Internationale groepsreis Annapurna in Luxury

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

This was a brilliant trip. The group size was perfect(15) so we didn't feel herded yet it was big enough to get a good mix of people and not to get stuck with someone you didn't get on with. Not that that happened; they were all lovely. It was a great way to see more of Nepal than just trekking could offer. Very well planned and organised.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Viewing the mountains at dawn outside our room , with a cup of tea! Riding an elephant. The people.

What did you think of your group leader?

Gum was a delight. He was knowledgable without being boring. He told us just enough and then answered our questions. He was polite and caring and good fun too.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't take too much stuff. Some people had really heavy bags and spent time packing and re packing . You don't need much and there are efficient laundry services anyway.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The food was delicious. Especially in the mountains and river camp and Chitwan. Shopping good in Pokhara where it was less frantic than Kathmandu. We were there during Diwali, which made it rather special, with wonderful local music and dancing as we went through the villages.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

An Amazing holiday, lots of variety eg trecking, rafting and chitwan

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

completing the treck with the help of the porters and treck guide, wouldnt have managed without them. The Everest flight was amazing as well   

What did you think of your group leader?

Kesher our group leader, was fantastic, very knowledgeable and friendly. He was also very good if any of the group members became unwell

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trecking is probably harder than it states in the trip notes, but it is well worth the effort to complete it each day. Wonderfull views. you will not go hungry on this trip, so no need to take food etc all equipment except walking boots is available, even down jackets, hats and crocs at the lodges 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

a wonderfull trip, i have never trecked before on this level, and i felt safe, and in very confident hands. i would definatley book with exodus again

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

An amazing trip with some hard trekking in the most beautiful country. Our group became close friends quickly and we had a lot of laughs, which eased some of the most taxing bits of the trek. River rafting and swimming in the Cheti river near the camp was spectacular, as is the elephant trekking and jungle in Chitwan.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Meeting our group for the first time and thinkiing what a great bunch of people, The cups of cola, packet of peanuts with cotton wool balls for our ears, on the flight into Pokhara The first night at the Sanctuary with the roar of the river in the background Playing football with the local village children, then drinking the local Roksi in china mugs  Learning the stick game with Chandra Card tricks and folding napkins as evening entertainment The fantastic scenery to wake up to  Elephant trekking at dawn Happy hour Everest trip Ed's 50th birthday celebrated by river rafting, sunset over the river watching rhinos feed, dancing with the locals in Chitwan, champagne and birthday cake!

What did you think of your group leader?

Chandra was fantastic, always laughing, a great leader and friend. Each day we would have a 'Ask Chandra' question time, usually at Happy Hour where he would tell us about Nepalese culture. He is also a dab hand at card tricks! We were honoured to meet his family in Katmandu

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack more lightweight clothing, it was much hotter than we expected and we were continually washing clothing. Some of the group bought more clothing in Pokhara. If it does get cold in the mountains, jackets, crocs, gloves and hats are provided. If you want to see Everest first hand, do it! Take a pack of cards!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

we all felt extra days in the mountains were needed on this trip, also, one night in Chitwan and one in Katmandu at the end of the trip would have been better.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

Avery well run holiday in not the easiest of places. The lodges we stayed in, were of a much higher standard than I expected.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The dignity of some the poorest people I have ever met and how they kept there homes cleaner than the rest of the population.

What did you think of your group leader?

our leader Keshar Khadga was absolutely brilliant . I did pity him as he is payed so little by Exodus, if I am very wrong on this , please put me right. His enthusiasm for his country was fascinating. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

not really

Is there anything else you would like to add?

