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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  Sally King

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written March 2011

  An amazing diversity of scenery and experiences. 8000 metre peaks, village life in the mountains, lovely people and a chance to chill in Pokhara and experience crazy Kathmandu as well. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing how the local people live and feeling humbled by their resilience.

  Being in the Sanctuary - truly the Land of the Gods - and looking up at 8000 metre peaks (and thinking 'thank goodness we're not going up there'!).

  Seeing how the local community had taken it upon themselves to manage the area, keeping it clean and free of litter - an excellent example of community led tourism.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Ugs was a character and kept us very entertained; also caring, knowledgable and passionate about the area. The other guides and porters were also excellent.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be positive! Listen to your body. Don't eat yak curry.

  If you haven't been on a trip like this on your own before (I hadn't), don't worry - there will be others on their own and it is amazing how quickly you all become a 'team'.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It was a fantastic trip, helped by having a really good group. I would whole heartedly recommend it.

   
• 

  Stephen Taylor

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written December 2010

  Nepal never fails to amaze. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  1. Being in the Sanctuary itself, surrounded by giants.

  2. Reaching the end of the stone staircase on the second day!

  3. Kathmandu-total madness.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lapka seemed quieter and less involved than some leaders we have had on Exodus trips, and tended to be the "sweeper" at the back of the trekking line. However, he was always on the ball and aware of what was going on, keeping an eye on our health (altitude cough) and safety. The whole team of leader, sirdar and assistant guides were friendly and supportive. A great team!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't fly Gulf Air (the only reason this did not get a 5 star rating) The trek itself is excellent but you will need to get on the stepping machine in the gym before you  go as the stone staircases seem to go on forever!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Nepal is a wonderful destination and we have had 3 brilliant trips with Exodus. Worth every penny.

   
• 

  Kamran Khan

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2010

  A fantastic trip. Varied days of walking; forests, jungle, farmland and high altitude trekking. Amazing views of the Annapurna range and then into the sanctuary. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The trek into Annapurna sanctuary; in amongst the giants!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Quiet and competant. Prasant was excellent as were the 3 Sherpas. Always happy, uncomplaining and set a perfect pace.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Prepare for a few longish days but nothing that the average person can not easily handle. Take diamox for the high days, it will help you sleep. The food is great but do bring some imodium and perhaps some ciprofloxacin as traveller's diarrhoea is inevitable.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  End of Oct, early Nov was a great time to travel. Fine days, not too hot and mainly clear skies. The group was great and everyone got on well.

   
• 

  Michael Johnson

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2010

  I was a bit apprehensive about doing this trek but I needn't have worried.  Really well planned and organised by Exodus.  Very enjoyable and satisfying. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Sitting alone in the sunshine at Annapurna Base Camp (or Sanctuary as it is also known) surrounded by snow capped mountains and ridges. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Group leader (Prasant Subedi) was excellent.  Handled all the logistics (transport, porters, food, accommodation etc) extremely well.  Kept checking with us individually that we were ok.  And communicated a real interest in and love for the mountains.  Couldn't have asked for more.  We also had three younger guides who were very helpul in setting the pace (slow and steady), looking after stagglers and keeping us generally happy.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure you are reasonably fit before you go, be careful about what you eat out there and prepare yourself for using squat toilets and not washing for a few days (the higher lodges don't have hot water or any water at all for washing in some cases).

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We were extremely lucky with the weather which helped enormously. Blue skies and clear views most days.  Made all the hard work worthwhile. 

   
• 

  Edel Trainor

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2010

  A totally awe inspiring holiday. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary which thankfully was completely clear of cloud and mist so the views were fantastic.  Being in the middle of those huge mastiffs made you feel quite small and insignificant but in a good way.  Nature rules!!! 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Jangbu and his team really looked after us all and from the minute we met up with Exodus representatives at Kathmandu airport until they left us back there everthing was sorted out from the evenings dinner location to a wake up call in the mornings with 'black tea'.  It was very professionally organised.  

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Invest in sweat wicking clothing it was much warmer lower down than most of us had anticipated given that it was November and cotton clothing just didn't cut the mustard.  Also thermals especially to wear at night are a must as there is no heating in the rooms of the Tea Houses so it was quite cold at night, ear plugs are also advisable for light sleepers as it is close quarters and usually there is a river gushing somewhere nearby.  Take plenty of batteries, wet wipes, loo roll etc to last you for the trip, a pack of cards wouldn't go amiss either...Jangbu taught us a good couple of games which passed the time in the evenings!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  In terms of money take a bit extra with you when trekking as things do get more expensive the higher up you go plus there is so much lovely Tibeten jewellery on sale that you will be tempted to make purchases which I did!

   
• 

  Selina Willis

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written October 2010

  A wonderful holiday, wasn't sure exactly what to expect but it lived up to my expecations and more. Unbelievable scenery and great company. Walking was not as taxing as I thought it would be and was easily manageable for two fairly fit people who like to get out in the hills at home. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary and seeing those mountains at dawn....magnificant

  Meeting the Nepalese people who are just amazing and so friendly, and heartng our guide shout 'Jum Jum' to get us moving again.........

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was excellent, everything went like clockwork (apart from the drive to Pokhara but you can't blame a guide for unusually heavy holiday traffic). However our guide just took it in his stride and made adjustments to our plans accordingly. The other guides and porters provided by exodus were excellent also, I already miss their happy smiling faces.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You need to be prepared for the fairly basic facilities - take lots of wet wipes and hand sanitiser. But don't let that put you off (I've seen worse on british camp sites and bunk barns !) and its well worth it. Its also easier to take metal sigg bottles for water. That way you can get topped up with boiled water all the way to avoid using plastic bottles.

   
• 

  Wolfgang Dohne

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written October 2010

  Glorified Bus Trip without the sale of Heating Blankets 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  This is an extremely busy trekking route with very little room for individual enjoyment and admiration of the surrounding scenery in solitude. If you manage to sneek away from the group (and the other 100+ hikers in most places), then the overall scenery is admittedly stunning.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  We travelled with Shailesh, who had just finished a 3 week Annapurna Circuit Trip and appeared exhausted. Right from the beginning he struck me as a napoleonic character who was ok to be with if things went his way, but extremely difficult and at times intimidating and possibly even hostile if you did not agree with him. Any breathing space outside "Time off" (children in a nursery would have called it "Play Time") had to be hard fought for and left you ultimately with a bad concience. The imperative was the rule ("Tomorrow morning you put on these clothes!" instead of "I would suggest to wear these clothes tomorrow morning"). I have done circa half a dozen trips with Exodus and I can honestly say that this was the worst leader. However, I am not sure in how far some of his actions were forced on him by Exodus themself. I would certainly not recommend Shailesh as a tour leader. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are very worried to go to a "far away" country and appreciate close supervision and guidance in a very crowded place in a beautiful mountain setting, then this trip will be fine for you. Anyone who would like to explore something new and has a bit of an adventorous gen should avoid this trip.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  As already mentioned above - I have travelled with Exodus at various occassions before, but was deeply disappointed this time around. If Exodus trips are conducted in this way from now on, then this will have been my last one.

   

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