ANNAPURNA, CHITWAN & EVEREST

19 days from GBP2,369 to GBP2,559 including flights
Tripcode: TNC

Countries Visited: Nepal

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 9 reviews.

Debbie Crich

ANNAPURNA, CHITWAN & EVEREST

Written December 2011
This tour captured the essence of Nepal and included a great combination of mountain regions, cities, culture and wildlife. The trekking in the Everest region was superb.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Trekking in the Everest region was the highlight with Chitwan National Park a close second.
What did you think of your group leader?
The tour leader and the hiking guides were excellent.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The lodges on the trek are basic. They are clean and perfectly adequate but some people struggled with them.
You may need a bit more money in the Everest region if you are planning to buy souveniers. The shopping in Namche Bazaar was great.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think you would probably see more of Nepal on this trip than the basecamp treks!
Tom Brymer

ANNAPURNA, CHITWAN & EVEREST

Written November 2011
Looking back at what was achieved was something very special. I hadn't really done much research prior to arriving in Nepal but everything beat the expectation I had set myself.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There is no doubt that the most inspirational moment was reaching the highest point and being surrounded by some of the most difficult to climb mountains in the world and releasing they were a further 3.5km higher than we were. It made everyone on the trip feel quite small. It is fair to say we had been unfortunate with the weather throughout and were supposed to have gone to Everest Base Camp but were unable to fly, so eventually getting to the "top" was simply amazing.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our Group Leader was called Sukman and he was brilliant, enough said! I cannot stress how hard he worked to make sure everything ran smoothly. His enthusiasm was infectious and the way he dealt with set backs in scheduling without causing any of us to panic was superb. I think the best thing to say about him is that when I go back to do another trek I will specifically ask for Sukman to be our leader again!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Firstly to enjoy this trek properly it is worth getting reasonably fit. I did not do much training beforehand but being able to walk and not be too concerned about having to stop all the time means the actual walking is spectacular. The other one is that I think you should keep a diary or journal. I took one with me because my Sister said I should do it. I was far from convinced, but as the trip progressed there were so many amazing or funny things that I am sure I would have forgotten about had I not written them down. It has been 3 months since we returned and I have met up on a few occasions with the others I went with for a drink and catch up and its fantastic to have the memories written down and then how many more that drags to the forefront of your mind.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Finally I would like to simply say thank you to Exodus and everyone who helped with our trip from Group Leaders to Shurpas. People talk about holidays of a life time a lot. This was one of those. There were so many things that I will remember for the rest of my life and without all the people who contributed I would not have those.
Susan Gagg

ANNAPURNA, CHITWAN & EVEREST

Written April 2011
The best holiday I can remember. I loved the country from the outset with all its contradictions: its diversity, energy, beauty, spirituality and down-to-earthiness.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Too many. Drinking in the beauty of the landscape and the people. The views of the Annapurna range; the views of the Everest range. Sherpa dancing! Bustling Katmandu and all its sights and sounds. The dignity of the people in the villages. The dancing...!
What did you think of your group leader?
Brilliant. A model of courtesy even in the face of disrespectful behaviour on the part of one family who travelled with us. Unfailingly polite, informative and helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Going in spring didn't need the Icebreaker - needed more sleeveless tops, shorts and a rain poncho - unexpected spells of heavy rain at start of Annapurna trek - and bathing costume for 'bathing' elephant. (Do take an extra little bag to leave stuff in the hotel in Pokhara ready for Chitwan - saves the porters carrying it all!) Didn't need expensive water-purifying tablets I brought - bottled or treated water always available, or there's always 'Everest' beer! DO be aware that the ascents/descents are steep and some found them arduous so you do need to be fit. This is no walk in the park though worth the bit of effort.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I came home feeling fitter, healthier and happier, though it was a wrench to leave.
I'd like to thank the leader, guides and porters who made this trip so special, but especially Lakpa and Pemba, both unforgettable people.
Still there in spirit.
Lynda Redfern

ANNAPURNA, CHITWAN & EVEREST

Written April 2011
As recommended by Exodus, this was a good trip for a first time visit to the Himalayas, by trekking in the Annapurna and Everest regions. On reflection, we would have preferred more time in Pokhara, rather than visiting Chitwan. This trip is all about the greatest mountain range on earth, and not about elephants and rhinos.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The stunning early morning views of the Annapurnas, the first sight of Everest, the majesty of Ama Dablam, and witnessing village life along the trekking routes.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Mr. Lakpa Lama. We cannot praise him enough for his kindness, and his amazing knowledge of the Himalayas, Nepal, and Buddhism. He found time for everyone, was always willing to stop to admire a view or explain something, and had a lovely sense of humour. We found all the guides pleasant, and very helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take plenty of plastic bags, a good sleeping bag, a torch (essential), and an open mind!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being in the 60+ age range, we would say go to the Himalayas as soon as you can, as you may well wish to return to enjoy other routes in this fantastic part of the world. The ratio of guides to trekkers was excellent, and we felt very well cared for throughout the holiday.
Lyn Cork

