YellowWood Adventures

This incredibly unique and exciting experience invites travellers to become part of a small group exploring the Naiman Nuur mountain foothills and grassland plains of Central Mongolia. Horse riding features throughout this nine day tour as well as authentic interaction with local families, including nights in felt ger camps living the pastoral life of a Mongolian nomad. Beginners are welcome to take up the reins or, alternatively, you can walk alongside your horse and experience the likes of the Ulaan Tsutgalan River and Orkhon Valley at ground level. Aside from Central Mongolia’s incredible landscapes and star-filled nights you’ll also find out more about the region’s Buddhist heritage ...Read more >

This adventure captures all the must-see destinations that Lebanon has to offer, whilst incorporating some short walks along the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) through cedar forests (Autumn departures), the Chouf Mountains and the Qadisha Valley; to also experience the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful country on foot. From the Mediterranean to snowy mountains to the vineyards of the Beqaa, join us as we stay in traditional Lebanese homes, enjoy the world-famous cuisine and party in Beirut! Highlights Include: Wine tasting in the Beqaa Valley Explore Roman temples in Baalbek Discover Beirut, Byblos, Tripoli, cedar forests… Walk in the Qadisha Valley & Jeita GrottoRead more >

Squadrons of pelicans swoop down from a ‘Jurassic Park’ volcano backdrop and glide unsteadily across the silvery water of a sandy bay. Walking beneath the high cathedral of the jungle canopy, its lime green light streaming down, you hear howler monkeys whoop and bark. Armoured iguanas clattered up thick trunks as a rare Quetzal bird darts in a turquoise flash through the cloud forest: The ‘Rich Coast’ of Costa Rica derives its name with good reason. Our Forests & Shores adventure includes wildlife watching in several marine & inland national parks, snorkelling, a visit and Tour of a local Organic Coffee Farm (with tasting session), a Talk on Ecotourism in Costa Rica, and beautifully ...Read more >

A hidden gem in the Cantabrian mountains of Northern Spain, The Picos de Europa, according to folklore, were the first sight for ships arriving on the Spanish coastline from the Americas. A far cry from areas of Spain where tourism has had a negative effect, visitors to the historic kingdoms of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon, are passionate about the preservation of the mountains, their flora and fauna, and the hiking and climbing to be enjoyed there. This guided, small group (minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12) hiking holiday is an exciting adventure taking you up onto the most scenic and exciting of the High Trails of the Picos de Europa. The 8 day itinerary takes you through high ...Read more >

A hidden gem in the Cantabrian mountains of Northern Spain, The Picos de Europa, according to folklore, were the first sight for ships arriving on the Spanish coastline from the Americas. A far cry from areas of Spain where tourism has not been kind, visitors to the historic kingdoms of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon, are passionate about the preservation of the mountains, their flora and fauna, and the hiking and climbing to be enjoyed there. This guided, small group (minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12) walking holiday showcases the charming local mountain culture of the Picos through exploring its towns, villages and stunning, varied walking trails. The 8 day itinerary takes you through ...Read more >

This adventure is the epitome of the road less travelled: Taking you into the very heart of nature, completely away from tourists, and with only a few local shepherds in yurts and their herds of free-roaming horses for company, we will hike across beautiful untouched valleys and high passes of the Tian Shan Mountains. There will also be the opportunity ride horses through beautiful valley pastures regardless of your level of experience, and also to sleep in a yurt and bathe in the natural hot springs with a cold beer or two on our final night in the mountains. Highlights include: Hike through a wild region the Tian Shan Meet local nomadic herders pasturing their livestock View glaciers and ...Read more >

This cultural adventure takes us on a journey through the very best that Iran has to offer; incorporating its exquisite architectural achievements, peaceful mosques, glistening mosaics, blooming gardens, lavish palaces, Zoroastrian fire temples, the ancient ruins of the greatest empire the world has ever seen, fresh yoghurts with sizzling meats, glorious tapestries, meandering labyrinthine bazaars, windswept desert plains, and the legendary hospitality of its people. Highlights Include: Visit the palaces and Grand Bazaar of Tehran Explore Persepolis, ancient seat of the Persian Empire Experience the legendary Iranian cuisine & hospitality Wonder at the sublime architecture of Yazd, Shiraz ...Read more >

