Asian Footsteps operate tours to many areas of the Tibetan Plateau, Bhutan, Mongolia, Indochina, Nepal and India. Groups are escorted by those who know the country best - experienced local guides and drivers. Larger groups may also be accompanied by a western tour leader on request.

All our itineraries are carefully designed to balance included activities and free time - experienced local guides ensure you get the most from your sightseeing and introduce you to the local culture and cuisine, yet there is also plenty of time for you to make your own discoveries.
We believe that in order to fully enjoy your journey and appreciate all this wonderful region has to offer it is important to allow yourself to relax and to take the time to absorb the atmosphere, the smells, the tastes... and not just rush from sight to sight.
In general our itineraries are designed for private groups of 2 or more people using comfortable accommodation and private transport.

Some of our itineraries operate in remote areas. They are by nature 'expeditions' not conventional holidays; conditions are harsher, events less predictable, infrastructure less developed and the lifestyles very different to those you are familiar with. The standards of accommodation and communications are often not up to Western levels. However good our organization is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected, and while most of the time things go smoothly, this cannot be guaranteed. In some cases you are traveling to remote areas over rough roads. While we are able to follow the published itineraries most of the time, be aware that changes are occassionally unavoidable.
Where delay or a change of itinerary is unavoidable your guide (in conjunction with our local office) will decide on the best alternative and will do everything possible to minimise its effects, but we cannot be held responsible for the results of delays or changes outside our control.

Remember in many areas - including northern Laos and particularly in Monglia and western Tibet infrastructure is poor to non-existant. If you are not prepared for this you should not travel to these areas. The unpredictable, however often leads to unexpected encounters and the best experiences.

Tibet: We offer regular group departures of our most popular tours, group size varies, but generally 4-11 travelers. We restrict the size of our groups to minimize the impact on the local environment and communities and to maximize your local interaction as well as interaction within the group.

In most countries we use good tourist standard accommodation on a twin share basis with private facilities. There will be occassions when simpler accommodation is all that is available (eg. homestays, remote villages, national parks). Trip dossiers detail accommodation for each trip.

Tibet: In main towns and cities in Tibet accommodation is of a good standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities and hot showers.
Outside these main towns, accommodation can be fairly basic in Tibet -
At Rombuk (Everest Base Camp) and in western Tibet often it will be 3-4 people to a room, there is no running water and toliet facilities are shared and of the 'pit' variety.

Mongolia: In main towns and cities accommodation is of a good standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities and hot showers.
Gers (Russian Yurt) are the traditional felt tents of nomadic herders. Each ger is furnished with a wood stove and beautifully painted furniture such as beds, a table and stools. Gers are based on twin occupancy. Each ger camp has its restaurant, western style toilet and hot water showers. Most visitors find their stay in gers, which provide an authentic taste of Mongolian culture and adventure, their most enjoyable experience in Mongolia.

Camping: On camping itineraries all camping & cooking equipment is supplied except your sleeping bag (& inflatable mattress - Mongolia).
This includes 2-man tents, dining tent, toilet tent and cook tent.

Most of our travel is by private transport, exceptions include occassional public ferries, trains and flights.

For most trips in Tibet and Mongolia 4WD vehicles are used and you will have the same driver(s) throughout your trip.
Our drivers are extremely experienced, both as drivers and mechanics. They speak varying amounts of English, but all will be delighted to point out the best photo spots etc. Make the effort to get to know them and you will have a lot of fun.

In Indochina you will generally travel with a number of different drivers as road travel is interspersed with boat, train and short flights.

The food is without question one of the highlights of travel in Asia.
On our itineraries we include only a few especially selected meals, chosen to introduce you to the culinary highlights and specialities of the region.

At other times you are free to explore the many other options - restaurants, markets etc - this allows you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat as well as allowing you greater budgeting flexibility. Your guides will be happy to make suggestions.
In Bhutan all meals are included.
In Mongolia all meals are included outside UlaanBataar.