Hormart Expeditions - One-stop expedition directory - Recent listing in East Asia

Tiger Leaping Gorge - northern Yunnan, China

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 08:06:00 +0000

Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡, Hǔtiào Xiá) is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, located in northern Yunnan, China, between Lijiang and Shangri-La.

Quick Facts

Located along the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze)
Flanked by Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596 m) and Haba Snow Mountain (5,396 m)
Depth: Over 3,700 meters from mountain peak to river
Legend: A tiger escaped hunters by leaping across the gorge at its narrowest point (hence the name)

Why It’s Famous

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a world-class trekking destination, offering:

Cliffside trails with dramatic river views
Waterfalls and wild nature
Guesthouses in rustic Naxi villages
A chance to unplug and experience authentic mountain life

Trekking Options

High Trail (2 days, ~22 km)

Panoramic mountain views
Passes through Tea Horse Guesthouse, Halfway Guesthouse
Moderate difficulty, with switchbacks like the "28 Bends"

Lower Trail / Gorge Trail

Accesses the Tiger Leaping Rock (legendary tiger jump point)
Includes steep descent to the river
More touristy, but still thrilling

Where to Stay

Naxi Family Guesthouse (start)
Tea Horse Guesthouse
Halfway Guesthouse (known for epic views)
Tina’s Guesthouse (near Middle Gorge)

Travel Tips

Best time to go: March–May or Sept–Nov (avoid summer rains)
Bring: good hiking shoes, sunblock, water, raincoat
Altitude: ~1,800–2,600m — not high enough for altitude sickness, but take it slow
Mobile signal is weak in places; most guesthouses have Wi-Fi

Xishuangbanna - China’s Tropical Gateway

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 06:56:39 +0000

Xishuangbanna (西双版纳, Xīshuāngbǎnnà) is a tropical, lush, and culturally rich prefecture in southern Yunnan, bordering Laos and Myanmar. It’s a unique destination in China known for its rainforests, tea culture, and Dai ethnic heritage—unlike anywhere else in the country.

Top Attractions in Xishuangbanna

1. Tropical Botanical Garden (Menglun)

One of China's most important biodiversity reserves.
Over 13,000 species of tropical plants in a massive area.
Home to rare species like the giant Amazon lily and traveler’s palm.

2. Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷)

A rare place to potentially see wild Asian elephants.
Aerial walkways through jungle canopy, cable car rides, and eco-centers.
Also houses butterflies, peacocks, and monkey-viewing platforms.

3. Manting Park (Manting Gongyuan)

Oldest park in Xishuangbanna (1,300+ years).
Combines royal Dai heritage, peacocks, temples, and tropical gardens.
Hosts Dai cultural shows at night.

4. Dai Minority Park (Ganlanba)

Cluster of authentic Dai villages near the Mekong River (Lancang).
Experience water splashing rituals, Dai food, and traditional stilt houses.
Best during April (Water Splashing Festival).

5. Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion

Beautiful, delicate Buddhist architecture.
Serves as a symbol of the Dai people's Theravāda Buddhist tradition.

6. Menghai Tea Mountain Area

Home to some of the world’s best Pu'erh tea (e.g., Nannuo, Bada, Bulang).
Visit old tea trees and experience ancient processing methods.

Nearby Scenic Regions

Lancang River (Mekong): Cruises available; river runs from China to Vietnam.
Wangtianshu Rainforest: One of China’s last remaining virgin tropical rainforests.
Manzhao Village: Traditional Dai village with stilt houses and palm-lined paths.

Culture and People

Home to the Dai minority, whose customs are closer to those in Laos or Thailand than Han Chinese culture.
People follow Theravāda Buddhism, speak a Tai-Kadai language, and live in palm-roof houses.
Water-Splashing Festival (April 13–15) is like Songkran (Thai New Year)—expect joyful water fights and rituals.

How to Get There

Jinghong Xishuangbanna Airport (JHG): Connects with Kunming, Chengdu, and more.
Roads from Kunming (8–10 hours by long-distance bus or private vehicle).
Popular for overland travel to/from Laos (Luang Namtha) and Myanmar (via customs, if open).

Where to Stay

Jinghong city is the main base, with riverside guesthouses, resorts, and tea-themed hotels.
Some travelers stay in tea mountains like Nannuo Shan for an immersive tea experience.

Best Time to Visit

Nov to Mar: Dry and cool season (ideal for travel).
Apr: Water-Splashing Festival.
May–Oct: Rainy season (lush but humid, some rural roads muddy).

