HIMALAYA TREK- NO EQUIPMENT NEEDED

For most Explorateurs, the words ‘bucket list’ and ‘Himalayas’ very often go hand in hand. It’s one of those extreme aspirational journeys that we often dream about, but put off all too often. “I’m not fit enough”, “I don’t have the time”, “it’s too expensive”. Well, what if we could help you with that?

We know a trek that is absolutely ideal for ALL people. If you can walk, you can do this and if you’ve got the drive, you can easily reach 5000 meters without a single piece of equipment or extra oxygen. We know it may sound unbelievable, but believe us – it’s true. Cue Neeraj, your guide. A unique character complete with token bearded countenance, mild yet firm coaching style and effortless skill. He’ll be your guide on this trek, and oh- did we mention, he also runs training drills for the Indian Navy? Yeah, you’re in good hands.

This beautiful 6-day trek passes through gorgeous forests and vast meadows, and awesome views of the snowcapped Himalayas all along the way. Begin in Okhimath, and pass through Chopta and Tungnath to reach the summit of Chandrashila at nearly 5000 meters which is absolutely incredible. Along the way, Neeraj and his team set up camp and prepare your meals before you retire each night in a North Face tent for a good night’s sleep to refresh for the next day’s walk.

Once you finish, we recommend combining this with a stay at the luxe Ananda in the Himalayas to treat yourself to a handsome treasure trove of a reward complete with body treatments in their award-winning 24,000 square foot spa whilst connecting with your spiritual side. You’ll certainly deserve it. This journey is delivered by the world-renowned Liberty India tour outfitter.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 25% when booking before 31 Dec 2011, travel anytime in 2012 or 2013. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

WORLD'S MOST REMOTE RESTAURANT- CHINA

OK- this is a tricky one for us because we always like to report our experiences at unique places around the world, but we just couldn’t resist this feature for two reasons. A) It’s incredibly cool and B) This might just be the only place in the world that we actually do not wish to visit. This place is what is known as the most remote restaurant in the world. And just wait until you see the setting (and the journey required to reach it!). Since we haven’t been nor do we know anyone who actually has, we’re simply reporting what we’ve heard. We’d love to find someone that actually seen this so spread the word amongst your networks and let’s see if we can track someone down together!

This remote eatery is said to exist in China. Begin your journey with a treacherous tram ride up a mountain, over a staggeringly deep gorge. How the tram got there and what's supporting it is actually a mystery in itself. Disembark, and you're then faced with a series of wooden planks of teeny widths, clinging to the mountainside. These will serve as your pathway up the incline for an unspecified but seemingly long length until you reach the restaurant at the very top where the meals are said to be served.

We've certainly got tons of questions and we're sure you do too. What's the menu like? How's the food? How does the food even get there? How is it cooked? Who's waiting to serve you (and what the heck are their working hours?) Most importantly, is the meal free if you actually make it all the way up?

Again, we have no verification that this actually exists, only emails and posts, but we're totally intrigued. You? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

DEHOUCHE- The premiere Latin American tour crafters

Whether you’re a Latin American first-timer or looking for the holiday of a lifetime, Latin American travel specialists Dehouche have it covered. With offices in Rio and Buenos Aires, Dehouche is the ultimate travel service that can create any trip you dream of, from kayaking down the Amazon to swooping across Antarctica by light aircraft. Being based on the ground allows them to create tailor-made trips studded with a unique selection of Insider Experiences, from impromptu champagne breakfasts overlooking Christ, to polo lessons from an ex-Argentine champion and jamming sessions with a Brazilian Bossa Nova legend. Having spent years scouring Latin America for the coolest off-the-beaten track boutique hotels and hidden beaches, they have established an extensive web of local experts and eccentrics who will open your eyes to the beating heart of the culture. Testament to their passion and unparalleled customer service, Dehouche won both Best South American Tour Operator and Best Small Tour Operator at this year’s prestigious British Travel Awards and Dehouche's founder Paul Irvine has been selected as a Conde Nast Specialist for Brazil for 3 years running. The go to for ‘those-in-the-know’ for their in-depth insider knowledge, slick service and VIP treatment, Dehouche have the Latin America experience wrapped up.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a tailor-made trip and Dehouche will provide you with a complimentary Insider Experience, from helicopter rides over Sugarloaf mountain in Brazil to private cooking lesson with a famous Peruvian chef. For more details contact Dehouche at info@dehouche.com or visit their website www.dehouche.com and, as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

NEPTUNE OYSTER HOUSE- Boston, MA
OK...a restaurant review in Boston probably wasn't what you were expecting to see in today's issue but seriously, we can not keep quiet about our favorite little gem in Beantown any longer. Tucked in a tiny storefront space on a crowded street in the heart of Boston's North End amongst a plethora of Italian restaurants, shops, and bakeries- it stands out from the get-go and feels much more bistro-on-the-Left-Bank rather than the typical raw bar. Mirrored walls with slick white liquid chalk-drawn menus, beautiful selection of wines, flashy countertops and just a cluster of tables for the lucky ones who arrive early enough.

On to the most important part, the LOBSTER ROLL. Not just any lobster roll, but quite possibly THE most perfect lobster roll. One we dream about, one we crave when we've had a bad day, one we admittedly have flown up to Boston just to enjoy, only to turn around the next day and fly home. Yes- it's that good. And there are 2 versions- naturally you have to have them both but we'd say space it out- one for lunch and then one for dinner if you intend to pair this with a cup of their amazing chowder. The hot version resplendent with dripping gooey melted butter is especially sumptuous. Seriously and truly, please- please do not miss this next time you're in the area. NB-it's difficult to find, and forget about finding a parking spot so you're better off taking a cab or the T.

Neptune Oyster House- 63 Salem St- Boston, MA- 617-742-3474 - http://www.neptuneoyster.com/