Exceeded all expectations - amazing trip and awesome service The trip to base camp is amazing. The visit to base camp and the Khumbu icefall was spectacular, and the following day we got perfect weather to do Kala Patthar. This is definitely worth the hike as it is by far the best views of Everest in the whole trip. Amazing
I had the pleasure of travelling to Annapurna Base Camp with guide Braith and porter Sundeep. It was such an experience. I was unfit, and so on the first day I was given the name 'steam train'. It was only towards the end of the trek that I didn't have to rely upon 'Aussie flat' to get my breath back. Otherwise, I huffed and puffed clean mountain air on the Annapurna Trail. At the teahouses for the overnight accomodation, Braith would always make sure that I got the best room. For dinner, he would review my meal choices, and either nod or shake his head overruling them to ensure that I avoided tummy problems. And tell me of the teahouse quirky features ("Charge your phone now as soon as the sun goes the power goes"). And he walked without making noise and without looking at the ground with his hands behind his back. I called him "the monk". The porter was even more vexed. Good looking and young, he would carry a huge load skipping along the trail and trying to find a wobbling rock so he would seesaw on it. Oh and he sang songs as well. And would hold me steady when I was seesawing at times. Reaching ABC was a milestone for me. And tough, I remember Braith showing me that morning where ABC was and thinking we will get there by lunch - it was about 9:30pm when I finally reached ABC. I had spinal fusion surgery for nearly 10 hours 1 months prior to that. From the possibility of not walking to scaling the ABC. Its pretty good.
One time in life adventure. It was my firs time trekking. I have minimal preparation. The journey was tough . However , it was safe and achievable goal. It was amazing experience . It should be in anyones bucket lists.