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The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea (DPRK) is a communist land where time stands still and in my view, one of the world's most bizarre countries. Politically isolated since the Korean War, the DPRK remains a mysterious and ideological paradox.

My trip started with the capital Pyongyang, where the architecture is striking but strange with most buildings having been built in memory of Kim Il Sung – “The Great Leader”. The whole journey will be spent finding out about Kim Il Sung and seeing the huge museums, stadiums or table tennis arena’s that were built in his honour!.

One of the most bizarre but intriguing parts of the trip will be travelling along the incredibly wide and long highways with absolutely no traffic on them apart from the occasional military vehicle but with long lines of locals using them to go about their daily business by foot. It does feel strange seeing these huge buildings and hotels yet knowing that most of the population are in poverty and starving.

The DMZ at Panmunjeom is also well worth the visit. Again quite a surreal experience with the bus getting completely emptied and searched with individuals going through metal detectors and getting aggressively whistled at by the military should you fall out of line or dare I say sit down! This is not allowed I found out quite quickly but don’t ask me why! Once you are allowed through you stand looking across the border to South Korea to the shiny modern building housing hi-tech equipment whilst you stand in a run down small building in North Korea. Very bizarre!

The best months to visit North Korea are May, June, September and October. In May and June, the worst of winter will be gone and the days will be warming up. In September and October you'll get blue skies and a brilliant display of autumn colours. If you are lucky enough to visit the country during the Arirang Mass Games staged in one of the huge stadiums in Pyongyang, then you will witness around 40,000 school children and thousands of gymnasts and flag waving participants creating a perfect symmetry and elaborate exercise in human performance.

I would say that to visit DPRK is extremely rewarding and a great place to visit but I would say probably only visited once a lifetime!