Mountain Kingdoms

16/06/2024

📣📣 NEW TRIP ALERT – Naar Phu Circuit, Nepal 📣📣

We’re launching a new trek 18 day trekking holiday in a genuinely remote and staggeringly beautiful region of the Annapurnas. It may be geographically close to the busy Annapurna Circuit but the valleys of Naar and Phu are far, far away from the madding crowds.

With exhilarating rock-cut trails, culturally fascinating villages, mind-blowing viewpoints and a very satisfying final flourish across the 5,300m Kang La Pass, this trek has got it all.

Our Operations Manager, Harry, trekked the Naar Phu Circuit earlier this year and it has gone straight in at number one on his all-time favourite treks list. If you want to find out more call Harry on 01453 844400 and take a look at the full trek info at the link below.

We have a departure this November with prices starting £3,440 including flights, transfers, 4* hotel in Kathmandu and tea house accommodation on trek (twin share basis).

👉 https://tinyurl.com/5xak38ms

12/06/2024

We enjoyed a splendid walk with good company last week when we hosted a hike as part of the annual 🥾. Many thanks to those who joined us in the Cotswold countryside, and to the weather gods who kept the rain away 🌬.

We'd also like to thank the festival committee for once again organising a great weekend of walking 🙌.

06/06/2024

Join us on our Wotton Walk tomorrow.

We head off from our office in Wotton-under-Edge at 10.00am for an eight mile hike in the glorious Cotswold countryside. Tea and biscuits at the end 🥳

06/06/2024

To find out how you can enjoy the scenic delights of Turkey's coast and mountains on our Western Ta**us & the Lycian Way walking holiday, click below.

👉https://tinyurl.com/2rxhyhau

01/06/2024

🥾 🥾 Clarée Valley walking holiday this August – only 2 spaces left 🥾 🥾

If you’ve still not booked your summer escape then take a l👀k at our Clarée Valley – Undiscovered Alps walking holiday 🌞 . You’ll enjoy beautiful alpine scenery, stay in a charming family run hotel and go on proper mountain walks every day - but you won’t get the crowds of the better-known honeypot resorts.

With land only prices from £1,675, including all meals and airport transfers, it’s excellent value for a summer break 😎 . But, with only two places remaining on our 18th August departure, you need to be quick to book your places 🏃‍♀️.

👉 Click the link below for full holiday info and booking.

https://bit.ly/3V3Xdr7

30/05/2024

🥾 Join us for a walk in the Cotswolds 🥾

The takes place early next month and we’re delighted to be hosting a hike for it.

Our walk is on the morning of Friday 7th June and follows a circular 8-mile route through the lovely Cotswold countryside around our homebase of Wotton-under-Edge. It may not be the Himalaya, but there’s plenty of ups and downs and some cracking views.

It’s free of charge and there’s even tea and biscuits in our offices at the end. So come and join the team as we share travel tales and enjoy a good walk together.

Book your place(s) online through the Wotton Walking Festival website at the link below – look for our ‘Not the Himalaya’ walk FRI 3.

👉 https://bit.ly/3Vu9K6Q

29/05/2024

26/05/2024

🥳🎏 It's festival time 🎉😍

If you love a festival, but hate muddy fields, tent villages and rubbish food then it may be time to l👀k (far, far) beyond Glastonbury and Reading. In our latest enews we reveal alternative festivals in the Himalaya and Mongolia that offer amazing music 🪘, unusual sports 🤼‍♀️ and unique cultural experiences🌏.

Click the link, feel the vibe 😎

👉 https://bit.ly/4ayUtaQ

19/05/2024

Private departures

Want to do one of our group holidays but can’t make the dates? Then talk to us about a private departure. That means you can follow the same itinerary but travel on dates that suit you. You’d be surprised - It often doesn’t cost much more.

Call or email our friendly team if you’d like to know more.

☎️ 01453 844400
📧 [email protected]

📸 At the Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan by R Carrow

16/05/2024

A big thank you to V John for sharing this great photo and feedback from her trip to Patagonia in March. Here she is with her fellow travellers at Laguna de los Tres at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy 🏔 – one of many classic viewpoints on our Complete Patagonia walking holiday. They all had a fab time, despite the rather wild weather 💨☀️⛄

"Wonderful well-paced walks in stunning scenery. The guides were welcoming & friendly and imparted their knowledge of the geology & ecology of the areas with enthusiasm. One also always felt confident of their ability to lead the group in some potentially challenging conditions. The whole trip was well planned with a good balance of treks, sightseeing and travelling between the ‘hot spots’. The accommodation and food also helped to make the holiday so enjoyable"

If you want to see the best of the Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks then click below for full holiday info. You’ll have the time of your life, whatever the weather 😎

