Annapurna Base Camp in Style reviews
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
A wonderful trip. Although we love to travel, we would not have considered organising an experience like this for ourselves. We saw so much, learned so much and enjoyed the whole adventure from start to finish. Our guide, Nemgel Sherpa, was very knowledgeable and added so much to our enjoyment, as well as being constantly cheerful and helpful, as were all our four porters.
We booked the ABC luxury lodges - a private tour. On day 3 it became apparent that the area was at risk to avalanches and we were advised to change our trek. We were happy to do this and take our guide's advice, so we ventured to another area - unfortunately due to ice on the ridge we again had to make a decision to re think our plans. We agreed that we would like to see more of the villages, Nepal way of life, so we ventured lower - some quite tough walking still, but through forests and villages. The original plan went our the window but we had an amazing, wonderful trip. Our guide's knowledge meant we saw ladies making butter from the Water Buffalo milk, we tasted Millet Liquor, we rescued a tired Buffalo, held baby goats, chatted to locals and children, and saw the most spectacular scenery both mountainous and farming and village life. - Absolutely wonderful
Our holiday was one of those experiences that we will not forget and we made friends that we have have stayed in touch with after our return. We had unseasonal snow that made the trek more challenging and added an element of risk. The guides and porters were superb and nothing was too much trouble. The tea houses were more basic than we expected and the food was OK. It was great coming back to Dwarika's at the end for a touch of luxury. We added the Bhutan extension which was absolutely superb. The scenery and monuments were superb and we had a great guide. A very good addition to the ABC in style.
Excellent
It was an adventure. We did not expect so much snow and ice and felt a bit unequipped. Leader and porters were brilliant. Tea houses would have been so much better with a heater in the dining room, and hot showers were in very short supply even at someofthe lodges. In style was mostly the hotels
We opted for a mid December start for our private trek to Annapurna Base Camp, so well beyond the peak trekking season. What a good choice this turned out to be! We understand that the paths, though certainly not deserted, were much quieter than in peak season. The tea houses and lodges were also quiet, enabling us to soak up the atmosphere and environment in relative peace and quiet. Our initial concerns about the cold did not materialise, partly because it was sunny virtually every day and also because the equipment provided by Mountain Kingdoms (sleeping bag and inner, down jacket, soft pillows and hot water bottle) were all good quality and warming. With the thick blankets provided at each location and wearing our thermal underwear/thick socks at night at higher altitudes, the danger was being too hot at night rather than too cold. The itinerary is excellent and enables plenty of time to be spent at the lodges and tea houses on arrival, soaking up the atmosphere and views. This was aided by it being a private journey as we could go at our own pace each day. This is not a difficult trek because the paths are extremely well maintained with much of the route being on slate/smooth rock. Accommodations were good, including the tea houses and the food was plentiful to keep us trekking.
This was my second Mountain Kingdoms travel. It met my expectations again. I could only recommend it.
This is a tough trek with many steep climbs and descents, but thoroughly enjoyable. Having done the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, I feel that this trek brings you closer to the giant, snow-capped mountains than any other trek. The ABC is like a bowl surrounded by soaring mountains all around (360 degrees), including South Annapurna and Annapurna I which is above 8,000 m. The whole panorama is breathtaking. On the way to the top, you walk through terraced farms and villages which provide an eye opener about rural life in Nepal. Farming methods there reminded me of those in Southern European countries 70-80 years ago. You also walk through amazing forests with a variety of trees, birds and monkeys, as well as through deep valleys with glacier rivers (that is one of the reasons for the numerous steep climbs and descents). And of course the views both on the way up and the way down are really spectacular.
We had a tremendously enjoyable holiday and your hard work on the pre-trip extension paid off very well indeed. The trekking was great. The group gelled really well and the local sirdar and his team were brilliant. Dwarika’s Hotel was superb, and wonderful mountain scenery.
Having travelled with Mountain Kingdoms several times previously, we felt confident that we would be well looked after. The trek crew were very supportive and great fun to be with.
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