Our Tour Leaders
All of our tours are led by academics and experts in their field who will share their passion and knowledge with you in lectures, talks and throughout the tour. Click on their profile to find out more about them.

Alex McKay
Dr Alex McKay is a fellow at the Royal Asiatic Society in London and the author of a number of books and articles, mostly on Himalayan history and culture. He obtained his Ph.D. at London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies and has held lecturing and research posts at both London University and in Leiden in the Netherlands. Alex has worked, lived and travelled widely in Asia and North Africa and has led numerous tours in those regions.
Current Tours:
Jewels of Northern India | 05 – 20 March 2024 (16 days)
Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites | 09 – 15 October 2024 (7 days)
The Frankincense Route: Oman | 15 – 29 November 2024 (15 days)
Testimonials:
“Alex is a very special tour leader. We all felt very lucky for lots of reasons to have him as a leader.”
Jane N. | Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites, 2023
“Alex was professional, knowledgeable, adaptable [and] able to handle problems and adapt to new schedules as needed. You will not find a better leader.”
Russell K. | Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites, 2022
“Alex was a superb tour leader. He spoke well, conveyed his enthusiasm [and] had an energy about him that was very impressive.”
Christopher M. | Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites, 2022
“Alex was an excellent tour leader, knowledgeable, patient, helpful and a great storyteller of the interesting life he has led.’’
Peggy M. | Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites, 2021
“Alex is very pleasant, easy-going, good humoured, and very informative. It was a pleasure to have him with us.’’
Robin L. | Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites, 2021
“We couldn’t have had a better guide. He was very pleasant, great sense of humour and his knowledge of the history, religion and culture of Bhutan was very extensive.’’
Linda C. | Hidden Lands of the Himalayas, 2020
“Very good – knowledgeable, efficient, always available and personable.’’
Richard M. | Hidden Lands of the Himalayas, 2020