Titel

Unique journeys in 2010 will feature:

‘The remote regions of Mongolia’
with options for Ballooning, horse riding and hiking.

Mongolia
click here to see more pictures

In this absolutely unique journey through one of the most beautiful countries in Asia we shall explore the varied countryside around the Altai Mountains, the sands and gorges of the Gobi desert, the historic ruins of Karakorum, some tranquil buddhist monasteries and finally the buzzing atmosphere of Ulan Bator.
We will ship out our private balloon and possibly hire a second balloon to offer flights in three different locations for all who want to experience Mongolia from the air! But there will also be a chance to enjoy the vast countryside on horseback or on foot:

  • Balloonists: there will be ample opportunity to take to the skies either piloting yourselves or just flying as a passenger. If you wish, we can also arrange for your own balloon to be shipped out, but please give us plenty of notice in advance.
  • Horse riders: we shall organize trail riding in the same three locations as the ballooning with the option of doing a couple of day treks (or even a balloon chase!).
  • Hikers: there are numerous wonderful options of hiking in Mongolia
  • Relax or get to know Mongolian lifestyle: if you just want to chill out and learn more about Mongolian culture we can arrange visits to local farmers showing you their lifestyle in a ger or just relax at our private camps.
  • There is the option of travelling by train to Ulan Bator and returning on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Dates: 18th August - 1st September. Sign up early since this is a very popular destination. No more then 15 participants in the tour. Click here to find out more and sign up!Mongolia-PDF

    Information for tour participants:
    Mongolia Practicalities - Part 1
    Mongolia Practicalities - Part 2

     

    Women's Balloon Fiesta 2010

    A private, fun event for women balloon pilots, to be held near Oxford, UK, on 8th-10th October 2010.

    Womens Balloon Fiesta 2010
    • Two to three days and (subject to weather) four to five flying 'slots'
    • Up to 20 hot air balloons flown by women pilots from UK and overseas
    • Private flights and a non-commercial organisation
    • Fun competitions and small prizes
    • An informal social programme at local hostelries
    • An exchange of flight experiences between fixed wing pilots and balloonists
    Information about the event:
    Event details
    Detailed information for pilots and teams
    Site map of Heythrop Park
    Entry Form

    Pictures from my launch at Heythrop Park Hotel 23rd April 2010. (The event will take place in the main park behind the hotel.)

     

     

    2010 One Mans' Meet (Hopper Balloons)

    The 2010 One Mans' (sic) Meet will be held at Wookey, Somerset (near Wells), on 15-17 October. This is the 27th annual event since the first at Culham, Oxfordshire. Any balloon of volume 42 or below can attend, but you need a current CofA & EU insurance if you want to free-fly.

    First briefing and check-in will be at 1530 on 15th at Millers Glencot Hotel (GR 532472). The Saturday briefing is at 0700 at the same location.

    Entry fee £20 per balloon payable in advance, along with balloon & pilot details to : P.G. Dunnington; 1 Kensington Villas, Royal Park, Bristol BS8 3AJ

    For more info call Phil on +44 7785 775624 after 3 September (I am away overseas until then).

     

    ‘Spirituality and tranquility in Japan’

    Come with me to discover the autumnal beauty of Japan with its beautiful secluded temples and gardens. We shall start the tour in southern Kyushu, visit the still active volcano Mt. Aso, take a cruise through the Japan Inland Sea to Osaka, wander through the temples of Kyoto, travel by Shinkansen to Hakone to catch a view of the holy mountain Fujiyama. This tour will include special overnights at monasteries, a meditation lesson, some short walks and an introduction to Japanese tea ceremony and other traditions.
    Dates: 9th - 21st November 2010.

    click here for full itinerary
    click here for tour prices

     

     

     

    ‘Laos and Cambodia by Land and Water’

    Angkor Wat Ta PromThis will be a leisurely trip following the river Mekong starting in northern Thailand and cruising the river to Luang Prabang in Laos, followed by an fascinating excursion to the ancient ‘Plain of Jars’. Gently sailing through the ‘thousand islands of Sipandone’ we shall enter Cambodia where we finally explore the famous ruins of world renown Angkor Wat. Proposed time: Winter 2010/11, itinerary to be finalised.

    click here to see more pictures

     

    Notes for Balloonists:

    All those tours can be linked up with ongoing balloon meets in those countries such as the Thailand Balloon Fiestas in Nov/Dec or the Saga Meet in Japan. For Mongolia we shall ship out our private balloon and possibly hire a local one.