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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  Sarah Cort

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written March 2013

  Stunning views !  Hard work but worth it. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to ABC.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Keisher was excellent.  Very knowledgeable and very supportive when it got tough (which it did).

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  There are more steps on this trip than the trip notes say - so bear that in mind.  Its VERY cold at MBC and ABC so don't underestimate the quality of sleeping bag you need.  Take any medications you need as you will not be able to get them in the mountains.  Showers are limited - take lots of wet wipes.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Its a great hike and gives you amazing views over the mountains.  It is however hard work.  If you work in an office (like me) and your exercise is limited to the gym and an odd run you can do it (just) but its a struggle.  Most of the people on this trip were very fit (we had hill runners for example) so make sure you train for it.

   
• 

  Clive Weston

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written March 2013

  This was an amazing trek into a beautiful mountain range; We had stunning views of snow capped mountains throughout the trip.  Walking along paths used by locals, livestock and visitoors alike gave a real insight into local village life. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The first view of the range above base camp, including Annapurna (One & Two) and "Fish Tail", was truely memorable.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our local tour leader was wonderful; very patient, trustworthy, knowledgeable and fun; although he did cheat at cards a bit!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take ice grips / crampons if going early season.  We walked through ice and snow on some very steep paths for the two days to Annapurna base camp.  A good level of fitness beforehand and some experience of hill walking made the trip much more enjoyable.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you get a chance go for it!

   
• 

  Steven Cleveland

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2012

  A hugely rewarding trip. Be prepared for very basic accommodation. Physically challenging but worth every bit of effort and hardship to get to the top.  We all run out of superlatives to describe the landspace and scenery but suffice to say you cannot fail to be hugely impressed.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the Annapurna base camp was a massive achievement for us all.  As a group we all got on very well and the spirit of the group helped us all up.  The base camp at Annapurna is absolutely stunning and the day spent wandering around the base of the mountains will live long in my memories.  Another great moment was the first hot shower after reaching the top ! I really needed that !

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was passionate about the spirit of the mountains and beauty of the environment and it was a joy to have him as our leader.  He knew exactly what to do when people needed his help or advice on the trek and its no coincidence that we all made it.  We also had some really great guides who were happy and smiling people who were helpful and always lifted the spirits of the trekkers.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You really have to be prepared to rough it during the trek.  So long as you dont mind the odd squat toilet, sharing a room for a few nights and being cold then you'll get on fine. It's worth it !

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you like walking and beautiful landscapes you have to think about doing this trek. It's 100% worth it.

   
• 

  Martyn Cribb

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2012

  An outstanding trip that highlighted the magnificent range of beauty of the Himalayas.  Challenging but throroughly enjoyable. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The Annapurna Sanctuary surrounded by snow capped mountains provides for me the highlight of the trip.  The sunrise provides the icing on the cake.  In addition the farmland and the tropical rainforests provide a real insight into some of the wide variety of ecosystems in this wonderful country.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group was brilliantly led by Prasant who provided excellent leadership.  He is very knowledgable about the area and showed a very caring attitude to all members of the party.  In addition his sense of fun and humour ensured we had a great time.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Get fit!  With one stretch of 3,700 stone steps and many thousand more you need to be certain that you can cope with these demands and also the altitude so slowly slowly is the answer.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is a great trip whether you have been to the Himalayas before or not.  We had been to Everest Base Camp already and although Annapurna is not so high it is very varied and very beautiful.

   
• 

  Claire Taylor

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2012

  This was an awe inspiring trek through incredible, varied scenery and culminating in visiting the home of the gods at ABC, all in the most amazing clear, sunny conditions. Our guide believed that the perfect conditions were evidence that that mountains had "called" us and it is easy to believe that those stunning mountains were in charge.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The entire trek inspired me, from the lovely people in the group,and the leader and his assistants, to the friendly and generous Nepali people who have little, but are happy to share all. The final trek up to the sanctuary left me silent and reflective, ( not something my fellow travellers had seen before...!), I was completely overcome by the beauty and majesty of the mountains. I will never forget sunrise at Annapurna Sanctuary. I will also never forget how quickly the clouds closed in the day before and how small and insignificant we were as the mountains disappeared from sight. I also loved the hot springs we visited ( another 35 mins down to the river, 55 mins back up after a very long days trekking) with our guides, the cleanest I'd been for some long time! As a non tea drinker before the trek, I am now addicted to ginger, lemon honey tea.....but not at 05.00..

