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Cycling trip:
Lhasa-Kathmandu:
Our trip was fantastic, albeit certainly a challenge particularly with the cold and the problems or lack of aclimatising we got to do. The local guides did a great job to get us visas. I have a friend (plus 2) from UK who tried to go with you guys but missed out, went with another company and they never got visas (just 3 days before us) so he's pretty frustrated. Ecotrek did a great job.
Tents - I thought they were great. Much bigger than I had expected. Some got a bit battered in a mini tornado that went through camp, but I think Loka realises this and I would expect they'll be repaired or replaced.
The food - I thought it was great. I think there is a problem getting enough protein in countries like Tibet and Nepal, and perhaps this should be pointed out to people when they're exercising so if they want to bring protein bars/powder etc they can. I'd stocked up on a few things so was ok. I think the idea of having meat is pretty next to impossible, though I guess tinned tuna etc might be ok (spoken like a true vegetarian!!!) The cooks were most obliging when we asked for changes etc which I think is pretty amazing given the facilities they cook with. I think some in the group wanted a full menu each night........never going to happen. Also think some people forget the effect on altitude on your appetite - probably more of an influence than the food really.
THe tibetan and nepalese support crew were brilliant. They were patient with the jeeps, and most obliging. I guess sometimes communication was an issue, but that's never going to change under the circumstances I don't think.
The frustrating things - I think a more detailed itinerary would help some people, and more idea of kms etc to camp. Particularly when people are tired, not acclimatised, and cold - it can help to know if it's 10km or 30kms more. Alvis one of the group had a GPS so hopefully he'll forward you details so it can be updated.
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Namaste Jyoti,
 We arrived home safely on Sunday morning to a warm reception from our families. No problems with luggage weight, even though Pepa's bag weighed 34 kilograms! You can tell Raju and she was still purchasing things at the Bangkok airport!
I've written a report for the benefit of those who have asked for feed-back, and to use when publicising future trips to Mustang. Your comments (corrections?) would be appreciated! Please pass this on to your staff members (particularly Raju and Rabi).
So far I have had a number of phone calls from Deon's group. They, too, had an amazing trip! All thanks to you...
Warm regards to all,
MALCOLM.
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Dear Malcolm,
We are back from our adventure, the memory of which will
live with us for the rest of our lives! It was far more
challenging than we anticipated, very very tough, but the
magnificent scenery, the camaraderie in our group, the wonderful
guides and sherpas, and the overall experience was worth
all the hardships we endured. We are slowly recovering,
it has taken its toll, and we both got chest infections
which did not help the breathing at 5300m!!! Anyway we managed
to reach Base Camp which is what our aim was, which we are
very proud and happy about. We did not do Kala Patar, just
too exhausted and broken, after the extremely tough trek
the day before to Base Camp (I don't think my knees would
have coped anyway). Padam was superb, his organisation skills,
his support and generally everything he did for us was exceptional,
we could not have had a better guide. His co-in-charge were
also great, Kagi and Depac, the cook, were absolutely fantastic...
All in all it was a fantastic trip, we really enjoyed it,
so thank you for all your time and trouble.
Kind regards,
Rose and Paul Cooke
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| Dear Jyoti,
First of all my warmest thanks to you and your team for
the outstanding service given to our three March/April Himalayan
groups. Everyone has returned to South Africa with memories
that will last a lifetime. Many have commented on how warm
and friendly the Nepalese people are, how welcome they were
made to feel, and what a beautiful country you have! Some
found the treks more difficult than expected, but were grateful
to the guides and helpers for their patience and encouragement.
Here is a typical letter:
Jim, USA
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Dear Mr. Jyoti,
Good day.
I am observing you for the past few years since my earlier
trip to Muktinath. The decisions you take are
not 'business like' decisions, but they always have a human
touch, which brings you more and more admirers like me.
This, I am sure, will automatically increase the business
volumes.
I am sure I will look forward to many more trips with you
and your team and recommend to our friends.
May your tribe increase!
With warm regards
Aswin K. J.
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Wow! what
a trip we had! Although the trekking was really really hard,
it was so amazing that I would not have wanted to miss it
for all the world. Thank you soooooooo much Malcolm for all
your hard work in planning and then executing such a special
trip. It must be one of the BEST I have ever done...
Carmen.
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Thank you for a wonderful,
wonderful trip! I can't express myself good enough in
English - but everything was just perfect! The flights,
itinerary, group, support team, hotels and the best of all
- your company and handling of every potential crisis quietly
and with grace (and that with a cold!) Your taking
care of every last detail, made it very stress-free and relaxing
for the group... Thank you again for organising everything
so well!
Regards,
Este
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With our wonderful trip just a
fond memory, I really would like to thank you for all your
organization and trouble to be an ever wonderful team leader
- leading us with love and kindness - always with our best
interest at heart. My photos really are stunning and I am
reliving some of the super moments. I enjoyed the group
members as if everybody were meant to be with this trip.
Your friend
FIA DE WET |
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Everywhere
we proclaim that the whole outing was fantastic, that it couldn't
have been better envisioned, and that it was perfectly executed.
Thank you and congratulations on every aspect!
Prof. Dons Kritzinger.
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We thoroughly
enjoyed every aspect and every moment of our time spent in
Nepal. With Annapurna fresh in our memories we are tempted
to say that this trek was even more exciting than the Everest
trail. Of course, our previous visit was an unbelievable experience,
which caused us to fall in love with the beautiful country.
But it was also perhaps because we knew how much more Nepal
has to offer that drew us into going again, and we appreciate
how much more informative this trek was compared to before.
As has been said repeatedly,
and has been emphasised while looking at the photographs –
the variety of terrain, scenery, and temperature was very
special. We especially enjoyed Rabi's extensive knowledge,
and felt we learnt so much about the culture, religion, and
the people that we weren’t even aware of before. We
found it very interesting learning about the different ethnic
groups and the detailed information the monasteries and surrounding
areas. Trekking through the many villages also added so much
warmth to the experience.
With regards to Ecotrek,
we can do nothing but rave about their wonderful support team,
and how unforgettable their joyful personalities make each
and every trek. Please extend our deepest thanks to Jyoti
as well. Given half a chance we won’t hesitate to go
to Nepal every year, but have decided to first see some other
places as well. Which leads us to the question of Peru. We
would love to find out more details about your 2008 Peru excursion.
Kind regards
Hester and Christelle
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WHAT A WONDERFUL
EXPERIENCE THAT WAS!!!
Thank you for your brilliant organisation,
which ensured that everything ran so smoothly and everyone
was able to enjoy the experience to the full! THANK YOU
for being such great company and making this wonderful
adventure so enjoyable in every way! What memories we all
have to treasure! I look forward to our reunion.
Love and very best wishes to all,
Sally
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