A really enjoyable trip led by Abhi our lovely young guide. Kerala is beautiful and we were able to experience the contrast between the mountains and the backwaters. The food provided on the trek by Sheila and her team was amazing.
Our guide, Sudarshan kc, was the best guide I've had on any Explore trip I've done (4, so far). He was really knowledgeable, gentle, warm, funny, & friendly, he looked after our group fantastically. Nothing was too much trouble, his recurrent phrase was 'anything is possible'. The tour itself was brilliant & flowed really well, despite the longer road journeys due to the landslides that had occurred a few wks before. In fact, I'd go as far to say those journeys were actually quite an adventure in themselves! For me, it was a perfect trip, the 4 days trekking were amazing, challenging at times, but worth the effort to see the stunning views of the mountains. The teahouses were simple but really welcoming, & in fab locations for views. Pokhara was a beautiful place for a bit of a rest, the calm lake, great shopping, & places to eat. Chitwan was outstanding, especially with the rhino sightings, & close encounters!
I was lucky to have a great group of people to travel with too, which made the trip a lot of fun.
Kathmandu is exactly what you'd expect, a city full of life, bustling traffic & historic sights. People are very warm & friendly.
I'd recommend this trip wholeheartedly.
I wanted to stay longer, & shed tears when I left. Many thanks.
Don't miss this chance to visit some of the most important landmarks and cultural heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Meet your friendly tour guide at your hotel and head for the nearby Ason. Located at the heart of the city, Ason is also the oldest marketplace in Kathmandu. Enjoy the sight of this bustling market that sells everything from clothes and electronics to traditional metal wares.
Walk along its busy streets flanked by old buildings and ornate temples all the way to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO world heritage site that is home to a number of temples, shrines and palaces. Nearby is the famous Freak Street, probably the most popular Hippy-era junction.
Continue your walk to Swayambhunath, a Buddhist stupa and yet another UNESCO world heritage site in the valley. It is popularly known as 'Monkey Temple’ after its resident primates. Located atop a hill, the temple commands some of the most spectacular views of the entire valley. Ascend 365 steps to reach the temple.
Walk back to Thamel or, alternatively, take a taxi from Swoyambhunath to Thamel.
Melissa was our guide for the Best of Shibuya Food Tour. We hit some out of the way places and tried different types of Japanese foods...Sushi, Ramen, Yaki, Wings and dessert. By the end of the evening Melissa was like an old friend. Thanks for a great tour!!!
Embark on an enchanting journey along the Tamang Heritage Trail, a newly crafted trekking route that invites you to delve into the captivating lifestyle and rich culture of the ethnic Tamang people in the heart of Nepal. This remarkable adventure will guide you through a series of charming Tamang villages, including the picturesque Gatlang, Goljung, Briddim, and Timure.
As you traverse this scenic trail, be prepared to be mesmerized by the breathtaking vistas of the majestic Langtang and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges. These awe-inspiring peaks will grace your journey, offering unforgettable moments that can be savored from the serene village of Nagthali. Here, you'll find tranquility, and it's also a cherished destination for meditation among Buddhist monks.
While en route to Nagthali, you'll have the opportunity to visit Tatopani, where you can unwind in the natural hot water springs, providing a soothing respite for weary travelers.
Continuing your exploration, you'll reach Thuman, yet another cultural gem on this trail. Thuman is renowned for its Shamanic practices and provides a breathtaking backdrop of the Langtang mountains, which will leave you in awe.
Throughout your journey along the Tamang Heritage Trail, you'll have the chance to experience authentic hospitality with homestay facilities, immersing yourself in the local way of life. Additionally, don't miss the vibrant cultural programs in Gatlang and Goljung, where you can witness the Tamang people's traditions come to life.
Embarking on this adventure promises not only stunning natural beauty but also a deep and meaningful connection with the Tamang culture and their way of life. It's a travel experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.
