Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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44 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A tough but brilliantly rewarding trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were numerous highlights but I think reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri and seeing the most incredible view of the Himalayas and the glacier below us dissapearing down the valley was a special moment.Other highlights included the landing in Lukla, seeing Everest for the first time from Namche Bazaar and of course having that first shower after two weeks on the trek..!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent, clearly an experienced guide. It was reassuring to see he paid close attention to any members of the group he thought might be having problems. Also the other guides were great, very friendy and always there to offer assistance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If youre not a regular hillwalker definatley make sure you do some training before you go ! As other reviews have already indicated you need to be reasonably fit if you want to get the most out of this trip. The guides make sure pace isnt too quick but there are some very steep climbs and that combined with the effects of the altitude make the going tough at times. The Cho La Pass involves some scrambling over some large boulders and up some loose rock so be prepared for that..And invest in a good sleeping bag as it gets veeeery cold at night and only the main dining rooms are heated in the lodges!

Suggestions

Well its an experience you wont forget - it will make you appreciate the little things after you have spend two weeks in pretty basic accomodation. Of course the headaches / aching limbs / bad toilets are all forgotton when youre standing at over 5500 metres on Kala Pattar under the bluest skies youve ever seen looking across at some of the highest mountains on the planet, including the biggest one of them all..

Reviewed December 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Great trip, very hard and may need re evaluating by Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to the top of Gyoko Ri and looking over 4 x 8000m peaks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was great, and very well supported by our assistant guide. My wife got altitude sickness at Gorak Shep and they did a brilliant job in looking after her and in the end we went down to Lobuche that evening. As Exodus are one of the biggest groups in the region, they were able to borrow an assistant guide from another group so the remainder of our group could continue, but we could go down with 2 people and be safe. Amazing service and can't recommend Exodus highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The TNE trip is really hard and the days that you do Gyoki Ri, Cho La pass and Base Camp need all th energy you have.

Suggestions

I truly believe that this trip needs to be re evaluated as doing Ri, Pass and BC are too hard back to back to back. The Cho La pass is now much more difficult with boulders coming down from the mountains and it takes a long time to get over. I think that it would be much better having an extra rest day before Cho La would help get over that and leave energy fork base camp and kalar pattar. This trip only has 1 rest day at Namche Bazaar but that is on the 2-3rd day and there is another really hard 12 after that.

Reviewed November 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A great trip and I was very pleased that I opted for this trip rather than the Everest Base Camp dash. The route to the Gokyo lakes was well worth the extra time required.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gokyo Ri, crossing the Cho La Pass and associated glacier and making Base Camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Dawa Sherpa and 'RB', assistant guide were great, they were always smiling, incredibly attentive to all that was happening within the group and made sure that we were well looked after in each Tea House. We had one case of altitude sickness within the group and this was dealt with most efficiently and with complete understanding for all members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had picked up a respiratory infection which did not kick in until about day 2 of the trek when at first I thought it may have been altitude sickness. (Diamox was being used). Breathing suffered for the rest of the trip until I was able to get an examination and atibiotics on the way down in Pheriche, too late for any real relief unfortunately. So I would recommend discussing this situation with your doctor though they may be reluctant about perscribing antibiotics when fit and well! And, forget about showers and washing, baby wipes and facial wipes suffice, it is too cold for that sort of exposure. Note - ice on the inside of the bedroom windows in the morning!

Suggestions

Do it! It was an absolutely great trip, the views were magnificent and the weather great just a couple of small snow showers late afternoon along with some cloud reduced visability otherwise blue sky all the way. Exodus are well established and our guides, and for that matter the porters, were brilliant.

