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: 1187
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Hidden valleys and authentic cultural experiences
I have stayed in Bhutanese homestays and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some that I would have chosen in preference to a 5 star hotel. I do however understand that this is a question of personal preference. Personally, I think having close contact with the local people is immensely more valuable than staying in a resort where you cut yourself off from the authentic experience of being in Bhutan.
Torres del Paine National Park - a must-visit destination
The Torres Del Paine National Park is one of the most spectacular places I've ever visited . You really do feel like you're on the edge of the world.
Luxury Lodges to Ama Dablam base camp
Amazing holiday, it was everything I had hoped for. For starters the trip was well organised, it is important to have that level of trust in the company you are travelling with. In terms of the destination, amazing! The scenery was mind blowing, it was fantastic to be so close to the great mountains of the Khumbu region. Most people were heading to Everest Base camp but Ama Dablam is a beautiful mountain too! I felt this holiday was perfect for me as I suffer a lot form the cold. As the trail does not go as high as Everest base camp the temperatures are lower but lodges do offer a level of comfort that aids relaxation and aids recovery from the days exertion. I loved the small quiet side trails, off the main busy EBC trail. They were beautiful and quiet with less tourists.
Atacama Desert
I was blown away by the beauty and variety of the Atacama Desert, its canyons, wildlife and plants. It really was not what I expected when I thought 'desert'.
Cultural Swaziland and Wild Kruger
Two distinctly different countries offering a wild and varied combination of picturesque landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Swazi culture, stunning day walks, adrenaline fueled night drives, classic Kruger and remote northern Kruger - what a wonderful adventure!
Himalayan adventure
I had never been trekking before, let alone high altitude trekking. This was one of the best experiences I have ever had seeing new places in a way I could never have imagined. The best care was taken of us, and our safety and comfort were very definitely their priority. Humour and friendship prevailed. It's only a case of which holiday I'll choose next. I can't praise Nima our guide enough.
What an experience - just great
The trip of 14 days broken down by 7 nights in a tent whilst trekking and 7/8 night in hotels which worked very well. The views on trek in Bhutan were exceptional - thank god for the good weather. Parts of the trek were fairly brutal but the pace was more or less left up to the individual. One part of the trek was changed with the consent of all in the group to take in a mountain festival. A great time was had by all especially our tug of war team which won a prize. Nothing was missed by this change. Our group consisted of a great mix of people and the guide/porters were excellent. A beautiful country.
Beautiful Bhutan
Gross National Happiness. The concept of GNH will be one of our lasting memories of Bhutan, quite apart from the spectacular scenery, clean air, beautifully crafted architecture, wonderful people and chilli cheese! The effort, as part of the GNH concept, to retain the cultural heritage of Bhutan, whilst taking modern approaches to equality, education, health care and the environment makes visiting Bhutan such a joy. Seeing the old and young celebrating local festivals in their very finest national costumes, with only a very small minority wearing western clothing, was colourfu beyond measure. GNH gives hope that Bhutan will not rush headlong into becoming just another westernised (if remote) beauty spot.
Changed our view of Japan
We had never really considered Japan as a destination, but this was one of the best. Whilst it was hot and humid, the trekking was excellent, being mostly in shady pine forests. Some of the days are quite strenuous with over 1200m of ascent, but in a fantastic environment with some amazing views. The traditional Japanese accommodation is excellent and varied with beautifully prepared fresh food each meal. The hot springs and communal baths are very welcome at the end of a hard days walking. We were lucky to have the most fantastic guide, Yumiko, who was able to manage the walking for a disparate group, providing alternative transport or activities for those who were unable or chose not to walk. She also provided an interesting and engaging introduction to Japanese culture and history. Compared to some of the other trekking destinations, the public transport is so efficient and comfortable; everywhere is clean. We'll definitely want to go back!
Trekking Luxury
A fabulous trekking experience moving from glaciers to jungle in only a few days. Not only beautiful scenery but excellent lodges with lovely meals and high degree of comfort. Juan was an excellent guide with an extensive knowledge of the area.
Gentle trekking Nakasendo Trail
I liked the variety in the program in that we visited cities and rural areas. I enjoyed the experience of staying in the different types of accommodation, not just hotels.
Montenegro Lakes and Mountains
I can't stop talking about my first hiking trip with a wonderful group of people! Everyone was very helpful before and during the trip. Thanks.
Superb immersion into Japanese culture and philosophy
A gifted leader, Yumi, was engaging and informative throughout, true professional. Exceptional input, attention to detail and lots of fun. Great walking, good places to visit and stay, very good all through and such a fantastic country.
Mustang- a must! - Private Departure
This hidden part of Nepal is still a treasure for the trekker and remains unspoilt - but visit soon before the new road projects alter the remote peace and isolation of this ancient kingdom. Unforgettable scenery and strong Tibetan influence surviving in the harsh climate add to its uniqueness and our Nepalese trekking crew described it as like being on the moon!
Three High Passes to Everest
This was the toughest trip I have undertaken and enjoyed every minute of it! Would highly recommend it.
Amazing Aeolian experience
What a super time we had with our two fellow walkers and the fabulous Federica. The islands are beautiful and the volcanic experience was magic. The walking was just challenging enough to give me a sense of achievement, and never so challenging I felt it was too much, Federica (our guide) was informative and fun. She looked after us brilliantly, but the whole trip still felt like an adventure. A great adventure - this was a week I will always remember!
Mount Toubkal Ascent
Excellent experience for the experienced walker. The climb is on scree and boulders throughout, with beautiful exceptions in the villages, the lake and running streams. The standard of food on trek was fantastic and beyond that experienced on other treks undertaken. Hussain, our guide was adaptable and knowledgeable and we could not have wished for better.
Two magical worlds to explore
The two locations are very different, but have in common that they both have a haunting atmosphere and neither is very crowded. Where Mountain Kingdoms really score is by offering longer than the standard 3 day trip to Easter Island and, although it is a small island, there are plenty of good walks and fascinating archaeological sites to explore. The walking was not strenuous and there was a lot of spare time, so it was good that the rooms in both the main hotels had a lovely environment and opened onto small, almost private terraces for reading or drinking. There is inevitably a lot of flying involved but it is worth it to see places most people in Britain never get to.
Up Close and Personal With The Power of Nature
There are no other places in Europe where you can experience the real power and majesty of live volcanoes like Stromboli and Etna. Hiking both of them is a tremendous feeling. When you add in great scenery, great food and a great guide, you have an unbeatable mix. There are not so many holidays where you come away feeling privileged ( as well as happy) to have had the experience but this is one of those.
Cultural Tour of Sri Lanka
Visiting the north of the island while it still has few tourists was a privilege and greatly interesting and enjoyable. It was an authentic experience and to be encouraged for anyone who is not afraid to go off the beaten track a bit.