Asia is the most populous, energetic, exotic continent on earth. Across one vast landmass you’ll find varying cultures, exotic food & romantic landscapes. Hot sandy deserts, freezing Siberian tundra, the highest mountain range, tropical rainforests and rivers that are the lifeblood of the communities they run through. Many of the world’s religions have origins here, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Confucianism and Taoism the most well known, but many other fascinating religions are also practiced here. Literally thousands of languages and dialects spoken. Asia is at once ancient and traditional and thundering head first into the 21st Century, often side by side. Asia truly has something for everyone. In India and South Asia, experience the sounds, smells, sights and intensity of India, the warm people of the majestic high himalaya of Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the joy of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan. Discover ancient cultures in China and Central Asia, the history of the Silk Road and ghosts of Soviet influence in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. In Southeast Asia, experience the serenity of Laos, the frenetic energy of Vietnam and Bangkok, the Angkor temples of Cambodia and the jungles and orangutans of Borneo. The list of must sees, mysteries to be discovered and hidden gems is endless.
Tours in Asia
Mumbai to Chennai Overland
Asia is the continent where overlanding all started. This trip is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation through the southern regions of India. We start in the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai, and then head for a full exploration of the world-famous beaches of Goa! We then head inland to the historic cities of Hampi and Mysore before heading up into the cool hills of Wayanad for a homestay amongst the tea and coffee plantations. Back to the coast, you'll explore the lush waterways of Kerala's backwaters by boat and relax on the stunning beaches of Varkala, before rounding Kanyakumari on the southernmost tip of India and arriving at the colourful temples of Madurai. Finally, travelling through Tamil Nadu state you'll pass through a part of the country many travellers never get to see, with a visit to the former French colony of Pondicherry and the stone carving capital of Mahabalipuram
Yunnan’s Deep North West
The tropical southern reaches of the Yunnan province forms the furthest, deepest regions of the Chinese empire. The history of the region is peppered with proud and distinct minority peoples, an ancient tradition of growing China’s fourth and lesser known variety of tea, “Pu’er”, a rich and fragrant tea that works wonderfully as a digestive and, of course, as a vital link in the Southeast Asian ‘Southern Silk Road’, trading jade, tea and silk between Burma, China, Laos and Thailand. Visitors to the region find themselves immediately slowing down to the pace of life which the local people have lived by for millennia.
Chennai to Kolkata Overland
From bustling Chennai to the thronging crowds and noise of Kolkata this tour gets off the tourist trail and into the remote hills of Odisha with its ancient temples and traditions, and many different people with their own distinct culture. Visit the Sri Venkatesvara Tirumalai temple, the most visited place of worship anywhere in the world and bike around local villages in the coastal town of Puri. This is an original and unique India trip that shows a different side of India.
Silk Road: The Five ‘Stans of Central Asia
The five ‘stans of Central Asia - Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – must rank amongst some of the world’s least visited and least well-known destinations, making this trip a true journey of discovery. Offering an incredible diversity of both scenery and culture - from the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to the epic scenery of the Tien Shan ‘Mountains of Heaven’ - we’ll cross vast deserts and mighty rivers and experience local hospitality in homestays in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. For much of the time we’ll be following ancient trade routes and discovering the remains of a bygone age but we will also experience the Central Asia of today from the bizarre white-marble city of Ashgabat to the cosmopolitan cities of Tashkent and Almaty. This is the perfect trip for anyone who has ever looked at a map and wondered exactly what the
Afghanistan & Tajikistan: Wakhan Pamir Adventure
In Afghanistan’s distant north-eastern corner lies the Wakhan corridor. This narrow strip of land once formed the buffer zone between the British and Russian Empires and was of immense strategic importance during the 19th century Great Game. Today the area is inhabited predominantly by Wakhi herdsmen and is not only remote and peaceful, but is also blessed with some of the finest mountain scenery the world has to offer. From Dushanbe in Tajikistan, we will first travel into the Tajik Pamir to witness life here before heading to the Afghan border and into the Wakhan Valley. We will make our way slowly up the valley, visiting villages, taking some day walks and enjoying some traditional Afghan hospitality. We will stay in basic guesthouses throughout our time in Afghanistan as we discover the delights of this famed region. This is a trip right out there on the edge of civilisation: we will
Pakistan: Hindu Kush Adventure
Pakistan is home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, with thriving cities, colourful markets and warm hospitality. While Pakistan is often painted in a negative light in the news, we believe that most areas in Pakistan - particularly around Chitral and the mountains of the north - pose little or no danger within the current geopolitical climate. A trip to this part of the world is bound to excite even the worldliest travellers. On this amazing journey along the Northwest Frontier you will drive up from the capital Islamabad, through stunningly spectacular scenery, to the ancient kingdom of Chitral. Here we will spend two days with the Kalash before heading on over the Shandur Pass to one of the most beautiful places on earth, Hunza. We will complete our circuit by returning to the Islamabad via the Buddhist University town of Taxila.
