The classic trek route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is beautiful but has become quite crowded and over-developed. Here are some highly recommended alternatives that take you off the beaten path and let you experience Mt Everest in ways that few people do.
Hit the trails made famous by the Anthill crew and Redbull Media in their two awesome mountain biking films from 2011 -12. Stark and stunning, the landscape is high altitude desert and your trails are on the ancient trading route from India to Tibet.
Lima has the attention of food lovers all over the world. But the Peruvian capital's culinary reputation creates a challenge for travelers: with so many great places to eat, where should you plan to go? Here are eight restaurants you shouldn't miss.
The Salkantay trek is one of Peru’s best alternatives to the Inca Trail. Trek over a beautiful mountain pass at the foot of Mt. Salkantay before stopping at a local organic coffee plantation, followed by a visit to the Llactapata ruins. Finally, get up early the last day to catch sunrise at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
With snow-capped peaks and fabled Sherpa culture, the Everest region is famous for some of the best trekking in Nepal. If you don’t have the minimum 12 days it takes to do the Everest Base Camp trek, however, here are a few great shorter treks to choose from.
Experience the stark, barren landscapes of Lower Mustang dotted with Tibetan Buddhist cultural attractions on treks around Jomsom. Altitudes on this trek are not too high, and flying between Pokhara and Jomsom speeds up the journey. This is an ideal trip for trekkers who don’t have much time, or who would rather not do a very strenuous trek.
The Kalinchowk Adventure Itinerary combines a great 3-day trek in the Himalayan foothills, including mountain biking and rafting, and a taste of Kathmandu's cultural highlights. This is the perfect trip if you're short on time, but want to experience some of the best action sports Nepal has to offer. You'll move along trails with amazing vistas as well as get a closeup view of the Sherpa culture.
Have less than a week in Iceland and a lot on your bucket list? This itinerary will help you see lots of amazing sights in 5 days. You’ll start off with a spectacular local flight over the heart of Iceland followed by three days of scenic driving along the coast.
Iceland is a rugged place, with much of it inaccessible by a standard vehicle. Drive a Land Rover through unique terrain, over lava fields, and through scenic mountain roads. With these modified vehicles you will explore parts of Iceland not possible with a normal rental car. Explore the dramatic landscapes without the big crowds.
Experience the best of Western and Southern Iceland on this 9-day tour: volcanoes, fjords, red and black sand beaches, glaciers, hot springs, wildlife and more.
The Buddhist Caves in Upper Mustang offer a truly unique trekking experience in a remote area of Nepal, far away from the beaten path. The trek takes you into the hidden Buddhist kingdom of Upper Mustang and ventures deep into the world of 'sky-caves', including the famous Luri Gompa and Tashi Kabum, which are adorned with some of the most exquisite murals of the Tibetan Buddhist world and dating back to antiquity.
This 5-day itinerary lets you experience the main highlights of Iceland: Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, the scenic South Shore, the famous Golden Circle, the popular Blue Lagoon, many other glaciers, waterfalls, natural formations, and if you’re lucky the elusive Northern Lights.
The Everest Epic is truly an epic ride. At the high point, you reach Pikey Peak, one of Nepal's best view points . Here you have the chance to see 8 out of the world’s 14 peaks above 8000 meters, including Mt Everest, from the seat of your bike! This journey is filled with single track of the best kind, it will suit people who like All mountain or endure style riding and you will be challenged on your physical ability as well as on your technical biking skills… and you will have a blast!
The Trisuli is Nepal’s best river for day trips. Located centrally between Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, it’s the perfect way to break up a long bus journey to your next destination. Why sit on a bus for 8 hours when you can raft half of it! It’s one of the most popular day trips in Nepal and is great for everyone, all year round.
Trekking in Nepal’s far-western Upper Dolpo region takes you into one of the most remote areas of the Himalaya. Expeditions into Dolpo can be challenging as the tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent, and organized tours are essential. But the rewards are worth it—Tibetan Buddhist culture, some of the oldest monasteries in the country, the spectacular Lake Phoksundo, rare wildlife, and a real sense of being in the wilderness.
If you’re looking for a great one-day hike that combines the best of Iceland into a single trek, this is it. The Fimmvörðuháls trail takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery Iceland has to offer, from a series of canyon waterfalls to a volcanic moonscape. Keep in mind, this day-hike is as long as it is rewarding.
You can’t visit the Land of Fire and Ice without getting to know Iceland’s famous Volcanoes. Sure you could drive to them and look from afar, but where’s the fun in that? Here are 9 unique ways to experience the best Volcanoes in Iceland (plus a bonus if you keep reading!).
