Internationale groepsreis Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary

Publicised as one of Nepal's best and i imagine that few could beat it for the range of experiences on offer. The daybreak on the top of Poon Hill was fantastic. Although don't go there to be alone! Walking up the valley of the Modi Khola was hard work due to the numerous stone staircases - hundreds of steps down a side valley followed by more steps to go back to the same elevation. The situation of ABC in the Sanctuary is very special indeed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sunrise illuminating the massive South Face of Annapurna I (one of the 14 8000'ers). Mesmerising and so photogenic.

What did you think of your group leader?

Prasant Subedi was an extremely fine leader of our group. Always good humoured. Informative. Coped well as various illnesses hit many in the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring a good sleeping bag. While not essential for the majority of the walk in Oct/Nov, Annapurna BC is very cold at night.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

My first trek in Nepal. A definite winner!!

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

The organisation of the trip by the trip leaders was first rate, and went like clockwork. The trip leader Prem looked after us all with great enthusiasm and good humour.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We arrived at Annapurna Base Camp late in the afternoon in cold mist and there was disapointment in that we might not be able to see the mountains after all our efforts. The morning was clear and bright however and there had been overnight snow. The views of the mountains and the Sanctuary were fantastic. We had snowball fights on the way down.

What did you think of your group leader?

Prem, our leader was first rate in every way. He was always concerned about our condition and safety and we had complete confidence in him. We enjoyed his evening briefings about what we should expect the following day. Prem has a great sense of humour and was very good company and also very knowledgeable. I would be very happy to go on any trip anywhere with Prem as leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go on an Exodus trip! I am 67 and I thought I would be fit enough for the grade of trek involved and I was. The first few days were quite hard but I soon settled down. The leaders called stops at frequent intervals so that no one ended up exhausted. Stops for tea and lunch also broke up the day and allowed us to get our breath back. We started early each morning so that there was always time to stop for photographs and such. The whole trek was completed without any sense of haste which made it very enjoyable.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had a great time and lost some weight. The people on the trip were very varied and we all got on well with each other. I have never been on this type of holiday before and I think that the key to its success was the leadership and the way in which the people on the trip got on with each other.

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

It was tougher than I expected, maybe due to the altitude as the legs performed well.  However, I soon acclimatised and was really pleased with my achievement.  We had so much fun and so many laughs.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Singing Resamm Pirrhi and Old MacDonald as we came down from ABC, crazy card games with the porters, the mad local bus from Naya Pul back to Pokhara, the haunting melody of a pheasant in the middle of nowhere, the Mother group of dancers who performed for us, and joining in with them.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was extremely competent and conscientious.  I felt totally safe in his care.  He dealt with any problems quickly and efficiently. He was at the same time good fun and had endless patience.  He appeared to have a good relationship also with his Sirdar, Sherpas and Porters who were all most friendly and good fun to be with.  The whole trip ran smoothly and all arrangements appeared to be sound.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be extremely careful in the bath at the Royal Singi!  I had a VERY bad fall on the first night, miraculously not hurting myself other than bruising, the second night another lady in my group also had a bad fall but managed to save herself by hanging onto the shower curtains!  I have put out an old pair of rubber flipflops for future trips!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had a brilliant time.  I guess the people make the trip, and I was lucky in having a good group of fellow travellers and a good group of porters etc.  Can't wait to go again, but hope I don't have the dreadful 7hour wait in Abu Dhabi again!

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

This was my first trekking holiday and it surpassed all my expectations.  The trip leader and local staff were first class, the trip well organised, the scenery beautiful and the holiday thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.  I would thoroughly recommend this trek to anyone who loves walking and wants to experience this beautiful country.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing at the viewpoint at Annapurna Base Camp looking up at a 360 degree panarama of some of the world's highest mountains with the sun sparkling on the snow and listening to the movement of the glacier - and completely understanding why the Nepalese believe these mountains are inhabited by the gods. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was fantastic - an experienced Nepalese guide who had done the trip many times.  He was happy to explain all about the culture, religion and the history of the area and worked extremely well with the assistant guides and porters.  We were very well looked after.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have plenty spare batteries for your camera and take a Platypus or similar water bottle so you can drink on the move - saves a lot of hassle stopping to get out your water bottle.  And for the girls be prepared to buy some gorgeous jewellery from the Tibetans along the trek!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Be warned - this trip makes you want to book the next one!

