Confirmed Tour
Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria
4 days / 5 days / 8 days 5 Oct, 2026 – 12 Oct, 2026
US$ 595 / $1695 / $2290
10+
Years wild
5.0
Trip Advisor
100
Destinations
445
Trips From
10+
Years wild
Rated #1
in north korea
The only competition wasn’t trying.
5.0
Trip Advisor
100
Trip Advisor
445
Trip Advisor
About us
who we are
Young Pioneer Tours specialise in taking you to North Korea and other worldwide “destinations your mother would rather you stay away from” at budget prices. We combine the best guides in the industry with expert local knowledge and contacts to ensure your adventure is unparralleled one. Don’t be a face in the coward, be a Pioneer.
Africa
- Algeria
- Angola
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Congo (DRC)
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
Africa
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Somalia
- Somaliland
- South Sudan
- Sudan
Americas
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Venezuela
Central Asia
- Afghanistan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Pakistan
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
Eastern Bloc
- Albania
- Armenia
- Belarus
- Cyprus (Northern)
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Gagauzia
- Kaliningrad (Russia)
Eastern Bloc
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- Russia
- Transnistria
- Ukraine (Chernobyl)
- Yugoslavia (former states)
Middle East
- Afghanistan
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
Middle East
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Turkey
- UAE (United Arab Emirates)
- Yemen
Red China and Tibet
- China
- Mongolia
- Tibet
- Xinjiang
South East Asia
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- East Timor
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Nepal
South East Asia
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
Soviet Europe
- Abkhazia
- Azerbaijan
- Chechnya
- Dagestan
- Georgia
- South Ossetia
- Svalbard (Norway)
Unrecognised Countries
- Abkhazia
- Gagauzia
- Iraqi Kurdistan
- Nagorno-Karabakh
- Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
- Somaliland
- South Ossetia
- Transnistria
Worldwide Adventures
- Antarctica
- Falkland Islands
- Jan Mayen
- Pitcairn Island
- Saint Helena
- Solomon Islands
- South Georgia
- Tristan da Cunha
FEATURED TOURS
THIS SEASON'S
TOP ADVENTURES
Meticulously designed routes led by expert guides. Real terrain. Real challenges. Unforgettable journeys.
Confirmed Tour
Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria
6 nights, 7 days 10 Dec, 2026 – 16 Dec, 2026
- US$
- 2245
Bookings Closed
Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria
9 nights, 10 days 27 May, 2026 – 5 Jun, 2026
- €
- 2595
Confirmed Tour
Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria
5 nights, 6 days 26 Sep, 2026 – 1 Oct, 2026
- US$
- 1695
Confirmed Tour
Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria
9 nights, 10 days 25 May, 2027 – 1 Jun, 2027
- €
- 2700
who are we
Pioneering the uncomfortable Since 2008
Young Pioneer Tours specialise in taking you to North Korea and other world “destinations your mother would rather you stay away from” at budget prices. We combine the best guides in the industry with expert local knowledge and contacts to ensure your adventure is unparralleled one. Don’t be a face in the coward, be a Pioneer.
expert local guides
Our guides are known for their infectious enthusiasm and ability to inspire for travel while ensuring your trip runs seamlessly.
budget prices. real palce
Extraordenary destinations shouldn't only exist for people with extraodinary bank balances. Tours from 445 - North Korea included.
small group always
Maximum 14 travelers. No cattle-class convoy, no microphone-wielding guides. just a small crew of properly curious humans.
who are we
Pioneering the Unchartered
Since 2008
Young Pioneer Tours (YPT) was born in 2008 from the passion of Gareth Johnson and a dedicated group of expats in China. We embraced the spirit of exploration, eager to venture off the beaten path, and decided to share our unique travel experiences with others.
Beginning with tours to North Korea, YPT quickly broadened its horizons to include the world’s most remote, rugged, and thought-provoking destinations. With years of expertise in crafting unforgettable journeys, we focus on what matters most to you, our fellow Pioneers: immersing yourself in diverse cultures, connecting with locals, forging new friendships, and pushing the limits of adventure travel.
expert local guides
Our guides are known for their infectious enthusiasm and ability to inspire for travel while ensuring your trip runs seamlessly.
For Small group always
10–18 travellers, depending on the destination. No cattle-class convoy, no microphone-wielding guides. Just a small crew of properly curious humans.
small group always
Maximum 14 travelers. No cattle-class convoy, no microphone-wielding guides. just a small crew of properly curious humans.
Lastest news
dispatches from
everywhere they say no
Shooting at the Baliem Festival in West Papua injures two Tourists
Two tourists were shot during the Baliem Valley Festival in West Papua on August 8, bringing the region’s biggest cultural festival to an early end and prompting a security operation
Turkish Airlines to Resume Flights to Belarus After 4 years
Turkish Airlines will resume flights from Istanbul (IST) – Minsk (MSQ) after they were cancelled in 2022 following the start of the so called Russian special military operation in Ukraine.
