Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Two very different experiences stand out for me; the first being the day we crossed the Cho La Pass. An early start and steep climb led to fantastic views and sense of achievement at the pass. This was followed by a decent over the glacier and stunning walk into the next valley. The second was the opportunity to meet Mr Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving team member of the 1953 Everest expedition and listen to his memories, arranged by and translated by our guide. Another once in a life time experience provided by this trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our lead guide, Tsering Dorgee Sherpa, met us from the plane and and looked after us until departure. His experience and knowledge ensured the whole group gained as much as possible from the trip and stayed safe. He along with our other guides Uwa and Nima were always professional but still made the trek entertaining and had a great sense of humor. I really felt the group were lucky to have been guided by this team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't under estimate the trek, its tough but worth it. If you are going in the cooler season then prepare for the cold on the earlier starts, it really will make a difference to your trip. The Tea house accommodation was, on the whole, a lot better than expected and the food was always good. I took plenty of snacks, didn't need them all but glad I did. If you do take snacks make sure its food you really enjoy, peanut M&Ms were a great idea for me. If you are undecided between this and the normal EBC trek I would go for this without a doubt. Gokyo is stunning and Cho La pass an adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

The animals!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was just wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few, sorry! 1) The forts and palaces generally, especially at Jaipur and Udaipur 2) cycle up to Kumbhalgarh and visit to the fort 3) Morning guided heritage cycle around Jaipur, everyone thought that was fantastic 4) Ride through Sariskar NP buffer zone on day 10 5) Day 13 cycle through backroads to Fatehpur Sikri 6) And finally, the visit to the Taj Mahal, amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two tour leaders who shared duties, Sanjay who was the most senior and Tapesh. I thought they were a good mix and ensured we had the chance to meet locals, especially in impromptu situations. They looked after everyone on the rides and catered for the varying levels of fitness and determination. Socially they were good fun as were the cycle rides. They made the trip in my opinion.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t underestimate the heat and it’s impact on performance. Drinking plenty is difficult when the water in your bottle is 40C so try and mix with other drinks or take some squash or similar. Travel light, a bar bag is a useful thing to take rather than rucksack. Have camera handy for photos as you pass through small villages and chai shops.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trips from Tortuguero were wonderful. So many birds and other animals were pointed out to us with the Green Iguanas in the trees being particularly inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be very hot and humid in the tropical rain forest but also cooler in the mountains. Casualwear is definetly what you need.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trips from Tortuguero were wonderful. So many birds and other animals were pointed out to us with the Green Iguanas in the trees being particularly inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be very hot and humid in the tropical rain forest but also cooler in the mountains. Casualwear is definetly what you need.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was walking down a mountain glimpsing the camp and the rock pools beckoning to us in the distance. As we walked a herd of over 300 sheep rams and newborn lambs moved towards us led by a nomad in vividly coloured clothing which contrasted starkly with the grey rocks and stones. The sound of the the animals hooves on the rocks sounded like the pitter patter of raindrops echoing through the mountain air. In the distance a young Berber who looked about 12 years old was skipping effortlessly across the rocks dressed in bright magenta and red tunic. It was truly an ethereal sight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Lasan was professional organised calm extremely kind and great fun. Nothing was ever to much trouble for him. He encouraged me up the mountains, made sure we had enough to eat and constantly filled up our water bottles. The team of cooks and porters looked after us so well that really all we needed to do was walk , have fun , eat and sleep. They put up the tents , prepared all the delicious food and served lunches fit for a king on top of mountains. I always felt safe and was able to fully appreciate the isolation of the mountains as a result.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take woolly hat and gloves as it was cold on a couple of evenings. The group leader provided bottled water in huge containers so we didn't need our water filter bottles or chlorine tablets so save your money and don't bother buying them. I would advise anyone considering doing this trip to go for it. The hotel on the first night was clean and comfortable ( unfortunately i cant remember the name) but ask for a room at the back of the hotel as the saturday night disco/club was at the front of the hotel and our room overlooked it and was very noisy until 3pm in the morning.

Most Inspirational Moment

I would say the giving to the needy children, dogs and schools was the most inspirational part of the trip! It was nice to give back while we were enjoying our trip and it is something we will endeavour to do more in the future.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fernando was amazing. He was very good at reading the group and knowing when/how to suggest things and get everyone excited to participate! His passion for the country and history was evident throughout the trip but he did a fantastic job of not overwhelming us. He is wonderful at his job and is an asset to Exodus!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sleep before you come :) and carefully read the itinerary and be prepared before you arrive. Review the current weather for each location before you leave. Take lots of hand sanitizer and kleenex for bathroom breaks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing over the highest passes, overcoming my fear of descending (I really prefer walkin uphill), letting go of everything that was going on in my life back home, meeting wonderful new people, dealing with altitude and learning the effects it has on your body, meeting monks in Ladakh and visiting the Taj Mahal (I booked the extension Golden triangle).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima was the best! He was so experienced with climbing and the altitude. Also, he was extremely fit. He made sure everyone was doing alright all the time and motivated us to keep on going even if we were having a hard time. He showed genuine interest in all of us and opened up to us during the trip. Tashi was great as well, as was the rest of the staff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was very happy with my walking poles for the descents. Also, bring lots of sunscreen and a hat with a long flap that covers your neck. Exercise enough at home before you start this trip. I was very happy that a came prepared and fit enough. The altitude and the heat during the day already make it hard so having a certain level of fitness really helps you to be able to enjoy this trip instead of having to struggle through it. Bring a set of playing cards and invite the rest of the staff to join you for a game after diner; they love that! Earplugs will come in handy at night as most nights you will here the continuous sounds of the bells on the horses that stay around the tents. Warm clothes are a must, especially a warm hat, fleece and gloves. A washcloth helps you clean up a little bit during the 7 days camping when you get a bowl of warm water and you try to ‘shower’ in your tent ;-).

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved swimming in cenotes which was added to the tour as well as Frida Kahlo house and the Mayan sites.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Arthuro couldn’t do enough for the group and had extensive and humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Booked group flight via Washington and on reflection should have booked my own flight either direct or via non US hub. Transfer queues were worse part of holiday!

Most Inspirational Moment

Paddling to one of the islands to watch the gorgeous sunset with elephants eating 50m away. Then listening to them as drift off to sleep. Seeing a pride of 5 lions on a game drive was also pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

CB was well liked by everyone, right combination of humour, knowledge and always there with advice or a calming reassurance. He clearly loves the job and all the guests agreed he was as much like a friend on the tour as well as never stopping in looking after us. If you needed it then CB would have it or find a way to get it for you. First class guide and especially nice to see him teaching Best the assistant guide in any downtime.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Packlight but bring an extra t-shirt or top. Antibacterial soap can wash hardwearing clothes if want to do that too. Plenty of bug spray and sunscreen as you will use it. Bring a good point and shoot as well as dslr as in the canoe wielding a big lens isn't always practical. Change about $50 at the airport and get a few bonus items at the shop on the way - you will need about 1 - 2l for the drive in the heat. Try and find a right sized paddle Lastly have most of your stuff for the first 3 nights ready to go in a separate daysack in your softbag. When you reach the 1st camp it is often dark and you don't have much time.