Reviews

Fantastic Trip!

This was our first trek and we we struck gold – the scenery and people of Nepal are beautiful. They have left a lasting impression and a return trip is a must. The porters and guides looked after us – lugging our gear and organising food and accommodation, pointing out wildlife and keeping us safe – always smiling, they created a real family feel to the group. I miss the early morning wake up call of a cheerful Namaste with a cup of tea and a stunning sunrise.

Annapurna sanctuary

This was an amazing trip with Poon hill sunrise and Annapurna base camp sunrise , both of which we were spoilt on clear skies and lovely weather, The guides and porters were all amazing, trying to communicate with their broken english, our main guide Milan was fantastic , with his knowledge of mountains and other areas in nepal.
I would highly recommend this trip, just be sure that you love steps and that you love mountains and breathtaking views!!

Himalayan Highs

1st time in the Himalayas and what an introduction. Expectations were high but easily exceeded, both by the scenery and the people (guides, porters and fellow travelers).

The trek was challenging but hugely enjoyable, helped greatly by the brilliant weather that allowed us the best views of the stunning mountains and valleys.

Our guide, “Milan” and his team of assistants and porters were phenomenal, making everything run smoothly for us pampered western travelers. It was humbling to see how they and the local people cope with what seem harsh conditions compared to those many of us take for granted at home.

Overall, an excellent trip that I would not hesitate in recommending to others.

Trip of a lifetime

From the moment we met our guide, he talked about us becoming a family for the next fortnight as he wanted us all to stick together. This we did and it really made our trip special. He, our porters and two assistant guides looked after us every step of the way.

The high mountains were tantalisingly shy for the first few days, but then gradually showed themselves to us. Simply stunning.

Great way to get into nature

Nepal has always been a place I have wanted to visit, especially due to the fact it hosts some of the tallest mountains in the world. I chose the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek because I wasn’t sure my reaction to the high altitude of Everest Base Camp and also it was different. I lucked out with my trip for many reasons: small group (5 trekkers, 2 guides, 3 porters), good weather (sunny and clear mornings, no rain while walking), great guides (Ram and Maila took great care of us and made sure we all made it up to ABC and back with no incidents). During our trek we saw many other groups, specifically on the first few days and it surprised me that their “guides” did not keep the group together or seem to be properly pacing. The Exodus guides made sure we took smart breaks and typically had one person leading, the other at the back so as to not leave people behind or spread the group out too much. For me, waking up each morning getting closer and closer to ABC, seeing the sunrise gleaming off the white snowy peaks of the Annapurna range, those are images that are forever engrained on my memory (and camera). This trek has lots of stone steps, and although I consider myself physically fit, it is demanding. However, the payoff is seeing the beauty of Nepal and being removed from modern amenities like cars and other conveniences. I found the food in the tea houses good value for the money, especially Dal Bhat, which is almost an ‘all you can eat’ meal. Overall the trip is a great way to see the Himalayas and experience a bit of Nepalese culture.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek TNS

Original trekking itinerary was changed and notice was given just several days before we began the trek. We did not trek to Annapurna Base Camp due to snow, avalanche danger, and damaged structures. An alternative was provided that included climbing Punhill and also Khopra in Ridge. For me it was a physically challenging trip, partially due to my age. I felt I did well in spite of my replaced knees. I was offered encouragement at times which helped. The weather was not the best as a pre-monsoon weather pattern prevailed particularly during the latter part of the trek. This trip for me was primarily a time to bond with my son, Kevin, and I think we did a good job at that. Food was somewhat bland, but new dishes allowed us to get a real taste of what Nepalese eat. Ten years ago, I did the Everest Trek to base camp and Kala Patar. I would say this trip was every bit as physically challenging even though we did not achieve high elevations. The scenery did not include as much high alpine, but this trip traversed through rhododenron forests that were in full bloom.

Stunning views (but not as good as the Circuit

Having done the Annapurna Circuit and the Singalila ridge I thought it was time to go back to Nepal. I enjoyed the Circuit so much I thought that the Base camp would be a good experience. I love Nepal very much but this was a very different experience – the trek itself is a bit of a route march after Chhumrung due to the fact it’s one path in, one path out in effect. There were lots more people on the route and the tea houses were very much standalone (due to restrictions on room numbers) rather than being part of communities. Also the heating was non-existent – probably as a result of it being a conservation area but cold is very fatiguing over a few days.
I very much enjoyed trekking though the forested areas – we saw lots of birds, flowers and common langurs.
Base camp itself is spectacular – as long as you get clear weather.
The extra day in Pokhara was welcome.
Overall I am glad I did the trek. I’d vote to get rid of the Poon Hill diversion (not a necessary aprt of the route) and to spend longer in Chhumrung or in one of the villages on the way down.
Be warned that the multiple shared accommodation is not spacious at all. I was with friends and the rest of the group I was put with was excellent company. If the group isn’t gelling then it might prove tough to be at such close quarters.

Annapurna Guides, Porters and Sherpa - Easily the best!

The trip was made by a combination of two excellent guides, a wonderful hard working team of porters and a cheerful experienced Sherpa. They all work incredibly hard in their respective roles and simply made the holiday. Always encouraging, helpful and cheerful. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Easily the best guides of all my many Exodus trips, they were devoted to their role.

It is incredible how the porters manage to carry such loads. Tourism is a major economic force for Nepal and without them tourism would cease in its current form. They are the unsung heroes and must be supported including financially as it is a dying skill, sad for Nepal and for those of us who loved our trip.

Great time in great mountains

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek was well organized and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It can be physically challenging at times (e.g. climb 3000 stairs in one go at the end of a walking day), but completely doable without many difficulties.

A wonderful trek in the very heart of Nepal's Annapurna

Annapurna Sanctuary is 14 days of an excellent trek, which is very well organised, with excellent and attentive guides. It is great scenery, with such majestic and magnificent Mountains. You stay in sustainable, if frugal, Tea Houses offering great sustenance, which is all part of the fun experience.