Bangladesh, Sikkim and West Bengal: Durga Puja Festival 10 Oct 20
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Bangladesh, Sikkim and West Bengal:
Durga Puja Festival 10 Oct 20
Beginning in Bangladesh’s frenetic capital, Dhaka, this trip will take us on an epic journey
through the former region of Bengal, divided during partition, and north into Sikkim, one of the
most beautiful states of India, before finishing in Kolkata. Our journey will first take us through
north-west Bangladesh, visiting relics from its Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim past, before crossing
the border into India and modern-day West Bengal. From Darjeeling, long renowned as a Hill
Station during the Raj and famous for its colonial architecture and tea plantations, we will enter
Sikkim, situated in the Eastern Himalayas. Sikkim boasts the third highest mountain in the world
– Kanchenjunga – at 8,586m, luxuriant forests, deep valleys with terraced hillsides, exotic flora
and fauna, pristine waterfalls, sacred lakes and many beautifully ornate Buddhist monasteries.
With walking opportunities, visits to charming traditional villages and breath-taking wild
landscapes, this is a fascinating and culturally rich area of the Subcontinent. Finally, we reach
our journey’s end in Kolkata, India’s second largest city and revered as the cultural and
intellectual capital. Here our visit will coincide with the Durga Puja or Devi Paksha festival,
‘Fortnight of the Goddess’ celebrating the victory of good over evil, a fitting climax to our trip.
“Wild Frontiers have managed to find a new niche in organising innovative holidays to
unusual destinations.”, Karen O’Driscoll
Duration: 18 Days Average group size: 5 – 12
Start: Sat 10 Oct 20 Finish: Tues 27 Oct 20
Looking for alternative dates? Check the website or give us a call
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
TOUR DETAILS
TOUR CODE: BBS/A
HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the hustle and bustle of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s frenetic capital
• Explore the important archaeological ruins of Puthia and Somaparu Mahavihara
• Darjeeling – ‘Queen of the Hill Stations’
• Walking around the sacred Lake of Khecheopalri and in the wild beauty of the
Yumthang Valley
• The ornate and decorative monasteries of Tashiding, Pemayangtse and Rumtek
• Celebrating the festivities of the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata
The Durga Puja Festival: This annual Hindu festival is a celebration of the Hindu Goddess Durga
and is sure to be a highlight of the tour. Several days prior to the festival many statues of the
Durga and her ‘children’ are worshiped and paraded around the streets of Kolkata. During the
festival itself, thousands of people gather and enjoy the wonderful dances, cultural rituals and
drama performances. Communal feasting takes place at the many food stalls scattered
throughout the streets. Prayers are offered to the crafted statues of the Goddess Durga,
beautifully presented on podiums. On the final day of the festival, idols of the Goddess are
immersed in the Ganges River.
Accommodation: As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful
accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night.
This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this
particular trip we will be in hotels, lodges and a homestay with shared bathroom.
Accommodation options can be limited in some locations, so please be prepared for fairly basic
conditions on occasion. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is
intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
Transport: On this tour we will use a bus, minibuses, and an overnight train.
Climate: Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon-type climate, with a hot and rainy summer occurring
between June and September, and a dry winter from November to February. It is one of the
wettest climates on earth and so some rain can fall even during the dry season! Sikkim has a sub-
tropical climate in the lower valleys changing to a more temperate and alpine climate in North
Sikkim. Temperatures at this time of year will be pleasant in Bangladesh and Sikkim, generally
between 15 to 25 degrees during the day but dropping at night in Sikkim. In North Sikkim
particularly, temperatures are unlikely to rise much above 15 degrees. The weather is generally
clear and bright, but you cannot discount a small amount of rain.
Is this trip for me? It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone
and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. Please therefore take
time to read the itinerary carefully. All our tours are graded to give an overall picture of the trip
but these are only guidelines and you should check the daily itinerary. Should you have any
concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
Key Aspects to Consider: Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense
of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are
optional. Please bear in mind that part of the trip in North Sikkim will be at altitudes of around
3,600m.
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection of food
available might be limited and vary.
Adventure Rating ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Comfort Grade ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Fitness Level ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Cultural Interest ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
family of zamindars. We then continue to
the nearby Hindu temples at Puthia. Little
known and rarely visited, this remarkable
collection of atmospheric ruins includes a
number of Bangla and Chau-Chala style
temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna and
Durga. The town is also home to the
impressive but now sadly fading Maharanis
Palace, built during the late 19th century
by Hemanta Kumari Devi. Finally, we
reach Rajshahi, lying amongst the
landscapes of the north western corner of
Bangladesh, close to the disputed border
with India. Rajshahi enjoys a reputation as
the centre of the country's silk industry
and is also an important cultural centre.
Chez Razzak Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 4: Rajshahi – Paharpur – Bogra: This
morning we drive to Paharpur to visit the
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Somaparu
Mahavihara, one of the most important
archaeological sites in the country. Once
the largest Buddhist monastery south of
the Himalayas, Somaparu Mahavihara
dates back to the 8th century and
architecturally is more reminiscent of the
Buddhist shrines of Burma and Cambodia
than those of India. We then drive on to
Day 1: Tour starts in Dhaka (Bangladesh): Bogra, one of the oldest towns in northern
The tour begins at our hotel this Bangladesh, which lay at the heart of some
afternoon. Tonight, we will head out for of the fiercest fighting during the war for
dinner in Bangladesh’s vibrant capital. independence back in the early 1970s.