 I have always enjoyed meeting other people on these trips , am now planning the next.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

A very exciting and varied holiday. Kathmandu hits your senses when you arrive, then it's on to the tranquility of the mountains. The trekking was harder than leisurely, and it'd be best to train beforehand to get the full benefit. The scenery was stunning and well worth the effort. The accommodation in the lodges was excellent, and the food was superb. Rafting was fun, and the rapids were relatively tame - even those of a nervous disposition enjoyed themselves. Chitwan was interesting, but probably the least enjoyable part of the trip. The accommodation wasn't as good as the lodges. Bathing with the elephants was the highlight. There didn't seem to be many animals in the jungle area, which was a little disappointing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The second day of trekking, walking through the villages, and seeing the way of life. End of trek party with the porters. Bathing with the elephants. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Gum was an excellent group leader. Everything ran like clockwork, and he looked after us all really well.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Train beforehand - the second day is a long walk uphill, and there are lots of steps! The lodges are well equipped with down jackets and crocs, so don't pack too much. Backpacks, waterproof capes, walking sticks, and water bottles were provided if you need them.   Don't worry about the food - it's plentiful and delicious. Don't change too much money for the trek, there isn't much to spend it on.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Would have loved an extra day to explore Pokhara. It would be worthwhile staying on for a couple of extra days in Kathmandu at the end of the trip. We didn't have time to see it all, and would have liked time to take the Everest flight. The weather was too bad on day one. 

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

Fabulous views and fantastic accommodation with a good variety of activities made this a perfect trip. It was almost like having three holidays in one, trekking rafting and then finally wildlife spotting.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing Everest. The views of Annapurna were amazing. Spotting a tiger from the back of an elephant in the early morning mist. The local life style from city hustle and bustle to the peaceful villages still living a simple subsistence farming life.

What did you think of your group leader?

Keshar is a great guy, he is very professional and knowledgeable. He is very passionate about Nepal and ensuring we all had a good time. We loved his optional walks in the afternoon and wherever we went people seemed to know him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You don't need to take shampoo or shower gel it is provided in all the lodges and the river camp and as you would expect in the hotels also. Water bottles are provided at the start of the trek and the down jackets hats gloves and crocs at the lodges are great. Once you start walking in the mornings you soon loose your fleece layer and the porters carry rain ponchos so you don't need to pack a raincoat. In fact you need very little other than a couple of changes of clothes. We visited a local school, it would have been really nice to have had some pens/pencils etc to give them. The Everest flight was brilliant, top of the world. Although the trip is graded leisurely the are a couple of days of quite strenuous trekking, especially if suffering with tummy trouble. Most of the trek is on uneven stone steps. I used a walking pole for the first time and found it quite useful both up and down, you don't need to take one as this is also provided at the beginning of the trek. The was a hair dryer and power points in each of the lodges and generally the water was lovely and hot.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The food was excellent and abundant and a good variety at the lodges. Food in restaurants in Katmandu and Pokhara was more western and generally not quite as good. The accommodation in Chitwan is not as nice as the lodges but it was worth it to see a tiger. The Nepalese are lovely very friendly people. When shopping you are expected to barter which I normally hate but it was more of a friendly agreement at a price and the Nepalese are not aggressive or pushy. If you like great mountain views and walking but prefer a bit of luxury at the end of the day then go for it.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

Exciting variety of activities with the trekking, whitewater rafting, elephant safari to see rhinos and dugout canoes to see crocodiles. Also we stayed longer in Kathmandu and did Everest flight and saw lots of temples.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Waking early with a cup of tea to sit outside and watch the colours change on the 8000m Annapurna range. Totally magical and I keep going back to that memory. Elephant safari getting close to two rhinos. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Chandra was brilliant. Enormously knowlegeable and inspired us with his love for Nepal. His organisation was excellent and he was always prepared to go the extra mile.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be very careful about hygiene issues as there are some really nasty bugs. Consider spending an extra couple of days in Kathmandu. There is so much to do, but try and spend as much time as possible out of the polluted centre. Think carefully about the level of trekking in the different trips according to your fitness level. This one was at the easy end, but if you are fitter you may want to do something more demanding.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Seeing the Himalayas was top of my list of things to do before I die. This trip achieved what I wanted to do with a comparatively high level of comfort

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

amazing view of Himalaya mountains

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Anapurna view.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our team leader was great, friendly and very educated.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

amazing trip , just go, perfectly organise.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

just do it.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

The scenery was breathtaking and it was certainly a memorable trip and the trekking / steps were more challenging than I anticipated. I feel that every aspect of Nepal was covered from the somewhat dusty Kathmandu through to the inspitational mountains.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

When waking the morning after our long trek to Ghandruk we were met with an amazing view over the mountains, I just pulled up a chair and stared open mouthed at the scenery with my coffee.

