Most Inspirational Moment
SEEING the TOP OF THE WORLD from 5545 meters (18,200 ft)
Thoughts on Group Leader
FANTASTIC !!
Advice for Potential Travellers
READ my review above and TRAIN your legs for up, down and ENDURANCE.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
EVEREST BASE CAMP..... GO FOR IT !!
My 2nd trekking excursion to Nepal, the first was Annapurna Base Camp,(ABC) 10 days round trip, up to 4130 meters (13,550 ft) That was enough to energize my batteries to go higher, for I’ve been near or at 14,000 ft on 3 occasions without any AMS symptoms.
I was anticipating Everest Base Camp (EBC) to be the trek that let me experience some AMS symptoms, however my pre-trip training (indoors at sea level) had my legs in shape and genetics most likely had a lot to the NO AMS, along with the gradual acclimatization in the trek was very well planned and organized. The research I have read says no one can predict who will get AMS, and genetics has a lot to do with it per some mountain guide I knew in Alaska.
AS for the conditions in Nepal, well….. I am used to “ROUGHING” it in the bush of Alaska on fly out hunting trips for over 25 years,(tents, sleeping bags on cold ground, grizzly bears)…. so the TEA HOUSES are luxurious compared to the bush of ALASKA, Hot tea at your door every morning.
SO, if you are a pampered city slicker and not used to roughing it, YES, it will be a shock as Michelle M stated in the review before me.
REMEMBER your training, and expect the worst, and hope (and Pray) for the Best. SUKMAN and the assistant guides were beyond fabulous, we all owe a debt of gratitude to them for getting us up that 5545 meters the last day for a SPECTACULAR view of the “TOP of the WORLD”
CHEERS and BEERS from JW in ALASKA. THANKS SUKMAN.
EVEREST BASE CAMP..... GO FOR IT !!
My 2nd trekking excursion to Nepal, the first was Annapurna Base Camp,(ABC) 10 days round trip, up to 4130 meters (13,550 ft) That was enough to energize my batteries to go higher, for I’ve been near or at 14,000 ft on 3 occasions without any AMS symptoms.
I was anticipating Everest Base Camp (EBC) to be the trek that let me experience some AMS symptoms, however my pre-trip training (indoors at sea level) had my legs in shape and genetics most likely had a lot to the NO AMS, along with the gradual acclimatization in the trek was very well planned and organized. The research I have read says no one can predict who will get AMS, and genetics has a lot to do with it per some mountain guide I knew in Alaska.
AS for the conditions in Nepal, well….. I am used to “ROUGHING” it in the bush of Alaska for over 25 years, so the TEA HOUSES are luxurious compared to the bush of ALASKA. SO if you are a pampered city slicker and not used to roughing it, YES, it will be a shock as Michelle M stated in the review before me.
REMEMBER your training, and expect the worst, and hope (and Pray) for the Best. SUKMAN and the assistant guides were beyond fabulous, we all owe a debt of gratitude to them for getting us up that 5545 meters the last day for a SPECTACULAR view of the “TOP of the WORLD”
CHEERS and BEERS from JW in ALASKA. THANKS SUKMAN.
Most Inspirational Moment
SEEING the TOP OF THE WORLD from 5545 meters (18,200 ft)
Thoughts on Group Leader
FANTASTIC !!
Advice for Potential Travellers
READ my review above and TRAIN your legs for up, down and ENDURANCE.
Happy memories of Sri Lanka
This was a wonderful trip with great cycling, eating, sight-seeing and so much more. We got a great insight into the local history, culture and economy. The group got on well and enjoyed the wit and humour of its members, but the tone was set by the leader, Suresh, who informed us and amused us in equal measure.
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing the hill climb on day 7. Also the whale watching was spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader did an excellent job of rolling out the programme each day and delivering it in a confident and relaxed manner. He took time to make sure everyone was happy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring cycling gloves that you can get on and off easily when your hands are hot and sweaty. Have a good level of fitness so that you can enjoy the cycling
Konichiwa and arigato!
This trip exceeded expectations in many ways – incredibly well-organised with a good balance between group activities and private exploration. The breadth of Japanese culture, both ancient and modern, was well covered, the accommodations were excellent, the food was extraordinary and the transport system very impressive. And the Japanese we met were always polite, respectful, friendly and calm. We came home with the feeling that the UK has a lot to learn!
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to choose - seeing Mt Fuji floating on a bed of cloud, Matsumoto Castle floodlit, a Kabuki performance, exquisitely presented and tasty food in the ryokans, onsen, standing on a station as a shinkansen raced through at 160+mph, the tragedy of Hiroshima, the architecture of the Shinto shrines, temples and gardens, and more. Phew!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mayuko Terao was superb, and couldn't do enough for us. Her ability to keep 17 disparate adults in order while negotiating the often crowded and complex transport system was remarkable. Her knowledge, communication skills and sense of fun were second to none. She gave up much of her own free time to ensure that we got the most out of our visit.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a lot of walking, often in crowded tourist sites and on the transport system. There are many convenience stores near the hotels to buy food if you don't want to pay for the expensive hotel buffet breakfasts (ryokans excluded). Our camera broke down towards the end of the trip, and it was SO liberating! So, don't view everything you see through a camera lens all the time. Japan is so visually engaging.
Fabulous!
I would recommend this trip to anyone. A level of fitness is a must – certainly more than a few brisk walks around the block – it’s challenging but rewarding!
Sara – our guide – was absolutely amazing – calm, knowledgeable, patient, kind, tough. She looked after us as a group and individually – nothing was too much trouble.
