Cherry Blossoms and Nomads

Cherry Blossoms and Nomads

4 Views
19 Days From

$8576

Cherry Blossoms and Nomads

19 Days Starting in Incheon, South Korea and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Visiting: Busan, Changwon, Kangwon, Mt. Songnisan National Park, Incheon, Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park, Hustai National Park, Kharkhorin, Orkhon Valley, Khogno Khan National Park, Khogno Khan

Tour operator:

Crooked Compass

Tour code:

18044

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

From: $8576

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview


  • Hike through tunnels of cherry blossom trees in bloom over multiple days

  • Spend the night in an active Buddhist Temple stay

  • Participate in the Buddhist ceremony – yebul

  • Enjoy mountain meditation and a traditional tea ceremony with monks and nuns

  • Horse ride through the Mongolian steppe

  • Stay in a traditional ger

  • Hike through Mongolia's wild landscapes

  • Witness the rare Przewalski horses


Nature and nomads - Is there a better combination to embark on than the culturally rich combination of South Korea and Mongolia?

Often overlooked during Japan's Sakura season or 'Golden Week,' South Korea offers a mesmerizing journey along 'Dream Road,' where you hike through lush forests bursting with soft cherry blossoms. Explore abandoned train tracks, pass gurgling streams, and immerse yourself in nature's elegance. In Mt. Songnisan National Park, one of the country’s best-kept secrets, experience the zen of Buddhism with a traditional temple stay, enjoying alms under the starry sky, mountain meditation, and tea ceremonies with monks and nuns. This introduction to Korean and Buddhist culture, along with South Korea’s hidden natural beauty, sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Contrast this experience as you step into the rich legacy of Genghis Khan, and explore Mongolia, one of Asia’s most enigmatic destinations. From vast grasslands to parched deserts, venture you from bustling Ulaanbaatar to the heart of the wilderness. Stay in traditional ger camps, ride horses in Terelj National Park, kayak through the Orkhon Valley, and swim in the Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall. In Hustai National Park, encounter rare wild horses, and witness camels plodding against the backdrop of Khogno Khan National Park's dunes. Delve both South Korea and Mongolia’s national parks, World Heritage landscapes, and Buddhist temples, discovering the rich variety of South Korea and Mongolia’s natural and cultural wonders.

Highlights

  • Busan's vibrant city life with electric blue oceans and lush mountains.

  • Explore the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel in Changwon.

  • Experience a temple stay at Beopjusa Temple in Mt. Songnisan National Park.

  • Visit the Gandan Monastery and National Museum in Ulaanbaatar.

  • Immerse in 13th-century Mongolian life at the 13th Century Camp.

  • Discover the stunning landscapes of Terelj National Park with horse riding.

  • See the endangered Przewalski horses in Hustai National Park.

  • Explore the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery and Orkhon Valley.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - Arrival Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation Name: Hotel Noah or similar

Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by a local English-speaking guide and transferred to Busan by KTX, a bullet train. Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city is framed by electric blue oceans, lush mountains and mouthwatering cuisine, it’s a city bursting with surprises and a chilled vibe and the perfect base to start your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure. If you are interested, why not head to Gamcheon Cultural Village or explore the fish markets right near your hotel?


 


Meals

N/A


Accommodation

Overnight at Hotel Noah or similar


Services

Airport transfer

KTX Train transfer

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance

Incheon International Airport to Gwangmyeong KTX Train Station: Approx. 56 km/ 41 mins drive


Day 2 - Changwon

Location: Changwon

Accommodation Name: local guest house or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning in Changwon

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Changwon. Upon arrival, visit Anmingogae Hill, a picturesque 9-kilometre-long hill extending from Taebaek-dong in Jinhae to Anmin-dong in Changwon. Six of the nine kilometres are adorned with cherry blossoms, forming the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel. This hill also offers stunning views of Jinhaeman Bay, Ungsan Mountain (alt. 703m), Sirubong Peak (alt. 630m), and Cheonjabong Peak (502m).