Complete Patagonia 👉 https://bit.ly/3QNMpMi

12/05/2024

🇳🇵 📣 May Special Offer – Save £150 📣 🇧🇹

Book onto the 4th of November departure of our Tiger’s Nest Trek, Bhutan & Kathmandu Valley Trek, Nepal during May, and save £150 per person 🙌

This 16-day holiday is a great intro to Nepal and Bhutan with a short trek in each country, ancient cities, some superb day walks, a fabulous Bhutanese festival 🥳 the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery 🐯 and loads of other heritage highlights ✨

Accommodation is in good hotels plus one night camping in Bhutan beneath the Bumdra Monastery with breathtaking Himalayan views 🏔

Take a l👀k at the full holiday details and make sure to book your places before the end of the month to get the discount 🕕

👉 https://bit.ly/4du75mr

08/05/2024

🐘 Zambia – home of the walking safari 🦛

The seasonal safari camps are re-opening in the South Luangwa National Park for another year of sensational wildlife watching. The place where walking safaris were first pioneered, it’s one of the best parks in all of Africa for close-up wildlife encounters with creatures both great and small. Here’s why we think it should be your top safari destination 😎.

🐆 Leopard, lion, elephant, zebra, hippo, giraffe and buffalo are guaranteed sightings, and you’ll probably see wild dogs as well.

🦜 There’s exceptional birdwatching with a plethora of colourful, exotic birds – even the pigeons are green!

⛺️ Sumptuous safari camps offer super-comfy accommodation with 'armchair' game viewing. You may even be joined by an elephant at dinner!

👀 The guides’ knowledge and expertise are second to none – they will be your eyes and ears as you venture out into the Luangwa wilderness.

🐜 By exploring on foot, you’ll discover the smaller wonders of the animal world and learn to read the bush like a seasoned pro.

🥾 Along with walks between camps you’ll enjoy game drives and night safaris – getting you close to all the animal action.

🍹 Evening sundowners, sunrise breakfasts overlooking the Luangwa River and BBQs under the stars are just some of the special treats you’ll experience.

You can join one of our small groups or book your own private departure for an exclusive trip-of-a-lifetime. And why not extend your stay in Zambia at a stylish safari lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River 🛶.

If you’d like to know more, than speak to Jude or Kirsty in the MK office who have both done this walking safari and rate it amongst their all-time travel highlights ✨

Full trip details here 👉 https://bit.ly/3W9nIh3

📸 Jude & Adam Parsons

05/05/2024

🏔🦸‍♀️The ultimate challenge 🦸‍♂️🏔

May sees the start of the Everest climbing season with around 400 climbers expected to attempt to summit the world’s highest mountain this year from the Nepal side 🇳🇵Climbers and their expedition teams are setting up at Everest Base Camp, getting their lower camps supplied and making sure they’re ready to go when the weather window opens 🌞. Let’s hope that the mountain gods are kind to them, and that all who make it up get back safely.

The activity and excitement at this time of year makes it a great time to visit base camp, and we’ve got five different treks that go there and beyond (but not to the summit 😱) – all with 2025 spring dates available. Not sure which is the right trek for you? Speak to one of the MK team who have trekked the iconic trail and start preparing for your own ultimate challenge 🦹‍♂️

Take a l👀k at our Everest Base Camp treks here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/46tphmsp

01/05/2024

🥾Best foot forward – it’s National Walking Month 🥾

Whether it’s for 20 minutes or 20 miles, taking a stroll round your local park or trekking a remote Himalayan trail, there really is no better way to boost your physical or mental wellbeing than walking 🤗

For this year’s National Walking Month the organisers, Living Streets, are encouraging everyone to discover the magic of walking even if it’s just for 20 minutes. And if you enjoy it, you could always set yourself a longer-term goal of completing a walking trail or classic trek in the future.

Take a l👀k at our inspiring, and achievable, ideas for first time trekkers and put your best foot forward 👣

👉 https://tinyurl.com/2enjsn73

28/04/2024

📣 Silk Road walking holiday - new date 📣

Our Silk Road Mountains & Monuments walking holiday has proved so popular we’re adding an extra departure on the 18th October 🥳

Not only do you get to explore the remarkable, ancient cities of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand 🕌, you'll also enjoy good walks and Uzbek hospitality in the picturesque Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains ⛰

👇 the link below to see dates, prices and a detailed itinerary, or 📞 our lovely team member, Linda (pictured here) who has done the trip.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/5xemre7v

25/04/2024

Happy World Penguin Day - and here's some pics of ridiculously cute, fluffy penguins to celebrate their special day 🐧🐧🐧

21/04/2024

😎 Do something different this summer 😎

Bored of lying on a beach? Feeling the need for something more adventurous than a fly and flop holiday this summer? Then it’s time to step out of the ordinary on a Mountain Kingdoms summer holiday - with a difference.

