Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the base camp at K2. Looking out of my tent at 5am on a snowy morning and seeing K2 looming large, totally clear of cloud in the morning light.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah was excellent throughout. She has vast experience and is able to use that experience to help people through what was a tough trip. She makes time for each person giving them confidence and encouragement. Her team obviously adore her and will do anything to help. We had an issue when our flight back from Skardu was cancelled. Somehow Sarah was able to secure us all seats on the plane leaving the next day, when initially none were available. We all had total confidence that she would try everything possible for us. It took her 4 hours to do it and we all flew out the next day. I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed some fabulous team leaders. Sarah tops the lot. Credit also to the Exodus team back in London who were a great help looking at all the possibilities when our flight was cancelled.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not miss this adventure. But beware. The trip notes do not give an accurate idea of how tough this trip is. The terrain after the first few days is rocks, rocks and more rocks with little or no clear path. Do not underestimate this trip. Our group was full of experienced trekkers who have been on trips all over the world, yet everyone found this a very tough trip. But, the experience is second to none. If your fit enough and have a positive attitude you will have one of the greatest trekking experiences of your life. Not to be missed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day provided exceptional scenery and beautiful places of interest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent very professional, informative, considerate and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise travellers to extend their stay to allow time to recover and or prepare for the trip, and to visit the cities of Split and Dubrovnic at their leisure. I would also advise to bring rehydration tablets to add to water and snack bars to get them up the hills! I would also add that August was too hot!

Most Inspirational Moment

Eating smoked fish outside the fisherman's house, the delicious salmon lunch, gazing out over the Baltic. Understanding a little more about life in Soviet times.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was witty, sardonic, extremely knowledgeable and completely made the trip for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax, enjoy your fellow cyclists (we had a great bunch!)and if Andrius has any little suggestions follow his advice!

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights were seeing the green backed turtles laying eggs in Tortuguero, and quetzals in the Savegre valley cloud forest. Also toucans, hummingbirds and sloths. An additional (optional) boat trip along the Rio Tarcoles was very worthwhile - we saw many different birds close to, as well as massive crocodiles.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was fantastic in every respect. He was very knowledgeable indeed and went out of his way to try and make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were a little worried beforehand as our trip was to take place in the wet season. However we only had one day when the rain was so torrential it delayed one of our activities (and we got soaked to the skin) so it is not a given that August is a "bad" time of the year to go. It was very very humid though (apart from when were up in the mountains) so I wished we had taken another couple of pairs of walking trousers & T shirts, as changes of clothes were required more often than I had anticipated. And a poncho proved more effective than a conventional waterproof when it did rain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was inspiring whether it was climbing up the hills, walking through the woods or down into the villages but our last walk across the terraces will be one of my favourite memories

Thoughts on Group Leader

You could not ask for a better leader. Michela looked after us day and night, making sure everyone was happy with what they were doing and offering alternatives if the main activity did not suit. Michela is very knowledgable and interesting, telling us all about the places we visited. She also looked after us in the evening suggesting and organising different restaurants for group meals. Nothing was too much trouble for Michela even down to making sure we all got home safely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are some steep climbs, but nothing impossible for so.eone of average fitness. Walking poles can be useful on some of the rougher descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

I would have to say Khiva although it was not part of the standard trip. I also particularly enjoyed Samarkand, Bukhara and the overnight stay in the yurt camp amidst beautiful Alpine scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two leaders, the one for Uzbekistan was very experienced and everything was very efficient. The guide for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan was less experienced but coped well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Unless Exodus decide to include it, spend a couple of nights in Khiva first, it's very compact and traffic free and there is a lot to see. You don't need a guide just a guide book.

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't pick one, here are a selection of things that blew me away: Surreal Ashgabat. Beautiful Bukhara. Samarkand. Obviously. The night sky (and entire yurt experience) at Son Kul lake

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzie Grant is a one woman whirlwind. She held our great group together, looked after us all, kept our spirits up and used her natural curiousity to help make it the best trip possible for us. It was a privilege to travel with her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bear in mind that the itinerary is very 'full on' and, although I consider myself to be relatively fit, I was quite tired by the end of the trip. That said, I am grateful for the opportunity to do so much in such a short period of time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The road trip to theth

Thoughts on Group Leader

A little in experienced but relaxed at the end

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you struggle with heat avoid August

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunch break during the second day of hike with scenic views of Alps was out of the world experience. Will never forget sitting in peace, enjoying my music, having sandwiches while appreciating nature!

Most Inspirational Moment

The energy from other trekkers to grind out the long hikes each day.