Our Favourite Lesser Known Destinations

Kandoo Adventures have been operating fantastic trekking holidays to awesome destinations for nearly two decades. We started out with Kilimanjaro climbs before branching into Everest Base Camp treks and hiking the Inca Trail. These three incredible experiences are still our most popular destinations but along the way we have added a whole load of more off-the-beaten-track trips to countries that aren’t necessarily the first places you think of to go hiking.

Approximately 40,000 people trek to Everest Base camp each season, and up to 50,000 people climb Mount Kilimanjaro each year and the Inca Trail sees about 25,000 people walk its ancient path every year too. These are all iconic treks which offer once in a lifetime experiences to those who attempt them and it’s easy to see why they are so uniquely popular. But more and more of our clients have asked us where they can travel to see incredible scenery, learn about different cultures and journey across landscapes where there aren’t masses of people vying for the same experience at the same time.

Well, let’s take a look shall we. The team at Kandoo add more and more trips every year, each offering an amazing adventure holiday, and we love building new and exciting itineraries for our clients to try. Our minimum criteria include stunning scenery, knowledgeable local guides and enjoyable trekking routes that explore all the best bits a country has to offer, making the most of your time away and offering a trip that will live on in your memory bank.

Our top 5 off-the-beaten-path trips below are firm favourites with both the team at HQ and our travellers who have enjoyed visiting these unique places. For something a little different to the adventures you often hear about, read on to find inspiration for your next expedition.

Ladakh

Ladakh is a region of northern India. It is one of the most sparsely populated regions in India and one our lesser known trekking destinations. The dry, arid mountainous landscapes are almost lunar in places and the influence from nearby Nepal and Tibet can be seen in the colourful monasteries, shrines and buildings dotted about the foothills. For travellers who are interested in Nepal but would rather stay away from the crowds, Ladakh is a great alternative. Whether you are looking for 6,000m plus peaks to climb or for a more moderate trek with total cultural immersion, we have a variety of trips that offer insight into the Ladakhi way of life, take you to local festivals, up the high peak of Kang Yatse II and through the lush Indus Valley or beautiful Spiti Valley.

Best trip for trekking and culture

Indus Valley and Phyang Festival – 12 days – moderately challenging

Best trip for summiting peaks and remote trekking

Marka Valley and Kang Yatse II – 14 days – challenging

Jordan

Jordan is a middle eastern country in Asia situated where the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa meet. It is a fascinating country with rolling red deserts, ancient monuments and an eclectic culture .The Kingdom of Jordan is a country that welcomes visitors and relies on the income of tourism as an important part of their economy. This relatively small country is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a wonderful place to explore some of the most incredible architectural sights you can imagine, including the ancient city of Petra. Whilst there are no high mountains in Jordan, trekking through the Wadi Rum Desert, visiting Rainbow Valley, the Red Sea and the Dead Sea are highlights of trekking through Jordan, as well as camping under endless starry skies, hosted by the nomadic Bedouin.

Best trekking trip in Jordan

Petra to Wadi Rum – 8 days – moderately challenging

Best cultural trekking experience

Ultimate Jordan – 14 days - moderately challenging

Bhutan

The mysterious country of Bhutan only opened its doors to visitors in 1973 and the first TV wasn’t allowed until 1999. This landlocked country remained secretive for so long to protect its culture, heritage and people from outside influence. The result of this is that Bhutan has a rich, vibrant and unique way of life that has remained intact and unchanged for generations. Visiting here is like stepping back in time, where cultural dress, customs and practices are sacred and remaining so is of vital importance. Aside from that it is a fabulous place for trekking, with unspoilt landscapes, fascinating Buddhist temples, monasteries and friendly people. There are only a certain number of visitor permits granted each year so we have included Bhutan as a lesser visited destination because it is probably one of the most isolated trekking destinations in the world. Experiencing Bhutan is a bucket-list adventure and not one to be missed!

Best trip for remote trekking

The Chomolhari Trek – 11 days - moderately challenging

Hardest trekking trip in the world

The Snowman Trek – 25 days - TOUGH

Georgia

The country of Georgia is home to the Great Caucasus which is the highest mountain range in Europe. This picturesque mountainous country only came to being in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union but that doesn’t mean it isn’t steeped in history, architecture and natural beauty. Here high mountains meet crystal clear lakes and roaring rivers meander through lush green untouched terrain, overlooked by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. Bordered by Russia in the north and Azerbaijan, Turkey and Armenia to the south, Georgia has attracted trekkers for years but is still relatively unheard of, which is a major part of its attraction. For those looking for fantastic trekking opportunities, away from the bustle of more popular destinations, then trekking in Georgia is probably just what you need. Combine hiking through remote mountains whilst learning about the rich culture here and your Georgia trip won’t be forgotten in a hurry. We included Georgia on our list for those trekkers pure of heart who fancy getting off the previously trodden track in search of a trekking holiday with a difference.

Best trip for an authentic trekking adventure

Trek the Svaneti Region – 8 days – moderately challenging

Best trek for escaping the crowds

Transcaucasian Trail – 14 days – moderately challenging

Svalbard

Consider this our wildcard entry to the lesser known destinations list as it’s not a trekking destination as such but more of a full-on adventure expedition. Svalbard is an archipelago belonging to Norway that sits within the Arctic Circle is one of the most sparsely inhabited and northernmost places on the planet. If you’re looking to escape-the-crowds in off-the-beaten-track kinda territory then Svalbard should be top of your list. Paddle past glaciers, trek across icy tundra, watch out for polar bears, sail across iceberg-infested waters, camp next to seal-filled waters and revel in true silence. Despite appearances, there is plenty of unique wildlife here to spot, lots of Arctic desert to trek across and stunning natural landscapes aplenty to enjoy. Not for the feint hearted, Svalbard is an awesome place to escape humanity and immerse yourself in a fully off-grid experience.

Best hardcore expedition trip

East Coast Expedition – 16 days - TOUGH

Best trip for kayaking through Svalbard

Fiver Glaciers – 10 days - challenging

We hope this introduction to some of our lesser visited destinations has whetted your appetite for adventure! Whether you fancy escaping the crowds or are looking for something more immersive, Kandoo Adventures offer incredible trekking and kayaking experiences for intrepid travellers that show you another side of the destinations we visit. So why wait? Get in touch with the travel experts at Kandoo HQ and start planning your next adventure.

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