Most Inspirational Moment
Having made it to Annapurna Base Camp, having quiet time alone to try to absorb the sheer beauty and unpredictable power of the landscape. Also following the river back down again - amazing waterfalls everywhere!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bikash was brilliant, helping this very novice trekker achieve her goal to make it to 4,000m, with lots of laughs and singing on the way. He never made you feel you were too slow - he encouraged everyone to walk at their own pace, but kept a quiet eye out for problems & difficulties, and calmly dealt with them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although I knew there were stone steps, I and others underestimated how many! There are times when you are walking up steps for several hours, so finding a good, comfortable pace is essential - not fast, but steady. We walked in November where the days were hot - T shirts & shorts, but the nights are down jacket & thermal time. I had packed loads of thermal gear, but not enough summer layers. Also, be warned that on the flight back the luggage allowance is 10kg hold and 5 kg cabin - not 15kg hold as most of us thought, which meant there was a frantic unpacking at the last minute, and I left things I needed on trek back in Kathmandu. Safe drinking water was plentiful, so I didn't need my purification tabs, but take some just in case...