YellowWood Adventures

truly magical adventure following the ancient Silk Road to discover jaw-droppingly beautiful turquoise-tiled madrassas, ornate palaces with hidden haram courtyards, desert cities, bustling bazaars and the traditional yurts of this trading nation. Uzbekistan, deep in the heart of Central Asia, flourished in prosperity, culture, trade and religion as a vital section of the ancient Silk Road linking China to Europe. Tamerlaine founded the Timurid Empire in the 14th Century, which brought an architectural magnificence (and also later via the Timurid Renaissance) seldom rivalled, especially in Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva and Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and in many of the ancient cities of Iran. ...Read more >

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 >

On this small group trip, you will spend time in the beautiful Georgian capital of Tbilisi before heading off into the countryside and then over the border into Armenia. You will learn to cook with local families, visit some of the Georgia's best wine regions learning about the traditional ways of producing Georgian wine, explore stunning churches and experience the history and culture of both Georgia and Armenia. This tour encompasses ancient historical architecture, beautiful landscapes, delicious food and warm hospitality. (Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)Read more >

For a truly special experience, visit Georgia during their Christmas and New Year celebrations in January. On this small group trip, you will first spend time in the capital, Tbilisi and browse its Christmas markets which rival the ones found in Western Europe. You will meet local families as they prepare for celebrations, helping make desserts and you will visit some of the country's best wine regions, learning about the traditional ways of producing Georgian wine. This tour encompasses ancient historical architecture, beautiful landscapes, delicious food and warm hospitality during one of the most special times of the year. Highlights include: Visit the Christmas Market on Rustaveli ...Read more >

Get off the typical tourist trail on this adventure in Pakistan which combines breathtakingly beautiful hikes along ancient Buddhist pilgrim routes, with a wealth of cultural experiences and local interactions. Discover the beautiful Hunza, Chitral, Kalash & Swat Valleys, set amongst the backdrop of huge mountain peaks and explore villages which are some of the oldest settlements on the Silk Road. This easy trekking tour offers unmatched diversity of cultural experiences and connections with local cultures. The first part of this trip takes us to Hunza Valley through villages that have been in existence for thousands of years. We continue to an ancient pilgrims path in Ghizer valley, ...Read more >

The majestic and beautiful snow capped peaks of the Julian Alps, with their deep limestone valleys, hidden caves and tumbling rivers give little indication of the complex and bloody history of this area where Western Slovenia borders Italy. During the First World War, for two long years from 2015, 12 battles between the Italian and Austro Hungarian soldiers were fought in this area, with over 700,000 Italian casualties! The UNESCO recognised Walk of Peace, officially beginning at the village of Log pod Mangartom, where we also begin our journey, is a 320km trail past monuments, churches, museums, caves, battlegrounds and trenches. Each has their own contribution to make to the events ...Read more >

Explore the Trans Bhutan Trail on this small group walking tour. Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich and unique culture through the magical towns and royal cities on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Visit the royal cities of Trongsa and Bumthang during this true adventure to Bhutan’s magical centre and east. Enjoy five days of hiking along the Trans Bhutan Trail, during which you will follow the Divine Madman Trail and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s unique culture in communities along the way. Finish off your visit with a night in the charming town of Phunaka before returning to Paro for a hike up to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. International visitors to Bhutan need to pay a 'Sustainable ...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 >

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 >

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 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 >

The shimmering emerald waters of the glacial lakes of Slovenias Triglav National Park, in the Northwest of this beautiful country reflect the towering limestone peaks in a perfect mirror image. Our trails take you around the lakes, through the valleys and up into the higher mountains too, for a wonderful variety of walking routes, landscapes and cultural visits, as well as a 2 night escape into the heart of the park, staying at serene and stunningly situated mountain refuges. Although this is primarily a hiking adventure on manageable and defined mountain trails (though with some steep ascents you would expect for mountainous terrain), it is an itinerary jam packed with opportunities to ...Read more >

Uganda is widely known as ‘The Pearl of Africa’. It won't disappoint you! Our adventure down through the western side of this diverse and beautiful country begins in earnest in Murchison Falls at the northernmost tip of Africa’s Western Rift Valley. The Victoria Nile flows from the high grasslands down into the beautiful natural rainforest in a powerful cascade, where you will stay in an ecolodge, trekking in the early morning to see chimpanzees. Continuing south we arrive at one of the highlights of the adventure: misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. With a Ugandan Wildlife Authority tracking guide, groups of eight people are ...Read more >

Walk through the Simien mountains taking in all their amazing views, and discover historic cities and the 13th Century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. This Ethiopian tour is one you'll always remember. This adventure takes in all the very best that Ethiopia has to offer! From thriving Addis to the historic walled trader's city of Harar; discover the stunning UNESCO 13th Century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; walk in the peerless Simien Mountains alongside Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex, maybe even spotting the endangered Ethiopian Wolf. Spend two days walking through and staying with local communities in the Meket district, learning about their history, culture, and trying their delicious ...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 >

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 >

Our breathtaking hiking adventure in the Imlil and Azzaden Valleys of the High Atlas, offer you the perfect opportunity to experience the dramatic trails, tracks and peaks of the mountains, but also the soft, welcoming, stylish, hospitable and stunning Berber retreat of Kasbah du Toubkal. Perched on a rocky outcrop at 1800m, only accessible by foot and by mule, time stands still here, and the award winning Kasbah is one of those remote magical places where friendships are formed, a real understanding of the traditional ways of life can be appreciated, and the dreamlike qualities of Morocco fill your days with tranquillity. In the winter we offer walks below the snow line (max altitude of ...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 >

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 >

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. The 8 day itinerary takes you through high mountain pastures (Majadas), over peaks and glacial moraine. Traverse moonscape terrain pitted with karstic 'joys' and all the while have your breath taken away by the far reaching and dramatic ...Read more >