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Rafting & 2019/2020

OFC Dear Fellow Paddler,

In 1973, Richard Bangs and John Yost ventured to Ethiopia to be the first to run the Omo . From that trip forward, Sobek and its guides have run close to 200 first descents across the globe. As a young guide, I lived vicariously through these exploits and dreamed of traveling to remote corners of the world to explore these incredible . That same spirit of river exploration and discovery is alive and well—buoying MT Sobek into the future.

With a wide variety of new offerings and options to experience the most amazing rivers and in North America and around the world, there is sure to be an incredible river trip to be discovered by each of you. We are extremely excited about our newest flagship trips on the through Cataract , as well as our other classics on the Alsek in Alaska, Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho, and the Zambezi in Zambia.

We are also looking forward to carrying on our history of exploration by offering the first-ever commercial rafting descent of the Sezar River in Iran. Plus, we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary with a trip down the Sayan Oka River in Siberia with Sobek’s founders!

The future of river trips with MT Sobek is very bright, so stay tuned for many new and wonderful journeys to come.

Matt Gontram Director of River Operations

MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 3 The Best River Guides

When you with MT Sobek river guides, you know that Pauly Borichevsky Kevin “Thirsty” McDermott Cataract Canyon, p.8 Alsek River, p.14 you’re in safe hands from the moment you meet them. Their “After 20 years, I often get asked if leading river trips gets old, but “River rafting is about creating a tribe! We begin as individuals knowledge of the river and the wilderness will inspire you to it never does. I get to see these beautiful places anew through but by overcoming adversity together we become one—we respect the water and protect the land. When you hear “lean in” other people’s eyes, and I love helping to show them that they look out for each other.” can do something they didn’t think they could do before.” you will do it instinctively—as an essential part of their crew. Despite diverse backgrounds, a shared love of rivers brings our guides together. They will teach you new things and make you laugh. Here are just a few of the guides who will be on the river with MT Sobek this season.

Sage McDermott Christa Sadler Middle Fork of the Salmon River, p.13 Alsek River, p.14 “After more than 50 trips down the Middle Fork, I still love “The Alsek River is, quite simply, extraordinary. In 24 years waking up to the sound of the river and jumping in. It’s fun of working there, I have never failed to be amazed and sharing this unique wilderness area with others, and I enjoy humbled by such spectacular wilderness.” seeing people getting stronger every day.”

SOBEK CO-FOUNDER SOBEK CO-FOUNDER

Richard Bangs John Yost Sayan Oka River, p.18 Sayan Oka River, p.18 “What an honor to purl down a river again with John Yost, “After a lifetime pushing the boundaries of international this time in Siberia. John could have retired from the noble raft rafting, I’m still thrilled to expand them again with this great a while ago, but when it comes to rafting, he is as carnivorous journey through the forests of Siberia’s Lake Brian Stevenson Taylor Wilcox as a crocodile on the banks of the Nile. So, I say, if you come Baikal region.” Sezar River, p.17 Middle Fork of the Salmon River, p.13 to a fork in the river, take it!” “In May 2019, I will lead the first-ever commercial rafting “I’ve been guiding on the Middle Fork for 15 years and I keep descent of Iran’s Sezar River. It’s a rare opportunity to be part coming back because it’s still the most fun thing to do in the of a first descent, and this 75-mile journey will be both summer. I love it, every time!” challenging and exciting—just what I was hoping for.”

4 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 50 YEARS | #MTSOBEK MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 5 Which MT Sobek rafting is right for you?

Our rafting trips range from gentle Class II family getaways to high- adrenaline Class IV-V adventures with miles of thrills. Seasonal water level changes make the same river a different beast, so it’s worth talking with MT Sobek experts to make sure that you are picking a date that suits your ability. As well as scheduled group departures, we can also accommodate private parties for a personalized adventure.

Here is some of the terminology that you might hear used on your rafting adventure.

