Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Half way through the trip we did a 24 hour boat trip and it was the most relaxing thing we had done for a long time. Also we were lucky enough to experience a Hindu ceremony that made me emotionl

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi, what can I say you were wonderful as well as Shabu - what lovely guys who made it fun and interesting. It felt like we were a real team and they made it so much more enjoyable - Shabu was my life saver on the trip as I wasn't the fastest

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open to everything, put your phone down and see Kerala for the amazing place it is

Most Inspirational Moment

The final morning of the trek was truly unforgettable. Waking up in Dhampus to clear skies and spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna range — including Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal — felt like a perfect culmination of the walking portion of the trip. Equally memorable were the wildlife moments in Chitwan National Park, particularly spotting one-horned rhinoceroses in their natural habitat and even catching a brief glimpse of a elusive leopard. These experiences alone made the journey incredibly special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Lakpa (Tscheten), was great. He consistently shared his passion and deep knowledge of Nepal, its people, and the mountains, which really enriched the entire experience. When a few group members became unwell during the trip, Lakpa was attentive, calm, and proactive in ensuring everyone was looked after. The wider local team was equally impressive. Our trekking guide, Buddha, and the porters were fantastic throughout the hike, always supportive and encouraging. In Chitwan, our naturalist guide, Kanan, brought the wildlife experiences to life with his expertise and enthusiasm. The professionalism and warmth of the entire team made a huge difference.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hiking on Days 3 and 4 is the most challenging part of the trip. Day 3 involves sustained ascents through villages and many stone steps, while Day 4 includes a long descent from Ghandruk followed by another ascent to Landruk all on the same stone steps. A reasonable level of fitness is important. The local team provides one trekking pole, but I strongly recommend bringing or hiring a second one. Having two poles is particularly helpful on the stone-step descents and will make the walking much more comfortable. Load shedding (power outages) is common in Nepal and can occur at various times, so something to be mindful of. If possible, arrive one day early before the tour begins. This gives you time to rest after your journey, recover from jet lag, and acclimatize, helping you start the trip feeling refreshed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the Temples and waterways on small boats giving moments of calm and peace amidst the Choas. The work ethic of the people and the long hours they put in just to survive whilst maintaining a sense of humour and an incredible sense of family.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manh Nguyen who was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, kind and who wanted us to have the best time possible. He was caring and looked after group members who were ill or just having an off day. It was also clear that he loved his country and instilled that generous spirit in ourselves. We could not have had a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat and humidity , it can be incredibly draining. Drink a lot of water

Most Inspirational Moment

Many! Every moment from hiking, biking, and overnight sleeper experience, Ha Long Bay, the many religious and cultural sites we visited.. the trip well exceeded my expectations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tuyet was a star! Funny, engaging, very knowledgeable and was able to swap around some activities working within time constraints. Added to this, Tuyet was a lovely person to be around.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many unexpected moments that enriched the trip, many of which weren’t even on the original itinerary. Our lead guide, Safi, often added or adapted elements along the way, creating a mix of planned and completely impromptu immersive experiences that made the journey feel truly special and memorable. I was also genuinely touched by the people of Kerala: everywhere we went, we were met with such warmth and friendliness, which will stay with me long after the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was absolutely amazing. He made sure everyone in the group felt cared for, catered for and happy throughout the entire trip. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he went out of his way to check in with each of us and adapt plans where needed so that everyone could get the most out of the experience. A huge thank you as well to Shibu and Vinni, who worked tirelessly alongside Safi to ensure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Their hard work, humour, support and friendly presence really added to the enjoyment of the tour, and together they created such a positive, relaxed atmosphere. As a team, they genuinely made the trip, and I’m incredibly grateful for all they did to give us such a fantastic experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t be put off if you’re not an experienced cyclist. The routes are mostly flat and the road surfaces are generally good, with just the occasional pothole to navigate. The daily distances are very manageable and, importantly, most of the cycling is done in the mornings, before the heat and humidity really build, which makes it much more comfortable. I’d recommend bringing padded cycling shorts (or gel seat) and gloves if you have them, and making sure you stay well hydrated (with electrolytes), but you certainly don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy this trip. It is a fantastic way to see and feel the “real” Kerala at a gentle pace, travelling through villages and countryside you might not otherwise experience, while also getting or keeping fit at the same time. Overall, if you are happy to be a little active and open to new experiences, this tour is incredibly rewarding and very achievable for most people with a basic level of fitness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tour of Chefchouen and the tour of Fes Medina.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aman was superb. All organisation was perfect and nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely good at giving us information about Morocco, about Moslem culture and local traditions. It was nice he was from the local area of Chefchouen so knew it very well

Most Inspirational Moment

Sigiriya - the climb to the fortress and Hotel Sigiriya was superb. Temple of the Tooth experience at Kandy. Dambulla temples were awesome. Birdsong and sightings of birds, from the balconies at The Covanro and Earls Regent Hotel. The walk at Horton Plains. Elephants at Minneriya and at Elephant Transit Home. Time at Ahangama on the beach and at Insight Hotel. Bike ride at Girithale and lunch in village. Food at all times was superb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely, sociable and friendly. Calm organised manner, which meant everything ran smoothly. He seemed to know what we would like, so I felt very well catered for. Our travelling seemed to be all on time, there were no delays or surprises. Prathap used Whattsapp to give us our itinerary the night before, which was great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention them all but here are a few which spring to mind....listening to the roar of the sea from my room at the lodge at Tortuguero ; seeing my first toucan; hearing the howler monkeys at night; seeing a real sloth in the wild; seeing the elusive quetzel twice( thanks to Alejandro's expert knowledge of nesting sites) ; celebrating my husband's birthday in Costa Rica ( with a rousing song from the waiters and cake, again organised by Alejandro); seeing all the exotic birds in the botanical gardens at Equinas and Savegre.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I am overawed by his excellent knowledge of the Costa Rican wildlife (flora and fauna) and his ability to communicate his knowledge and enthusiasm. His organisational skills were excellent, as was his method of telling us or daily itinerary in advance, then messaging it to us with timings as well as , telling us what to bring, when we would get comfort stops etc. Plus, he was caring and also had a great sense of humour. His daily talks on the bus were very informative. I learnt loads about the costa Rican way of life. And I think he went above and beyond with the early morning guided walks to see the wildlife (The Awakenings)

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay Hoi An Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both leaders were really professional and very knowledgeable. They both joined on the group in the evenings when we went out and we're always available when needed.

Most Inspirational Moment

My highlights were numerous but I particularly loved staying in the Vietnamese resort Qui Nhon and seeing the aerobics at 5.30am and the visit to Ha long bay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Tien was exceptional and was really committed to making sure every stage of the tour was amazing