Long Beach Suites Hotel or similar (D) Naz Garden Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 2: In Dhaka: One of the most populous Day 5: Bogra – Rangpur: Leaving Bogra this
cities on the planet, Dhaka lies along the morning we will make a stop at
banks of the Buriganga River. The cultural Mahasthangarh to visit the oldest
and economic centre of the country, the archaeological site anywhere in the
city grew under the auspices of the 17th country. Lying on the western banks of the
century Mughal emperors and the British Karatopya River and dating back to at least
Raj in the 19th century. Today it is known the 3rd century BC, the site is littered with
as both the ‘City of the Mosques’ and the reminders of its Buddhist, Hindu and
‘Rickshaw Capital of the world’, due in no Muslim past. We then continue our drive
small part to the nearly half a million north to the small town of Rangpur, with
rickshaws that ply the city’s streets every its tree-lined streets and Raj-era
day. We’ll explore the city today, taking in bungalows. Home to Tajhat Palace, one of
some of its highlights such as Curzon Hall the most impressive rajbaris, the area is
and the Star Mosque, and enjoying a ride surrounded by cultivated land growing
on one of its ubiquitous rickshaws. tobacco, rice, jute, and oilseeds, and has
Long Beach Suites Hotel or similar (B,L,D) a thriving cotton- and silk-weaving cottage
industry.
Day 3: Dhaka – Puthia – Rajshahi: Leaving Grand Palace Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Dhaka we head north today, towards the
university town of Rajshahi on the banks of Day 6: Rangpur – Darjeeling (India):
the Padma River. En route we’ll make a Today we head north-west and cross the
stop at Natore to visit Natore Rajbari, a border into India, as we make the scenic
prominent royal palace and former drive to Darjeeling. The ‘Queen of the
residence and seat of the Rajshahi Raj Hills’, the town boasts a number of famous
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
tea gardens and is crowned by the coronation site is known as the ‘Throne of
majestic Eastern Himalayas, offering Norbugang’ and close by is the Norbugang
spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Chorten. The dynastic rule of the Chogyals
Hotel Elgin or similar (B,L,D) lasted for 333 years and they established
the first monastery at Yuksom in 1701,
Day 7: In Darjeeling: After a leisurely known as the Dubdi Monastery, which is
breakfast we take a toy-train ride from part of the Buddhist religious pilgrimage
Darjeeling station to Ghoom, where we circuit in the region.
visit the monastery before returning to Izam Residency or similar (B,L,D)
town on foot, walking along a scenic route. * Those who don’t wish to hike can
In the afternoon we’ll visit the Himalayan travel by bus instead
Mountaineering Institute and see the
amazing exhibits belonging to Edmund Day 10: Yuksom – Gangtok: This morning
Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing, used during we head to Gangtok – ‘The Capital City of
their conquest of Mt Everest back in 1953. Sikkim’ – where we spend the night.
At the P.N. Zoological Park we will view Driving via the Raley-Khese road, we visit
the red pandas and the exquisite snow Tashiding Monastery en route. Legend has
leopards, before finishing the day with a it that Guru Padmasambhava shot an
visit to the Tibetan Refugee Centre. arrow into the air to select the location
Hotel Elgin or similar (B,L,D) where he sat in meditation. This site
eventually became the location for
Day 8: Darjeeling – Pelling: Leaving Tashiding Monastery. It was built on the
Darjeeling behind us, this morning we top of a hill that looms up between the
drive to Pelling through beautiful tea Rathong and Rangit rivers, where a
plantations. On the way we’ll make a stop rainbow emanating from Mount
at the Rabdentse ruins, the second capital Kanchenjunga came to an end.
of the former kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 Keepsa Residency or similar (B,L,D)
to 1814. The capital city was destroyed by
the invading Nepalese Gurkha army and Day 11: Gangtok – Dzongu: Today we
only the ruins of the palace and drive to Dzongu, a traditional Lepcha
the chortens remain here today. Later village practically untouched by tourism.
we’ll visit Pemayangtse Monastery, the Dzongu Valley has been established as the
second oldest monastery of the Nyingmapa official reserve for the Lepchas - the
order in Sikkim, offering beautiful views of original inhabitants of Sikkim - and it
the Kanchenjunga range. On the top floor borders the Kangchenjunga Biosphere
of the monastery there is a wooden Reserve. The Lepchas have strong ties with
sculpture portraying the Mahaguru’s nature and have lived here for centuries.
Heavenly Palace, Sangthokpalri. This An understanding of their culture, customs
masterpiece was completed by the late and language helps to foster an
Dungzin Rimpoche, who singlehandedly appreciation of the beautiful mountains,
spent five years completing this amazing deep forests, and the emerald-coloured
structure. The paintings and sculptures of Teesta River. The area is covered with
the monasteries are also exquisite. In the dense vegetation, rice fields and
late afternoon, if time allows, we’ll take a cardamom plantations. We will spend the
walk to the Sanga Choling Monastery, night in a local homestay where the
known as the place of ‘secret spells’, facilities will be basic, but the hospitality,
reached by traversing a rich forest. home-cooked food and experience will be
Norbugang Resort or similar (B,L,D) a rare treat.
Homestay (B,L,D)
Day 9: Pelling – Khecheopalri Lake –
Yuksom (1780m): Today we drive to Day 12: Dzongu – Lachung (2620m): This
Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake situated morning we take a walk through the
amidst pristine forest at an altitude of village, exploring more of the rural
1700m. From here we will hike* up to lifestyle and culture of this unspoilt area.
Yuksom, taking approximately 5 hours After lunch we head north to Lachung, a
along beautiful trails. Yuksom is a picturesque mountain village surrounded
historical town and was the first capital of by snow-capped mountain peaks, breath
Sikkim, established in 1642 AD by the first taking waterfalls and sparkling streams.
Chogyal (or religious king) of Sikkim. The The village is sprawled across the banks of
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
the Lachung River, which slices the village congregation of the Missionaries of
in two, and is famous for its apples, Charity. It has been home to Mother
peaches and apricots. Teresa and her sisters since February 1953
Modern Residency or similar (B,L,D) to the present day. This evening we will
witness some of the colourful Durga Puja
Day 13: Lachung – Yumthang - Lachung: celebrations.
