Things to do in Earthbound Expeditions Reviews (Kathmandu, Nepal)

Amazing Nepal Trek by Earthbound Expeditions

Champaign, Illinois

December 20, 2012

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Best of IgoUgo There is a poem by Robert Frost about taking the road less traveled and how it made all the difference. To me, the trip to Nepal was my "road less traveled". So often these days tours are on buses. You see the world but you don't get to touch it or ...Read more There is a poem by Robert Frost about taking the road less traveled and how it made all the difference. To me, the trip to Nepal was my "road less traveled". So often these days tours are on buses. You see the world but you don't get to touch it or to interact with it. My recent Earthbound Expedition trip was nothing like that.

There were 18 of us in the group from different parts of the world. Our trip was arranged by Earthbound Expeditions. It was for 10 days and included yoga, meditation, and 5 days of trekking in the Annapurna region (specifically, the Ghorepani Loop) and a few days in Pokhara and Kathmandu. The treks were about 6-8 hours a day (depends how fast you go), with tea stops (loved the teas!) and lunch breaks (loved the momos and dhal bhat!). You have to be pretty fit to be able to climb uphill and downhill (which was harder) all day long. You also have to be humble enough to rest, take it slow and admit that you're not in a race with anyone. If you have any kind of knee pain, be sure to bring your prescription anti-inflammatory meds. Wear thick hiking socks (I used Thorlo and SmartWool) and learn to tie your hiking boots properly so your toes don't hurt on the downhill. But most of all, you must remember to look up and around you and take photos. The tendency is to keep watching the trail since the path is uneven. If you don't stop and look you will miss the forests and the mountains. Also, look back at where you came from. It's a great feeling to see how far you've trekked.

We trekked so high it sometimes felt like we were in the clouds. Snow-covered mountain peaks, terraces, blue sky, forests, waterfalls, hanging bridges, and prayer flags blowing in the wind! Although Poon Hill was definitely a highlight, the whole trip itself brought wonderful experiences every day. I shared stories with people from Singapore, Spain, China, Australia, UK, Germany, Sweden, etc. along the trails. Everyday I was greeted "Namaste" by locals carrying hay, by mothers carrying a baby on their back, or porters carrying luggage on their forehead(!). It was an unforgettable experience.

Listen to Rajan's advice. I appreciated his honesty when he said to manage our expectations. The accommodations were bare (but clean) and the walls were thin. Hot showers were hard to come by (and bathrooms had no hooks for towels and such). But there was Everest beer and even good wine in some places. There was no electricity in one of the lodges (use your headlamp). Yet it was those experiences that made the trip matter (so many great stories to tell!). Besides, what is 5 days? Despite having now returned to the luxuries of a western lifestyle, I miss Nepal! I especially appreciate and thank our team of porters and guide (Shree, Debendra, Dambar, Padam, Dhan, etc.). I wish I had gotten to know each of them more.

Thank you to Earthbound Expedition for giving me a chance to have this unforgettable experience (pilgrimage you could say). I look forward to visiting Nepal again in the future. And I will definitely go with Earthbound Expedition again. Close

Excellent service and great value for money!

by Amanda J

Romsey, England, United Kingdom

December 20, 2012

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From our first enquiry, Rajan at Earthbound Expeditions was nothing but helpful, responding to emails promptly and advising on an itinerary for us. From the minute we arrived in Nepal we were well taken care of – we were picked up then settled into ...Read more From our first enquiry, Rajan at Earthbound Expeditions was nothing but helpful, responding to emails promptly and advising on an itinerary for us. From the minute we arrived in Nepal we were well taken care of – we were picked up then settled into the Thamel EcoResort, where all the staff were helpful and friendly and they put on a great breakfast buffet!

We started off on the Poonhill Trek which was beautiful and our guide Gopal was brilliant, making sure we had the rooms with the best views, advising on the best eating and drinking options – all around attentive from start to finish. He was also incredibly caring always checking we were okay and even helping us down some of the steep and icy paths! As two women travelling alone, he made us feel very much at ease and we would not hesitate in recommending him to other women travellers.

