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Holiday News and Offers
Here's where you'll find the most up-to-date information about what's happening at Mountain Kingdoms. Check below for details of any upcoming events we are holding, any special offers we are running, any news we've got to share and any holidays that have spaces and are due to run in the next few weeks. You can also sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter.
Abode of the Gods – Tales of Trekking in Nepal
Well known travel writer and photographer, Kev Reynolds, shares inspiring tales of his favourite Nepalese trekking adventures in his new book, Abode of the Gods.
A Mountain Kingdoms trek leader for many years, Kev has always been passionate about the landscapes and people of the Himalaya. In this collection of stories he writes eloquently of his first time experiences on some of the world’s best known treks such as Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Sanctuary and Kangchenjunga as well as lesser-known expeditions into the quiet and remote reaches of the world’s highest mountains.
Read moreJim returns from Nepal
In September 2015 Mountain Kingdoms' Operations Manager, Jim Davies, visited Nepal to carry out inspections of the trekking routes and lodges, plus visit charities and villages Mountain Kingdoms' support. Below is a report about Jim's visit to Nepal and how life is returning to normal following the major earthquake in April.
Read moreExcellent News for Nepal - FCO Advice Changes
UK Foreign Office change advice for Nepal
On 7th October 2015 the UK Foreign Office (FCO) changed their advice with regards to travel to Nepal. The FCO no longer advise against all but essential travel to the majority of Nepal, leaving only two small areas where the advice still stands. Most trekking routes in Nepal are now safe and open for trekkers to enjoy. After the devastating earthquake earlier in 2015 a vast amount of energy has gone into relief efforts including repairs and surveys of popular trekking routes. All possible care has been taken to access the safety of these routes. Mountain Kingdoms had previously cancelled trips on routes considered unsafe. All of our trips in Nepal will run as scheduled for the autumn season.
For the latest FCO advice please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal
Bhutan, the country where wealth is measured in happiness
"Take Bhutan, the tiny Himalayan Kingdom that many years ago adopted a Gross National Happiness index, as an alternative approach to measuring the country's prosperity..."
Read moreTravelling to India just became simpler
Organising your holiday to the wonderful country of India has just become much easier. As of the 15th August 2015, the Indian government extended their e-Tourist Visa Scheme to include visitors from the UK. This means that British citizens can now obtain an Indian visa by applying online and paying a significantly lower price for their visa than previously.
Read moreJournalist Gabriella Le Breton tells us why 2015 is the year to visit Bhutan
In June 2015 journalist Gabriella Le Breton visited the wonderful Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Mountain Kingdoms helped to arrange Gabriella’s trip, where upon arrival she explored the must-see sights of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, all whilst staying in first-rate hotels.
Read moreNepal News
Update: FCO no longer advise against all but essential travel to the whole of Nepal
We are pleased to announce that on the 3rd July 2015, the FCO updated their travel advice lifting the restriction on “all but essential travel to the whole of Nepal”. Nepal’s capital Kathmandu is among the areas no longer affected by the restriction, other well-known areas include Patan, Pokhara, Annapurna Sanctuary, Chitwan and Bardia, plus central and southern regions.
Nepal relies heavily upon tourism and this news will be a welcome step in a positive direction for Nepalese communities.
Mountain Kingdoms welcome the change in advice and hope to bring you more encouraging FCO advice and updates soon.
Read Nepal FCO advice here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal
Read moreOver £7,800 raised for Nepal at Wilderness Lectures
On June 22nd 2015 Wilderness lectures and the University of Bristol Mountaineering Club hosted a very special evening in aid of Nepal following April’s tragic earthquake. A Night for Nepal was organised to raise money to help those affected.
Read moreNepal Earthquake Appeal - SHIVA Charity
To help those affected by the major earthquake in Nepal Mountain Kingdoms have made an additional donation to SHIVA Charity for Ginette Harrison School, near Kathmandu. Sadly, many homes have been destroyed in this area and the donation will be used to support the school's local community, in particular providing shelter, provisions and medical supplies.
Read moreNepali Children’s Trust
Fran McGowan, Nepali Children’s Trust gives thanks
Nepali Children’s Trust express their deepest thanks to everyone for your generous and heartfelt responses to the earthquake in Nepal – both through Nepali Children’s Trust and via other charities who are working so hard to respond to the needs of the country and its people.
Read more