Brief History
The founders of the company, Steve Berry & Steve Bell, came from mountaineering backgrounds. Both had led or taken part in expeditions to many parts of the Himalaya. In particular it was Steve Berry's Bhutan tour and expedition to Bhutan in 1986 that provided the impetus to start Himalayan Kingdoms. At that time very few westerners had visited the Thunder Dragon Kingdom and our contacts and knowledge of its mountains gave us a unique opportunity. We have since become the leading operator of Bhutan tours and treks
having pioneered most of the trekking routes in the kingdom.
Since our early experiences with Bhutan tours we have grown our company to encompass the entire Himalayan region as well as select destinations around the world. In all the other Himalayan countries we visit we have been the first to enter new regions and continue each year to offer reconnaissance treks to new areas. In 2000 for instance we secured the first permit for foreign nationals to enter India's fabled Nanda Devi Inner Sanctuary.
From breaking new ground with our Bhutan holidays we have specialised in exploring new regions, new routes and new types of trek to all parts of the Himalaya and beyond. In 1993 our mountaineering department, now a separate company, was the first in the UK to guide clients to the summit of Everest.
Besides being the Himalayan specialist, the team at HK have climbed and trekked in a great many mountain ranges around the world over the years. Following repeated requests from clients who wanted to travel to other mountain ranges in the Himalayan Kingdoms style, the company has expanded to include trekking holidays to a growing number of worldwide destinations.
Financial Security
The air holidays shown on this web-site are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2973. ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. Visit here if you would like to know more.
Our "Land Only" holidays are covered by a bond secured with AITO Trust. We are members of AITO and are bound by their Quality Charter
Emphasis on Quality
We use some of the best airlines amongst whom are Jet Airways, Qatar, British Airways, KLM, Thai Airlines and Etihad. We use 3 or 4 star hotels in the main cities, chosen for their character. We use large, well established, reputable in-country operators who have excellent equipment and well trained staff. We use private transport to reach roadheads. We think our Himalayan Kingdoms Trek Leaders are some of the best there are.
Small Group Travel
We take a maximum of only 12 clients per trek, though the average group size in 2007 was 8 persons per trek. Our family treks have a maximum size of 20 people to allow several families to participate, and gentle trekking, luxury lodges in Nepal now has a maximum of 16 people as the lodges each have 8 rooms.
Responsible Tourism
At Himalayan Kingdoms we feel strongly that all our holidays should benefit the local communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution and respect local traditions, religion and heritage. We tread lightly - low volume, low impact trekking/touring is the best way of preserving the beautiful and fragile places we visit. For the latest information on the projects we support and the work we are doing please see our Responsible Tourism page.
Personal Service
Ring our office and you can speak to someone who has personal experience of your trek or tour.
Competitive, Value for Money Prices
We are not in the business of cutting the itinerary and services to the bone. Our well thought out treks and tours do however offer fantastic value for money.
Surcharges
We do not charge extra for 'meal packages' or for 'local charges'. We do, however, reserve the right to surcharge in the case of dramatic currency rate movements or for large increases in air fares such as the recent fuel surcharges levied by many airlines. We would only do this in extreme cases.
Tailor Made Treks
As well as our brochure treks we provide a competitive and expert tailor made service for groups and individuals. For full details please see our section on Tailor-made holidays.
Hotels in Kathmandu
All our brochure treks for Nepal, and those transiting through Kathmandu on their way to Tibet and Bhutan, use one or other of the two hotels below. We judge these two properties to be the best two hotels in Kathmandu.
DWARIKA'S HOTEL 5-Star
Walking into Dwarika's is like walking into an ancient Nepalese palace. The hotel is the winner of numerous Heritage awards, and its water spout fountain was inaugurated by HRH Prince Charles on 8th February 1998.The courtyards, with their terracotta work and intricately carved antique doors and windows, lead finally to a very special outdoor swimming pool. A lovely fragrance of lemon grass lingers subtly in its elegant halls, instantly refreshing the weary traveller!
THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL 4-Star
All our Tea House Treks now stay at the Shangri-La. This 95-room property sits in the heart of the diplomatic enclave, a stone’s throw from the British Embassy, and 7km from the airport. The prize-winning garden, and swimming pool built in traditional royal style, are absolutely delightful.It has a range of restaurants, and the rooms are spacious and well-equipped. For many, many years it has held the reputation of being one of the very best hotels in Kathmandu.
Travel Shows
Why not come and meet the Himalayan Kingdoms team at The Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel Show, The Business Design Centre, Islington, London, from 25–27 January, 2008. We will also have a stand at The Times Destinations Holiday & Travel Show, Earls Court, London from 31 January – 3 February, 2008. Do make a diary note to come and meet us!
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