enjoy tour

Nepal: Everest at 60 Traveling to Everest—even if only to its base—takes on special significance in 2013, the 60th anniversary of the first successful ascent of the mountain. Follow in the footsteps of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay through the village of Namche Bazaar and the glacial valley of Khunde; hike up Kala Pattar for a famous view of the Big E on the southwest ridge of Mount Pumori; and stand in awe of the Khumbu Icefall, which marks the South Col, the route blazed by the maverick climbers. Base camp awaits, buzzing with the excitement of the anniversary celebration, mountaineering expeditions preparing for summit bids, and the start of the annual Hillary and Tenzing marathon. One World Trekking: “Everest Base Camp 60th Anniversary Trek,” 18 days; $3,360; www.oneworldtrekking.com Jordan: Carpet Ride Jordanian guide Yamaan Safady leads this journey he pioneered on Bedouin hunting paths through rugged desert, slot canyons, and mountainous terrain to the “back door” of Petra. Relax over evening meals of kebabs, hummus, olives, and fresh pita bread in traditional Bedouin camps filled with tribal rugs and plush, overstuffed pillows. Your reward is a rare approach to the monastery and ancient city, rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt in 1812. Wildland Adventures: “Bedouin Trek to Petra,” 12 days; $4,995; www.wildland.com Oman: Under the Arab Sky The frankincense trade made Ubar one of the richest cities on the Arabian Peninsula until the desert swallowed it without a trace, according to Arab lore. Poke around the ruins of what experts believe is the lost city in the vast sand of the Empty Quarter. The trip launches in exotic Muscat and traces the craggy coast of the sultanate before plunging into the interior. Bed down under the stars, in luxury mobile tents. Big Five Tours and Expeditions: “Caravans of the Bedu,” 12 days; $15,000; www.bigfive.com Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan: The Silk Road Less Traveled Experience the historical trading route through the eyes of seminomadic people who host you: Share a vodka toast at a shepherd’s camp on the glacial Song-Köl lake; overnight in a communal yurt where caravans rest in Tash-Rabat; and stay with an eagle hunter on the shores of Lake Issyk-Köl. Wild Frontiers: READ MORE...http://travel.nationalgeographic.com