TRAVELLER'S REVIEWS

We did this trip in spring and boy, did we love it! My wife and I are ardent hikers and we tend to take off to the mountains whenever we get a chance from our busy schedule. We had trekked through the Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Grand Canyon and the Chadar (River Zanskar) Trail. Bhutan had been in our bucket list for a long, long time. Initially we wanted to do the ‘Snowman’s Trek’ but when our Travel Consultant from Third Rock Adventures suggested this trek, we couldn’t say no. This trip combined a trek in the Annapurna Mountains with a trek in Bhutan. Since we could visit two countries in one go, we finally decided to book this trip. We rarely get to take long vacations and the option of combining two destinations in one trip appealed to us greatly. Moreover the Ghorepani Trek was also one of the treks that we wanted to do. Taking this trip was like killing two birds with one stone.

It was raining when we arrived in Kathmandu. But thankfully the weather cleared when we began trekking. The first day’s walk to Ulleri was kinda tough. Those were never-ending killer steps! This was the only tough portion; the rest of the trek was easy. The rains cleared up the sky and we were presented with some outstanding Himalayan views. It was humbling to stand so close to these great mountains! At Banthanti, a villager whom we befriended on the way invited us to his home to taste a dish made of local frog. Amy declined, but I gladly tried it. It tasted like chicken. Kathmandu was chaotic and we were glad to leave it behind. The flight to Paro was almost surreal. The Himalayan range towered above white wispy clouds and I went crazy clicking on my camera. I felt as if nature was giving us a big hug when we arrived in Bhutan. There is so much of greenery around that you automatically feel soothed and restful. Though tougher than the Annapurna Ghorepani Trek, the Druk Path Trek left us with a feeling of achievement. Some portions were challenging and we struggled especially when the weather turned inclement. It was a good thing that we had packed our rainproof gear. Through those brief spells off spring showers, we were able to keep ourselves dry. The kitchen crew and our guide kept us entertained and well-fed. Their humor and good cheer kept us in good spirits and helped us ignore the harsh weather.

All in all we had a great trip. Thank you so much to the team at Third Rock Adventures for planning our trip and introducing us to Bhutan. We have completely fallen in love with this country and we sure will be back for more adventures! This trip as well as this agency is highly recommended!

We went trekking to the famous Poon Hill and Gorepani. Early mornings were awesome to click pictures of mountains but it couldn’t do justice to what I saw in front of me. The incredible views of Annapurna range is worth all the pain. We walked with a head torch in the darkness and saw an amazing sunrise. Enjoyed the spectacular views with a cup of hot chocolate; was pleasantly to surprise to see a shop selling hot beverages in the vantage point of sunrise. You really got to do this trek to understand what I am saying. Can’t stop gushing about the beautiful Himalayas and the experience.

As a child, I used to go hiking with my father and years later upon hiking with my office colleague I realized how much I love it. Ever since that, I made a conscious effort to go on trekking holidays and this time it was Annapurna Base Camp. The serenity of the mountains has a calming effect on me. Trekking peacefully amidst lush hills, meandering river marveling at the diverse landscape, rich mountain culture and tradition. We had cloudy, rainy and sunny days; experienced all. I have seen best sunrises during this trek so I doubt if I would like anything less than that! Awesome and Unforgettable experience. There is a big question if you should take a guide and potter. Personally, I like to bask in the beauty of the region and let someone take care of food and accommodation. Also, anything can go wrong in the mountains so I believe the guide is for those difficult days! Health and safety come first.

I was so invested in building my career that I had not taken a vacation for almost three years. Working for a real estate firm in Wall Street without a break left me burnt out and struggling with insomnia. That’s when my family and physician told me strongly that it’s high time I took a break. With no fixed destinations in mind I trawled the internet looking for inspiration. I randomly chose a few tours and treks and sent a few enquiries. The first reply that I received was from Third Rock Adventures. I had enquired about their Everest Base Camp Trek and they sent me a detailed response. They explained clearly about the physical and mental challenges that I would face on the mountains and how I should train my body before taking this trip. They also offered a couple of easy options (treks). But after reading the experiences and watching vlogs of those who had done this trek, I decided I wanted to do this particular trek. Though I had sent enquiries to some international travel companies too, I finally went with Third Rock because they sounded sincere and genuinely seemed to care about what I wanted.

