Quotes From Clients

The scenery was absolutely amazing, I cannot describe in words how amazing and beautiful the surroundings were. It was an amazing experience, words cannot describe. AM


Best experience of my life and I’ll never forget the people who went with me and the people who helped me there (Sherpas and VLM). AS


Completing this trek has made me feel like anything is possible if you just try hard enough, because I wasn’t so sure I’d make it to base camp but I did because I never gave up. CB


The company was amazing. The other students, the teachers, the VLM staff and of course the Sherpas and guides. Everyone was so supportive and the teachers and VLM guys made us feel comfortable, which I felt was crucial in to having such a successful trip – I wasn’t afraid to approach them if I had any concerns, I felt like I was treated as an equal. The Sherpas and guides were incredible and I don’t think this trip would have been able to happen or be as successful as it was without them, they were there for us if we ever needed help, on the trek, made us laugh and we befriended them. They honestly were such a big part of the trip for me. NZ


This has surely been the most memorable and the best experience of my teenage years, as I have made lifelong friends and built relationships, and I am very glad to have been given this opportunity, as I will cherish it forever. PB


I think building relationships with the guides and the Sherpa’s were the most meaningful to me. The views were some of the most beautiful I had ever seen in person, it was just surreal. This trip was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Overall the trip was extremely enlightening, learning about the different culture and way of life in Nepal. I also think that our group built an amazing bond over this: helping each other during hard time…. Furthermore the route itself was very safe. AJ


All I can say is that it was and maybe will be the best trip I'll ever go on and I've had the time of my life.KY


Amazing experience! Sense of team accomplishment and pride when reached base camp…..overall it was fantastic. KZ


The best part of the trip was our amazing teamwork, getting close to everyone on the trip, the VLM staff, the teachers, and especially the sherpas, which I found the most valuable. I really would like to go back and visit them, and go back to Nepal very soon. LM


We were very well taken care of. I felt very safe and in good hands. I felt that everything ran smoothly….. It was a really memorable and significant experience that changed a part of me. It allowed me to understand me and my friends better. I also met one of the best people in the world – the Sherpas and the Porters. Their selflessness and kindness really touched my heart and I will never forget them or the experience we all shared. MC


The VLM staff were incredible in motivating us and keeping us going. PL


We were taken very good care of and the VLM staff and Sherpas were extremely supportive throughout the trip. The accommodation was really good and so was the food…..It was reassuring that our health was being continuously monitored every night and we felt safe throughout the trip.
RS


When I reached base camp I was the happiest man in the world. To get there was hard work but I made it. DD


Although reaching BC was the target of trip, the experiences along the way are what made it. AR


It feels my biggest achievement to date ... until I summit Everest that is. NW


My favourite moment was reaching the top of Kalar Pattar. Plus my beans, egg and chips in Namche last night. HG


The most unforgettable and challenging times I experienced. This is the biggest achievement I gained, and I certainly do not regret going on this trip. THG


The trek to EBC was truly an unforgettable experience, dhanyabad Nepal! RC


Everest was both the best and worst time of my life. It was no doubt challenging, with breath-taking views, amazing foods and snowy walks. In the end it all came down to putting a foot in front of the other to reach to the top. You, Me, EBC! WYT


It was the toughest, most tiring thing that I had ever done but it was well worth it because the views and vistas that surrounded us in the high Himalayas were just simply breath taking and absolutely astonishing. I felt like I got closer to all of the other students on this trip as well as the sherpas who were extremely warm and welcoming as they would always seek to help us, care for us and tend to our needs. NM


It was truly breath taking and the best time of my life. PR


I’m so thankful that the International Award program and its organizers at this school allowed me to have this incredible opportunity. It’s something that people of all ages all over the world aspire to do once in their lifetime. The fact that I’ve accomplished this at only 16 years of age is a true testament to the value of the International Award. SK


Although at times I felt like I wanted to give up I pushed forward because I knew that I would be able to make it and that the only thing stopping me was my mental self. MA


I will open this up by saying it was one of the most difficult and physically demanding – as well as emotionally – things I have ever and possibly will ever do. That said, I don’t regret a moment of it and as much as I loved the wonderful vistas and arduous trekking, the true value of the experience in my mind is the sheer satisfaction of such a feat. MH


Although the trip did push me to my limits, it was without a doubt the best experience of my life and I will never forget all the memorable moments I had with all my friends and especially my group. MLK


The trek is incredibly difficult, but very much worth it. Not just the views when you are there, but the experiences with the other trekkers is unforgettable. AM


"Jan had an absolutely fantastic time on the Everest Expedition. He enjoyed every minute and has taken some great pictures.Thank you once again for giving Jan the opportunity to be part of this expedition."


"Thank you all so much for everything you did to make this trip so wonderful. James came home full of stories and experiences I know he will never forget and it's such an achievement for him. It was good to hear of the camaraderie as well as the excellent leadership of UWC and VLM prior to and during the trip. Thank you again."