We have an early start today for our drive Peerless Inn or similar (B,L,D)
to Yumthang Valley, known as the Valley
of Flowers and home to the Shingba Day 17: In Kolkata; Durga Puja
Rhododendron Sanctuary, with over 24 celebrations: Continuing our sightseeing
species of rhododendron, the state flower. today, we visit the Howrah Bridge. Also
Yumthang offers summer grazing grounds known by the name 'Rabindra Setu', the
for yaks and is said to offer a winter bridge was built in 1874 and is an
playground for Yetis! The valley is important symbol of the city. It stands on
extremely picturesque with green slopes two 270 feet high pillars and is a cantilever
covered with trees, yaks grazing in the truss bridge constructed without using any
flower studded grassy plains below, and a nuts or bolts. Nearby to the bridge is the
river flowing right through the valley. Flower Market, where we can wander and
We’ll take a walk in the valley to absorb absorb the splendour and vibrant colours
the serene and tranquil atmosphere. On on display. In the late afternoon and
the way back to Lachung we can stop at evening we will be visiting one of the huge
hot springs considered to have medicinal venues for the Durga Puja celebrations to
properties for a dip. witness the Durga idols being submerged
Modern Residency or similar (B,L,D) in the river, along with other religious
ceremonies.
Day 14: Lachung – Gangtok: This morning Peerless Inn or similar (B,L,D)
we will have a relaxed start before driving
back to Gangtok. En route we will make a Day 18: Tour ends in Kolkata: The tour
stop at the Bheema and Twin Falls to ends this morning after breakfast.
stretch our legs. On arrival in Gangtok (B)
there will be free time to wander in the
town before dinner tonight. Extensions: If you have more time
Keepsa Residency or similar (B,L,D) available, why not arrive early to adjust to
a new time zone or just to get a feel for
Day 15: Gangtok – Rumtek Monastery - the country before your tour starts? Or
overnight train to Kolkata: This morning alternatively you might choose to allow a
we will drive southwest out of Gangtok to few extra days after the tour to relax or to
Rumtek Monastery. Originally built in the undertake some further exploration.
mid-1700’s, Rumtek is currently the
largest in Sikkim and is home to a The choice is completely yours and we can
community of monks performing the usually arrange anything from simply
rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu additional accommodation and transfers
lineage. Later we continue our scenic to full tailor-made itineraries.
drive south following the Teesta River
downstream towards the Dooars plains. Here is just a small sample of what you
We’ll stop in Siliguri for an early dinner could do:-
before boarding the train for our overnight
journey to Kolkata. Why not spend additional time in
Overnight Train (B,L,D) Bangladesh prior to the tour? You could
visit Chittagong and explore the Hill
Day 16: Arrive Kolkata; Durga Puja Tracts, with a stop in Cox’s Bazaar –
celebrations: On arrival in Kolkata we will reputedly the world’s longest single
transfer to our hotel, where we’ll have stretch of beach. (allow 3-6 days)
time to freshen up and relax. In the
afternoon we will start our exploration of Alternatively, you may like to visit the
the so-called ‘City of Joy’. We’ll visit the Sunderbans National Park to the south of
Victoria Memorial as well as Mother Kolkata after the tour. You will be able to
Teresa’s home, which is now the see the wildlife that abound in this unique
headquarters of the international religious mangrove forest area. (Allow 2-3 days)
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
Please contact the office for more Aarong – Bangladesh
details and to discuss your individual
requirements. Aarong – Bengali for ‘village fair’ – is a
lifestyle retail outlet and social enterprise
The Hope Foundation in Kolkata of the non-governmental development
organisation, BRAC (Building Resources
As India is a much-loved destination of Across Communities).
Wild Frontiers and one of the first
countries we visited with our tour groups
15 years ago, we want to support
communities through our Foundation and
give back to people who always offer us a
warm welcome. We have contributed to a
number of projects over the years,
including supplying equipment for schools
from a new bus to uniforms, computers
and even wrestling mats, maternity beds
for a village hospital and supporting a
reforestation scheme in Rajasthan. Established in 1978, Aarong provides
Continuing our support for communities in economic opportunity to local women and
India, in 2016 we teamed up with The disadvantaged artisans through the
Hope Foundation to sponsor hospitality promotion and production of traditional
traineeships for young people from the handicrafts. The ethical brand employs
Kolkata streets and slums. £1250 funds a over 30,000 artisans, many of which are
12-month traineeship at the café and rural women. Employees of Aarong are
through work placement for each also beneficiaries of BRAC's development
participant, during which time they learn programme providing artisans with various
invaluable skills in food and beverage support services, such as the opportunity
preparation, front of house and customer to gain access to healthcare, micro-loans,
service to establish a career in hospitality. legal aid and education for their children.
On this trip you will have the opportunity
to visit an Aarong shop, where you can
browse the varied and tempting collection
of handicrafts, jewellery, clothing and
Jhuma (pictured) was the first of the Wild home décor. For more information visit
Frontiers Foundation’s graduates and has http://www.aarong.com/
gone on to take up a permanent position
at one of the city’s hotels. Through our
fundraising events and initiatives such as
the ‘go paperless’ campaign we will
continue to support young people like
Jhuma.
