Luxury adventure operator andBeyond is marking two decades of operations in Asia with a portfolio of five limited-edition small group journeys scheduled for 2028. The new itineraries are designed to offer deep, expert-led perspectives on the region's landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage, reinforcing the company's position in the high-end experiential travel segment.
Since entering the Indian market in 2006, andBeyond has expanded its Asian footprint to Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The company has built a reputation for immersive safaris and cultural experiences, often in partnership with conservationists and local communities. The 2028 journeys aim to build on that legacy by pairing travellers with specialists whose careers have been defined by fieldwork across the continent.
Five journeys, five expert perspectives
The new roster includes "Red Pandas and Tigers" in Nepal, led by naturalist Harsha Jayaramaiah. This expedition takes guests through the eastern Himalaya and Bardia National Park, offering encounters with two of the subcontinent's most elusive species. In Ladakh, the "Snow Leopard Expedition" will be guided by wildlife scientist Dr Raghu Chundawat, providing rare insights into snow leopard ecology in the high-altitude desert.
Sri Lanka's "Rediscovering Monkey Kingdom" journey, led by Toby Sinclair, explores the landscapes featured in Disneynature's acclaimed film, blending wildlife observation with cinematic storytelling. Meanwhile, two Ganges cruises in India — one from the Himalayas to Kolkata and another from Patna to Kolkata — will be led by Sinclair and historian Rudrangshu Mukherjee, respectively, offering a riverine perspective on the country's spiritual and colonial history.
Suhail Gupta, Managing Director of andBeyond Asia, emphasised the importance of perspective in these journeys. "Over the years, andBeyond has worked alongside remarkable people whose curiosity has been shaped by decades in the field," he said. "These journeys allow them to share not only what they know, but how they have learnt to see."
The launch comes as luxury travel operators increasingly differentiate through expert-led programming and exclusive access. andBeyond's approach aligns with a broader trend among high-end clients seeking transformative experiences rather than standard sightseeing. The company's focus on small groups and specialist guides is a deliberate counterpoint to mass-market river cruising and safari circuits.
For travel advisors and tour operators, the 2028 journeys represent a new product tier within andBeyond's Asia portfolio. The itineraries are expected to appeal to repeat luxury travellers who have already experienced the company's African safaris and are looking for comparable depth in Asia. The Ganges cruises, in particular, offer a fresh angle on India's river tourism, which has seen growing interest from international markets.
andBeyond's expansion in Asia has been paralleled by developments elsewhere in its portfolio. The company is also preparing to reopen its rebuilt Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge in 2027, signalling continued investment in its African heartland. Meanwhile, the broader luxury travel sector is seeing a wave of new product launches, from private jet journeys by Aman and Remote Lands to Crystal's sensory brand refresh.
As Asia's travel market matures, operators are competing on authenticity and expertise. andBeyond's anniversary journeys are a calculated move to cement its leadership in the region's luxury adventure niche. With bookings expected to open well in advance, the company is betting that travellers will pay a premium for access to the minds behind the science and storytelling.
The five journeys will be limited to small groups, ensuring a high guide-to-guest ratio and minimal environmental impact. andBeyond has not yet released pricing, but similar expert-led expeditions in the region typically command five-figure price tags. The company is also working with local conservation organisations to ensure that a portion of proceeds supports ongoing research and community projects.
For travel professionals, the new itineraries offer a compelling sales narrative: travel as a form of learning, guided by people who have dedicated their lives to understanding Asia's natural and cultural wonders. As the industry moves toward more purposeful travel, andBeyond's anniversary collection could set a benchmark for how luxury operators blend education with adventure.