Yeojwacheon Stream

Next, explore the area around Yeojwacheon Stream, renowned as one of the best locations for viewing the spectacular cherry blossoms. Each April, Jinhae transforms into a city of blossoms, with the Yeojwacheon Stream area offering the most breathtaking displays.


Gyeonghwa Station

End your day with a visit to Gyeonghwa Station, another famed spot for cherry blossom viewing. Although railway services here have been discontinued, the station is surrounded by rows of cherry blossom trees, creating a magical tunnel effect filled with flowers. Take a leisurely walk through this serene setting, soaking in the beauty of the blooms.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

Overnight at a local guest house or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance

Busan Hotel to Changwon: Approx. 50 km/1-hour drive

Changwon to Anmingogae Hill: Approx. 15 km/ 30 mins drive

Anmingogae Hill to Yeojwacheon Stream: Approx. 10 km/ 20 mins drive

Yeojwacheon Stream to Gyeonghwa Station: Approx.5 km/ 15 mins drive


Day 3 - Dream Road

Location: Changwon

Accommodation Name: local guest house or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast this morning at a local restaurant before you get ready to depart on foot to walk two sections of the Dream Road totalling 14km and taking approx 6 hours. Listen to the birds singing in the surrounding forest as you walk the Dream Road. The sweet scent of the cherry blossoms floats in the air and their petals will rain on you like soft snowflakes.


Depending on what time you finish walking today, for those interested, you may wish to visit the birthplace of Seongheungsa and Kim Daejin, a famed poet and Kim Daejin’s literature museum, located at the end of the Dream Road.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

Overnight at a local guest house or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance

Changwon to Dream Road Approx. 14 km/ 6 hours walk


Day 4 - Dream Road

Location: Kangwon

Accommodation Name: local guest house or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fuel up again this morning in a local restaurant for breakfast before you depart on two more sections of Dream Road. Walk through the cooling forest as your mind clears and you absorb the spectacular nature around you.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

Overnight at a local guest house or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance

Dream Road covering 13.4km / 6 hours walk


Day 5 - Mt. Songnisan National Park

Location: Mt. Songnisan National Park

Accommodation Name: Temple stay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mt. Songnisan National Park and Beopjusa Temple

Following breakfast at a local restaurant, you will embark on a scenic drive to Mt. Songnisan National Park, approximately 3.5 hours away. This park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and offers a unique opportunity to engage in a temple stay program, introducing you to the serene practices of Zen Buddhism.


Songnisan National Park

Nestled in lush greenery, Songnisan National Park is home to serene mountains that have been revered for 1500 years. The park’s tranquil environment provides a perfect backdrop for hiking and reflection. The highlight of your visit will be Beopjusa Temple, a significant Buddhist site founded in 553 CE. Beopjusa, meaning ‘a temple where the teaching of the Buddha resides,’ holds a wealth of cultural treasures and offers a deep insight into both Buddhist and Korean traditional cultures.


Beopjusa Temple

Beopjusa is especially well-known for its cultural properties. The temple highlights are Geumdongmireukdaebul (gilded bronze Buddha statue 33 metres or over 100 feet high), Palsangjeon (five-story wooden pagoda), Daeungbojeon (considered one of three major Buddhist halls in Korea), Ssangsajaseokdeung (twin-lion stone lamp), Lotus-Shaped Stone Fountain and Palsangjeon Hall.


Temple Stay Experience

Regardless of your personal beliefs, the temple stay provides an immersive experience of Buddhist spiritual culture. You will participate in a traditional vegetarian temple meal for dinner, followed by an evening Yebul ceremony.


