Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
This was a great trip, and I would recommend it.
The hotels were all fine, the one night camping less so - very cold and the set-up was VERY basic (a kilometer away from a luxury resort!) - but the night sky in the desert was amazing.
The trip notes are not totally accurate/informative though - there is a lot more travelling than they suggest and a lot of it is in 4-wheel drive vehicles over rough ground. If you don't like heights, beware!
Be prepared for squat toilets in quite a lot of places :-/
All in all it was a good trip, well managed and very interesting.
Camping
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I really liked this trip, though I wish we stayed in Busan for at least another night. Both the Contiki and Korean guides were great, there were a few add-ons in each city to choose from and I definitely feel like I learned more about Korea than if I'd gone to the country without doing a Contiki tour. Thank you Joey and Lina!
This was my first trip as a single person and I had a fabulous time. The group of 12 (four couples and four singles) really gelled and were very friendly, supportive and fun. The itinerary was very good, with at least one specific thing to do, see or visit each day. The high points were the tea plantation, the spice farm, the cookery evening, the wonderful scenery and the houseboat . The accommodation was generally very good, but the homestay was too basic to be an enjoyable experience. It didn't feel as though we were guests in someone's home, it felt more like a commercial exercise (eg the host talked of building a hotel next year to accommodate more guests). The food was excellent in most places with some well-chosen restaurants/snack bars, and plenty of choice for vegetarians, but I was a little disappointment at the street food experience, which was just selecting one cold, precooked snack (such as samosa, vada or fritter.) I was anticipating some freshly cooked food (while we looked on) such as rice and dahl or pani puri. Also, I thought that the purpose of visiting the market was to select spices and vegetables to use later in our cookery evening, but there wasn't an obvious link. Our guide, Sree, was flexible, knowledgeable and very accommodating of all our needs.
Overall a really great experience with a great group of people. Will definitely use Explore again for another adventurous trip.
City sightseeingSight
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Really excellent trip - we saw and experienced so many things. Only downside is it meant a lot of travelling on the bus and only one night in every hotel.
Highlights were the Safari - seeing the elephants especially. Climbing Lions Rock at 6am and the delightful food we had along the way.
Our guide, Chamodi was very enthusiastic and friendly. She was especially good with the children.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We embarked on a remarkable two-week journey to Nepal, expertly organized by Mr. Gokul of this tour company. Despite some last-minute changes on our part, he remained incredibly accommodating and patient throughout. We were thoroughly impressed and satisfied with the accommodations, tours, and activities he arranged for us.
Exploring Kathmandu with our knowledgeable tour guide, Siri, was an enriching experience. His insights into the city's vibrant history added depth to our exploration.
Our short but amazing flight to Pokhara was nothing short of unforgettable, thanks to the breathtaking views of mountains and valleys along the way. Mr. Kumar & Botie ( not sure the spelling) were exceptional skills ensured our safety, and the delicious food we enjoyed during the journey, especially the Dal Bhat, left a lasting impression.
Our stay in Pokhara was equally pleasant, with a well-located hotel providing easy access to shops, the lakeside, and various dining options. Exploring temples and cruising on Fewa Lake added to the charm of our visit.
However, the pinnacle of our trip was undoubtedly the journey to Annapurna Base Camp. The awe-inspiring landscapes and towering mountains along the route left us spellbound. Mr. Kumar, our experienced trekking guide, played a crucial role in making this leg of our journey truly unforgettable, sharing his expertise on the mountains, trekking routes, and religious sites.
We owe the success of our trip to the seamless coordination and outstanding arrangements made by Mr. Gokul, Ms. Ashmita and all the staff. Their dedication created memories that will last a lifetime, and we eagerly anticipate our next adventure in Nepal. Love you all !!!
Trekking and HikingAdventure
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House
Age Range
3-90 yrs
Operated in
english, nepali
Destinations
Annapurna Base Camp trek, Pokhar
Annapurna Base Camp trek, Pokhara, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Sinuwa, Deurali, Annapurna Base Camp, Bambo, Jhinu Hot Spring
A varied trip providing an excellent taster to Kyrgyzstan. Aisuluu our tour guide was passionate about their country and was keen to showcase the culture and scenery, all with a wonderful sense of humour.
The yurt camp experience was excellent and well worth bumping along the roads to get there. Food and beer were great too. A wonderful country that is worth a visit.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Nar-Phu Hidden Valley: The trek is 9 days long, allowing you to explore Nepal's alpine beauty and experience the Himalayan Tibetan lifestyle. This off-the-beaten-path trek takes you through remote villages, lush forests, and towering peaks, providing an authentic and immersive experience. You can interact with local villagers, learn about their ancient customs, and witness breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Overall, the Nar-Phu Hidden Valley Trek is a must-do for adventurous travelers looking to escape the crowds and discover the hidden gems of the Himalayas.
