Grand Traverse Of The Indian Himalaya

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...

• 

  William Bain

  GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

  

  Written August 2011

  A great trip. Physically demanding, particularly in the early stages with altitude adaptation still occurring, but rewarded with great views and a real feeling of achievement. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Crossing the Parang La, with fresh snow on the ground and spindrift in our faces as we waited for the path to be sufficiently cleared to coax the horses up and over.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Valerie is a real expert on the region, and experienced enough to cope comfortably with all the problems that arose, from runaway horses to blocked passes. She also has extensive knowledge of all the cultural and societal nuances of the region. Excellent!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be fit before you go, and preferably have prior experience of altitude effects.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  As the brochure says, this is a trip for the connoisseur. Despite being an high altitude desert, where there is water from snowmelt and rivers there is greenery, but most of the landscape appears barren initially. It needs closer inspection to see the plant and animal life. The day / night temperature swing is very large, so you need equipment to cope with the range

   
• 

  Sandra Staples

  GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

  

  Written September 2010

  The memory of the hard work is fading now and the lasting impressions are of the scenery 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There's so much variety and so many great views it's hard to pick one thing.

  You're not so much inspired as awed by the size and scale of the landscape.

  Probably most inspired by the people of the region for managing to survive there.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Valerie was great!

  She took good care of each and every member of the group.

  She had great knowledge of the area, covering history, culture, religion, flora and fauna - a mine of information.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for a very tough trek, the trip notes didn't reflect the actual altitude (promised to be updated) and just about all the trek was above 4500m, so even walking on the flat was hard work.

  Take some snacks, even though the food was plentiful you don't always feel like eating big meals at altitude and the snacks help you through the long days.

  Take wet wipes for that lazy wash at the end of the day when you can't be bothered to go and find the cold water (it's very dusty).

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Don't forget to stop and stare at the landscapes - it's truely amazing.

   
• 

  Andrew Smith

  GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

  

  Written September 2010

  For me the trip was a wonderful first experience of the Himalaya, well deserving of its Tough grading. The remote location, altitude, wild scenery and Tibetan culture combined to make it a fascinating and unforgettable holiday. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Going over the passes, particularly the Parang La via the Parang Glacier.

  The brightness of the stars seen through the cold clear night-time air.

  The power of water, both in the rivers we had to cross and in the effects of the recent floods on the landscape.

  The good company and food in the mess tent.

  The sense of achievement having completed the trek.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Brilliant! In Valerie Parkinson we were indeed fortunate to have such an experienced and knowledgeable leader, who looked after us well. She encouraged us, made sure we drank plenty of tea, made sure no one got too far behind, and even added up our restaurant bills for us. She knew a tremendous amount about the region and was able to answer pretty well all our questions. It was also very interesting to hear about her nearly successful attempt on Everest!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't rush, even after you have acclimatised. "Plodding" works well. Watch where you are putting your feet; some of the trails are rough with loose steep scree. A down jacket is worthwhile; it gets very cold in the evenings. Take plenty of camera batteries and memory cards; you will want to take lots of pictures. River sandals are essential for the river crossings.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It was an amazing experience, and has inspired me to visit the Himalaya again. Ladakh is just like Tibet, except that you don't have to go to China. If you go on this trip, I hope you have as good a time as I did. Don't expect it to be easy though. It is a challenge!