Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I think pushing myself up the Hai Van Pass, a climb of over 500 metres, and hearing the cheers of our group as each of us reached the top of the pass. Then plunging at ridiculous speeds down the mountain towards Hue.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was quite simply the best group leader we could have hoped for. He was protective when he needed to be, informative at all times, answered all our questions with knowledge and patience. Anyone lucky enough to get Chi as a guide will be rewarded with an inspirational leaded, an extremely well organised individual and a wonderfully warm human being.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst months of pre holiday heavy duty training will not be necessary, the better your body is prepared so the more enjoyment you will get from your holiday. Don't try to be the centre of attention, let the group dynamics sort themselves out. If our group was typical everyone will get along fine. Whilst the weather for us in January and February was perfect we did have a wet day with a head wind where a light cycling jacket would have been handy. If chaotic traffic unnerves you, pack a few sedatives or a blindfold!

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery brings out rare emotions ... Whilst standing alone in a clearing in the pine and birch forest on a bridge over an almost completely snow covered stream watching the water flow over ice crystals, the water making the only noise audible, the mind clears and emotions flow. By way of contrast the biggest impediment to getting up once you fell into the snow was ... uncontrollable laughter!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri was fantastic ... nothing was too much trouble, instructions and guidance was clear, with a very wry sense of humour. All the staff were great especially the cooks who produced such tasty food.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A buff or neck warmer will be very useful There is no tea/coffee facility in the room so bring you own if you like a cuppa before donning several layers to start the day.

Most Inspirational Moment

To be honest the trip as a whole was my inspiration. Memories I will not forget in a while. The views, the people, the animals even. Completely amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter and Davies were our tour guides and they were fantastic. They had phenomenal knowledge of Kenya and off all the animals we saw. They were so ahead of the game and new where to pin points various animals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would suggest only going out taking Kenya Schillings rather than Dollars. We dealt a lot in Shillings with some use of Dollars along the way. Also you will need to buy rather a lot of bottled water so having the extra schillings helps.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final trek to base camp. We met nobody between Gorak Shep and base camp, had base camp to ourselves for the half hour we spent there, saw an avalanche across the valley on the way and could therefore appreciate the dangers faced by those who live and work in this part of the world. It was also very moving to make the steep climb up to Chukpo Lari and then reach the plateau where there are so many memorials to climbers who lost their lives on the mountain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lhakpa was the perfect leader. His advice was always spot on and he was able to ensure that we knew the difficulties we were likely to face but at the same time gave us the confidence to face them. The pace at which he lead enabled us to acclimatise and none of us had any appreciable difficulty in coping with the altitude.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lhakpa recommended that we buy Yaktrax before we set off. None of us had them but we all followed his advice and they were invaluable for a winter trek. We only used them two or three times and then for only half an hour or so on each occasion but they made it so much easier to walk over the icy stretches in question. Next time also, I will hire a sleeping bag in Kathmandu for use on the trek, so as to leave space in the kitbag for plenty of shopping, because good quality walking equipment can be purchased for a fraction of the price we would be charged in the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was for me managing the last bit, my hands were frozen, I was absolutely exhausted, but thinking even if my body is going to give up I will make sure that my soul reaches the summit (Uhuro Peak)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our chief group leader Mussa is an exceptional human being, he is intelligent, psychologically minded, very funny mit lots of positive energy. He figured out very fast what our group needs, pushed us smartly towards it and supported us all through. The assistant leader John I am personally grateful to, if it wouldn't him encouraging my frozen body and brain to carry on towards the Gilman's point, I would have never had manage it to the end. The assistant leader Raphael supported us all through with his warmth and holy smile. Assistant leader Diglan was rather proud and quite but did a good job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes ! take the advice on the trip notes regarding appropriate clothing seriously! I really regretted my own ignorance though. By the time of the trip I was working in Germany, having had a very cold and long winter 2012/2013 behind me with -25 degrees, I didn't take the info of the temperatures of -8 as serious threat! My hands were completely frozen with the gloves i took with me! Hence -8 C in Kilimanjaro>>>>>>-25C in Germany don't forget!

Most Inspirational Moment

Playing around in the soft, virgin snow & views from peaks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good - competent & good company

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be very cold, on bad days the snow gets everywhere and you can be out for 5 hours without an opportunity to warm up - the leader advised 'keep your gloves on -don't take them off or your hands get cold' - learn to do everything with your gloves on' - but the advice comes too late if you have n't practiced putting on & adjusting snoeshoes before you arrive or if you wear glasses and have to take them off to clean the snow from them. I would take more than 1 pair of gloves and keeping a light pair on with larger mittens might be best

Most Inspirational Moment

Achieving some of the climbs was a personal challenge. However the local people throughout the country were beautiful and welcoming. Seemed so happy to see these crazy people on bikes!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu was superb. Informative, professional, sociable and with a sense of humour and such patience! He managed the whole group so well and we were all looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was at the beginning of Feb and it was a lot colder than aniticipated, even in the accommodation so do ensure you take enough warm layers. I would also suggest £100 is not enough for the week and £200 is a more accurate figure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had something or several things but the mountain scenery and roadside scenes were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kind and willing to fit extra requests into the schedule. Very considerate and proactive if there were any problems.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of the river from the Kitulgala hotel - the tranquility, lots of locals swimming/washing and enjoying the water.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take UK or European plugs - Worldwide plugs are not in any of the hotels, as usual in that part of the world

Most Inspirational Moment

Ski ing down through the forest with a blue sky and sunshine beneath the wonderful pink tinged rocky cigs of the magnificent Dolomites

Thoughts on Group Leader

David Davies continues to be an inspiring leader: great fun ,keen to get us trying techniques and subtly and supportingly helping those who struggled to find the right level of participation : a crucial attribute of a holiday leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off by snow reports: though this was the year of least snow and it was melting away in the town, our leaders found us good tracks up the valleys just short bus rides away.