Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to ABC.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Keisher was excellent.  Very knowledgeable and very supportive when it got tough (which it did).

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are more steps on this trip than the trip notes say - so bear that in mind.  Its VERY cold at MBC and ABC so don't underestimate the quality of sleeping bag you need.  Take any medications you need as you will not be able to get them in the mountains.  Showers are limited - take lots of wet wipes.

Suggestions

Its a great hike and gives you amazing views over the mountains.  It is however hard work.  If you work in an office (like me) and your exercise is limited to the gym and an odd run you can do it (just) but its a struggle.  Most of the people on this trip were very fit (we had hill runners for example) so make sure you train for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but the one that stands out was the early morning sunrises, and seeing the first rays of the golden sun slowly and majestically climbing over the mountain peaks as it rises in the sky. Is truly superb sight to behold and not to be missed!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guides were absolutely magnificent they could do an enough for us, making sure everyone was okay and with great professionalism and with a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect the unexpected! J

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pinpoint.  The views were amazing and the sense of achievement in the whole group accomplishing the whole trek without injury or altitude sickness were some of the highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Keshar, and the tour guides were excellent.  Keshar had a fantastic knowledge of both Nepal and the flora and fauna we were passing and, also, of Europe so he could make interesting comparisons. I always felt incredibly safe with Keshar and the guides - even on the first few days when my climbing legs felt a bit wobbly!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a few days (in particular at MBC and ABC) where there is only a few hours walking and a lot of waiting around in order to acclimatise to the altitude. I'd advise taking a good book and a pack of playing cards etc to entertain yourself! In October, we were incredibly lucky with the weather (blue skies and temperatures of about 80 degrees during the day, although very cold nights) and some of us were caught out with too many cold weather clothes and not enough short sleeve tshirts.  So, be prepared for a variety of temperatures! 

Suggestions

I'd never trekked before so I was slightly apprehensive about booking this holiday.  However, apart from slight alarm on the first day that the afternoon's journey included 1000s of steps, it was completely manageable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The panoramic views at Poon Hill were pretty spectacular, but the arrival into Annapurna Sanctury was pretty inspirational, surrounded by giant snowcapped mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour leader was knowledable about the region, and provided detailed briefings each evening about the following day which was useful since the group split out throughout the day (according to the different hiking speeds). There were occasions when a couple of us in the group would have probably moved a bit faster than the guides would let us, but we managed to get into a routine that worked well for all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great tour, and good for a moderate/challenging hiking experience at altitude. Some of the days are pretty long with some pretty big altitude gains, and a LOT of steps (check the ups and downs each day). You need to be in reasonable shape to enjoy this.  

Suggestions

I actually wanted to go to Everest Base Camp, but decided on Annapurna Sanctuary since I had some reservations about hiking at elevations over 4000m (and this tour is a good bit lower on average). I had no issues, and a lot of this has to do with a well organised and paced tour that considers the altitude gains well. I will hopefully be heading to Base Camp Everest in 2013!Lots of people sell tours like this one, but do not be fooled by other companies selling "lodge" treks. Pretty much all use the same "tea-houses" which are great, and I personally would chose over camping, for having a little more room each night, as well as basic wash facilities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spectacular views from Poon Hill and Annapurna Base camp.Beautiful views from the the World Peace Stupa above Pokhara.Changu Narayan temple above Bhaktapur was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prem was excellent, a good organiser.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers, layers, layers (its cold up at ABC).Wet wipes and tissues ++I wish I had had a face mask in our kit (the trails can be pretty choked with dust).Flip flops or similar for showers, many of which are in a seperate building from the tea houses - facilities fairly basic.In Katmandhu, opposite side of road 30yds to the right of Royal Singi Hotel, is a well stocked supermarket, in case you have forgotten anything.Leave out Chitwan extension, unless you are desperate to see a few rhinos up close. 2 of the 3 days are spent in taxi travel to/from Chitwan. In the 3 day extension we only had 2 hours of safari. Not recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

Free walking up from the narrow gorge to Fishtail base camp and the vast bowl of Annapurna.Watching oxen used to trample/flail the rice, and the communal rick building.Wallowing in the hot springs pool, while watching the monkeys across the river watching us.   

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Undertook the leadership role with diplomacy and sensitivity. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Understand the basis of "layering" of clothing before you go. Take : flip flops, wet wipes, a good thermal sleeping bag, head torch, good book, kleenex tissues, spare lightweight footwear, hand gel, spare camera battery.

Suggestions

The quality of the tea houses is variable, and the washing and toilet facilities can be basic, but that is part of the experience. Keep expectations low, and the landscape will more than compensate.

