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The scenery was breathtaking and it was certainly a memorable trip and the trekking / steps were more challenging than I anticipated. I feel that every aspect of Nepal was covered from the somewhat dusty Kathmandu through to the inspitational mountains.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
When waking the morning after our long trek to Ghandruk we were met with an amazing view over the mountains, I just pulled up a chair and stared open mouthed at the scenery with my coffee.
What did you think of your group leader?
The leader was very attentive and supportive to me when I had a cold / hip problem. He endeavoured to sort out any problems swiftly and amicably and I would recommend him to anyone.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There are a significant number of steps throughout the trip and a decent level of finess is required; the walking poles were very helpful although please be aware that "gentle" can give a false impression. A mask may be required for the dusty Kathmandu as a couple of us developed sore throats, as highlighted in Lonely Planet.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There was some confusion over our hotel at Kathmandu and we did not stay at the destination in the itineray, which was frustrating after a long outward journey.
Exciting variety of activities with the trekking, whitewater rafting, elephant safari to see rhinos and dugout canoes to see crocodiles. Also we stayed longer in Kathmandu and did Everest flight and saw lots of temples.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Waking early with a cup of tea to sit outside and watch the colours change on the 8000m Annapurna range. Totally magical and I keep going back to that memory.
Elephant safari getting close to two rhinos.
What did you think of your group leader?
Chandra was brilliant. Enormously knowlegeable and inspired us with his love for Nepal. His organisation was excellent and he was always prepared to go the extra mile.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be very careful about hygiene issues as there are some really nasty bugs.
Consider spending an extra couple of days in Kathmandu. There is so much to do, but try and spend as much time as possible out of the polluted centre.
Think carefully about the level of trekking in the different trips according to your fitness level. This one was at the easy end, but if you are fitter you may want to do something more demanding.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Seeing the Himalayas was top of my list of things to do before I die. This trip achieved what I wanted to do with a comparatively high level of comfort
Fabulous views and fantastic accommodation with a good variety of activities made this a perfect trip. It was almost like having three holidays in one, trekking rafting and then finally wildlife spotting.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing Everest.
The views of Annapurna were amazing.
Spotting a tiger from the back of an elephant in the early morning mist.
The local life style from city hustle and bustle to the peaceful villages still living a simple subsistence farming life.
What did you think of your group leader?
Keshar is a great guy, he is very professional and knowledgeable.
He is very passionate about Nepal and ensuring we all had a good time.
We loved his optional walks in the afternoon and wherever we went people seemed to know him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You don't need to take shampoo or shower gel it is provided in all the lodges and the river camp and as you would expect in the hotels also. Water bottles are provided at the start of the trek and the down jackets hats gloves and crocs at the lodges are great. Once you start walking in the mornings you soon loose your fleece layer and the porters carry rain ponchos so you don't need to pack a raincoat. In fact you need very little other than a couple of changes of clothes.
We visited a local school, it would have been really nice to have had some pens/pencils etc to give them.
The Everest flight was brilliant, top of the world.
Although the trip is graded leisurely the are a couple of days of quite strenuous trekking, especially if suffering with tummy trouble. Most of the trek is on uneven stone steps. I used a walking pole for the first time and found it quite useful both up and down, you don't need to take one as this is also provided at the beginning of the trek.
The was a hair dryer and power points in each of the lodges and generally the water was lovely and hot.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food was excellent and abundant and a good variety at the lodges. Food in restaurants in Katmandu and Pokhara was more western and generally not quite as good. The accommodation in Chitwan is not as nice as the lodges but it was worth it to see a tiger.
The Nepalese are lovely very friendly people.
When shopping you are expected to barter which I normally hate but it was more of a friendly agreement at a price and the Nepalese are not aggressive or pushy.
If you like great mountain views and walking but prefer a bit of luxury at the end of the day then go for it.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Anapurna view.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our team leader was great, friendly and very educated.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
amazing trip , just go, perfectly organise.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
just do it.
Rosemary Bellingham
ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY
Written
A very exciting and varied holiday. Kathmandu hits your senses when you arrive, then it's on to the tranquility of the mountains. The trekking was harder than leisurely, and it'd be best to train beforehand to get the full benefit. The scenery was stunning and well worth the effort. The accommodation in the lodges was excellent, and the food was superb. Rafting was fun, and the rapids were relatively tame - even those of a nervous disposition enjoyed themselves. Chitwan was interesting, but probably the least enjoyable part of the trip. The accommodation wasn't as good as the lodges. Bathing with the elephants was the highlight. There didn't seem to be many animals in the jungle area, which was a little disappointing.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The second day of trekking, walking through the villages, and seeing the way of life.
End of trek party with the porters.
Bathing with the elephants.
What did you think of your group leader?
Gum was an excellent group leader. Everything ran like clockwork, and he looked after us all really well.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Train beforehand - the second day is a long walk uphill, and there are lots of steps!
The lodges are well equipped with down jackets and crocs, so don't pack too much. Backpacks, waterproof capes, walking sticks, and water bottles were provided if you need them.
Don't worry about the food - it's plentiful and delicious.
Don't change too much money for the trek, there isn't much to spend it on.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Would have loved an extra day to explore Pokhara. It would be worthwhile staying on for a couple of extra days in Kathmandu at the end of the trip. We didn't have time to see it all, and would have liked time to take the Everest flight. The weather was too bad on day one.
John Deeley
ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY
Written
Avery well run holiday in not the easiest of places. The lodges we stayed in, were of a much higher standard than I expected.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The dignity of some the poorest people I have ever met and how they kept there homes cleaner than the rest of the population.
What did you think of your group leader?
our leader Keshar Khadga was absolutely brilliant . I did pity him as he is payed so little by Exodus, if I am very wrong on this , please put me right. His enthusiasm for his country was fascinating.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
not really
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have always enjoyed meeting other people on these trips , am now planning the next.