Mountain Kingdoms Traveller Reviews

Our guide and leader, Hanski (I think it is spelled) was simply outstanding. She trained us in how to fix the dogs into their harnesses and traces to the sled we each had, checked our work and corrected where necessary, taught us how to handle the sled and the dogs, and how to cope with the extremely cold conditions (-30 oC on the first day!). She handled the several problems that arose (such as dogs chewing through their harnesses, dogs fighting and getting tangled in their gtraces, or us encountering deep snow) with remarkable energy and skill. At the two wilderness cabins where we stayed for two nights each, she organised us into teams to deal with jobs from collecting water from the frozen lakes, to feeding the dogs, collecting firewood, stoking the sauna fires, clearing up dog poops in the morning, and so on, all while she prepared all the meals and organised life in the cabins. The meals she produced for both carnivorous or vegetarian humans were superb, which even included cooking lunches out in the wilderness on fires made in the snow. The last day proved to be particularly difficult for Hanski and the dogs because of deepening snow that day, such that a snowmobile had to come and lighten her sled's load and take a dog that had hurt itself somehow. But Hanski coped with it all superbly, and we arrived back to base just before dark, all happy and delighted by the adventure. In a way the real heroes of the trip were the dogs, the name, character and abilities of every one of whom Hanski knew, which was crucial to organising their teams for each of the seven clients and keeping us and them all safe. The dogs all seemed fit and healthy, though I know that some had minor medical problems that were being attended to. They were lean and strong, but it did seem to me that they were underweight. It is hard for clients to know, but despite the wonderful experience of the trip, I was left wondering about the welfare of the dogs, as I have of other animals such as pack animals used in adventure trips.

Adaptable when adjustments were needed, well-organised, kept me well-informed, and happy to go the extra mile to help if I wished for changes to, for instance, trsavel arrangements. No complaints at all.

Brilliant mix of sightseeing, wildlife, culture and relaxation

Excellent. Nothing is too much trouble for them

Wonderful being able to start in Saigon before going on the cruise. Then we had 8 days of bliss being taken down the Mekong watching life go by and finished by visiting Phnom Penh and then Siem Reap where we visited Angkor Wat..... a wonderful sight.

Mountain Kingdoms used the Pandaw Company boats which were really excellent. The crew did everything possible to give one a great time. Excellent food and time to relax between going out on very varied trips into the countryside.

Ethiopia has a rich, unique and fascinating historical heritage. It also has amazing scenery and spectacular mountainous landscapes as in the Simien Mountains. The tour took it all in although some aspects could have been managed and handled better. A great and absolutely worthwhile trip for the experienced traveller with a degree of resistance to heat, cold, altitude and occasionally slight discomfort.

I travelled for the first time with Mountain Kingdoms whose intentions are no doubt great - excellent pre-tour preparations and support. However, a little disappointed w tour leader and hotel standard; I suspect the local agent were at best complacent or worse a little greedy. Hopefully they will improve before next date but still a wonderful tour in many ways.

Walking and camping along coast, plus stays in Riads.

First time used this company and very satisfied.

It was a short and relatively easy walking and camping holiday along the hard-to-reach Atlantic coast between Essaouira and Agadir. It started and finished in Marrakesh. Overall it was as well organised and supported as such a trip could be.

Mountain Kingdoms favours small groups and supports travellers well, both before and during the holiday. They are knowledgeable, helpful, and efficient. I would travel with them again.

Kangchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek. An excellent trekking experience in a remote and unspoiled Mountain Environment.

Efficient and well planned Trek from Mountain Kingdoms

The Bhutan-Snowman Trek is arguably the toughest trek in the world. Being conscious of the fact that Mountain Kingdoms have been successfully operating this trek for 2-3 decades gave me a high degree of confidence in their professionalism and ability to succeed. Also not resting on their laurels, this was the first commercial Mountain Kingdoms group to trek the new exit route out of Lunana (across the mountains between Sake-la and Maurothang), featuring a truly memorable couple of days in unspoiled wilderness. It was somewhat fitting, that crossing the final high pass, the Chachi-La, we had the most amazing crystal clear views of the Eastern Himalayas along the border with Tibet, including the infamous Gangar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain on the planet. All our prayers came true that day. Put in perspective, the photos that we took that day were completely cloud-free, unlike many of those in the guide-books! Sincere thanks for an experience which I will never ever forget.

The Western Leader was well qualified, constantly engaging, and made sound decisions when necessary in conjunction with the Bhutanese Sirdar (e.g. postponing a rest day to avoid a bad snowstorm crossing the highest pass). He kept abreast of the group's progress including, importantly, the back markers, as well as the morale of individuals, which helped to maximise our teams’ chances of success. Whilst seemingly a small contribution, he took the trouble to carry chocolate bars to give us a welcome boost on conquering every high pass - much appreciated by all. The Bhutanese crew (including pack animal herders) were universally excellent and besides great meals, provided fantastic support to every one of us.

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A very well organised trek with also some stunning sightseeing.

Mountain Kingdoms were very pleasant and relaxed to deal with but also very professional and knowledgeable. Whether in the UK or Nepal or Bhutan nothing seemed too much trouble.

A tailor made holiday for six walking friends

Excellent support and service from Mountain Kingdoms

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