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

An overwhelming surprise! An insight into a fascinating natural world and culture of beautiful people, gracious spiritual and dignifed. The guides, sherpars and porters could not have been more attentive. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Everything about this trip was inspirational. The nature, the spectacular scenery, the way of life of Nepal's people, the walking and the fellow travellers. It was fun, it was enlightening and I feel privileged to have been able to participate.

What did you think of your group leader?

Exceptional - a very special person, who made the trip the unique experience it was.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Treat the guides and people you meet with respect  - listen to what they say and you will be rewarded by the experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I cannot recommend this trip enough. I fell in love with the country and its people.

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

Spectacular scenery and a warm and friendly hospitality from the local people

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the sanctuary and seeing the sun and moon together hanging over the mountains in the morning and evening

What did you think of your group leader?

excellent  very caring and he had a good sense of humour rallied us for ascents 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

get in shape for the step climbing - there is no flat

Is there anything else you would like to add?

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

A very physical trek that rewards you with outstanding views every day. The final climax being the outstanding views from Annapurna Base Camp. You also get an amazing glimpse of rural Nepalese life whilst on the trail.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching the sunset at Annapurna Base Camp, not a cloud in the sky!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our guide Prasant was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the trek. Was always willing to offer advice and assistance. Very thorough in giving medical aid when a fellow trekker fell with a small graze.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Although its cold at the Base Camps dont forget to pack shorts and t-shirts. When the sun eventually reaches you in the valleys you will start shedding layers. Take a head torch - its rare to get a light bulb in your room and the generators in the lodges dont always work. Take a book as well for the quiet moments.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Beware that you will need to pay 1000Rs (about £8.00) along the trail to the Maoists. Although the flyer they give out states they do not "extort from tourists" and its a voluntary donation this is not the case. We argued with them for an hour to no effect. Just pay it and move on.

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

Trip was fine and generally well organised, but I thought it was heavily overpriced, especially compared my previous Exodus trip (Avenue of the Volcanoes in Ecuador). 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent - 100% good at his job.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I STRONGLY recommend you go back to meals being inclusive. I know you changed the system because some fuss pots complained about not being able to eat what they want (they're in Nepal for God's sake, if they want sausage and chips they should go trekking in Scotland!). 1. Average lunchtime took 2 hours by which time we were all starving and freezing, 2. The subject of money never went away - a sensitive subject at the best of times when you're in a 3rd World country, 3. It made the holiday more expensive. I came up with the idea of splitting the bill evenly 16 ways to speed things up which worked for a bit, but of course some didn't want to. When we questioned the guides about this they told us you're about to do the same with breakfast? Don't do it!!!  It ruins the atmosphere of a holiday, and I for one would never do a trip with you again where meals are not inclusive. The fact that you make such allowances for fussy trekkers made me question Exodus - it doesn't fit with your other, very respectable ethical values.

An uplifting and inspirational experience

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Arriving at Annapurna Base Camp in blazing sunshine surrounded by deep snow and drinking in our surroundings - an amazing - almost spiritual - experience.  Every day on the trek was great (particularly on the journey up to A.B.C.) - there's nothing like tucking into a well-earned dinner after a day spent walking through fantastic scenery.  The group dinner with all of the porters in Pokhara at the end of the trek - where we gave them our surplus gear and tips - was excellent.  And the optional visit to the Nava Kiran orphanage just outside Kathmandu was incredibly moving - would really recommend this.   

