Buckle up for a wild ride around the world with these heart-pumping experiences that push the very boundaries of adventure travel. Proceed with caution for a whole lotta fun!

BY RHEA MULANI

SKI ALONG THE SLOPES OF THE WORLD’S MOUNTAIN CAPITAL
Chamonix France

This quaint, alpine resort-town is possibly the best place for an icy escapade packed with heaps of luxurious charm! No wonder it’s long been a favourite stop for Charles Dickens, Katy Perry, and Penelope Cruz, among many others. Neighbour to Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, Chamonix boasts more than 150 kilometres of pistes and 15,000 acres of off-piste skiing trails, beckoning enthusiasts from all around the globe. Start your snowy tryst with a cable car ride up to Aiguille du Midi, a 12,605-feet-tall mountain within the Mont Blanc massif, that comes with magical views of the peaks and glaciers you’re about to glide past. Fair warning: the sub-zero temperatures may just give you cold feet! Next, visit Vallée Blanche, a 22 kilometre-long trail that’s among the most famous off-piste ski runs in the world. Its wicked mix of couloirs and crossings is best explored with a guide. One thing is certain, you’ll reach the very ‘peak’ of adventure here!

DESCEND INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE BRILLIANT BLUE HOLE
Dahab Egypt

What can one expect from a diving spot that some scientists claim was formed by a falling meteorite? An out-of-this-world experience for sure! Don’t be fooled by the allure of this marine marvel located deep within the embrace of the Red Sea—with its symmetrical silhouette, it’s every daredevil diver’s dream that could quickly turn into a nightmare if not approached with extreme caution. This circular sinkhole extends to a staggering depth of more than 328 feet and forms a particular point of peril at the infamous ‘Arch’—a notorious tunnel between the upper section of the sinkhole and the sea. Note: the Arch should be approached by only the most experienced divers! Those who don’t want to venture too deep into the Blue Hole can paddle closer to the surface—a safe, sweet spot that’s home to colonies of corals, midnight parrotfish, and reef sharks. But first, make sure to test the waters after a detailed briefing and with your gear in place. Our only advice: beware before venturing into the blue, for here’s where still waters
run deep.

KAYAK ACROSS PRISTINE FJORDS
Lofoten Norway

Quench your thirst for thrill in this picturesque territory that features on many a bucket list! A strikingly pretty archipelago, Lofoten is best explored in the summer months from June to August, when the sun never sets in this part of the world. Wintertime, though more daunting, presents the fjords in a more cinematic avatar with near-frozen surfaces. But no matter the season, kayaking is a perennial activity to be enjoyed here. Head to the land’s most scenic fishing village, Reine, buckle up, and row away! The nature-led expedition should be embarked on with a knowledgeable guide for a more holistic experience. Glide along the calm waters at your own pace, catching glimpses of the Reine harbour as you float by. Watch out for any seals (or even some whales) en route this voyage, where you can simply unwind and go with the flow. As they say: easy does it!

TREK UP A PRECARIOUSLY STEEP HILLTOP
Prabalmachi India

Take the road less travelled up to Kalavantin Durg, an erstwhile fort that once stood tall as a watchtower in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats. At a height of about 2,200 feet above sea level, this treacherous spot, with its peripheral rock-cut staircase and near-vertical drop, is the archetype of steep treks. Start the climb from Thakurwadi Village, near the fort’s base. Next, carefully ascend the forest-clad slopes that turn slippery during the monsoons. It’ll probably take you a couple of hours to reach the Prabalmachi Plateau (about half way up); take a breather here before following the trail up to Kalavantin Durg. This journey only turns steeper with every step—quite literally—as the winding staircase offers no railings for support! At the summit, feast your eyes on the picturesque Sahyadri Mountains that surround you and explore the fort’s ruins, echoing the regal past of the Marathas. Yes, the stairway to heaven indeed exists and it’s right here in India.

