Discover Travel with Purpose
Travel with us in small trekking groups to off-the-beaten-track locations.
Explore not only incredible landscapes, but also unique local and indigenous cultures in a way that benefits communities, supports cultural preservation and environmental conservation.
OUR PURPOSE IS DEVELOPMENTAL
OUR METHOD IS TRAVEL
OUR PRODUCTS ARE UNIQUE JOURNEYS
DEVELOPED WITH LOCAL GUIDES
AND THEIR COMMUNITIES
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DISCOVER REMOTE CULTURES IN AMAZING PLACES
Join us and explore incredible, remote locations and experience unique, fascinating mountain and indigenous cultures
Travelling with us means not only trekking in some of the most spectacular remote locations on earth, but also on forging links with remote communities. It means experiencing traditional cultures in a way that few travel companies do, in countries as diverse as remote Tibetan Nepal, Armenia and Uganda.
Get unique insights into the beliefs, stories legends and the daily lives of these remote cultures through tapping into local expertise and indigenous wisdom.
Our links with remote communities, traditional herbalists, lamas and monks, village elders, traditional households, forest people, yak herders and nomadic traders create unique trekking journeys with authentic and meaningful interactions with cultures that we can learn so much from.
Our Trips
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“With local guides, a deep appreciation for place and people, and an unhurried pace, Nomadic Skies bring a new dimension to travel. You will find yourself immersed, inspired, and refreshed by your trek through this beautiful, spiritual land.”
Linda Behnken
"It's as if we were part of a BBC documentary on the indigenous people of Dolpo. An amazing experience."
Jeanette Arnott
“Incredible journey to one of the most beautiful places on earth with the opportunity to interact in a meaningful way with locals— gaining deeper insights and enjoying the warmest of welcomes.”
Linda Di Maio
This was a way of travelling I could never have even imagined. The places we went to and the experiences we had were so varied, rich and beautiful that this trip of a lifetime will stay with me forever. It has totally changed the way I think about travel, and about genuinely benefitting and connecting with the people who’s country I have the great privilege of visiting.
Cal Major
UK
"A truly shared experience with a community. Not just a hike through a wonderful landscape."
Liz Bibby
"A unique experience, very much into the heart of the Dolpo-pa, unlike other treks which speed through the landscape and seldom touch the culture."
Anne Ince
“A slow trip through the more unvisited corners of Doplo, taking time to connect with the local people and understand the world from their perspective.”
Jason Scott
This trip was more immersive than I had originally thought, but was so much better for it. Getting to know the people and their culture, even for this short time, was the biggest ad on to a holiday I have ever had
I cannot imagine travelling and experiencing all that this country has to offer, the wildlife, the incredible landscape and the communities with anyone other than Nomadic Skies! Nothing in the future is going to touch it!
Sam Sanger
UK
Travel that fosters deeper, meaningful connections with remote communities.
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Journeys that impact on travelers and the communities we visit.
Trails of remote High Himalayan culture and wisdom
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US$ 5100 (around £3800)A breathtaking journey to the sacred, otherworldly Lake Phoksundo and the hidden Kagmara Valley. Ascend beyond established trails through shamanic Hindu villages, continuing into the stunning monasteries and landscapes of the culturally Tibetan high Himalaya in northwest Nepal.
Bespoke Journeys for groups of 2 - 5 are available, contact for details
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The bio-diverse Virunga of South West Uganda
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US$ 5,100 (around £3,800)An extraordinary journey through one of Africa’s most breathtaking, biodiverse regions. This trekking adventure combines travel by boat and dugout canoe, ascending into the alpine zone of the high Virunga Mountains (over 3,600m). Along the way, it crosses equatorial and cloud forests, revealing rich cultures, remarkable wildlife, and diverse habitats.
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Silk Trade & Pilgrim Routes of Armenia
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US$3200 (around £2400)Journey along the hidden pilgrim trails and trade routes of Southern Armenia. Explore the ancient, modern and recent history and the natural environments of the Vorotan Canyon in collaboration with hill communities along outr route.
