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Traveller reviews of Mountain Kingdoms
Overall holiday rating: 5
Total number of reviews submitted: 1181
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Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trek
We greatly enjoyed the holiday, with the highlights bring the trek and Koyasan. The organisation was faultless and the guide was first class. My strongest memories are of the towering cedar trees, the baths, the traditional bedrooms and the dining experiences. Thanks for a great trip.
Cordillera Real Traverse, Bolivia
We have just completed (Sept. 2018) the Cordillera Real Traverse, the classic Bolivian 120-km long trek in some of the most spectacular scenery in South America. We truly were wandering through the fields of wonder...miles of undulating hills, pristine valleys still owned by their original residents, glaciers-capped mountains, turquoise lakes – landscape so raw and untouched that it commands silence as not to taint its mystery by language. The trek offers what many seasoned trekkers dream of – solitude, wilderness, remoteness and the natural beauty that can restore the sense of balance, mental clarity and equanimity. Mind you, this trek is a tough one – there are no maps, signs, markings or established trails. You move through this vast landscape off-trail, following your guide whose judgements you don’t question. We entrusted our guide Jose Camarlinghi early on, recognizing his skills in traversing the land with an intuitive ease backed by his intimate familiarity with every turn, nook and corner of the entirety of this long path. His calm presence helped quell some anxieties about the not knowing or the more challenging, “What have I gotten myself into?” moments. I lift my hat and bow, Jose. Our local crew looked after us exceptionally well and made the experience even more special. The organization of the trip was impeccable. The only recommendations/changes I would suggest could be spending two nights at La Estancia rather than in Copacabana, and upgrading the hotel in La Paz. This trek would rank as one of my favourite, best ever experiences. I cannot recommend this trip with the Mountain Kingdoms more highly. Liz Kwas, Ottawa, Canada
Stunning
Absolutely stunning scenery throughout - a very varied and well paced trip - mountains, deserts, canyons, lakes, wildlife and some amazing archaeological sites. The local guides were very knowledgeable - informative about both environment and history - able to take us to some quiet and more remote areas. There were numerous occasions to sample the local wines (Bodega Nanni in Cafayate particularly stands out) - Well organised with comfortable hotels and some great walks. Definitely a bucket list trip.
Singalila Ridge trek
This was an amazing trek, with wonderful views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. The food prepared by the crew was amazing and even included cakes! Really good walking. All of the transfers were excellent. We felt that we were really looked after by the team.
Luxury Lodges
Excellent
Lived Up to the Label
It was described as a Wilderness Trek and it certainly lived up to it. Was brilliant to trek in an area where we did not see any other trekkers. The views were fantastic and although cold it was the views that took your breath away. Our Local Guide Mr Hom was so caring and knowledgeable, a great support team and excellent food (amazing what Cook comes up with whilst on trek). Bandiphar is a great find and really enjoyed the stay at The Old Inn before hitting the buzz of Kathmandu and sadly our farewell to Nepal.
An absolutely fantastic trek
It was wonderful trekking on quiet paths and spending time with the friendly villagers who run the community lodges along the trail. Nepal was everything that I dreamed it would be.
Japan at a civlized pace
We loved this trip. We wanted to see Japan but not at the frantic pace of most tours. This itinerary allowed us to experience Japan in all its glory, without the feeling of rushing between its various sites. From our first outing in Tokyo, visiting a beautiful Shinto shrine, to our final walk along the Philosophers Trail in Kyoto, the whole trip was spectacular. Our guide was excellent, managing to herd us gently and expertly, always ready to help, translate, explain and enlighten us on any matters Japanese. The minshuku and ryokan were all very comfortable and welcoming, with lovely food. Our particular favourites were: staying at the Ekoin Temple, enjoying the hospitality of the monks and witnessing their morning ceremonies; and taking the 7 different modes of transport it took to get there! The transport in Japan is so clean, so timely, so efficient and even the rush hour in Tokyo was well mannered. This meant that far from being the tiring, trying experience that it may be in England, the 7 different modes of transport were a joy, an adventure, adding to the overall experience and so much better than being ferried around on a bus!
