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This was such an incredible trip. Bhutan is majestic and filled with such warm and genuine people. Exploring sacred spaces and the culture and traditions of Bhutan and its people was truly magical. I still find it difficult to put into words the powerful experiences I had. It was the most present I have been for that stretch of time, what a gift. Being able to explore reverence in a deeply spiritual place with a group of heart centered people is unforgettable and will resonate with me forever. So much gratitude for Hinoki Travels, Bethany, and our guides Keunga and Kencho.
Exploring Bhutan with Hinoki granted us incredible access to a variety of spiritual leaders, environmental educators and medical practitioners, individuals whom would have been impossible to assemble without Hinoki's contacts and close personal relationships in the country. From discussing prayer, rebirth and beliefs with Reincarnate Khandro Dorje Phagmo, the highest ranking female leader in Tibetan Buddhism, to staying overnight in a remote monastery not normally open to guests, to accompanying Dr. Sanga to go behind the scenes at his Sowa Rigpa practice, to our exceptional hosts and guides, Kencho and Kuenga, it was a warm, frank and remarkable invitation to explore Bhutanese culture, country and spirituality through the lens of Reverence. I so appreciated the thoughtfulness of the theme of the trip, the respectful curiosity that it encouraged and Hinoki's commitment to community-led tourism and authentic engagement without pretense.
I traveled with Hinoki in Japan in October 2024. This experience felt life-changing. The way the tour was organized provided the building blocks for me to understand Japan (and myself) in a way that was encouraging but also a bit challenging. I appreciate the extreme thoughtfulness with which the journey was designed. It felt spacious, focused, and fun. I think Hinoki has something special and I can't wait to travel with them again.
This was my first trip with Hinoki Travels - and to Japan! I am incredibly pleased with my experience - from the accommodations to the warm people and unique (delicious!) food. I would never have experienced this part of Japan had I not booked this. My connection with this place and the memories I now have with beautifully kind locals is so beyond special. Thank you, Hinoki team ~ Bethany! Can’t wait to book another one.
Visiting Albania with Hinoki was my third trip with them and it was another enjoyable experience. I had no knowledge of the place or culture beforehand, but the interesting and engaging guides we had did a great job sharing personal stories and their experiences living there.We definitely enjoyed a lot of amazing food and hospitality, and many good hikes with wonderful vistas of all the mountain ranges that border the land. I especially enjoyed visiting the small village where this family produces honey from their apiary, and definitely had my fill of Raki!
Through Hinoki, I’ve been able to forge friendships with amazing people I never would have met in Albania, my favorite part of traveling, while also enjoy the many other aspects of Albanian culture, the food, the raki, textiles, and countless more without effort. A style of trip where I can be myself, relax, but also exert myself whether it be with hiking or learning Albanian depending on how I feel. Hinoki just made the transition of entering an entirely different world somehow easy, yet with all the challenges I like available. An experience that was made, yet one I got to make.
I’ve done 2 tours with Hinoki so far, and I can’t wait to do more! In visiting these locations, there’s no way I could have come up with these activities and locations on my own. I feel like I get to see and experience the real local culture and way of life with these tours.
During my exhilarating adventure with Hinoki Travels in East Greenland, I had the unique opportunity to fully immerse myself in the grandeur of the unspoiled wilderness. With the invaluable assistance of Hinoki and their local partners, I was able to delve into the rich tapestry of the country's history and culture, uncovering captivating stories and engaging in enlightening conversations that offered me a profound insight into the local way of life. It was their unwavering passion, extensive knowledge, and far-reaching connections that truly made my experience extraordinary and unforgettable. The meticulously crafted itinerary, featuring camping and trekking on foot and by kayak, provided a perfect balance of exhilarating adventure and contemplative moments, thereby allowing me to gain a deeper appreciation for the country and its people.As I ventured through East Greenland, I found that these firsthand experiences not only deepened my admiration and understanding of the country but also gave me a more profound awareness of how my travels can impact the local community. Moreover, the thoughtfulness and dedication of Bethany from Hinoki truly enhanced the meaningfulness and memorability of my journey. Her genuine care and meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the trip was enriching and rewarding.
It's difficult to express just how amazing this trip was. We traveled to the edge of east Greenland, by far the most remote and wild destination I've ever seen. And we were so thoroughly supported and so thoughtfully guided at every turn that I was able to be completely present and just experience all that the trip had to offer. In our short time on the ground in Greenland, we got a crash course in the local culture, history, and way of life. On our exhilarating trek (you know: up a fjord, through an ice cave, and across a glacier, no big deal) we were given the resources to continually engage with the land and appreciate the rugged beauty of this breathtaking place. And throughout the entire trip, we built a remarkable bond with both our guides and our fellow travelers—through free-flowing conversation, softer reflective moments, and SO many bits. And quite literally none of it would have been possible without Hinoki. If you're looking for a unique and experiential way to discover a fascinating place, then I can't recommend this trip—and Hinoki Travels—strongly enough.
It's always been a dream of mine to visit the Arctic, especially in an active and sustainable way. For instance by traveling on foot or by boat with local people and scientists, versus passing through as a sightseer on a cruise. I want to travel deeper and more meaningfully. Hinoki brings this in spades, and our trip to East Greenland exceeded my expectations. We kayaked amongst icebergs in the company of humpback whales. We caught arctic cod and foraged mussels amongst the rocks to create our own 'sea to table' dinners. We trekked across glaciers and rugged mountains, and camped in surprising comfort each night in the wilderness. One night we were treated to the eerily beautiful display of the aurora borealis pulsating in vivid colours across the cold night sky. Another time we sheltered in a snug cabin as stormy weather rolled in, the contrast between the vast elemental landscape outside and the warm hygge feeling within reminiscent of Christmas as we ate and drank, told jokes and stories. This theme of being surrounded by dramatic wild nature, contrasted with warmth and coziness around camp or in the Kulusuk lodge was one of the highlights of my trip. Another unexpected highlight was the people and community. Our knowledgable guides Matt and Jukku were phenomenal, looking after us and keeping us safe throughout our journey. The opportunity to stay in Kulusuk village in Matt and Helen's welcoming home was also a treat. We ate great food and got to meet local people, while soaking up the unique atmosphere of a small, traditional Inuit village. This included the many Greenlandic dogs, and puppies, that are reared here to pull sleds for hunting and travel in the winter. And despite knowing only one person in our group on arrival, it soon felt like I was with old friends having some epic reunion of sorts. I appreciated the shared sense of camaraderie amongst our team, and how much fun we all had. I've left this trip with many memories and many new friends that I hope to see again, hopefully on another Hinoki trip soon!
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Hinoki Travels offers restorative adventure travel for your well-being. Our trips explore themes of 'taking care' across the world, and emphasize cultural experiences in nature that help you reconnect to your senses. Uncommon access to spiritual practices, local food systems, community self-sufficiency, and climate adaptations all intersect in what we call "experiential well-being", where we learn new ways of being that we can take home and apply to our own lives.
Our small-group trips and private travel support remote & rural communities who seek to sustain their culture and livelihood through collaborative tourism projects.See more
