reviews

We really enjoyed visiting the two stunning, but very different, areas in Nepal and having all our logistics taken care of. The warm welcome we received at all the lodges were brilliant and the hospitality first rate.

Mrs M Carey, Abingdon

We greatly enjoyed the holiday, with the highlights bring the trek and Koyasan. The organisation was faultless and the guide was first class. My strongest memories are of the towering cedar trees, the baths, the traditional bedrooms and the dining experiences. Thanks for a great trip.

Mrs L Legg, Wiltshire

We have just completed (Sept. 2018) the Cordillera Real Traverse, the classic Bolivian 120-km long trek in some of the most spectacular scenery in South America. We truly were wandering through the fields of wonder...miles of undulating hills, pristine valleys still owned by their original residents, glaciers-capped mountains, turquoise lakes – landscape so raw and untouched that it commands silence as not to taint its mystery by language. The trek offers what many seasoned trekkers dream of – solitude, wilderness, remoteness and the natural beauty that can restore the sense of balance, mental clarity and equanimity. Mind you, this trek is a tough one – there are no maps, signs, markings or established trails. You move through this vast landscape off-trail, following your guide whose judgements you don’t question. We entrusted our guide Jose Camarlinghi early on, recognizing his skills in traversing the land with an intuitive ease backed by his intimate familiarity with every turn, nook and corner of the entirety of this long path. His calm presence helped quell some anxieties about the not knowing or the more challenging, “What have I gotten myself into?” moments. I lift my hat and bow, Jose. Our local crew looked after us exceptionally well and made the experience even more special. The organization of the trip was impeccable. The only recommendations/changes I would suggest could be spending two nights at La Estancia rather than in Copacabana, and upgrading the hotel in La Paz. This trek would rank as one of my favourite, best ever experiences. I cannot recommend this trip with the Mountain Kingdoms more highly. Liz Kwas, Ottawa, Canada

Liz Kwas, Ottawa, Canada, Canada/Ontario

Absolutely stunning scenery throughout - a very varied and well paced trip - mountains, deserts, canyons, lakes, wildlife and some amazing archaeological sites. The local guides were very knowledgeable - informative about both environment and history - able to take us to some quiet and more remote areas. There were numerous occasions to sample the local wines (Bodega Nanni in Cafayate particularly stands out) - Well organised with comfortable hotels and some great walks. Definitely a bucket list trip.

Peter Evans, Oxfordshire

This was an amazing trek, with wonderful views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. The food prepared by the crew was amazing and even included cakes! Really good walking. All of the transfers were excellent. We felt that we were really looked after by the team.

Jenny & Joe Walsh, Warwickshire

Excellent

Mr John Delucchi, U.K.

It was described as a Wilderness Trek and it certainly lived up to it. Was brilliant to trek in an area where we did not see any other trekkers. The views were fantastic and although cold it was the views that took your breath away. Our Local Guide Mr Hom was so caring and knowledgeable, a great support team and excellent food (amazing what Cook comes up with whilst on trek). Bandiphar is a great find and really enjoyed the stay at The Old Inn before hitting the buzz of Kathmandu and sadly our farewell to Nepal.

Mrs E Bettles-Hall, England

It was wonderful trekking on quiet paths and spending time with the friendly villagers who run the community lodges along the trail. Nepal was everything that I dreamed it would be.

Harry Gray, Mountain Kingdoms

We loved this trip. We wanted to see Japan but not at the frantic pace of most tours. This itinerary allowed us to experience Japan in all its glory, without the feeling of rushing between its various sites. From our first outing in Tokyo, visiting a beautiful Shinto shrine, to our final walk along the Philosophers Trail in Kyoto, the whole trip was spectacular. Our guide was excellent, managing to herd us gently and expertly, always ready to help, translate, explain and enlighten us on any matters Japanese. The minshuku and ryokan were all very comfortable and welcoming, with lovely food. Our particular favourites were: staying at the Ekoin Temple, enjoying the hospitality of the monks and witnessing their morning ceremonies; and taking the 7 different modes of transport it took to get there! The transport in Japan is so clean, so timely, so efficient and even the rush hour in Tokyo was well mannered. This meant that far from being the tiring, trying experience that it may be in England, the 7 different modes of transport were a joy, an adventure, adding to the overall experience and so much better than being ferried around on a bus!

Mr & Mrs T, Nottingham, England