The region of Ladakh, in the Indian Himalaya, invites travellers from far and wide with its vibrant and welcoming culture – it is a joy to discover for adults and children alike. Our family adventure holidays to the region take in inspiring temples and friendly villages, but perhaps the best way to immerse yourself in [...]
Each year, thousands of Tibetan pilgrims attend the Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche, which happened this year on 15 June. Commemorating the three most important anniversaries in Buddhism – the birth, enlightenment and passing on of the Buddha – it is one of the region’s most vibrant celebrations and a highlight of our Tibet [...]
Many people who go Everest Base Camp trekking spend a lot of time imagining the end goal: reaching the Base Camp and gazing up at the peak of the world’s tallest mountain. What they all find is that the journey itself is equally memorable, with beautiful lakes, friendly Himalayan peoples, temples, mani stones and [...]
Taking place each year on the same date every year, December 17th, Bhutan’s National Day commemorates the coronation of the first king of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, in 1907. If you book Bhutan treks or tours around this date, you may be lucky enough to participate in the festivities.
Dark shadowy human-like figures have been seen by trekkers walking the Annapurna Circuit, large ape-like footprints have been photographed and hair samples sent away for analysis – yet despite all this, scientists insist there isn’t enough evidence to state that the Yeti actually exists. However, the locals around the Annapurna Circuit aren’t only convinced in [...]
Those lucky enough to be on a Bhutan trek in May of this year who had a keen interest in the myths, legends and folklore of the region would have had a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the inaugural Mountain Echoes Literary Festival. The first of its kind in Bhutan, the birth of [...]
As has already been established, Bhutan is renowned as being the happiest country in Asia. However, it is less clear how those who are in Bhutan trekking can go about finding said happiness. This is where the legend of Meme Haylay Haylay comes into play.
Until relatively recently, Bhutan trekking holidays were extremely rare. The country was only opened to western visitors in 1974 and, since then, visitor numbers have been limited in order to preserve both the culture and environment of this very special kingdom.
Mention that you are heading off on an Everest Base Camp trek and chances are someone will bring up the topic of the Yeti. The legend of the Yeti has been around for many years but was re-ignited in 1951 when a team on a reconnaissance expedition to Everest discovered some strange and unexplainable footprints. [...]
To get the most out of Bhutan tours, it is advisable to time them to coincide with one of the country’s finest festivals; a Tsechu. These Buddhist festivals are exciting and vibrant, and take you back to the basics of Buddhism in Bhutan.
There are many annual tsechus across Bhutan with most districts holding their [...]
The wild and untamed landscape of Mongolia is a fascinating combination of awe-inspiring mountains and lush valleys to vast stretches of arid desert. But the underlying attraction of Mongolia, trekking through tiny villages and distant outposts, is meeting the people. If you’re lucky enough to be able to plan your Mongolia trekking adventure during the [...]
One festival that is certainly worth including on your trip to Everest Base Camp, is the Mani Rimdu Festival. A festival that is celebrated annually in accordance with the Tibetan lunar calendar, and the completion of the harvest, Mani Rimdu brings together villagers from many areas of the Khumbu region, which lies to the Nepalese [...]
