Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Traveler Reviews

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  Tetyana Petrenko

  November 5th, 2013
  5
  I wanted to have challenge, experience new culture in friendly environment and I received all that!Staff in UK and...
  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 youShow more
  Traveled in October 2013
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  Omar Kolia

  January 30th, 2013
  5
  There are not an enough words to describe this holiday. It was an amazing experience and one which will live in the...
  There are not an enough words to describe this holiday. It was an amazing experience and one which will live in the memory for a very long time. The trek was challenging, but truly worth it. The scenery and the views were absolutely beautiful as well as experiencing the Nepalese culture. Feeling the fresh air and eating and drinking local produce like freshly made masala tea were sometime. One thing which real made it excellent trip was the company, and the people we met, which made it even more enjoyable. It wonShow more
  Traveled in December 2012
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  Helen Stockham

  March 14th, 2012
  4
  The panaroamic view from Poon Hill at sunrise was amazing. During two weeks trekking we experienced life in the...
  The panaroamic view from Poon Hill at sunrise was amazing. During two weeks trekking we experienced life in the mountain villages and saw some great views. Unfortunately due to snowfall and the resultant avalanche risk our group did not make it to MBC or ABC (so we didn't actually see the Annapurna Sanctuary), however we went on a revised route at lower elevations instead. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the sunrise at Poon Hill was the highlight (as we didn't make it to MBC or ABC). What did you think of your group leader? Prem our group leader was brilliant, supported by a team of three guides.  The whole team was very knowledgeable and friendly, and the trip was very well organised.  Safety of the group was also viewed as a priority, with the difficult decision of changing the route and not making MBC or ABC being taken due to the high avalanche risk.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I've never used trekking poles before, but found these very helpful on the many stone steps (both up and down) this route follows.Show more
  Traveled in February 2012
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  Mark Smith

  March 11th, 2012
  4
  Wonderful walking in forested and farmed mountainsides. Superb views from Poon Hill at sunrise, and expertly led by...
  Wonderful walking in forested and farmed mountainsides. Superb views from Poon Hill at sunrise, and expertly led by the guides. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?  Being on Poon Hill at sunrise (since we didn’t get to MBC or ABC).  Taking the time to stop and soak up the atmosphere of the mountains – all you have to do is find a gap in the walking group, or take a moment in the afternoon away from the lodge to sit, watch and feel the presence of the mountains.  What did you think of your group leader? Prem was outstanding!  Probably the best group leader I’ve had.  Always thinking ahead so that everything ran smoothly for the group, from organising rooms, porters, and food to our change of plans following the decision not to attempt to reach ABC.  Very knowledgeable and easy to talk to, he always has a smile and a desire to help. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take your time, enjoy, stop to look and listen.  There is no rush at all; it’s a sensible itinerary with ample time to look for wildlife en-route or get to know your fellow travellers.  Be prepared for all weathers in one day, and take sensible boots to help give good grip on snow and ice on steep trails. Is there anything else you would like to add?   We didn’t get to ABC or even MBC.  This was disappointing, but the whole group understood that our safety was more important than trying to reach the objective.  Bad weather had caused a lot of new snow and resulted in many avalanches – we saw several in a few minutes and had to cross one debris fan.  It was obviously too risky to continue.  It’s a shame but as Prem said ‘that’s nature’.  He arranged a slower exit from the mountains that took us to some pretty and interesting villages.  Having been to the Everest area a couple of times, there are some distinct differences between the Annapurna area and the Khumbu region.  There are more terraced hillsides, more wildlife, and fewer monasteries and prayer flags in Annapurna, and the area is more geared for tourism – the lodges are all great, but for me a little too comfortable with standardised menus and some with plastic chairs and even umbrellas.  I think it is a more popular trekking area and as a result has more home comforts on offer.  Maybe that’s a good thing for some, but personally I prefer the charm and relative remoteness of the Khumbu where life is slightly more authentic and you have to fit in to the environment, rather than the environment being tamed for your convenience. Show more
  Traveled in February 2012
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  Janel Hannis

