Best trek yet! If you’re after creature comforts this isn’t for you; if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the beautiful Annapurna range, meet locals, see some awesome-inspiring scenery, stay in rustic, basic accommodation but have some of the heartiest, tastiest meals and best hospitality ever, whilst taking on a challenging yet deeply rewarding trek, this is for you. Su, our tour leader, was exceptional, nothing was too much bother and he became the 11th member of our group. The crew and guides were fantastic, setting an achievable pace that meant we could chat as we walked or just enjoy the quiet as we took on a section of steeper steps, it all meant we were well-acclimatised for altitude and hardly had any effects whatsoever. Every day was different so there was never a dull moment and always something new to see - we even saw monkeys! The days spent in Kathmandu and Pokhara to top and tail the trip were the perfect intros and downtime to show two very different sides of Nepalese life. The food was fantastic - light, flavourful and satisfying. Have the momos and Dal Baht - you won’t regret it! Going during Nepalese Diwali (Tihar), made the experience even more magical to be honest. Fully recommend going then to get that added cultural experience as well! Just couldn’t have had a better two weeks away in the mountains (with a bit of culture thrown in) if I tried!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Bamboo, Jhinnudanda
Kathmandu, Bamboo, Jhinnudanda, Nayapul, Pokhara, Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Dovan, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp
Fantastic trip. It is very full on....Explore warn you. One hotel was substandard....Explore will not be using it on next trip. Loved the fact we were in non-touristy areas. I had 2 extra nights at a beach hotel in Goa to relax.....worth doing if you can. A few train journeys which I loved (worth considering a rucksack or holder as luggage rather than suitcase). Go with an open mind and you will love it.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
India was INCREDIBLE! The safari, markets, forts, temples & food were all outstanding (especially the Taj Mahal). Ethan & Yoni were great leaders and looked after us so much the whole way! Our local guide was also outstanding and had so much cultural knowledge for us. 10/10 tour and cannot wait to do another!
YogaCooking classes
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Ranthambore National
New Delhi, Ranthambore National Park, Agra, Jodhpur, Thar Desert, Pushkar, Jaipur
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
I recently retired and this was my first big “freedom trip.” I wasn’t looking for luxury. I just wanted something different from the usual cruise trips I took or all-inclusive. India and Dubai? I was totally out of my comfort zone, which made it incredible. Watching the chaos of Delhi traffic from the safety of our coach, standing in front of the Taj Mahal or riding through the desert dunes outside Dubai, it all felt great. The tour gave me structure but didn’t feel hand holding. The guide had patience for all our questions. This trip reminded me that you’re never too old to feel amazed.
Goodness what to say?! Had lots of expectations as I’ve been trying to get to Bhutan since Covid took over and had amazing time!! One of quietest countries I’ve visited but they shared my love of karaoke! So much nature, beautiful views, some times too much nature (my allergies went wild) but it was great time, lovely people, very welcoming, loved telling them about London & Peckham. Shout out to my guide and driver, Pemba and the Captain. Thank you 😊 😊
We love the tour. Great guides in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Don’t miss the rickshaw ride through the spice market incredible. Elephant ride at Amer Fort in Jaipur was also amazing. India is such an interesting place. Definitely recommend this tour
Just recently completed the “Royal India” tour. It was magnificent. Excellent tour guide and driver. Lovely hotels with excellent service. And of course, amazing things to see and do. Highly recommend!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, Udai
New Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Pushkar
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
