This was to be my third trip to the Himalayas, the last being the Annapurna Circuit in 2006 (before road building started on the circuit). I was looking for something different this time, a remote camping based trek off the beaten track and away from the relatively crowded paths and overstretched teahouses of Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. Manalsu more than met my expectations.
A journey through the epicentre of Silk Road history. Travel back in time along the fabled Silk Road on this expertly guided adventure through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. From the dazzling Registan, Samarkand’s historic centre, the maze-like lanes of Bukhara to the crumbling mudbrick ruins of Merv and the grand marble monuments of Ashgabat, this immersive 14-day journey reveals the layered history, artistry and diversity of Central Asia.
Explore ancient desert cities, grand mosques and vibrant bazaars once vital to traders, conquerors and scholars. Cross remote borders, meet skilled artisans, and uncover archaeological treasures alongside knowledgeable local guides.
This is an unforgettable cultural journey through one of the world’s great crossroads.
This is an excellent trip for fit, aspiring mountaineers. It offers scrambling, glacier travel, ascender and rapelling with stunning views of Ama Dablam at sunrise.
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 !!!
Very hard, very demanding, very cold, VERY REWARDING. The first view of a snow leopard, like my first encounter with a tiger, was highly emotional and, unashamedly, induced tears !
I had a great trip, our third guide from Sapporo was informative and friendly, and took us out for trails at every opportunity he could, well organised, the group was well matched and friendly.
Beautiful country. Amazing tour guides. Enjoyed the scenery, the tours, and the hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery ( which was the highlight of the trip ). The hotels and the food (all buffet) were good. The tour guide and the driver were spectacular. All of the people I encountered in Bhutan were friendly and welcoming.
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Step into the heart of Central Asia on this in-depth journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, two historically rich countries shaped by centuries of conquest and trade. Trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great, whose empire once spanned from Greece to India. And follow the ancient Silk Road, where caravans carried silk, spices, ideas and cultures between China and the Mediterranean.
With expert local guides in each country, explore some of the oldest cities in the world including Samarkand and Bukhara, where minarets, mosques, and bazaars evoke the splendour of empires past. And venture beyond the well-trodden path to discover Tajikistan’s alpine lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Stay in a traditional village homestay, experiencing the warmth of Central Asian hospitality, with comfortable accommodations throughout.
Whether you’re captivated by ancient history, drawn to the romance of the Silk Road, or simply seek to explore this fascinating crossroads of civilisations, this guided journey offers an unforgettable window into Central Asia.
An amazing trip from start to finish! The natural landscapes and historical monuments were magnificent. Accommodation and meals were good and as expected in such corners of the planet - no surprises. Both of our Nepali and Tibetan guides were exemplary. They provided us with detailed information and responses to our questions. Our Nepali guide was very experienced with any signs of Altitude Sickness, and kept a close eye on us. I would thoroughly recommend this Adventure Tour.
It is an historically significant and culturally rich vacation with sights not to be seen elsewhere. The people are very friendly and, contrary to popular belief, it is a safe place to visit.
Looking back at our photos now we've returned to the UK we can't believe the amount we saw and the amazing experiences we had on this tour. Sri Lanka is an amazing beautiful country with some much going on - we only scratched the surface. Our tour leader Cham worked so hard to make sure that we had everything we needed, resolving our problems and sorting out food for our fussy son! His knowledge about Sri Lankan history and wildlife was immense. He even found the best place to buy genuine Sri Lanka cricket shirts for the sporty members of our group. The only thing we'd change was the pace of the second half of the Sri Lanka leg of the trip. The first half gave us time to chill and bond as a group, as well as hang out in the pool at Giritale and play cricket. The second half we moved every night and covered a massive distance, though interesting, this was quite tiring (especially for the kids), so we'd suggest that a two night stop in the middle of this element would resolve this issue easily. This was clear in the notes, however, as was the high chance of not getting the train. The pace did slow considerably for the Maldives element, with a lot of time on our boats travelling between reefs. The snorkelling was quite frankly mind-blowing, and even the more nervous swimmers loved it. The crew were fantastic, and the food was delicious. The guide knew his stuff, and made sure we had great snorkelling experiences. Our only criticism of this part of the trip was that splitting the group when we'd got to know each other and were getting on really well was disappointing. There were larger boats, and we'd have preferred to be on a single boat given how long we spent travelling separately. The crew did what they could to mitigate this by tying the boats together when we moored for snorkels, meals and overnight and that was great. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and with a few very small tweaks it'd be perfect!