  January 25th, 2012
  5
  One word sums this trek up: AWESOME! This was my third visit to Nepal, yet it never fails to delight, excite,...
  One word sums this trek up: AWESOME! This was my third visit to Nepal, yet it never fails to delight, excite, challenge, reward and de-stress me! Having been to about 50 countries - I would say that the scenery at Annurpurna Base Camp (ABC), surpassed my own expectations and was glorious... an amphitheatre of some of the world's most dramatic, highest and prestigious mountains, in beautiful sunshine, moonlight and storms.. A rewarding trek to get reach ABC through valleys and hillsides, forests, snowdrifts, stark mountainscape and in some awesome company. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The evening thunder and lightening storm at ABC was PINK! The mountains were lit by icredible pink lightening - I never knew existed! ...One of our trekkers was scared of the storm, so we sang songs from 'The Sound of Music' to comfort her.... 'raindrops on roses...'!! This was also a highlight as everyone a the Tea house joined in and we had a jolly good sing song! I slept outside - took my mattress outside at ABC and viewed the mountains by moonlight from my sleeping bag... an awesome experience! What did you think of your group leader? Dawa Lama was a brilliant leader, very knowledgeable, good leadership skills, good fun, and had a caring attitude, jollying people along and ensuring everyone was included and had a good time. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Yeah, please take everything on the kit list - including waterproofs! I made the mistake thinking that it wasn't monsoon yet so waterproofs would not be needed - given my previous treks to Everest Base Camp where they were not. Nepal has different climatic regions - prepare for all eventualities. In addition, take ear plugs and a head torch so that you are not so disturbed by snorers and can share rooms without waking people when you need to use the loo in the night.. It gets cramped at Base Camp and rooms are shared, but with so little space to put your kit. Is there anything else you would like to add? I have done both Annurpurna Sanctuary and Everest BC treks, if you are trying to decide between the two - Everest offers more history and scenery on-route, whereas Annurpurna is probably a slightly easier trek, yet the scenery on route is not as profound, yet the rewards at Annurpurna Base Camp are phenomemal. Serious advice would be to do them both!Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Albert (Ken) Hewitt

  January 24th, 2012
  5
  For a mountain lover this trip is a must do. From day one there are views round every corner until you reach...
  For a mountain lover this trip is a must do. From day one there are views round every corner until you reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and the mountains are there in front of you,behind you in fact all round you. Magical. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We were unfortunate in that it was cloudy when we reached ABC but the following morning the sunrise was stunning and made it difficult leave the views and start the long trek home.  What did you think of your group leader? Prasant Subedi was a superb leader in that he quietly got on with his job of keeping everybody informed as to what we were seeing and what lay ahead which together with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the area made the trip. His support staff were again well organised and very attentive whilst we were on the trail looking after our safety and welfare.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There are a few long days especially especially when the weather turns damp and windy as it did on our trip at the end of October. The good thing was that by then we were well aclimatised and arrived at our nightly destination tired and damp but contented. Follow the pre-trip instructions and you won't go far wrong. Whilst you can charge your batteries (Camera and mobile) at the lodges it is recommended that you carry spares as the cold can drain them quite quickly. Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Jenny Hemming

  January 19th, 2012
  4
  The scenery was awesome and the trek challenging but within the range of anyone of normal fitness who's done a bit of...
  The scenery was awesome and the trek challenging but within the range of anyone of normal fitness who's done a bit of hill walking. The tour leader and guides were friendly and supportive. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? First sight of Himalaya; Feeling euphoria at the end of the first day when we realised we'd be able to do it!; Arriving at Annapurna Base Camp.  Being at Annapurna Base Camp.  Annapurna. What did you think of your group leader? Group leader was excellent.  Very kind, very aware of how we all were managing, and gave us just the right amount of information at the right time.  I felt very confident in him.  He always managed to appear just when we might need extra help - in fact I always knew a dodgy bridge was coming up as Prem appeared out of nowhere!  Being supported by guides meant that everyone was able to do the pace they felt happy with. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't worry about the plumbing!  You'll get used to it quickly.  Personally, I'd say just don't eat meat at all - it's just not worth the risk of spoiling your trip with an upset tummy, and it's no hardship to go without - there is plenty of choice.  Once we got past the mineral water area we got boiled water from the lodges.  Taking no chances I always added a chlorine tablet, and a top tip from a friend before I left was to add a Berocca - flavour and additional vitamin C!  I experienced no illness whatsoever.  Another top idea - if you have a metal water bottle, get it filled with boiling water in the evening, clothe it in your walking socks and bingo: a lovely hot water bottle.  Then you drink the water the next day.  How's that for multipurpose?  If you have a tendency to weak knees, it might be worth packing some support bandages; there are a lot of steps!  They're very well graded though, and the group leader sets a very sensible pace and gives you plenty of time.  Trekking poles also help in this respect.  It's a lovely trip and I'd definitely do it again.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Helen Bissell