If you have time in Kolkata you may like to
visit the Hope Café at 5/2/L Panditiya
Road, Kolkata. Further details can be
found on their website:
http://www.hopechild.org/
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
The Nature Of Adventure Travel: We feel Flights: If you would like us to send you a
that it’s worth pointing out that while we quote for the suggested tour flight (see
will always strive to stick as close to the GETTING THERE) or on any alternative
stated itinerary as possible, it may be flight that may suit you better, please let
necessary from time to time to make us know although it should be noted that
changes to our itineraries or services (due in most cases we are only able to quote on
to weather, political and religious flights originating in the UK.
influences etc.) and this can happen with
little or no notice. This unpredictability Insurance: You will need to arrange
can be one of the most exciting aspects of adequate travel insurance for your trip. If
adventure travel and for many of our you choose to purchase the Wild Frontiers
clients often leads to unexpected bespoke policy through Travel & General,
highlights as the tour-leader necessarily then please note for this trip the minimum
adapts the tour to the changing required level of cover will be the
conditions. However, we are aware that Standard policy. Please see the Insurance
this lack of assuredness may not suit section below for more details.
everyone. As such, with the greatest
respect, if you are someone who needs to Please remember that all Wild Frontiers
know that everything will happen exactly tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO
as planned, we would kindly suggest that local payments and NO compulsory single
perhaps our tours are not for you. supplements.
Adventure travel can be infectious and
once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to WHAT IS INCLUDED
never leave you, but especially if this is
your first such tour we would strongly urge • Full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour
you to give us a call if you have any Leader with local guides and drivers
concerns whatsoever about your suitability • Meal plan as detailed in the itinerary
for this trip. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
with the majority of meals being
PRICING & KEY INFORMATION taken in local restaurants where
viable
Tour price: All our tours are priced on a • All transport as outlined in the
land-only basis, giving you maximum itinerary
flexibility when deciding how to get to and • All accommodation
from your tour. For the latest prices, • All entrance fees, as per itinerary
please refer to our website or contact the • A carbon-offsetting contribution to
office. Carbon Clear (if booking international
flights through WF office)
Deposit: A £500 (or equivalent) deposit is
required to confirm your booking. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Travelling Solo & Single Supplements: As • Visas (if applicable)
a company approximately 70% of our • Local airport taxes
clients are solo travellers, so it’s very • Tips (always optional, but some
unlikely you’ll be alone! guidance will be given in the pre-
departure information pack you’ll
Our prices are typically based on twin- receive after booking)
share accommodation, but single • Beverages & any costs of a personal
supplements are not compulsory for any nature
Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to • Travel Insurance
pay a single supplement, we’ll pair you • International flights to/from the
with someone else of the same sex for you start/finish of the trip
to share with throughout the trip. • Airport transfers (unless booking
suggested flights through WF office)
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a
single supplement then please note that it
will cover you for all nights of the tour
except in Dzongu at the homestay and on
the overnight train.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
GETTING THERE Visas: Visas are necessary for many of the
destinations we travel to and while we aim
For this trip our suggested flights from the to provide you with the most up-to-date
UK (subject to change) are: information, requirements frequently
change and as such for the latest advice
09OCT EK006 LHR-DXB 22:15/08:05+1 we advise that you check with the relevant
10OCT EK586 DXB-DAC 10:30/17:20 embassies or contact our recommended
27OCT EK571 CCU-DXB 08:55/12:50 visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
27OCT EK003 DXB-LHR 14:30/18:20
For this tour UK passport holders currently
Key: require a visa for Bangladesh and India.
LHR – London Heathrow
DXB – Dubai Non-UK passport holders or non-UK
DAC – Dhaka residents should contact the relevant
CCU – Kolkata embassies for individual requirements.
EK – Emirates
Further details will be sent out to you on
NB If you wish to arrange your own flights booking, however ensuring that correct
you are completely free to do so and, in and valid visas are obtained remains the
this case, we can arrange any transfers or sole responsibility of the client.
supplementary accommodation that you
may require.
Please note that if you are planning on
making your own flight arrangements, we
recommend that you first check with us to
see if the trip is guaranteed. We then
suggest that you purchase flights that are
flexible and ideally refundable as due to
the nature of adventure travel, itineraries
and destination accessibility can change at
any time. For more information, please
refer to our booking conditions.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
BANGLADESH, SIKKIM & WEST BENGAL–
THE FACTS
Dhaka: The capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka
is home to a dazzling mix of people and
cultures. Home to an estimated ten million
people, it is one of the most energetic
cities in the world, with a history that can
trace its origins back to the Buddhist
kingdoms of the 7th century. Located on
the eastern banks of the Buriganga River,
on the lower reaches of the Ganges Delta,
Bangladesh: Translating as the ‘Country of the city grew under the rule of the Mughals
Bengal’, Bangladesh once formed the and then the British, going on to become
eastern extremes of Pakistan, before a the administrative capital of East Pakistan
bloody and bitter war in 1971 saw it gain after the partition of 1947. Since the end
independence with the help of Indian of the War of Liberation in 1971 it has been
military intervention. Occupying the low- the country’s capital. Filled with Hindu
lying fertile plains of the Ganges- temples Muslim mosques and Christian
Brahmaputra River Delta, Bangladesh is churches, Dhaka also enjoys the
fast emerging as one of the most distinction of being the foremost city on
captivating and dynamic destinations in the planet to enjoy a rickshaw ride.
southern Asia. In spite of a recent history Practically a national institution, the
that has seen it endure political turmoil, nearly 500,000 colourful rickshaws that ply
famine and natural disaster, Bangladesh is the streets of Bangladesh’s bustling
far from the land of no hope that popular capital are without doubt one of its more
myth would have us believe. It can boast unusual highlights.
the stunning natural beauty of the
Sundarbans National Park and the tribal
diversity of the Hill Tracts. It is home to
tigers and tea plantations, long lost
Buddhist kingdoms and some of the
friendliest people in the entire Indian
subcontinent. And away from the bustling
vibrancy of cities like Dhaka and
Chittagong, Bangladesh is a country where
adventure is still a distinct possibility.
