Annapurna Circuit trek Mountains Tours 2023/2024

“Such a wonderful experience! Landscape is stunning and diverse, changing according to the altitude. Treks are challenging and fun. Tea houses and lodges offer basic acomodation, food is abundant and spicy... and you get to experience native culture in Nepal”

“The trek was set up by Chattra. I had undertaken a knee replacement five and a half months before the trek and was a little anxious if I would manage ok (I had been training and was in good shape) - this was relayed to Chattra. We (Mary, Julie, Rob and Mike) were set up with two Porters (Vishnu and Kumar) and a guide (Nir). All arrangements for jeep/bus travel were arranged and paid for in advance. Our guide Nir was excellent. He spoke English well and was experienced and well respected wherever we went. He advised us to purchase spikes and gaiters due to snow at the pass, which proved invaluable. The walk was well paced, stopping for breaks regularly and Nir advised us what to eat and drink to avoid stomach upset. He constantly monitored us for Altitude Sickness, recording the information daily. We cleared over the Thorong La pass and encountered headaches and some nausea at the top, which cleared when we descended (it seemed everyone, not just in our group, was affected some how). As the trek circuit went on we made some adjustments to our days, to best make use of our time, and Nir facilitated this easliy with no fuss. Rob had one difficult day after we cleared the pass with flu like symptoms and fatigue. He soldiered on and Vishnu (our strong and quiet porter) stuck to him like glue to ensure he didn't stumble or fall when descending from Ghorepani. Rob was immensely grateful to Vishnu for this as he felt rotten at the time. We finished with two nights in Pokhara and one night in Kathmandu. Nir continued to advise us taking us to great local eateries and made sure we paid the right price. Each evening throughout the trek he briefed us in detail as to the arrangements ahead and told us stories of myth and legend, also of the socio-political structure of Nepal, with as impartial a view as he could. The team who shepherded us along the trail were first class. The trail itself was breathtaking with views that were both colossal and awe inspiring. The villages were from a time gone by and the food was simple and tasty. The sanitary arrangements were basic and would not be to everyone's liking. Some days were long and need a fair degree of fitness to manage. This trek is not for the faint hearted, but for those who can manage, the rewards are truly fantastic. My knee was not a problem throughout - no pain or swelling (thanks Dr Andrew Hodge).”

“This is my second time to Nepal, and I have to say that Bashu far and away the best guide I have ever had. His briefings every evening and the following morning were concise and clear, the pace he went at was very appropriate for the group (we were quite strong), while making sure that we didn't overexert to stave off the worst of the altitude. I contracted diarrhoea on the 2nd day and immediately he banned me from milk and meat, and kept me well until after we did the pass. He went so far as to compel me to use my sunglasses to prevent snow-blindness. There was another trekker who was by herself and she had contracted frostbite and Bashu attended to her immediately. On the route, he was able to advise when to take transport so avoid road walking (it was dry and there was a lot of dust). When we flew from Pokhara to Kathmandu, unlike other guides, Bashu came along and was able to mitigate the worst effects of the flight cancellations from the fog. The efficacy of his instruction was the envy of many of the other trekkers, who didn't hesitate to appeal to him. Bashu worked extremely well with the porter Suman, who really fulfilled the role of an assistant guide rather than a porter. His English was superb and he knew the itinerary and route like the back of his hand. I felt we were lucky to get the both of them but this could be part of the training that the Company has organized for their employees. Overall, this trip was worth every penny and I look forward to travelling with Bashu again!”