The itinerary is very well thought out with lots to see and do. Everyday had a highlight and the Nepalese are so friendly and inviting. The views of the Himalayas in Nagarkot and Pokhara were stunning. The hotels were in excellent locations throughout. There are walks for those who want to and options for those who don't. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, regardless of physical ability. Our tour leader, Su, was excellent and worked tirelessly to ensure our safety, enjoyment and general happiness. He is the best leader I have had out of some 27 tours. This is Explore's strong point - they know how to pick and train tour leaders and Su was the best of the best.
Our guide Akiko was super sweet and helpful! She showed us all the best spots in Osaka and helped us order the most delicious food. We definitely recommend this tour operator to anyone who wants to try some of the best food in Japan
When we reached Tokyo, no one from Europamundo came to receive us. After about 1.5hrs. someone came took us to the Hotel in public Transport we dragged our bags. All 3 of us are senior citizens.
Evening next day we were taken around Tokyo in a public transport. Very tiring. We need to be compensated as we had paid for a private tour.
The visit to the Imperial Palace grounds in TOKYO KYOTO is waste of time as the Palaces are closed we just walk in the grounds - nothing to see.
The itinerary gave us no free time.
The Guides - all of them were superb very helpful.
Welcome to the Annapurna region, a trekker's paradise and one of Nepal's most sought-after destinations. Brace yourself for a captivating 14-day adventure that promises the extraordinary.
Highlights:
Thorong La Pass (5416m): Challenge your limits as you conquer one of the world's highest trekking passes. The thrill of reaching this elevation is unmatched.
Tilicho Lake (4919m): Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Tilicho Lake, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. Its tranquil azure waters are a sight to behold.
The Journey:
Prepare to be enchanted by the Annapurna region's diverse landscapes, rich vegetation, and vibrant culture. Your path will wind through lush rice paddies, enchanting rhododendron forests, deep mountain valleys, and alongside crystal-clear rivers and cascading waterfalls.
Don't miss the chance to traverse the awe-inspiring Kali Gandaki Gorge, often hailed as the world's deepest gorge, where towering peaks seem to touch the sky.
The Mountains:
Gaze in awe at some of the world's most iconic peaks—Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre. These colossal sentinels will accompany you throughout your epic journey, their majestic presence an ever-present reminder of nature's grandeur.
The Promise:
This is not just a trek; it's a promise of a lifetime. The Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek will leave you with indelible memories, a profound connection to nature, and a profound sense of accomplishment. Dare to embark on this adventure, for it will reward you in ways you've never imagined.
Join us in the heart of the Himalayas, where every step is a revelation, and every moment is an adventure. This is the Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek—an experience like no other.
Our wonderfully quirky and insightful guide Ray gave us a gastronomical tour of Japanese cuisine and culture. I would highly recommend this tour but make sure you are very hungry (lots of eating!) and prepared to have fun. How’s your karaoke skill?
We were a family of 6 adults in Shanghai for two and a half day. Cindy proved to be professional, punctual, knowledgeable, accommodating, cooperative. She was more than willing to adjust her original plans to accommodate our personal needs and wishes, providing us with the most enjoyable two and a half day tour of Shanghai that left us with nothing but terrific things to say about her and the city itself.
Join us for a tour to the Korean Folk Village in Seoul, the fast-changing 24-hour city that is a mixture of the old and new.
On this tour, you will see over 260 traditional Korean buildings relocated to the folk village and restored according to the original lifestyle of the Korean people in the late Joseon period. Household goods of each region are exhibited so that you can experience traditional Korean lifestyle. Then, are you ready to dance with Korean Samulnori performers? Samulnori is a traditional instrumental farm music played by four instruments. See the music performed at the Folk Village.
The buildings and items in the Folk Village have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with a broad understanding of Korean food, clothing, and housing style of the past. About twenty workshops, various handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, bamboo wares, wooden wares, paper, brass wares, knots, fans, musical instruments, iron wares and embroidery are practised. You can visit the Folk Museum as well as the Art Museum (scheduled to open) to see and learn about the essence of Korean culture and folk customs.
Itinerary: Hotel → Korean Folk Village (Traditional Houses or Farmers Music & Dance or Equestrian Feats) → Shopping Center → Hotel
