Traveller Reviews
Read holiday reviews and feedback by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Traveller reviews of Mountain Kingdoms
Overall holiday rating: 4.9
Total number of reviews submitted: 1395
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Supportive crew
This was an opportunity to visit a remote area guided by locals who were happy to share their pride in their customs and way of life, which would not have been possible without their local knowledge. The porters were a cohesive group who improved everyone's spirits, especially with their singing. The food was excellent even in the most difficult conditions and something we all looked forward to.
Everyone was so friendly
All three guides were excellent; very keen to please and gave us lots of informationÉ The hotels were of a very high standard and the service provided was excellentÉ We loved seeing the markets and people up close and the stupas and Buddhas were magnificent. People were so friendly and helpful, especially hotel staff.
Incredible mountain views
To be among the first visitors to a region like this is such a rare privilege! The tribes-people are shy but friendly and their agricultural way of life little changed for centuries. The landscapes are beautiful, the forest and jungle full of interest, and the Burmese 'Ice Mountains' are a stunning backdrop, especially at sunrise and sunset. We have part-funded two major suspension bridges to enable people to get right up the valleys to have a go at the mountain of Phongun Razi. I would recommend this to anyone with a sense of adventure!
Guide was truly wonderful
This was our first holiday with Mountain Kingdoms and we were very impressed. It was well organised. There was no wasted time. We never felt rushed at any of the sights. Nyi Nyi was a truly wonderful guide and really helped to make this such a good trip. He was always very professional but great fun at the same time. Very good at managing the group without seeming to do so. The trip ran like clockwork with no problems at all.
Chin Hills and Kalaw trek
Really good holiday, packed a lot into the time. Both treks were lovely and Nyi Nyi is an excellent guide.
Little-visited
It was in fact my father-in-law who told me about the sensational gorges north of Mandalay, and how he had read about them in Murray's Handbook of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon (16th edition, 1949). It describes the gorges as 'defiles' and says "The second defile is one of the great spectacles of the world". It is therefore very exciting to be able to offer this cruise, in some style, to parts of Burma that only few people have the privilege to visit.
Perfect country for cycling
I have been lucky enough to ride my bike in many different countries around the world and I truly struggle to think of a country more suited to exploring by bike than Burma. The rolling landscape and the traffic free back roads and farming tracks all help to make this an amazing way to see this incredible country.
Can't imagine anything nicer
I can't imagine anything nicer than cycling around the plains of Bagan, exploring little-visited temples.
Interesting sights and culture
This is one of the most enjoyable and interesting holidays I've ever had - due to the sights and the culture of the country (plus hotels of a very good standard & wonderful food) - but mainly the personality, knowledge and diplomacy of our guide made this trip exceptional.
Enjoyable, varied trip
A good mix of cultural highlights and walks to see the country. A more 'morally' correct approach than other tours to the country - I have wanted to go for 10 years but held back until now.
Immersed in the local culture
Enjoyed chance of meeting local people and personally preferred meals and teas in local venues rather than touristy ones.
Unique insight into Myanmar
What we enjoyed was the walking as well as sightseeing. An excellent and charismatic local guide who gave us a unique insight into the life of Myanmar's people.
Excellent value
This was an excellent tour - friendly participants, very good guide and excellent value for money. What more could one ask for!
Perfect
We were looked after and pampered, yet independent enough to enjoy the challenges and the outdoor life. The itinerary was perfect - a mix of tents and gers, good walking distances, a crew that made us feel one of the family - as the nomadic families did do - horse and camel riding and varying landscapes.
Will use Mountain Kingdoms again
This was my second holiday with Mountain Kingdoms and it won't be my last. Thanks to all involved.
Enjoyable and remote
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip overall, especially the trek, and would heartily recommend it to others. We particularly appreciated the feeling of remoteness and space in Mongolia.
Evocative
The route was very well planned and I particularly appreciated the train journey from Samarkand to Tashkent. This was very evocative of the silk route going across the huge expanse of deserted steppe and seeing the small isolated villages.
Ideal group size
What I appreciate most about Mountain Kingdoms is the small numbers. It means smaller, more characterful hotels, better and quicker transport and eating in a small party is so much more pleasant.
Fantastic all-round
The itinerary, sights and even the chosen hotels were the highlights of the trip. Exploring Khiva, Bukhara and old Samarkand were really enjoyable days.
Super experience
The whole experience was super - our group got on well which was great. The free days were a good idea so one could re-visit many places.