Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Annapurna trekking holiday, Rhododendron trek, independent reviews
 Reviewed 23 Apr 2009 by Mike Schofield |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
What wasn't? Superb mountain scenery, a good challenging trek, really interesting culture, very warm and friendly Nepali people (including the guide and porter), the craic in the lodges with other trekkers over the evening meal, the flight over Everest and, sadly, the poverty and the eyesore that is Kathmandhu (though a not uninteresting eyesore).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with an open mind. Make sure you are fit enough to enjoy the demanding trek (Annapurna Sanctuary). Be careful about what you eat and drink. A reputable guide and porter are worth paying for.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - the lodges certainly seem to be prospering, there was work for the guide and porter, the tour operator was a local Kathmandhu company, we used local transport facilities and everyone and his friend wants a tip. The Annapurna Conservation Project has done amazing work to protect the area through footpath construction and rules about environmental protection (eg not selling water in plastic bottles - though this applied only after Chhomrong.)
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was an excellent holiday, a great experience.
| Reviewed 18 Nov 2008 by Emmanuelle Landais | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Annapurna Mountains from Pokhara and then walking slowly towards them day by day was just amazing. A perfect trekking holiday done at a good pace thanks to our super Sherpa/guide Krishna. The guesthouses were clean and adequate and the people very hospitable. Credit really goes to Krishna who had friends along the way that really made our trip special.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Prepare to spend a lot of money on water. The price of bottled water goes up with the altitude as the people carry each bottle up there. You might want to consider bringing purification tablets as the tap water doesn't look all that bad and you'll avoid consuming all those plastic bottles.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think the local people did benefit from our trip. The guest houses are well oiled machines prepared to cope with small groups of tourists, however I'm not convinced it is very sustainable. Unfortunately wrappers and chip packets peppered every step of the way which could be down to local people as well as tourists. There is no offsetting programme for the flight to Pokhara but Yeti Airlines (the carrier) does sponsor a lot of social charities in Nepal.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall it was brilliant. Coming from the Middle East it was a short flight away but a totally different world. Not really off the beaten track but for what is considered peak season (November) the trails were really not overcrowded at all. We were well fed and guided. We had a lot of laughs with the women who work hard in the guesthouses. A breath of fresh air but shame about the litter.
| Reviewed 27 Dec 2007 by Lisa Harlow | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The highlight of our holiday was seeing the Annapurna range up close with perfect visibility under crisp blue skies. During December visitor numbers drop significantly so the trek was extremely peaceful and uncluttered and we had beautiful views and locations to ourselves. Another high point was the long evening discussions with our guide as we learned about the experiences of the Nepali people and the issues and concerns of mountain life.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This trek is ideal for people looking for a good hike without some of the extremes of high altitude trekking. Top tip is to bring some thermals for the cold December nights and something to keep you entertained in the evenings - there really is nothing to do except have a beer and a chat so Sudoku works well. Another thought might be to upgrade to a higher quality hotel at the end of the trip to add in a little luxury and comfort.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The travel company representatives were local people who talked with passion about Nepali issues and who cared for the environment and the people. Trekking definitely impacts the environment but also brings huge benefits to the local population and the holiday was designed to maximise that benefit.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was an excellent, no frills holiday, an amazing experience and a great way to get to know some real Nepali people and discover the beauty of the mountains without the stresses of high altitude trekking. Anyone looking for luxury should probably look elsewhere but I found the simple approach very refreshing and a real adventure.