Annapurna Circuit

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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  Roy Farrow

  ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

  

  Written April 2013

  A very good trek, excellently led by a local with extensive knowledge and well developed leadership skills.  The group gelled together well making it a really enjoyable trip.  There has been contact with all since arriving home and reunions are in the offing.  A truely memorable experience and hopefully some life-long friends made. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Crossing the pass and seeing the vast array of mountains to the west.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I cannot praise him highly enough.  He was well organised and made the trip a real pleasure.  Whatever you are paying him, it is not enough.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  be aware that the hard work is not over once you reach the top of the pass.  There is one very tough day to come on the ascent to Ghorepani.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This was a truely memorable trip, one I will certainly remember for the rest of my days and will recommend to others.

   
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  Sheila Hessey

  ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

  

  Written April 2013

  Walking the Annapurna Circuit was the achievement of an ambition formed when doing the Sanctuary trek previously with Exodus. There is something compelling about Nepal – the biggest mountains in the world, the hugely varied landscape, the amazing people, the harmony between different religious beliefs.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  So much of this journey inspired wonder and awe: it is impossible to choose one moment above others. The sheer scale of the geography and geology; the piercing turquoise blue of the tumbling Marsyangdi river; standing on a hillside watching the legendary lammergeyer circling overhead; the “dambuster squadron” of Griffon vultures swooping down the gorge below. A taste of the protected kingdom of Upper Mustang with its strange dry landscape and temples was fascinating. And the most unusual cinema venue I have been to was in Manang - a dark shed, wooden benches with yak wool cushions, a roaring wood-burning stove, and cups of herbal tea.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Shailesh Tamang, our group leader, worked tirelessly to make this trek outstanding in every way. The group of 16 was expertly managed to keep us together, despite inevitable variations in ability and experience. His expertise meant that we all acclimatised sufficiently to the altitude to be able to climb the Thorung-La. Shailesh is very knowledgeable and was always willing to share this with us, particularly giving us an insight into the current situation in Nepal and some of the problems the country faces. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Wet wipes, wet wipes and more wet wipes!

   Don’t expect a shower to be hot, if at all.

  Be prepared to get up very early.

  Try the excellent chocolate cake in Manang……

  But order the various forms of lethal custard at your own peril!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I was a little apprehensive beforehand having read about the building of the new road. This, in fact, is more like a rutted dirt track. But it cannot be denied that the way of life for people here is changing as a result. In response to the road, we were taken on several little used high routes which were superb.

  For many, crossing the Thorung-La or being on Poon Hill at sunrise are the top experiences of this trek. However the circuit is so much more than this, and despite 18 days walking it was over all too quickly.

  As seen on a notice board in Kagbeni:

  "Nepal is here to change you, not for you to change Nepal"

   
• 

  Dominic Bruton

  ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

  

  Written April 2013

  I can't think of a better way of spending 3 weeks' of my annual leave. It was a wonderful and very varied introduction to the Himalayas, and I hope to return in the future. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Definitely crossing the Thorong Pass. All the more so given I had altitude sickness. I was entranced by the Mustang Valley on the other side.

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I thought he was superb! His name was Prem Gurung. He had about 18 years' experience, I think, and it showed. Chatting with him, he was clearly very well-trained and very knowledgeable about everything to do with Nepal, the areas we were travelling through and the related flora and fauna. He was very patient and caring, and he was nearly always available. Also great company. He lead a great team -Hemantha, our guide, who was great fun, and set a great pace, and our porters -Nabin, Kumar and Kaloo, who performed miracles of strength each day. I can't think of any way he could improve. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The schedule doesn't give you a any time to sort out kit before you leave spare stuff in Kathmandu, so be as ruthless as possible with packing before you leave, as the porters will be carrying two packs like yours each day. As the trek continued I was less and less bothered about having clean clothes, etc. Having a few clean 'non-walking' clothes to change in to in Kathmandu is nice.

