Nepal Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Khopra ridge outstanding views and lodge.took my breath away

What did you think of your tour leader?

excellent,coped very well with wide range of age and fitness

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Make sure you are really fit .have the recommended gear,and take a travel towel

Reviewed by Judith Reed who travelled in November 2011 on the Chitwan Safari Extension - ex-Kathmandu trip

Review 2

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it from the great people I was with to the scenery to the aeroplane crippling fog, that stranded us for another 8 days!!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was brilliant, very knowledgeable always keeping an eye on us to make sure we were not suffering from altitude sickness. Also helpful and great fun.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Book it and enjoy it, all-round a great trip but can be expensive once you have all equipment, flights, tour, food and extras.

Reviewed by Gr¿inne Gallagher who travelled in October 2011 on the Everest Base Camp trip

Review 3

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it from the great people I was with to the scenery to the aeroplane crippling fog, that stranded us for another 8 days!!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was brilliant, very knowledgeable always keeping an eye on us to make sure we were not suffering from altitude sickness. Also helpful and great fun.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Book it and enjoy it, all-round a great trip but can be expensive once you have all equipment, flights, tour, food and extras.

Reviewed by Gr¿inne Gallagher who travelled in October 2011 on the Everest Base Camp trip

Review 4

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Watching sunset from the dunes in Tordi Ghar, meal on a hotel rooftop overlooking the ganges, wandering along the ghats in the morning watching the locals wash, riding an elephant in Chitwan, jamming with another group on a train from Varanasi to Agra... too many highlights!!!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Both our guides - Nepalese and Indian were fabulous, helpful, friendly, kept us all well organised.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take a nail brush! Hands and feet get filthy in Nepal and in India!

Reviewed by Natasha Rittmeyer who travelled in November 2011 on the The Road to Delhi trip

Review 5

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

What did you think of your tour leader?

Both our guides - Nepalese and Indian were fabulous, helpful, friendly, kept us all well organised.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take a nail brush! Hands and feet get filthy in Nepal and in India!

Reviewed by Natasha Rittmeyer who travelled in November 2011 on the The Road to Delhi trip

Review 6

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The highest point we reached at Kopra Ridge with amazing views on the mountains. I will NEVER forget this, so fantastic!

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was the best ! Raju told us everything we wanted to know about the Anapurna range, he was always willing to help, was kind and knew exactly what to do in difficult situations.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

I would definitely recommend this tour - the trek is really off the beaten track and beautiful. Travelers should be aware that the trek is quite hard though. The path is very steep at times and there are days of 8 hours of trekking.

Reviewed by Jakoba Van Der Linden who travelled in October 2011 on the Annapurna Community Lodge Trek trip

Review 7

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The highest point we reached at Kopra Ridge with amazing views on the mountains. I will NEVER forget this, so fantastic!

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was the best ! Raju told us everything we wanted to know about the Anapurna range, he was always willing to help, was kind and knew exactly what to do in difficult situations.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Reviewed by Jakoba Van Der Linden who travelled in October 2011 on the Annapurna Community Lodge Trek trip

Review 8

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The highest point we reached at Kopra Ridge with amazing views on the mountains. I will NEVER forget this, so fantastic!

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was the best ! Raju told us everything we wanted to know about the Anapurna range, he was always willing to help, was kind and knew exactly what to do in difficult situations.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Reviewed by Jakoba Van Der Linden who travelled in October 2011 on the Annapurna Community Lodge Trek trip

Review 9

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

saw the avalanche at ABC, and the incredible views of Everest flight (extra optional tour)

What did you think of your tour leader?

excellent

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All the efforts of 12 days walking is worthy

Reviewed by Natasha Chang Ching-Lan who travelled in September 2010 on the Annapurna Sanctuary trip

Review 10

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

saw the avalanche at ABC, and the incredible views of Everest flight (extra optional tour)

What did you think of your tour leader?

excellent

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All the efforts of 12 days walking is worthy

Reviewed by Natasha Chang Ching-Lan who travelled in September 2010 on the Annapurna Sanctuary trip

Review 11

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Crikey there are so many. I loved trekking through Annapurna, the elephant ride was amazing. However the optional scenic flight to Mt Everest was really something else.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was fantastic. He worked round the clock for us fulfiling our needs. Friendly and pleasant, he is one of the best tour guides I have ever met.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely, our tour guides, porters and cooks were from the local community.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I definitely got a taste of the country, the tour was only for 12 days. The trekking allowed us to meet and integrate with local villages on the way.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be prepared that Chitwan can get incredibly hot, 100% humidity and no breeze, we ended up having 4 cold showers a day!