Darjeeling: Affectionately known as the
‘Queen of the Hill Stations’ Darjeeling is
situated at an altitude of 2,045m, spread
in ribbons over a steep mountain ridge,
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
surrounded by emerald-green tea monarchy. Sikkim's Namgyal dynasty was
plantations. It boasts a backdrop of jagged established in 1642. Over the next 150
white Himalayan peaks floating over years the kingdom witnessed frequent
distant clouds and is rightly one of West raids and territorial losses to Nepalese
Bengal’s premier attractions. When you invaders. In the 19th century it allied itself
aren’t gazing open-mouthed at with British India, eventually becoming a
Kangchenjunga (8598m), you can explore British protectorate. In 1975 a referendum
colonial-era architecture, visit Buddhist abolished the Sikkimese monarchy and the
monasteries and spot snow leopards and territory was merged with India.
red pandas at the nearby zoo. The steep
narrow streets bustle with an array of
Himalayan faces from Sikkim, Bhutan,
Nepal and Tibet. The two main squares are
Chowrasta, near the top of town, and
Clubside junction, which are linked by
pedestrianised Nehru Rd, the main
shopping street. Hill Cart Road, or Tenzing
Norgay Road, runs the length of the
bustling lower bazaar and is Darjeeling’s
major vehicle thoroughfare. At some stage
you will need to sample the local chai
which is now exported all over the world.
Sikkim has 11 official languages: Nepali
Sikkimese, Lepcha, Tamang, Limbu,
Newari, Rai, Gurung, Magar, Sunwar and
English. English is taught in schools and
used in government documents. The
predominant religions are Hinduism and
Vajrayana Buddhism. Sikkim's economy is
largely dependent on agriculture and
tourism, and as of 2012 the state has the
third-smallest GDP among Indian states,
although it is also amongst the fastest-
growing.
Sikkim: Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state
located in the Himalayan mountains,
bordered by Nepal to the west, China's
Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and
east, and Bhutan to the east. The Indian
state of West Bengal lies to its south.
Sikkim is the least populous state in India
and the second-smallest state after Goa in
total area, covering approximately 7,096
sq km. It is nonetheless geographically
diverse due to its location in the
Himalayas; the climate ranges from Kanchenjunga: ‘Kanchenjunga’ in Tibetan
subtropical to high alpine, and means ‘the five treasure houses of snow’,
Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest which gives you some idea of what to
peak, is located on Sikkim's border with expect should you visit this area. It has
Nepal. Sikkim is a popular tourist always been worshipped by the people of
destination owing to its culture, scenery Darjeeling and Sikkim. At 8,586m massive
and biodiversity. It also has the only open Kanchenjunga is the world’s third highest
land border between India and China. Its mountain and marks the eastern border of
capital and largest city is Gangtok. Nepal with the Indian state of Sikkim. The
According to legend, the Buddhist guru conservation area that surrounds it
Padmasambhava visited Sikkim in the 8th extends into protected areas in Sikkim and
century AD, introduced Buddhism and Tibet and comprises a beautiful, unspoilt
foretold the era of the Sikkimese wilderness. This is snow leopard territory,
but the reclusive predator shares the
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comunbounded forests with the Himalayan the Lepchas are found in close by along
black bear and the Assamese macaque, with the Limboos, Chettri's and other
among others. Cascading waterfalls, lush Nepali tribes. About 95% of the people live
vegetation and thousands of species of by subsistence farming activities. The area
plants await those who take the long trail is sparsely populated, and the people live
to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the main in houses scattered across the terrain of
route which has been described as the Himalayas. Agriculture is the
‘untrekked’. Until 1852 Kangchenjunga paramount occupation of the villagers.
was assumed to be the highest mountain in The main crops cultivated are cardamom,
the world, but calculations based on maize, millet, paddy, wheat and
various readings and measurements made buckwheat. The small castle like local
by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of houses are the typical traditional
India in 1849 came to the conclusion that architecture of the Limboo people and
Mount Everest, known as Peak XV at the have a large courtyard, unique balconies
time, was the highest. Allowing for further and beautiful galleries.
verification of all calculations, it was
officially announced in 1856 that
Kangchenjunga is the third highest
mountain. It was first climbed on 25 May
1955 by Joe Brown and George Band, who
were part of a British expedition. They
stopped short of the summit as per the
promise given to the Chogyal that the top
of the mountain would remain inviolate.
Every climber or climbing group that has
reached the summit has followed this
tradition.
Khecheopalri Lake: Originally known as
Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of
Padmasambhava), Khecheopalri Lake is
sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus, and
is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. It is
located near Khecheopalri village, 21
miles north-west of Pelling town in West
Sikkim. The local name for the lake is Sho
Dzo Sho, meaning “Oh Lady, Sit Here” and
is an integral part of the much-revered
valley of "Demazong" - valley of rice. This
landscape is also known as a land of hidden
Pelling: Pelling is a small and unassuming treasures blessed by Guru
town in West Sikkim named after the Padmasambhava. The lake is also part of a
Guardian deity of Sikkim and famous for its Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit
magnificent views of the snow-capped involving the Yuksom, the Dubdi Monastery
mountains of Kanchenjunga, a rich history, in Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, the
natural environment and local culture. Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling
Situated at an altitude of 1,900m (6,250 Monastery and the Tashiding Monastery.
ft) the location offers good views of the An interesting feature of the lake is that
surrounding mountain ranges. Less than a leaves are not allowed to float on the lake
kilometre from Pelling is Pemayangtse as a consequence of local birds, who
monastery, while a 40-minute walk on the industriously pick them up as soon as they
hill opposite the monastery takes you to drop onto the lake surface.
Sanga Choeling monastery, built in 1697
and one of the first in the state. The
Bhutias are the prominent people in
Pelling holding religious alliance to the
ancient Pemayangtse and Sanga Choeling
Monasteries. They form a populace spread
out over many villages. Other tribes like
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.combeen opened up by the Indian government.
