Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing over the highest passes, overcoming my fear of descending (I really prefer walkin uphill), letting go of everything that was going on in my life back home, meeting wonderful new people, dealing with altitude and learning the effects it has on your body, meeting monks in Ladakh and visiting the Taj Mahal (I booked the extension Golden triangle).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima was the best! He was so experienced with climbing and the altitude. Also, he was extremely fit. He made sure everyone was doing alright all the time and motivated us to keep on going even if we were having a hard time. He showed genuine interest in all of us and opened up to us during the trip. Tashi was great as well, as was the rest of the staff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was very happy with my walking poles for the descents. Also, bring lots of sunscreen and a hat with a long flap that covers your neck. Exercise enough at home before you start this trip. I was very happy that a came prepared and fit enough. The altitude and the heat during the day already make it hard so having a certain level of fitness really helps you to be able to enjoy this trip instead of having to struggle through it. Bring a set of playing cards and invite the rest of the staff to join you for a game after diner; they love that! Earplugs will come in handy at night as most nights you will here the continuous sounds of the bells on the horses that stay around the tents. Warm clothes are a must, especially a warm hat, fleece and gloves. A washcloth helps you clean up a little bit during the 7 days camping when you get a bowl of warm water and you try to ‘shower’ in your tent ;-).

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved swimming in cenotes which was added to the tour as well as Frida Kahlo house and the Mayan sites.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Arthuro couldn’t do enough for the group and had extensive and humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Booked group flight via Washington and on reflection should have booked my own flight either direct or via non US hub. Transfer queues were worse part of holiday!

Most Inspirational Moment

Paddling to one of the islands to watch the gorgeous sunset with elephants eating 50m away. Then listening to them as drift off to sleep. Seeing a pride of 5 lions on a game drive was also pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

CB was well liked by everyone, right combination of humour, knowledge and always there with advice or a calming reassurance. He clearly loves the job and all the guests agreed he was as much like a friend on the tour as well as never stopping in looking after us. If you needed it then CB would have it or find a way to get it for you. First class guide and especially nice to see him teaching Best the assistant guide in any downtime.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Packlight but bring an extra t-shirt or top. Antibacterial soap can wash hardwearing clothes if want to do that too. Plenty of bug spray and sunscreen as you will use it. Bring a good point and shoot as well as dslr as in the canoe wielding a big lens isn't always practical. Change about $50 at the airport and get a few bonus items at the shop on the way - you will need about 1 - 2l for the drive in the heat. Try and find a right sized paddle Lastly have most of your stuff for the first 3 nights ready to go in a separate daysack in your softbag. When you reach the 1st camp it is often dark and you don't have much time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dune 45 and Deadvlei, I am a landscape rather than an animal person, so you may disagree.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie, and his assistants, were excellent. Nothing was a trouble to them. They were always friendly and helpful. their knowledge was excellent and their animal spotting capabilities astonishing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't get stressed about the dust, it washes out. Don't worry about it getting on your camera sensor, several photo enthusiasts (I was one) on the trip both confirmed that despite a bit of lens swapping the sensors remained clean. Ear plugs, tent canvas is not a good foil for snoring :)

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing over the Chola Pass. I honestly didn't think I would make it! And walking up to Gokyo was just so beautiful. The colour of the water is out of this world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorjee was amazing. So knowledgeable. He really looked after us all, making sure we weren't suffering the affects of altitude sickness. He was a really nice guy and I have to thank him personally for getting me over the Chola Pass.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is hard so don't underestimate it and you will have a great time

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing over the Chola Pass. I honestly didn't think I would make it! And walking up to Gokyo was just so beautiful. The colour of the water is out of this world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorjee was amazing. So knowledgeable. He really looked after us all, making sure we weren't suffering the affects of altitude sickness. He was a really nice guy and I have to thank him personally for getting me over the Chola Pass.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is hard so don't underestimate it and you will have a great time

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Halong Bay, Hanoi, Hue and the Mekong Delta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Trung was great; knowledgeable, funny and kind. He was passionate about his Country and made sure that we saw as much as possible on our travels. An excellent guide and a lovely man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam is changing fast and the old ways are beginning to disappear. I would go sooner rather than later. Go with an open mind and have fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the friendliness of the Vietnamese people and their welcoming smiles and humour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bon - our group leader was fantastic. Professional, super-organised, informative and fun. Very kind - and sensitive to everyone’s needs. He was an absolute star.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the beautiful Hoi An

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Thuy was very organised and everything ran as it should do. A very lovely man who understands hus country and presents it in a clear and humourous way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go a day earlier to see Hanoi and book a room so you can have it when you land first thing in the morning. Also pay to keep your room on the last day as the flight home is at midnight so you can have a little sleep and a shower before the flight.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hahaha - cannot pick just one: climbing the sun pyramid and almost, just almost, making it to the top (vertigo got me); seeing Mayan carvings in an old tomb on top of a hill; some of the restaurants were wonderful; all the Day of the Dead "stuff"; watching the sunset on the seafront; swimming in a Cenote; Teotihuacan; Uxmal; Palenque and Chichen Itze.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arturo was one of the best tour leaders I've had - from meeting the group at Mexico City airport, with a big smile, he was there for us for the whole time, sorting out any problems, answering millions of questions, and generally making sure everyone was ok. And, that smile never wavered. I'd also like to mention Fernando, our driver. He was brilliant as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's hot and you will get sweaty climbing the pyramids - pack for that. Take a swimming costume - a couple of the hotels have pools which are brilliant for cooling down. I took hiking boots, but didn't wear them, walking sandals were fine for all the sites. I didn't get bitten and didn't use deet, but I did wear long sleeves and I think all the hotels had aircon (units). You can get washing done in Oaxaca (about £1 per item), which might be helpful. A brolly would probably be useful - it did rain a couple of times (the tropical rain that comes down hard, then stops). This trip packs a lot in but there's still a lot more to see and I'll definitely be going back.