The farmhouse is amazing and the family who prepared our meals were so welcoming, kind and fun! The meals by the way – beautiful simple, rustic, locally sourced food – every evening we ate at the farmhouse was a treat! The idea of being able to create your own lunch from the choices laid out was a brilliant idea and you were able to take as much or as little as you wanted. Breakfasts set you up for the day!
The accommodation is lovely with real charm and plenty of warmth, heating, drying room, roasting fire in the lounge when cold and a swimming pool with amazing views.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many - the walks up the mountains, the valley walk, trip into Lucca - a beautiful roman town with so much history and beauty. Meeting so many interesting and kind people who made the week that bit extra special. A superb guide and the kindness and friendliness of the family
Thoughts on Group Leader
A....MAZ...ING! There are not superlatives to describe Sara - it will be difficult to find a better guide on any future trips - that's for sure!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take the advice on the web-site - the right walking gear and walking poles are a huge asset for this week. There are 2 tough walks but certainly do-able and worthwhile - I felt a real sense of achievement at the end of the week in spite of a wobble on day 2!
Discover Costa Rica
This trip combines the highlights of the Costa Rica’s landscape with wild life in the national parks.
Most Inspirational Moment
The wildlife was the highlight for me. The most memorable being the boat tour around Tortuguero waterways. Waking early to the cry of the howler monkeys in the canopy near by: we set off in brilliant sunlight down the waterways seeing howler and spider monkeys and an abundance of fantastically coloured birds!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Glenda our group leader was warm, friendly, professional and contained an encyclopaedia of knowledge about both the wildlife and country which she shared with our group with enthusiasm and pride. She also had telescope that she used to take photographs on peoples phones with some amazing results!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take any cash you have in USA dollars, everywhere we went accepted them, there was no need to change any into Costa Rican colon - although in some places the change given was in Colon (which we used up first). We travelled in April, the dry season, however when it rained -which it only did for a couple of hours - it poured a poncho/ waterproof coat was essential! Also a good pair of binoculars and a book of Costa Rica birds or wildlife was useful. One person bought a simple ID chart which they used to tick off species.
Brilliant experience
Beautiful country, teeming with wildlife, lovely friendly people, an outstanding guide that looked after us from morning to night and made sure every minute of our holiday was amazing. This is a trip of a lifetime, we were transported to the best places in Costa Rica and guided through the national parks by an expert guide. We really had full days with as much wildlife viewing as you wanted to take part in, our guide was knowledge and passionate about the culture, the wildlife and the vegetation. I feel we had the most exposure to Costa Rica it would be possible to have within two weeks. If you wanted to our guide would show you the wildlife just around the hotel at 6am in the morning.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking through beautiful forests in peace and tranquillity away from the crowds, noise, traffic and stress of everyday life. Standing quietly and listening to the sound of bird calls and rain dripping. Eating lunch while watching hummingbirds.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding, he really makes this trip with his passion and professionalism.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take waterproof clothing, it rains a lot. Take a fleece and a pair of long trousers, it's cooler in Savegre. Take closed shoes for walking in the forests. Take a camera and binoculars to get the most out of seeing the birds and wildlife.
Amazing Experiance
We enjoyed an amazing week in the Atlas mountains culminating in the climb to Mount Toubkal’s summit. As it was snowy and icy on the peak we used crampons and ice axes but that just added to the overall experience. It was a very hard climb (9 hours up and down) but all of us in our group made it. The food on the trip was great and we were amazed at how such good meals could be made with limited cooking facilities (even freshly baked bread every day) and no-one got sick or had any problems. Camping at altitude was cold so make sure you take really good sleeping bags and have plenty of layers and down jackets for the assent.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many great moments including the summit, using crampons for the first time, clear blue skies, clean air and wonderful vistas.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was great in supporting us all and guiding us on the mountain.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Lots of layers of clothing as it can be - 10 with the wind chill before the sun rises and we saw + 33 mid day so you need to be able to take off and put on clothing as required. Take the best sleeping bag you can get hold of as night temperatures in the tents are low.
Prosecco Heaven
This is one of the best walking trips I’ve done. Fairly easy walking and in beautiful surroundings. Stunning views (weather permitting) and great walks through lovely villages and many vineyards.
Food and quality of restaurants outstanding and all washed down with Prosecco. Absolute heaven.
Most Inspirational Moment
No single moment. It was all so good.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Serena is a wonderful tour leader. Lovely demeanour and very well informed and knowledgeable of the area. She was good company throughout and very easy going. Just as a tour leader should be.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take walking poles for some sections of the walk and make sure you have a taste for Prosecco.
Fascinating experience!
You really couldn’t pack any more into 2 weeks! We walked round cities (lot of walking), visited temples, shrines, markets, gardens and castles and saw beautiful scenery from the trains. Our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable and always available for advice on what to do, where to go and where to eat in our free time.
Most Inspirational Moment
The cherry blossom, scenery and the beautiful gardens. The unique Japanese experiences - onsen hot baths, tea ceremony and kubuki theatre - were unforgettable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ayaka was so helpful and informative and didn’t lose anyone in the Tokyo subway!
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need to be pretty fit as on some days there was a lot of walking with only a break for lunch although we were given free time to look round places on our own. You don’t need to take shampoo, conditioner or shower gel as all the accommodation provided it. The hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo had washing machines and dryers. Be prepared for all types of weather - an umbrella can come in handy. Take binoculars if you are going to the kabuki theatre or are interested in birds.