What did you think of your group leader?

The leader was very attentive and supportive to me when I had a cold / hip problem. He endeavoured to sort out any problems swiftly and amicably and I would recommend him to anyone.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There are a significant number of steps throughout the trip and a decent level of finess is required; the walking poles were very helpful although please be aware that "gentle" can give a false impression. A mask may be required for the dusty Kathmandu as a couple of us developed sore throats, as highlighted in Lonely Planet.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There was some confusion over our hotel at Kathmandu and we did not stay at the destination in the itineray, which was frustrating after a long outward journey.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

Trekking great, white water rafting great fun but would have preferred two extra days trekking rather than going to Chitwan. The food and accommodation was excellent and the fact that we could rely on an endless supply of safe water to drink was very reassuring.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The best moments of the trip were the trekking and the early morning views of the Annapurna range.

What did you think of your group leader?

Nabim was great. Very caring, thorough, trustworthy and a pleasure to be with.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just make sure you've done a few steep, uphill walks to build up the climbing muscles. Uphill trekking out there tends to be up stone steps of varying height which can be tiring especially the taller steps for short legs. It's fantastic and am so pleased I went.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I felt the visit to Chitwan was a bit of a let down and we all felt a bit deflated after that visit. Two extra days trekking would have been much more enjoyable.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

Amazing trip! Trekking absolutely excellent although challenging. The day when we had to walk almost 900m up the hill was difficult, but we felt that we have really achieved something. River rafting excellent as well. All the lodges during the trekking and rafting part of the holidays were absolutely brilliant and we have even been treated with a cup of tea in the morning to watch the sunrise! We haven't enjoyed Chitwan that much and we felt that it would have been much more enjoyable to have couple more days trekking instead. We were a bit disappointed that we were not actually staying/visiting the park itself - we were only allowed on the outskirts. Overall excelent and definitely recommended.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Definitely trekking! Stunning scenery, beautiful and welcoming lodges....and those sunrises with excellent mountain views and a warm cup of tea.

What did you think of your group leader?

Dawa was absolutely brilliant. He was going out of his way to make our trip everything we hoped for.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you think that the weather will be on the wet side take shin protectors with you - a lot of leeches while trekking. While in Chitwan - make sure you have long sleeves and good insect repellent. Plenty of drinking water available. There were a few step uphills with quite big steps that required a certain degree of fitness.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Absolutely amazing trip! Thank you to our group leader Dawa for everything and our amazing porters while trekking (huge respect for the guys - they were doing the same uphills as we did but with all our stuff on their backs). Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone whishing to visit Nepal.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

I had been looking forward to this holiday with such growing excitment there was a danger it could be disappointing. Actually it excceded all my excited anticipation in every way and was one of the best holidays i have ever undertaken.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The trekking was wonderful, full of variety through breath -taking scenery. It is such a living landscape full of farmers working their smallplots,friendly ,inquisitive children playing as children should,villagers and locals walking ,mule trains,wildlife,rivers,always something to look at that even the long days walking went by so quickly! The rafting was great fun and wellorganised and equipped and the rivercamp our own little shangr-la. The elephant safari and bathing was an amazing experience .It is quite humbling to be so close to these gentle giants. These were the main highlights but  with so many other memorable sights and encounters that were also inspirational it was a truelly amazing holiday. Thank you all at Exodus.

What did you think of your group leader?

Gum KC was a superb leader with his extensive knowledge of Nepal, its people,politics,religion,history,culture,landscapes ,flora and fauna all delivered with unfailing good humour, patience and enthusiasm. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was well planned ,extremely efficient and most enjoyable. He is one of those special people who made everyo0ne in the group feel special themselves. A remarkable man..  

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you love walking in beautiful unspoilt places ,lots of variety throughout, wonderful people,.  you cannot fail to enjoy this holiday. The lodges and the food provided were simple but excellent. I wish I had taken more clothing to leave behind for the charity but I hadn't realised this was an option . 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was supposed to be THE holiday of a life time but I can't wait to go again. It was just wonderful.

