Travelled in April as a family of four. It was our first visit to Nepal and I booked the Langtang Valley View trek via Bookmundi as it suited our abilities and timescales. Mr Shiva was helpful and pleasant, he kept in touch with us from the date of booking and during our time in Nepal. The trek itself was challenging, ascending 2000m in the first few days. We saw eagles and monkeys, the landscape changing from forests with pretty rhododendron trees to open pastures with the magnificent peaks coming into view. It was very moving to see the devastation created by the earthquake two years ago, however the locals are rebuilding their lives and the route and facilities are very much open for business. We met some great people...trekkers, locals and of course our own group. Our porters, Krishna, Nima and Bikash were hard-working and good fun. The biggest shout out goes to our wonderful guide Prakash, for his professionalism, care and attention...he barely let us out of his sight. I would not hesitate to recommend the tour operator, Prakash in particular. They were part of a truly unforgettable personal experience...I hope to return to the Himalayas sometime soon. Top tips: If you can afford to, upgrade to a private jeep for the long and arduous journey to Syabrubesi. Budget and take enough rupees to last you the trek, remembering drinks and snacks get pricier the higher you go.
This is an amazing trip. We went from April 8 to the 20th, and the weather was almost perfect. Had clear skies and saw the summit. It challenges you physically and mentally, but it is absolutely worth it. The prep training is important and pays off. Have an adequate gear makes a big difference. However, there is a weight limitation on the flight from Katmandu to Lukla and for the potters, So do pack the essentials and not more. Otherwise you will have to leave things in Katmandu. Most of us didnt take a shower for 6/7 days from Namche back to Namche, so bring with you large wipes. They are really useful. It is cold in the tea houses. They are not well insulated, and you can feel the cold air coming through the windows and door. I had a rated 0 sleeping bag and a liner and that was good, although my face got cold.
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! :)