Unique Treks, Expeditions & Adventures

Here at Whistling Arrow, our aim is straightforward; to build a dynamic portfolio of truly extraordinary adventures. It all began in 2009, with a handful of pioneering expeditions defined by a never-ending quest to unearth seriously special journeys that, for the most part, you couldn't find anywhere else. These continue to this day; all personally hosted, and uniquely-designed, our annual expeditions are quite simply part of our DNA.
Increasingly though, we use our deep, first-hand knowledge to expertly craft 'softer' custom adventures for more intrepid private groups and families with an emphasis on getting back to nature, as well as designing bespoke expeditions that cater to various special-interests whether they be photographic, cultural or botanical. Last, but certainly not least, there's our 'signature' trips - think one-of-a kind family trips with the eagle hunters of the Altai, and singular journeys through the Land of the Thunder Dragon!
So, please delve into our site, and get in touch with any questions you may have. We promise you one thing, real-added value. If we can confidently use our experience in the field, then we're happy to help plan that truly memorable trip. If not, then we'll try and point you in the right direction. 
Thanks for visiting and warm regards,

Adrian
  

Our scheduled annual expeditions (with fixed dates) are open for everyone to join, and displayed here in chronological order.  These fully supported expeditions are limited to a maximum of 7 guests, and, in nearly all cases, are personally hosted and led by our founder, Adrian Bottomley.  While our annual schedule continually changes and evolves, every year these expeditions offer a distinctive blend of new and more challenging explorations, somewhat more technical treks, and one or two of our old favourites. 
 *We know that these fixed departure dates may not work for everyone. So, for private groups, we can try to arrange similar customised expeditions to suit your alternative dates.*

PERAMBULATING THE PYRENEES | FRANCE & SPAIN

Join a fully supported, small group trek to traverse the wonderfully wild western Pyrenees, on this personally guided hut-to-hut adventure across our favourite European mountain range.

Jun 16 to 26, 2023 (completed)

We're running this trip again, so look out for the 2024 dates.

ON THE TRAIL OF ANCIENT SOGDIANS | TAJIKISTAN

Join an exploratory expedition and trek through an ancient cultural landscape, to discover a remote mountain sanctuary that, to this day, harbours the descendants of the ancient Sogdians.

Aug 12 to 22, 2023 (completed)

ALTAI 'EAGLE HUNTER' TREK | WESTERN MONGOLIA

Join a uniquely-designed and impactful expedition, guided by one of the region's fabled eagle hunters, as we trek deep into an unexplored corner of the Altai Mountains in western Mongolia.

Aug 20 to Sept 2, 2023 (completed)

THE WORLD'S HIGHEST VIRGIN PEAK | NORTHERN BHUTAN

Join an exploratory expedition to explore one of the most beautiful mountain sanctuaries in the Himalayas; the glaciated wonderlands hidden away at the base of sacred Gangkhar Puensum.

Oct 30 to Nov 16, 2023

Only 2 places left!

Gary Goldenberg

Writer & Global Trekker Extraordinaire, New York.

As a veteran of 15 guided treks, including 10 in the Himalaya, I know exactly what makes for a top-notch trekking leader. Adrian at Whistling Arrow checks all the boxes, in terms of safety, knowledge, leadership, friendly service, cultural sensitivity, and more. One essential in leading expeditionary-style treks is flexibility, for something is bound to go awry. On my trek with Adrian, he showed that he could quickly adapt to changing conditions and client needs, making for a stellar adventure. If you're looking for a full-service company to guide you in western China, eastern Tibet, Mongolia and the greater Himalaya, Whistling Arrow is a wise choice.

Andy Cuellar

Catama Fine Art Photography, California

Our trip to Mongolia was the experience of a lifetime! We were able to get spectacular, award winning photos of eagle hunters in their homes, in competition and in their celebrations. Our guides were top notch and went out of their way to insure that we were able to travel safely and securely in the harsh environment of the Mongolian winter. They couldn’t do enough for us. Our cook, our driver and our main guide worked exceptionally hard for us and we were so appreciative of their ministrations. If you want to see this fabulous country and its people, book your trip with Adrian Bottomley at Whistling Arrow. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended!