BASE JUMP FROM ATOP THE WORLD’S TALLEST WATERFALL
Angel Falls Venezuela

Nestled in a corner of the Canaima National Park is our planet’s tallest, uninterrupted waterfall, enveloped by dense jungles on all sides. Welcome to Angel Falls, arguably one of nature’s finest creations, standing proud at a height of 3,212 feet above sea level (with a plunge of a whopping 2,648 feet!). While several companies offer a chance to get an aerial view of the gushing waters, your best bet to reach the spot is via a river journey from the town of Canaima on a curiara (motorised canoe). Get ready to traverse through thick canopies and around meandering rivers before arriving at this pristine cascade. For the iconic free fall, hike up to the waterfall’s tabletop plateau— the Auyán-Tepui—which, for context, translates to ‘Devil’s House’ in the indigenous Pemón language. From here, under expert supervision, all that’s left to do is to take that leap of faith in your wingsuit! Be sure to soak in the sights of the verdant Venezuelan jungles beneath and the blurs of blue and green, before parachuting down to safety. There’s really no better place to live life on edge than in these lush jungles.

SCUBA DIVE WITH WHALE SHARKS
Koh Tao Thailand

The wish list of any passionate diver is rarely complete without swimming with whale sharks—the world’s largest species of fish (and the third biggest creatures in the ocean). These gentle giants, known to grow more than 40 feet in length, are best spotted in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, and the best time to spot them is between March and May. Begin your ocean safari with a trip to a remote dive site like the Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, or Sail Rock in Koh Tao and remain vigilant for any whale sharks. If you’re lucky enough, the spotted creatures might just make an appearance. The sheer size of these gliding beauties, alongside the spectrum of colourful corals that surround you, is sure to leave you in awe. And if you’re nervous about meeting these underwater denizens—known to have 3,000-odd teeth—let us quell those thoughts by letting you know that they aren’t threatening by nature. Make sure to click many pictures with these placid beings and we’re sure they’ll make you popular on Instagram. A worthy once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we’d jump at.

QUAD-BIKE THROUGH A JURASSIC PARK-STYLE FOREST
Franz Josef New Zealand

There’s, arguably, no better way to explore the untamed terrains of the Southern Alps than by quad-biking through it. The dramatic contrast in Franz Josef town and its environ’s topography makes the region simply ideal for adventure junkies. Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, it’s one of those rare places where high altitude glaciers give way to lush forests at sea level. We suggest booking with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours located within the park itself. Once your guide gives you an essential safety briefing, you can get all geared-up and let nature lead the way as you speed through rocky riverbeds that gradually extend to the Franz Josef Glacier Rainforest. Feel the adrenaline rush while tackling steep inclines and navigating across unstable plains, many of which remain inaccessible on foot. In April, prepare for moderate rainfall and splash through the muddy landscape that mimics the setting of the movie Jurassic Park. But don’t worry, there are no dinosaurs here!

ZIP LINE OVER THE ARABIAN GULF
Ras Al Khaimah UAE

Ever wonder what it’s like to get a true bird’s-eye view of the world as you fly through the air with the wind in your hair? Head straight to the Jebel Jais Mountain for a taste of that bliss. Located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, it’s not only the UAE’s highest peak but also home to Jais Flight: the longest zip line in the world, covering a distance of 2.83 kilometres! Now that’s what we call a soaring adventure! Start at the site’s launch platform, aptly shaped like a falcon. While it’s open to adults only, adventurers below the age of 18 who meet the height and weight requirements can also hop on board. Once your safety briefing is complete, get ready for that adrenaline rush as you soar 5,512 feet above the Arabian Gulf and past the Hajar Mountain range—all at the mind-boggling speed of up to 160 kilometres per hour! As you catch your breath, savour the glimpses of rugged ravines, limestone cliffs, and valleys below. Undoubtedly, this three-minute-long exhilarating flight will have you feeling like you’re on top of the world.

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