  November 30th, 2011
  5
  The whole holiday was a sensory overload. The contrasts between city life (Kathmandu/Pokhara), village life and...
  The whole holiday was a sensory overload. The contrasts between city life (Kathmandu/Pokhara), village life and mountain life were fantastic to experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Poon Hill - simply breath taking views - we managed to get up there for both sunset and sunrise. Even more rewarding was the apple crumble and custard at the lodge on the way down!!! What did you think of your group leader? All of the Exodus team were fantastic on the holiday - never failing to stop and offer help - even to hold my walking poles everytime I wanted to stop and take a photo!!! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Expect to be wow'ed by every morning view - some afternoons we'd reach the lodges in the clouds to then wake up in the morning with the most overwhelming views of mountains all around us. Is there anything else you would like to add? An amazing trip which covers so many aspects of nepal's fantastic country - not only was it a treat to spend so much time walking through small villages/mountain passes but it was great to have the bonus of a couple of days to explore Kathmandu.Show more
  Traveled in October 2011
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  George Shanks

  October 12th, 2011
  5
  Great trip. Excellent local leaders and good group made it all the more enjoyable. What can I say about Nepal; it's...
  Great trip. Excellent local leaders and good group made it all the more enjoyable. What can I say about Nepal; it's beautiful. Stunning scenery and great trekking. Oh, and the rice is good too! Kathmandhu is busy, noisy and chaotic, but still a place to savour. Pokhara, where we stayed a night after completing the trek, is set in a beautiful location. Lovely lake, surrounded by mountains, felt Alpine in character. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many inspirational moments to list them all but I guess Reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4100m and not feeling out of breath would be up there at the top of the list. Seeing the snow covered mountains at sunrise at ABC with no cloud to obscure the view, simply magnificent. What did you think of your group leader? Dawa our group leader was excellent. He was patient, calm, approachable, cheery, positive, organised things efficiently and his English was well nigh perfect. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You'll be able to get mineral water ie bottled water on the first few days and the last day of the trek. In between you'll need to drink local water that has been filtered and/or boiled. It tastes ok but I'd recommend you use water filtration tablets with it to be safe. As you progress up the trail towards ABC be aware that food, showers and drink (soft drink and beer) prices increase. Budget for the trek should be about 2500 to 3000 Nepalese Rupees per day.If you're looking for somewhere to chill after the trek then the Busy Bee Bar in Pokhara is recommended and in Kathmandhu check out The Tom and Jerry Bar in Thamel.  Is there anything else you would like to add? Great trip, highly recommend. If you're reasonably fit you'll manage it no problem. Might be helpful to those who book this trip if you could add a PDF to the trip notes showing the typical menu choices and prices along the trail. Most tea houses offered very similar menus, although as mentioned above prices increased as you progress up the trail.   Show more
  Traveled in September 2011
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  Timothy Salter

  October 11th, 2011
  5
  A very professionally organised & lead trip with a great group of participants.A great introduction to a country of...
  A very professionally organised & lead trip with a great group of participants.A great introduction to a country of wonderful people. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Waking at ABC to find the cloud clearing to reveal what must be one of the most stunning mountain panoramas in the world. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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!   Is there anything else you would like to add? We really appreciated the background work done by Exodus to ensure that the tea houses standards of kitchen food hygiene were up to scratch. 11 people over 15 days & not one case of Delhi belly! We met several independant travellers and people from other groups who'd succumbed after visting other tea houses. When time is limited, it is important to stay fit & healthy.We were all impressed how the team leaders got stuck in in the kitchens to help prepare some superb meals.Show more
  Traveled in September 2011