There is something about Northern Spain. You sit down at a table in the crisp sunshine, the waiter comes and pours country cider from a green bottle at arm’s length above his head, down into a pint glass held at his hip to oxygenate the liquid, giving it the fresh ‘zang’ you will experience nowhere else. A local woman on the next table will ask you where you are from. Prawns will arrive dripping in garlic, then squid sizzling in virgin olive oil. The bread breaks in your hand like tectonic plates, the blue cheese smells like muertos, the Rioja wine adds a twinkle to your eye. Somehow just having lunch becomes a religious experience. To your left the hazy peaks of the Picos rise up ...Read more >

A fascinating exploration of the Japanese Alps, the stunning mountainous area bisecting Honshu, this fully guided adventure is packed full of opportunities to experience the traditions and the natural beauty of the area. Hike mountain forest trails with secluded shrines steeped in legend, walk along the Azusa River valley in the shadow of the Yakedake volcano, through the 'post towns' dotted along the ancient trade route in the Kiso Valley and explore Koya-san on the slopes of Mount Koya, a World Heritage town where over a 100 temples line the streets. Experience onsen hot springs, visit a wasabi farm, make soba noodles and wonder at Matsumoto castle, with its 16th century wooden keep. ...Read more >

Romania is renowned for its undisturbed mountain and forest scapes, overlooked by dramatic castles with towering spires, where swathes of the countryside continues at a pace and style of living that has remained unchanged for centuries. This small group (max 12) cultural adventure is a delightful and gently paced immersion into the best of Transylvania, in central Romania, lying within easy reach of the capital, Bucharest. Our 10 day holiday offers insight into the medieval and more recent history of Romania with visits to the towns of Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu. Guided walking tours allow you to appreciate the ambiance and architecture as well as learn about the area from ...Read more >

This adventure takes in all the very best that Ethiopia has to offer! From thriving Addis to the C16th walled city of Harar; be guided around the stunning 13th Century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; walk in the peerless Simien Mountains alongside Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex and spot the endangered Ethiopian wolf in the striking Bale Mountain national park. All the while taking opportunities to visit local villages and people, learning about their history, culture, and trying their delicious cuisine. Highlights include; Explore 13th Century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela Walk in the Simien & Bale Mountains Visit Lake Langano in the striking Rift Valley Safari Drive in Awash National ...Read more >

The Sanetti Plateau in the Bale Mountains is the Rooftop of Africa; averaging 4000m in altitude, it is the highest plateau on the continent. On this incredible adventure we will walk across it, viewing its beautiful and exotic wildlife including Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Red Wolf, impala, warthogs and Colobus Monkeys; meeting the nomadic herders grazing their flocks on the plateau and learning about their culture. We end with drive down into an ancient forest filled with waterfalls in this part of Ethiopia so little explored by the outside world. Highlights include: View the rare Ethiopian Wolf Cross the highest plateau in Africa Hike through an ancient cloud forest Explore the incredible ...Read more >

Romania is renowned for its undisturbed mountain and forest scapes, overlooked by dramatic castles with towering spires, where swathes of the countryside continues at a pace and style of living that has remained unchanged for centuries. This guided, small group (minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12) hiking holiday is an exciting adventure taking you into 3 of the stunning mountain ranges of the Carpathian. The 10 day itinerary offers insight into the medieval and more recent history of Romania through guided tours of Bucharest and Brasov as well as visits to Peles & Bran Castle, however the focus is definitely on exploring Romanias undisturbed mountain trails. Discover the unique ...Read more >