We can offer you off-the-beach-tours, flip-flop free treks, wild walks in national parks, and wonderful walking holidays without a sea view in sight!

Take a l👀k at our latest enews and step into a world of adventure this summer.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/2vyj2863

19/04/2024

🐕 Husky Sledding – officially a great escape 🐕

Telegraph Travel have declared our Husky Sledding adventure in Finland as one of the ‘great escapes in Europe’s last empty places’. Here’s how travel writer, Paul Bloomfield, described the trip…

‘Escape from modern life is just a sled-ride away, powered by your own team of huskies on a Mountain Kingdoms adventure, swooshing along on the edge of the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park between rustic log cabins. Experience the wonder of long Arctic nights lit only by candles, stars and, if you’re lucky, the shimmering celestial ballet of northern lights.’

If you’d like to take charge of your own dog team for five thrilling days and experience the genuine wilderness of one of the least populated places on the planet, you can book your place now on one of our winter departures.

Click for full trip info 👉 https://bit.ly/44VcIEI

17/04/2024

🇲🇳 Discover Mongolia 🇲🇳

Top of Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2024’, Mongolia is proving to be a hot destination 🔥. And, as one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet, there’s certainly enough space for extra visitors. It’s a big country to get to know, but our Genghis Khan Trails walking holiday is an excellent introduction. Here are the highlights 😎

✨ Experiencing the varied landscapes of Mongolia from desert to mountains to vast, open steppes.

✨ Spending a day at one of Mongolia’s great Nadaam Festivals where you’ll see incredible displays of wrestling, archery and horse riding.

✨ Staying in ger camps and visiting a nomadic family for a real insight into the traditional Mongol way of life.

✨ Riding a horse or camel around the golden dunes of the Little Gobi Desert.

✨ Rejuvenating your body with a dip in hot mineral springs.

✨ Taking leisurely walks amidst beautiful unspoiled scenery alive with wildflowers and wildlife.

✨ Exploring Erdene Zuu Monastery, the original centre of Buddhism in Mongolia, with its 108 gleaming white stupas.

✨ Seeing the sights of the capital, Ulaanbaatar – a heady mix of cultural influences.

Our 11-day gentle walking holiday includes most meals, sightseeing, group transfers and the services of an expert local guide. Contact our Ops Manager, Niki, if you’d like to know more about this trip or follow the link below.

Genghis Khan Trails & Nadaam Festival 👉 https://bit.ly/3VVv0oC

14/04/2024

🇮🇳🎉 Colours of India – 2025 tour dates now available 🎉🇮🇳

Led by one of Britain’s foremost textile artists, Sue Lawty, this is a unique and rewarding tour for anyone with a keen interest in the dazzling textiles of India and the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.

On this enthralling two-week trip you’ll visit centres of excellence, become immersed in the very best museum and private collections and learn directly from craft masters. You’ll see all the processes of textile production from the cotton growing in the fields to spinning, dying, hand-weaving and printing, using time-honoured techniques that have been handed down through generations.

In addition there’s a jeep safari across the Little Rann of Kutch, a day at a festival and time to explore palaces, temples and beautiful Banni villages.

Sue’s previous textile tours have proved extremely popular, so don’t delay booking. Click the link for 2025 dates, prices and full tour info, or contact the office if you’d like to hold a place.

👉 https://bit.ly/3HKrLqN

📸 - Images by Sue Lawty

11/04/2024

🏃‍♀️ Walk, don’t race 🏃

The new series of kicked off last night with the 5 intrepid teams racing the length of Japan to reach their first checkpoint at Nara. No spoilers, but it was a thriller of a race as the teams battled to get in pole position ahead of the next leg in South Korea.

Exciting though the race was, we’d definitely advise walking not running through Japan. There are so many amazing places to discover and trails to explore that you should really take your time and savour this enthralling country.

Take a l👀k at our holidays in Japan and make sure you’re on the start line 🏁

👉 https://tinyurl.com/3b87ctne

📸 Kumano Kodo Trail Sign by A. Tierney

07/04/2024

🦍 Gorillas (not) in the Mist 🦍

We loved these superb wildlife images taken by Robin Shorrock on his recent MK walking safari in Uganda. Not only did he see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, but also tree-climbing lions, leopard, white rhino and shoebill birds.

In Robin’s own words ’it was a great tour, one of the best I have been on with something different everyday… I have never been that keen on walking safaris because I thought you could not get close to the animals but you proved me wrong.’

If you want to see the incredible gorillas of Uganda plus loads of other amazing wildlife, take a l👀k at our Gorilla & Wildlife Walking Safari.

👉 https://bit.ly/2KtQMZc

📸 Robin Shorrock

04/04/2024

🏔🥾 Taking the long trail through Georgia 🥾🏔

If you’ve ticked off the classic trails in the Alps and are looking for something a little different in Europe, then how about the Transcaucasian Trail?

