So What's The Story?
Hi. If you have delved this deep, you are probably keen to do some due diligence. Well - my name is Adrian Bottomley and I founded Whistling Arrow in 2009. In short, it is an expression of my passion to discover and share deeply immersive, 'best of breed' adventures that are imaginatively designed, expertly managed and largely unique.
On offer here are NOT dozens of standard white-label itineraries, but rather a singular collection of meticulously researched and personally guided trips from the only people I know we can trust - ourselves. I care deeply about three things; safely delivering bold one-of-a-kind experiences, having some fun along the way, and ensuring that you come back for more.
Finally, I am a graduate of the London School of Economics, an active member of the Explorers Club, a periodic zen practitioner, a collector of Tibetan rugs, and when not leading expeditions, based in Hong Kong (where apparently I am now a 'prominent' denizen), and always happy to meet up, or arrange a call. Oh, and nearly all the photos on this site were either taken by myself, or our previous guests.
Thanks for visiting,
Adrian
Proven Record
Successfully designed, hosted, and led over 40 pioneering expeditions throughout Asia over the last 15+ years.
Real Expertise
Unrivalled knowledge of our core areas of operation in China, Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, India, Mongolia & many more.
Trusted Host
Incorporated in Hong Kong, with ATTA membership, and a loyal band of satisfied clients, many of whom are now friends.
Whistling Arrow was my best trekking experience ever. The expedition was very well organised and we experienced parts of Eastern Tibet that few foreigners had ever seen before.
Adrian's personality, flexibility and leadership were also key; able to easily lead us through any obstacles we encountered and create a great feeling of camaraderie between the group, even though we didn't all know each other at the start. Leading up to the expedition, Adrian also answered any questions about the trip quickly and knowledgeably. I'm looking forward to joining them again soon.
Regina
More Kind Words From Previous Guests
Kathi Von Koerber & Family: BHUTAN
Sandra Felgate & Family: MONGOLIA
Alice Au & Family: TAJIKISTAN
In The Media
Whistling Arrow has regularly been featured in the media, from high-profile print magazines to more niche digital platforms, although as a rule we do not engage in the pay-to-play-type coverage that is so prevalent in travel journalism.
Adrian Bottomley has also written and published several accounts (see below) of his past adventures and is always open to proposals from commissioning editors. Likewise, if you are travel writer or journalist yourself and need to brainstorm a distinctive story angle for an upcoming feature, or require comment on the latest in Asia adventure travel, we would be happy to try and assist.
Trekking In The Land Of Eagle Hunters - Western Mongolia
This feature recounts Adrian's first reconnaisance expedition deep into the spectacular Altai mountains of western Mongolia: the land of the fabled eagle hunters.
Published by Time Out magazine
Expedition To The Stone Korowai Tribe - Indonesian West Papua
A trek deep into the jungle of West Papua in New Guinea, reveals a tribe struggling with their first, tentative steps down from their towering trees houses.
Published by Action Asia magazine
Trekking Into The Sacred Peaks Of Golok - Western China
This feature recounts our 'first' foray into a spectacular and undiscovered range straddling the Sichuan/Qinghai border on a quest for a revered lake & rare lilac lily.
Published by Action Asia magazine
Can you believe this guy? He's going to trek into the jungle for 3 weeks - with no map, no phone, and no internet - just to write a story!
Sustainability
Let's be honest, sustainability is a little tricky. Unless we all to stay closer to home, chances are we will leave an elevated carbon footprint when exploring further afield, and effectively offsetting that carbon can be problematic for several reasons, not least (at the risk of getting too nerdy here) due to potential issues around 'additionality', 'leakage', and the calculation of 'baselines'.
But what is the practical alternative? We spend a lot of time in the mountains, and see that urgent global action is clearly needed. At the same time, there does seem to be a spurious rush by some companies (whose travel operations are inherently less sustainable) to 'greenwash' their brands, and so our personal choice, is to do our bit, by firstly donating a fixed percentage of our profits (as well as time) to a wonderful local project, Green Earth Hong Kong, that is making a verifiable difference on our very own doorstep.
Secondly, Whistling Arrow is also a member of the long-established Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), whose enduring purpose is to nurture the sustainable development of the adventure travel industry, and also subscribes to 'Neutral Together', ATTA's innovative program for the adventure travel community to collectively address, and offset, its global carbon impact.
Working in our favour on this important issue, are several other factors. Firstly, a trekking expedition, is evidently one of the most sustainable (not to mention immersive, experiential and transformational) ways to travel, and, as a niche operator, we run only a select number of relatively unique (and lengthy) adventures every year. Secondly, for over a decade now, we have quietly supported many of the local communities in which we operate, hired only local guides, worked hard to reduce the use of single-use plastics (although to be honest, this can still be a challenge on some expeditions), and, last but not least, contributed in no way whatsoever to the scourge of over-tourism. In fact, on most of our trips, we rarely see any other travellers at all!
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