Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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44 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Chris Grant

Reviewed April 2016

Worth the extra few days!

If you want to see Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Pattar but don’t just want to go up the valley and back down again, this is the trip to choose assuming you can spare the extra few days. This longer circuit, taking in both Gokyo Ri and one of the High Passes (Cho La), is well worth it: it’s quieter, has stunning views in its own right and will allow you more acclimatisation time prior to the regular Everest bits. I can safely say it was the most varied, wonderful and fulfilling 15 days’ walking I’ve ever done, and I’d recommend it to anyone with two feet and a head for heights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having a long-awaited glass of wine at the Everest View Hotel on a perfectly clear morning (trek day 14) - that was pretty special. The views from Gokyo Ri, Cho La, EBC and Kala Pattar were more staggering than I'd ever have believed, and the routes in between these high places were beautiful as well. But the biggest inspiration was seeing how the local Nepalese people have bounced back from disaster and continue to make their way in the world. Tourism is the lifeline of that region and it felt good to contribute to their ongoing recovery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I'd had a great leader on my previous Exodus trip (Hamid on the Peaks and Valleys of the High Atlas) so I'd booked this specific trip because I'd heard good things about Valerie Parkinson. I wasn't disappointed: she *is* Exodus in Nepal and made a great trip into a glorious one. Everything went like clockwork without any fuss or bother; she lives and breathes her job; and she's happy to share her seemingly limitless knowledge. Full marks, and then some!

Advice for Potential Travellers

In no particular order... There's a lot of climbing but the distances aren't too far. I wasn't able to do much in the way of appropriate preparation walking but I cycle regularly, and this helped build the thighs up for the ascents - definitely worth considering if you can't get some prep walks in before you go. I took a Steripen with me to save having to buy "mineral water" which is effectively only UV-filtered anyway - this helps reduce plastic bottle waste and also pays for itself over the course of this one holiday. A water bladder for the backpack is better for ensuring you take on enough liquid whilst walking, though a bottle is also vital in case the tube freezes in the early mornings (happened to me once). I also invested in a 16,000 mA power pack from RavPower, which, although heavy, was enough to recharge my Steripen 4 times, my camera 4 times, my phone once, plus someone else's phone and camera, and still have 20% or so left over - much better than trying to charge your devices at the lodges, trust me. There's plenty of snacking material for purchase in lodges (bars, Pringles, chocolates and the like) so there's no real need to bring stuff out with you unless you have specific requirements/tastes - this also helps you keep below the 10+5kg weight limit on the plane. I managed the whole trek without taking diamox (though a couple of Ibuprofen were needed one night to suppress the altitude headaches) or using trekking poles (that may just be a personal thing - most people used them). Mobile and Internet access is available in most places but is sketchy above Namche Bazaar so I didn't bother, and it was liberating. Bring a pair of comfortable earplugs if you have difficulty sleeping - there can be a lot of snoring at altitude and the lodge walls are mostly plywood so don't exactly cut out the noise from neighbouring rooms. I managed with a good 3-season sleeping bag since all lodges have blankets/quilts to provide extra layers (travelling in March/April). There are more Western-style toilets than you might have feared but you will need to use squat toilets before the end of the trip, promise... And when you're back in Kathmandu make sure you go to Fire & Ice for a pizza/dessert - what a treat!

Helen Smith

Reviewed December 2015

Trip of a lifetime!

This trip is hard work, the altitude is hard work and some days I thought I could walk any further, but it was so worth it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The group were awesome and getting to base camp with everyone was great fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima and the guides were funny, supportive and very knowledgable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My Walking sticks were so useful!

Marlisa Paice

Reviewed December 2015

The trip of a lifetime!

This trip is incredible! It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life but well worth it and I am so pleased I did it! The guides were fantastic, up early every morning to get us ready and last to bed at night, working non-stop to make the experience as good as possible!
A week after I got back to the UK I was still shell-shocked about what I had achieved and just bowled over by the whole experience. The world is there to be seen! 🙂

Most Inspirational Moment

Base Camp!! - Has to be really doesn't it, iconic place and great atmosphere when you get there! Such a sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima was just incredible, most of the guides caught colds and chest infections while we were out there but they kept going with their unending enthusiasm and good spirits! They were always there when we had bad days and never stopped watching us to make sure we were having a good time!

