Traveller Reviews
Read holiday reviews and feedback by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Traveller reviews of Mountain Kingdoms
Overall holiday rating: 5
Total number of reviews submitted: 1226
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A Surreal Trek of Immense Magnitude Along the Border Between Bhutan & Tibet
The Bhutan-Snowman Trek is arguably the toughest trek in the world. Being conscious of the fact that Mountain Kingdoms have been successfully operating this trek for 2-3 decades gave me a high degree of confidence in their professionalism and ability to succeed. The Western Leader was well qualified, constantly engaging, and made sound decisions when necessary in conjunction with the Bhutanese Sirdar (e.g. postponing a rest day to avoid a bad snowstorm crossing the highest pass). He kept abreast of the group's progress including, importantly, the back markers, as well as the morale of individuals, which helped to maximise our teams’ chances of success. Whilst seemingly a small contribution, he took the trouble to carry chocolate bars to give us a welcome boost on conquering every high pass - much appreciated by all. The Bhutanese crew (including pack animal herders) were universally excellent and besides great meals, provided fantastic support to every one of us. Also not resting on their laurels, this was the first commercial Mountain Kingdoms group to trek the new exit route out of Lunana (across the mountains between Sake-la and Maurothang), featuring a truly memorable couple of days in unspoiled wilderness. It was somewhat fitting, that crossing the final high pass, the Chachi-La, we had the most amazing crystal clear views of the Eastern Himalayas along the border with Tibet, including the infamous Gangar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain on the planet. All our prayers came true that day. Put in perspective, the photos that we took that day were completely cloud-free, unlike many of those in the guide-books! Sincere thanks for an experience which I will never ever forget.
Paine & Fitz Roy
A great trip with time spent exploring these two mountain areas and a couple of enjoyable boat trips to experience different glaciers. The walks in each area allowed us to see the two areas and we had stunning views of the Central Towers of Paine and Fitz Roy, with only Cerro Torre remaining hidden behind cloud. The two main centres were different, but added to the experience - the EcoCamp in Paine was a great place to stay with wonderful food and a Pisco Sour each day. The hotel in El Chalten was comfortable with a host of places to eat well in the locality. It was great to see these stunning mountains that I had read about, especially with andean Gondors soaring around each day. Overall a trip that met all my expectations and was thoroughly enjoyable with a good group.
Manaslu Circuit
An excellent tough trip with stunning scenery.
What a treat Bhutan is!
Bhutan is as friendly, colourful and quirky as we had hoped it may be, but with better infrastructure than we had dared hope. Some lovely walks in valleys and over ridges with far reaching views of the Himalaya. We stayed in some charming traditional houses, ate some good food, and enjoyed the company of an entertaining group, all aided by the expert leadership by our guide Bhim, and outstanding driver Ugyen who made everything run so easily, giving us lots of local insights and stories, as well as some top souvenir tips!
Gentle Walking Bhutan
I think the ‘gentle’ part of your title could be reviewed! Either Gentle Trekking or Mountain Walks might give a better hint of the fairly strenuous days. Your altitude guide could perhaps be emphasised - though none of these comments detract from our huge enjoyment of an amazing and greatly enjoyed adventure.
Druk Path Trek
Wonderful holiday. Mountain Kingdoms were very friendly and relaxed but very professional. Whether in the UK or Nepal and Bhutan everyone went out of their way to be helpful.
Bhutan travels.
Fabulous scenery, great walking, excellent guides and support staff in a country which still feels quite untraveled. The itinerary was a wonderful introduction to Bhutan, and the experiences, sights and tour certainly added to our “ happiness “ score .
Rain, Rain, Rain !
Despite great organisation by the trek leader and the support team in India our trip was marred by dismal weather from the start with overcast, rain laden skies. That is the chance you take in the mountains, but nevertheless the memory of this holiday is one of saturated clothing and rain pattering on the tent flyleaf !
