Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a tiger mother with her cubs from the back of an elephant in Kanha National Park was something that I'll never forget - but just the atmosphere of being in the parks in the morning with the sounds of the jungle waking up around you was something quite magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was great - as an ornithologist, he had a great knowledge of the bird species that we saw on our drives through the parks (and could even identify them from blurry smudges in some of our photographs), and as a tour leader, he was passionate and enthusiastic about his country, and made sure we all had a great time.We were in India for the Holi festival, and he organised a party at the jungle lodge that we were staying at, with all natural dyes for us to throw at each other - which we tried to wash off in the neighbouring river afterwards.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't go with the expectation of seeing large mammals on every game drive! We were spectacularly lucky, seeing 13 tigers, 2 leopards, 5 jackals and 2 wild dogs in total. Obviously it's great to see some of these amazing animals in the wild - but it's just as amazing to be in the parks, and absorb the sounds and atmosphere of these wild spaces. There wasn't a single drive where we failed to see something new - a new bird species, or deer exhibiting different behaviour.

Suggestions

If you want to see tigers in the wild, this trip is probably your best chance of doing so - there are so many game drives built into the schedule, and the option for further ones, that your chances are maximised. Even on days when you don't see any tigers, it's impossible to forget that they're not far away, with sightings of pugmarks or the sound of distant alarm calls. A fantastic experience, and one that I won't forget!Probably my only criticism of the tour is the way that the group was split across multiple carriages on the overnight trains. Our tour leader explained the difficulty of getting tickets for train journeys, and that quite often we weren't getting on or off at the start or end of a train line, but it still seemed unfair on some of the solo travellers to find themselves isolated in a carriage away from the rest of the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights that it's difficult to pick out just one so I'll put down a few. The scenery and wildlife are beautiful as the colours are so vibrant and the contrasts immense. The walk through the tea plantations with the views of the Western Ghats was stunning. The backwaters in Kerala are amazing too - it was a dream of mine to visit there and the experience lived up to expectations. The Meenakshi temple in Madurai is very interesting and the visit provides an insight to some of the spiritual side of India. Other great moments were visiting the local markets and meeting the very warm and friendly people. The food was a great highlight too. We ate in a lot of local restaurants and the food was always fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Avtar Singh is great! He was a fantastic leader and nothing was ever too much trouble for him to arrange. His humour and good nature helped an instant bonding across the group. The stories he told were always fascinating and I learnt so much about the culture and way of life in India. Always he tried to ensure we got a bit of extra 'spice' and this made the tour very special indeed. It was a real privilege to have him as a leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the pace of life there (it's much slower than London certainly) and open your eyes to new experiences. I enjoyed the early mornings when we were in the countryside as the wildlife was amazing at this time of day. The food in local restaurants was superb and while sensible precautions were taken most people did not suffer any ill effects. The people are very friendly and it was great to have the opportunity to speak to them in the markets and towns.

Suggestions

I'm a fan of India now, and hope to return soon to enjoy some more of this incredible country!

Most Inspirational Moment

The main reason for booking the holiday was to see the Northern Nights and we did.  The first night we arrived there they were in all their glory - well at least in glory enough not to be disappointed.  Husky sleding was also amazing.  Having your own team of 6 dogs pulling you through a winter wonderland is quite something.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As we were a party of 20 we were split into tow groups for the activities.  Our group was led by Eki and the other by Teemu who also played host to the whole group.  Both of them were great, cannot praise them highly enough.  The same goes for all the staff at Base Camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Believe it when they say you do not need to bring any warm clothes.  They really do provide everything.  All you need are your clothes to travel in and a few changes for the evening.

Suggestions

There could be a more comfortable area for guests to sit and while a way the evenings - some sofas and comfortable chairs.  Eki did tell us that they have plans to convert what is the clothing store into such a place which if that happens would be a real bonus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dog-sledding.  Especially the sudden change from frenetic, howling excitement when stationary (the dogs, not me) to the calm serenity of silently sliding through unspoilt snow-covered wilderness.  So good, most of us signed up for an extra whole day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Olli was great (although so were all the other Basecamp staff).  He must take so many groups through the same week's routine each season, and yet at no point did we not feel special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Basecamp provides all of the gear you'll need, although your own set of inner thermals may be a useful addition.  A bottle of scotch was good for the hot-tub and for flambeing pancakes outside on the last night.

Suggestions

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the snow-mobiling from Ruka, I wasn't convinced that it, or a day in an urban ski-resort setting, was entirely in keeping with the rest of the week.  You may prefer to arrange a private expedition around Basecamp to stick to the wilderness feel of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure if inspirational is the word but it was exhilarating to be up on the plateau skiing in very adverse conditions (ice, high winds) but with the most beautiful views of the white wild coutryside.      To get back safely in the evening after having battled the elements!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Ilse and Mary were great.   They helped navigate the complexities of waxing the skiis.   They were encouraging and thoughtful in their guidance.   They put a lot extra in with fun warm-ups and relaxing cool downs, evening activities and a brilliant photo show on the last night of our week's efforts.   I skiied more with Ilse who was truely inspirational and a very skilled instructor.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is plenty of variety for vegetarians and healthy options - I found the food excellant so need to bring any extras.   The packed lunch buffet was extensive as was breakfast.   It says in the trip notes but I did not read it to take gaiters.   Also needed are lots of layers.   No need for anything fancy for dinner!   Get fit before going - I though I was reasonably fit but my arms need a lot more work before going next time (and I will go back).   