What did you think of your group leader?

Hard to over-praise our group leader Keshar - well-organised, extremely knowledgeable on the local flora and fauna, unflappable, friendly and always on hand to advise and assist.  A real star who inspired confidence.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do some walking and/or other aerobic exercise before you go - you'll get fit as the trek proceeds but the first few days will be fairly hard work if you aren't in reasonable shape.  Don't skimp on your boots, use walking poles and take a good sleeping bag as once you get up high it's only just above freezing at night - that means inside the lodges!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip was a fantastic introduction to Nepal - we will definitely be going back.

Amazing trip to the Himalayas

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The amazing mountain views, and a real sense of achievement on reaching the base camps.  It was great to be in the mountains and experience another way of life away from all the usual stresses of life.

What did you think of your group leader?

Great. We were treated really well by our group leader and all the staff on trek.  They were a highlight of the holiday, they did everything for us, nothing was too much bother, and we had a lot of laughs as well.  I left with a really positive view of the Nepali people.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do the trip.  I had a great time, it was a great adventure.  It was my first time trekking and I think that the trip was just right for someone with reasonable fitness who hadn't trekked before.  It was challenging but not too tough, and the scenery was stunning.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I came away with a really positive view of Exodus, I can't fault any part of the holiday and our tour leader and trekking staff were great.  It was a really memorable trip and I hope to trek in Nepal again with Exodus soon.

A clear dawn, a fresh fall of snow, surrounded by 7000 and 8000m peaks - life doesn't get much bette

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Appproach to the Sanctuary on a clear morning Dawn the next morning at ABC after a fresh fall of snow Red Rhododendrons against snowy peaks  Time to relax and enjoy it !

What did you think of your group leader?

Highly organised, very supportive and thoughtful Whole team looked after us

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Undertable heaters are great for drying things Take a book or Ipod to wind down in your bag after a long walk Food and welcome at Chromrong is amazing !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lovely mixture, treks through villages and terraces, views of snowy peaks, high mountain wildernesses, friendly staff and teahouse staff - altogether a trip of a lifetime.  My expectations were more than met

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

A wonderful experience of the Himalayas, Nepal and the wonderful Nepalese people. Breathtaking scenery, relatively comfortable walking and sleeping, with a chance to enjoy the culture of Nepal after the trek.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sunrise at Annapurna sanctuary is a stunning sight. From the basecamp to the summit is over 4000 metres and would take over three weeks to reach from there. The sun catches the top rim of the sanctuary in the clear air and gradually lights up this amazing amphitheatre of mountains over 8000 m high.

What did you think of your group leader?

Keshar was fantastic in all aspects of leadership. He was always ahead of the game, thinking ahead, organising food, helping the slower members and ensuring a smooth trip throughout. His love for Nepal is an inspiration, helping causes within his country such as clean water and schools. He has a wide knowledge of local flora and fauna and always had a story or description along the way.  His sense of humour kept us all happy with his entertaining tricks and yeti impersonation. He looked after the porters and other guides, introducing them all with a story and involved us in their lives and helping us appreciate the work they do. Without the porters there would be no trek. He also had an uncanny knack of writing all his notes on paper napkins. A first class guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get fit before you go, some people find the steps tough going, but most days are no harder than a big Lake District walk. Toilets are basic, but you get used to that, showers are interesting, so be prepared for a quick cold wash some days. Most people had tummy upsets at some stage, so immodium was very welcome. Food was generally good considering that it's all carried up there. Dal Bhat is always reliable. Sleeping was better than most alpine dorms, with rarely more than 3 to a room, but take wax earplugs, walls are very thin!  Get up before sunrise and enjoy the mornings, after all the sun rises at 6 am ish, and you have to be ready to walk by 7.30, so don't waste the sunrises, especially if you like photography. You can charge camera batteries usually, but take a spare and keep them charged. It's cold at the top, so sleep with your batteries. Take a small umbrella, if there rain it's easier to use than drying off wet gear in the evenings, it's also a sunshade if its hot. Poon hill sunrise is great, but very busy as many treks converge here. Tadapani has a great sunrise too and there were only a handfull of people enjoying it.       