Annapurna in luxury

What an amazing experience! The trip has been excellently pulled together, providing 'something for everyone'. If you are looking for a taste of Nepal and you don't want to rough it too much, then this is the trip for you. Exodus left nothing to chance and worked incredibly hard to ensure that everyone had a wonderful time, with seamless planning and extremely high standards of food and accommodation. I am a keen walker and consider myself to be relatively fit (regularly trekking in Lake district and Wales); there was lots of steps and whilst I managed fine, I wouldn't have suggested this was 'leisurely' if someone doesn't have a base level of fitness, I would think this would have been quite hard.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It's impossible to choose just one inspirational moment so I will have to give two examples: 1.) Waking up at 6am to the sight of the sun coming up and casting shadows over the Annapurna range, over the space of half an hour, the light changed, the colours changed and as the sun became warmer, we saw an avalanche of fresh snow tumbling down the mountain - truly incredible. 2.) The exhilaration of the white water rafting was fabulous, the scenery was breathtaking and the peace and quiet we experienced whilst staying overnight at the permanent camp was something I will never forget.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sukmam was an amazing guide. He was patient and considerate to everyone in the group. Nothing was too much trouble and he worked tirelessly to ensure that we all had a wonderful trip. He was so knowledgeable about his country and was always on hand to provide us with background information, insight into the country's culture, history and day to day lifestyle. His bright smile, even when the landscape was all uphill was enough to push us up those hills! All of the guides and porters were wonderful and my trip would not have been the same had they not been part of it. Thank you.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I wouldn't go on this trip completely cold - some days the walking is long and uphill, some well walked in boots are a must, and an element of basic fitness would be recommended. I found the cremation sites at the Hindu temple in Kathmandu a challenge for me; it was a huge insight into the Hindu/Buddhist faith but I wasn't expecting to see cremations up close and felt I as intruding into a very private and personal life-stage, I felt voyeuristic and had I known what I was going to see at this temple, I would have perhaps given that particular temple a miss. This is purely a personal viewpoint and I'm sure that wasn't shared by everyone in our group.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I just wanted to say how warm, dignified and resilient the Nepalese people are. They work so hard, generally have so little but offer so much. Their strength of spirit in the face of adversity is a lesson to us all; facing the challenges of the rebuilding of their country after the earthquakes, and whilst I was visiting, the fuel shortage borne out of India suppressing supplies. The children are well mannered, have a thirst for learning and achieve their true potential, again, a lesson for our own children. I hope one day to revisit Nepal and I also hope that Sukmam will one day visit the UK, he will be welcomed in my home.

ANNAPURNA IN LUXURY

An amazing holiday would highly recommend, great varity and so lucky with the great people on the group and an excellent guide.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I really enjoyed the trekking and the scenery was magnificent and meeting the local people and children was great.  I was a bit nervous about the white water rafting but now I can't wait to do again.

What did you think of your group leader?

Gum was brillant very easy going and knowledgable and a great dancer.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do travel light on the trek just bring your walking boots no other shoes as pair of crocs in each mountain lodge.  The food was great so need to bring food with you.  We took pencils for the children but lots of them were looking for chocolate. Leave a bag in Pokhera with your gear for rafting and Chitwan. If you decide to go on Everest flight take a book to read as long wait for the weather to improve but it was worth the wait.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes do consider staying an extra night in Kathmandu as so much to see, really enjoyed the last day and great shopping.

Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip

A fantastic trip, bursting at the seams with spectacular scenary, fantastic accommodation, fun, great food and wonderful people. An excellent trip in all ways – we had a great group, a fantastic leader and wonderful time. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip, I’d just be envious that I’m not going to see it “for the first time” again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Difficult to choose a one particular part. The trekking was harder than I had envisaged but truly worth every step. The scenery was stunning, the lodges on the trek were much better than I was expecting. Very impressive, the cleanliness, the food, the comfort, the friendliness of the staff. Rafting was amazing! This was the part of the trip that I was a little anxious about but I LOVED it. Again, the organisation was superb – the boats were of high standard, the staff were great fun, helpful and very conscious of our safety. As for the River Camp – one word … WOW ! The jungle was a relaxing way to finish the trip and we were lucky enough to see some Rhino.

