Annapurna Sanctuary

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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  Helen Stockham

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written March 2012

  The panaroamic view from Poon Hill at sunrise was amazing.  During two weeks trekking we experienced life in the mountain villages and saw some great views.  Unfortunately due to snowfall and the resultant avalanche risk our group did not make it to MBC or ABC (so we didn't actually see the Annapurna Sanctuary), however we went on a revised route at lower elevations instead. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing the sunrise at Poon Hill was the highlight (as we didn't make it to MBC or ABC).

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Prem our group leader was brilliant, supported by a team of three guides.  The whole team was very knowledgeable and friendly, and the trip was very well organised.  Safety of the group was also viewed as a priority, with the difficult decision of changing the route and not making MBC or ABC being taken due to the high avalanche risk. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I've never used trekking poles before, but found these very helpful on the many stone steps (both up and down) this route follows.

   
• 

  Mark Smith

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written February 2012

  Wonderful walking in forested and farmed mountainsides.  Superb views from Poon Hill at sunrise, and expertly led by the guides. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

   

  Being on Poon Hill at sunrise (since we didn’t get to MBC or ABC).  Taking the time to stop and soak up the atmosphere of the mountains – all you have to do is find a gap in the walking group, or take a moment in the afternoon away from the lodge to sit, watch and feel the presence of the mountains.

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Prem was outstanding!  Probably the best group leader I’ve had.  Always thinking ahead so that everything ran smoothly for the group, from organising rooms, porters, and food to our change of plans following the decision not to attempt to reach ABC.  Very knowledgeable and easy to talk to, he always has a smile and a desire to help.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take your time, enjoy, stop to look and listen.  There is no rush at all; it’s a sensible itinerary with ample time to look for wildlife en-route or get to know your fellow travellers.  Be prepared for all weathers in one day, and take sensible boots to help give good grip on snow and ice on steep trails.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

   

   

  We didn’t get to ABC or even MBC.  This was disappointing, but the whole group understood that our safety was more important than trying to reach the objective.  Bad weather had caused a lot of new snow and resulted in many avalanches – we saw several in a few minutes and had to cross one debris fan.  It was obviously too risky to continue.  It’s a shame but as Prem said ‘that’s nature’.  He arranged a slower exit from the mountains that took us to some pretty and interesting villages. 

   

  Having been to the Everest area a couple of times, there are some distinct differences between the Annapurna area and the Khumbu region.  There are more terraced hillsides, more wildlife, and fewer monasteries and prayer flags in Annapurna, and the area is more geared for tourism – the lodges are all great, but for me a little too comfortable with standardised menus and some with plastic chairs and even umbrellas.  I think it is a more popular trekking area and as a result has more home comforts on offer.  Maybe that’s a good thing for some, but personally I prefer the charm and relative remoteness of the Khumbu where life is slightly more authentic and you have to fit in to the environment, rather than the environment being tamed for your convenience.

   

   
• 

  Kim Wood

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written January 2012

  Very well organised and paced trek. Great guides. Some thought perhaps into evening entertainment. Disappointed that Exodus had withdrawn their allowance to provide some Christmas day celeberation and came from the guides pockets , given an increased supplement is levied at this time of year.Would like Exodus to justify reducing guides / porters wages by 20% when any cost cutting can be acheived in its brochures, the small amount this would have saved is a large amount to this personnel which is totally unfair on then. TUI you should be ashamed ! Pre ordering meals worked very well . 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Sunset views at Poon Hill and reaching Base Camp at Annapurna , views incredible. Friendleness of the locals.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Passang had a lovely sensitive personality , excellent sense of humour , always happy to help and very patient especially at meal times when clients forgot their orders.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure you are well equipped for a variety of conditions in one day. Have plenty of snacks , go with the flow of the group ,

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Look at flying upto Pokhara rather than the 8 hour drive . This time could have been used exploring the town , rather than be cramped on a bus. Surely the additional cost could have be borne by the clients.

   
• 

  WILLIAM KEARSLEY

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written December 2011

  The trip was both challenging and exilerating. It exceeded my expectations. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Entering Annapurna Sanctuary after a 7 day walk.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Kind, considerate.....incomparable.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Get fit!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  No

   
• 

  Natasha Ward

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written December 2011

  Amazing amazing Annapurna, this was a wonderful experience. The scenery is truly breathtaking every step of the way. I went alone, but the group was a great mix of young and old, individuals and couples, and I met some fantastic people. A perfect escape for Christmas and New Year, when the trails are nice and quiet.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The panoramic views at Poon Hill were pretty spectacular, but the arrival into Annapurna Sanctury was pretty inspirational, surrounded by giant snowcapped mountains.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The tour leader was knowledable about the region, and provided detailed briefings each evening about the following day which was useful since the group split out throughout the day (according to the different hiking speeds). There were occasions when a couple of us in the group would have probably moved a bit faster than the guides would let us, but we managed to get into a routine that worked well for all.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This is a great tour, and good for a moderate/challenging hiking experience at altitude. Some of the days are pretty long with some pretty big altitude gains, and a LOT of steps (check the ups and downs each day). You need to be in reasonable shape to enjoy this.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I actually wanted to go to Everest Base Camp, but decided on Annapurna Sanctuary since I had some reservations about hiking at elevations over 4000m (and this tour is a good bit lower on average). I had no issues, and a lot of this has to do with a well organised and paced tour that considers the altitude gains well. I will hopefully be heading to Base Camp Everest in 2013!

  Lots of people sell tours like this one, but do not be fooled by other companies selling "lodge" treks. Pretty much all use the same "tea-houses" which are great, and I personally would chose over camping, for having a little more room each night, as well as basic wash facilities.

   
• 

  Lorna Bruce

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2011

  Excellent trip. Delivered beyond my expectations. The scenery was amazing and the staff all very helpful and made trip really enjoyable. Definitely recommend this trip.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Amazing views of Annapurna from Poon Hill in the evening as well as sunrise. Plus sunrise at Annapurna base camp definitely leave you in awe.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Dawa was a great group leader. He ensured everyone was having a good time. When travel plans needed to change due to bad weather he organised alternative transport straight away so all went smoothly and we didn't miss a thing.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Only take what you need. Ideally the porters should carry no more than 12kg for each traveller. I did not know this before I went.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Brilliant trip. Also check out the apple crumble at Ghorepani brilliant.

   
• 

  Helen Bissell

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2011

  The whole holiday was a sensory overload. The contrasts between city life (Kathmandu/Pokhara), village life and mountain life were fantastic to experience.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Poon Hill - simply breath taking views - we managed to get up there for both sunset and sunrise. Even more rewarding was the apple crumble and custard at the lodge on the way down!!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  All of the Exodus team were fantastic on the holiday - never failing to stop and offer help - even to hold my walking poles everytime I wanted to stop and take a photo!!!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Expect to be wow'ed by every morning view - some afternoons we'd reach the lodges in the clouds to then wake up in the morning with the most overwhelming views of mountains all around us.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  An amazing trip which covers so many aspects of nepal's fantastic country - not only was it a treat to spend so much time walking through small villages/mountain passes but it was great to have the bonus of a couple of days to explore Kathmandu.

   

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