Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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167 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviewed June 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

A fabulous trek from day 1.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several. It sounds daft given the surroundings but seeing a huge vulture circling as we neared the Everest View Hotel, followed shortly after by a fabulous view of Everest and Ama Dablam left me beaming.The return to the group of a team member who had been hospitalised after fainting was good for the group moral and lastly, the scenery during the 2 days descent from Gorak Shep.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gele was brilliant. He was always concerned with the health/safety of the group. On one occasion I was walking next to him when we rounded a corner and saw another trekker sitting on the trail in front of us (tying his shoe lace!) Gele’s worried face as he charged forward sticks in my mind. He was unflapable. We were stuck in Lukla for one night due to poor weather and whilst we were all tearing our hair out and discussing hugely expensive helicopter flights, he was relaxed, knew what was best and we flew out free of charge the following day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is cold! Nights were bitter and as others have stated, you need to have some form of hot water bottle. I hired a duvet jacket from Exodus and wore it most evenings but the daytime temperatures were not too bad…I only wore it for a couple of hours on basecamp day.

Reviewed June 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

If you have any hesitation about doing this trip…don t …do it . It was the trip of a lifetime, very , very special.Its hard work, and a interesting experience walking at high altitude, but well , well worth it .

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Everest , Nupste, Lhotse and the magnificent Ama Dablam for the first time is the most amazing and exciting experience , words cannot describe how thrilling that first sighting is, and photos, though great ,cannot capture the beauty of this amazing place, and its equally amazing , beautiful people .We started as nine strangers plus 3 guides and our lovely Yak man, very quickly becoming good friends looking after and helping each other , sharing our resources and working as a team. Great banter , loads of laughter and great fun and camaraderie Friends for life I hope .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Gele, was fantastic. He consistently looked after us well, everyday making sure everyone was ok, checking for signs of AMS, ensuring we were all safe and well, throughout the trip, offering support, advice and encouragement . Gele also was great fun always had a smile , joke and story to tell us. His kindness, support and friendship helped make the trip very special ,the trip of a lifetime.Our other support guides Nima and Mingma were awesome too , the happiest ,most hard working and kind people I have ever met. It was a great pleasure to have met them and had the opportunity to spend 2 weeks with them,making the trip extra special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our trip was at the beginning of May, which I would definitely recommend(unless we were just extremely lucky )the weather was very, very good , we almost, everyday had consistent blue skys and warm weather and great visibility until the afternoon, where it clouded over , clearing again by late afternoon . We had one afternoon of snow which was lovely , melting the next day , but no real wind or rain. But it is cold at night , higher up, and sometimes in the afternoons. Take clothes you can layer .So bearing in mind our weather experience , take plenty of high factor sunscreen, lip balm and decent sunglasses and hat. Walking poles very helpful, Metal water bottles make fab hot water bottles filled with boiling water, and are then ready to drink the next day . Your appetite does take a nose drive at altitude so worth taking some high energy snacks, nuts (which you can buy there in most places) and jelly beans for instant energy were a hit .Maybe a few Strepsils for the Khumba cough , it was dry and dusty at times, and definitely a buff , a must have.I took Crocs for the evening which were great, really light to pack, you can get socks under them and great for wearing in the shower.Train as much as you can, though nothing can prepare you for altitude , the fitter you are the easier and more enjoyable it will be, you do need plenty of stamina , even coming down , although exciting is still quite hard work.Take your time and just enjoy the magnificent sights .

Reviewed June 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

It’s when you walk from Namche Bazaar and get to the top of the ridge. Then all you see in front of you is Nupste,Lhotse and Everest. It literally leaves you speechless and it’s the one memory I will cherish most.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip was walking from Gorak shep alongside a glacier and hearing a huge crack. I looked up to my right and saw an avalanche tearing down slopes of a mountain alongside us. I videod the remnants of the slide and watched the powder cloud disperse and then continued with my walk. Finally after about 2 hours I walked into base camp and felt totally shattered. But it was the best moment of my life and I got to share it with people I just met who are now friends for life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

My group leader was amazing. Gele and his team were the most amazing hard working group of men I have ever met. Every morning they woke us up with black tea and coffee and put our breakfasts in front of us. Truly men amongst men. There kindness cannot be written in words and whenone of our group came down with AMS , you could see the concern of Geles face and he worked extremely hard to get her down the mountain by chopper. The best part was that the lady who suffered AMS wanted to still get to base camp and gele walked with her all the way until she got there and kept his promise. A truly great leader and I cannot thank that man enough for his patience and big heart.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes....I spent the 6 months before base camp going up and down Snowdon sometimes three times a week. When I got to Lukla and started trekking I found it hard for the first few days and tiring. I explained to my leader Gele that I felt tired and howcome? Gele explained that the majority of people spend their time going up and down mountains as training and he didn't understand why. He said the best training was cardio exercise like cycling or jogging and yoga to make the most of your lungs. In future I will definately be taking this advise and hopefully it pays off :)

Reviewed May 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

What a fantastic trip! It has it all – views, culture, helpful guides, scary bridges, sweet yaks, hard leg work and amazing sense of achievement!