The Young Pioneer Podcast: S4, Ep 5: The Art of Travel Storytelling with Drew Binsky
The Young Pioneer Podcast: S4, Ep 5: The Art of Travel Storytelling with Drew Binsky
Russia Blocks Foreign SIM Cards from Accessing Western Websites
Owners of foreign SIM cards have been blocked from accessing Western websites, meaning the last “loophole” for bypassing Russian internet restrictions has now been closed. This comes on the back
Latest blogs
stories from
the edge of the map
Nauru is one of the least visited countries in the world, but its presence is far greater than the proportion it occupies on the world map. In 2026, the Republic of Nauru officially changed its English name to the Republic of Naoero. This article will take you through the background
Goroka Airport is one of the best, least corrupt and most reliable in Papua New Guinea! This is though economies of scale and this does not mean it is perfect. In fact, there are a lot of idiosyncrasies related to flying in and out of Goroka, not least time of
From ancient alleyways to modern waterfront elegance, Jakarta’s two Chinatowns tell a remarkable story. Most great cities have a Chinatown. Jakarta has two. One is steeped in centuries of history, where incense drifts through ancient temples and narrow lanes overflow with traditional medicine shops, street food, and family-run businesses. The
Two tourists were shot during the Baliem Valley Festival in West Papua on August 8, bringing the region’s biggest cultural festival to an early end and prompting a security operation in the surrounding area. The shooting took place near the entrance to the festival in Walesi, Jayawijaya Regency, in Highland
While YPT have somewhat branched out from purely communist tours since our inception, we still offer some great trips for red tourists out there. The good news, though, is that you do not have to be a card-carrying member of the Bolshevik Party to join! Quite the contrary, in fact.
Turkish Airlines will resume flights from Istanbul (IST) – Minsk (MSQ) after they were cancelled in 2022 following the start of the so called Russian special military operation in Ukraine. The flights, which are due to resume on September 21st, 2026, will initially consist of 6 flights per week before
Ghazni is a major city less than 200km south of Kabul and is an excellent candidate for a day trip from the capital! Ghazni has a population of around 200,000 people and is the capital of the Ghazni province. It is also between Kabul and Kandahar, the capital and default
My name is Caitlin and I have been a tour leader at YPT for three years. One of the highlights of my career has been leading 3 of our Women’s Only Tour to Afghanistan. Afghanistan has been a country I have loved for many years, having a history of collaboration
Imagine planning a trip to one of the world’s least-visited countries only to discover it has a new name. The Pacific island nation once known as Nauru has officially reclaimed its traditional indigenous name – Naoero [pronounced “nah-oh-EH-roh” (or na-O-eh-ro)]. More than a simple change of spelling, it marks a
The Young Pioneer Podcast: S4, Ep 5: The Art of Travel Storytelling with Drew Binsky
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Socotra? Of course. But did you know we also go to mainland Yemen? 🇾🇪This October, explore mainland Yemen with YPT as we travel through the historic Hadhramaut region.Visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the Desert”, explore Al Mukalla and Tarim, and journey through the landscapes of Wadi Doan. 🌴Your adventure through mainland Yemen starts here.📩 Contact: tours@youngpioneertours.com🔗 Learn more and book through the link in the comment section below. #YoungPioneerTours #Yemen #Travel #YPT
‼️ 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 ‼️Ancient Kingdoms of Nigeria Tour 🇳🇬📅 21–25 January 2027⏳ 4 nights, 5 days💰 €1,395Nigeria is one of Africa’s most fascinating countries, yet surprisingly few people ever make it beyond Lagos. Now, YPT is taking you into the historic heart of southern Nigeria!On this tour, you'll travel through the Yoruba heartland and discover the kingdoms, sacred traditions and living heritage that shaped one of West Africa’s great civilisations. You'll climb the mighty Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, explore the UNESCO-listed Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, visit the Royal Palace of the Oba in Benin City, and discover the Lagos legacy of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.And, naturally, we’ll experience plenty of modern Nigeria along the way, with markets, music, street food and the unforgettable atmosphere of its cities.This tour combines perfectly with our Benin & Togo Voodoo Trails Tour, with just a 2.5-hour overland journey between Lagos and Cotonou between the two trips.📩 Contact: tours@youngpioneertours.com🔗 Learn more and book through the link in the comment section below.#YoungPioneerTours #Nigeria #Africa #YPT
🚨 25% off our Complete Antarctica Odyssey! ❄️Ever dreamed of seeing the whole Antarctic region in one epic expedition? This November, join us for a 21-day journey through some of the most remote and wildlife-rich places on Earth:- Falkland Islands- South Georgia- South Orkney Islands- Antarctic PeninsulaYou'll explore the Falklands and its capital, Port Stanley, before heading into South Georgia to visit abandoned whaling stations, see Shackleton’s grave and meet thousands upon thousands of penguins. 🐧 Then you'll head further south through the South Orkneys before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, where giant icebergs, glaciers, seals, whales and multiple species of penguins will surround you as you set foot on the 7th continent.We're offering 25% OFF selected cabins! From €10,620 per person. 📩 Contact: tours@youngpioneertours.com🔗 Learn more and book through the link in the comment section below. #YoungPioneerTours #Antarctica #Iceberg #YPT
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