Getting to Everest Base Camp, I tell you was not easy. But it was worth all the sweat and physical hardships. It was worth flying thousands of miles to do it. It sounds clichéd but the mountains are really beautiful. The trek brought me close to nature and reminded me about the beauty of small things; like how comforting it is to feel the breeze and sit under the shade of a tree on a hot day. I would say the highlight of my trip was not reaching EBC but the journey itself, the people I met on the way and the places we crossed. The contentment and happiness of the local people that I met on the trail has made me revaluate my life goals. Thanks to Third Rock Adventures for organizing this inspirational trip for me. A shout out to Deepack and Giri too, my guide and porter on the trial without whose support and encouragement I wouldn’t have made it to base camp. A five star to this company and its people!

Everest Base Camp trek was once in a lifetime experience. The trek wasn’t easy but the spectacular views made it a rewarding trip. The view of Everest from Kalapatthar was overwhelming. We were blessed to have a pretty much decent weather. It was nice to have someone handle all the logistics and I could just enjoy the trek and soak into the beauty of the region. Thank you to the team of Third Rock Adventures for making my trip memorable.

I wanted a wholesome experience of adventure activities in Nepal so I felt this itinerary was apt for me. Tresuli was a few hours drive from Kathamndu where we had a wonderful time rafting. As a novice in the rapids it was thrilling and exuberant. Pokhara is an incredible place to do paragliding on a good day. The hike showed me the village side of Nepal which I only heard. Amazingly warm and nice people. I had an awesome time with my pilot definitely try other things on my next trip to Pokhara. I enjoyed the jungles of Chitwan and elephant bathing but sadly we couldn’t spot the tiger. Can’t gush enough about the hospitality of locals of Chitwan; their dance made me join them as well. I had a fulfilling experience of multi day adventures in Nepal I couldn’t do bungee this time but will be back to try it!

What a wonderful trip to Bhutan couldn’t have asked for more. It is a different world in itself. Abundance of natural beauty lives Bhutanese and happiness is given a priority. Buddhism is found in every aspect of Bhutan and they treasure their culture and tradition. The dzongs are an architectural marvel. Traditional dresses aren’t worn just to show tourist! A visit to Bhutan isn’t enough so will definitely be returning for longer period.

During my research on this trek there were instances where people faced difficulty with an inexperienced guide which was my number 1 concern. Third Rock Adventures were prompt with their email and also they gave me with their phone number. I called and as we talked I became certain that I will do the Manaslu circuit trek with the company. They assured me that the trip would be as they have promised. I am glad that I did the trek with them and could not have asked more. I was least worried and enjoying the trek more. It was worth all the pain, difficulties and mild Acute Mountain Sickness. Alluring mountains, challenging trail, cultural diversity, unhampered Tibetian culture and solitary.

The trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. We were blessed to have a good weather on our scenic chopper flight back from Everest. The thrilling helicopter ride was awesome!!! Except food in tea houses during the trek I enjoyed everything. Nevertheless, Kathmandu has good restaurants. From the moment we (me and my partner) arrived, we were taken good care and their team was very attentive to our needs. We were briefed well and our questions were duly answered too. Everything was well organized.

The green lush hills and high mountains feel just out of an adventure tale. The beauty of snow-capped mountains and its cool breezes can only be experienced not described. Walking on the trail lined with colorful rhododendron was mesmerizing. Waking up to the mountains was a dream come true. Most of the elements were magical for me. I only expected to enjoy the nature but I was pleasantly surprised by the pastries I ate there; it was yummy. Watching yak grazing on the pastures was wonderful.

Having already done Everest Base Camp trek this time we went for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Manaslu circuit trek was lovely and fantastic. We trekked to the beautiful and eight highest mountain in the world. It has all the elements of a classic trek but is less trekked so solitary was fun! Since we were trekking in spring we saw rhododendron blooms along the trail; it was wonderful. We got a bit of snow which added a bit difficulty in the trek. I must say we had fairly decent weather. All the lads did an amazing job. Our guide was familiar with the trail so we could enjoy more and worry less.