What did you think of your group leader?

If you are fortunate enough to have Prasant as your leader then you will be in for a treat. He is an absolutely diamond! He is patient, knowledgeable, concerned and has a great sense of humour. His passion for his country and culture is infectious. He didn’t feel like a ‘paid guide’, he felt like one the group – who just happened to live there and know his way around and what he was talking about.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Train for the trekking beforehand. The trip notes do not quite explain how hard parts of it can be. 900km UP, UP and UP is tough going particularly (a) if you’re short – some of the steps were as tall as my knees! And (b) in the heat. Don’t let it put you off – just be prepared. I’m pretty unfit and I managed it – just slowly. Don’t take sweeties for the children. The parents are more concerned about their teeth. They all want sweeties or chocolate but there is not the dental care available. Although the children don’t really care about pens and pencils there are a number of schools along the trek that would be grateful for them. Inflatable globes, glow sticks, toothbrushes and maybe sugar free sweets would be welcomed? When on the trek take small denominations in rupees. We came across quite a few clusters of children who sing for the walkers and they have a collection tin. They don’t beg and you don’t feel obliged to give to them money (well, with the odd exception) and they’re not greedy. Smaller notes would still make them happy and I was sorry I only had large dominations and couldn’t give a few to them all rather than quite a bit to a few. Don’t overload your bag for the trek. Firstly to save the poor Porters from being over-loaded but also because you just don’t need it. The lodges are fantastic and have warm coats, crocs, umbrellas etc. You can get laundry done (free) in all the lodges – obviously this depends on time and weather but certainly in the Himalyan Lodge where you'll spend two nights is a good opportunity to wash through the first two days things. Although I’m saying don’t take sweeties for the children – the Porters love a sweetie !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Consider adding on a day or two in Kathmandu. We got caught in Delhi airport for 24 hours because of poor weather conditions in Kathmandu. Whilst that couldn’t be helped, it was obviously disappointing to miss a whole day sight-seeing. A few people in our group went out a day or two earlier which on reflection was a terrific idea. There is so much to see and do in Kathmandu … if I could turn the clock back, I’d have definitely tagged on another day or so at the start or at the end.

Luxurious Annapurna

This was a very very well planned and executed trip which took us from the mountains to the jungle, traveling by plane, by van, by raft, by oxcart, by elephant, by dugout canoe and by foot. Nepal is spectacular, and its people are warm and open. When you see some of the other accommodations along the trail, you'll be very glad you chose to travel in luxury.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We were invited to join our local guide's extended family, which had gathered for a holiday. The patriarch blessed us with tika (creating a holy spot between our eyebrows) and a flowering sprig of green behind one ear. We shared food, took turns holding the youngest child, and talked. We felt truly welcomed to Nepal and this family.

What did you think of your group leader?

We not only had an excellent and very experienced leader for the entire trip, but also excellent local leaders for each segment of the trip - trekking, rafting, and Chitwan. We were very well taken care of and always felt secure.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There are three distinct parts of the trip. At Kathmandu, you will leave behind in the hotel what you think you won't need until you get back there at the end of the trip. In Pokhara, you will separate out what you want to have with you in your day pack (provided), while porters carry the rest on the trek. Again in Pokhara, before rafting, you will separate out what you want with you while rafting the next two days and pack that in a dry bag (provided), while the van keeps the rest until you get off the river. When you are reunited with your gear at that point, be prepared with hot weather clothing for the jungle part of the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Annapurna in Luxury

Once outside of the cities this was a lovely holiday. It was a small, very pleasant group and with a fair deal of activity alongside long periods of relaxation. Probably pushing it a bit to describe it as leisurely, but unhurried would be fair enough. Only a few glimpses of the mountains as the weather was largely misty, but the countryside and the villages were fascinating.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not so much an inspirational moment, rather the pleasure of seeing the agriculture, people working the fields, the bright colours and the terraces. Very much the ordinary life that proved the highlights.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent. Nabin was very organised, very friendly and amusing and very knowledgeable. He definitely helped make the whole trip very enjoyable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for the mountains and you might be unlucky, but go for the countryside and it will be great. If you don't like cities, Kathmandu is an ordeal, so minimise your time (but do the Kathmandu day at the Hindu temple etc as this was fascinating).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Excellent well organised trip which may ultimately prove expensive as now we have to go to Bhutan after hearing all about it!