The eagle hunting tradition is engrained in the cultural heritage of Central Asia and there are large Golden Eagle Festivals in Mongolia celebrating this tradition. On this fantastic adventure we will visit a smaller, privately arranged Golden Eagle Festival to avoid the crowds, which can be particularly appealing for photography enthusiasts. The festival will take place in Western Mongolia where many of the population have Kazakh origins. Experience this remote and beautiful region staying with local families to learn about their way of life. A 3 day add-on itinerary which precedes this tour over the weekend is also available. Highlights include: Take portraits of Mongolian Kazakh Eagle ...Read more >

The Ryukyu Islands of Japan spread from Kyushu in a perfect half moon-shaped archipelago down to Taiwan, with Okinawa the crown jewel in this delicate chain of lost gemstones set in a turquoise East China Sea. This incredible adventure takes you to Tokunoshima & Okinoerabu, islands never before visited by a Western tour group, as well as through prehistoric cedar forests cradled within the volcanic mountains of Yakushima. This is the perfect tour for those who are looking to discover new regions of Japan and you will be lucky enough to discover a Japan undisturbed for centuries. Highlights include: Bathe in natural hot springs ‘onsen’ Hike through ancient cedar forests Discover Okinawa’s ...Read more >

From the incense-filled souks of Muscat to turtle watching on golden sandy beaches; from the sun-bleached mountains of Jebel Shams to the tinkling of water along ancient falaj irrigation channels, hidden beneath lush date palm plantations; from riding camels across the wild red sands of the Wahiba to snorkelling in the turquoise ocean of the protected Daymaniyat Islands to the green freshwater pools of the wadis; this is Oman. Highlights include: Turtle viewing in Ras Al Jinz Desert camp in Wahiba Sands View Oman’s largest canyon from Jebel Shams Sail around the Daymaniyat IslandsRead more >

On this unique tour we will walk in the footsteps of history amidst some of the most beautiful remote mountain scenery on earth, which for centuries been the stronghold of rebels, heroes and… assassins. We will hike up to the ruins of these once proud castles, meeting local people, with the tour concluding in the city of Tabriz, where we will wander through the largest covered bazaar in the world, to see what gems from the past still survive there also. Highlights: Travel in rarely-visited mountain regions Explore mysterious & historic ancient castles Explore the largest covered bazaar in the world Bathe in natural hot springsRead more >

Coffee originates from Ethiopia. The word ‘coffee’ comes from the word ‘Kafa’; the green jungle region in the southwest of the country. Walking through beautiful jungle with Colobus Monkeys swinging overhead, we will experience the beauty of its diverse flora, fauna, wildlife and local people; visiting the coffee plantations and villagers who work there, learning everything about the processes that allow the beans to be exported to the international market. January 7th is also the festival of ‘Genna’ [Ethiopian Christmas] which we will celebrate with the local people. Highlights include: Visit beautiful wild coffee forests Experience Genna festival & coffee ceremony Ride horses, visit ...Read more >

Experience three of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes: Stay in yurts on the shores of the majestic sea-like Issyk-Kul watching the local eagle hunters; earn a view of Chatyr-Kol after hiking/riding to a high pass deep in the Tian Shan Mountains along the ancient Silk Road; ride horses alongside nomad herders in the tranquillity Son-Kol, situated in the heart of the country surrounded by a gentle crown of mountains and grazing livestock in the summer months. Highlights include: Stay in yurts with local nomadic families Travel to pristine alpine lakes Day-hike in the Tian Shan Mountains Ride horses & watch eagle huntingRead more >

The Ladakh region of Kashmir, “Little Tibet” or “ Land beyond the Passes” is one of the most remote areas of India, lying to the north of the Himalaya on the Tibetan Plateau. On this trekking adventure we will visit many of the incredible Tibetan monasteries, palaces and local people’s homes in the region. Ladakh is away from the disputed region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan; join us to experience this peaceful way of life beneath the snow-capped mountains. Highlights include: Visit Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries Hike through stupendous mountain scenery Discover the history of ancient kingdoms Experience the bustling market of LehRead more >