It’s a 3,000km cross-border trail through the High Caucasus mountains, but don’t panic 😱, you don’t have to do it all. Instead, in just six days of glorious trekking, you can tackle its most sensational section through the Svaneti region of Georgia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pristine scenery and remarkable watchtower villages of Upper Svaneti have been preserved by centuries of splendid isolation and make for a unique landscape. In fact, there’s nowhere else quite like it and we think it could become one of Europe’s top trekking destinations. So, our advice is to go now if you want to get ahead of the crowds 😎.

For full trip details including summer dates, prices and a detailed itinerary click the link below.

Svaneti & the Transcaucasian Trail 👉 https://bit.ly/43L6WXi

01/04/2024

📣Nepal treks – big autumn savings 📣

If massive mountains, mind-blowing views and the best trekking on the planet weren’t enough, we’ve got some great savings on a selection of our autumn treks in Nepal 🎉.

From the Annapurnas to Everest and Langtang to Makalu there are reductions of up to £300 to be had on our land only prices 🥳. What more incentive do you need to finally tick off that classic trek or discover exciting new trails?

For full details of our autumn savings, check out our latest enews at the link below.

👉 https://bit.ly/3xcifeJ

30/03/2024

🐣 Have a cracking Easter weekend everyone, with lots of egg-citing adventures (couldn't resist!) 🐣

26/03/2024

🏃‍♂️Running away with it 🏃‍♀️

Three Mountain Kingdoms trekkers swapped their mountain boots for running shoes to compete in the British Trail Running championships in the Forest of Dean half marathon last Sunday. MK Operations Manager, Niki Morgan, won a silver medal in her Female Veteran 55 category, completing the testing course in 1 hour 34 minutes and 39 seconds 🥈. Gillian Marshall also won silver in the Female Vet 60 category in a time of 1 hour 52 minutes and 59 seconds 🥈, with Steve Owen picking up bronze in Male Vet 70 category in a time of 1 hour 48 minutes and 39 seconds 🥉. Himalaya trekking certainly helped the successful trio with the hills, uneven terrain and the duration.

This was Niki’s second half marathon in two weeks as she completed the Bath Half marathon the previous Sunday in a time of 1 hour 29 minutes and 38 seconds, coming third in her age category out of 160 🥳. Her time was well inside the qualifying time to represent Wales in the masters international race against England at the Manchester Half marathon on the 26th May, so she will be looking forward to putting on the Welsh vest for the third year running 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿.

Huge congratulations to Niki, Steve and Gillian from all the MK team 👏👏👏

24/03/2024

📣 Win a Silk Road Holiday – draw ends soon 📣

This week is your last chance to enter our free prize draw with the chance to win two places on our fabulous Silk Road to Samarkand tour this October*.

To enter, all you need to do is click the link below and pop your details on the form. Simples!

The draw ends at midnight on the 31st March - you’ve got to be in it to win it!

👉 https://bit.ly/3vsnXIJ

*Terms & Conditions apply

21/03/2024

🥳 Feeling Festive? 🥳

If you’ve struggled to get hold of tickets for Glasto, or three days without showers is not your thing 😱, why not join the celebrations at a fabulously flamboyant Himalayan festival instead 🎉.

They may not have Coldplay or a circus tent but they’ll definitely have thumping music, wild dancing and crazy costumes, and you’ll even find a naughty clown or two entertaining the crowds 🤡! Like our festivals they bring together people from far and wide to share food, fun and friendship, but unlike our festivals you’ll receive spiritual merit just for turning up! Oh, and a real bonus, you don’t need your wellies 🙌

Take a l👀k at all our trips that include time at a festival and kick start the feel-good vibe ✨

👉 https://tinyurl.com/2uu6ya9m

30/11/2023

Save the date!

If you’re filling up your new year calendar, don’t forget to save the date for the Destinations Holiday & Travel Show at Olympia in London. The show runs from the 1st-4th February and the MK team will be there on Stand E162 waiting to say hello and provide some holiday inspiration.

To get up to two free tickets for any one day of the show, click on the link below, choose ‘Book Now’ and then enter the code XLMOUNTAIN.

👉 https://bit.ly/3tRJ6eM

26/11/2023

📣📣 Gentle Walking & Wildlife Kerala – New Holiday Alert 📣📣

The combination of varied, easy-paced walks, beautiful scenery, good accommodation and wonderful wildlife has proven to be so successful in Costa Rica that we’re now introducing a similar-style holiday in tropical southern India.

Highlights include nature hikes with expert trackers, walks through the rugged hills and verdant tea estates of Munnar, an overnight cruise on the languid backwaters and the towering multi-coloured temples of Madurai.

Our first departure next year is in February, and with prices from £1,995 (land only) it’s exceptionally good value.

Follow the link below for full trip info.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/474uwmx2