  There is a handful of moderately challenging days -3, maybe, and they shouldn't be beyond the ability of anyone reasonably fit. The other days were pretty easy, and I don't really keep myself fit, so don't stress too much about your ability.

  Prem's First Aid Kit was well-stocked with Diamox and other pills to combat altitude sickness. They were in date and amazingly effective, so there's no need to take your own. N.B. Some online forums say that appropriate acclimitisation precludes altitude sickness, but even with those days built in I still sucumbed.

  
  Dal Bhat is generally the best thing on the menu. And you get free top-ups! The food otherwise is endless variations on rice, pasta, noodles, veg, egg... It'll fill you up, but don't get too exicted.

   Never used the recommended gaiters, but very pleased I took a buff: protects against dust, sunburn, cold... Very handy. 

  You will need to get used to cold, brief washes, as hot water is a rarity, despite what the teahouse ads say.although in winter, clearer skies may be more effective with solar showers. I took alcohol gel and 2 packs of wet wipes -about 50. They saw me through.   

   

   
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  Margaret Lowe

  ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

  

  Written November 2012

  Completing the Annapurna Circuit was a really great experience. You'll  come away from this adventure with a real sense of achievement. It certainly fulfilled all our expectations & has given us such wonderful memories. One of those "trips of a lifetime" 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There's no doubt that getting over the Thonong La Pass & seeing sunrise over the Annapurnas from Poon Hill were great moments, however I think what remains the most memorable for me was the wonderful variety of the landscape - from the sub tropical to the majestic mountains. It's such a beautiful country & its people are so very welcoming.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  We were really so fortunate to have Prem Gurung as our leader. He was superb. We have taken a few Exodus trips before - including one to Base Camp & Prem stands out above everyone. He was thoroughly professional, a real expert, had a great sense of humour, was extremely considerate & caring & did everything within his power to ensure everyone of those in his care enjoyed themselves, were safe & well looked after. He helped hugely to make the trip as successful as it was. But leaders can't do it on their own, Prem was wonderfully supported by his team of RB,Anil & Kami (apologies for the spellings)- not forgetting the often unseen but vital team of porters who somehow delivered your bags to your room with unerring accuracy.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You'll have no doubt picked up advice about taking plenty of wet wipes. Don't be too swayed by prospects of solar showers -  - after one or two had been in there wasn't much hot water left. However a bowl/bucket of hot water went down a treat!! Don't forget flipflops, just in case you do get into showers. Despite our best efforts we couldn't spend the £20 per day recommended. You certainly won't need more than that. We took a mug each which was very useful for teeth washing routine as well as taking a daily effervescent multi vitamin tablet. Walking poles are definitely to be recommended. You should also consider taking some Diamox with you - just in case the altitude gets to you.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It helps confidence if beforehand you've worked on your fitness level, however if you're used to walking in eg. the Lake District you'll be well able for this. We were so fortunate to have a superb leader & a great group of fellow travellers all of whom helped to make this trip so memorable - hopefully you'll find the same!!

   
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  Rob Eastham

  ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

  

  Written November 2012

  Annapurna Circuit trek starting in beautiful lowland rice padi fields and gradually climbing through forest to higher altitudes, including a crossing of the amazing Thorong La pass, a beautiful view of dawn from Poon Hill, and a relaxing end to the trek in Pokhara 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Crossing of the Thorong La pass. Started at 4am in pitch black using headtorch, climbing 1000m to the pass before descending a further 1,700m to Mukhtinath. Inspirational day, will never forget looking back to see a sea of headtorches behind me ascending steeply to the pass. Dawn was an amazing sight and reaching the pass without any probs with altutude in the group was a gratifying experience. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Gum was excellent. He attended to all our needs, tried to answer all our questions to the best of his abililty and was a good leader of his team of guides and porters who seemed to respect him. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It gets extremely cold at night at higher altitudes. I got a 3 season down seleeping bag before going - I'd recommend spending the extra and getting a 4 season bag. Thorong Phedi is very cold (-10ish at night) and the teahouses don't have any heating int he rooms. Take a metal water bottle you can use as a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag. You need to make sure you are able to keep yourself warm!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  In general this trip was excellent and memorable. I'd highly recommend it. Only thing I would say is 1: Be prepared for extreme cold and 2: a lot of the tea houses advertise "24 hour hot showers". This is almost NEVER the case as they invariable have solar heated tanks which are only big enough for a few showers at best. I would say only 2 or 3 of the teahouses we stayed at had facilities for hot showers for all of us.  Just something to be aware of. Otherwise go for it, incredible views and an unforgettable experience. 