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Trekking is big business in Nepal and there are a lot of trekkers. The paths are the main roads in the mountains, so expect traffic, porters, trekkers, donkeys, it's all part of everyday life, so enjoy it!   Nepal is poor and the infrastructure creaks at times, so be patient. Kathmandu is an experience, very crowded and at times difficult to cope with, but also vibrant, colourful and massively atmospheric. Walk to Durbar square, visit Bhaktapur outside the main city. An oasis of calm and a window into the past. The guide can organise the bus for this. Photography wise, I took an SLR and a tripod for sunrises etc, 4 batteries and 96gb of memory.  Use a good zoom, say 18-200, a polariser in the mountains. Shoot panoramics too. In town, use a fast prime lens.  

Annapurna Sanctuary

Great adventure with excellent local guides and porters. The Nepalese people are a delight - so friendly, honest and helpful, especially in the mountains.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

1. Walking up to ABC in the sunshine. 2. Walking along the terraces, through villages and talking to local people.

What did you think of your group leader?

Gum, our leader was everything that a good expedition leader should be; knowledgeable, dependable, caring and resourceful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take microspikes in case the walk up/down to ABC is snowy, as in our case.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Nepal

Very well organised, great team, good support and helpful advises before trip. Team based in Nepal absolutely brilliant. Everybody very cheerful and helpful. Bit more difficult email correspondence. Took ages to get any response. Country one of most beautiful on the planet. Unbelievable forests, great views and of course all in Nepali Flat :) I highly recommend that place and this company to everyone.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Suppose to be the Nepali Flat Trek but eventually it has become an earthquake.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very helpful, very patient, calm and with great sense of humor. Great companion. His huge experience and knowledge become essential and crucial during earthquake when nobody knew what to do.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't take too many stuff, make sure your kit bag is as light as possible otherwise you will feel bad knowing that somebody has to carry it for you. Invest in light gear and good sleeping bag. Make sure you have reliable trekking boots and blister plasters. Inform your relatives before trip where exactly you go, who with and give them contact details to your travel company. Be cheerful and enjoy every moment down there :)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Have fun :)

Annapurna Sanctuary

My second time to Nepal after Everest Base Camp. I wanted to explore more of the country as it is stunningly beautiful so I chose Annapurna for the diversity of its landscapes, from rhododendron forests to snow capped 8,000m mountains and wasn't disappointed. Sadly, the earthquake shortened our trek and we had to turn back one day short of our ultimate goal of Annapurna Base Camp so missed out on the final Annapurna experience, but what we saw prior to that did not diminish the trip. Very sad to see Kathmandu and it's people in the aftermath of the earthquake, having experienced the city the year before at it's vibrant and busy best. I hope they can recover soon as I intend to return.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching the sunrise over Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and 'Fishtail' from Poon Hill and Tadopani The Nepali's; the friendliest and most welcoming people I've met and all in the face of the most extreme circumstances imaginable - truly humbling.

What did you think of your group leader?

Lakpa was very friendly, knowledgeable, fun, and keen to share his country and its customs with us. However, he and his colleagues, Durga and Sonam, really shone through in the face of adversity. They remained calm in the minutes after the earthquake, gathering what little information was available to them at the time and taking decisive action to ensure the safety of the group and offering advice to others travelling without guides both immediately and over the next 4 days until we reached Pokhara; and all at a time when they were no doubt concerned about their own families and friends. I'm eternally grateful to them all and I hope we meet again one day.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Travel light; you won't need as much as you think - non-essential and spare items can be left in Kathmandu while trekking. A strong pair of worn-in walking boots are essential as the terrain is steep, but the views make it worthwhile. Embrace the country, it's cultures and it's people and you'll have an experience you'll never forget.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Exodus were fantastic following the earthquake; our families were informed of our safety and kept up to date daily with our whereabouts and revised itinerary through the London and Kathmandu offices by email as our own communications were disrupted.