Reviewed by Vijay Lakshmi Bhalla who travelled in May 2010 on the Annapurna & Chitwan trip

Review 12

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Crikey there are so many. I loved trekking through Annapurna, the elephant ride was amazing. However the optional scenic flight to Mt Everest was really something else.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was fantastic. He worked round the clock for us fulfiling our needs. Friendly and pleasant, he is one of the best tour guides I have ever met.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely, our tour guides, porters and cooks were from the local community.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I definitely got a taste of the country, the tour was only for 12 days. The trekking allowed us to meet and integrate with local villages on the way.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be prepared that Chitwan can get incredibly hot, 100% humidity and no breeze, we ended up having 4 cold showers a day!

Reviewed by Vijay Lakshmi Bhalla who travelled in May 2010 on the Annapurna & Chitwan trip

Review 13

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Patola Palace, Summer Palace and the Chinese Border. Definately memorable,

What did you think of your tour leader?

The local guide for Tibet was excellent.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I'm not sure you ever get under the skin of a country such as China however I felt as though we tried and in doing so, fell in love with Tibet.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Don't miss out on Tibet...see it sooner rather than later.

Reviewed by Andrea Whaanga who travelled in September 2009 on the Overland to Lhasa trip

Review 14

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The scenery and the local people, both have left a lasting impression

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not really, but did leave with a better understanding of their culture and an appreciateion of how lucky I am to be a UK resident

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Sort out what you will do regarding drinking water. Local bottled water is available throughout but gets more expensive the higher you go. Iodine is a harsh disinfectant and can kill good bacteria in your gut giving as many issues as it cures. I'd recommend a U.V steri-pen coupled with bottled mineral water.

Reviewed by Paul Pearson who travelled in October 2009 on the Classic Everest Base Camp trip

Review 15

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The scenery and the local people, both have left a lasting impression

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not really, but did leave with a better understanding of their culture and an appreciateion of how lucky I am to be a UK resident

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Reviewed by Paul Pearson who travelled in October 2009 on the Everest Base Camp trip

Review 16

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The scenery and the local people, both have left a lasting impression

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not really, but did leave with a better understanding of their culture and an appreciateion of how lucky I am to be a UK resident

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Reviewed by Paul Pearson who travelled in October 2009 on the Classic Everest Base Camp trip

Review 17

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj Mahal is the obvious highlite, but I loved the smaller towns and villages of India the most, especially Udaipur, and the village of Chandelao was magical.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was excellent, the best tour guide I have travelled with, he was so knowledgeable and always helpful, nothing was too much trouble for him. As an older, single woman I really appreciated his care and consideration.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Possibly in Chandelao as we bought crafts from the local women. Tourism can only benefit the communities.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes I did, but I would have liked to have spent more time in Chandelao or the smaller villages.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

I have heard this tour is no longer running, but there are similar tours of Rajasthan with ImTrav. I would highly recommend Rajasthan, it is a beautiful part of India with very diverse landscapes, beautiful towns like Udaipur and Jaisalmer. And the colours are amazing!

Reviewed by Olive Bracken who travelled in October 2009 on the The Road to Kathmandu trip

Review 18

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj Mahal is the obvious highlite, but I loved the smaller towns and villages of India the most, especially Udaipur, and the village of Chandelao was magical.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Possibly in Chandelao as we bought crafts from the local women. Tourism can only benefit the communities.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes I did, but I would have liked to have spent more time in Chandelao or the smaller villages.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Reviewed by Olive Bracken who travelled in October 2009 on the The Road to Kathmandu trip

Review 19

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Probably sunrise over the Anapurna mountain range - it was breathtaking

What did you think of your tour leader?

Brilliant - informative, friendly, fun, caring - couldn't fault them!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes I think it did - we chanelled some money in to the hotels and restaurants and also provided work for the shirpas and guides

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes very much so, having a local tour guide really helped with this - the trek also took us very close to the villages and we got close to the shirpas etc

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go to Nepal!

Reviewed by Liz Wagstaffe who travelled in October 2008 on the Images of Nepal trip

Review 20

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Probably sunrise over the Anapurna mountain range - it was breathtaking

What did you think of your tour leader?

Brilliant - informative, friendly, fun, caring - couldn't fault them!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes I think it did - we chanelled some money in to the hotels and restaurants and also provided work for the shirpas and guides

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes very much so, having a local tour guide really helped with this - the trek also took us very close to the villages and we got close to the shirpas etc

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go to Nepal!

