Josie Travels

Exploring the Yungang Grottoes in Datong

After just three days in Beijing I was getting pretty sick of temples and crowds, so I decided to leave the city and head to Datong to visit the amazing…
Hiking the Himalayas: Everything you need to know about Altitude Sickness

Years ago, those who hiked in the Himalayas would be seasoned mountaineers looking to brave the highest peaks in the world. Now, anyone with a lot of cash and determination…
Hiking the Himalayas: the Annapurna Base Camp route planner

While the trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular hikes in Nepal, it’s also one of the most expensive. If you still want a taste of…
Hiking the Himalayas: the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes route planner

Everest, the tallest peak in the world at 8848m, is out of reach for most of us mere mortals, maybe due to the astronomical cost or the overwhelming physical challenges,…
How to see the Great Wall of China without the crowds

The Great Wall of China has to be one of the most famous landmarks in the world. I’ve never met someone who hasn’t heard of it, and most people dream…
Brave the chaos of Beijing

I was pretty nervous about arriving in China… there are few places so utterly different from England, and from most countries I’ve visited! The language, the culture, the food, everything…
A day trip to Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Gorkhi Terelj National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Mongolia and it’s only a short 55km drive from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
Eight great days in the Gobi Desert

After an incredible week exploring Central Mongolia in the sun and snow, it was time to head south to visit the famous Gobi Desert. If you’re expecting nothing but endless…
Eight captivating days in Central Mongolia

While Mongolia is famous for the vast Gobi Desert, it’s not all there is to see by a long shot. Picture endless steppe, rolling hills, lakes and rivers, dotted with…
Six uneventful days in Ulaanbaatar

I love exploring new cities when I get the chance. There’s always something to see and do, enough to keep you busy for weeks! At least, that’s what I thought…
How to survive a Mongolian road trip

Mongolia is one of those countries that’s on everybody’s bucket list, but not many people actually seem to visit. For those travellers on a budget, it’s an expensive destination because…
How to survive your Trans Mongolian adventure

Depending on your route, time schedule and goals, you could spend anything from a few hours to 7 days on the train. My longest was a 57-hour journey from Vladimir…