Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't do "inspirational". I enjoyed the last day of trekking most because it was the longest and hardest and I had a great sense of achievement when we came back. I also liked the visit to the oldest house in Tighza and the hospitality from the couple there. I also appreciated the fact that the area is one of the few places left on this over-populated planet where we could be totally away from other people. I enjoyed the (vegetarian) food in the gite... Need I go on?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was tall, dark and handsome, so he already had more than half of the group enjoying his company. His English was good and he could hold a conversation easily. The downside was that he was young and I think unaware that he should do more to start conversations and show interest in the different members of the group. He could also have been a little more formal about the trek, ensuring that we took it in turns to be the last couple, in case there were problems that he, as leader, would not be aware of.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a moderate trek - which means that you do have to be fit. A couple of people in our group were considerably slower than the rest of us which meant that we were not always together. We suggested that a mule be hired on the last, long trek, to assist those who were having problems. It was cheap (100 MAD = £8 for the day) and I would definitely recommend a mule as a back-up as a matter of course.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was diligent, thoughtful and well-meaning.  It was a shame that his spoken English wasn't stronger, as on a trip such as this, in such a different culture with such a rich history, it would have been great to have someone who understood our questions fully and even better, could explain things more spontaneously.  Nevertheless, our leader worked hard to cater for everyone and was very entertaining, and we think he liked us!

Advice for Potential Travellers

 Definitely take: - sleeping bag liner - walking polesDon't forget:  - a towel - good socks, blister plasters etc. - biscuits / emergency snacks! - insect repellent etc.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are lots of highlights on this trip.  But I think the best bit was reaching the top of the hill at Ooty, after climbing up the 36 hairpin bends.  Down the hill the next day is also a great ride as there are 45 km of downhill. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leaders and driver (Vishnu, Joseph and Shibu) on the trip were great.  They're all really friendly and together they are a great feature of the holiday. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I really didn't have a bad moment on the whole trip.  Get stuck into the cycling, and into the curry and Kingfisher lagers too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the Sun Gate (on a sunny day) after 4 days walking was one of those moments I hope not to forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader Carlos was excellent, and kept (most) of the group going and enthusiastic when it would have been easy to lose cohesion. He joined in wholewheartedly and got many of us enthused about Peru playing Paraguay in the world cup.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to pack everything for the range of weather expected, but don't take too much! Layers that you can you can use at different altitudes and in different climates are best. Good walking shoes are also fine for the Inca trail.

Most Inspirational Moment

1 - View from summit of Velebit Zavizan2 - Trekking along the Premuziceva trail 3 - Trekking through the gorges of the Paklenica National Park.....seeing those crazy climbers half way up the rock face!Difficult to pick a highlight, loved it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edo was a great guide, funny, informative and well organised. Couldn't fault him at all, a great ambassador for his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was harder than I expected! Some stiff climbs on rocky paths followed by descents on the other! The trek to the summit of Velebit Zavizan was so much fun but also a good challenge.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking at ABC to find the cloud clearing to reveal what must be one of the most stunning mountain panoramas in the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dawa was an excellent leader - keeping the team together and progressing at a pace that meant we achieved our goals while still having bags of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can walk up & down Snowdon and not be exhausted, then you're probably fit enough to do this trip.If you need mobile phone reception, then Nepal Telecom (check your mobile company's roaming agreement) has decent coverage in the mountain villages.Mains power is available in most tea houses for camera/phone battery charging, though mains power is mostly limited to light fittings in the bedrooms.The variety of tea-house food was much greater than we expected. Not just Dahl Baht!9pm bed time is considered late in the hills.If you've time, get away from the main tourist trail in Kathmandu to see how the real city lives.Roads are being driven slowly towards the villages in the Annapurna area. In 10 year's time, when the mule trains have been displaced, the character of the place will be very different. Go soon!  

Most Inspirational Moment

The best moment was seeing Uhuru point. I was almost in tears and couldn't believe I made it. The whole group made but several of us suffered during day 7. Teh trek doesn't require super fitness but strong determination and a bit of luck with altitude sickness. One thing I regret is not having enough time to absorb the view on on summit. I was cold and rushed down. Make sure you look around and take your time on the summit before heading down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was very supportive, well organized and quite nice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have well tested rain proof clothes for top and bottom. The weather is unpredictable and we had lots of rain. Also, make sure you have warm gloves, sockes and boots. It was really cold during the summit attack and some people suffered from cold feet and hands. Also, make sure you have a warm sleeping bag, it was below freezing for several nights.I used Diamox after suffering from altitude sickenss in day 4. It did help. So, take some with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many- cheatah cubs only days old,the cheatah chase/kill the wildebeast crossing where they literally just dive into the crocodile infested waters,the jackel young so entertaining

Thoughts on Group Leader

So much enthusiasum and drive he wants everyone to get that amazing image

Advice for Potential Travellers

Since a laundry service is included at no extra cost and the internal flight has a 15kg hold luggage limit bear this in mind as I took many more changes of clothing than I needed as I was unsure of washing facilities.Take plenty of memory cards a laptop/netbook or device to download the cards to as you have so many opportunities to take photographs that it would be a shame to run out during the holiday. Make sure you drink plenty of water as since not humid the heat is deceptic 

Most Inspirational Moment

views in course of walks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mature excellent low key high level of confidence

Most Inspirational Moment

It was great to accomplish the fairly long (18-19 mile) final walk from the village up to the lake! Although it's a long walk, it's relatively flat and we had quite a few breaks on the way. Nobody in our group failed to complete the walk and for only 100 dhirams (£8) you can hire a mule for the day, which we did (as a group) just in case anybody got tired.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan is a great leader - very friendly and knowledgable with a good sense of humour. At the time of writing the poor chap has never left Morocco and I hope Exodus can sort him out with a free flight to visit the UK at some point as he says he'd love to come over.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm not sure the Exodus supplied kit bag is the ideal bag for this trip. A medium sized wheeled suitcase would be far easier to pack and move around than the Exodus kit bag (which doesn't even have a shoulder strap). Many in our group who'd travelled before brought suitcases or rucksacks instead as these are far easier to move around the airports with. Bring a decent torch.