Reviewed November 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A demanding but highly rewarding trek encompassing the spectacular Gykyo lakes, encompassing climb of Gykyo Ri through the Cho La pass towards Kala Pattar and Everest base camp.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspiration is daily occurance throughout this trip whether observing the locals in their daily activities or the magnificent scenery that there is to behold. The trip is not for the faint hearted however with endurance there is great reward.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In my experience Exodus group leaders are highly professional and dedicated to their work with great empathy and understanding of their country and communites.I do not think our group leader could have done more, his commitment to the group was equally matched by his commitment of his team of guides and porters. Leading from the front whilst creatng a very re;axed and friendly environment. Well done.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for the trip and you will be rewarded, one person on our trip had not trained and therefore not prepared and then stuggled where he should have enjoyed more. Ensure you have enough warm clothes evenings can be cold. The trip notes are very good and quite accurate with the exception on tipping you need to allow a bit more.

Suggestions

This trek is really great, for us it proved to be the best Exodus trip we have done. Given the great trips we have done before I thought that would be impossible but I was obviously wrong on that point.It just gets better thank you.

Reviewed May 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A strenuous but well-worth trek encompassing two spectacular and incredibly diverse valleys, encompassing two summits, a high pass and culminating in the trek to Everest Base Camp for close up views of the highest mountain in the world (when its not hidden behind the Lho La ridge).

Most Inspirational Moment

There are far too many to choose from, from the first proper sighting of everest through the tree-line heading up to Namche Bazaar, the crystal clear Gokyo lakes and the stunning cloud-strewn views from the top of Gokyo Ri, the sheer satisfaction in having reached the top of the demanding and icy Cho La Pass, the final trek towards the edge of the Khumbu icefall and discovering the vast tent city of Base Camp, the unrivalled views of the highest mountains on earth from the top of Kala Patthar....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jangbu Sherpa displayed tremendous knowledge of the valleys as we ascended higher up, he spent most of the time looking after the slower ones of the group and making sure they made it to the next lodge but he was sometimes reluctant from mingling with our group, we dont bite honestly!Our assistant guide Nima was always chirpy and full of enthusiasm and often led the group during the day's trekking. Singing and dancing his way up the mountain he also got us out of bed in the morning with cups of tea and was our 'waiter' of an evening in the teahouses.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trek is not to be underestimated, its a long haul and you have to be in good fitness and good health to really enjoy it or you will struggle with it. Dont skimp on the decent gear, particularly warm clothes for the early starts and when the weather turns (as it usually does in the afternoon). The many days spent at high altitude does have some effect on you, be it a loss of appetite or trouble sleeping and these are to be expected in even the fittest of you, altitude can affect anyone. The Cho La pass in particular is a definate challenge involving alot of scrambling, fairly exposed sections and the glacial travel which is often uneven and slippery underfoot unless you have full crampons on your boots. Care is to be taken on this section as its a long day and you can easily lose concentration.

Suggestions

For those confident in their fitness, determination, those that relish a challenge and want to be surrounded by striking and dramatic scenary with every step, all the while following in the path of climbing parties the world over in their bid to conquer the great Mt Everest, there is little to compare this trip to. The diversity of the Gokyo valley means it is a great alternative to the standard trek as it takes in a seperate route on the ascent to base camp to the descent. This trek should be on every wannabe adventurer's bucket list and is truely one of the greatest treks in the world. For those that go the extra mile the views from Kala Patthar will truely take your breath away - literally and figuratively!

