reviews
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
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.
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.
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.
An in-depth Japan group tour
This Japan culture tour is a fantastic experience, 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.
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.
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.
Excellent scenery, wonderful food and friendly family run accommodation
This holiday was a fantastically enjoyable trip. From the initial contact with "Mountain Kingdom" through to the return, everything was faultless. At every stage, we enjoyed a positive experience. The guides, food, and accommodation met and for the most part, far exceeded our expectations. I would recommend the tour to anyone who wants to get into the mountains without undertaking a mountain climbing adventure.
The Accursed Mountains
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.
Makalu Base Camp Trek
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.
Mera Peak 6,476m / 21,246ft
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