Most Inspirational Moment

I absolutely loved hearing the glacier creaking and grumbling - a side to Basecamp and that immediate region I had not anticipated. The views of all of the mountains are amazing - so high and majestic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic; friendly, had a sense of humor, helpful and had a lot of knowledge that he was happy to share about Nepal, the region, its people etc. He really made the trip a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a trip of a lifetime! Its stunning scenery and such an experience.

Reviewed May 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

An amazing, tough, challenging, awesome, fun, relaxing trip – all that and more!! This trip was a real privilege and a real once in a lifetime experience. I had the best time ever. Definitely deserves the 5 stars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of special moments 1. Meeting and having tea with Kancha Sherpa at his home in Namche - the last living member of the 1953 Hillary Tenzing expedition. 2. Staying at Base Camp and meeting the amazing people of the North East India expedition. Speaking to the young 16 year old who was preparing to summit. The wonderful hospitality they gave us. 3. Waking up in the tent at Base camp - with everything frozen inside the tent. 4. Visiting the hospital at Base Camp and meeting Kirsty, the doctor. 5. Surviving the Lukla flight. 6. Snowing at Base Camp. 7. Getting up close to the Khumbu icefall. Seeing climbers on the icefall. 8. The amazing views of Everest and Ama Dablam.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakpa was brilliant. He looked after each and everyone of us. He was always there if we needed him - day or night. He made sure people were eating. Made sure people were feeling ok. And had the necessary medicine if and when required. His knowledge is vast. He knows Everest. He knows the Himalayas. He shares his knowledge with everyone. He knows everyone! Thank you Lakpa - hope to trek with you again. All the guides were fantastic - Temba Senior and Junior and the Yak boy. All worked tirelessly to make sure everyone had the best time. From tea in the mornings, our bags always in our rooms or tent, gentle encouragement when the going got tough, sense of humour when needed, and most importantly making sure we acclimatised as best we could. Slowly, slowly! Very experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots! The weight limit for the Lukla flight is a 'strict' 10kgs for main luggage and 5kgs for day pack. You can leave things at the hotel in Kathmandu. Essential items - a buff to avoid the Khumbu cough, good merino thermals, Imodium (altitude does play havoc with your tummy!), Nurofen for headaches, 4 season sleeping bag- but tea houses do provide blankets or quilts, a good day pack and hydration system - you must, must, must drink lots of water. You can buy bottled water or boiled water. Drink hot lemon at tea houses when you feel you can't drink anymore water. Walking poles - it's a long way up - and seems an even longer way down. Your knees will be grateful. A down jacket for evenings - and a windproof top and another warm but thin layer. You won't want to be trekking in your down jacket. Don't automatically assume you need Diamox. I never took it. Take local advice and see how your body copes. You can buy most things en route - tea houses sell snacks, water, coke, chocolate - gets more expensive higher up - but not too expensive considering it is carried up the mountain. Food at the tea houses is good. Breakfasts consists of porridge, muesli, eggs, toast, pancakes, tea. The menus include rice, noodles, soup, chips, pizza, yak steak, mo mo, apple pie! You need to be fit to enjoy the journey - but the awesome scenery that changes each day helps. Stop and take photos. Take spare batteries - you can charge batteries and phones at the tea houses and Base Camp. Phone signal is intermittent. Wi-fi is at some tea houses - including Dingbouche and Gorek Shep. Do the acclimatisation trek at Dingbouche. It's the rest day - but do it. It was my hardest day but I'm sure I benefited from doing it. Don't be put off by the flight to Lukla. It's an experience. The stats are in your favour. Keep calm and live the adventure! The planes are small and fortunately our flights were relatively smooth. Do it!

Reviewed May 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

A magnificent trip! You get truly immersed in Nepalese Himalayan culture. Challenging, steep and gorgeous, I would recommend this trip to anyone adventurous without hesitation. It’s tough, but do-able! Pain is only weakness leaving the body!