The sparkling, pristine blue and green waters of the Gokyo Lakes are one of Nepal’s most memorable sights. They comprise the highest freshwater lake system in the world, at around 5,000 meters. The Gokyo Lakes trek is ideal for people who want to trek in the Everest region, but who want more variety of views and fewer nights spent at very high altitude.
Enjoy an active week in Iceland filled with activities and beautiful sights in the south, including remote areas as well as top attractions. Iceland offers a long list of outdoor adventures, whether it's hiking, mountain biking, 4x4 off-roading, lava tube caving, horseback riding, snowmobiling, or soaking in geothermal lagoons.
Spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best seasons to visit Nepal, since the weather tends to be moderate and stable, with clear skies. However, due to the complex nature of Nepal’s geography and climate, there's a lot more to this. An ever-increasing number of travelers visit Nepal in winter and summer, and for good reason. With the right information, travel plan, and preparation, Nepal is a great year-round destination.
The Three Passes trek is the ultimate Everest experience. This route takes in all the highlights—both in terms of mountain views and local Sherpa culture—and combines them into a complete journey through the Everest region. Keep in mind, this trek is one of the most challenging teahouse treks in Nepal.
Nepal is home to some of the most spectacular treks in the world. Ranging from classics like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang to up and coming treks such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Nar Phu Valley Trek, Nepal's best treks are listed below. If you plan on going trekking in Nepal, read on to decide which trek is best for you.
Glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers are the perfect playground for off-roading in Iceland—and yes, you can drive yourself. Explore Iceland by driving around the country, visiting sites such as Jökulsárlón Lagoon, Thórsmörk Glacial Valley, Vatnajökull Glacier, & Strokkur Geyser.
Twenty-five years ago, New Zealand native Jamie McGuinness followed his muse and took a break from university to travel the world. During that time, trekking became his passion, and he has been exploring the Himalaya ever since.
Looking to explore the cultural, more relaxing side of Nepal? Showcasing dazzling temples and world heritage squares, placid lakes and serene mountains, this week-long itinerary takes in the classic sights of Nepal as well as the more off-the-beaten path experiences, including Nepal’s famous lake town, Pokhara.
The classic picture of Nepal includes huge mountain landscapes featuring icy peaks against a crisp blue sky, and possibly a yak or two. We love this picture, but we like it even more when there is a mountain bike coming down the trail!
Richard has been living and working in Nepal for the last seven years, and is a major force behind the trail running scene and the opening of the Manaslu Circuit as a teahouse trek. We caught up with Richard not long ago to learn more about how these initiatives gained traction.
Iceland is a magical place for children - from horseback riding to volcanoes to whale watching, the options for families are endless. Family travel is easy and safe in Iceland where tour companies welcome children and hotels are family friendly. We've compiled a list of our top year-round activities for families with kids aged 5-16.
This has to be the ultimate adventure trip in Nepal. Combining a breathtaking Himalayan trek (with views of Everest can we add!) with some world-class whitewater. Three days exploring Kathmandu and 11 days off the beaten track, and very much in the wild! You’ll need a great sense of adventure for this trip as the rapids are non-stop for the first few days and pretty hardcore. If you’re looking for a trip to get your heart pounding – this is the one!
Planning a two-week family vacation in Croatia may seem daunting, but with plenty of activities for the family, the choices are endless. This itinerary is chock-full of cultural exploration and lazy beach days, from the historic city of Zadar and the small island of Krapanj to the ancient coastal city of Split and the stunning island of Hvar. You'll relax, swim, snorkel, and kayak in the sparkling Adriatic, discover dramatic waterfalls and glittering emerald-green lakes in Krka National Park and catch the most beautiful sunsets in Zadar.
Get behind the wheel and cover the highlights of Croatia in a whirlwind seven days. Starting in the capital of Zagreb, you'll make your way south to Dubrovnik, stopping at Plitvice National Park, the ancient Dalmatian Coast port cities of Zadar and Split, and the idyllic Adriatic island of Korcula. In just one week, you'll experience the best nature, culture, and wine experiences on this compact Croatian itinerary.
Istria, one of Croatia’s premier winemaking regions, was named one of the 2015 World Top 10 travel destinations by Wine Enthusiast magazine. But Istria is just one of the dozens of wine-producing locations in Croatia. Because of its small geographically-defined nature, the wine regions offer many tours and tastings, most of which are accessible by bike, a perfect way to sip your way through some of the country’s best wine.