Reviewed April 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

I went on this trip with very little expectation or knowledge of the region – massively underprepared, however with a great bunch of people, a fantastic leader and guides I found this one of the best trips of my life. I would highly recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip had it's hard days, but it also had its easy days. A couple of us (with a guide) set of earlier than the main group on the morning of the Gokyo Ri summit, and although we missed sunrise by about 10 minutes it was such a spectacular view.I also really enjoyed the scramble to the top of the Cho La Pass, the day was long and hard but very rewarding - this was more of what I was expecting of the trip.Reaching Base Camp was amazing, there was alot of activity on the trail up, which was a bit of a shock because the route we had taken to get there past the Gokyo lakes and over the Cho La was quite quiet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Prem was amazing. He was undoubtedly key to making the trip as enjoyable as it was. He was so easy to get on with and extremely knowledgable. We also had 2 guides, Indra and Norbu, both did a great job. Prem was always making sure we were prepared every evening for the following day, making sure we were drinking enough whilst walking, always on the lookout for signs of mountain sickness and always trying to accomodate the different demands of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip doesn't necessarily demand you be at your physical peak, I certainly am not and still managed the trip, although you do need to be prepared, half of our group were on Diamox for the higher parts of the trip. The actual walking wasn't that difficult, there were a couple of long days towards the end, and a couple in the middle, but all in all it was a nice steady pace so very managable.Things I wish I had taken: more wet wipes - very handy when you haven't seen a shower for a couple of days; a thin buff or dust mask - the trails get very dusty, expecially when following a herd of yaks and finally a pack of playing cards (althogh thankflly someone else had thought of this) they help pass the time in the evenings when its snowing outside and there's nothing much else to do.

Suggestions

I booked this trip without much research into it, and how difficult it could be - I just want to say, don't be put off by the talk of how difficult it wan be. I'm not saying it can be done be a complete novice with no experience of trekking, but I hadn't been above 2000m before this trip, and I had only been on one walking holiday prior to this and that was only for 5 days, not quite the 16 days this was. If you have the mental stamina and reasonable fitness, book up - its more than worth it.Oh, and when you're packing, if you find you've forgotten something, or after talking to people on the first couple of days of walking realise you want something you didn't even think about packing you'll be fine, you can pick up almost anything an Namche Bazaar (even a decent coffee, and a game of pool in an irish bar)

Reviewed April 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

It was a great trip, but really, really hard! The actual walking was not harder than your average day in the Lake District, but with the altitude, freezing cold nights, early starts, and basic tea house washing and toilet facilities it all added up to something of an endurance test. I was the only woman with a load of adrenaline junkies, so needless to say I generally found myself bringing up the rear. Come on women, get booking – don’t just stick to the easier treks. You can do it if I can!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar were great, but I got a real buzz of excitement when we arrived at Base Camp. The climbers themselves weren't actually there yet, but there were streams of yaks and porters pouring in carrying all sorts of ridiculous things - there was a real sense of them getting ready. The Cho La might have been beautiful, but I was in no fit state to notice - getting up there nearly killed me!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prem Gurung was our leader, and he was absolutely fantastic. Very knowledgeable, competent, calm and fun. He and the 2 guides - Indra and Norbu - did a great job, and one of them always kept me company at the back of the pack. Prem kept a sharp eye on us for signs of altitude sickness, and brooked no resistance when he thought someone needed to start on Diamox. One of our porters got altitude sickness on the Cho La (I'm not joking about how hard it was!), and they decided to quickly get him down to Pheriche 1,000m lower - no messing about: they saw the problem and acted to fix it. Just what you need in that environment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All you need is to be reasonably fit, being super fit won't necessarily help. Do some reading about altitude sickness, and take Diamox and loads of Paracetamol/Ibuprofen with you. Not to mention Immodium! And loads of wet wipes and hand gel. I did manage to have a hot shower every second day, and even washed my hair twice, but in between it was very dirty. Only take 1 bottle of biodegradeable soap - it goes a long way, especially when you rarely see water! I took salted peanuts and dried fruit as snacks, plus Pepperami and biltong to supplement my post-Namche vegetarian diet. As well as chocolate bars, of course.

Suggestions

The trip gave me a great idea of how the different valleys and routes around Everest all fit together, and it was interesting to see the massive range of trekkers from all nations - some in groups, some independent with guides, and some totally independent on their own (not necessarily a safe option). I'd have a much clearer idea of what's available to do if I came back - which I probably will do, but maybe not next year!

Reviewed January 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

The trek from beginning to end was an amazing experience made all the better for Exedus’s usual attention to detail and superb organisation. This is a challenging but really superb trek which anyone with a willingness to stretch themself can do.