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Prasant was knowledgeable, organised and looked after us all with much care. He gave us excellent advice about our health and well being and went out of his way to make sure everything ran smoothly. if Prasant said "no beer", we knew no beer was the best! (Only at altitude tho'!) We were also indebted to our assistant guides, "uncle", Lak Phar, And BJ who were always there when needed but never in the way and organised our food and drinks with efficiency and cheerfulness despite none of us ever remembering what we we ordered and eating each others ( you know who you are...!) Lak Phar and BJ were particularly cheerful at 06.00 each morning with "Excuse me Claire, lemon tea". If you are reading this, I was trying to be cheerful back, but mornings aren't my best time!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do it, just go, you won't regret it, it was the best thing I ever did. Do as much training as you can, I found it challenging especially the long downhills towards the river, beautiful but always aware that his would be followed by an equally strenuous uphill the other side of the valley. Be prepared for the altitude to affect you how ever fit you are. Slowly, slowly, find your own pace, listen to your body and try not to bring up your tea on Poon Hill as I did...trying to keep up with others rather than listening to my heavy breathing and slowing down. Practice your squatting, personal thanks go to my Pilates teacher for my ability to hit the target... Drink loads, eat Dhall Bat and apple porridge, and veg noodle soup. I was lucky enough to share rooms with a lovely lady, an experienced trekker who taught me so much, including how to seal 4 day socks in a freezer bag and how not to pee on your clean trousers, and how to laugh and laugh like school girls at the daftest things, thank you lovely Ella.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Just press the button, book the trek and have the time of your life

   
• 

  Michael Hunter

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2012

  This trek provided a truly superb experience. We were blessed with excellent weather throughout and enjoyed clear blue skies with only a few hours of patchy cloud, normally in the mid afternoon.  The route was very attractive and gave a sensible opportunity to prepare for altitude. Only three of our group of sixteen seemed to be affected by it. The locals were friendly and warm; they responded enthusiastically to our five words of Nepalese! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Entering the Sanctuary and listening to the growl of the glacier and the rumble of the avalanches in the far distance.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent, Prasant was a superb leader; combining fun with a high degree of professionalism. He was ably assisted by his three guides all of whom added to the enjoyment of the trek.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for single sex dormitories at the overnight stop before MBC, at MBC and ABC and make sure you have a good supply of hygienic wipes to cover those three days when showers were not easily available. Make a note of the food you order at the tea houses.....it can be quite embarassing when delivered to the table and you find you have eaten someone else's lunch.....
  

   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We are seasoned walkers, (having completed all of the Lakeland tops and topped out 50 Munros) and although aged 61 and 59 we found the walking very comfortable; the paths were easily negotiated; and only found ourselves tiring on the three long descent days. 

  You can find three 10 minute videos of out trek at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK38mLIy23Y

  There is no reason not to go on this trek!

   
• 

  John Edge

  ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

  

  Written November 2012

  A varied, reasonably strenuous, and interesting trek, with an excellent lead guide in Prem and 15 other "solos" to chat with. It took in paddy fields, farms, small settlements, forest, ridges, deep valleys, treeline then snowline and barren desolation. A true adventure. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Free walking up from the narrow gorge to Fishtail base camp and the vast bowl of Annapurna.

  Watching oxen used to trample/flail the rice, and the communal rick building.

  Wallowing in the hot springs pool, while watching the monkeys across the river watching us.

   

   

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent. Undertook the leadership role with diplomacy and sensitivity. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Understand the basis of "layering" of clothing before you go. 

  Take : flip flops, wet wipes, a good thermal sleeping bag, head torch, good book, kleenex tissues, spare lightweight footwear, hand gel, spare camera battery.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The quality of the tea houses is variable, and the washing and toilet facilities can be basic, but that is part of the experience. Keep expectations low, and the landscape will more than compensate.

   

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