Given Iceland's rapidly increasing popularity as a travel destination, the question "When is the best time of year to go to Iceland?" has become as much about considering the right weather conditions as it is about avoiding the crowds and finding available accommodation at reasonable rates. Depending on how you weigh these factors and what you would like to do in Iceland, we'll help you decide which season is right for you.
This is the longest and largest river in Nepal, springing from the sacred mountain of Mount Kailash in Tibet. This trip combines 4 epic days of intense whitewater followed by a more gentle float where you can soak up all the mind-blowing scenery. Finishing at Bardia National Park, you can combine this trip with a few days in the park on safari looking for tigers.
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s indisputable hotspot, but the rest of the country is rich with wonders waiting to be discovered. Here is a glimpse of Dubrovnik, as well as lesser known but still spectacular spots beyond its medieval walls.
The Northern Lights are breathtaking…and elusive. Follow these tips to increase the chances you will see Mother Nature’s glorious display.
Dubbed the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland is a delight for all of your senses, from the deep chill of the air to the smoky smell of the volcanoes to the sights and sounds of the country’s most famous tourist attraction, the Northern Lights. Iceland is a bucket list destination for travelers from all around the world. Here are some Icelandic experiences you won’t want to miss.
Taking you through the heart of Nepal, this river trip is rated one of the top ten river journeys in the world by National Geographic. Well off the beaten track, you'll spend your days enjoying great whitewater, warm weather and the evenings camping on pristine, white sandy beaches.
Southern Dalmatia is a sailor's paradise, starting in Dubrovnik sailing past miles of secluded coastlines and several don’t-miss islands. Korčula, Mljet, Lopud, Hvar, Brač, and Vis just to name a few of the islands. You'll find some of the best kayaking and windsurfing in this region. We put together a list of Southern Dalmatia's most popular areas to sail to on your next trip.
Croatia’s coastline runs more than 1,100 miles. Add the shorelines of 1,185 islands, plus its inland lakes, rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls, and it’s clear that the country is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. You can sail among the islands, kayak the inland rivers and lakes, snorkel or scuba off the Adriatic coastline or kitesurf, fish, or even bungee jump during a vacation in Croatia.
Korcula is known for its white wine. Grk wine is a white wine grape variety found in the village of Lumbarda. To take in the Korcula scenery and drink some wine at the same time, join John (who moved to Korcula with his wife Rachael 6 years ago from the UK) on a 4-5 hour tour cycling through Lumbarda. Taste the different wines while getting the local intimate experience which you will not find anywhere else.
Tucked between eight of the world’s highest mountains, Nepal is a mecca for extreme adventure. You can climb up, zip down, trek across and soar by some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
From Dubrovnik's city walls and limestone-paved streets to the ancient Roman city of Split, this 7-day itinerary features the highlights of Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast. Enjoy three nights in the "Adriatic Pearl" discovering baroque buildings and medieval fortresses, savor Dalmatian cuisine in Marco Polo's hometown of Korčula, and explore the 14 wooded and rocky islets of the Pakleni archipelago on a guided kayak tour.
Nepal offers a wide variety of trekking trails. For travelers who are short on time, here are some of the best short treks Nepal has to offer ranging from 3 to 10 days. Each of these treks can be extended; the number of days listed here represents the minimum number of days you need to complete these trails.
One of Nepal's most classic short treks, this route takes you to the foot of some of the tallest mountains in the world. Along the way, you'll spend the night in two famous base camps with close-up views of Annapurna I and Machapuchare.
When you think of Nepal, the first thing that probably springs to mind is Mt. Everest, the Himalaya, and trekking. Well, have you ever thought about it as a rafting destination?
To visit Croatia is to become part of its landscape of natural wonders. Its national parks may be the country’s best known conservation areas, but even in the nation’s capital, Zagreb, visitors are surrounded by protected regional parks, forests and even a mountain.
One of the classic treks in Nepal, this popular route takes you all the way from subtropical jungle to high-altitude plateau, culminating in Thorung La at 5,419 m.
While the fall season may have the clearest skies, trekking during the monsoon (from mid-June, through July, August, to early September) has its own advantages. Some treks should be avoided, but for certain regions, it's a great time to visit Nepal: the trails are less crowded, the villages are full of life and the valleys are in bloom.
Fairytale like, Dubrovnik is a charming coastal city known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most photographed cities in Croatia. With its ideal location (in southern Croatia) overlooking the clear blue Adriatic, with unspoiled beaches, casual bistros serving top notch seafood, it makes Dubrovnik one of the most unique walled cities worth visiting in Croatia.
Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.
Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.
Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.
You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.