Most Inspirational Moment

Almost too many to list but seeing Everest for the first time, the sun breaking through at Gokyo after a day walking in a blizzard, the views from Gokyo Ri and Cho La and making it to Base Camp will stay with me for many years to come.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lapka was an excellent leader. He was friendly, approachable and totally professional. His sense of fun made even the hardest of days enjoyable as did the rest of his team. They were all so encouraging and enthusiastic there was never any doubt we would all make the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see Everest and trek to Base Camp then I would recommend Gokyo as a more challenging but satifying alternative to the straight Base Camp trek. The route to Gokyo is quieter and the views from Gokyo Ri and the climb over Cho La are a never to be forgotten experience. Get yourself reasonably fit before you go, follow the advice of the Exodus guides, drink plenty, keep the pace steady and have a great time.

Suggestions

Age is no barrier.

Reviewed January 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Owing to bad weather we lost 4 days of the trek because we were unable to get to Lukla and this meant that the Goyko Lakes and Cho La section was cancelled. Exodus did in the end organise helicopters so we were able to make it to Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Pattar. I am still disappointed at missing Gokyo and the Cho la pass but the trek was fantastic and the helicopter journey was a great experience. I was on my own and the only female in the group, but it worked out really well.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was inspirational just being close to all those wonderful Himalayan peaks. Walking on the lateral moraine alongside the icing of the Khumbu glacier to base camp was amazing. The weather on the trek could not have been better, so the views were excellent.One advantage of the bad weather was that there were few trekkers ahead of us, so not only did we have the lodges mostly to ourselves, but it was the same at base camp and the top of Kala Pattar. Such freedom.Constant reminders of the Everest Expeditions, such as the work done by Sir Edmund Hillary in the Khumbu Region and knowing that we were trekking on the same paths to Base Camp taken by mountaineers determined to reach the summit of Everest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was young, energetic, enthusiastic and he did his best for all of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just bear in mind that if your trek relies on a flight to Lukla, bad weather can mess things up, so be prepared for a changed itinerary. Take your credit card in case you do have to contribute towards a helicopter flight.Don't worry about being a solo traveller and the only female. You can probably put up with more discomforts than men!Take a pack of cards.

Suggestions

You do get very cold at night, the food is a bit boring. you go for days without a shower, the loos smell, you may get the odd headache, but I just can't wait to trek at high altitude again.

Reviewed December 2011

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

This was a brilliant trip and offers a more interesting walk than just going up to Everest Base Camp and back the same way. You walk round in a loop so each day is different and the view from Gokyo Ri is not to be missed!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was brilliant to complete the whole trip - Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar. Seeing Everest for the first time was amazing and then seeing it up close from Kala Pattar was a real highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nothing was too much trouble for Pasang. He was a brilliant leader and was seriously tested on our trip. Due to bad weather in Lukla he had been stuck there for 5 days with a school party. Shortly after they left our group arrived. We were also 2 days late because of the weather but Pasang changed our whole intinerary and fit a 15 trek into 13 days. He got all of our group all the way round the trip and made us laugh along the way. I couldn't have asked for a better person to lead our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You are very likely to come down with a cold and cough so make sure you have cold and flu medication and lots of strepsiles and throat sweets. The tea houses all have thick blankets and duvets so a good synthetic sleeping bag is fine ( a down bag is not essential). I down jacket did come in handy in the evenings and on several of the days.

Suggestions

This was a fantastic trip but it was hard work. I would recommend this trip to anyone but you need to have a strong desire to do the trip yourself. It is hard work and some of the days are very long so you need determination to do the trip but the rewards are worth every penny and every step. Exodus were fantastic as well. We were delayed by 2 days because of bad weather in Lukla but Exodus kept us up to date all of the time and did all of the negotiating at the airport and ensured we got to Lukla on the first day the flights were going again. Exodus are clearly well connected in the area and all of the tea houses they use are a good standard.

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