Reviewed by Liz Wagstaffe who travelled in October 2008 on the Images of Nepal trip

Review 21

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Probably sunrise over the Anapurna mountain range - it was breathtaking

What did you think of your tour leader?

Brilliant - informative, friendly, fun, caring - couldn't fault them!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes I think it did - we chanelled some money in to the hotels and restaurants and also provided work for the shirpas and guides

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes very much so, having a local tour guide really helped with this - the trek also took us very close to the villages and we got close to the shirpas etc

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go to Nepal!

Reviewed by Liz Wagstaffe who travelled in October 2008 on the Images of Nepal - sleeping bags trip

Review 22

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The whole journey really - trekking is about the journey, not just the final destination (though getting to the top of Kala Pattar was great!).

What did you think of your tour leader?

fantastic!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

do this tour! dont expect it to be easy though!

Reviewed by June Egglestone who travelled in October 2008 on the Classic Everest Base Camp trip

Review 23

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The whole journey really - trekking is about the journey, not just the final destination (though getting to the top of Kala Pattar was great!).

What did you think of your tour leader?

fantastic!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

do this tour! dont expect it to be easy though!

Reviewed by June Egglestone who travelled in October 2008 on the Everest Base Camp trip

Review 24

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The whole journey really - trekking is about the journey, not just the final destination (though getting to the top of Kala Pattar was great!).

What did you think of your tour leader?

fantastic!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

do this tour! dont expect it to be easy though!

Reviewed by June Egglestone who travelled in October 2008 on the Classic Everest Base Camp trip

Review 25

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Its hard to narrow it down to one specific thing. Seeing a bloke carrying a kitchen fridge by a strap round his forehead in Kathmandu? The first glimpse of the whitecaps above the rhododendron clad foothills? The view from Poon Hill at dawn? Playing cards and wolfing down daal bhat with ten feet of snow against the window? It would take someone far more eloquent than me to describe Nepal; it was never on my list of "must do" countries, but now its amongst my favourites.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent. Raj was terrific and had a great sense of humour - he was always smiling and had a laugh like Muttley out of Wacky Races! Krishna, the deputy, was one of the most courteous and professional men I have ever met.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the Sanctuary it is customary to eat at the same teahouse where you sleep, thus providing income for the host family. The Tourism Ministry has quite strict regulations for conduct within the Sanctuary, such as standardised fair pricing and the control of litter.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not so much under the skin as under the bark. This is an outdoorsy tour - and all the more refreshing because of it.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

I went in February, and predictably it was freezing cold at the higher camps. Top packing for this time of year: 1) buy a pair of the beasty wool socks in Kathmandu for the evenings when you have your boots off, but want your toes to remain ON 2) Gore-tex boots and gaiters for the snow fields - check out army surplus 3) Sunglasses for snow glare 4) Shemagh neckscarf to stop draughts 5) Body puff thingy for washing with - at the higher camps you'll have to use warm water from a bucket 6) Bog roll - its expensive once you enter the Sanctuary! Other than that its fairly obvious depending on the season. You need surprisingly little stuff. Enjoy!!

Reviewed by Anthony Lingard who travelled in February 2008 on the Annapurna Sanctuary trip

Review 26

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

What did you think of your tour leader?

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not so much under the skin as under the bark. This is an outdoorsy tour - and all the more refreshing because of it.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Reviewed by Anthony Lingard who travelled in February 2008 on the Gear Transport and Storage trip

Review 27

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

What did you think of your tour leader?

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not so much under the skin as under the bark. This is an outdoorsy tour - and all the more refreshing because of it.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Reviewed by Anthony Lingard who travelled in February 2008 on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, 22nd november 2008 trip

Review 28

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

What did you think of your tour leader?

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not so much under the skin as under the bark. This is an outdoorsy tour - and all the more refreshing because of it.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Reviewed by Anthony Lingard who travelled in February 2008 on the Annapurna Sanctuary Nov. 7-22 Proper clothing/footwear trip

Review 29

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The whole trip was amazing. Nepal is a fantastic country and the land scape around anapurna is unbelieveable, however I have to say what made the trip was the group. WE had so many laughs and supported each other through the trek. We clicked imediately as a group and I am still in touch with most of them now!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was great. He was so much fun and always made everyone feel part of the group and was quick to help those that were struggling! Holding my hand up a very steep hill during a rather nasty stomach bug was very much appreciated!!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes. We were using local guides and porters and local hostels and huts along the way. tourism provides them with a much needed income and I feel our tour went out of its way to benefit locals in as many ways as it could.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes. We were walking through villages and right up close with the local communities seeing how they lived and worked. Our porters were local people and were keen to spend time chatting with us.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

My tour was a brilliant experience and the organisation of imaginative traveller made it run smoothly and took the worry out of travelling in more remote places! It was one of the most amazing experiences I have had and the memories will be with me for a life time.

