Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Esquinas Lodge was definitely my favourite place to stay. So remote and so beautiful. The sounds of the rainforest especially at dawn. Close second was Tortuguero. The gardens there teem with birds and the boat trips took us right into the waterways where we saw howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchins, caimans,turtles and so many birds. Turning off the engine of the boat and sitting in silence to hear the rainforest breathe was unforgettable. Seeing my first sloth was special. As was the quetzal trip at dawn. Three resplendent quetzals in no hurry to fly away!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very special. Nothing was too much trouble. Katia really did go the extra mile to make everything run smoothly and her knowledge was awesome. She had the perfect balance of interpersonal skills and professional know how. I learnt so much about the social and natural history of Costa Rica and we had such fun too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If in the UK, do take the direct flight from London Gatwick to San Jose. It took all the strain out of the travelling and avoided the stresses of stopover in the USA, the harsh treatment by the US immigration system, and risk of missing onward flights!

Most Inspirational Moment

See above

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of layers

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up at 3 am and climbing for 5 hours with head torches to reach the Thorang La pass by 9. Watching the sun rise and then descending about 5,400 ft . Views that just took your breath away. The desolation up there and freezing cold too. And the sense of achievement that the whole group made it. Poon Hill was amazing too. Another early morning start to get up there but you really did feel on top of the world. And all those other trekkers up there too, like us, waiting to see the sun rise. The way the light caught the mountains was just magical and presented great photo opportunities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

If you said name me the perfect group leader, it would be Prim ( and I know others in the group thought the same) He constantly watched over us (but not in an intrusive way) ensuring everyone was OK. Safety was paramount. Sorted out all our meals, was very knowledgeable about the mountains, had a great smile, was very courteous. A true gent. Nothing was too much trouble. He took away any anxiety with his calmness. He had Pasang and Lappa helping him too. They were both excellent. And lets not forget the porters - delightful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of hand gel. Reduce your risk of tummy bugs - take probiotics before and during walk. Whilst it can be very cold as you go up, its also very warm when the sun is out, even when high up. So have a good mix of winter and summer clothes. Jelly babies , boiled sweets and chocolates bars keep you happy !

Most Inspirational Moment

The musty rooms smelled like old socks and the toilets were revolting!

Most Inspirational Moment

The game reserve we went to was fantastic and we saw the big 5 which was delightful. Afterwards we enjoyed the camp fire and delicious food. I also loved the whale watching when we were lucky enough to see a whale and her calf...it was right at the end of the season so such a treat. I also loved going to Hermanus but it's difficult to choose my most inspirational moment as there were several.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin Barr is an excellent group leader. Not only is he fun, passionate about his country, as well as being very knowledgeable about most things in S.Africa and I learnt so much, he is also good at speaking as well as articulate but interesting as well. He is very well organised and so everything ran smoothly and nothing is too much trouble for him. He just gets on with everyone and is very approachable and personable and I have to say, the best group leader I've had so far. I'm pretty sure he makes the trip what is it and chose some excellent hotels and guest houses, restaurants and always gave good advice. 5 stars for Justin.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to do all the extra trips on offer including any hikes you can. Go to the amazing botanical gardens in Cape Town and if possible stay an extra few days to spend more time in Cape Town. Do the hikes and watch out for all the amazing wildlife. Sample as much of the unusual food on offer such as crocodile and ostrich and the delicious wines.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first sight of Everest from afar on the trek and then thinking “that’s where we are heading” mind blowing! Reaching EBC the physical attributes and reaching a new altitude for the first time. Into the thin air!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A leader with great attributes to making sure that the safety and welfare of the group were always at the forefront of his mind by the constant checking along the way on the trek. Always had time for the group and was very very funny and liked to sing his own little melody that we all adopted by the end of the trek! Jaite and his team were a pleasure to be with on the journey!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, prepare yourself well whatever time of the year you go! This trek is an amazing one to complete and tick off the list, but make sure that you have all the correct gear to cope with the cold mostly at nights and early morning starts. Lastly - “go for it”I would recommend this trek for all its iconic mantra and challenge. “Superb”

