Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk around the 'three chimneys' was one of the best one days walks I've done - beautiful weather, rugged walking and great scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was great - very knowledgeable and with a dry sense of humour. One of the best Exodus leaders I've encountered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I did a 'C' grade week.  I'd say it was on the easy side of C grading, so not too difficult.Flight timings are just silly - you end up arriving at the hotel around 2.30am (or later if the flight is delayed) and don't return to Gatwick until after midnight.  This means the first day is spent bleary eyed and you get an extra rest day on the last day before heading to the airport in the early evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was reaching base camp, and seeing the grandeur of the mountains together with the ice formation, glaciers and frozen rivers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Persang Bomjang, was superb. He was everything you would want in a leader. He said at the beginning that he and the leadership team were there to look after us, and that is what they did throughout. He had 14 years of experience leading trips in Nepal, India and Bhutan. He knew everything there was to know about the trekking, effects of altitude and surrounding geography. We were given a briefing each evening relating to the next day, so that everyone could prepare themselves well. He made sure that everyone drank sufficient water which was crucial for the altitude, and was well informed with regard to potential health issues.Anyone who has him as their group leader in the future need have no concerns. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

1) Follow the advice regarding fluid intake2) Take a fleece sleeping bag liner, it makes a real difference3) Have a rucksack which can hold water bottles on the outside, so that you can access them easily4) Take Diamox to offset altitude sickness, the side effects are very minor5) Makes sure you always have a supply of loo paper6) Warm gloves, preferably with liner gloves are essential at the top7) Be prepared for fairly basic living/toilet conditions as you get to the higher altitudes 8) Take a balaclava   

Most Inspirational Moment

The scale of the warriors was immense. The details shared with us as to the lives of those building them and their fate was thought provoking.The scenery and opportunity to explore the scenery around Yangshou was the best part of the trip for me. It was so beautiful and was the most peaceful part of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was fantastic; he was very cheerful, very helpful and made the trip for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

An umbrella- I've travelled a bit and thought that I wouldn't walk around with an umbrella but the weather was so humid there was no way we could wear waterproof jackets ( August). Also consider dark shorts - one day it looked like I had wet myself through sweat!Be ready for crowds, travelling and humidity (in August) and if you have always wanted to see these highlights of China then you will love this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the visit to Lukomir and the walk there. Incredible scenery!The visits to the tunnel museum in Sarajevo and the exhibition about the bridge in Mostar were very moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid was brilliant. His knowledge about everywhere we went was incredible. He fitted in well with the group and made every effort to accommodate what people in the group wanted to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are wary about visiting Bosnia, don't be. It is is a beautiful country, and Sarajevo is a lovely city to spend some time in.All of the walks on the trip are fairly easy, you don't really need walking boots, trainers are fine.You really don't have much time in Dubrovnik. Our group didn't plan to go in to town until the evening, however a few of us booked a taxi and went in earlier in the afternoon, which gave us time to walk around the city walls.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 9 where you cycle for the whole day from Bayamo into the Sierra Maestra. This was the best cycling of the whole trip.The final stretch on a dirt track into the jungle was rewarded with a super location for a hotel by a plunge pool and waterfall.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very good - well informed and very proud of his country. We got plenty of "education time" from him!He oversaw the cycling well and ensured the group had plenty of rest breaks and were safe on some of the busier stretches of road.  He was a bit over cautious on day 5 when it rained a lot - being British cyclists some of us were used to getting wet and would have prefered to be back on the bike instead of in the bus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not just a cycling holiday - it is also a cultural tour of Cuba. If you are going just for the cycling, some of the first week is rather tedious and boring roads, with long straight stretches. But the second week picks up with more variety in the routes. There are plenty of rest breaks and refreshments and snacks  - and rum drinks as welcome drinks at the hotels! Do not expect to loose any weight on this trip - even though you cover about 600k on the bike during the two weeks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Obviously the high point of this trip was reaching the summit of Toubkal and looking out over the Atlas mountains. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Hassan was clearly very experienced however none of the group felt he was terribly communicative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for every type of weather condition in the mountains. Although our group did the trip in themiddle of August, we had rain, hail, thunderstorms, wind and sunshine all in one day! Take waterproofs, gloves, hats, thermals, layers...The terrain on the mountain is generally fine on the first day, but on the summit day there is a lot of climbing over rocks/boulders followed by a lot of scree. Walking poles were certainly useful on the scree.The quality of the gite and the mountain refuge was good - better than expected in fact - though ear plugs are advisable as you sleep around 4 to a room in the gite and as many as 16 to a room in the refuge. Take some form of entertainment too as there is nothing to do otherwise! One of our group had a pack of cards which kept us amused for hours!As a Muslim country, alcohol is not readily available and indeed the hotel we stayed in in Marrakech did not serve any and frankly, after the exertions on the mountain, a beer would have been most welcome!Do explore the souks of Marrakech, though preferably not alone, as it is very easy to get lost!

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time I could "touch" the wall. Leaving the repaired/tourist wall and proceeding along the unrepaired sections. The views! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader. Very patient, knew his stuff and was prepared to share his own thoughts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The accomodation on the walk is basic but genuine. If you like coffee - take your own.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a couple of inspirational moments, firstly arriving in Mumbai, a domestic flight to Napur and then travelling by road to Pench National Park, this was my first taste of India - WOW. At Kanha NP we had a sighting of Leopard and some distant glimpses of Tiger and a female dragging a carcass. (There had been reports of the kill the previous evening and she had cubs to feed). Then on to Bandhavgarh NP where our group of 4 were privileged to experience a very close encounter with an 8 year old male Tiger, once he had passed our jeep we all felt extremely emotional. I know we will all remember that moment for ever!!! The following day for almost an hour we watched a young Tiger, once joined by his brother, lying on the road, cleaning, relaxing and generally showing off for us. Our guides knew their business, gained us a prime viewing position and we felt completely safe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader, Harish Kumar worked continually to make this a most memorable holiday. His photography skills and advice were gratefully received.  Thankyou Harish.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love wildlife and feel obliged to see the Taj (which is wonderful) just book this fantastic trip. You will not regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing some of the large birds of prey.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best I don't say really. Not my kind of guy. May be a good photographer, but a bit too bossy. Intolerant. Needs to hone his man management skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with your own agenda, and try to get part of it incorprated into the trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader were perfect. One very organized that made sure everything went smoothly, some others more extroverted. All very knowledgeable of their country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a great experience for cycling freaks as well as leisurely cyclists. Sportive and flexible midset guarantee loads of fun and an unforgettable trip.