reviews

Experiencing the majesty of Khan Tengri and South Inylchek glacier in the Tien Shan - Private Depart

A tough and extraordinary experience in the high mountains of the Tien Shan, trekking some 85 km over 7 days, perpetually up and down across rocky moraines, glaciers, and active scree slopes, from altitudes of 2500 to 4100 m. Wonderful scenery in good weather, with 360 degree panoramas of 5000m+ peaks and a geomorphologists dream! Aside from the amazing landscapes, our trekking guide, Vadim, absolutely made the trip for us. Hugely professional, with much experience in the Tien Shan, wonderfully supportive and with a keen sense of fun. Above all, he ensured our safety in so far as possible in this challenging trekking landscape. We are truly delighted we did this trek - a real test of agility and fitness that provides a sense of personal achievement and jaw-dropping awe at one of the earth's great landscapes.

Rita and Martin - South Inylchek Glacier to Khan Tengri, London

Exploration in Eastern Bhutan

I have enjoyed many wonderful adventures in Eastern Bhutan, and have been struck by how charming the places and people are in this part of the country. There is a tangible atmosphere of days-gone-by, and the scenery is just lovely. I do thoroughly recommend this trip to those people who really like to get off-the-beaten-track!!

Steve Berry, MD, Mountain Kingdoms, Gloucestershire

Ladakh walking

Each day seemed better than the one before, a superb waking and sightseeing holiday. Just perfect.

Pat, Cumbria

K2 Base Camp Trek

We only reached Concordia due to the depth of snow which was present, with the porters refusing to take the horses or donkeys any further. In practice this is as far as one requires to trek to obtain a good view of K2. Trekking to Broad Peak and K2's base camps puts one '"underneath" the steep faces of the mountain. Very hot in the River valley, which was not really stressed sufficently in the pre-trek information. The road trip from Skardu to ASkole was an adventure, seven hours up but over sixteen hours on the descent. Rebuilt three river crossings and cleared one landslip. but were halted for in excess of six hours at a final river crossing. Eventually vehicles came from the Skardu side to pick us up after wading through the river. Could we have turned back and crossed the Shigar River to take the road on the other side? To the credit of the Concordia Hotel at Skardu we arrived, very tired at 11 30pm and were served a fresh hot dinner at 11 45pm, service over and above what was required.

Mr Martin David Robertson, South Lanarkshire

Dolomites Circuit Trek

The trip was without equal and simply exceptional in every way. The natural topography is stunning, the trails we followed magnificent, the family run Refugio’s with their clean and well equipped bedrooms/dorms and culinary delights could not have been bettered. And to top it all our guide was simply terrific. His infectious knowledge of the Dolomites, its history and their wildlife and flora made our holiday one of - if not the - most memorable treks my companions and I have enjoyed in all the years we have spent in the Alps. We will be trekking with you again soon.

Mr R Dyson, London

Monte Rosa Rando

What we enjoyed about travelling with Mountain Kingdoms was: the great communication, (before and during the trip.) The prompt and courteous response to questions that left you feeling that you were a valued client and not a number. The flexible way the holiday was modified so we could extend our stay. Really could not have wished for anything more and would recommend "Mountain Kingdom" unreservedly.

Pemberg of Stratford-Upon-Avon, Stratford-Upon-Avon

In-depth tour of Japan

This is a fantastic trip, whether it is your first trip or not. With its varied itinerary, this trip sets to hit all of the main spots as well as those that many tours don’t get to see. Japan really is a country that keeps on giving.

Harry Gray, Operations Manager, Mountain Kingdoms

Alpine Meadows

A wonderful walk amongst beautiful woodland and flower-filled meadows in the quiet Ayas valley under the Monte Rosa Massif. Accommodation was mainly in small comfortable friendly hotels where delicious local produce is highly valued. We passed through pretty villages with examples of unusual Walse rural architecture. Some walks involved strenuous climbs and long descents but there were also long stretches beside amazing medieval irrigation channels or Rus. Highlights were a visit to a disused goldmine and the rushing glacier fed stream at the head of the valley - "La Surgente" or Source.

Bruce H, Wiltshire

Explore the Albanian highland frontier

So many good memories. A select group of trekkers with common goals. An understanding guide with great local knowledge. Mountains like the highlands of Scotland but twice the height, starting from half way up. Loads of colourful wild flowers. There are still elements of rural mountain life as it was, notably subsistence farming and 'meadow' tea to drink, but rapid development of facilities to provide for like-minded trekkers is evident and will provide prosperity for the local people not previously imaginable. A fascinating way to develop an insight into this complex corner of Europe. Go there before it has all changed - it will.

Andrew Paterson, Yorkshire