Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Witnessing a tiger approach a small water hole along a dry river bed and then drinking from it only metres from our jeep. Then followed by a second tiger minutes later! Only 4 or 5 jeeps present making the experience even more magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was an excellent group leader: professional, knowledgeable and patient at all times. He brought so much more to the trip through his knowledge and love of his native country, enriching the tour with details of society, religion and food and drink as well as an incomparable knowledge of bird and wilidlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the experience! It's a privilege to experience these animals at close quarters and worth taking some time away from the frenzy of getting the perfect shot to simply enjoy the presence of the tigers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually camping and experiencing EBC with other climbing teams. Summiting Kala Pattar, and Nantkarshang, both over 5100m mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Val Parkinson - what can I say that hasn't been said already? Her enthusiasm for the Himalaya is infectious, Valerie is never to tired or otherwise occupied, to answer questions and talk about her experiences. She clearly cares about the Sherpa staff we had with us, and is clearly very popular with the Nepalese lodge owners, who all know her by name; the three sherpa's - Chewang, Lapka and Yuba were superb, and great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots - go slowly, you will get there; drink plenty of water, at least 4 litres a day. Last time I did this I didn't drink enough and struggled.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra exceeded my expectations. I was so pleased that we were able to spend two full days there to marvel at the history and explore the challenging landscape. The site is much bigger than I had realised and you cetainly need sturdy footwear and a lot of energy to get the most from it, but there were suprises round every corner and views to die for!The night in the desert will also stay with me, sleeping out under the stars next to the firepit after a truly amazing meal. Don't forget to take a torch!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was very well-informed about all aspects of his country and answered all our questions with patience and humour. His ability to organise us all without it becoming overbearing, meant that everything ran smoothly and we learned so much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will be in the sun all day at Petra, so don't forget to wear something very light, possibly with sleeves to protect you. Some necks got very burnt but those who had bought the light white scarves kept cooler and were protected. Whatever you wear, it will be a deep shade of Petra-pink by the end of the day, including your shoes!There seemed to be plenty of sleeping bags and blankets available to borrow at the desert camp, so perhaps a sleeping bag liner would be sufficient to take and cut down on that luggage.For the female travellers, don't take too many changes of clothing for the evening - clean pair of jeans and three or four prettier tops will be plenty. You might need a wrap from time to time but there are plenty of these to buy everywhere.

Most Inspirational Moment

From a cultural point of view visiting Herculaneum was fantastically interesting for me.  The "Walk of the Gods" down to Positano and swimming at the bottom was also thrilling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group was lucky in that we had a truly exellent leader. I have been on many trips and he was one of the best I have encountered

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read up about Pompei and Herculaneum and Vesuvius beforehand (Wikipedia is a good start).

Most Inspirational Moment

Sleeping under the stars in the desert, after a satisfying dinner sitting round the campfire, and well-deserved after a few hours of walking and scrambling! Spending the days eating, walking and napping when it was too hot to walk around lunchtime. Standing on any three of the Rock Bridges we climbed up to. Walking up to the Monastery in Petra. A Bedouin turning up at the camp with a gigantic keyboard and staging a little party for us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was a walking history book (in a good way!) and knew everything anyone would ever want to know about Jordan. My favourite were his amazing (and according to him, 100% true) camel stories he told us around the campfire at night.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have a dust allergy, take lots of tissues and some anti-histamines! Take a few days before or after the trip to go to the Dead Sea - it's really close to Amman and pretty much on the way back from Petra.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many special moments but the feeling of achievement when we reached Everest Base Camp was over whelming. Being so lucky to meet the walking for wounded guys up there at base camp was very inspirational, to see what they have had to overcome made my minor ailments disappear into insignificance. The special people of Nepal - especially the Sherpas I was fortunate to meet - they will all stay dear to me. The owners of the lodges- all so very welcoming(so cleverily chosen by Exodus). My new good and lifelong friends I have met in my group- I was so blessed to walk alongside such lovely people. The colours and the smells of the mountains, the poverty in Kathmandu - everyone still manages a smile.. so many memories to hold dear for my lifetime! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

My group Leader Valerie,through her professionalism,expertise and experience made it possible for me to fulfil my life long dream. She was always full of enthusiasm and when things didnt go just right - her calmness shone through. I felt ill about a week into the trip and her kindness and support achieved a rapid recovery when i was fearful I would have to turn back. I owe her and the Sherpa team so much for all of their care and support- from my fear of flying, high suspension bridges to the assistance to overcome my altitude problems- they made my trip possible and I couldnt of wished for a better team.Thank you

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book with Exodus!!! Listen to the Leader- They really do know what they are talking about!

Most Inspirational Moment

The two seemingly endless descents from Ooty, it made all the hard work the day before worth it 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu  Joseph and Abbey were so helpful nothing was too much trouble couldn’t have been looked after better 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch out for the tax they add on the beer in the Hotel in Ooty the only place it happened. Arriving in Ooty after checking in you have time to get a taxi down to  Coonoor and then the toy train back to (Ooty) Udhagamandalam. Wonderful views as the train climbs and winds its way through the tea plantations. 

Most Inspirational Moment

I agree with my fellow traveller John Croker that the mountainside picnics, complete with explanation of the local produce we were enjoying, were a high point each day. I hope to remember for a long time the details of the guide's explanation of the olive harvest and pressing. And I know I will not forget watching the griffon vultures circling overhead - who was watching whom?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduard is one of the very best. Born and bred in Mallorca, and yet also having walked most parts of the globe, he combined a genuine passion for his island with a gentle humility and humour; he was scrupulous in his attention to detail, and yet led with a light touch, mindful of everyone's preferences and needs; he was superbly knowledgeable of the island's flora, fauna and history; and he was greeted warmly wherever we went. He definitely added to my enjoyment of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the length of Jinshanling on a fine, sunny day, and seeing the wall stretch out before us for mile after mile. Fantastic views along the way, great for taking photographs.  I also ran into some fellow Brummies along the way (not really a highlight!)Walking through a Chinese village, mostly seeing only the very elderly and the very young, finding the people there very friendly and hospitable.Visiting the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a beautiful park with fantastic buildings, flowers, greenery... dancers, musicians....the kind of place you do not want to leave.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin was top notch, a great organiser and very friendly. He went out of his way to help everyone and when weather threatened to disrupt our schedule he was very flexible. He made the trip very enjoyable. When a mystery bug struck our group he made great efforts to secure medicine and medical advice. Very knowledgeable about China, giving us tips about where to go and what to look out for when we went off exploring. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Out in the villages it can get cold at night, certainly in April, so wrap up well. However the hotel in Beijing was very hot! At various times you will be accosted by people trying to sell souvenirs, always drive a hard bargain, start at least seventy five per cent below the asking price! Remember that to eat all the food offered to you is taken as a sign that you have not had enough to eat, so if you’ve had enough leave some food on your plate.Look out for a "paper cuttings" shop at Jinshanling, if you go in you will be amazed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the Sierra Maestra, the most challenging day of the trip and it was also very hot. The sense of achievement was great amongst the team, and the hotel that night was picturesque hidden away deep in the forest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very professional, rarely expressing opinion and remaining calm and patient with often very weary travellers. He answered all our questions, and gave us a great insight into Cuban life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are female definitely consider taking your own saddle, the saddles currently provided are for males and proved very uncomfortable. Other than that most things are provided, I didn't have to think about much at all!Other general advice - stating the obvious, this is a LOTof cycling so you should be prepared for that. General fitness is obviously necessary, but I would say personal endurance is more key, there are some very long (boring!) stretches.