Yebul Ceremony

Yebul, the most significant event in Korean temples, involves paying respect to the Buddhas and reaffirming teachings. This ceremony, also known as the “ceremony of five fragrances,” is marked by the sounding of various instruments to symbolically summon all beings. It includes recitations of the Heart Sutra and Wishes for the welfare of the temple and all people (Barunmoon). The temple observes lights out by 9 pm, providing a serene end to the day. This experience allows you to connect deeply with nature and engage in self-reflection within the peaceful setting of Beopjusa Temple.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight Temple stay


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance

Mt. Songnisan National Park to Beopjusa Temple: Approx. 10 km/ 30 mins drive


Day 6 - Departure From Seoul To Ulaanbaatar

Location: Incheon

Accommodation Name: Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early Morning Chant and Breakfast

Participate in a serene early morning chant (yebel) with the monks under the moonlight and stars. After this peaceful experience, return to the main temple for a nourishing breakfast.


Zen Meditation and Tea Ceremony

Immerse yourself in Zen meditation and meditate amidst the tranquil mountains. Experience a traditional tea ceremony with the monks and nuns, providing a unique opportunity for Q&A and deeper understanding.


Temple Lunch and Departure

Savour a temple lunch before departing at midday. You will return to Incheon International Airport for your onward flight to Ulaanbaatar.


Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Mongolia! On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, marking the start of your Mongolian adventure.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

Overnight at Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar


Services

Airport transfers (Departure and Arrival)

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance

Temple stay to Incheon International Airport: Approx. 60 km/1-hour drive


Day 7 - Ulaanbaatar

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gandan Monastery

A visit to the Gandan Monastery offers a glimpse into one of Mongolia’s most intact temples. This vibrant religious site is renowned for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance, providing visitors with a deep insight into Mongolian Buddhism.


National Museum

Explore the National Museum to gain an understanding of Mongolia’s rich historical traditions and diverse geographical features. The museum’s exhibits provide an excellent overview of the country’s past and cultural heritage.


Evening Entertainment and Dining

This evening, enjoy a traditional folk show that showcases Mongolia’s unique music and dance. Following the performance, you will dine at a local restaurant, experiencing authentic Mongolian cuisine.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight at Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Traditional folk show


Travel time and distance

Best Western Tuushin to Gandan Monastery: Approx. 3 km/ 10 mins drive

Gandan Monastery to National Museum: Approx. 2 km/ 5 mins drive


Day 8 - Ulaanbaatar - 13Th Century And Terelj National Park

Location: Terelj National Park

Accommodation Name: local hotel or Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13th Century Camp

Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, you’ll journey east to the 13th Century Camp. This immersive experience allows you to explore various aspects of life in 13th-century Mongolia. As you tour the camp, you’ll visit different areas dedicated to blacksmiths, teachers, herders, shamans, and kings, gaining a deeper understanding of their roles and daily activities.


Terelj National Park

After your enriching day at the 13th Century Camp, you’ll drive to Terelj National Park. Here, you’ll overnight at a traditional ger camp, nestled within the park’s scenic landscapes. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Terelj and rest in authentic Mongolian accommodation.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight local hotel or Ger camp


Services

with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance

Best Western Tuushin to 13th Century Camp: Approx. 100 km/ 1.5 hrs drive

13th Century Camp to Terelj National Park: Approx. 50 km/1-hour drive


Day 9 - Terelj National Park

Location: Terelj National Park

Accommodation Name: local hotel or Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Full Day in the Park

Enjoy a full day of adventure in the park, set at an elevation of approximately 1,600 metres above sea level. The cool, crisp air and breathtaking alpine scenery make it a perfect day out.


Horse Riding and Scenery

Take a leisurely horse ride through the park’s lush, forested mountains. As you ride, you’ll encounter stunning rock formations like Turtle Rock and the Praying Lama Rock, which add a unique charm to the landscape.


Alternative Activities

If horse riding isn’t your preference, you can also opt for cycling or kayaking. These activities offer a different perspective of the park’s natural beauty and are a great way to explore the area.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight local hotel or Ger camp


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Horse riding


Day 10 - Terelj National Park - Hustai National Park

Location: Hustai National Park

Accommodation Name: local hotel or Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Genghis Khan Statue

Leaving the park this morning, you’ll head first for the great Genghis Khan statue on the banks of the Tuul River. Over 40 metres high and visible for miles around, it is possible to climb the statue to enjoy some sweeping views across the countryside.