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the prayer flags fluttering across the Ama Dablam skyline.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Sukman was excellent. I wouldn't want to trek in the Himalayas again without him leading the group! Every single member of our group was on his radar at all times, and he identified and helped those who were starting to struggle with the first AMS symptoms, probably before they realized. His professionalism and ability to organize such a big, diverse group whilst shouldering such responsibility did not compromise his sense of humour, and this ability to motivate others is probably the main reason that everybody made it to Basecamp and back with a smile on their face.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read these reviews. It's evident on the trip that many don't, but exposing yourself to the advice provided from people who just like you, wanted to trek to Basecamp, can only enhance your trip- even if you choose to ignore the advice, it gives insight into what to expect. Be generous; yes, food costs more higher up- but look at the loads the Sherpas and porters are carrying; look at the tracks you are walking on, and think about how tired you feel on this holiday. Don't be mean spirited and deny the vendors their right to charge a little extra. If you want to get the Exodus yak to drag your stash of home bought goodies up the mountains, then I hope you have fun in your teahouse room being sad that your mars bar is crumbling and broken. Others have commented on this in their reviews too: any unwanted trekking gear/ clothing/ footwear is very, very happily and graciously received at the end of the trip. Exodus have a system in place for this, and their porters make use of these items immediately.

Reviewed May 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

This was a wonderful trip, very well organised, tough but enjoyable. Anyone with a good level of fitness would enjoy this trip and the sense of achievement when you reach the top of Kala Pattar and look across at Everest, makes it all worth while.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was an inspiration. Life is tough for the Nepalese people that live in the Himalaya but they do everything with a smile and never complain. Seeing the large loads that are carried by the porters was an inspiration.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Jaite Tamang (Ajay) was brilliant, he kept an eye on everyone and made sure we were eating and drinking sufficient, virtually force feeding us porridge every morning! When one of our group had to be taken down to a lower level due to altitude sickness, he handled the situation very well, delegating one of his team to stay with her until our return. he was efficient and caring but with a good sense of humour, we all enjoyed his and our other guides company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have a yearning desire to do this trip, don't put it off a moment longer, do it, you won't regret it!Do train for it and drink plenty of water on the trek,The Nepalese do not have a lot and our porters and there families were very grateful for any kit, clothing, footwear we left behind for them. Take old gear and leave it with them, leaves more room in the bag for shopping in Kathmandu!

Reviewed April 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

With out doubt, the most memorable trip of my life. It was hard, probably harder than I expected, but I’ve come home with a massive sense of achievement, and the most amazing views imaginable engraved in my mind! The photos just don’t to it justice.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just being in the Himalayas is inspirational!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Jaite (Ajay) Tamang and I can't praise him enough. We all felt in very safe hands. He was always aware of our health, asking us every morning if we had headaches etc. He constantly gave us advice on what was best to eat for energy/altitude and he constantly reminded us to drink lots and lots and to keep warm. But not only was he an excellent leader, he was also an excellent ambassador for his country. His enthusiasm for it was catching. He pointed out flowers, animals, mountain names and gave us a brilliant insight into true Nepali life. It was obvious he was proud of his country and we felt proud to be there. Our other guides, Lakpa Sherpa and Suresh Tamang were equally as wonderful. They carried our bags when we were ill, always had a smile for us, and basically were at our beck and call. They were happy to do anything for us without the slightest grumble. I don't think there was a lazy bone in their bodies. They worked so hard, but seemed so happy and proud to be doing the job they were doing. It was a pleasure to be with them. Our Yak man, Phura Sarki Sherpa had healthy looking animals and our bags always arrived outside our rooms without any problems or fuss.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1: We went in the trip in mid April so I can only account for the weather in this month, but you have to be prepared for ALL weather! We started in boiling heat for the first 3 days. I really burnt my arms, so make sure you have high factor sun cream and use it! We also encountered snow, wind, freezing cold and torrential rain. Layers are without doubt the way forward. Lots of them! 2: I took a small bottle of febreeze and this was really nice to freshen up things that were starting to get a bit smelly! We didn't shower the whole 11 day trek, so clothes do get very dirty. Everyone's in the same boat though, so it's not so bad. I looked like a yeti when I got back, but it all added to the sense of adventure. 3: Make sure you have a couple of toilet rolls. There are none in the loos. However they can be bought in all the lodges, right the way up. Ladies, (sorry men) take panyliners, they are very useful. I read this tip from another review and was grateful I did. You'll understand once you're there! 4:We definitely did NOT need £25-£35 a day. I suppose it depends on the individual though. I took my own snacks for trekking (sweets, cereal bars, Kendal mint cake) so didn't need to buy anything like that and I didn't bother with wifi. I charged my phone/camera 2 or 3 times (about £2 an hour) Meals on average cost about £4 (more for meat dishes, less for soup) Hot drinks were about 50p. 5: I didn't expect the altitude to hit me as much as it did. It's really hard to explain the feeling, but be prepared to feel at least a bit 'weird' particularly from Dingboche upwards. I'm reasonably fit, and was determined to get there and I did, but it was by no means a walk in the park. Mental determination is almost as important as physical ability. If you're fit and determined and you don't get too ill, you'll make it. The trek starts off quite pleasantly, but definitely gets harder and the days get longer the nearer to EBC you get. 6: I had a little 'bum bag' type thing which had my camera, snacks and tissues in, and the others in the group all said what a good idea they thought it was. It meant I could take photos without having to stop or ask someone to help get it out of my rucksack and access sweets at any point! It really was useful. 7: A few if us had a platypus/camelback and again, I would really recommend it. You have to drink a lot to help prevent altitude problems and it was nice to be able to access water without having to ask someone to pass my bottle to me. But a cap for the mouthpiece is a good idea as every time I put my bag down, the mouthpiece got dirty. 8: We got boiled water at night in a metal water bottle, used it as a hot water bottle, then it was ready to drink the next morning. It was so nice having that extra warmth when we went to bed! It is FREEZING at night. 9: I was a bit worried about loos. In the first few days of the trek you stop every couple of hours at a lodge for tea/lunch, so there is opportunity then. Later on, when lodges are less frequent, there are rocks and bushes! In some ways this is more pleasant than actual toilets. Just ask your guide and they'll point you to a good 'wee wee' rock (as our guide always put it!) 10: At the end of our trek, we were asked by our leader to not throw away anything. Any old clothes we were thinking of throwing away/sweets/toiletries/shoes etc we didn't want were divided up in front of us and given to our 3 other guides. They were grateful of our old things and had I known, I might've taken some other old things to donate. 11: Make sure you inform your bank if you are thinking of taking out money from a cash machine in Kathmandu! I didn't and they blocked my card. Was a nightmare trying to get through to them and sort it. Probably best to take cash and exchange it at either the airport in Kathmandu or at a money exchange in Katmandu. £300 was plenty for us.