Pakistan: Summer Mountain Explorer
Pakistan is home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, thriving cities, colourful markets and warm hospitality, a trip to this part of the world is bound to excite even the worldliest travellers. Having run trips here for more than a decade, we understand the political complexities of travelling to this fascinating country and our paramount consideration has always been the safety of our clients. Despite the negative images painted by the press, we believe that areas in Pakistan – particularly around the mountains of the north - pose little or no danger within the current climate. On this tour you’ll get to see it all as you travel on an in-depth journey from the plains through the mountains of the north; from the Babusa Pass and Kaghan Valley to the high-altitude Dosai Plateau; from the surreal landscapes of Skardu to the towering Nangha Parbat at Fairy
High Road to Kashmir
Kashmir. A name that conjures up visions of serene valleys and "heaven on earth. For years out of bounds but has been welcoming visitors for the last decade. This unique trip to Kashmir starts in earnest from neighbouring Ladakh with its strong Tibetan Buddhist influences. This tour literally takes the high road, Nubra Valley has the world's highest drivable pass, via Lamayuru and the Zanskar Valley - to Srinagar and its beautiful alpine mountains and lakes. This itinerary is perfect for those with a real sense of adventure!
Karakoram Adventure – Kashgar to Kashmir
China, Pakistan & India - This totally unique itinerary takes us on a wonderful journey along the southern branch of the Old Silk Road. Starting in Kashgar where we will witness the famous Yakshmbe Bazaar - otherwise known as the Sunday Market - we will continue through the stunning mountains of northern Pakistan to the tranquil foothills of the Indian Himalayas. On a journey that traders, warriors, poets and pilgrims have been taking for millennia we will drive the famous Karakoram Highway - the eighth wonder of the world - through Hunza and the beautiful Fairy Meadows and on to Lahore. From here we will cross the border to the Sikh’s holy city of Amritsar, visit the Golden Temple and then head to the mythical land of Kashmir to relax in the mellow forest-clad mountains and on the region's tranquil lakes. All in all, this is an amazing adventure: a journey
Heart of Indochina
Starting our journey in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, we experience the highlights of Laos, from this ancient royal capital to the stunning natural beauty of the southern “4000 islands” region. This often overlooked country continues to retain its traditional character and charm, and is one of our favourites in Southeast Asia. Continuing overland to Cambodia, we’ll not only venture out onto the mighty Mekong to spot Irrawaddy Dolphins but we’ll also spend time slowly exploring on two wheels the rural tranquillity of the Kratie region. Next we’ll journey to Siem Reap to visit the magnificent temple complexes of Angkor, before finishing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s riverside capital. Here we’ll learn more about Cambodia’s modern history, as well as its crumbling colonial past. This promises to be a fascinating journey through Laos and Cambodia’s past and present, offering magnificent scenery, stunning sights, friendly locals and amazing food!
