unforgettable and incredible journey

My partner and I had an unforgettable and incredible journey through the Annapurna Circuit with Ametreks thanks to our fanastic guide Raju, and our porters Ranjan and Tikka. 

Despite a couple of administrative hiccups (like us telling them the wrong arrival time in Kathmandu, which left us having to grab a taxi instead of being picked up by someone from AME) our trip was fantastic. We had an incredible welcome dinner and a very informative Kathmandu City tour through world UNESCO sites which provided us with great orientation and introduction to the Nepali culture and beliefs. We were then introduced to our trekking guide, Raju and other group members. Raju adjusted our itinerary to accommodate our group's desires to visit Tilicho Lake, and assured and guided us through it all of our hike. We opted to stay a couple of extra days in Pokhara which Tika and Raju organised for us with no problem. Having accomodation, tranport and transfers organised for us was so nice for a holiday. 

I cannot commend our guide, Raju, enough. He not only adapted our trek to suit everyone's hiking abilities and desires in our group, but he is meticulous when it comes to organisation, care and knowledge. His English is impeccable compared to some of the other guides we encountered on the the trek and he could answer each and every one of our questions from how high a distance mountain peak was, to what a certain plant is and how to say certain things in Nepali. He would often point our things on route that we would have missed if he hadn't, things like blue sheep camouflaged on the mountain and villagers performing rice harvesting festivals. Raju seemed to know exactly how much guidance and how much autonomy to leave us and was always willing to check in and help us with any of our concerns with a smile. Because our group's ability varied with some people hiking off a lot faster than others, Raju would let us hike a long way off in front or behind him to take photos or whatnot, but always had an eye on us at the same time and gave us hand signals to let us know when we were ok, or when should regroup. Raju also checked in on us as we got to altitude and made sure we were all acclimatizing well. We had no troubles with altitude at all! I honestly hope any future hikes I do will be with a guide that is even a fraction as experienced and thoughtful as Raju. 

Having changed our itinerary to meet what we wanted, Raju also had to consolidate and organise further transport for us, which he did keeping within everyone's desires and budgets. He was always polite and reliable but also fun and friendly, and always let you know when there's need for concern or extra care. 

Our porters Tikka and Ranjan were also amazing and always greeted us with a smile and said goodnight to us at the end of a day. These guys were happy to share a table with us at our bequest, teach us common phrases in Nepali or speak Nepali on behalf of us to locals and even teach us about local customs and games.

I think the most important exchange I got out of this trip was the attitudes of our guide Raju and porters Ranjan and Tikka, who never made it feel like they were just paid guides and porters, but were friends like brothers who were guiding and travelling with us. They share stories about their families and about past treks they did, which was so touching and invaluable. The mountains and scenery were amazing for sure, there is nothing like it, but these guys really made this trip for me. For this I am most appreciative and grateful because I'm sure I could do the same trek a handful of times without feeling like I really connected with the place and people. I hope I get to stay in touch with these guys and their futures are safe, free and happy. 

Thank you Ametreks so much

ssixunderground AUSTRALIA Annapurna Circuit Trek