Annapurna Sanctuary

10 day trek via Poon Hill, night at MBC, overnight at Annapurna Base Camp

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walk up from ABC onto the ridge overlooking the glacier.

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant. Every aspect of the trip was covered by him. Always one step ahead. Very sociable, amicable but most of all professional.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't pack too many clothes. Travel light but use good quality kit.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Good camera is a must. People with cheap cameras or ones they could not use did regret it as the scenery is breathtaking.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Feb-March 2016

Very enjoyable trek to Poon Hill and ABC which must have some of the best panoramic views in the Himalayas. Interesting group of trekkers, Well organised with excellent leader, guides and porters.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Spectacular early morning views of Annapurna range from ABC after heavy snowfall the previous afternoon. We were very fortunate to have beautifully clear days at both Poon Hill and ABC.

What did you think of your group leader?

Kumar did an excellent job leading the trek assisted by his three guides and seven porters. He managed the pace of the trek well to cope with trekkers who wanted to walk faster as well as those who wanted to spend more time taking photos and/or identifying birds. His approach was professional but he was always jovial and willing to provide information on the local culture and traditions as well as wildlife, trees, plants etc. He and his friendly team of guides helped to ensure that the trek was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I followed the Exodus 'get fit' program for the 6 or 7 weeks prior to the trek and found that this provided an adequate level of fitness even for a nearly 70 yr old who lives in a rather flat part of England and spends much more time playing golf, tennis and cycling than hill walking. Some of the days were quite demanding, especially the day climbing about 1300 m up to MBC. Take a good sleeping bag as it was cold at ABC (-10C).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It would be helpful if the trip notes could be revised to include meters of ascent and descent for each day rather than just the sleeping altitude. Tea house accommodation is basic but adequate. Food was generally very good and lemon tea-breaks always very welcome.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

This was by far the best trip I have taken in yet. Nepal was stunning and I only wish I knew how amazing it was before and I would have definitely spent even more time there. Exodus were great and made sure the trip lived up to my expectations.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole trip was amazing. Nepal is such a special place, when we saw a double rainbow in the morning at Annapurna Base Camp photos could not even come close to capturing the beauty.

What did you think of your group leader?

Tsheten was great, young guy who knew his stuff and has a great sense of humor. Looked after us very well.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take more spending money than you think you will need, the price of things do go up as you go up the mountains and also when you are in Kathmandu it is very easy to pay for things with a credit card.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It went flawlessly and the organization made it so I could just show up and enjoy my trip rather than having to run around co-ordinating things. It was the first trip I did with Exodus but will definitely not be the last.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Spectacular scenery! Blessed with very good weather which helped a lot. Trek was significantly harder than expected with much more daily ascending & descending. Local support staff; guides, porters, etc were excellent. (The rest of the group were a pleasure to be with). A very memorable trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Poon Hill! Sunrise over the Annapurna range I will never forget.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent! Always seemed to have everything under control - even when group members needed last minute changes. Unflustered and always smiling.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip notes are inconsistent. There are a LOT of steps to ascend and descend in a significant number of the days. This makes for some long and arduous days & is not indicated adequately in the trip notes. Although only a couple of the group failed to complete the complete trek, the general concensus was that it was harder than the rating indicated.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Some of the TECHNICAL information provided by the UK headoffice was inadequate; need for poles, level of fitness required, etc.

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

I wanted to have challenge, experience new culture in friendly environment and I received all that!Staff in UK and Nepal were very supportive. Our guide Prem was fabulous and all tead extremely friendly.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting new places.We were well looked after and given space to do what we wanted.

What did you think of your group leader?

Prem was really interesting, supportive and inspirational.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

do it. You will love it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you