This trip exceeded all my expectations. The stillness and solitude of the terrain. The beauty. The glacial ascent. My first time at altitude-and I loved it. Valerie, is a very wise, steady and trusted lead-a humble holder of stories and knowledge. And great food and guides too. And a wonderful group spirit. I could not have asked for more.

Sue Smith Ladakh: Nubra Valley Trek

I’m 70. I had a yearning to see Everest since I was quite young. As I grew older, I hoped to do the trip with my sons but the length of the trip was not conducive. I wasn’t particularly fit but trained for a few months beforehand, not knowing if I could manage the amount of walking , let alone the unknown element of altitude.
Arriving in Kathmandu, the hotel was excellent and we had time to visit the old city of Thamel.
The flight to Lukla was a great experience in a small plane, next the start of the trek.
The ‘Teahouses’ along the way offered a warm convivial welcome, with varying numbers of other trekkers present. Suspension-bridge crossings, some several hundred metres long were great! We were lucky to have clear visibility and sunshine nearly every day as we progressed ever higher amid awe-inspiring scenery, expertly led by our leader Valerie Parkinson, and Nepalese guide Saroje. Our yakman Nawang took care of all our luggage except for our light daysacks.
We gazed up at Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Macalu, Pumori, to name but a few peaks. From various vantage points including the aptly named Everest View Hotel, we had excellent views of Everest with the South Summit and South Col.
We experienced at first hand the logistical marvel of how everything is transported up here; by yak, mule, dzo or porter.
Bird-life included Vultures and Golden Eagles soaring overhead, plus Tibetan Snow birds that took a fancy to my lemon drizzle cake on Kala Patthar during our final acclimatisation trek.
After taking in the Kumbhu Glacier, we reached Gorak Shep before the final push to Everest Base Camp itself. Unlike most other treks, we had ample time at Base Camp rock before the short walk to one of the expedition camps where we stayed overnight, amongst an array of camps looking like something out of a Bond movie. We witnessed a massive avalanche, and spent time on the ice shelf, truly surreal amongst the surrounding peaks.
Overall, it was tough but an utterly amazing experience, in the competent hands of our leader Valerie, a lifetime goal achieved.

Julian Pomery Everest Base Camp Trek

This trip could not have been better. Everything was meticulously planned and flawlessly implemented, the lodgings were beautiful, and the itinerary was just what I wanted: wildlife-centered. The safari guides were truly super-human in their ability to track and find the animals. They seemed to communicate with them and read their moods, all the while talking quietly to us about the animals’ diet, behavior, habits, and lifespans. Because we covered some long distances, we were able to see a lot of the countryside of Botswana and Zimbabwe, and we got to go to places that I couldn’t have gotten to on my own. It was a all-around superb trip.

Barbara Rain Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari

Has always been on my bucket list! Did not disappoint.

Maureen Forbes Iceland Explorer

14 day trip with 10 days of walking

Alison Buckley Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

My first high-altitude hike – the Nubra Valley trek – and all I can say is WOW! With Valerie Parkinson as our tour leader, we were set up for an unforgettable adventure from day one. The incredible cook, knowledgeable guides, and fantastic camp crew made every moment a joy. If you’re thinking of exploring the Nubra Valley, you simply can’t go wrong with this trip. The only challenge now? Deciding on my next adventure!

Adele Liebenberg Ladakh: Nubra Valley Trek