Not so leisurely, but an excellent adventure

Lots of variety and a good cross-section of Nepal. The non-trekking days are reasonably leisurely, if active. The trekking is "moderate" in the sense that neither altitude nor weather is a factor, no technical skills are required, and the group goes at its own pace. It's by no means easy, and Exodus understates the effort. You can do it; just be prepared to climb steps for as much as four hours at a time. You may or may not see much of the mountains, but the lodges are a complete delight.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The mother and baby rhino in Chitwan. Relaxing in front of my tent at the river lodge.

What did you think of your group leader?

Nabin (and all of Exodus Nepal) was top-notch. Knowledgeable and encouraging every step of the way, and helped me with arrangements even when I stayed an extra day.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ideally, schedule your trip home for late the last day, like 5 or 6pm. I stayed a full extra day. Patan was interesting. Bhaktapur was a highlight of the trip, and you can easily get there and back in half a day. I left Kathmandu at 8am or so, went to both of those places, and was back by 4:30. Plan on booking a day tour for the first day in Kathmandu. There are places worth seeing, and you won't want to go it alone. Pokhara is the best place for souvenir shopping. Expect to get drenched during the rafting (depending on weather, you may wear some protective gear.) Bring shoes just for rafting if you can, or you'll end up wearing them in Chitwan too. At Chitwan, you'll likely want to cover up to avoid biting and crawling things. Closed shoes (your hiking boots will do) and nothing red, white, or yellow. Pack so that you can leave some clothes in Kathmandu for your return. You'll be glad to have something clean. Malaria prophylaxis is NOT essential for this trip. Do your own research.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hoping Exodus UK updates the trip notes and (especially) web site to be more accurate!

Annapurna in Luxury

Wow! What a trip, it was perfect in so many ways. The balance of activates, the experiences of Kathmandu, to the serenity of a cup of tea overlooking snow-capped mountains, and the exhilaration of rafting – Oh, not forgetting an early morning elephant ride in the mist, and our company of our tour group and guide.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to pin-point, as the trip was filled with highlights.

What did you think of your group leader?

Exodus you can be extremely proud of Chandra as a tour leader. His unseen effort made the trip run like clockwork. His evening talks on Nepal were filled with knowledge and great detail, in good humour. He was helpful, patient and never hurried us on the trek; all this was done with a beaming never ending smile. Thank you Chandra.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book the trip, it is a fascinating experience. Just one tip, it maybe a good idea to get a visa before leaving, to prevent a long hot wait at Nepal Airport.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip needs to be on your bucket list

This trip ranks as one of the best I have ever done. From the chaos of Kathmandu (it grows on you!) to the peace & serenity of Annapurna, the challenge of rafting and the sheer excitement of coming face to face with a 2.5 ton rhino just beside our elephant in Chitwan, there was endless variety and changing experiences. We never had a dull moment. Great, healthy food, superb accommodation and staff who simply could not do enough to give us the best possible experience of their fascinating country.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sipping coffee on the veranda of our lodge at 6am watching the sunrise light up Fishtail Mountain. Sitting round the campfire at 'Happy Hour' each evening with our wonderful group enjoying a drink and finding the meaning of life.

What did you think of your group leader?

Chandra Khand is an exceptional leader. His unfailing good humour, warm smile and thoughtfulness ensured each and every one of us had an unforgettable experience. It truly was a privilege to get to know him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Days 2 & 4 of the trekking are fairly challenging so work on your fitness and do a few hikes to prepare.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was our first group trekking holiday. It will be the first of many. The group really gelled very quickly and the cameraderie really added to the experience.