Local Food Highlights

Bamboo-tube rice (Khao Lam)
Sour-spicy Dai papaya salad
Grilled fish, banana flowers, and pickled tea leaf dishes
Local pu’erh tea served strong and earthy

National Palace Museum of Korea, Seoul

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:13:20 +0000

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located in Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. It houses a collection of artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty, including ceramics, paintings, furniture, and clothing. The museum offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs, making it a great place to learn about Korean history and culture.

Here are some of the highlights of the museum:

The Joseon Dynasty Gallery: This gallery showcases a wide range of artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty, including ceramics, paintings, furniture, and clothing.
The Royal Family Gallery: This gallery focuses on the lives of the Joseon Dynasty's royal family, with exhibits on their daily lives, customs, and rituals.
The Special Exhibition Gallery: This gallery hosts temporary exhibitions on various topics related to Korean art and culture.
The Children's Museum: This museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for children.

The National Palace Museum of Korea is a great place to spend a few hours learning about Korean history and culture. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day except for Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free for South Korean citizens and residents, and there is a small fee for foreign visitors.

Additional tips for visiting the National Palace Museum of Korea:

Wear comfortable shoes: There is a lot of walking involved in exploring the museum.
Hire a guide: A guide can help you learn more about the history and culture of the Joseon Dynasty.
Check the opening hours: The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Plan your visit in advance: The museum can get crowded, so it's best to plan your visit in advance.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpq9J6NXZ9A

Gyeongbokgung Palace - historical landmark, Seoul

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 05:53:01 +0000

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a stunning historical landmark located in Seoul, South Korea. It was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, built in 1395. The palace was destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of 1592 and remained in ruins for centuries. It was partially restored in the late 19th century and has since undergone further restoration efforts.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is known for its beautiful architecture, including its grand halls, courtyards, and gardens. Some of the highlights of the palace include:

Geunjeongjeon Hall: The main hall of the palace, where the king held court.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: A beautiful two-story pavilion located on an artificial island in the palace grounds.
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion: A smaller pavilion located in a peaceful garden setting.
National Palace Museum of Korea: A museum located within the palace grounds that houses a collection of artifacts from the Joseon dynasty.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a popular tourist destination and offers a glimpse into Korea's royal past. Visitors can explore the palace grounds, learn about its history, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Additional tips for visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace:

Arrive early: The palace can get crowded, so it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes: There is a lot of walking involved in exploring the palace grounds.
Hire a guide: A guide can help you learn more about the history and architecture of the palace.
Rent a hanbok: Traditional Korean clothing can be rented and worn in the palace grounds.
Check the opening hours: The palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKLdb8Q9rZ8

Andong Hahoe Folk Village - village that's preserving traditional life of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 05:47:53 +0000

\Andong Hahoe Folk Village, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a well-preserved traditional Korean village located in Andong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea, which showcases the traditional way of life during the Joseon Dynasty era, including traditional architecture, folk plays, mask dances, and other cultural activities.

Located on the banks of the Nakdong River, the village is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Hwasan Mountain. The village is renowned for its traditional architecture, featuring thatched-roof houses, pavilions, and ancestral shrines.

People

The villagers are direct descendants of the Ryu clan, who have lived in the village for over 600 years. Farming and fishing are deemed essential economic activities, with many of them still engaged in traditional agricultural practices.

Activities

The Hahoe Mask Dance, a traditional Korean dance performed during the Hahoe Mask Dance Festival, is also a famous attraction of the village, held annually in the fall. As a living museum, Andong Hahoe Folk Village is an excellent destination for those interested in Korean history, culture, and architecture, as it has retained the traditional way of life of the Korean people, providing a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmHT_KpOmvI

Nagoro Doll Village - more dolls than humans, Iya Valley

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:31:53 +0000

Nagoro, also referred to as Nagoru, presently recognized as Nagoro Doll Village is situated in the Iya Valley on Shikoku Island in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan.

The village is renowned for the copious lifelike dolls strategically placed across the vicinity, which has propelled it to become a popular tourist destination. Located in a secluded mountainous area, the village previously accommodated approximately 300 inhabitants. However, the dwindling population in Japan has led to a decline, resulting in a headcount of 35 individuals by January 2015, 30 as of August 2016, and a further reduction to 27 by September 2019.

During the early 2000s, Tsukimi Ayano, who had relocated away from Nagoro during her childhood, returned to the village to provide care for her father. In commemoration of him, Ayano created a doll bearing his resemblance and placed it within a nearby field. Over time, Ayano has fashioned over 400 dolls, inclusive of replacements, with roughly 350 presently residing within the village. The dolls depict various forms, including replicas of former and present village residents, alongside imaginary individuals.

