Picture this: You’re in Bhutan [1], a South Asian country between India and China. It’s one of the most isolated––and best-preserved spiritual cultures in the world. You hike––arduously, exhileratingly––toward a hidden ancient city with views of the Himalayas. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries dot emerald-green valleys. Each day brings more hiking but every night greets you with a soft bed in a comfortable lodge––some of which have yoga [1] and massage. Bhutan’s king attributes the country’s equilibrium to a high “Gross National Happiness” level. All of this is open to you on the “Bhutan Private Journey [2]” as promised and guided by Wilderness Travel [3], an award-winning adventure tour company that’s been operating since 1978.

If this journey seems too mellow, there are plenty more, less overtly spiritual ways to peer into earth’s remaining beauty, year round, with Wilderness Travel. In March alone you can sea kayak and snorkel in Palau, the “underwater Serengeti;” hike in Morocco’s red-rock canyons; and frolic with sea lions in Galapagos. If you’re looking for other adventure travel options, Travel + Leisure [4] has this list [5] of 50 Great American Adventures. National Geographic [6] has a 2005 list [7] of top 25 trips, and Outside [8] has a 2006 preview of their list [9] of best trips for the year. All abound with stunning body-moving options to put your treadmill to shame.

Photo: WildernessTravels.com [10]