Advice for Potential Travellers

To get the most out of this trip I really would recommend a few things. Pack light! Take loads of photos. Enjoy every minute! Most of all I really believe I would have enjoyed it more if I had done some serious hill walking training - I made it with barely any training in that department although a reasonable level of general fitness but I think I would have benefited from more training on hills!

Martin Brennan

Reviewed December 2015

One for the bucket list

Tough but rewarding trip with a great bunch of people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Though not for the faint-hearted, the magnificent and rugged landscape, the tough/arduous trekking, and the tranquility of the journey allows you to put things into perspective. This, combined with a fantastic group of people, made for a most enjoyable and memorable trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima was an inspirational leader, always there with encouragement and humour to ease our journey. Ngima kept us informed throughout our trek and, along with his chief and assistant guides, made this a hugely memorable (and educational) experience for our group. (I think a special mention for the porters and Yak driver is in order; these guys, through their hard work and efforts, made the logistically challenging task of moving sixteen people's kit look easy. The work that the whole team put in made this trip a seamless and enjoyable experience. Well done all!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a tough but rewarding trip that is both physically and, at times, mentally demanding. While the group interactions and dynamics can help with mental side of things, the physical is something only you have control over; preparation is key to ensure that you are prepared for (and adapt to) the tough trekking and altitude that you will encounter. Without a doubt I think almost all of my group found the trek difficult at one stage or another, but the fitter and more prepared that you are the better and more enjoyable the trip will be.

Janine Smallbone

Reviewed December 2015

Awesome

Absolutely excellent trip, beautiful surrounding, amazing people and a challenge to remember!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was an amazing experience and also a challenge that won't be forgotten for a long while to come. The Gokyo lakes are beautiful and definitely worth seeing. The Cho la pass is a hard day of walking and scrambling but The achievement of finishing it is worth it. The leader, the guide and assistant guides and also porters were all fantastic and a credit to Exodus and couldn't have been more helpful throughout. The accommodation on the whole was as good as could be expected for the height and accessibility and all the staff were helpful and welcoming everywhere we went.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent, he couldn't have been more helpful, friendly or knowledgable about the trip, nothing was too much trouble day or night.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is not for the faint hearted, it is very hard walking/scrambling on a couple of the days and much harder than the normal Everst base camp trek.

Aisling Ni Bhroin

Reviewed December 2015

Everest base Camp and gokyo lakes

I had an amazing holiday with Exodus around trekking to Everest base camp and which included Gokyo Lakes.
The trek left from kathmandu and was a 16 day trek in total. We were met with our amazing host Ngima at the Hotel Singhi in Kathmandu. He joined us on the first day for breakfast, sat with us and chatted for an hour, and stayed with us for the following 16 days round the clock. He was absolutely fantastic. He was so supportive to all of us, always looking out for everyone. We knew we ould call on him in the middle of the night if we were ill. This is quite a tough trek, and not one I would like to do without a guide. Ngima and our team of guides and sheraps amde this trip so enjoyable. They not only guided us, and helped us through the tough climbs, (and I could not have done the Chola pass without them), but they looked after us when we became ill and made sure our stay was as comfortable as possible. Ngima really did go out of his way to make sure we had a good experience. He even brought us on a night out in Kathmandu and stayed with us until we all got to the airport to fly back home. It was wonderful to do this trek with Ngima, knowing that he was there to help if anything went wrong.
We climbed to Namche bazaar, and from there did the tour of the gokyo lakes which were stunning. We were lucky to have a great group travelling with us from the UK which made the trip so enjoyable. From here we climbed the Chola pass. Oh my goodness, that was tough! Not for the faint hearted! it was the most difficult part of the trip but Im so glad I did it. I couldn’t have done it without the guides who held my hand all the way up that mountain and helped me reach the top! They have unswerving patience! Everest base camp seemed so easy when compared to the Chola pass! And we skipped all the way downhill back to kathmandu from there!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the summit of the Chola pass. I could finally breathe, relax, and take in the beauty around me, it's so stunning