Great trip with excellant old school guide
I've being on many a high altitude trip and loved them all. This one was no different, apart from the guide Kevin O Neale. From the outset you could tell he had a wealth of experience and was old school, so you knew you were in safe hands from the outset. He did the usual glacial traverse & crevasse rescue & crampon training and more beforehand with a 4000mtr peak summit in Switzerland as well. For some strange reason, I suffered with Altitude sickness on summit day push as we were closing in on the summit, something I have never suffered with before and this was the lowest summit I have done as well. Kevin O'Neale split me from my climbing partner and put him with another guide so they could go at their pace as I had now ground to a snails pace. Kevin then stayed with me and cajoled encouraged and spoke to me all the way to the summit making sure I was ok all the time. I was probably more embarrassed about the altitude sickness and struggling so much to put one foot in front of the other, but having such an experienced guide watching me, gave me the reassurance to keep pushing for the summit rather than turning around and going back down, as I knew if I got too bad he would have stopped me instantly and forced me to go down. This is what you pay your money for. Experience and peace of mind that when things don't go according to plan, your in safe knowledgeable hands. Me and Kevin actually ended up doing the Mont Blanc full traverse from the Cosmiques Hut up over the summit and down via the Gouter hut and Gran Couloir down to Les Houches the same day. Heck of a long day but my o my what a great push and experience. All in all from initial booking to getting back home, everything ran like clockwork and was a seamless smooth operation
A fantastic trip!
Easy walking, good food and wine, beautiful beaches and historic cities – these are a few of my favourite things, and this holiday delivered them in spades! Croatia surpassed my expectations on every level, with Dubrovnik the icing on the cake - one of those rare destinations which fully justify the hype.
My trip to Rajasthan certainly lived up to all expectations.
What a fabulous place! It truly does bombard the senses, with continual reminders of its exotic history, breathtaking desert landscapes, imposing forts and flamboyantly dressed peoples. All thrilling stuff! In addition to sightseeing we had time to immerse ourselves in the culture and haggle for handicrafts, and we had the added bonus of a jeep safari to look for wildlife. Our accommodation was equally wonderful – from romantic palaces, to a stay on a working farm and luxury tents overlooking a picturesque lake, every night was a delight. Rajasthan will live on in my imagination.
Bhutan, an experience!
When you say that you are going to Bhutan, most people say, "Where's that?" but honestly what a place! Starting with a night at the Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu which was an oasis in the chaos of Kathmandu and on to Paro in Bhutan. From the moment you drive out of the airport you know that you are somewhere different, soaring mountain scenery and crashing rivers in the valleys. Most of the people you see and meet are in National costume and are very friendly. The local festivals are brilliant brightly coloured events for the locals to put on their Sunday best. Travelling high across mountain passes on roads (well almost) you would not believe, the skill and patients of the driver was incredible! The Dzongs and Temples are fascinating structures, but some such as 'Tiger's Nest' do take a bit of hiking uphill to get there, but it is worth it when you are there. If you are looking to go somewhere different, this is definitely the place to go, but hurry it won't stay this way forever!
Classic Luangwa Walking Safari in Style
What a superlative experience. Being in the South Park for eight days completely cut off from the outside world, internet etc was an unexpected bonus.
A brilliant trip!
This trip is the perfect combination of mountain walking and culture. Everyday offered something different from wandering around traditional villages, to taking in the stunning views we were rewarded with during each walk! The local people were very friendly and helpful, I would love to go back and explore more of this fantastic country!
Mountains, monasteries and magical memories
This was my first recce trip and it didn’t disappoint. Bulgaria has so much to offer the keen traveller, I feel like I have only just scratched the surface. Its rich history was so interesting to learn about and interspersed with exciting mountain walking, this trip really is a great way to discover this emerging Balkan nation.
Picturesque Adventure
Thoroughly enjoyable trip. Picturesque scenery. Was an adventure. Definitely a place to visit now, before everyone visits in a few years time.
Cordillera Traverse - lakes, mountains and glaciers at every new ridge!
A remote, stunningly beautiful trek at altitude in untrodden mountain scenery. Jose and Raimundo were superb guides and the standard of food on trek was excellent. This is a tough trek but very rewarding - be prepared for adventure and the chance to climb Pico Austria at 5,396m/17,698 ft
Arctic Highlights
A wonderful adventure and experience which far exceeded our already high expectations. The expedition leader, ships captain and all the support staff were excellent, very professional, knowledgable and caring. An excellent itinerary which had the right balance of activities including zodiac cruises, walks or hikes over the tundra, wildlife watching and informative lectures. Highlights were seeing seven polar bears, numerous walruses, Wales and seals, arctic fox and hare, lots of sea birds and the Aurora Borealis.
Trekking Svaneti Region, Georgia - Fascinating
Georgia is a fascinating country, set right on the outer edges of Europe, and within Georgia itself, the Svaneti region is extremely remote. The journey there is well worth the effort, as you trek through magical countryside, home of myths and legends, soaring stone watchtowers and stunning mountains and glaciers. There are hillsides covered in wild flowers, sparkling mountain streams and plenty of delicious wine!
Private Departure - The Balkans Peace Trail and some sight seeing
A wonderful experience in most beautiful countryside, with great hospitality from all the local people. But should not be taken on unless reasonably fit, many of the paths being quite rough.