In the vast lands of East Asia, few regions can compare to the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences offered by South Korea, Taiwan, and Mongolia. These three countries, each unique in their own right, come together in our latest tours, which offer travellers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural depth of East Asia. Whether you’re drawn to the hiking trails of Taiwan and South Korea or captivated by the cherry blossoms and nomadic traditions of South Korea and Mongolia, these tours provide the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and scenic splendour.
Hiking East Asia: A Journey Through Taiwan and South Korea
Our Hiking East Asia tour is a carefully curated journey through two of East Asia’s most picturesque and culturally rich countries—Taiwan and South Korea. This tour is designed for travellers who yearn for immersive experiences, combining the physical challenge of hiking with the spiritual and cultural insights that these destinations offer.
Taiwan is a land of striking contrasts, where modern cities are framed by towering mountains and serene lakes. The tour begins with an exploration of Taiwan’s natural wonders, taking you on hikes through the lush landscapes of Jinmian Mountain and the challenging Mt. Moalan Trail. As you walk along century-old paths that were once vital trade routes, you’ll experience the tranquil beauty of Taiwan’s forests and mountains, where every step brings you closer to the country’s rich history and diverse ecosystems. Highlights include visiting Hell Valley, also known as Ghost Lake, where volcanic activity creates an otherworldly landscape of steaming geysers and bubbling springs.
One of the tour’s most unforgettable experiences is witnessing the U-Theatre, a Zen-inspired drum performance set against the backdrop of Taiwan’s natural beauty. This meditative art form, deeply rooted in the country’s spiritual traditions, adds a profound cultural dimension to your journey. The tour also includes a visit to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest body of water, renowned for its serene beauty and the misty mountains that surround it. The blend of natural and cultural experiences in Taiwan sets the stage for an equally enriching exploration of South Korea.
South Korea offers a stark yet complementary contrast to Taiwan. Known for its dramatic landscapes and deep-rooted traditions, South Korea is a hiker’s paradise, especially during the autumn months when the national parks are ablaze with vibrant fall colours. The tour takes you through some of South Korea’s most beautiful national parks, where you’ll hike through remote villages, forested mountains, and scenic trails that reveal the country’s natural splendour. The experience is further enriched by overnight stays in traditional Hanok villages, where you can immerse yourself in Korea’s history and culture.
One of the tour’s spiritual highlights is the stay at an active Buddhist temple. Here, you’ll participate in the ancient Yebul ceremony, a deeply moving ritual that reflects the core of Korean Buddhism. The experience of sharing a traditional tea ceremony with monks in the serene temple grounds adds another layer of cultural immersion. The combination of Taiwan’s mystical landscapes and South Korea’s cultural depth makes this tour an ideal choice for those looking to connect with nature and history on a profound level.
Cherry Blossoms and Nomads: Exploring South Korea and Mongolia
For travellers seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, the Cherry Blossoms and Nomads tour offers an extraordinary journey through South Korea and Mongolia. This tour captures the essence of these two countries, highlighting their unique landscapes, rich traditions, and the harmonious balance they strike between the past and the present.
South Korea during cherry blossom season is nothing short of magical. As the tour leads you through tunnels of blooming cherry trees, you’ll be captivated by the delicate beauty that blankets the country in soft pink petals. One of the highlights is hiking along Dream Road, where you’ll walk through forests alive with the sights and sounds of spring. The experience is not just about nature, but also about connecting with Korea’s spiritual heritage. The tour includes a stay at a Buddhist temple in Mt. Songnisan National Park, where you’ll participate in traditional ceremonies, meditate in the mountains, and share tea with monks. This immersion into Korean culture, combined with the country’s stunning natural landscapes, creates a deeply rewarding travel experience.
The transition from South Korea’s serene beauty to the vast expanses of Mongolia brings a dramatic change in scenery and experience. Mongolia, with its sweeping steppes, rugged mountains, and nomadic culture, offers an adventure that is both thrilling and soul-stirring. The tour takes you from the bustling city of Ulaanbaatar to the remote wilderness, where you’ll stay in traditional ger camps and ride horses through the Mongolian steppe. The landscape here is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring, with opportunities to hike through the wild terrains of Terelj National Park and explore the World Heritage landscapes of the Orkhon Valley.
One of the tour’s most unique experiences is encountering the rare Przewalski horses in Hustai National Park, where these magnificent creatures roam free against a backdrop of rolling hills and open skies. The combination of Mongolia’s untouched natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage, from the legacy of Genghis Khan to the nomadic traditions that still thrive today, makes this part of the journey truly unforgettable.
A Perfect Touring Combination
Both of these tours—Hiking East Asia and Cherry Blossoms and Nomads—are designed to offer travellers a deep connection with the lands they explore. Taiwan and South Korea, with their lush landscapes and spiritual traditions, complement each other beautifully, providing a balance of adventure and cultural immersion. Similarly, the combination of South Korea and Mongolia offers a unique contrast, blending the serenity of Korea’s cherry blossom trails with the wild, untamed beauty of Mongolia’s steppes.
Each destination within these tours offers something distinct yet harmonious, making them ideal for travellers seeking to experience the diverse beauty and rich cultural tapestries of East Asia. Whether you’re drawn to the mystical landscapes of Taiwan, the vibrant traditions of South Korea, or the vast wilderness of Mongolia, these tours provide the perfect opportunity to explore the heart and soul of these remarkable regions.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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