Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were none, I found the whole experience depressing and unsettling, I felt ignored, disregarded by the bulk of the group and all of the time walking in foul weather on a difficult mountain so far behind everyone else, I felt unsafe

Thoughts on Group Leader

Overwhelmed by the number of people, she could not have coped looking after everyone despite her best efforts. Some people were just so bossy and domineering they just took over the whole trip. Too time obsessed, never had time to just enjoy the mountains which was the whole point of being there

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have a military level of fitness and consider another holiday with another company, I could not find anything to recommend this company any more and I have had many holidays with them

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it it the top of the hill in the mid afternoon heat after climbing up from Sarlat by grinding out the miles! The cave paintings at Lascaux 2 were stunning as the originals are over 17000 years old and cycling through the virtually traffics free country roads with the dappled sunlight over the chateaux.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Being self guided meant that he didn't have a leader which meant we had planets of time to confer while interpreting the route plan from Headwater. Both Claire & Keith ( the local reps) were both friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in August when it was hot so do take plenty of water with you and stay hydrated as this is an undulating route with plenty of short sharp hills and the occasional long one! Do also remember that shops are often closed during the afternoon until about 16.00 so buy your provisions in plenty of time

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyday was so different and so packed full it is hard to pick out one moment but probably reaching the summit of Maglić having beaten the looming storm!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer along with his colleague Dino was faultless as a guide. Their, humour, knowledge and enthusiasm for BH made the trip. Every aspect was planned in-depth from the treks to booking lunches/dinners for the group; we were made to feel very looked-after throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weather. During August we arrived at the end of a lengthy heatwave but still experienced frequent showers-some heavy. If you get travel sick just be aware that some of the minibus travel is through bumpy and windy roads; most journeys about an hour via minibus to the start of the walk.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the top of the first high pass (GandaLa Pass - 4960m) and seeing the jaw-dropping view the other side: mountains upon mountains stretching away into the distance. Also being able to watch the monks chanting their prayers at the Thikse Monastery was pretty special. We were treated to a huge herd of blue sheep not far away above us on the mountainside too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima was an exceptionally good leader. Absolutely nothing was too much trouble for him. He was upbeat, cheerful and good humoured throughout the trip and dealt with all our (minor) aliments and illnesses efficiently. The local guides were also fantastic, particularly Ongel, and together the whole team made us feel safe, relaxed and able to fully enjoy the whole experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Days 2 and 6 of the trekking (when you cross the high passes and descend) are particularly long and tiring. Although the notes say 7-8 hours it took our group 10-11 hours on both these days. There is LOTS of jumping from rock to rock over streams and wading through rivers so be prepared for this with sandals and a towel in your daypack. Follow the advice of the guides in terms of keeping hydrated (4 litres a day) to combat the altitude. Nigma carried excellent medicines for all sorts of ailments ~ you don't need much from home.

Most Inspirational Moment

On day 5 being able to see all the mountains that we had walked on days 1 - 3 in the mist! A full 360 degree view of the area showing France, Switzerland and Italy. Day 6 swimming in the near glacier Lac Blanc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank was a great leader, pacing the group to accommodate all of our abilities, and making adjustments where necessary to change transport if we were late due to enjoying ourselves too much!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

there were plenty, possibly the visit to Ometepe Island, maybe cycling around lake Arenal or snorkelling around Bocas Del Toro. Then again it could have been swimming in the Caribbean, pacific and Atlantic Oceans or maybe just walking along the beach at the whilst staying at the Las Lajas hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

first class

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery in the mountains is breath-taking and meeting the friendly Berber herdsmen.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was quiet but with a very dry sense of humour. He was extremely well organised and helpful. He paced the walks well and took the abilities of the group into account. The trips notes advised that the last walk was either 10 hours or 5 hours depending on the group, however, Hassan arranged a local lad to take those who wished to do something shorter along the valley for the morning, thus pleasing everyone!! The tour leader in Marrakesh (as mentioned in another review) was really annoying. He tried and failed to be humourous and we got more information about his weight and marriage than the culture and history of the city!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take some spare snacks as the gap between breakfast and lunch was too long and the snacks at the gite were sugar based where nuts or dried fruit would be better. The trips notes asked people to take water purification tablets in preference to buying plastic bottles of water, however we were told that the community keep the bottles and use them for argan oil which they sell in the markets.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the border into Switzerland through magnificent fields of wildflowers, hearing the cowbells in the distance, then descending through the forest into a beautiful valley and our campsite (and beer!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lotte was great and helped me a good deal when I had some height-fear challenges. She also kept her eye out for segments that I might find particularly challenging. Charlie did a great job with the campsite and cuisine. I always felt safe with Lotte leading the group. I also appreciate that she let us take our time on the walks and allowed plenty of time for relaxing breaks in the shade. I went on this vacation to enjoy the walks and scenery and to stop and smell the roses - not to race up and down the trail or compete with fellow walkers. If all I want is a workout I can go to the gym - I don't need to travel from the U.S. to Switzerland.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have a moderate fear of heights, so had some trepidation about signing up for the trip. I'm happy to report that, except for a couple of brief moments (including a suspension bridge over the river) I did just fine and found the experience exhilarating and liberating (and my fear of heights has greatly improved). Again, I did fine, just needed a bit of moral support, which the group and leader provided. So glad I went, so if you have a moderate fear of heights, I wouldn't necessarily be discouraged from booking the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the near 5,000 metre high Incachiriasca Pass in perfect weather, with superb views of nearby Salkantay piercing the blue sky.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have enjoyed seven other long treks, mostly in the Himalaya in Bhutan, Nepal and India. Tomas was the most professional, knowledgable and enthusiastic guide I have walked with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do this trek asap but take some diamox with you in case you have any problems with the altitude. That applies equally to any trek out of Cusco.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing large groups of elephants in the wild was amazing and something we've never done before. We also really enjoyed seeing real Sri Lankan country life on the bike ride and rafting and swimming in the river in the middle of the jungle is an experience I won't forget. However it was the great group we were with and tour leader that made everything so special!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was brilliant - couldn't have asked for more. Very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, organised and funny - he even taught us a Sri Lankan song!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you can pack up your case/bag easily as you are moving from 1 hotel to the next fairly quickly throughout the 2 weeks.