Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread
Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire
Escaping Into The Wilds: Eastern Tibet (2017)
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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. Although smaller in number, these continue to this day; uniquely-designed and personally hosted, our annual expeditions are quite simply part of our DNA.
Increasingly, we have found ourselves using 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, we offer 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, hyper-personalization and real-added value. If we can confidently use our experience in the field, then we're happy to help you 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
By truly memorable, this is the kind of trip we have in mind; custom designed specifically for a group of private clients.
Scheduled 2026/27 Expeditions
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 are usually hosted and led by our founder, Adrian Bottomley. While our annual schedule is continually evolving, every year these expeditions typically include a new and more challenging exploration, a somewhat 'softer' trekking adventure, and at least one reconnaissance-style trip. We also 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.
* In 2026 we already have several private client expeditions confirmed with Adrian hosting, so our fixed-date expedition schedule is lighter than usual. This year, our unique reconnaissance-style trip is an invite-only, horse-trekking expedition in southern Kyrgyzstan scheduled for June 2026. *
UZONGU KUSH EXPEDITION | SOUTHERN KYRGYZSTAN
Join our first pioneering expedition to trek (both on horseback and on foot) into the heart of this wild and unexplored range along the border with China. This is one that we are truly excited about!
June 12 to 23, 2026
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.
August 21 to 31, 2026
Please note that this trip is already FULL.
THE WORLD'S HIGHEST VIRGIN PEAK | NORTHERN BHUTAN
Join our second exploratory expedition to explore one of the most beautiful mountain sanctuaries in the Himalayas; the glaciated wonderlands hidden away at the base of Gangkhar Puensum. Please note that this year the expedition will be led and hosted by Karma.
October 15 to November 1, 2026
NOMAD MIGRATION & EAGLE HUNT | WESTERN MONGOLIA
Join us as we push the boundaries of the familiar; to journey through rugged and spectacular terrain (and seemingly time), to engage head on with local cultures and fully immerse ourselves in a nomadic migration, and of course go eagle hunting.
March 20 to 30, 2027
'Softer' Custom Adventures
We also design 'softer', private adventures; well-supported, experiential journeys created for intrepid families with children, and more spirited groups of friends. These are shorter than our scheduled expeditions (often around 10 to 12 days in length), more 'comfortable,' and typically hosted by our trusted local guides. Currently, we offer these 'softer' adventures in Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal and Tajikistan.
Our 'Signature' Trips
Finally, there's our 'signature' trips; bespoke adventures that have circulated under the radar screen, by word of mouth, from one family to the next, and from one group of guests to another - in Mongolia and Bhutan (with trips soon to be launched in Tibet and Nepal).
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
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...
Everyone Welcome
One of our previous expeditions in western Mongolia was featured in the Fortnum & Mason adventure journal! (click on image to view).
Our expedition teams are typically diverse and international, brought together by a collective spirit of discovery and adventure. Often relative strangers at the outset - without fail they finish a close-knit bunch: the result of shared challenges, unique experiences and good old-fashioned fun.
ALL YOU NEED IS PLOV!
OK WHICH ONE OF YOU DID THIS?
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?
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