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What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
Reaching Namche Bazaar
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Very good. Very pleasant young man and extremely helpful
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
Take your own pillow case! Use a Sigg (metal) bottle so you can have hot water in it to keep you warm at night and cool drinking water in it during the day.
Do you have anything else to add?
Yes, I'm making two videos to put on YouTube as the holiday was so memorable.
What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
This trip is so much more than a trek around the mountains. I think the sheer diversity of landscape both surprised and delighted us all. April is a particularly good time as the rhododendrons are just coming into bloom. For me, the highlights were in the detail; prayer flags fluttering in the wind, prayer wheels turning, yak bells and the sincere hospitality of the Nepalese people. There is a simplicity to life here which is very humbling and the abscence of traffic was a real treat. A special mention must go to the food. I think we were all extremely impressed with the quality and the range of dishes was outstanding (mostly veggie). Try the Sherpa soup which was a firm favourite amongst the group.
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Dawa and the team were exceptionally attentive and thoughtful. There was a great deal of attention to detail which was much appreciated. Their patience was infinite and I hope we conveyed our heartfelt thanks suitably.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
"Knee supports regardless of whether you suffer with your knees or not. Your own pillow case.
I was land only so my advice would be to allow plenty of time at the end of your trip in anticipation of adverse weather conditions at Lukla. Due to high winds, we were unable to catch the domestic flight back. With international flights imminent, Explore kindly sent a helicopter for us which was an undoubted highlight for some but not all! I am not sure that the day already factored into the itinerary is a realistic buffer. We were not an isolated incidient so you may wish to consider this."
Do you have anything else to add?
"The only downside of the holiday for me was the volume of people on the route. I didn't expect complete isolation but I also didn't expect the M6 at times either. Luckily, our guide took us 'off piste' on occasions but unfortunately the crowds could not be avoided constantly. That aside, if you are hesitating about booking then please don't. I can almost guarantee that you will have a fabulous holiday! Where else will you see a donkey sporting a floral headdress and a yak with earrings?!"
What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
We actually were never able to get to Lukla due to the weather, and as a group made a decision to get out of Kathmandu and head to Annapurna. Our most memorable moment was climbing Poon Hill to watch the sun rise over the Himalayas and hang a prayer flag with our group leader in memory of the people who had died in the plane crash earlier in the week.
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Mr. Su was incredibly upbeat and resourceful. Stuck in Kathmandu for two extra days due to weather, he tried very hard to keep us informed and busy. When the decision was made to give up on Lukla, he pulled everything together for a 6 day trek in Annapurna.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
Be flexible. Travel plans may have to change due to many unforeseen circumstances-roll with them and keep good spirits.
Do you have anything else to add?
"The Hotel Mountain, where we stayed as a group while in Kathmandu should be taken off you list. I have traveled in many parts of the world, often with Explore, and understand not to expect Western style amenities when in 3rd world countries. I also understand that your company needs a place with some flexibility when travel is delayed and you need to keep a group in Kathmandu for extra days. I think their room availability is because noone wants to stay there.
Bed linens and towels were stained. Bathrooms were moldy, and not always functioning. The ""dining area"" was depressing. Mice running around the floors and cockroaches on the tables.
The tea houses on the trek were actually more welcoming!"
What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
Standing at 4000m looking at Everest, Ama Dablam and the Lhotse Range having seriously felt the effects of altitude the day before, thinking I wouldn't get any further than Namche.
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Excellent! Kiran's local (and international) knowledge enhanced the trip. His advice regarding last minute preparations in Kathmandu and how to cope with the effects of altitude ensured we could complete the trek safely and got the most from the experience. His patience with the less well-prepared members of the group was admirable and I wish he could have got us through the Kathmandu International terminal as quick as he got us through the domestic one!
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
Make sure you read the trip notes and your physically fit enough. It will make sure that you have a great trek, as well as the others on the trip. You don't need all the fancy walking gear, and will be surprised how little you need during the day.
Do you have anything else to add?
This was my first trip with Explore. I came back with great memories having had a fantastic experience despite altitude not agreeing with me. I would recommend this trip to anyone and hope I have an opportunity to travel with Explore again.
