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Traveller reviews of Mountain Kingdoms
Overall holiday rating: 4.9
Total number of reviews submitted: 1400
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Burma cycling - Private Departure
Outstanding
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Private Departure)
This is a tough trek with many steep climbs and descents, but thoroughly enjoyable. Having done the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, I feel that this trek brings you closer to the giant, snow-capped mountains than any other trek. The ABC is like a bowl surrounded by soaring mountains all around (360 degrees), including South Annapurna and Annapurna I which is above 8,000 m. The whole panorama is breathtaking. On the way to the top, you walk through terraced farms and villages which provide an eye opener about rural life in Nepal. Farming methods there reminded me of those in Southern European countries 70-80 years ago. You also walk through amazing forests with a variety of trees, birds and monkeys, as well as through deep valleys with glacier rivers (that is one of the reasons for the numerous steep climbs and descents). And of course the views both on the way up and the way down are really spectacular.
Private Departure - Annapura Trek and to Poon Hill
(Review from adapted Gentle Trekking & Luxury Lodges itinerary) Excellent trekking. A lot of steps up and down, so your legs get very fit! Amazing scenery, some basic tea houses but lovely people. Stayed in luxury lodges too, which were very comfortable and excellent food. Sunrise at Poon Hill is a must - spectacular views of mountain range. Over all 100% enjoyed the challenge and I am thinking about the next one!!
Had a great time!
This was my second Mountain Kingdoms travel. It met my expectations again. I could only recommend it.
Nepal and Bhutan - Tailor made holiday
Trekking in Nepal for a week followed by 10 days in Bhutan was the holiday of a lifetime made extra special by the amazing guides and support staff. Thank you!! .
Gentle Walking Nepal (formerly Mid Hills & Village Heartlands)
We loved the contact with the villagers - it was a real education and insight. The lodges and their locations were well chosen - both peaceful, comfortable and interesting.
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.
Totally Amazing Experience in luxury
The combination of Annapurna and Everest made this a perfect blend of trekking, scenery, challenging walking and great accommodation. Together with this and perfect weather, we were blessed with the most amazing holiday experience. The views of Mount Everest were spectacular and you can really feel the history of the place. Awesome! We have returned feeling both privileged and energised.
The amazing wonders of Patagonia
This was an amazing collection of experiences, with awesome boat rides through to treks with wonderful views of the mountains, flora and fauna, including wild orchids and condors. The eco camp is a very special place, and we loved staying in a geodesic hobbit house! This was a holiday that we will always remember.
Private departure - Vietnam
I think was one of the best holidays we have ever had, excellent value and immensely varied. The opportunity to walk and stay in village houses in the relatively unexploited Ha Giang province was a highlight, as were the stays in some really quite luxurious ecolodges and a magnificent cruise ship on Halong bay.
Annapurna & Everest in Style
The whole experience was totally amazing. We were blessed with fantastic weather both in annapurna and everest. The guides and porters were great and the lodges excellent. We were very well looked after and nothing too much trouble. Dwarikas hotel remains probably the best we have stayed in. Such a unique and cultural place.
A heavenly challenge
This holiday fully lived up to its expectations. We had magnificent walking, magnificent views of Annapurna and Everest - and of course many other mountains - and it really was in style, with a fabulous hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and wonderful lodges on the two treks. The weather was fantastic (though I suppose that was not guaranteeable) - and the group of 11 people were extremely good company (that's not guaranteeable either of course).
What a joy.
Great bike rides through a glorious landscape - punctuated with golden buddhist temples - fascinating village communities - and the artisan skills of the Inle Lake people. Our small group of 7 - all ages and cycling abilities - was well led by our guide Ney and his support teams. What a fascinating place! What delightful people!.
Amazing Bhutan
Bhutan was an amazingly serene and peaceful destination. The trek was well paced and the scenery was magnificent.
"Cultural" certainly but not sure whether "Definitive" added much to my expectation or experience!
A relatively gentle but varied and adventurous exposure of this very different and charming country. "Unique" is a much used adjective, but Bhutan really does deserve the description from its flora, fauna, animal, and bird life. But perhaps the most striking difference is in its national outlook and pride - where else does almost everyone wear with pride their national costume everyday, or measure national and individual success in terms of happiness rather than material terms? And the scenery is breath-taking (as is the effect of the many high passes one crosses!)
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.