Reviewed April 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

An incredible trip to an incredible place!

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing a different culture, seeing Everest and the whole team reaching the Base Camp! The scenery throughout was breathtaking with all the mountains and the trail was lined with stupas and prayer flags which was very pretty, I don't think you appreciate properly until you get home and there's just grey skies and buildings!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Pasang Bomjang was brilliant. He was very knowledgleable about everything to do with the trek (health issues associated with altitude and geography of the local area) which is definitely down to his 14 years experience. He would always be at the back of the group to make sure no one would get left behind and was always telling eveyone to go 'bistari bistari' and to drink loads of water. Our other guides Dawa, Kami and Kami were amazing as well, they were always there to help, especially when myself and a couple of other people in the group needed help down some of the steeper parts of the route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'll just bullet point a few things The food prices increase quite a lot as you go up the mountain so be prepared to pay around £4 for a Mars bar at Gorak Shep (or just pack your own)Take a metal water bottle, it doubles up as a hot water bottleAlso I wish I took a CamelBak or Platypus type hydration pack as well as it would've been much easier to drink from rather than having to stop and get my bottle outTake some playing cards or UNO for the evenings (be prepared to play for a hot chocolate if Pasang is your leader!)A wide brimmed sunhat and a high factor sun cream is a must as you can easily get burned when the sun is outPack your kit in waterproof liners or bags as the kit bag provided isn't waterproofHire a sleeping bag from Trek Hire UK, it's a lot cheaper than buying one and I was never cold at night

Reviewed March 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

An awe inspiring 12 day trek in the most stunning place i have ever been. Totally breath taking and a wonderful adventure from start to finish. Amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were loads but i think Thyangboche with its monastery and being surrounded by the great peaks. Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest forming the clouds still three or four days away takes some beating. If there is ever a wonder of the world winner then this place gets my vote. We had breakfast with the monks and they chanted for all of half an hour. What a way to start your day as you head towards Everest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakpa was fantastic, very knowledgeable about everything there was to see and do. Very organised and you felt very safe and at ease with him. Great sense of humour and i will miss my political chats with him.Kaji Sherpa, a great guy who has summited Everest was insperational and just to be in his company was humbling. All the guides were great, funny and organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be as fit as you can as it is hard work but you will and can make it.I was concerned about the flights into Lukla, dangerous airport and all of that. Dont be, it was brilliant, mindblowing.Think treking poles are well worth taking there are a lot of steps, big steps.

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