   
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  Celianne Crocker

  ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

  

  Written November 2012

  A truly fantastic trek through constantly changing scenery. Rivers, valleys, forests, waterfalls, wonderful, snow capped mountains, desert-like areas, flowers, rice fields, bamboo, monkeys, yaks, lizards - so much to look at and absorb.  I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to do it, and with such great group of people, too. It was all a marvellous experience. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Watching the lights from a countless number of head torches snake up Thorong La, under the most incredible, star-filled sky.

  The happy, smiling local people for whom nothing was too much trouble.

  The  huge and beautiful mountains -  at sunrise, at sunset and at every moment throughout the day.

  Seeing village homes, and people at work and realising that  sometimes we get our priorities wrong.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I think that Gum was an excellent leader. He was quietly professional and highly organised. At the same time time, he was both considerate and caring.  He was proud and knowledgable about his country,  its people, history and cultures, and was happy to share information and to answer questions. I felt that he made sure that the trip was enjoyable for all and that everyone's needs were met. He had a good sense of humour, was positive and offered good advice. Most importantly for me, I felt safe and relaxed under his leadership.  He was assisted by Lal, Mite and Chandra who were all helpful and contributed considerably to this trip being not being just good but outstanding.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Read the trip notes carefully.  Take warm clothes, especially for crossing Thorong La;  have a warm sleeping bag etc.  When the  notes say 'cold', that is just what it is! Don't underestimate the temperatures. Get as fit as you can - it is a great trek, but a long one.  Take lots and lots of pictures - there is too much to take in at the time, but looking at photos afterwards will bring it all back. Remember that porters will be carrying your bag and so keep within the weight limit.  It is suprising how little you can manage with.  Book it up now - go - and enjoy every minute.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A wonderful trip that I wish I had gone on years ago.  Don't make the same mistake - DO IT NOW!!

   
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  Paul Beyer

  ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

  

  Written November 2012

  An exceptional journey throught the Annapurna Himal. A trip of two halves with the challenging Thorong La dominating your thoughts then once passed the relaxation and the absorption of the final part of the adventure with plenty of time to reflect, enjoy, chat, drink and eat throughout the whole journey.    

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It's hard when Thorong La is the elephant in the room for the first part of the trip not to get a little emotional when it's complete, but the first time you see the snow covered peaks on foot rather than from the plane on day two sparks some kind of fire which never goes away. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was brilliant, funny, experienced, and always on hand for anything we needed at every point in the journey. He would makes things happen for us in a smooth and effortless fashion.  The other guides were also supportive, friendly and helpful, a fantastic bunch to travel with. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  THINK about what you actually need for the trip and try and go light. You'll be smelly, get over it ;) 
  Use merino if you can afford it not polyester clothing. You don't need much for your daypack and the size of bag you choose could affect your enjoyment so go light light light! When the Sun goes behine the hills it gets BITTER so always have something warm to hand. If you've any reservations about booking the trip, Don't! It's a great way to spend three weeks of your time with beautiful Pokhara to hang out in at the end too. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Don't sit on a beach, you'll get a nice tan (on your head and arms) in the mountains, it's refreshing, awe-inspiring and raw unbound nature at it's best. I can't reccomend it enough. Wish I had double to the amount of holiday leave from my job to do another adventure like this sooner. 

   

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