Most Inspirational Moment

None come to mind for a trip of this nature.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders, Ilse and Mary were exceptionally good.  They were very caring & encouraging at all times and their coaching was very clear.  They gave very interesting evening presentations, which were exceptionally well prepared and delivered.  Their warm-up and warm-down (stretching) sessions were very well designed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We feel that the level of fitness required for off-track skiing is higher than that for track skiing.

Suggestions

On the first day. we were advised that our own xc-ski boots were unsuitable for the off-track skiing in this area.  However, unlike our boots, the hire ski-boots had very little ankle support.  With the very difficult snow conditions, we both suffered severe ankle strain & brusing.  This could have been minimised if more supportive boos had been available.  The metal edges on the skis had not been ground recently; this made for less efficient edge control. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk along the crater rim to Uhuru was exceptionally challenging, but the views were absolutely amazing, and the feeling of achievement on reaching the summit was incredible.  There were a few tears from various members of the group at this point, which was an incredible and emotional moment.On the ascent, the moment when it suddenly dawned on me that I could see the curvature of the earth, was absolutely unforgettable. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leadership.  Abraham was consistently engaging and encouraging, and did a great job in encouraging us to the very top.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We spent a lot of time worrying about the cold etc and making sure we had proper clothes and gear for the final day.  Don't forget it is hot nearly all the rest of the time, so you will need gear to cope with this as well.  Do take some moisturiser for your face and lips (as well as sun cream and sunblock lip prep) as the weather can be very drying.

Suggestions

What a buzz!  If you are thinking of doing this trek - go for it!  Make sure you do some training if you are not used to sustained exertion.  The three of us who booked together had done quite a lot of British Military Fitness sessions, which I am sure helped, especially on the summit day, when the altitude made us very breathless.The organisation was impeccable, and we were very well looked after.  The food was excellent - far better than I expected, and the cup of tea and hot washing water brought to the tent every morning was very welcome! 

Most Inspirational Moment

The close encounters with village life during "off the beaten track" routes. Enjoyed the varied daily itineries. Everyday produced highlights. Quirky street food and tea stops, leopard sightings and blue whales to order.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very well versed in local culture. Very helpful in gaining insight into life in Sri Lanka. Good organisational and people skills. Knew the back roads and good bars and eateries. Thanks Pete.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch out for potholes in the rougher sections. I came to grief in a split second. Don't underestimate the pace of the group in hot and sweaty conditions. Although you can take a leisurely pace, for the older rider there is a sense that some rides are faster than necessary

Suggestions

An interesting destination. Would like to return to Sri Lanka some day soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

Strolling through the wadi rum just after sunrise when no one else was around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent tour leader (Hassan) though obviously a dalek as he didn't do stairs. Scheduling was spot on all week, snacks provided with perfect timing and an evil sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Gel seat for the cycling and take some warm clothing as the night in the desert was seriously cold.

Suggestions

You can get alcohol but it needs finding and is a bit pricey. Most local restaurants let you take your own but they dont want to handle it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing could have prepared me for that moment when when we arrived at the Sun Gate and had the first glimpse of Machu Picchu.  A truly memorable and unforgettable experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Packet of dynamite - could not have asked for a more competent, inspirational and knowledgeable person - Flam was brilliant and her co-leader too was just incredible.  Always ready to assist and to deal with the most challenging of situations, such as the night that we were due to leave for our return to Cuzco and the trains got delayed.  Flam made sure that we all arrived back safely and amidst the chaos of the 100's of travellers at the station she stayed cool, in control and was ready with a contingency plan.  I cannot praise her enough for her leadership and guidance throughout our trip.  Always friendly and approachable she lead with great confidence and knowledge about the places and its people that exceeded my expectations.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your time - nobody is doing this trip to compete.  If you make your own travel arrangements and join the group in Cuzco, try and arrive a few days in advance as this may help you to adjust to the climate and altitude. Opinion on the use of walking poles varies, but I for one found them incredibly useful (because of old knee problems) and would not have been able to complete the trip without them.  I chose to walk with high quality hiking sandals (and was the only person in the group to do so) and was really pleased that I did just that - dried quickly and kept my feet cool whilst some of my fellow group members complained of wet boots and feet that were on fire. Take a good insect repellant, you will need it at some point.  A good supply of wet wipes will come in handy too.  As for clothing, I wished I had taken an extra set of thermals and a fleece - was slightly underprepared for how cold it got on the mountain at night.  An inflatable pillow too would have been rather nice.  Make sure that your gear is genuinely waterproof!!  It rain quite a bit on this trip, but that did not dampen the spirits or enthusiasm of the group.  

Suggestions

And finally, if you are not sure whether this trip is for you, just take the plunge, it was well worth the expense and exhaustion that at times set in. Not just a little walk in the park for sure, but then the reward and satisfaction that you get on completion makes it an unforgettable experience.