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountain vista from the ridge on the way to Gosainkund Lake was stunning - absolutely awe-inspiring in its range and beauty. We had the honour of visiting, at Kyanjin Gompa, one of the Exodus-supported projects - a residence for elderly people left entirely without family support as a result of the earthquake. This was a humbling and uplifting experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the privilege of travelling with Valerie Parkinson and of benefitting from her extensive knowledge of the history and culture of Nepal and India. Her after-dinner talks were both interesting and amusing and often had eavesdroppers from other trekkers in the teahouses. The local leaders were all excellent and worked very well as a team to meet our every need. They were supportive and encouraging and ensured that we all managed even the most challenging parts of the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm clothes and sleeping bags. It was very cold at the higher altitude. A laundry service is available at Kyanjin Gompa, so you don't need to carry many changes of clothes. There's an excellent bakery and coffee shop there too. This is an excellent trip! Don't hesitate to book

Most Inspirational Moment

The panoramic view near Gosainkund as the huge mountain peaks of Nepal floated above a sea of white cloud which hid the valley floor. The climb up Kyanjin Ri and Klymoshung Ri above Kyanjin Gompa which -though tough- immersed you in fantastic glacial scenery with views extending to the mountains of the border with Tibet. Seeing Everest from Tharepati.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie as ever was excellent- the patience of a saint, great humour and fascinating knowledge. Plus she is a wonderful storyteller, making for very enjoyable evenings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Except for a few of the lodges the accommodation on this trek really is pretty basic. Be prepared and have the headtorch and loo paper handy. Food is generally good though snacks are essential as distances between lodges vary. It can be bitterly cold at night. We had one bad day when the mist set in which also made it feel (and look) cold. Can be very warm in daytime so layering essential. Gloves critical esp early morning.

Most Inspirational Moment

So hard to pick but I think it has to be Patagonia. I highly recommend exiting via the optional zodiac trip! In reality, the inspiration to visit Chile on this trip comes from the diversity that you experience. I have a myriad of colourful images and experiences in my head that will last with me for a very long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ignacio was friendly with everyone and imparted a wealth of knowledge about his beloved Chile. He knew people all around the country which helped and he helped individuals in the group with any issues such as money, health, eating etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack with layers. You need sun protection everywhere....I used long sleeved shirts and light trousers, sunhat and trainers in the desert. But, also, it was minus 10 at the start of the geyser day so you start with fleece hat, warm jacket, etc. Patagonia was actually warmer than I expected and you don't need full on English winter walking gear but still go with the layers. I managed it all in about 16kg but it's worth planning what you take. Waterproof trousers add an extra layer of warmth and wind proofing but can be removed later in the day. We took anti mossie spray but didn't need it much...so, have some but it's not a great problem at this time of year. Take paracetamol.....helps to ward off altitude sickness in the desert....but, mainly, follow the advice of the guide to breathe deeply and go slow! Only 1 of our party was affected and it didn't last long.

Most Inspirational Moment

Night time on the boat in Halong Bay, with lights all around us from other vessels. The beauty of Hoi An Getting away from the popular tourist sights and seeing some of the real Vietnam The quality and abundance of the fruit, herbs and vegetables The feeling of bustle, dynamism and progress in the country in general

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cong was extremely efficient and personable. Our group was the maximum size of 16 and he managed to cater well for everyone's needs and expectations. His knowledge and enthusiasm for his country were clear for all to see and we really enjoyed the insights that he gave us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cash machines are much more available than we had expected and quite a number of establishments are happy to take cards. Wifi is widely available. If you like coffee, you'll love it in Vietnam! We found the trip notes to be very accurate , so it's worth studying those along with other feedback comments on this website. The pace of the trip is stated to be 'leisurely/moderate'. While that is undoubtedly correct in terms of the physical activity undertaken, bear in mind that there is a lot of travelling and some fairly long days. Having said that, our leader was adept and giving us free time to relax and the accommodation was always comfortable and pleasant.