Points of interest in the region the
Yumthang Valley and the Lachung
Monastery. Most of Lashing’s inhabitants
are of Lepcha and Tibetan descent.
Languages spoken here are Nepali, Lepcha
and Bhutia. During winter the town is
usually covered in snow. Lachung is also
the base camp for Rhododendron Valley
Trek which starts from Yumthang Valley
and ends at Lachen Valley. Lachung was
described as the "most picturesque village
Yuksom: Yuksom means “meeting place of of Sikkim" by British explorer Joseph
the three learned monks”. According to Dalton Hooker in his definitive, The
the legend three monks from Tibet Himalayan Journal (1855).
selected Phuntsog Namgyal as the first
King of Sikkim and gave him the title
Chogyal, meaning “religious King” or “the
king who rules with righteousness”.
Yuksom is part of Demazon (valley of rice),
the sacred landscape consisting of four
religious sites which have been blessed by
Guru Padmasambhava and which are
considered to be the four plexuses of the
human body, in which Yuksom represents
the 'third eye'. Rich in history and
unspoiled natural beauty, Yuksom was the
capital of Sikkim before Gangtok. Yuksom
is the main trailhead for expeditions Yumthang Valley: Yumthang Valley is a
towards Mt. Kangchenjunga. grazing pasture surrounded by the
Himalayan Mountains in North Sikkim. It
sits at an elevation of 3,564m (11,800ft)
and is around 150km from Gangtok. It is
popularly known as the 'Valley of Flowers',
and is home to the Shingba Rhododendron
Sanctuary with over 24 species of
rhododendron, the state flower. A
tributary of the river Teesta flows past the
valley and the town of Lachung, the
nearest inhabited centre. Yumthang is
closed between December and March due
to heavy snowfall. A forest rest house is
Lachung: Lachung is a town in northeast the only permanent residence in the
Sikkim, India. It is located in the North valley. During the spring months the area
Sikkim district and is near the border with blooms with rhododendrons, primulas,
Tibet. It has an elevation of about 9,600 ft poppies, iris and other flora. During the
or 3,000m and sits at the confluence of the summer months villagers take their cattle
Lachen River and Lachung Rivers, to these heights to graze - a practice
tributaries of the River Teesta. The word known as yaylag pastoralism.
Lachung means "small pass" and the town
is approximately 125 km from the capital
Gangtok. Today the Indian Army has a
strategic forward base in the town given
its proximity to the Tibetan border. Before
the annexation of Tibet in 1950, Lachung
was a trading post between Sikkim and
Tibet, after which it was closed down. The
town's economy has been boosted by
tourism in recent years as the region has
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.commuseums, galleries, coffee houses and fine
restaurants. Explore the historical
collections of the Victoria Memorial, one
of India’s most telling remnants of the
British Raj. Stroll through the Maidan in
the late afternoon and watch the heart of
the city go about its business.
Gangtok: Gangtok is a bustling, friendly
hill station, and the capital of the
Himalayan state of Sikkim. The name
Gangtok is derived from the Tibetan word
for 'hillside,' and the city currently has a
population of around 80,000 - a mixture of
indigenous Sikkimese and people of
Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry. It is
traditionally known for being the host to Durga Puja: This is an annual Hindu
some important religious sites. There are festival that celebrates worship of the
quite a few places for vegetarians to eat, Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six
since it is mostly dominated by Buddhist days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha
culture. The main street (MG Marg) is Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and
pedestrianised and a pleasant place to Vijayadashami. The dates of Durga Puja
take a stroll. celebrations are set according to the
traditional Hindu calendar and the
fortnight corresponding to the festival is
called Devi Paksha, "Fortnight of the
Goddess"). Devi Paksha is preceded by
Mahalaya, the last day of the previous
fortnight Pitri Paksha, "Fortnight of the
Forefathers"), and is ended on Kojagori
Lokkhi Puja ("Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
on Kojagori Full Moon Night"). Durga Puja
festival marks the victory of Goddess
Durga over the evil buffalo demon
Mahishasura. Thus, Durga Puja festival
Kolkata: Though the first time traveller to epitomises the victory of Good over
India might find the chaotic streets and Evil.Durga Puja is widely celebrated in the
bustling markets of Kolkata somewhat Indian states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand,
daunting, wander around a while and you Manipur, Odisha, Tripura and West Bengal,
will soon realise that this great city’s where it is a five-day annual holiday. Not
stereotypical image of a decaying, only is it the biggest Hindu festival
squalor-ridden, mass of humanity is largely celebrated throughout the state, it is also
undeserved. Kolkata, the City of Joy, is in the most significant socio-cultural event in
fact a thriving, colourful and extremely Bengali Hindu society.
artistic place; described by many as
India’s cultural heart. Though the city is
home to some of the most impressive
architecture of the British Raj, it also
carries a distinctly Bengali soul. Bengal is
home to India’s poets and writers, artists
and reformers and it is from here that
many of the country’s political changes
are born. There are also plenty of
wonderful places to see and things to do.
Soak up the Bengali culture at the various
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comADDITIONAL INFORMATION
How to book: In order to confirm your If you choose to book your
booking we need to have a completed international flights with us
signed booking form for each client then you will also be ATOL
together with a £500 deposit (or protected as we hold an Air
equivalent) per person. You can either Travel Organiser’s Licence
return your booking form to us by post or granted by the Civil
book online www.wildfrontierstravel.com Aviation Authority (CAA). Our ATOL
number is 5975. In the unlikely event of
You can contact the office by email to our insolvency, the CAA will arrange to
info@wildfrontierstravel.com or we are refund any monies to you that you have
very happy to take your call on + 44 (0) 20 paid for an advance booking and ensure
8741 7390. that you are not stranded abroad. For
further information visit www.atol.org.uk
Protection for your money:
We recommend that you take out
The Association of Bonded adequate travel insurance at the time of
Travel Organisers Trust booking in the event that you are no longer
Limited (ABTOT) provides able to travel as all deposits are non-
financial protection under refundable – full booking conditions can be
the Package Travel, found on the booking form and online at
Package Holidays and our website.
