Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing at the top of Gongmaru Pass with fantastic views in all directions was truly inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group leader Ngima could not have been better nothing was too hard for him he was committed tot he group 24/7. his commitment an happy smiling face help to make the trek the wonderful experienced that it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The river crossing can be a bit tough on two days we spent several hours following the river bed crossing and recrossing the river jumping from stone to stone, I personally found this a bit challenging due to problems with a dodgy ankle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting over the 2 high cols. The first one I managed on zero sleep - although the schedule tries hard to acclimatise the trekkers, it doesn't always work on schedule. The second high camp I was unable to sleep at all - rather like a night of being waterboarded by all accounts, But I still made it over the col the next day, feeling like death. The second, high col (5200 m) I was a bit better acclimatised for, managed 2 hours sleep. Makes all the difference!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima was the one who really kept us going; I can't speak too highly of him. Whether organising the first and last nights meal in Delhi or keeping us on the trail, his leadership skills were superb.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be sure you don't get vertigo or any balance problems, if you want to take this trip. There's a lot of rock-hopping and stream crossing. Equipment; I wore a pair of almost knee-length Meindl boots, and recommend them or similar.

Suggestions

The food and camp organisation was excellent. The porters and horsemen deserve every rupee of what they got, and more!

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.

Suggestions

We were blown away by the beauty, serenity and diversity of this region. This is not the Himalayas you would expect if you only think of the Everest region. It is green and lush, rocky and arid with ever changing colours and vistas. We would highly recommend it but respect its grading (5 - challenging): it is not to be underestimated!

Most Inspirational Moment

CAMPING IN THE WILD AND THE STARS AT NIGHT

Thoughts on Group Leader

A TRUE PROFESSIONAL . SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WAS A REAL TRAVELLER WITH LOTS OF STORIES AND ADVICE WHEN IT WAS NEEDED

Advice for Potential Travellers

BE PREPARED FOR LOTS OF RIVER CROSSINGS IF IT HAS BEEN RAINING, SOME WITH A ROPE!

Suggestions

JUST GET FIT AT HOME, IN THE LAKE DISTRICT OR SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, AND GO FOR IT. THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

Most Inspirational Moment

I slept under the stars one night. The stars were incredible including the Milky Way as was the sound of the river.  Amazing. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie Parkinson was inspirational and it was a priviledge to have trekked with her. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes just do as the Trip Notes tell you to do (they have been written by Valerie who has extensive experience in that area and of climbing at altitude) and bring what it says in the equipment list ie at least a 3-4 season sleeping bag and a thick sleeping mat to sleep on (not the thin ones you c an buy). A flannel for washing in the morning although I had one of those lightweight quick dry towels which were good. Dry your feet after the river crossings to avoid blisters. Take a high factor sun cream - at altitude you are closer to the sun. Bring a high factor suncream for your lips. Bring a wide brimmed sun hat. Avoid drinking tap water in Delhi or eating icecream and salad. I didn't have any altitude sickness or Delhi Belly. I did exactly as Valerie instructed and followed the trip notes. I also wasn't cold at night as I brought everything it said in  the trip notes including a down jacket which was very handy at night as the temperture did drop.  I would really have liked the trek to be longer so I might consider the Grand Traverse next. 

Suggestions

I also did the Golden Triangle  extension which was very good.  The Taj Mahal was mind blowing and Jaipur was very interesting. It was all a real contrast to Ladakh.  We had a fantastic driver called Raj.  I know it can be hard sleeping at altitude however if you   know that back at home  that you are a snorer and that you are a light sleeper and need to go to the loo a lot then please be considerate and pay  the single supplement so that you don't disrupt someone else's sleep and potentially spoil their holiday.    

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching 5,286 meters - very challenging, but very rewarding and exhilarating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie was fantastic - she knew the area and people so well.  She met all our needs, including our numerous ailments.  She even arranged for a pony for me to finish the trek when I could not walk too well due to blisters!  She also told some great stories and kept us entertained.  Even under pressure (missing passport incident at Leh airport), she was still smiling.Our guide was also good fun - he was even still smiling when I pulled him into a river during crossing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had never been at altitude before and found it and the heat (35 degrees) pretty challenging - there is very little you can do to prepare yourself for this, but, despite all of that, I still had a great time.  I think I would just be a little more aware of the length of time distance takes next time I hike at altitude (now that I have done it).  Take plenty blister preventative treatment if you are prone to blisters - the heat really made my feet swell. 

Suggestions

The was my first visit to India and I am hooked.  Himalayas are stunning. Leh is a fantastic place to shop and generally just to hang around.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final push up to the Gongmaru La pass (5,286m). The views over the Stok Mountain Range with Kang Yangtse behind us were incredible and well worth the effort.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shailesh was fantastic. Wonderful fun and had some great trekking stories. His expertise was greatly appreciated during some difficult passes and river crossings. Jigmet was our local guide on the trek was also very helpful and knew the Marka Valley like the back of his hand.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is no ordinary holiday. Patience and a good sense of humour are mandatory. The altitude might prove difficult for some (as it was for me!) straightaway as Leh is already at 3,500 meters above sea level. Keep drinking water and rehydration supplements are very much reccommended.  Take the walk slowly. Take lots of pictures and if you spot a blue sheep, please do let me know.

Suggestions

Ladakh is a mind blowing part of Northern India. China to the East, Pakistan to the West. A wonderful retreat from the humidity and hustle and bustle of the Golden Triangle. A real hub for trekkers and adrenalin seekers. I have been to no where that competes for sheer excitement and contrasting cultures. It will take some time to get over it.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably when we climbed up the first pass, I was feeling the altitude but the view when I finally made it was awesome. Everyone on our trek was very supportive of each other.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What more can I say, a true professional and a real 'people' person. I felt very safe with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a walk in the park, you definitely need a good level of fitness and expect some long days trekking. Also you can't know how you will cope at altitude but we all made it in our own time coaxed along  by our leader.

Suggestions

Go for it, you will be rewarded by incredible scenery, meet lots of lovely people and there is a good chance you will lose weight for your efforts, what more can  a girl ask for?

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping on the high plain (4800m) at Nimalung with Kang Yangste towering on one side and the Gongmaru La pass on the other. Having tea in the traditional Ladakhi home of one of our guide's family in Rumbak.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie Parkinson is simply the best: a superb combination of enthusiasm, expert knowledge, understanding, tact & diplomacy & fun, too! She is so much more than just a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you really are fit for 8-10 hour days of challenging climbing/walking over a variety of terrain! You'll need it!

Suggestions

A great group of fellow trekkers meant there was always someone to talk to; we felt really lucky to be part of such a nice bunch.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gettin up the first pass, climbing a little further (optional) and then the long descent under bright blue skies into another world of craggy gorges

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie was great - knowledgable, patient, positive and inspiring. And we laughed a lot.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough! It's possible to hire one if not though

Suggestions

Not much to say other than I had a very brilliant time. Staff were great and food was really excellent. I lived it!