Reviewed by Sarah Ferguson who travelled in October 2006 on the Classic Annapurna Circuit trip

Review 30

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

To be honest it was all great but as we were in the Himalayas I would say it would have to be the scenery. The group we had was small (7 people) and we all got on really well with one another and it was just lovely. i was by far the slowest on the trip but was never made to feel that i should hurry up

What did you think of your tour leader?

Vimal was fantastic and we still keep in contact :-) We also got to know the boys that carrried our bags and they were all great - nothing was too much trouble.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes - no doubt about it

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

A little bit - we were out in the hills so were sheilded partly from the city life.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do this trip - it was AMAZING!!!!!

Reviewed by Gordon Docherty who travelled in November 2006 on the Annapurna Sanctuary trip

Review 31

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

What did you think of your tour leader?

Vimal was fantastic and we still keep in contact :-) We also got to know the boys that carrried our bags and they were all great - nothing was too much trouble.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes - no doubt about it

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

A little bit - we were out in the hills so were sheilded partly from the city life.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do this trip - it was AMAZING!!!!!

Reviewed by Gordon Docherty who travelled in November 2006 on the Gear Transport and Storage trip

Review 32

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

What did you think of your tour leader?

Vimal was fantastic and we still keep in contact :-) We also got to know the boys that carrried our bags and they were all great - nothing was too much trouble.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes - no doubt about it

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

A little bit - we were out in the hills so were sheilded partly from the city life.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do this trip - it was AMAZING!!!!!

Reviewed by Gordon Docherty who travelled in November 2006 on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, 22nd november 2008 trip

Review 33

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

What did you think of your tour leader?

Vimal was fantastic and we still keep in contact :-) We also got to know the boys that carrried our bags and they were all great - nothing was too much trouble.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes - no doubt about it

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

A little bit - we were out in the hills so were sheilded partly from the city life.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do this trip - it was AMAZING!!!!!

Reviewed by Gordon Docherty who travelled in November 2006 on the Annapurna Sanctuary Nov. 7-22 Proper clothing/footwear trip

Review 34

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Probably the whole thing. It was much more than I expected and the memories live on vividly in my head and heart.

What did you think of your tour leader?

They were excellent! Anything that you wanted from your tour, they made every effort to deliver it.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I'd like to think so with the local payments and of course I gave generously (in local terms)in tips etc. for the wonderful experience the local people gave me. A life time of memories.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Totally, staying in local tea houses and going off the beaten track to see and talk to the real people of the country.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go for it and experience all you can in the popular areas but its a must to go where few other tourists are for a real cultural experience.

Reviewed by David Hunter who travelled in December 2005 on the Nepal Rover trip

Nepal Forum Feedback

Annapurna Sanctuary Nov. 7-22 Proper clothing/footwear

Submitted by Brewster on Fri, 10/04/2009 - 16:55

Hi: Just looking for a bit of help for the tour. For Annapurna Sanctuary do you recommend a day hiker or full leather type boot? Are silk sleeping bag liners available and at what cost in Kathmandu? Also, is there a trekking shop in Kathmandu you would recommend for rental of sleeping bags and down jackets. Thanks from Canada for all replies. Brewster

Images of Nepal next week!- clothing & money

Submitted by John Irwin on Wed, 03/12/2008 - 21:48

hi there, this might seem a crazy question since I am heading off to Nepal next week, but I am still at a loss as to what is really needed to wear and what isnt? I have been looking at photos of Nepal in December and to be honest it looks a lot warmer than in the UK at this time of year ! I had reckoned on getting warm gear - ie thermals, mid layers and fleeces - but am wondering if this is going overboard? Can you advise on what is essential ? Also I have a question about cash- what is recommended - ie proportion of travellers cheques to cash, and are Euros or US dollars (apart form local payment) best? Last minute stuff ! thanks John

Images of Nepal - sleeping bags

Submitted by Julie Ingram on Sat, 22/11/2008 - 15:40

Hi We are preparing for the 'Images of Nepal' tour and need some advise on sleeping bags. When we leave Nepal we are heading for a bit of R+R in Sri Lanka and want to take as little luggage as possible. Instead of bringing our own sleeping bags for the trek part of the Nepal trip we would like to buy sleeping bags whilst we are in Kathmandu. Could anyone advise how much they would cost and how easily you can get hold of them? We know from the guide books that you can hire them, but this is not an option for us.