Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do we start? Machu Picchu – awe-inspiring, magical, stunning scenery – difficult to think of just one superlative – it was all we expected … but delivered much more. An incredible mountain-top setting especially the views from Intipunku – well worth the climb.The Andean landscapes, condors overhead, guanaco and vicuna on the hillsides, snaking roads through green valleys and over snow-capped mountain passes past glaciated lakes, filled with amazing pink flamingo and set in the desolate altiplano.Lake Titicaca – Homestay on Amantani Island - well worth the climb to see the sunset from Pacha Mama. Arequipa - a real jewel - the White City with the bustling Plaza de Armas, the quiet of the Santa Catalina Convent and the serenity of the Museo Santuarios Andinos and its display of the Ice Maiden .

Thoughts on Group Leader

“A Star” – he was knowledgeable and above all passionate about his country, its cultures and people. He was a leader and guide who always demonstrated his professionalism and went ‘beyond the call of duty’ on many occasions, always striving to ensure we had the best experiences.  The holiday was all that we expected but Rene made it a trip of a lifetime with his enthusiasm and tips to make the most of our free time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip packs a lot into 2 weeks so be prepared for some long days in the bus – but enjoy the fantastic scenery along the way - we were lucky and saw guanaco and condors en route Nazca to Cusco. There are early starts – but Machu Picchu at sunrise and the condors rising on the thermals do make it worthwhile. You may have difficulty with the altitude – it can result in headaches and a shortness of breath. It doesn’t affect everyone and do drink lots of water – it really works.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course reaching Base Camp and Kala Patthar was a great feeling however it  was wonderful to see the sheer delight and amazement on the faces of the Porters as the first pot of water on their new solar cooker that we had just assembled at the porters lodge in Tangbouche started to boil.They were so appreciative that they served us with the boiled potatoes and tea that they had just cooked.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very attentive and supportive and assisted in anyway he could-I don't believe I would have made it without him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early December is a great time to go and make sure you are reasonably fit!

Most Inspirational Moment

My most inspirational moment was reaching the top of Kala Pattar on my own soaking up the view leading up the Western Cwm to the summit of Everest. I made it just before sun-up and had the great mountain to myself (EBC had closed for business so noone was summiting either), shortly before the rest of the group brought a violoent catabatic wind with them which nearly tore us all from the ridge. Very exciting!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. That'll do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I will just add a few tips – they may seem obvious but easily forgotten. - You are trekking at altitude – it’s going to be cold. - You are trekking at altitude – its going to be exhausting. - You are trekking every day, that’s right, EVERY DAY. Get used to the idea. - You are trekking in a very poor country – the toilet facilities are likely not to be up to your high standards. Also if you are very fit and used to carrying your own gear on your own, you may well find the pace frustrating, constantly walking in single file annoying and the fact that porter is carrying your stuff difficult to stomach. It can feel that, rather than trekking to the Himalayas, you are being taken there. But just remember it is often the very fit who succumb to AMS because they attack the climb too fast. Be grateful for being held back. Bistari, bistari my friend. With these caveats in mind, it is still a once in a lifetime experience and so very well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Himalayas at high altitude are spectacular and will never be forgotten, I returned with Prayer Flags which are now flying high in France where I live most of the year.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pasang was the leader and is a lovely guy - happy smilling and considerate to all and he got the whole party to Base Camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have basic level of fitness and warm clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunset over the mountains from the gite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly and knowledgable

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate - just book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing how Cubans make the best of what they have, and try have a good time regardless of hardships.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was absolutely brilliant, talked for hours about life in Cuba, really bringing the country a lot closer, and helping to understand the situation. Good local tips too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect good food and hotels. Very, very basic, and toilets are the worst I have ever seen. Carry around toilet paper everywhere you go...

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was competent and enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus doesn't include meals with this trip; you need to budget around £350 for food and drink. There was also a charge for tips, levied at the end of the trek and amounting to around £50. Equipping yourself with the gear in the recommended kit list can be time consuming and expensive.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Ankor complex, eating spiders and crickets, the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City, spicy Thai curries, exploring the Cambodian genocide, there are so many reasons to recommend this varied trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As with all tours, the leader is an important element and there were no dissapointments in this department. Both the various country leaders and overall leader were all very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst there are some long distances covered, the cycling is not too strenuous and the support team assure regular breaks and refreshment.With most cycling being on tarmac, if bringing your own bike then I'd consider a hybrid or at least some skinnier, less knobbly tyres to ease the journey. 

Most Inspirational Moment

I think just landing at Paro airport was amazing.  Quite apart from the actual descent, zig-zagging through the valleys (rather close to some very large mountains), it's like a fairytale scene when you arrive: beautiful scenery, amazing buildings, and everyone in national costume.  Not all airports are like this!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our local guide (Kinley) in Bhutan was fantastic - he knew everything about his country and made sure we saw whatever we wanted.  The Exodus team in Kathmandu were all very friendly and well organised too. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The food in Nepal and Bhutan was all excellent, although you might be advised to stick to a mainly non-meat diet.  Bhutanese cuisine is renowned for its spiciness and the use of chillis as a main dish, not just as a flavouring.  There is no need to worry, though, if you don't like hot food as they don't serve this sort of thing to the tourists.  In fact, being a real spice fan myself, I had to plead with my guide to get local food!  Momos (dumplings) in Nepal are delicious, addictive and very cheap.  Also, the veggie curry I had for breakfast every day in the hotel in Kathmandu is one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted, even at 6am on my last day.  Note to non curry lovers - they have eggs, bacon, toast and muffins as well, if that's more your thing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was when my friend and I walked to the ancient chestnut wood on our day off, it was quite magical; but the gorge walk we undertook with the group leader was also good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very jovial and pleasant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No