Package Tours
Regulations 1992 for Wild As we’re sure you can
Frontiers, and in the appreciate, Wild
event of their insolvency, Frontiers trips can be
protection is provided for the following: quite complex affairs to
1. non-flight packages commencing in and arrange and certain
returning to the UK; elements (such as
2. non-flight packages commencing and permits, visa
returning to a country other than the UK; authorisations, trains and flights) may
and need to be requested several months in
3. flight inclusive packages that advance. As such, wherever possible, we
commence outside of the UK, which are would encourage you to plan ahead and
sold to customers outside of the UK. book early to avoid disappointment.
Moreover, by booking early you are much
1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the more likely to get the best price for your
event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 whole tour. For further details please see
provides for repatriation. Please note that www.wildfrontierstravel.com/book-early
bookings made outside the UK are only
protected by ABTOT when purchased Further information giving you specific
directly with Wild Frontiers. details on visas, health and vaccinations,
suggested packing lists and other useful
tips to make your trip more enjoyable, will
be sent out to you after booking.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comInsurance: Insurance that provides cover Limited. Please contact us for assistance
for emergency repatriation in case of a with this.
medical emergency is compulsory for all
tours. You should be aware that due to If you do decide to purchase alternative
some of the geographical areas visited and insurance, then you must ensure that it
some of the activities included on certain covers you for every aspect of this trip.
of our trips some standard insurance
policies may not always provide adequate Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer
cover. As such we strongly recommend Appointed Representative of Travel &
that you purchase a policy that adequately General Insurance Service Ltd, details of
covers your trip. which can be found at the website of the
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Travel & General offer a tailor-made www.fca.org.uk
policy that provides cover for all Wild
Frontiers trips. Under this policy there are Please note that no insurance policy will
two different levels of cover available - cover every eventuality and terms and
Standard and Elite. conditions will apply in the event of any
claim. Both the Standard & Elite policies
Cover explained: provide cancellation cover up to a
maximum of £5000pp. Should you require
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel additional cover it is available on request.
insurance policy that provides cover for all
Wild Frontiers activities, including Responsible Travel: Responsible travel
trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not and sustainable tourism are fundamental
provide cover for travel to areas where the ideas that Wild Frontiers has been
FCO is advising against all or all but committed to since our birth. It is our
essential travel except where it has been strong belief that these words should not
previously agreed. be simply ‘tagged on’ to itineraries and
websites but should be at the very core of
Elite policy: provides the same each trip, and our adventures are
comprehensive level of cover as the therefore designed with the local people,
standard policy. In addition, the Elite culture and eco-system in mind. We
policy also provides cover for travel to believe that a successful trip not only
areas where the FCO is advising against all delivers a unique and unsurpassable
or all but essential travel. Except in the journey for our clients, but that it also
case of terrorism, the policy will not benefits the peoples whose lands we are
provide cover for any claims arising from privileged to visit.
or relating to the reasons why the FCO is
advising against travel. In 2012 we were delighted to be awarded
the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel
These policies are only available to those Award.
travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday and
can be purchased on a trip-specific basis
or annual cover. For more information
please refer to the details on our website
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/insurance
or by calling Travel & General direct on +
44 (0) 20 3794 2954. This insurance is
available to EEA residents (i.e. EU
countries as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein
and Norway) up to the age of 78. It covers
horse riding, mountain walking, trekking,
white-water rafting and all other activities
we offer as part of our tours. For more information, please refer to
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/rt
If you are over 78 then you may still be
able to get your insurance arranged by
Travel & General Insurance Services
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comThe Wild Frontiers Foundation: Kit Out for Kids: Nomad Travel Stores
Supporting communities has always played generously donates 5% of purchases by
a huge part of the Wild Frontiers’ ethos Wild Frontiers’ clients to the Foundation.
and from the outset we have contributed Quote WF1000 either online or in store
to projects in many of the places we visit. when purchasing clothing and kit and
However in 2009 we decided to take things Nomad will give you 20% off full priced
a step further by setting up our own clothing and kit, plus the charitable
charitable foundation. Through the Wild donation. Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk
Frontiers Foundation, we have not only
developed our own community projects
but also - by working closely with certain
carefully selected charity partners -
helped fund the invaluable work they do
throughout the developing world. With
our mandate firmly based on education The Environment: Trying to do our bit for
and sustainability we established our first the environment, in 2005 we were among
project in 2010 in the remote Northern the first UK-based travel companies to
Pakistan village of Baleygon, where around automatically offset every client’s
100 children are now being educated in a international flight (if booked with us)
school built and maintained by the with a payment to Carbon Clear to help
Foundation. promote sustainable energy. To read more
about the work of Carbon Clear, please
follow this link:- www.carbon-clear.com
Water & Plastic:
Keeping well
Working with charity partners we have also hydrated is an
established a number of e-learning centres essential part of
in schools across Ethiopia, sponsored an staying healthy
English class in rural Northern Laos and and we will
funded hospitality traineeships for a always ensure
number of young people from the Kolkata that there is regular access to drinking
slums in India. Where practicable, Wild water on our tours. However, the growing
Frontiers clients will have the opportunity consumption of plastic is becoming one of
to visit our projects whilst on tour. the great crises of our age. To try and
minimise our use of single-use plastic
Visit www.wildfrontiersfoundation.org to bottles we are now asking you to consider
see details of all our projects, along with using a refillable, filtered water bottle
ways you can get involved by taking on the while on holiday. To help instil confidence
challenge of a charity trek, attending our we’ve road-tested a number of water
fundraising events or simply giving what filters that are available on the market.
