It was my first trek with Lyn Taylor and her amazing team, there is no way I would take another Nepal experience with anyone else. Nepal gives itself to you, but Lyn allows you to be someone when you are there. S...he and the team were superb in looking after us helping us to achieve where we felt trepidation, feel comfortable with who we are in a very different environment. Thank you all so much. PS the company was great too!Pauline Sydney

Sometimes we start a journey where we don't know if we are good enough, or if it is going to be worth it, and then, beyond our wildest dreams, the experience is so totally successful, inspiring and fulfilling, it leaves a mark on our hearts that lasts until our world's end.

This is the gift that you and your outstanding team have just given me. Thank you.

I know I had to play my part too; to commit to the trek and to complete the journey.  However, there is absolute no doubt that without your leadership and 20+ years experience and knowledge of Nepal plus the strength, resourcefulness, care, happiness and willingness of your team, I experienced and enjoyed far more than I ever expected or imagined.

Finally,  I have a  word of warning to anyone who is contemplating trekking in the Himalaya's - Be careful! It's addictive!

Thank you once again

With Bhutan being an unknown I figured it would be much the same as Nepal where I've visited in the past. It proved to be so and I wasn't disappointed. I get off on mountains so I was "in heaven" so to speak. Our arrival flight up the valley's with the Himalaya's to the left and the pilots comments set the scene.

The people were warm and friendly although shy and it took a smile and/or a wave to light them up. Staff at our accommodation were just lovely and so obliging even though we had them on the run re cold beer, warm plates and cooked toast. These three subjects in the end provided a deal of entertainment. The food proved interesting to say the least and their dish of cooked fern and cheese a hit. May have to sneak into the ferns on the coast and get Jan to perfect it. Overall though the food was pretty dammed good and I became used to not too much meat with the chicken bones ! 

Coming from the south of New Zealand I can see how hydro fits so well for them - raging rivers and deep gorges. Some of the valleys we passed thru were quite a site for the eyes especially with the terracing and small plot farming. Having retired from the cattle industry here both Paul and myself couldn't help but be amazed at the condition of their cows - poor to say the least but, they survive ! Our farm stay in the Phobjika valley was excellent. We walked in the village, conversed and laughed with the locals especially three young female teachers we met in the local store. Also, the school visit we made was emotional for me.

All those smiling little faces that lit up when the small gifts we'd taken were distributed was a sheer delight. As one of the teachers said to me "some of the families are so very poor"

As Jan told you I didn't venture further than the cafe on the trip to the Tigers Nest. The thought of nearly 800 steps didn't do it for my knee and I was happy to admire it from across the ravine and what a sight it is. How some of these buildings were built, when they were built, their locations and still be solid as a rock is a marvel. We westerners could learn a lot me feels.

On the negative side Lyn, one couldn't help but notice the litter, not just in the urban areas but rural as well. It was just everywhere unfortunately and you'd think will need to be addressed in some way to encourage at the least the impression tourists take home.

Roads were interesting to say the least, terrible to be honest and if I was in business in Bhutan it would be in suspension parts and tyres ! We had "great fun" looking over the edge of many a ravine and as Paul said "it wasn't sparrows flying out our @#$%& it was eagles" !!!  The vehicle was less than suitable but we prevailed and survived. Kerma and Sonham did really well and Kerma in particular must have wondered at times what he had let himself in for with these two colonials. He was fluent in a bit of slang by the time we left as well ! Enough said.

Besides the couple of negatives Lyn, it was an enlightening trip to a beautiful place and will provide lasting memories which I'll need given Jan's hiccup with the camera. Thanks for your input to it's success. It will be discussed at lenght in times to come not only with Paul and Cath but friends and family as well.

The trip was wonderful thanks! As my second time back to Nepal I am now completely hooked & in love with the place (as I'm sure you can relate to!) and can't wait to get back again!

The change of plans obviously could not be helped, and it was a disappointment at first, but we had a lovely trek to ABC in the end. There was quite a bit of snow around which made for some stunning days walking through the snow - and also some difficult days walking down ice etc but overall it was great!

TB, as you would know, is the best guide anyone could ever wish for!! He was not only a fantastic guide with wonderful local knowledge, who could organise anything for us with a 5 sec phone call but also became a very good friend to us all very quickly :)

Accommodation was very good. I think we all found Hotel Nirvana very nice. The included breakfasts were delicious & the staff were always available & helpful. We often left bags there & utilised the safe with no problems. A few rooms didn't have hot water some nights, but that's fairly standard - can't have everything in KTM! Hotel Stupa in Pokhara was also nice. Nice rooms & hot water. As for accomodation along the trail, TB always found us a nice lodge with decent rooms, good food & hot showers when possible.

Transfers mainly involved bus/car trips to & from KTM dom airport, which TB organised for us very efficiently.          I'm not sure if you can count TB's wild mountain bike tours through KTM as transfers - but they certainly were an experience! Lots of fun & we all made it back in one piece!

Hugh & I also took a car from Pokhara to Chitwan - that was a nice quick trip & we were happy with that.
RonJon looked after us well at Chitwan (although I do believe it was TB who procured us the nice room with the balcony!) But we had a lovely time there & saw lots of Rhinos & other wildlife!

Hi Lyn
I will definately be doing another trip with you within the next year or so, I very much enjoyed my
time in Nepal and will be recommending it to everyone I know - Glenyce WA.