NEW : 17 Day trip includes an extension to Mount Ararat
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Desert pastoralists, nomads and traders of Southern Morocco
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US$ 3700 (about £2800)A fascinating journey through the contrasting landscapes and ancient traditions of southern Morocco. Travel from bustling Marrakesh across the High Atlas to the historic trade towns at the foot of the mountains, before heading into the desert to trek with Sahrawi and Berber communities.
2026 group trip: 5th to 16th December 2026
2027 group trips available in February 2027 (dates to be confirmed).
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Panama's remote East Coast, the land of the Guna people and historic Darien
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Price to be confirmed ShortlyAn adventurous journey to Guna Yala, the indigenous territory of the Guna people on Panama’s little-visited eastern coast, and to Puerto Escocés, site of the historic Darien settlement. Trek along palm-fringed beaches, jungle, and rivers while exploring the region’s rich culture and history alongside indigenous communities.
Our inaugural group journey will take place in April 2027 (dates to be confirmed).
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Footsteps of Peter Matthiessen's Snow Leopard
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BespokeA group trip for 8–10 people will take place in September/October 2027, with final dates to be confirmed soon. Register your interest now.
Bespoke journeys for 2 or more people are also available with our indigenous guides, following the route explored by US author Peter Matthiessen in Dolpo, northwest Nepal, which inspired his iconic 1979 book The Snow Leopard.
Bespoke trips are available in spring (May–June) and autumn (October–November). Group trip pricing will be confirmed shortly.
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Sacred fibres: Textiles of the hidden High Himalaya
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US$ 4850 (around £3600)An immersive journey into the textiles of the mountain communities of Humla in northwestern Nepal. Travel alongside fellow textile enthusiasts while exploring the practical, cultural, and sacred significance of woven and sewn textiles. Spend time with skilled local artisans, learning from them in a stunning mountain setting rich in cultural heritage and creative inspiration.
Following a successful 2024 trip, we will be running the journey again in September–October 2027. Contact us to register your interest.
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Coffee growing communities of the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda
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US$ 4345 (about £3250)A journey through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, visiting speciality coffee farmers and processors from Kigali to Entebbe. Experience diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife, vibrant cultures, and the warm hospitality of equatorial Africa.
A collaboration between Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters and Nomadic Skies.
2028 group trips available February–March 2028 (dates to be confirmed).
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About Us
We're a developmental trekking company founded on a professional background of international development
Nomadic Skies was built around the question on how travel, to remote areas and amongst fragile indigenous cultures, can be more beneficial to these communities.
Established by development professionals Gavin Anderson and Jigme Lama, we have over 50 years experience of working in small business and rural international development. As a group of likeminded people we passionately believe that travel, if developed collaboratively and run effectively, can contribute meaningfully to:
- Enhancing local incomes and employment, addressing challenges of rural population migration and the impact of climate change on livelihoods.
- preserving culture and indigenous wisdom.
- addressing local environmental and social challenges.
We don't believe that we can be THE solution to these problems, but we do believe we can contribute to addressing these challenges and potentially influencing others to travel in a way that is not just an incredible experience for the traveller, but positive to local communities, cultures and environments.
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Our Vision
Travel that supports fragile communities in remote locations
Our Vision is for travel that is led by local guides. Guides that not only know the route, but who are part of the area and communities we travel to. Journeys that involve local communities and households and where we are invited to meaningfully interact with communities and participate in local events, ceremonies and share in arts, crafts and music.
Our vision is for travel that maximises economic benefits within local communities and locally owned small businesses. Contributing to the mix of income sources that are so essential to sustainable livelihoods that are not reliant on tourism.
Our vision is for travel to support the preservation of local knowledge and wisdom. Broadening our awareness and understanding as travellers while assisting communities (and younger generations) recognise the immense value of traditional skills, wisdom, folklore and aural and physical culture.
In doing this, our vision is to offer travel experiences in remote areas that are unique and offer a depth of exploration and a quality of local interaction beyond traditional travel. Travel that will change the traveller and support positive change and preservation within remote and fragile communities and environments.
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Travel with purpose
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Hill Cottage, Mill St, Ullapool,
Wester Ross, Scotland
IV26 2UN
gavin.anderson@nomadicskies.com
Copyright 2018 © Nomadic Skies