Annapurna Sanctuary: Nepal Trekking Holiday

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...

Average Review Rating: from 56 reviews.

Karen Shaw

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

Written April 2008
This was my first trekking holiday and it surpassed all my expectations. The trip leader and local staff were first class, the trip well organised, the scenery beautiful and the holiday thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. I would thoroughly recommend this trek to anyone who loves walking and wants to experience this beautiful country.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Standing at the viewpoint at Annapurna Base Camp looking up at a 360 degree panarama of some of the world's highest mountains with the sun sparkling on the snow and listening to the movement of the glacier - and completely understanding why the Nepalese believe these mountains are inhabited by the gods.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was fantastic - an experienced Nepalese guide who had done the trip many times. He was happy to explain all about the culture, religion and the history of the area and worked extremely well with the assistant guides and porters. We were very well looked after.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you have plenty spare batteries for your camera and take a Platypus or similar water bottle so you can drink on the move - saves a lot of hassle stopping to get out your water bottle. And for the girls be prepared to buy some gorgeous jewellery from the Tibetans along the trek!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be warned - this trip makes you want to book the next one!
Anne Odling-Smee

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

Written January 2008
Trip was fine and generally well organised, but I thought it was heavily overpriced, especially compared my previous Exodus trip (Avenue of the Volcanoes in Ecuador).
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What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent - 100% good at his job.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I STRONGLY recommend you go back to meals being inclusive. I know you changed the system because some fuss pots complained about not being able to eat what they want (they're in Nepal for God's sake, if they want sausage and chips they should go trekking in Scotland!). 1. Average lunchtime took 2 hours by which time we were all starving and freezing, 2. The subject of money never went away - a sensitive subject at the best of times when you're in a 3rd World country, 3. It made the holiday more expensive.
I came up with the idea of splitting the bill evenly 16 ways to speed things up which worked for a bit, but of course some didn't want to. When we questioned the guides about this they told us you're about to do the same with breakfast? Don't do it!!! It ruins the atmosphere of a holiday, and I for one would never do a trip with you again where meals are not inclusive. The fact that you make such allowances for fussy trekkers made me question Exodus - it doesn't fit with your other, very respectable ethical values.
Paul Heester

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

Written January 2008
A very physical trek that rewards you with outstanding views every day. The final climax being the outstanding views from Annapurna Base Camp. You also get an amazing glimpse of rural Nepalese life whilst on the trail.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Watching the sunset at Annapurna Base Camp, not a cloud in the sky!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide Prasant was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the trek. Was always willing to offer advice and assistance. Very thorough in giving medical aid when a fellow trekker fell with a small graze.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Although its cold at the Base Camps dont forget to pack shorts and t-shirts. When the sun eventually reaches you in the valleys you will start shedding layers. Take a head torch - its rare to get a light bulb in your room and the generators in the lodges dont always work. Take a book as well for the quiet moments.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Beware that you will need to pay 1000Rs (about £8.00) along the trail to the Maoists. Although the flyer they give out states they do not "extort from tourists" and its a voluntary donation this is not the case. We argued with them for an hour to no effect. Just pay it and move on.
Victoria Hartley

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

Written January 2008
Spectacular scenery and a warm and friendly hospitality from the local people
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the sanctuary and seeing the sun and moon together hanging over the mountains in the morning and evening
What did you think of your group leader?
excellent
very caring and he had a good sense of humour
rallied us for ascents
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
get in shape for the step climbing - there is no flat
Philip Durnford

A clear dawn, a fresh fall of snow, surrounded by 7000 and 8000m peaks - life doesn't get much bette

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Appproach to the Sanctuary on a clear morning
Dawn the next morning at ABC after a fresh fall of snow
Red Rhododendrons against snowy peaks
Time to relax and enjoy it !
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What did you think of your group leader?
Highly organised, very supportive and thoughtful
Whole team looked after us
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Undertable heaters are great for drying things
Take a book or Ipod to wind down in your bag after a long walk
Food and welcome at Chromrong is amazing !
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Lovely mixture, treks through villages and terraces, views of snowy peaks, high mountain wildernesses, friendly staff and teahouse staff - altogether a trip of a lifetime. My expectations were more than met
Paul Bunney

An uplifting and inspirational experience

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Arriving at Annapurna Base Camp in blazing sunshine surrounded by deep snow and drinking in our surroundings - an amazing - almost spiritual - experience. Every day on the trek was great (particularly on the journey up to A.B.C.) - there's nothing like tucking into a well-earned dinner after a day spent walking through fantastic scenery. The group dinner with all of the porters in Pokhara at the end of the trek - where we gave them our surplus gear and tips - was excellent. And the optional visit to the Nava Kiran orphanage just outside Kathmandu was incredibly moving - would really recommend this.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Hard to over-praise our group leader Keshar - well-organised, extremely knowledgeable on the local flora and fauna, unflappable, friendly and always on hand to advise and assist. A real star who inspired confidence.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do some walking and/or other aerobic exercise before you go - you'll get fit as the trek proceeds but the first few days will be fairly hard work if you aren't in reasonable shape. Don't skimp on your boots, use walking poles and take a good sleeping bag as once you get up high it's only just above freezing at night - that means inside the lodges!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This trip was a fantastic introduction to Nepal - we will definitely be going back.
Pamela Downie

Amazing trip to the Himalayas

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The amazing mountain views, and a real sense of achievement on reaching the base camps. It was great to be in the mountains and experience another way of life away from all the usual stresses of life.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Great. We were treated really well by our group leader and all the staff on trek. They were a highlight of the holiday, they did everything for us, nothing was too much bother, and we had a lot of laughs as well. I left with a really positive view of the Nepali people.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do the trip. I had a great time, it was a great adventure. It was my first time trekking and I think that the trip was just right for someone with reasonable fitness who hadn't trekked before. It was challenging but not too tough, and the scenery was stunning.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I came away with a really positive view of Exodus, I can't fault any part of the holiday and our tour leader and trekking staff were great. It was a really memorable trip and I hope to trek in Nepal again with Exodus soon.