Simon Fenton

Head of Asia-Pacific, Spencer Stuart, Hong Kong

Our two weeks in Mongolia's Altai Highlands was truly spectacular. The landscape, the nature and the people together made this a trip of a lifetime. Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without Adrian and his team at Whistling Arrow. Both planning and execution were spot on. Our route had been carefully thought through and as we trekked over some of the most stunning landscape we were well looked after at all times. Adrian's own hands-on approach also made the trip special. He was a great guide and companion over our days together. Of course the key question is "would you do it again or a similar trip (with Whistling Arrow) and the emphatic answer is YES.

Bruce Ingram

Managing Director, Sheffield-Haworth, Hong Kong

I joined a Whistling Arrow bespoke trek to Western Nepal in 2019. Going in, I had high expectations having read the reviews of Adrian‘s adventures in Asia, but they were exceeded. Adrian has an excellent manner as an expedition leader - he is in control, but does not need to remind his clients he is ultimately in charge. It is clear that despite his relaxed demeanour, he is a true professional . He also lets events take their course. His connections on the ground were also first class, and his team were all highly motivated and hard working. I have every intention of joining one of his trips again. It was a 10 / 10 experience.

Claire Law

Mum Of Three, Hong Kong

We arranged a fabulous two week custom adventure to western Mongolia with Adrian at Whistling Arrow and, in short, can thoroughly recommend it. Any fears that our children (7, 14 and 16) would find it tough, or uninteresting,were immediately dispelled by the sheer beauty of the landscape, the friendliness of our guides, and the hospitality of the nomadic families we stayed with. We experienced a unique family adventure, while at the same time feeling completely safe and well looked after. Adrian spent time with us before the trip to find out what we were looking for in the holiday, and to ensure that all our questions were addressed. His team on the ground were exceptional, and even though things didn’t always go exactly to plan, we adapted quickly and without drama. A real adventure and we are very much looking forward to the next one!

Chris Drake

Head of Oxford University Alumni, Greater China, Hong Kong

I was looking for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure both for an invigorating immersion in nature - no mobile signals for a week! - as well as a memorable and challenging trip for a group of alumni wanting to raise funds for the Bodleian China Centre library at Oxford. Adrian and his team did a great job in guiding us up to breathless high passes and down through gorgeous valleys as we trekked around this spectacular pilgrimage route before finding our way back to a forgotten world of hot showers and soft beds.

William Boehm

Retired Environmental Scientist & Author, Singapore

I joined Whistling Arrow's botanical expedition in 2018 to explore the pristine wilderness of the Gaoligong Shan. I had originally met Adrian in Nepal in 2015, and back then was impressed by his passion for unearthing unique expeditionary-style adventures. I have subsequently found that he is indeed a true explorer, with a genuine desire to share the wilderness with others. He is a very affable, positive and enjoyable man to be around, experienced in remote areas, and I consider him at this point to be a friend, one whom I trust completely, and with whom I want to continue to explore. Thank you for including me in this amazingly diverse and beautiful trip, and in particular for fulfilling a lifelong dream to see the rare Himalayan Takin.

Matthew Middleditch

Global Head Of Practice, Linklaters, Hong Kong

I wanted to say a huge thank-you, both for everything you did to organise our wonderful trip and for being such a great companion on the journey itself. It really was a terrific experience – thoroughly enjoyable and challenging in equal measure – but at the same time very obvious that a vast amount of organisation had been needed, which all worked out perfectly. You were reassurance and geniality itself throughout and, if there were times when you might have been concerned about how things would work out, you did not show it at all. Thank-you so much for everything. And roll on the next trip...

Is that a snow leopard up there?

Are my stirrups short enough Mum?

Who talked me into this again?

Wow, how heavy did you say she was?

Who said it never snows in September?

Anyone for a Tibetan massage?

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread

Adrian

2023 Expeditions (2024 schedule coming soon)

We know that these fixed departure dates may not work for everyone. So, for private groups, we can try to arrange similar customised expeditions to suit your alternative dates.

'Softer' Custom Adventures

You Just Have To Go For It Sometimes

Ignore the little voice in your head that can list a a dozen reasons why you can't go. If you choose to not go often enough, eventually you'll wonder where all the time went!

You'll Be In Good, Safe Hands

Everyone Welcome

WhistlingArrow