Me and my wife are in mid 40’s with reasonable fitness. This anniversary we wanted to enjoy the Himalayas but were looking for something easy so we choose Gorepani Pun Hill trek. We had good weather at the start of the trek but the night before our Pun Hill sunrise there was rainfall with thunder. It was worrisome! Next day the clouds had cleared and there was a bright blue sky. Our hopes were high. After a walk of around an hour, we reached the vantage point. Himalayan ranges were breathtaking and the sight of sunrise was too beautiful to describe in words.

It’s undoubtedly challenging but exceedingly rewarding. Good combination of dramatically high mountains and rural villages of Nepal. The trek leading to Thorangla pass is a memory for a lifetime. Crossing high pass over 5000 meters is more of a personal accomplishment for me. Glad to make it with mild Acute Mountain Sickness. My first 2-weeks long trek in the Himalayas and felt like my training in gym and day hike in weekends back home helped me a lot.

Being a Buddhist I always wanted to go on a pilgrimage tour of Nepal and Bhutan. Me and my mom started this tour with Swoyambhu and Bouddhanath and then went to the birth place of Gautam Buddha, Lumbini of Nepal. Lumbini overwhelmed me - experience one of a kind difficult to describe in words. We had an amazing flight to Bhutan. Sunrise and the hike to Tastang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest with chilly breeze- pure bliss. Enjoyed the visit to other iconic places like King’s Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong and others. All in all well planned and organized trip.

Just came back from an amazing Manaslu Circuit Trek. It’s my first trek in the wilderness of Nepal with friends and I had a blast. With old friends walking and talking like old days without smartphones. The trek is definitely challenging. We started the trek from Gorkha which was the epicentre of earthquake 2015. People are rebuilding and coping. Enjoyed the panoramic vista of mountains in the acclimatization day in Sama Gao. Lake Biraindra is beautiful. Crossing the pass over 5000 metres was rewarding. Taking home many good memories…. 

Bhutan is a place where happiness is given priority. Tradition and culture aren’t simply followed but celebrated. Nature remains un-spoilt and isn’t overcrowded with tourist. In today’s time, when being busy is in trend and social media shows ‘how happening is your life?’. You see these people happy in small things of life; people, culture, and nature really impacted me. The cultural heritages of Nepal are fascinating and their craftsmanship is amazing. A few kilometers from the hustle and bustle of the city you feel like you are in a different palace. A stunning sunrise from Nagarkot and we hiked too. Warm hospitality. Overall an awesome experience.

The beautiful mountains, hill, Nepalese villages and its culture make the long walk feel short. Climbing the never ending steps to Ulleri is the only excruciating part of the trek. Rest of the trek is comparatively far easier. The chilly breeze as you trek to higher elevation was wonderful. We saw a beautiful sunrise over the snowcapped mountains. It’s one of the best I have seen till date and worth the entire climb.

I had wonderful time exploring the scenic trail of Langtang area and the Tamang culture. Trek was challenging but was worth the scenery. Cherish my time in Kyangin Gompa; warm, welcoming locals and scenic vistas. People faced life-threating earthquake, survived and coping well. Also trekking routes are in good conditions and tea houses are rebuilt. Let’s help those in need by trekking in this beautiful region. Exploring Langtang National park was fun!

Since I couldn’t decide either to trek to Everest Base Camp or take a helicopter tour I decided to do both. Once in a lifetime opportunity of trekking amidst the majestic mountains. The trek was strenuous but rewarding as well. The sight of Everest from Kalapatar is breathtaking! The helicopter ride was out of this world- flying so so so close to mountains was a dream come true…. The amphitheater of high mountains, kumbu glacier is overwhelming. Felt lucky to have safely arrived and departed from one of the dangerous airports in the world, Lukla. Sad part: The menus in the mountains have pizzas and pasta but with a Nepali TWIST. Of course, I didn’t expect this so was completely surprised with the food. I had a mild altitude sickness with headache so I didn’t enjoy food much as others did.