OAR PADDLE BOAT CLASS I-II Classic inflatable raft, equipped Up to 6 passengers sit on the Sit back and enjoy the scenery. with two long oars rowed perimeter of the raft with legs Experience placid river conditions forward-facing by the guide. inside and paddle under the with interspersed wave trains and Accommodates gear and 3-5 direction of the guide, who enjoyable splashes. passengers. Perfect for relaxing. sits in the stern of the raft.

INFLATABLE STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD CLASS III-IV RAPIDS Also known as a “ducky,” this is Balance on these surprisingly Things are getting exciting! Begin your chance to get intimate with stable craft, also known as to see more frequent irregular the river. Paddle or sit at river level SUP, and propel yourself waves. This level requires a good with a double-bladed paddle and downstream with a single- response to guide commands be in charge of your own destiny! bladed paddle. and efficient team .

GEAR BOAT PORTAGE CLASS V RAPIDS Also called the sweep boat, the When rivers become un- This is the highest level of rafting gear boat carries all the and navigable, the gear has to difficulty, likely involving long, camp necessities, plus all our be taken out and carried to the continuous rapids. Successful waste—ensuring that we leave next navigable stretch. This is navigation requires great physical the river as pristine as we found it. known as portage. fitness and precise paddling.

6 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 50 YEARS | #MTSOBEK MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 7 Cataract Canyon Details 7-Day Rafting 7-Day Trip Departs May, Jun, Aug, Sep Adventure Land Cost From $2,595 Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps

• Carving a chasm through Utah’s Group Size 8-20 guests Canyonlands National Park, the red-rock wonder of Cataract Canyon begins at Minimum Age 9 years old the of the mighty Green and Arrive Moab, Utah Colorado Rivers Depart Moab, Utah • Discover the canyon’s splashy thrills on this classic 7-day rafting adventure, kicking Activity Level off in Moab—Utah’s adventure hub

• Raft legendary Class III-IV “Big Drops” 1 2 3 4 5 and enjoy comfortable riverside , all in the company of top river guides For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Cataract7 • Short on time? Check out our 5-day version with just 4 fun-packed days on the river!

Cataract Canyon Details Family Rafting 5-Day Trip Departs Jul, Aug Adventure Land Cost From $2,295 Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps • Take the whole family on a river adventure to remember with four exhilarating days on Group Size 8-20 guests the Colorado River and one night in Moab Minimum Age 9 years old • Experience all the thrills of our classic trip on a well-paced adventure, tailored for Arrive Moab, Utah first-time paddlers aged 9 and over Depart Moab, Utah • Run the rapids with expert guides, and Activity Level enjoy fun riverside camping and nightly campfire feasts 1 2 3 4 5 • It’s a perfect way to unplug in nature this summer—plus kids under 17 save $250! For more info, visit mtsobek.com/CataractFamily

8 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 50 YEARS | #MTSOBEK MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 9 Cataract Canyon Details & Rafting 11-Day Trip Departs May, Oct Adventure Land Cost From $3,495 Activities Rafting and hiking

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps

• Hike deep in the heart of Canyonlands Group Size 6-12 guests National Park on trails accessible only by the river Minimum Age 16 years old • Marvel at the sculpted red-rock landscape Arrive Moab, Utah of southeast Utah’s high desert, with its Depart Moab, Utah canyons, arches, spires, and buttes • Raft from the Green River to the Colorado Activity Level River and through Cataract Canyon,

tackling “Big Drops”—famed as some of 1 2 3 4 5 the world’s best Class III-IV rapids • Pair exhilarating days on the river with For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Cataract camping beneath desert skies and a scenic flight back to Moab

Cataract Canyon Details Women’s Rafting 7-Day Trip Departs Jun, Jul Adventure Land Cost From $2,595 Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps • Rejuvenate mind and spirit as you raft exhilarating rapids on this special week- Group Size 8-20 guests long getaway Minimum Age 16 years old • Feel the serenity of riverside camps with alfresco feasts and evenings around the Arrive Moab, Utah campfire Depart Moab, Utah • Enjoy camaraderie as you paddle the Activity Level Colorado River together, tackling Class III-IV rapids through Cataract Canyon— gateway to the 1 2 3 4 5 • Try out stand-up SUP or For more info, visit mtsobek.com/CataractWomen inflatable kayaking and experience the transformational energy of the river

