5 out of 5 ?. The coordination and experience from the World EX representatives was first class. Special mention to our Sherpa Guide, Padam. His modesty, knowledge and professionalism was a stand out. I couldnt recommend this trip enough to someone else who wants to experience Nepal.
Everest Base Camp Success! Our 10-day Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return was an experience of a lifetime! The itinerary was just right. It was a challenging adventure but not overwhelming. The acclimatization days were incredible, and the final hike to Kala Patthar for the best views of Mt Everest was the cherry on top of a very large and delicious sundae! Also, the ‘Everest Highway’ is something to be experienced firsthand.
Comfortable trek with beautiful scenery This is the third trek I've done in Nepal, the fourth in the Himalayas. I enjoyed the trek, found it easier than Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit and Ladakh- the Markha Valley. Yes, the numerous stone 'staircases' were a bit tough at the time, but very do-able and we were not rushed but had plenty of stops to catch breath and drink water. The tea-houses were OK (I always find the basic level of accommodation, especially the toilets & showers, also the rooms a tougher personal challenge than the actual walking) - the food they offered was OK (I didn't get sick!!), if a bit repetitive.
The scenery was beautiful - big mountain landscapes, valleys with rippling streams and waterfalls, small villages and families farming their terraces using water buffalos and wooden ploughs. Always, the high snowy peaks were in the background. Add to that the colourful rhododendron forests and tiny bamboo bridges. When we first arrived at the Annapurna Sanctuary, I was a bit disappointed as there was no snow on the ground....and muttered to my friend 'Oh no, just a load of old rocks!!', but then, as we arrived at ABC, it started snowing heavily...and snowed and snowed all afternoon. The next morning, we trekked back across the flattish section between ABC and MBC and it was stunning - a perfect 'winter wonderland' and everything i'd hoped for.
This trek reached a lower altitude than I had experienced on my previous Himalayan treks and I was fortunate not to experience any symptoms of altitude sickness at all (whereas I did have some (manageable) symptoms on the previous ones.
Sunrise at Poon Hill was also a delight. I'd experienced this once before when on the Annapurna Circuit, but, unfortunately, on that occasion, although we climbed the hill, there was no view to be had - it was all obscured by clound. However, on this occasion, Mother Nature decided to reward my persistence and we were greeted by beautiful views of the mountains.