Thoughts on Group Leader

I love Ngima!!! He is just incredible! So attentive to all of us. He didn't miss a beat! There is nothing he wouldn't do for us. And he is so much fun too! He made our trip as great as it was. We were so lucky to have him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're scared of heights, avoid the Chola pass! And take the easier route to Everest base camp! But if you can brave it, its well worth it! Bring lot's of paracetamol with you for headaches! Oh and bring a hot water bottle with you! it keeps you lovely and toasty on those cold nights Oh nd bring a pack of cards.......

Michael B

Reviewed December 2014

Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes

Truly the hardest but the most amazing trip I’ve ever done. An excellent trip from start to finish. We were looked after by the best leader and guides and we had the best group to trek with. Awesome!!!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many but to list a few.... my first view of amazing Everest; trekking past the beautiful Gokyo lakes; reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri with amazing Himalayan views (so tough but so worth it); reaching the top of the demanding and icy Cho La Pass,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader, Gele was incredible! He took such care of us each day with patience and sensitivity. He took the time to get to know us all as well as sharing his stories. Gele was dedicated, attentive, informative, caring and supportive, a fantastic team leader. The entire Exodus team was great, very friendly and always there to offer assistance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trek is very difficult however if you listen to your guides and take it slow and easy you will have an amazing experience. Equipment: This is very important, if you go without the proper equipment you will fail. A good water proof Gortex jacket is a must. You will need a good down jacket for the tea houses Boots: Good worn in boots are critical to your success. Make sure they are very comfortable and supportive around the ankles. Layers: Take wicking material (don't forget good thermal underwear) – Icebreaker rules Invest in a good sleeping bag; Crampons for the glacier; Protein bars and beef jerky Finally listen to your guides! They know best.

Reviewed December 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

This trip was a great adventure, combining the thrill of superb mountain scenery with the achievements of crossing the Cho La Pass and reaching Everest Base Camp. We gained a fascinating insight into the sherpa culture and lifestyle. At the same time it was a really tough trek!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was a great thrill to get to Base Camp and see the profusion of coloured flags, both prayer flags and national flags, that surround the cairn. I was not expecting to see anything at Base Camp out of the climbing season, but it seems like a place of pilgrimage in honour of the many climbers, including our sherpa guide Kaji, that have reached the summit of Everest from there.Also, it was a real eye-opener to see the huge loads carried by the sherpa porters up and down the many precipitous paths along these valleys. Almost everything needed in the villages, apart from basic foodstuffs, has to be carried up; these guys are a breed apart.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Gele, was very experienced and exuded an air of calm competence. He was very knowledgable about the whole area. He was very supportive and always on hand to help or offer advice, without being intrusive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very tough trek, being 15 days continuous walking, the majority of which are above 4000 metres and several above 5000 metres. Although there are some shorter days, most days are 6 to 8 hours with a lot of steep ascent or descent. For comparison, this is much tougher than a Kilimanjaro trek, which is all over in 6 days. Getting supplies of drinking water is an issue. Many walkers felt the need to buy bottled mineral water, which gets increasingly expensive the higher you get, since it is all carried in. But adding sterilisation tablets to the local tap water is a perfectly safe alternative at essentially zero cost.

Reviewed April 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A wonderful journey fulfilling a long awaited dream.Challenging, demanding yet motivating and exciting.