10 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 50 YEARS | #MTSOBEK MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 11 Dates & Pricing

7-Day Trip Departs Jun–Aug Land Cost From $2,595

Rafting the Middle Fork of What to Expect

ACTIVITIES the Salmon River Exciting whitewater rafting on Class II-IV rapids, paddling 10-19 miles per day, with short hiking excursions on the river’s Crest more than 100 unforgettable scenic banks.

rapids in 100 miles on this adventure LODGING down one of the world’s greatest A comfortable hotel in Stanley followed by MT Sobek’s deluxe riverside camps, rivers. Get ready for a deluxe camping with meals served around the campfire and experience, guided by beneath the stars.

Idaho’s strongest rafters. Relax on CLIMATE an oar boat, get wet with a team of Summer weather has daytime ranges from 60°F to 90°F, and evenings between paddlers, or captain your own vessel 40°F and 60°F. June trips are cooler. on an inflatable kayak—choose a new activity every day. With afternoons Details spent relaxing in natural hot springs, Charter the Entire Departure Activities Rafting Imagine having an incomparable river vacation all to hiking, , visiting ancient rock Lodging Hotel, riverside camps yourself! Chartering an entire departure is a wonderful formations, and cooling off in Group Size 7-23 guests way to relax and unwind with your family or group of refreshing , this trip is a Minimum Age 6 years old friends, creating lifetime memories for all. Call for details. don’t-miss experience for amateurs Arrive Stanley, Idaho and pros alike! Depart Salmon, Idaho Activity Level

1 2 3 4 5

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/MiddleFork

Rafts & Drafts on the Middle Fork The latest of our Specialty River Trips, this is a unique collaboration with Idaho’s Payette Brewing Company. The folks at Payette are passionate, rebellious pioneers who continue to innovate and make uncompromising, awesome beer. On this trip, you’ll taste different varieties of Payette’s award-winning brews each night and talk beer with the brewers themselves. Call us for details.

MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 13 Rafting the Arctic Hulahula River Rafting Details • Feel the rush of this swift-flowing river as you raft 13-Day Trip Departs the Alsek Jul almost 100 miles on Class III-IV whitewater River Land Cost From $4,995 • Raft, hike, and camp in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on your way to the Beaufort Sea Activities Rafting • Head to the skies on spectacular bush flights Lodging Hotel, riverside camps across northern Alaska • Tackle Class II-IV rapids as you raft 160 6-12 guests Group Size 13-Day Trip Departs Jun miles down the Alsek River in Alaska Land Cost From $5,695 and Canada Minimum Age 16 years old Activity Level • Float past the largest icebergs in all of Arrive Haines, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park 1 2 3 4 5 Depart Yakutat, Alaska • Take an exciting helicopter portage For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Hulahula for a bird’s-eye view of thundering Activity Level Turnback Canyon • Experience raw nature on display at every 1 2 3 4 5 Rafting the Tatshenshini River bend with your expert river guides • Embark on a Class II-III wilderness rafting For more info, visit mtsobek.com/RaftAlsek • Enjoy hearty meals and legends told adventure over 132 miles from the Yukon to Alaska around crackling campfires beneath • Immerse yourself in a remote land of grizzlies and star-studded skies black bears, moose, and wolves • Hike through stunning glacial valleys and fields of wildflowers, and camp riverside

10-Day Trip Departs Jun, Aug Land Cost From $4,295 Activity Level

1 2 3 4 5 For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Tatshenshini

Rafting & Hiking the Talkeetna River

• Raft 100 miles on the Talkeetna—considered the best all-around whitewater river in Alaska • View Denali from the air on a scenic flight over the mountains and tundra • Explore the quaint Alaskan town of Talkeetna, the gateway to Denali National Park

6-Day Trip Departs Jun Land Cost From $2,795 Activity Level

1 2 3 4 5 For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Talkeetna

14 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 50 YEARS | #MTSOBEK MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 15 Dates & Pricing