Hustai National Park

Continue towards the Hustai National Park, home to the rare and endangered wild Przewalski horses, where an early evening drive through the park affords an opportunity to see them in their native

habitat.


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight at a local hotel or Ger camp


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Genghis Khan, Hustai National Park, evening drive to see Przewalski horses


Travel time and distances

Terelj National Park – Genghis Khan Statue: approx. 50 min (50km)

Genghis Khan Statue – Hustai National Park: approx. 3 hrs (156km)


Day 11 - Hustai National Park - Kharkorin

Location: Kharkhorin

Accommodation Name: local hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early Morning Horse Ride

Begin your day with a refreshing early morning horse ride, immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of Mongolia’s landscape.


Kharkhorin

Travel onwards to Kharkhorin, the historic site that once served as the capital of the Mongol Empire. Explore the ancient remnants of this significant city, where traces of its grand past are still evident.


Erdene Zuu Monastery

In the 16th century, the remains of Kharkhorin were repurposed to construct the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the oldest surviving Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. Discover the monastery’s rich history and architectural splendour.


Museum Visit

Enhance your understanding of the region’s intriguing history with a visit to the local museum, which offers valuable insights into the cultural and historical heritage of Kharkhorin and its surroundings.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight at a local hotel or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distances

Hustai National Park to Kharkorin: Approx. 300 km/ 4 hrs drive


Day 12 - Kharkorin - Orkhon Valley

Location: Orkhon Valley

Accommodation Name: Ger Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Start your day with a visit to the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery, where you can experience the mid-morning ceremony and listen to traditional chanting. This ancient monastery, one of Mongolia’s oldest, offers a serene introduction to the spiritual heritage of the region.


Orkhon Valley

After your visit, journey into the stunning Orkhon Valley, a sacred landscape renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty. As you travel through the valley, you’ll pass by herds of grazing goats, sheep, and horses, immersing yourself in the pastoral charm of central Mongolia. The Orkhon Valley, once a centre of imperial power, provides a picturesque and evocative glimpse into Mongolia’s rich past.


 


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Ger Camp


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distances

Kharkorin to Orkhon Valley: Approx. 100 km/ 3 hrs drive


Day 13 - Orkhon Valley

Location: Orkhon Valley

Accommodation Name: Ger Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fed by the waters of the Orkhon River, this beautiful river valley was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the country’s most important cultural landscapes. Armed with a picnic lunch today you will take to the waters of the river in kayaks, to paddle your way down a series of small canyons and through the tranquillity of the serene countryside.


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Ger Camp


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Day 14 - Orkhon Valley

Location: Orkhon Valley

Accommodation Name: Ger Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A drive this morning brings you to the beautiful Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall. After heavy rains this is one of the most spectacular sights in the country, especially around late July, and August. Just downstream from the falls, a short walk will bring you to a 22-metre-deep gorge and the surrounding countryside is a perfect spot for horse riding. After a stop for a swim in the natural pools, you’ll then head back to your ger camp in time for dinner.




Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Ger Camp


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Day 15 - Orkhon Valley - Khogno Khan

Location: Khogno Khan National Park

Accommodation Name: Ger Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Heading to Tovkhon Khiid first thing this morning, you’ll enjoy an hour’s walk through the pine forests to a tiny monastery with spectacular views. Driving on through the valleys and over high mountain passes, you’ll then reach the magnificent setting of the Khogno Khan National Park, home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife, and spectacular scenery. Overnight at a traditional ger camp overlooking the vast Mongolian steppe.




Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight in Ger Camp


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distances

Orkhon Valley to Tovkhon Khiid: Approx. 50 km/ 2 hrs drive

Tovkhon Khiid to Khogno Khan: Approx. 180 km/ 4-5 hrs drive


Day 16 - Khogno Khan

Location: Khogno Khan National Park

Accommodation Name: Ger Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Covering some 47,000 hectares, the national park is a haven for all sorts of flora and fauna, with ibex, red deer and even wolves being a regular sight amongst the desert steppes. Over the next couple of two days, you’ll have opportunities to enjoy a walk in the rocky hills, take in the vast stretches of sand dunes, visit local nomadic herders, and even experience a camel ride through the dunes.


