Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Even though this trip was over christmas, I had no major expectations of having much of a christmas, especially given we were at 4,000m, the night time temperatures were about -10 C and the accommodation and food were limited accordingly. How wrong could I be. A superb group of people we enjoyed christmas decorations, a christmas tree, swapping xmas presents, music, drinks dancing and just fabulous fun. All repeated again in Lukla before our final flight to KTM. I had a fantastic time..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader led the group extremely well.. He was extremely consultative and only pressed a specific point or course of action when it was supported by reasoned logic. Extremely non-confrontational he led almost as a friend rather than a leader which I think is great credit to his skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in December / winter time be prepared for the cold. The hut communal areas only get warm once they light the stoves which may not be when you want it !. The rooms obviously have no heating and are extremely cold. The best tip is to make sure you have one or two aluminium sigg type drinks bottles which you can fill with hot water before you go to bed and use as hot water bottles. It helps enormously. You need a good quality sleeping bag (per the notes) and thermals..

Suggestions

OUr trip returned to the UK on the 30th December however I had arranged my own flights and returned on the evening of the 1st Jan. In essence I was able to enjoy New Year in Kathmandu. I can thoroughly reccomend it... It cost me £22 in the 'Yak and Yeti' for an evening of complimentary food and drink which extended into the early hours. Great music and disco, I would suggest not to be missed !

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many… The mountains you see are indescribably beautiful, the Sherpa people are some of the warmest and friendliest I’ve ever met and there were so many amazing places… Tengboche being perhaps the most visually stunning!Reaching Base Camp and Kala Pattar felt amazing and it was only thanks to the great Leadership of the Sherpas that this was possible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima Gellzen Sherpa was fun, caring and extremely well organized. He got everything spot on throughout the 3 weeks that he looked after us. I cannot speak highly enough of him!Also to have such an experienced guide like Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, who has climbed 3 of the 8,000+ metre peaks already at only 26 years old, was a real bonus!Mustn’t forget Gyalzen Tammang, our Yak man from Lukla. He too worked very hard throughout the trek and looked after our gear really well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whatever you do, read every review on the Exodus Web site, Study the Trip notes like you’re taking an exam and read at least one guide book on Himalayan Trekking. Find the time to do all this and you will have the right kit, the right routine and the right frame of mind to fully enjoy your trek. If you don’t you can end up with the wrong expectations of what you will experience, not to mention some illnesses that can really change the whole trip for you! You don’t have to be fit to do this trek, but it makes a massive difference to how much you get to enjoy it. It is however essential to listen to every piece of advice a Sherpa gives you! They know what they’re doing and do make your well being their absolute priority.

Suggestions

This trek is unforgettable… I am so glad I did it! I would recommend the trek and Exodus to anyone!I can also highly recommend going to the Himalaya the first 2 weeks of December. The skies are generally crystal clear at that time, which makes a massive difference to view on the flight in to Lukla and has left me with a collection of incredible photos from the entire trek. You do have to be prepared to cope with the extremely cold nights though, which with the right gear and an open mind is fine for anyone to deal with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course reaching Base Camp and Kala Patthar was a great feeling however it  was wonderful to see the sheer delight and amazement on the faces of the Porters as the first pot of water on their new solar cooker that we had just assembled at the porters lodge in Tangbouche started to boil.They were so appreciative that they served us with the boiled potatoes and tea that they had just cooked.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very attentive and supportive and assisted in anyway he could-I don't believe I would have made it without him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early December is a great time to go and make sure you are reasonably fit!

Suggestions

Just do it before life takes over.Mind you its never too late-it was my 60th birthday present to myself!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Himalayas at high altitude are spectacular and will never be forgotten, I returned with Prayer Flags which are now flying high in France where I live most of the year.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pasang was the leader and is a lovely guy - happy smilling and considerate to all and he got the whole party to Base Camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have basic level of fitness and warm clothes.

Suggestions

I am now going with Exodus this year hopefully to the Atlas Mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was competent and enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus doesn't include meals with this trip; you need to budget around £350 for food and drink. There was also a charge for tips, levied at the end of the trek and amounting to around £50. Equipping yourself with the gear in the recommended kit list can be time consuming and expensive.