Image source: tripadvisor.cn

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxiOdrVreSQ

Related reading

What to Know About Visiting Nagoro, Japan’s Bizarre Doll Village - Perchance to Roam
Nagoro: Japan's Village Of Dolls - Outlook India
Explore the hidden Japanese village where dolls replace the departed - The Verge
Nagoro, Village of Dolls - SHIKOKU TOURS

Neulbom Garden Restaurant - most haunted place in South Korea, Jecheon

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 08:57:21 +0000

Located in Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea, the Neulbom Garden Restaurant (늘봄가든) is widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in the country. It is often mentioned in lists, blogs, YouTube channels, and articles about haunted places, and is commonly grouped together with other notorious locations like the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital and Yeongdeok Haunted House.

The Neulbom Garden Restaurant has a tragic past. According to local legend, the former owner of the restaurant was driven to take his own life after his only daughter died in a terrible accident. It is said that his spirit remained on the property, haunting the building and causing strange phenomena to occur. When a new owner purchased the restaurant to run a new business, he reportedly became mentally ill due to the malevolent presence of the former owner's ghost.

Even though the restaurant is no longer in operation, nearby residents claim to hear the sounds of dishes being washed and doors slamming, indicating that the property may still be haunted.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ICvEko00Yg

Fureaihiroba Camping Ground - tents, playground and family activities, Osaka

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 06:49:20 +0000

Fureaihiroba Camping Ground is located in Osaka. If you are going to use the accommodation camp, please fill out the required items on the prescribed application form from 2 months to 7 days before the date of use and apply to the Grape Hill Sports Park Management Office. [Find application form here]

However, you can apply for day camp from 2 months before the date of use until the day of use.

We do not accept applications over the phone, but you can check the reservation status.

Please pay the usage fee at the management office on the day of use.

Tsurumiryokuchi Camping Ground - campsite, Osaka

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 06:41:17 +0000

Day camp 10: 30-17: 00 / Night camp 17: 30-9: 30 the next day * Up to 4 copies (day / night x 2) can be used continuously.

Camping availability period: March 1st-November 30th

Off day - Monday (If Monday is a national holiday, the weekday after the holiday is closed) and from December 1st to the end of February

We also offer rental services for a set of BBQ equipment, foodstuffs, and drinks.
You can also use the barbecue at the campsite.

Shōdoshima - Island of Small Beans, 23rd largest island in Japan

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 06:33:09 +0000

Shōdoshima or Shōdo Island is an island located in the Inland Sea of Japan. The name means "Island of Small Beans". There are two towns on the island: Tonoshō and Shōdoshima, composing the district of Shōzu. The island was the first area of Japan to successfully grow olives, and it is sometimes known as "Olive Island".

Shōdoshima is the 23rd largest island in Japan, and the second largest in the Seto Inland Sea. It is home to Dofuchi Strait, the world's narrowest strait, 9.93 m (32.58 ft) meters at its narrowest.

Frequent ferries run to the island from Takamatsu, Himeji, Teshima and Okayama. Ferries run infrequently to Osaka and Kōbe as well.

Shōdoshima is a popular destination for domestic tourism in Japan. In addition to natural features such as the Dobuchi Strait, the Angel Road, Shōdoshima Olive Park and the Kanka Gorge, Shōdoshima is famous as the setting for the antiwar novel Twenty-Four Eyes, written by the native author Sakae Tsuboi and later turned twice into a film (1954 and 1987), as well as a television special. [source]

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8coumGHt33Q

Ningbo Pinyi Outdoor - outdoor and sports gears, Ningbo

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 06:56:09 +0000

Ningbo Pinyi Outdoor Technology Co.,Ltd.(NPOT) which was established in 2007,has grown into one of the most professional ISO9001&BSCI audit supplier of Outdoor Camping Products in Ningbo, China.

In order to meet different customers’requirement.Our main products range including Camping Furniture,Camping Tent,Outdoor Hammock,Outdoor Camping Kitchen,Outdoor Camping Lighting,BBQ Pro,Trekking Pole,Camping Accessories etc.

By now NPOT own 3000+ sku items,selling to 60+ countries,118+ partners all over the world.Our main partners including supermarket Aldi,Lidl,Walmart,TJX,Costco,Cencosud,Coleman,Gooutdoors,BRP,Leki,Logos,Our Goal is to be famous&Influential one-stop supplier in outdoor camping pro line.