Testimonial

In anticipation of doing a trek in Ladakh that emphasized the mountains, culture, and wildness, I was given Adventure Travel Mark's name by an old mountaineering friend. I contacted Sonam Dawa, and he outlined a agenda for me that was appropriate to the season of the year and to my experience. I've been on numerous Himalayan expeditions, am reasonably fit, and am a long-time mountaineer, but I'm 69-years-old, and I was concerned that the trek would either be too soft or - of greater concern - too hard.

It was just right. Three weeks and many Ladakh miles later, it was an absolutely magnificent experience. Culturally, my guide introduced me to the rich, multi-layered Buddhist culture while I was acclimatizing. And on the diverse trek itself, we saw some exotic wildlife, including blue sheep and Tibetan kiang, but no snow leopards (but I'm sure they saw us!).

With guide, cook, and ponyman (along with one pony and four mules!), they took care of me. My guide, Norbu, is educated and speaks excellent English, and he will be a lifelong friend. I did lose weight, but it wasn't because of lack of excellent, plentiful food. They also had hearty senses of humor. All were all very capable, and, if I had the choice, were I putting together my own expedition, I pick that exact crew again. Also, the driver - before and after the trek - was very competent.

I'm glad I did it. And I'm glad I did it with them. I'd do it again.

Sincerely
Dennis Hanson
northwind@bendcable.com
Terrebonne, OR USA

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Dear Sonam,

We would like to send you this message so that you can show it to prospective clients.

My friend and I engaged the services of your company in August 2006 to take us on a 9 day trek across the wilderness of Ladhak.  We had a wonderful experience combining the freedom of independent travel with the support and facilities provided by your excellent staff.  The camping equipment was of very good quality, the food was excellent, plentiful and varied. We had a guide, a cook and a pony man and we could not have wished for better companions on this trip. Not only did they fulfil all their duites diligently and with good humour, but they took us to interesting places, introduced us to nomadic tribesmen and were always willing to share their culture with us.  Even when things got difficult one stormy night and their tent blew down, they made sure that everything was in place and breakfast served as usual the next morning.  Additionally, at the beginning and end of the trip we were provided with a very skilled driver who made us feel safe on these dangerous roads.

Your fees were reasonable, your organisation and efficiency first class.  I would recommend your company to any prospective clients without hesitation.

Thank you for a wonderful trip, Sorry about the delayed communication but it is unsolicited and sincere,

Best wishes,
Eric Robertson
Norman Anderson, UK

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Dear Sonam Dawa,

Just a few words to tell you that everything has been very good since we have left Leh and that we are well arrived in Belgium this night.
Once again, thank you very much for all that so nice organisation you did for our group(s) and that everybody really appreciate.
Now, I'm going to work. We will right more soon.

Best regards,
Claire Neuray

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Hi Sonam, Norbu,
 
Please accept my apologies for not having mailed you earlier. Life has been very hectic since I arrived back home. However, I do want to say a big THANK YOU to you and all the guys involved in the trek and our time in Leh. It was a wonderful experience. I am very, very grateful to you for all of the knowledge & experience that went into it, the planning and organisation, the leadership and especially the friendship. It was a very, very enjoyable few weeks. The entire trip was a constant stimulant to the senses; the trekking, the terrain, the villages, the monasteries, the people we met and so much more. Many, many thanks.
 
Thanks also to everyone for their support on learning of my Father's death. That will always be very special to me.
 
I would certainly like to do the Frozen River Trek at some time in the future. However, I think the next destination will be Tibet, probably in 2011. The idea of entering via the 'Freedom Road' from Nepal interests me. So if you have any contacts out there, Sonam, or even better, if you can find us a 'Tibetan Sonam', then 'Maam' Kari and I would be interested.
 
I have attached a few photographs that might be of interest to you and the guys. Please say 'Hi' to them for me and pass on my thanks for all of their support and friendship. Just looking through the photographs brings back so many good memories.
 
I hope to see you all again at some time in the future, that your 'Uni' course is going well, Norbu, and that your plans are proceeding as intended, Sonam.
 
Meanwhile, I hope you and your families have a great Christmas.
 
Please keep in touch.
 
Cheers 
Rog.