reviews

An amazing trek. Wonderful scenery with row upon row of fantastic mountains stretching into the distance, plus deep gorges, fertile valleys and historic towns. The wild flower meadows and hill slopes were covered in Gentians, Cowslips, varieties of Orchids, Thyme and many more species too numerous to mention. A particular delight was the Mountain Tea that our hosts made from all the herbs in their meadows. Our guide, Semir was excellent, very caring and knowledgeable. The local families that we stayed with were so friendly and served us some wonderful food made from their own or local produce. Yes, the days were long and, at my advanced years, at times the trekking pretty strenuous getting up over the high passes or climbing a peak. However, I would not have missed it for the world. My advice to anybody would be to forget other popular European destinations and go to the Balkans whilst it is still quiet and unspoiled.

David, Plymouth, Devon

Quite simply this is one of the best, most spectacular and rewarding treks in the world. The scenery as you approach the base camp in mesmerising in its grandeur and scale. Makalu gradually reveals itself to you as you weave your way round the hillside on your day walking to the base camp, and the view from your lodge at MBC is breath-taking. Crossing the four high passes from Khongma to Dobate is another highlight, providing scenic delights and challenging walking on both the approach and return from the base camp. For the fit, adventurous trekker who seeks out the remoter places and more challenging treks, this one definitely ticks all the boxes and more. Staying in the tea houses was for me, a big benefit too. What they may lack in amenities and sophistication, they gain in charm, character, with warm, friendly hosts and good, simple and nutritious food.

Niki Morgan, Operations Manager, Mountain Kingdoms, Gloucestershire

What an amazing experience, with so much in the news at the moment on the Alternative ‘tourist’ trails this one left us spoilt with spectacular scenery and relative quiet. Superb organisation and a fantastic highly experienced crew, we were never in doubt that we were in good hands. I’d highly recommend MK and would certainly use them again, as a first timer on a trek like this it was great to have such thorough organisation

Mr G Hopkins, Surrey

Everything ran like clockwork and our group of 8 bonded together really well, The food at the lodges was excellent and we particularly enjoyed 'happy hour!' and the fires.

Mr J Gregson, Yorkshire

I have been incredibly impressed by the level of customer service in the uk. The trip itself was brilliant and again everything ran like clockwork. The whole crew on the trek were amazing. We have trekked in the Himalayas on 4 previous occasions and this was definitely the best experience we have had.

Ms S Cheeseman, Edinburgh

We had an excellent guide who looked after us very well. Winter stayed late and there was a lot of snow and a few days of bad conditions. His experience was invaluable in crossing passes.

Mr I Douglas, Northumberland

Excellent staff, accommodation and food. We will definitely be using Mountain Kingdoms again.

Ms S Clark, Suffolk

The Cultural trip was well planned ,all the tour guides and drivers were excellent.

Ms F Wales, Littlehampton

Our group got on very well. Having a small number is, I think, a considerable advantage in terms of smooth running etc.It also made it easy to talk to local people. The trek was very much as described and expected The route was beautiful; we saw monkeys and mongoose and many different birds.

Mr D Hill, Shropshire