ANNAPURNA, CHITWAN & EVEREST

Written April 2011
This was an amazing trip. We really enjoyed the walking even though it was very hard at times. Our extension trip around the Golden Triangle (Dehli, Agra and Jaipur) was equally inspiring and totally different to the peace and quite of the mountains.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We cried when we saw Everest. It was an ambition from childhood to see the Himalayas and one we never thought we would achieve. My husband's serious illness last year inspired us to do this.
We also thought seeing the Annapurnas especially Fishtale inspirational and also the Taj Mahal.
What did you think of your group leader?
Lakpa Lama is an absolute STAR. He is caring and encouraging for all the group and makes sure weaker members like myself do not feel under pressure to catch up. His knowledge of the mountains, flora and fauna and the culture of Nepal is superb.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Moderate rating does not sum up some sections of this walk. Climbing a 1 in 4 slope for 650m at altitude is physically very demanding so make sure you are fit! The lodges/ teahouses were far better than we expected being clean and comfortable, however it does get cold at night and there is very little heating (a wood burning stove in the main room) and sometimes there is no hot water for showers as there has been no sun so take baby wipes!
On the Golden Triangle extension be aware of the noise and traffic. There are no rules on the road and custom is to us your horn constantly. Traffic is chaotic with 5/6 lanes of traffic on 2 lane carriageways. We were also hassled by beggars and sales people and this is quite aggressive at times. Advice is do not even talk to them not even to say 'no thank you'.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Nepal part of the trip was wonderful. The Guides were superb and I feel that the Sherpas Pemba, Nawang and Phurba need a special thank you on the Everest part of the trip as without their encouragement and help I would have found the walking almost impossible. Equally, on the Annapurnas the Sherpas Pemba, Chewang and Nima were so helpful.
Kathmandu is a vibrant interesting city (noisy and chaotic too) and visitors should make the most of seeing the temples, Durbar Square, Thamel etc. Also the are alot of really good restaurants!
We were unsure about Chitwan and were not convinced about how the elephants were kept chained in the breeding centre. The guide did not seem to make a good case for this. However, were did enjoy being with the elephants, seeing the village and learning about the culture and enjoyed the canoe trip.
The Golden Traingle extension: The guides were informative and the guide for the Taj Mahal was superb and went out of his way to make the whole experience more interesting. The guides for Jaipur and Fatehpur Sikri we felt only did what was necessary and we sometimes felt rushed. We did have some complaints about our driver and the hotel at Jaipur which we have contacted Exodus about.
Carol Hodgson

ANNAPURNA, CHITWAN & EVEREST

Written November 2010
This was an excellent well balanced holiday. After trekking in Annapurna, it was great to have time in Chitwan to relax and let your legs recover before tackling the Everest section of the trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Watching the sun rise over the Annapurna range - breathtakingly beautiful.
Celebrating Dhiwali in true Hindu style with our Buddhist hosts and guides - lots of dancing, singing and a great party.
What did you think of your group leader?
Shailesh was excellent. He was so caring and treated us as family. He knew all of our quirks,likes and dislikes and made sure we got the best out of the trip. When we were delayed in Lukla he worked tirelessly to get us out and the exhaustion showed but he wouldn't give up.
Shailesh was ably supported by a team of guides and a yak driver.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Being in my late sixties I set myself a target of six months training in a gym before the trip and it paid off. As a result nothing was outside my capabilities.
I had expected basic facilities in the teahouses but Third World basic doesn't compare with our basic!
It may be obvious but Solar Showers only work when the sun shines so be prepared for lots of cold showers/washes.
Never go anywhere without loo paper and antiseptic handwash!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A great trip with great company and a great leader. Would do it again without any hesitation.
Christine Jones

ANNAPURNA, CHITWAN & EVEREST

Written November 2010
A fantastic holiday, we had high expectations and these were certainly reached. The views in the Annapurnas were simply amazing, unfortunately the cloud let us down in the Everest region, however what we did see was truly magnificent. Chitwan was a rest, although we had expected to be actually in the National Park and were a little disapointed to discover that our hotel and all the activities we took part in were in the buffer zone. That said we were very lucky to see a white rhino.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The breathtaking beauty of the Himalaya, watching the sun rise over the mountain ranges. The people of both the Annapurna and Everest Region - very different in character. It was Dhiwali while we walked in the Annapurna area and we were treated to lots of dancing and singing. On the final night our Lodge hosts and guides treated us to a great party - or should I say they asked us to join their party!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Shailesh Temang, was brilliant. He kept everything running like clockwork. He was extremely knowledgeable and always happy to chat with us as we walked along. We could not have wished for a better guide. When things went wrong, as they did in Lukla (we were stuck for 3 days waiting for flights out and conditions in the lodge were none too special) he remained calm, even though he himself was absolutely exhausted. At all times his first concern was our well being. I cannot express just how caring this wonderful man is, whilst it might be his 'job' he certainly went well beyond the call of duty on many occasions. He is a true credit to Exodus.
Our other guides, 'RB' Garmi and Karma were fantastic too, and leaving them felt like leaving old friends behind.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do be prepared for basic accommodation in the Lodges, particularly in the Everest region. We were prepared for 'basic' accommodation, or so we thought, however some left a lot to be desired! Do take plenty of toilet roll, sanitiser gel and wet ones. You will need them. I think we were unlucky in Lukla, because the toilet facilities in The North Face Lodge were just dreadful.
Do take out any old walking/climbing clothing, jackets or boots you do not need - these are badly needed by the guides and sherpas. You will be asked if you would like to donate any of your clothing at the end of your trip, we all did, but wished we had taken more items out with us. If you are travelling by JET Airways you can take 35kg of luggage!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
In Kathmandu there is an English Exodus representative, she should have been on call at all times during our trip. It was extremely unfortunate that our leader was unable to contact her on her mobile phone during our 'extended' stay in Lukla. It was only when members of our group telephoned Exodus in UK that action was taken to get us out of Lukla. There was a major breakdown of communication with Exodus during this time and our Leader and therefore our group as a whole were badly let down. I believe I can speak for the whole group when I say that were it not for Shailesh Temang we would have all been very disapointed with the way in which Exodus dealt with the whole situation. As it were four of our group had to remain in Lukla for an additional 2 days and for that I thank them from the bottom of my heart!