Mother & Son Hiking trip - Druk Path Private Itinerary
I don't have the language skills to describe this trip. I have travelled extensively and still, Bhutan was a surprise. Is it the deeply engrained Buddhist culture, the untypical monarchy, the small population wrapped by the mountains, the contract to the surrounding countries? My son had done DofE in his last year at school, enjoyed the walking and we were looking for a trip where the culture would interest both of us with some outdoor challenge before he goes off to university. Mountain Kingdoms listened and put together an ideally tailored trip for us. Lasting memories and a lingering thought provoking experience...this trip was one of the special things in life that money can buy.
Great Wall of China - Private Itinerary
An amazing taste of China, with Beijing, sea and mountains. Our tailor made holiday was everything we wanted and more
Title is perfect for the trip undertaken.
This was a most memorable experience and I could not have imagined I would see so many wild animals and beautiful birds. I learnt so much about the flora and fauna which can only be done in such detail when walking with guides who have infinite knowledge on their surrounds. I fully recommend this to anyone who enjoys being up close to nature and this is certainly the best way to experience it.
Galapagos Cruise in Style
What a fabulous trip! This holiday offers one of the most inspiring experiences of any of Mountain Kingdoms’ many trips. Marvel at the stunning wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, have close encounters with unique birds such as the Blue Footed Booby, meet ancient tortoises and walk through enormous colonies of sea lions, with opportunities to swim with penguins or snorkel amongst exotic fish, all from the comfort of your own premium class yacht.
Galapagos Cruise in Style
Everything about the cruise was fantastic. Each day presented a new experience with a variety of activities on offer. Both guides were very good at explaining what would be happening and their insight into the islands and wildlife made each trip a worthwhile experience.
Three Peaks
Fantastic trip to this beautiful part of the world. Very well organised from start to finish. Made even better by the amazing Semir! Arguably one of the best guides I’ve ever had in my 12+ years of trekking holidays.
Perfect trip to the Peaks of the Balkans
This trip was extremely well organised and the attention to detail was incredible. The flights, the transfers, the luggage porters, every thing went like clockwork. This is an extremely beautiful part of the world and still a developing country (3 countries). The local inhabitants are Unbelievably FRIENDLY and very GENEROUS. We were welcomed as long lost family into their homes. The food and catering was exceptional. Perhaps the most memorable part of the trip will be our Guide, Semir Kardovic, a local lad from Montenegro who must have the largest circle of friends anywhere in the world. Semir is very knowledgeable, on flora, fauna, wild life, the geography of the region and also the history. We arrived as strangers, but left as good friends. Anyone thinking about going on this trip, do it now before it changes!!
Fabulous holiday
Took our grown up family of four on our first Mountain Kingdoms holiday to Ladakh and had a superb time in a magical country. Every little pre-holiday query was dealt with swifly by the office and all the pre-trip planning came to fruition. Potential problem with the airline going under a few weeks before the trek was dealt with efficiently and replacement flights an accomodation booked for us with minimum of hassle. The local agent in Leh also looked after us extremely well. Our guide and the camp staff on the trek could not have looked after us better and we felt very spoilt. This was a good thing, as the altitude makes life for the average sea-level person extremely tiring as the air is so thin. We loved the trek and found the culture of Ladakh fascinating. Due to the flight problems, we ended up spending an extra night in Delhi and actually can really recommend this as a holiday finale as it is a complete contrast to the solitude of the mountains.
Canadian Rockies
A wonderful walking holiday, in one of the beautiful regions in the world. Some spectacular views and amazing wildlife. If you are looking for a trek without crowds, this is the one for you.
A really great trek
The Inca Trail is a great trek with really varied scenery, ancient Inca sites to explore and some challenging ascents that give you a real sense of achievement. But walking through the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu below in all its glory was truly a 'wow' moment - one I'll treasure for a very long time.
Remarkable holiday in Bhutan
Bhutan is one of the most intriguing and unique countries you are ever likely to visit. The architecture, festivals, people and their way of life are a joy to experience. And, to do so whilst staying in such fabulous accommodation is just a bonus.
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.