For the second part of our trip we had intended to go to the Everest region but unfortunately on the morning we were due to fly to Lukla we had to change our plans as my mum was experiencing some symptoms of altitude sickness from our first trek. Even though it was such short notice Rajan was able to change our flights to the following day to allow another rest day in Kathmandu and the chance to go to the doctors. In the end she was advised not to return to altitude, so Rajan cancelled the flight and rebooked us onto a Mountain Flight so we would still get the chance to see Everest. Rajan and Gopal then came up with a new trek for us to do in the Kathmandu Valley. Once again Gopal catered to our every need on this beautiful trek through traditional countryside with wonderful panoramic views of the mountains, and unlike the Annapurna trek we hardly encountered any other tourists which was great!

We were so impressed with Earthbound Expeditions and the way nothing was ever too much trouble, Rajan completely rearranged our itinerary at short notice and for no extra cost – he even accompanied us to dinner on our final night! I cannot speak more highly of Rajan and the excellent way he treats his customers - please do not hesitate to book a trip with Earthbound Expeditions!

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Excellent, friendly & professional

by sallytravelfan

London, England

February 19, 2012

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We first found Earthbound Expeditions at a travel show in London. I had previously travelled to Nepal independently, and also trekking with a UK based trekking company, and was looking for someone to organise our next trip. Earthbound's ...Read more We first found Earthbound Expeditions at a travel show in London. I had previously travelled to Nepal independently, and also trekking with a UK based trekking company, and was looking for someone to organise our next trip. Earthbound's representative in London, Badri, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and was able to offer an itinerary at a much lower cost than UK-based companys, since Earthbound just do not have the same overheads as a UK company. Also, with Earthbound, it is very satisfying to know that your money is going directly to a Nepali business.

Before our trek we met with Badri in London several times to plan our itinerary, and also had email contact with Rajan, who lives in Kathmandu and heads up Earthbound. Both are very professional and helpful. Upon arrival in Nepal we were welcomed like old friends, Rajan looked after us extremely well, everything was taken care of, we could trust him and everyone at Earthbound completely. Our trek went very well, we had a wonderful porter Hari, and an excellent guide Thakur. We were trekking in the Everest region, up to Namche and Tengboche, taking our time and lots of photos! (we had done base camp before, and wanted an easier trek this time!).

After the trek, Rajan arranged a couple of days for us in Pokhara (and was able to change the plans at the last minute so we could spend an extra day there - Rajan can arrange anything!), and we finished off by staying in Thamel Eco Resort in Kathmandu - a new hotel part-owned by Rajan. It is an excellent, comfortable and clean hotel, all brand new, in the heart of Thamel - a great place!

I highly recommend Earthbound Expeditions, whether you want a trek or a tour or both, or just a sightseeing day. They can organise anything, and it all comes with a smile and Nepali hospitality. I really hope to return again to Nepal one day, and when I do, Earthbound will be organising my trip! Close

Professional and honest service!

by longbeachtravelfan

Los Angeles County, California

February 10, 2012

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My group of 12 has used the service of Earthbound Expeditions Nepal twice and only has praise for the service we received. We toured India and Nepal the first time in 2007 ,then Nepal and Bhutan in 2009.The guides were knowlegeable,educated and ...Read more

Best tour company in Nepal

by bethyann

London, England, United Kingdom

February 9, 2012

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I have been to Nepal twice with Earthbound Expeditions. On both occasions i found Rajan (manager) and all other employees of Earthbound friendly, helpful and a joy to spend time with. The first time i did a 'package' holiday for 2 weeks which ...Read more

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Amazing Nepal Trek by Earthbound Expeditions

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Amazing Nepal Trek by Earthbound Expeditions

Excellent service and great value for money!

Excellent, friendly & professional

Professional and honest service!

Best tour company in Nepal