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Ger Camp


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Khogno Khan National Park


Day 17 - Khogno Khan

Location: Khogno Khan

Accommodation Name: Ger Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day exploring the national park.


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Ger Camp


Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide


Day 18 - Khogno Khan - Ulaanbaatar

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The drive back to the capital will take most of the morning, but the afternoon is free to spend a little more time exploring Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. Take in more of its monasteries and museums or enjoy some last-minute shopping before dinner.


Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation

Overnight Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar


Services

Private Vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Ulaanbaatar city tour


Travel time and distances

Khogno Khan to Ulaanbaatar: Approx. 260 km/ 4.5hrs drive


Day 19 - Departure

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.


Meals

Breakfast


Services

Private Airport Transfer


What's Included

  • Return airport transfers

  • KTX ticket to/from Busan

  • 18 nights accommodation

  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

  • Services of an English speaking guide

  • Private transportation with driver

  • Flight between Incheon and Ulaanbaatar - Economy Class

  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary including all entrance fees          

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights

    International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Visas

    Visa fees and arrangements are not included.

  • Travel and medical insurance

    Travel and medical insurance are not included and should be arranged separately.

  • All services, meals other than those indicated above

    Any services and meals not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.

  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program

    Changes to the confirmed itinerary are not covered.

  • All items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and tips are not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes private transportation with an English-speaking guide, airport transfers, a KTX bullet train to Busan, and a flight between Incheon and Ulaanbaatar.

  • What types of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour offers 18 nights of diverse accommodation, including stays at Hotel Noah in Busan, local guest houses, a temple stay at Beopjusa Temple, and traditional ger camps in Mongolia.

  • What is the temple stay experience like at Beopjusa Temple?

    The temple stay at Beopjusa Temple includes participating in a traditional vegetarian temple meal, an evening Yebul ceremony, and a morning chant with the monks. It provides an immersive experience of Buddhist spiritual culture.

  • What activities are available in Terelj National Park?

    In Terelj National Park, you can enjoy horse riding, cycling, or kayaking. The park offers stunning rock formations and lush, forested mountains to explore.

  • What can I expect to see at Hustai National Park?

    Hustai National Park is home to the rare and endangered Przewalski horses. An early evening drive through the park provides an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.

  • What is the significance of the 13th Century Camp in Mongolia?

    The 13th Century Camp offers an immersive experience into 13th-century Mongolian life, with areas dedicated to blacksmiths, teachers, herders, shamans, and kings, providing a deeper understanding of their roles and daily activities.

  • What is the Orkhon Valley known for?

    The Orkhon Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance and natural beauty. It was once a center of imperial power and offers a picturesque glimpse into Mongolia's rich past.

  • What wildlife might I encounter in Khogno Khan National Park?

    In Khogno Khan National Park, you may encounter wildlife such as ibex, red deer, and even wolves among the desert steppes.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.

  • What sort of transportation is used for your tours?

    Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels

  • Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?

    Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.

  • What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?

    Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.

  • Who do your tours cater for?

    Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.

  • I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?

    Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au

Reviews of this operator

Jeff Rehn  

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass

07-Apr-2022

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass. Considering the country is just opening up to tourism everything went very well - flights, trips, transfers, guides and accommodation - thank you CC - highly recommended

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Pauline Mavis Rusby  

We were kept safe at all times.

09-May-2022

We were kept safe at all times. When unexpected hurdles appeared they were handled without fuss. Our tour was informative, picturesque and comfortable.

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Tina Watts-Seale  

Family holiday to Vietnam

01-Aug-2022

We booked a family holiday to Vietnam with Crooked Compass and it was perfect. The booking process was easy and Lisa took all of our requests on board so that the trip was exactly what we wanted. All flights, transfers, accommodations, guides and activities were fantastic, with great communication throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend, we will be booking again soon!

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Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$8576

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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