17-Day Trip Departs May Land Cost From $9,995

Rafting the

Sezar River Our Guide in Iran “This river adventure is true to the pioneering roots of MT Sobek along one of the few rivers in the world Iran’s Sezar River cuts a seemingly that hasn’t been fully rafted. It’s an exploratory trip, which means that rapids and impossible path through the Zagros aren’t named, and the itinerary is open Mountains’ defiant limestone canyons to change along the way. The unknowns make this a and ridges. Join MT Sobek’s expert true adventure that serious rafters shouldn’t miss.” guides on the first commercial rafting Brian Stevenson descent of the Sezar! Be the first to

raft the river’s length, approximately Details 70 miles, from Dorud to Tele Zang. Activities Rafting Tackle challenging, boulder-choked Lodging Riverside camps, hotels Class IV and V rapids, portage around Group Size 10-14 guests the unrunnable ones, enjoy some Minimum Age 18 years old hiking time, and camp under endless Arrive Tehran, Iran stars. Before the river experience of a Depart Tehran, Iran lifetime, tour the cultural treasures of Activity Level Isfahan, Shiraz, and ancient Persepolis. Come pioneer Sezar rapids on this 1 2 3 4 5 unparalleled rafting adventure! For more info, visit mtsobek.com/SezarIran

MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 17 Rafting the Details Sayan Oka River 12-Day Trip Departs Aug in Siberia Land Cost From $6,995 Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotels, riverside camps

• Raft Class II-IV whitewater with Sobek Group Size 8-16 guests founders John Yost and Richard Bangs— a one-time-only departure celebrating Minimum Age 18 years old 50 years of MT Sobek! Arrive Irkutsk, Russia • Experience mighty rapids such as Okinskiy Depart Irkutsk, Russia and Buryatskiy, which boast giant water waves up to 11 feet high Activity Level • Visit Old Believers, a remote religious

community who bravely survive Siberia’s 1 2 3 4 5 harsh climate • Experience the wonders of UNESCO-listed For more info, visit mtsobek.com/SayanOka Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world

Zambezi Details River 9-Day Trip Departs Oct Adventure Land Cost From $4,495 Activities Rafting, canoeing

Lodging Riverside camps, hotels • Raft some of the best Class III-V whitewater in the world through the famous Batoka Gorge Group Size 6-16 guests

• Experience 2 days of canoeing on the Minimum Age 16 years old Upper Zambezi with great wildlife viewing opportunities Arrive Livingstone, Zambia • Swim in the Devil’s Pool and peer over the Depart Livingstone, Zambia edge of Victoria Falls Activity Level • Enjoy an evening cruise above the falls and experience the best view of a one-of-a-kind 1 2 3 4 5 African sunset

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/ZambeziRiver

18 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 50 YEARS | #MTSOBEK MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 19 Rafting the Details Rivers of 9-Day Trip Departs Nov, Dec Central Chile Land Cost From $5,695 Activities Rafting

Lodging Boutique hotels and eco- lodges, riverside camp • Plunge into a fun whitewater rafting adventure on Chile’s remote waterways, Group Size 4-12 guests including the Cautín, Liucura, Maichín, Trancura, and Fuy Rivers Minimum Age 16 years old • Paddle Class II-IV rapids with MT Sobek Arrive La Araucanía, Chile expert guides, and spend nights at boutique Depart La Araucanía, Chile riverside hotels and eco-lodges • Rejuvenate in soothing hot springs and take Activity Level in views of the active Llaima Volcano • Enjoy fascinating hikes in the ancient lava 1 2 3 4 5 fields of Conguillío National Park For more info, visit mtsobek.com/RaftChile

Apurimac River Details Adventure 9-Day Trip Departs Sep in Peru Land Cost From $4,595 Activities Rafting, trekking, biking

Lodging Riverside camps, • New for 2019! Raft Class III-V rapids boutique hotels through narrow canyons in Peru’s glaciated southwestern Cordilleras Group Size 6-16 guests