Most Inspirational Moment

Entering the Sanctuary and listening to the growl of the glacier and the rumble of the avalanches in the far distance.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, Prasant was a superb leader; combining fun with a high degree of professionalism. He was ably assisted by his three guides all of whom added to the enjoyment of the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for single sex dormitories at the overnight stop before MBC, at MBC and ABC and make sure you have a good supply of hygienic wipes to cover those three days when showers were not easily available. Make a note of the food you order at the tea houses.....it can be quite embarassing when delivered to the table and you find you have eaten someone else's lunch..... 

Suggestions

We are seasoned walkers, (having completed all of the Lakeland tops and topped out 50 Munros) and although aged 61 and 59 we found the walking very comfortable; the paths were easily negotiated; and only found ourselves tiring on the three long descent days.  You can find three 10 minute videos of out trek at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK38mLIy23YThere is no reason not to go on this trek!

Most Inspirational Moment

The entire trek inspired me, from the lovely people in the group,and the leader and his assistants, to the friendly and generous Nepali people who have little, but are happy to share all. The final trek up to the sanctuary left me silent and reflective, ( not something my fellow travellers had seen before...!), I was completely overcome by the beauty and majesty of the mountains. I will never forget sunrise at Annapurna Sanctuary. I will also never forget how quickly the clouds closed in the day before and how small and insignificant we were as the mountains disappeared from sight. I also loved the hot springs we visited ( another 35 mins down to the river, 55 mins back up after a very long days trekking) with our guides, the cleanest I'd been for some long time! As a non tea drinker before the trek, I am now addicted to ginger, lemon honey tea.....but not at 05.00..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prasant was knowledgeable, organised and looked after us all with much care. He gave us excellent advice about our health and well being and went out of his way to make sure everything ran smoothly. if Prasant said "no beer", we knew no beer was the best! (Only at altitude tho'!) We were also indebted to our assistant guides, "uncle", Lak Phar, And BJ who were always there when needed but never in the way and organised our food and drinks with efficiency and cheerfulness despite none of us ever remembering what we we ordered and eating each others ( you know who you are...!) Lak Phar and BJ were particularly cheerful at 06.00 each morning with "Excuse me Claire, lemon tea". If you are reading this, I was trying to be cheerful back, but mornings aren't my best time!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it, just go, you won't regret it, it was the best thing I ever did. Do as much training as you can, I found it challenging especially the long downhills towards the river, beautiful but always aware that his would be followed by an equally strenuous uphill the other side of the valley. Be prepared for the altitude to affect you how ever fit you are. Slowly, slowly, find your own pace, listen to your body and try not to bring up your tea on Poon Hill as I did...trying to keep up with others rather than listening to my heavy breathing and slowing down. Practice your squatting, personal thanks go to my Pilates teacher for my ability to hit the target... Drink loads, eat Dhall Bat and apple porridge, and veg noodle soup. I was lucky enough to share rooms with a lovely lady, an experienced trekker who taught me so much, including how to seal 4 day socks in a freezer bag and how not to pee on your clean trousers, and how to laugh and laugh like school girls at the daftest things, thank you lovely Ella.

Suggestions

Just press the button, book the trek and have the time of your life

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching ABC ( Annapurna base camp ) The mountionous surround was spectacular. Sunrise and sunset not to be missed.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent. A professional leader. His foremost concern was always on the safety and wellbeing of the group so that we could enjoy the trek to the max. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

A reasonable level of fitness is important. Ensure a wardrobe that suits very warm days and eventual very cold evenings  

Suggestions

The assistant guides were excellent and should be recognised for their endurance, safety mindset and care of the group. Porters were outstanding! these wonderful athletes should be constantly recognised for their endurance and modestly - wonderful!I would strongly recommed this holiday. Any solo traveller should have no concern about any aspect of this active holiday. Go for it!! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Annapurna base camp was a massive achievement for us all.  As a group we all got on very well and the spirit of the group helped us all up.  The base camp at Annapurna is absolutely stunning and the day spent wandering around the base of the mountains will live long in my memories.  Another great moment was the first hot shower after reaching the top ! I really needed that !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was passionate about the spirit of the mountains and beauty of the environment and it was a joy to have him as our leader.  He knew exactly what to do when people needed his help or advice on the trek and its no coincidence that we all made it.  We also had some really great guides who were happy and smiling people who were helpful and always lifted the spirits of the trekkers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really have to be prepared to rough it during the trek.  So long as you dont mind the odd squat toilet, sharing a room for a few nights and being cold then you'll get on fine. It's worth it !

Suggestions

If you like walking and beautiful landscapes you have to think about doing this trek. It's 100% worth it.