Tibet Explorer

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Michael Gerth

  TIBET EXPLORER

  

  Written October 2011

  We were first to take the trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa overland and flying back, and this made it a special experience. To see the changing landscape in getting higher, the villages and cities becoming bigger, the cultural sights changed to be older - all this was possible due the 'strange direction', and some of the places which will leave you breathless and the normal begining of the trip in two ways were easier to access for us.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It's hard to pick on moment, but the kora at the sanctuary of Jokhang temple was really a moment of inspiration and devotion.

  And climbing up the last hill at Everest Basecamp is strenous, but the view is worth the effort; watching all the lakes and rivers in the deserted scenery is worth to get there...

  There are much more but it's hard to tell them all... 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Simply the best and most professional of all tourgides ever, even in unprdictable situations. Thank you, Lakpa Lama!

  The local guide - Nyima-La - was also very profssional, as all the drivers and other members of the staff.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  When you travel in spring and fall - carry lots of warm clothes, it's chilly at night and most hotels lack heating.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Nothing else to add but GO THERE!

   
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  James Clarke

  TIBET EXPLORER

  

  Written August 2011

  An outstanding trip for an outstanding country! The Tibet trip lived up to its billing and helped reveal the culture and beauty of this remarkable part of the world. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  1. Coming across the yearly examination of the student monks in the Drepung Monastery in the courtyard of the monastery which clearly had not been put on for tourists.

  2. The staggering scenery which left you thinking that nothing could top what you had just encountered only to find that is exactly what happened the next day.

  3. The absolute devotion of the Tibetan people to their religion and culture.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Prem was the ideal group leader, always concerned for the welfare of the group and aware of the slightest difficulty any member of it may be having; he was efficient without being restrictive, knowledgeable and experienced in the culture of the people and their mountains, always exuding a quiet air of confidence. He worked well with the local guide (who was excellent and a delight to be around) and helped make the trip a truely memorable one. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The upgrades in the hotels do not make it necessary to bring a sleeping bag and the arrangements made by Prem over the supply of bottled water mean that water purification tablets and water bottles are not necessary either.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  1. Go to Tibet now before the changes being brought in by China turn the country completely into just another region of mainland China!

  2. A simplified account of the Buddhist faith in Tibet with the Trip Notes would have aided the understanding and appreciation of the sites - even for a traveller accustomed to the Buddhist faith in South East Asia the differences in customs and beliefs were significant (and at times, confusing!)

  3. Learn an English Folk Song for those moments when sharing culture with the locals!

   
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  Mahesh Patil

  TIBET EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  Learned a lot about Buddhism, Tibetan culture and history.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing Tibetan women struggle with up to 80kg on their backs at the Tibet-Nepal border, for up to 2 hours at a time, for the princely sum of £2.50 per trip really made me realise just how fortunate we are in the west.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Chatty, personable and friendly. Has a passion for camping and all things Nepalese. Excellent organiser on his home turf but communication was literally non-existent when things went wrong (the phrase "rabbit in the headlights" comes to mind...).

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Pack fast drying clothes that can be hand washed (unless you want to rely on costly hotel services) and make sure you carefully scrutinise the daily room allocation to ensure its fair.
  Carry toilet paper & hand wash in your day pack (after you visit some of the squat toilets on the Tibetan side you'll thank me).
  Take disposable foam ear plugs if you're a light sleeper and easily disturbed.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Make sure your 4x4 has working rear seatbelts! It took several reminders before ours were reluctantly made usable.

   
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  Paula Slater

  TIBET EXPLORER

  

  Written October 2010

  A wonderful first trip to Nepal and Tibet.I learnt so much about local customs and the people. The scenery was spectacular every day. I hope to return in the future. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  1. Ten minutes of solitude in Samye monastry sitting on the floor listening to a lone monk chanting.

  2. The wonderful extensive views across the blue water to the snow capped mountains at Nam Tso Lake.

  3.My walk down from the base camp of Everest reflecting on the majesty of the highest mountain in the world. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Both guides were excellent. Very easy to be with and extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I found that a cold wet flannel on my aching head was very successful in solving the slight altitude problem I had.

  Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs, there are some lovely paintings and gifts to purchase.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The landscape really is super and as a keen photographer I would have liked a few more stops but realised that it was not possible. If you want snaps along the way check that your window opens or that it as clean as is possible. All the hotels on this trip were much better than I had expected. The few 'orrible toilets we encountered have to be out down as experiences to be laughed about later.

   
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  val lineham

  TIBET EXPLORER

  

  Written August 2010

  A real adventure.  Lots of variety and a truly amazing Nepalese guide:  knowledgable, enthusiastic and took care of us all.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Everest Base Camp - even the weather co-operated and cleared so we could see the mountain.

  A rural fair we happened upon by chance and stopped to have a look round - we were treated to an unexpected horse display by traditionally dressed riders and horses. 

  Lake Nam tso - tranquil and awe inspiring

   The wide variety of temples

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Top marks for the Nepalese leader, Gum, who stayed with us throughout the whole trip. 

  He was knowledgeable, passionate about Nepal and Tibet, he took care of us all and was a pleasure to travel with. 

  The Tibetan guide was a waste of space - I could have forgiven him his appalling English if I ever suspected that he was actually interested.  If he was it didn't show! 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Pack layers.

   
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  George Brown

  TIBET EXPLORER

  

  Written November 2009

  It was a good trip, though i thought slightly long, the camping was unnecesary as there seemed accomodation within a few km of where we camped. This meant we spent longer putting up and taking down tents than we did in using the proximity of the locale to see anything. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Without doubt the views of Everest and the Himalayas

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Did well for the group in getting good flight seats and seemed to put the group first.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Just the normal warnings about Altitude, cold and Chinese toilets

   
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  Patricia Oliver

  TIBET EXPLORER

  

  Written September 2009

  This was a fantastic  adventure holiday with knowledgeable guides and a fun group of people who looked out for each other. Nuns, debating monks, snowcovered Yaks welcoming nomads,exquisite temples and buddhas. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Emotional moments were leaving prayer flags at Everest base camp, being allowed into the temple when the monks were chanting.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Prem was knowledgeable, kind and caring with a great sense of humour. Dorj in Tibet was fun, compassionate, a devout buddhist and again a superbly knowledeable guide to all of the historic sites.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Travel with an open mind and be ready to grab any experiences or opportunities offered to you! I gave away small bracelets and necklaces which the children appeared to appreciate. Always ask if you can photograph people, the genuine smiles are worth it!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Take care of your guides, don't forget if you or anyone in your group decide to take a risk and eg photograph something you have been told not to, it is the guides who are punished.

   

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