Most Inspirational Moment

To have had the priviledge to stay at Everest Base Camp for 2 nights alongside the Indian Expedition Team - ArunTreks. This memory will stay with me and my husband for the rest of our lives and there is no doubt, that no matter how much you try and explain to someone what this experience was like, unless they had actually been there, they will never understand. None of my photos highlight the actual size and depth of this place. The Khumba Ice Fall - magic!Gokyo Ri - stunning. A very beautiful area and am so pleased that we decided to do this particular trip rather than just Everest Base Camp visit. Fantastic!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakpa - what an absolute star! I could not have done this trip without him. I was ill on a couple of occasions and he was there to sort me out on each. He was kind, thoughtful and had a wonderful sense of humour. His knowledge of the area is absolutely outstanding.I feel I owe him so much - This man deserves a medal!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you are prepared for the cold. It was -25 at Base Camp and in a tent, you need to be prepared. We took our own sleeping bags which went down to -22 but these bags were in no way any comparison against the Exodus sleeping bags you can hire - we had these on a previous holiday and I sure wish we had them on this one!You do have to have mental stamina. We had 4 hard climbs on the trot - Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Kala Patthar and then Everest Base Camp. If you are not feeling well, you need mentally to have the strength to carry on. Having a good leader like we did, is a huge bonus also.

Reviewed February 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

The weather is always a risk factor, beware the extra costs, which could include a helicopter charter or an aborted or severely curtailed trip. Don't assume October will be fine – which it mostly is btw.

Most Inspirational Moment

Rounding a corner to see Ama Dablam and Everest for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very experienced guide, which was extremely important because of the events of our trip (cyclone Phailin in India caused snowfall and avalanches which placed us with tough decisions to make). Other groups with less experienced guides felt it necessary to tag along at one point. His English was not great but nowhere near as poor as he felt it to be.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have several hundred dollars worth of local currency, which is easy to get in Kathmandu. Take more than required if you can, especially if you have gadgets you want to charge regularly, cameras being the most common. It often costs 3 USD per hour per item to get charged. Water is expensive so a UV system and filter might save you money, although it costs time and up-front cost. Boiled water was barely cheaper than bottled, up to 5 USD per litre. I carried little water because we stopped for tea and lunch so liquid was available almost all the time. tea costs the same as water and tastes better (to me) - not carrying it made it taste even better! I used a (good) cell phone camera which required little charging and, most usefully, took along charging blocks (essentially large batteries with USB charging) so I didn't use any charging services. This paid for the charging blocks. I kept my kit bag below 10kg, difficult with my cheaper sleeping bag. Thus I didn't take some kit I would have liked to. However, many people on my trip seemed to think that the system was volume-based, using compression bags to cram amazing amounts of stuff into their bags. Many were at 13-15 kgs, only one kept below 10. The general vies was that it was ok "Because it is just a couple of USDs per kilo charged on the plane".Needless-to-say, this conveniently ignored the fact that the porters had to carry the bags. On previous trips, Peru for instance, each bag was weighed and rejected locally if the weight was too high, causing people to leave stuff behind or put it in their day bags. None of this happened to us, my bag was crushed and squashed to compensate for the unsquashable bag that it was carried with. This was mostly ok but it did break my shaver and cause things to get wetter when it snowed. On this last point, USE a waterproof kit bag or carefully put things in good plastic bags, the porters took the plastic covering for the kit bags and used it on themselves when the bad weather hit.If you get hungry more than most, take a lot of power bars or beef jerky to supplement meals, this will fill gaps and save a fortune, it often 20 USD per day to eat.

Reply from Exodus

We are pleased that Ivan enjoyed the scenery on this fantastic trek, but we are sorry that his group were affected by bad weather at the start of their trip. October is considered to be one of the best months to go trekking in Nepal, but weather conditions in the mountains are never wholly predictable. We have built buffer days into all our itineraries in the Everest region so that if weather conditions prevent flights from operating on the scheduled day we have the opportunity to fly on the buffer day. Very occasionally when bad weather persists and fixed wing flights are unable to operate on consecutive days, we may give groups the option to take helicopters to Lukla (should this happen during the 2014 trekking season Exodus will contribute half of the cost of the helicopters), but clients always have the option to wait for the next fixed wing flight. Treks sometimes have to be slightly altered or compressed, but we always endeavour to achieve the main goal of the trek (such as getting to Everest Base Camp) and we explain the possibility of this happening in the trip notes.

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