"Thank you for looking after Sach. Sach is Singaporean, and some day, in 3 years time he will be off to the Army... this was a taste of the harsh life. It does help put everything into perspective :) I do think Sach, and the other students will never forget their experience. Thanks once again for everything."


"Krishnan had a fantastic time during this trip. He specially mentions Bob, Bow and Rory as a fantastic team that helped them achieve some goals they set for themselves. Special thanks to Sherpa Dawa and Neema and Krishnan treasures some pictures that he has taken with them. This is an experience that he is not going to forget and will treasure in the years to come. They have had their share of sickness and in Krishnan’s case a ‘rock that went astray’ – yet gave him a helicopter ride that he couldn’t have imagined possible! Thank you team. We are all grateful to you for having taken wonderful care of our children and given them a rare experience."


"Just wanted to let you know that Izzy had an amazing time on your trip, despite battling altitude sickness she toughed it out and even managed Kala Pattar. Thank you for the regular updates on their progress and the photos of so many happy people!"


"I would like to extend my thanks to all the team, guides, sherpas, organizers, teachers for having made this trip really memorable. I think that all the students, everybody on his/her own way, have gained something special from this trip. Any possibility for parents to do the same experience????? Well maybe one day also for us. Well thanks again and who knows maybe it will be our turn next time."


"My husband and I can't thank you enough for giving my son Anshuman an experience of a lifetime. When the schedule came up in June , I was the first to jump and was super excited that he should do nothing but EBC. Each waking morning I would wait to hear something from VLM and you didn't disappoint . Once again terrific organizing and implementation."


"Well, the excitement of having Julian back is beginning to die down, the stories are beginning to dry up, the school routine is beginning to kick in again and his health is almost back to 100% but there's no question this is one trip Julian will never, ever forget (nor us!) and which I think will be hard to beat......unless he decides to go all the way to the top....!! We are insanely proud of him and while I knew it would be quite an adventure, I think i'd underestimated just how challenging it would be. Julian had the most amazing and challenging time and we are thrilled he did it."


"I just wanted to thank you all for helping to make my trip to Everest base camp so memorable. I can honestly say that it was the very hardest thing I have ever done in my life and I am very proud of my achievement and also all my friends for achieving their goals too. I do realise that I may not have succeeded if it wasn't for all your support and guidance along the way. We battled food poisoning, altitude sickness and fatigue but we made it! Mark, please can you also pass on my thanks to the great sherpas on trip#1 and also to Simon and Al"


"Katie and I are still attempting to find our feet again after the dizzying highs of the last few weeks. I've been keeping an eye on the feedback and pictures on the website; it is great that so many parents have been in touch with such positive comments. Thanks again for everything; it really was a special two weeks and I'm grateful to you, Bob, Bow, Rory and Neil for making it so."


"Many, many, many thanks for organizing such a successful and unforgettable trip for our children and specifically my son, Julian. We were absolutely blown away by his achievement and the amazing stories he came back with; it was an extraordinary challenge and we are unbelievably proud of Julian but of course none of it would have been possible without VLM, so a million thanks for making it possible!"


"This trip to EBC has certainly given Rigel memories that will last a lifetime! We have been privileged to share in this amazing and challenging trip through his first hand accounts and photos as well as the wonderful photos posted on the blog. Many thanks to VLM and specially to Bob, Bow, Neil and Rory for an unforgettable two weeks!"


"Normally the only response parents receive from teenagers is 'fine' but after your trip the deluge of descriptions was unbelievable. We've heard about the delicious yak cheese and the awful charcoal tablets, the sound of avalanches in the distance and the din of yaks approaching, the list goes on and on and all these memories will stay with Barnaby forever. Thank you for organising a truly amazing trip."


"We would really like to add to the positive feedback you have received about the Everest trip. Julia had an incredible and hugely enjoyable two weeks. The expedition to Everest will be an experience that, I'm sure the whole group, will share and remember for many years to come as a real highlight in their teenage lives."


"We will definitely look out for any future adventures run by VLM."


"Thank YOU so much for the wonderful trip! Becky had the most amazing time. She is full of exciting stories and it has given her a once in a lifetime experience!! Thank you so much. Already looking forward to your trip next year."


"Adam had a fantastic time - within 2 minutes of meeting us at the airport, he told us he wished he could go straight back! I was so proud that he made it to base camp so thank you for making this possible."


"Thank you and your team for organising such a wonderful trip for the children, they have had such an amazing time and you kept them safe and well at all times."


"I never knew I had such determination! It was challenging but fantastic. Insane views! amazing...amazing...amazing....."


"Thank you (also please thank your 3 colleagues for me) for taking such good care of our children. Sebastian had a fantastic time."


"I wanted to extend my personal thanks to you and the team, I have to be the most envious father in Singapore."


"Heartfelt thanks to everyone on the team for giving Zoe such an incredible trip and returning her home safe and sound with a head full of wonderful memories and images that she will treasure for ever."