In March 2016 we fulfilled a dream: a trekking tour in Nepal. After intensive research and a final detailed consultation with geoDiscovery Tours, we decided on the tour to the Annapurna Base Camp. A decisive factor for the booking was also that there was no minimum number of participants, so the tour was guaranteed from the start, which also made the planning of our follow-on programme easier.
When we were picked up from the airport, at the subsequent dinner and on the sightseeing tour through Kathmandu the next day, our guide Nava was already there to get to know us. Together we flew to Pokhara and then drove to Nayapul, the starting point of the tour.
Then followed ten wonderful days! By our guide and our porter Kanta we were simply outstandingly looked after, and communication was no problem (although we only refresh our school English once a year on holiday). The trekking tour led through the most varied landscapes with magnificent views of the mountains, so that we had to stop again and again to enjoy these moments. The path led through blossoming rhododendron and bamboo forests, through jungle and gorges, past rivers and rock formations and over suspension bridges.
It was already a highlight to experience the sunrise at Poon Hill. But particularly outstanding was the Annapurna Base Camp, the actual destination of our tour. Clouds did move in rather quickly, but despite the only short time we had to look around, we were utterly delighted! Here the mountains really were within touching distance.
As ambitious runners, managing the tour was no problem for us. It was strenuous, but on some days we even extended the daily stages and in the end had time for an additional stretch that hadn’t been planned before. The altitude, which we had had some respect for beforehand, didn’t cause us any difficulties either. We got used to the simple life during the tour quite quickly.
The food was very good, the accommodation was simple but okay (although it did get quite cold at times). Most of the time we could also shower, only not up in the mountains. The weather could have been a bit better. In the mornings the sun always shone, it was warm and the view was outstanding. At first it only clouded over in the late afternoon, but then the clouds came a bit earlier every day, it also got cooler and on three days it rained in the afternoon and evening. But that didn’t really bother us either. On the numerous ascents it was more pleasant than if we had had constant bright sunshine.
Above all, we enjoyed the tranquillity and pure nature!
In conclusion, this trekking tour was one of our most beautiful experiences!! Should we ever plan another trekking tour to Nepal, we will travel with geoDiscovery again, because everything was simply right.
F. and M. Joachims from Germany – March 2016
(Proud Annapurna Base Camp conquerors)
Annapurna Base Camp Trek