We recently completed the Tour, having waited a few years after a ‘covid cancellation’ and whilst being fortunate with the weather (there were high temperatures before our trip and heavy rain afterwards), we enjoyed it immensely. The physical challenge was huge, perhaps not unexpectedly and the scenery utterly beautiful. If I could sum up our experience I’d say that our previous two major treks were in the Himalayas amongst mountains almost twice the height but this did nothing to lessen the majesty and sheer beauty of the Mont Blanc region. Any disappointments such as too much shopping for lunch and a poor hotel experience in St Gervais were minor niggles.
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David Handcock Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
Julian Pomery Everest Base Camp TrekI’m 70. I had a yearning to see Everest since I was quite young. As I grew older, I hoped to do the trip with my sons but the length of the trip was not conducive. I wasn’t particularly fit but trained for a few months beforehand, not knowing if I could manage the amount of walking , let alone the unknown element of altitude.
Arriving in Kathmandu, the hotel was excellent and we had time to visit the old city of Thamel.
The flight to Lukla was a great experience in a small plane, next the start of the trek.
The ‘Teahouses’ along the way offered a warm convivial welcome, with varying numbers of other trekkers present. Suspension-bridge crossings, some several hundred metres long were great! We were lucky to have clear visibility and sunshine nearly every day as we progressed ever higher amid awe-inspiring scenery, expertly led by our leader Valerie Parkinson, and Nepalese guide Saroje. Our yakman Nawang took care of all our luggage except for our light daysacks.
We gazed up at Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Macalu, Pumori, to name but a few peaks. From various vantage points including the aptly named Everest View Hotel, we had excellent views of Everest with the South Summit and South Col.
We experienced at first hand the logistical marvel of how everything is transported up here; by yak, mule, dzo or porter.
Bird-life included Vultures and Golden Eagles soaring overhead, plus Tibetan Snow birds that took a fancy to my lemon drizzle cake on Kala Patthar during our final acclimatisation trek.
After taking in the Kumbhu Glacier, we reached Gorak Shep before the final push to Everest Base Camp itself. Unlike most other treks, we had ample time at Base Camp rock before the short walk to one of the expedition camps where we stayed overnight, amongst an array of camps looking like something out of a Bond movie. We witnessed a massive avalanche, and spent time on the ice shelf, truly surreal amongst the surrounding peaks.
Overall, it was tough but an utterly amazing experience, in the competent hands of our leader Valerie, a lifetime goal achieved.
Alison Buckley Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek14 day trip with 10 days of walking
Walking and trekking holiday FAQs
What can I expect from a walking holiday?
Depending on the type of walking holiday you choose, you could be scaling great heights, soaking up coastal scenery or spotting incredible wildlife.
It could be self-guided or you could make friends with like-minded travellers in one of our group walking tours. Either way, our guided tours will mean you’re supervised by one of our expert leaders. They’ll impart valuable knowledge about your destination, giving you a more personal experience you simply won’t get anywhere else.
What different types of walking holiday do you offer?
We offer self-guided, guided and even private group walking tours.
Our point-to-point walking holidays allow you to cover vast distances, uncovering new scenery each day. Examples include everything from the Peruvian heights of The Inca Trail to the almighty Everest Base Camp Trek.
Want to scale some of the largest heights around the globe? Our summit walking tours will take you up the likes of Mount Toubkal in Morocco and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Alternatively, you might prefer a centre-based walking holiday where you’ll stay in accommodation for the entirety of the trip, giving you a comfortable base. This includes our Walking the Amalfi Coast and Mont Blanc Highlights walking tours.
While many of our walking trips are 16+, we do offer several family walking holidays too.
Where can I go on a walking trip to?
You can embark on walking holidays in Europe or stay closer to home with a walking tour in the UK. Want to go further afield? Browse our full selection of walking and trekking holidays, which includes destinations like Peru, Africa and Nepal.
You can also filter your walking preferences by the type of destination you’d prefer, such as any of the following:
What should I wear on a walking holiday?
Every walking holiday is different, so make sure you check your itinerary. Consider the terrain and the weather at your chosen destination and set time aside to research the climate expected during your walking tour.
Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support are essential, as well as appropriate socks to reduce rubbing.
A hot climate will require a sun hat, sunglasses and appropriate clothing, such as shorts and t-shirts made from breathable materials. Walking trips in destinations with hotter climates, such as those in deserts, can plunge to chilly temperatures at night, so be sure to bring layers, particularly if you are camping. Some countries also experience heavy or intermittent rainfall, so a waterproof is recommended.
You should also consider whether your destination requires a more conservative dress code. Many of our walking tours integrate cultural activities that may require a shawl or headscarf.
Meanwhile, a snowy climate will demand a warm hat, headband or buff. We recommend two pairs of gloves, with one waterproof pair. Be sure to remember sunglasses, as the sunlight reflecting from the snow can be very intense. Check our winter adventure kit list for more information on clothing and accessories you might need.
What should I take on a walking holiday?
We have an essential walking kit list that highlights items such as SPF and gel plasters. You might consider a first aid kit with painkillers too. Depending on the climate, mosquito spray could come in handy.
If you go for one of our snowshoeing walking holidays, we’ll provide equipment like snowshoes, walking poles and avalanche transceivers.
What is the duration of a walking holiday?
Walking tours can be as little as a few days or upwards of 12 days if you choose a longer expedition.
Are your walking tours guided?
Many of our trips are guided, but you have the option to choose a self-guided walking holiday if preferred.
What will my group be like during my walking holiday?
If you choose one of our guided small group walking trips, you’ll be in a group of 8 to 16 people. A large proportion of our walking holiday trips are made up of solo travellers, creating a great opportunity to make friends with like-minded people with different stories to share.
What will the accommodation be like on your walking holidays?
Again, this will depend on your chosen tour. You could be camping or staying in a range of unique, locally owned accommodation throughout your tour. This could be anything from mountain huts to farmyards, rural gîtes to hotels.
Will food be provided on my walking holiday?
Most of our trips include food and drink, with some tours allowing you to buy your own if there are services or eateries available. Check the details of your chosen tour to see whether food is included.
Some of our walking holidays are very food-centric and involve related activities, such as wine tasting in the vineyards of Burgundy. So be sure to choose your walking trip based on what you want from the experience.
Meet the Expert
Danny Bell – Product Manager Europe
“Walking and trekking has always been at the heart of Exodus with Nepal being central to this. Our guides and leaders here are part of our family-run local team – some are second- and third-generation Exodus staff, who have inherited their expert knowledge of this beautiful region to provide a unique trekking adventure.”
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