusted with some acclimatization hikes during the Ngorongoro segment of this African Adventure. There was a real sense of restlessness when we arrived at Kilimanjaro, however. We were well fed and well prepared for the trek.

Searching For Snow on Mount KilimanjaroHaving the proper gear is essential for any adventure. I was prepared and confident. Included in my gear were my Yukon Charlie’s ultralight Flipout Poles and Slip Nots traction gear for the bottom of my shoes. With a very steep trail leading up to the summit, I wanted to be ready for anything.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

Soaring Flamingo had such an incredible team that led us on the mountain. Our excitement grew as we moved from rainforest to Mooreland. Then we headed to the alpine desert before finally reaching the ice cap. Our team of experts led us confidently on every step of the way, and I am eternally grateful.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

The seven day journey was never very difficult, but the extra days were spent to protect our bodies during the acclimatization process. We still managed to take in the scenery and even get in a jump shot or two.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

Julius was our lead guide, and he prepared us well for every meter of this journey. Trekking poles were necessary to navigate the steep terrain in the diverse weather conditions. I was fortunate to have my Flipout Poles that folded up compactly on the side of my pack and were ready at a moment’s notice for when I really needed them. They were especially helpful on the descent through scree and slippery rocks.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

Camping in some of the most amazing locations imaginable was a true highlight of this trip. We often hiked through rain and snow, but the conditions never dampened our spirits. Our confidence grew with each setting sun. I felt unstoppable as I bedded down on summit’s eve while peering out at this view of Mawenzi peak of Kilimanjaro. Our goal in the early morning was Kibo. At 19,341 feet (5895 Meters), it is the tallest of the three separate volcanic peaks of Kilimanjaro.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

Waking up at midnight reminded me of an earlier summit I made on Mt. Rainier in 1997. The excitement was palpable as we prepared for our pre dawn ascent. We were greeted by this beautiful sunrise over Mawenzi just before we reached Stella Point in the early morning hours. We were all determined to continue on to our ultimate destination of Uhuru Peak.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

We reached the ice cap just below Stella Point, and I immediately felt a calmness throughout my being. I was elated to finally set foot on Hemingway’s fabled “Snows of Kilimanjaro”. My body began to carry me at a pace that was far faster than any we had sustained all week. My tolerance for “polepole” escaped me as I moved full steam ahead. I charged past the crowded summit sign all the way to the crater’s edge in search of a sliver of solitude. There I was able to sit and reflect on the events of this epic journey. Killian, my trusted guide, was very understanding of my needs. He accompanied me all the way to what seemed like the edge of the world.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

The rest of the team soon followed. We reunited for this group shot at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Julius and Bonaventure allowed us to spend a little extra time reveling in our success. “One Team,” Julius exhorted. “One Dream,” we replied. “All the way to the top!” It was a true team effort in every way imaginable. Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro yielded the best result each of us could ever have imagined.

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

After almost an hour, it was time to make our descent. I posed for this final photo to show some love to Yukon Charlie’s for providing me with some great gear that was essential to this trip. I am thankful for this great relationship that allows me to enjoy my adventures with an added sense of safety on the trails. As a thank you for the adventures I share, Yukon Charlie’s has allowed me to share a special promotion for my readers. Please feel free to use the PROMO CODE below:

PROMO CODE: YEXPLORE25
  • 25% off purchase at YukonCharlies.com
  • Free shipping for orders over $50
  • Starts: 3/2/18 at 12:00 am (Pacific)
  • Ends: 3/16/18 at 11:59 pm (Pacific)
  • Limited to one use per customer
  • Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers
  • Not good on sale items or parts

Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

All photos for Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro were take on a Canon EOS M5 and an iPhone 6s by John P. DeGrazio, Bonaventure, Travis V, and a fellow explorer on the summit of Kili. The photo of John snowshoeing in Yosemite was taken by Kim Lawson.

Get an overview of all our global treks here. We published an interview about Everest Base Camp in this post.

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Filed Under: Adventure Blog, Global Adventures

February 4, 2016 By YExplore 2 Comments

YExplore Celebrates 10 Years in Yosemite National Park

Help Us Celebrate Our 10 Year Anniversary 
By John P. DeGrazio 

YExplore-10-Year-Logo
YExplore celebrates 10 years in Yosemite National park. Photo by John P. DeGrazio

I have always been fond of the number ten. It’s the title of my favorite album by one of my favorite groups of all time, Pearl Jam. 10 was also the number worn by New York Yankees first baseman Chris Chambliss whose 1976 ALCS walkoff home run is still one of my favorite early childhood memories. And most recently, my daughter and I celebrated her 10th birthday on the summit of Half Dome which is the subject of my Yosemite 100 Year Ambassador story on the Yosemite National Park website. Now, the company I founded is also ten years old. As I look back on the last decade, I can recall reaching hundreds of summits while hiking thousands of miles of trails and sharing countless memories. As I look to the future, I think of all the new opportunities for adventure and conservation that await me on this most epic journey.

Africa-Kilimanjaro-Summit-Laizer
Olotumi Laizer leads his group to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro

One of the adventures we are planning is a Mt. Kilimanjaro summit trek and African wildlife safari with some of our friends from Yosemite. Olotumi Laizer will be our lead as Tanzania is his native land, and he has led this summit dozens of times. Also joining us will be Glen Young who leads many of our trips in Yosemite. Glen is also an international climbing guide who has been on top of many peaks on several continents. We will also be joined by Jeff Mitchum, an award winning photographer I met on a Half Dome expedition. Although we didn’t reach the summit that day (we didn’t attempt it), I was honored to be invited to join Jeff on the successful completion of his quest to make his celebrated “Range of Light” image from the the real Diving Board.

This will be an amazing trip of a lifetime, and for a limited time, we are offering a $400 discount to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. Anyone who enters the code YEXPLORE10 will receive the discount if they book the trip by February 29, 2016. I hope to see you on our journey. I am really looking forward to this expedition.

Once again, I would just like to take a moment to thank every for helping make this day possible. I believe reaching ten years is an amazing accomplishment, and I look forward to the next decade of adventure!

Check out our YExplore In the News Page for articles featuring our local Yosemite small business. You may also like to read: https://www.yexplore.com/yexplore-on-npr-marketplace-january-2016/.

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Filed Under: Global Adventures, YExplore In the News, Yosemite Adventures

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