• Mountain bike past ancient Incan ruins in Minimum Age 16 years old the heart of the Sacred Arrive Cusco, Peru • Trek through high mountain villages and enjoy a private tour of mystical Machu Picchu Depart Cusco, Peru

• Explore the ancient cobblestone streets of Activity Level UNESCO-listed Cusco

1 2 3 4 5

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/ApurimacPeru

20 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 50 YEARS | #MTSOBEK MTSOBEK.COM | 1.888.687.6235 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 21 Kayaking & Multi-Adventure Options

Glacier Bay Kayaking & Wildlife Western Sweden Kayaking & Hiking We had the trip of a lifetime on the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers. • Kayak among thunderous icebergs of Glacier Bay • Head off on a fun-filled kayaking adventure “ National Park and marvel at wildlife up close along western Sweden’s majestic fjords Our guides were wilderness superheroes—knowledgeable, • Visit scenic Chichagof Island and the famous • Explore the lush inner archipelagos, rocky competent, fun. The scenery was breathtaking, and the humpback feeding grounds of Point Adolphus islands, and historic fishing communities experience was both peaceful and exhilarating. 7-Day Trip Departs Jul, Aug 10-Day Trip Departs Jun, Jul, Aug Land Cost From $4,995 Land Cost From $4,895 WHITNEY A. Activity Level Activity Level MT SOBEK GUEST, RAFTING THE TATSHENSHINI RIVER

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 For more info, visit mtsobek.com/KayakGlacierBay For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Sweden My MT Sobek Middle Fork trip was outstanding in every respect. The river is stunning, beginning with its intimate canyon, Kayaking Panama’s San Blas Islands Greece Hiking & Kayaking flowing into a majestic riparian paradise! The guides’ skills,

• Paddle crystal-clear waters and explore pristine • Kayak turquoise waters to sea caves and knowledge, warmth, and repartee were all top notch. white-sand beaches in the San Blas archipelago underwater springs on the Mani Peninsula DIANE P. • Learn about the fascinating culture of the • Summit Profitis Ilias at 7,897 feet and survey MT SOBEK GUEST, MIDDLE FORK OF THE SALMON RIVER indigenous Guna people and visit the epic the broad Taygetus Massif, towering over Panama ancient Sparta

10-Day Trip Departs Feb, Mar 8-Day Trip Departs May, Sep Land Cost From $4,295 Land Cost From $5,495 Costa Rica is a vacation for those who like the water—we Activity Level Activity Level were whitewater rafting, kayaking, rappelling down a ,

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 and even soaking in hot springs. Great food and lodging, For more info, visit mtsobek.com/KayakPanama For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Greece interesting birds and animals to see, and excellent guides made this our best adventure vacation yet.

Costa Rica Rafting & Kayaking New Zealand’s Wild West Coast GLENN L. MT SOBEK GUEST, COSTA RICA RAFTING & KAYAKING • Raft one of the top ten whitewater rivers in • Take an exhilarating rafting trip through the the world, the beautiful Río Pacuare granite gorges of the Buller River • Zipline through a private rainforest reserve • Hike for two days through lush coastal forest and explore secluded channels by kayak on the iconic Queen Charlotte Track 9-Day Trip Departs Feb, Mar, Jul 11-Day Trip Departs Feb, Mar, Dec ” Land Cost From $4,495 Land Cost From $6,795 Activity Level Activity Level

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 For more info, visit mtsobek.com/CostaRicaRaft For more info, visit mtsobek.com/NewZealand

22 RAFTING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES 50 YEARS | #MTSOBEK TWO HUNDRED ADVENTURES.

SEVEN CONTINENTS.

A WORLD OF DISCOVERY.

Where’s Your Next Adventure?

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©2018 MT Sobek | Photos ©A.Z. Andis, Terry Wayne Boyd, Chad Case, Laura Hughes, Carson Johnston, Brian Stevenson, MT Sobek Photo File CST2014882-40 REGISTRATION AS A SELLER OF DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

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