Snow Leopard Tracking
This epic adventure takes you to Hemis National Park, Ladakh - India's best-protected area for Snow Leopards. With expert trackers on hand to trace the cats’ scents, trails and markings, this journey will keep the pulse racing as you follow every sign of their movements whilst exploring some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. This snow leopard trek offers you the chance to track these ‘ghosts of the mountains’ and their prey through the snow, with the ability to witness these sadly diminishing but stunning creatures in their natural environment. Since Snow Leopards are generally found at elevations between 3000-4500m, this trek takes you through stunning Himalayan alpine and sub-alpine zones where vegetation is sparse and temperatures are extreme. Snow Leopards are most active at dawn and dusk and show a strong preference for cliffy habitat with moderately to very broken terrain, rocky outcrops and ravines. They are opportunistic predators and
Hidden Kingdoms – Nepal and Mustang
Open to only a select few groups of trekkers per year, the Kingdom of Mustang, formally known as the Kingdom of Lo, is the last true Tibetan Kingdom. We invite you to discover this small outpost of Nepal, a region previously locked off from the rest of the world until 1992. Be one of the few that get the chance to experience this precious, preserved gem. Hike through whitewashed villages and crumbling remote hermitages scattered across semi-arid desert. Explore monasteries clinging to the edge of rocky shelves, snow-capped peaks, towering from above. Encompass Nepal's highlights and be washed up in its charm and the warmth of the people and beauty of its scenery, mountain life and exotic wildlife.
South Indian Odyssey
Whether it’s your first, second or even third time to the Indian Subcontinent, if you haven’t yet been to South India, you are in for a real treat! This diverse and comprehensive trip across the cultural and historical landscapes of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala encompasses some of the country’s most authentic cultural experiences and offers a very different experience from that of the north. Travelling from the shores of the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Sea, we will have a chance to explore UNESCO Heritage sites and ancient temple shrines, experience Tamil culture first-hand and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Western Ghats and the Malabar Coast. We will also visit the historic splendours of Madurai, Mysore and Cochin, and explore the majestic landscapes of the Backwaters aboard a traditional Keralan houseboat for two nights. This truly is a journey of remarkable contrasts, exploring one of India’s most fascinating regions.
Afghan Explorer
Afghanistan needs no introduction; just the name is enough to have most politicians panicking, journalists packing and wild travellers salivating with expectation. News, time and again over the centuries, has focused on this most extraordinary arid and mountainous country in middle-Asia and now, as always, its place at the heart of world affairs is as poignant as ever. Our Afghan Explorer tour takes us through the mountains and plains; following in the footsteps of Marco Polo.
Silk Road Odyssey
Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan & Uzbekistan - This unique tour takes you on an epic cultural journey along the Old Silk Road through some of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountains, lively bazaars and ancient towns. The aim is to stick as closely as possible to the ancient trade routes even though modern borders and some rough roads do not always make this an easy thing to do! Traversing parts of Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the route offers adventure and culture in equal measure. Riding horses or walking in the mountains by Son Kul Lake or the ancient caravanserai of Tash Rabat will give you a chance to witness the Tien Shan Mountains at their most beautiful. While wandering through the gargantuan sites of Samarkand or sleepy Bukhara, you will be taken back to the heyday of the Silk Road. For those with a sense of adventure, an interest in history and culture -
Lhasa to Kashgar via Mt Kailash
For centuries Tibet remained the inaccessible goal of numerous intrepid, determined and hardy explorers. While Lhasa is no longer a secret city, it remains mystical, and the ancient route west along the top of the Himalayas to the desert oasis of Kashgar is hardly ever travelled beyond the sacred Mountain of Kailash – the source of four great holy rivers, and an opportunity for us to join local pilgrims in a stunning 3-day circumambulation. It is remote and wild with some fascinating sights and truly spectacular scenery. The long forbidden and desolate Aksai Chin, a corner of the high plateau annexed by China from India, almost without them noticing, has remained a political barrier for years. It is now traversable, and this land of ancient kingdoms where herds of wild ass (Kiang) roam and eagles soar high above the immense landscape is waiting to be explored.