Blog - The best travel insights and top travel tips
Welcome to the Mountain Kingdoms blog. We have been walking and trekking the world for over 36 years and here we share our holiday recommendations, travel pointers and favourite mountain views.
What are Tea Houses?
Along the Annapurna Circuit, the Everest Base camp trek routes and beyond the Gokyo Lakes, the most popular form of accommodation is the tea houses. As not everyone knows what staying at tea houses entails,... Read more
Mani Stones
Across the Himalaya, whether on an Everest Base Camp trek, the Annapurna Circuit or elsewhere, visitors will undoubtedly encounter mani stones: large and small stones engraved with a short piece of writing in Tibetan, propped up against a large rock or forming an entire wall alongside part of the track. ... Read more
Nepalese Women Set to Climb Annapurna IV
As anyone who has been on Annapurna Circuit treks has no doubt noticed, the majority of the guides are men. This may be set to change in the future, as people within Nepal are campaigning to increase the numbers... Read more
Yarsagumba on the Annapurna Circuit
The region of the Annapurna Circuit is home to many animals. One of the most peculiar is the Himalayan Bat Moth caterpillar, which lives underground feeding on roots for up to 5 years before pupating. ... Read more
Gourmet Cuisine on Everest
While Everest Base Camp trekkers eat very well at tea houses along the route, anyone who then embarks on an Everest summit attempt will be faced with a diet that is typically more practical than delicious.... Read more
Tiger Successfully Relocated from Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal's gems and a perfect addition to the Annapurna Circuit trek for those who have the time. Within its borders are leopards, wild elephants, rhinoceroses, sambar, chital deer, wild boars, ... Read more
Historic Postcards of Mt Everest
Photos of Mt Everest, whether taken from afar across the Tibetan plateau or from the Everest Base Camp on the southern side, exist in their thousands as treks and tours open up this spectacular mountain to visitors from... Read more
Muktinath: A Sacred Site on Annapurna Circuit Treks
Annapurna Circuit treks are an amazing way to see Nepal, giving access to remote and fascinating places. This is especially true at Muktinath, a sacred site on Annapurna Circuit treks with great religious and spiritual significance to both Hindus and Buddhists.... Read more
Staying Safe on Annapurna Treks
With the recent announcement of Nepal Tourist Year 2011, we imagine even more people than ever will be heading out to this fantastic country. For those planning to go trekking in the Annapurnas, or any other high-altitude trek in Nepal.... Read more
Peaceful Pokhara
Many visitors to Pokhara arrive for one reason and one reason only - to begin their adventure trekking the Annapurna Circuit. But quite apart from its location as the ‘gateway’ to the Annapurna Circuit, it is a fascinating... Read more