you can. Other ongoing fundraising These are the three solutions we have
schemes include:- tested:-
Go Paperless: For UK-based clients who • Lifestraw
are happy for all their final travel • Water-To-Go
documents to be sent by email rather than • Travel Tap
through the post, Wild Frontiers will
donate £5 from each booking to the Please do consider purchasing a water
Foundation. filter bottle to use on your next trip. Find
out more about the three options above,
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comincluding a discount on Water-To-Go
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/water
Wild Frontiers Community
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or
AITO Membership: Wild Frontiers is a
just want to see get some different
member of AITO, the Association of
perspectives, then why not have a look at
Independent Tour Operators. AITO’s
the wide variety of resources we have on
charter states that its exclusive members
our website?
strive to create overseas holidays with
high levels of professionalism and a shared
Clients’ Views: See what other travellers
concern for quality and personal service.
have said about our trips –
The Association encourages the highest
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/views
standards in all aspects of tour operating.
AITO sets criteria regarding ownership,
Blogs: See what our tour-leaders, staff and
finance and quality which must be
clients have posted from the road -
satisfied before new companies are
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/blog
admitted to membership. All members are
required to adhere to a Code of Business
Videos: We have an extensive collection of
Practice which encourages high
short videos, guides and interviews which
operational standards and conduct.
will hopefully inspire you and give you
valuable insights into many of our
destinations.
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/video
Photos: Our popular “Photo of the month”
competition has added to the vast gallery
of photos we already have from around the
world. See them here -
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/photos
British Foreign & Commonwealth Office:
The travel advice of the British Foreign & Events: We regularly hold fun and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) highlights informative presentations on some of our
potential hazards people might experience destinations at London’s Frontline Club, as
when travelling abroad and as an advocate well as hosting other occasional events
of their “Know Before You Go” campaign including an annual Evening of Adventure
we strongly suggest that you refer to it at the Royal Geographical Society. To find
before booking and contact us if you have out more see here –
any queries or concerns. Details can be www.wildfrontierstravel.com/events
found on the website below.
Wild Miles Club: Everyone that has booked
a trip directly with us will become an
automatic member of the Wild Miles Club
gaining instant access to a range of
exclusive discounts from a variety of travel
partners from bookshops to outdoor
clothing shops. In addition, regular direct
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel bookers will earn “Wild Miles” which can
advice of their respective governments. earn you up to 10% in discounts off of all
tours. For more information visit this page
- www.wildfrontierstravel.com/wild-miles
Facebook: Keep up to date with the latest
news and special offers by liking our
Facebook page –
www.facebook.com/wildfrontiers
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comWhy Wild Frontiers?
Wild Frontiers is proud to have been regularly voted one of the top ten tour operators by readers of
Wanderlust Travel Magazine over the last fifteen years. A number of our innovative itineraries have been
included in National Geographic Traveller Magazine’s “Trips of a Lifetime”, and our acclaimed Tour
Leaders regularly feature in the Wanderlust World Guide Awards, with Mark Steadman winning gold in
2015. Responsible travel has always been incredibly important to us, so we were delighted to be awarded
Best Ethical Tour Operator by The Guardian/Observer.
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Below are a
few of the factors that we believe set us apart from our competitors and form the reasons as to why
many choose to travel with us again and again…
Personal Service & Expertise: Our London office is manned by experienced expedition leaders and most
trips we run stem from our first-hand knowledge - in short, we run the kind of holidays that as passionate
travellers, we like to do ourselves. When you ring our office, you can be guaranteed to chat to someone
who knows the region and the terrain and is able to offer sound and practical advice.
Authentic, Cutting-Edge Experiences: Our unique, original itineraries allow you to take journeys that
venture beneath the surface of the region. Most of our group tours only run once or twice a year and
they are typically on routes we have discovered for ourselves, meaning we are able to give a truly
authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience.
Be the First: Our style of travel is all about exploration, and nothing excites us more than opening up
new routes to genuine travellers, even if that makes our job harder at times! We keep abreast of new
destinations and are often the first to return to places that have vanished from the tourist map. We were
the first back into Pakistan after 9/11, the first to return to Kashmir after a decade of tourist isolation,
and amongst the first to run a commercial travel trip to Afghanistan for almost 30 years. Since then we
have helped bring Iran, Georgia and Bangladesh back into the tourist fold, specialising in ground-breaking
reconnaissance trips and imaginative expeditions.
Small Group Size: On our escorted tours, we believe it is imperative to keep the group sizes small. Most
trips are limited to an average maximum of 12 travellers, thus giving you more access to fragile cultures,
better opportunities to interact with local people, and the knowledge you are making less of an impact
while there.
“Having been a bit apprehensive about joining a group as a single traveller, I found myself surrounded
by interesting, friendly, helpful people who I hope to catch up with again on future trips.” Angela
Chick, Kashmir Group Tour
Cost of Group Tours: We believe in an honest, upfront pricing structure so you know exactly what the
tour will cost before you book. On our group tours we avoid local payments, ‘optional extras’ or forcing
our clients to go through the annoying procedure of splitting every meal bill. Our tours are provided on
a predominantly full board basis, with government permits, entrance fees and transport all included.
Our clients: Your companions can make or break a trip, and it’s lucky therefore that our clients are often
our greatest asset. Travelling to remote regions is not for everyone, and as such we tend to attract open-
minded travellers looking for genuine experiences, and a desire to reach those hard to get to places.
Responsible Travel: Awarded 5 star status by AITO (Association of Independent Tour
operators), responsible tourism (RT) has always been an integral part of our company
ethos and our adventures are designed with the local people, culture and eco-system
in mind. In 2012 we were awarded the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel Award.
For further details please refer to the RT section of our website -
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/rt
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comYou can also read
