My experience with iTour Nepal was amazing to the extent that I can't really describe it. Rabin is a great communicator and organizer and most importantly agile and knowledgeable.
Traveling solo for my first trekking of such a length, he assisted me not only about the itinerary but also with details of what do I need to pack, how shall I organize myself and also helped me to buy missing equipment in Kathmandu. He thought of each details and he had prepared also a backup plan in case I didn't have the stamina to reach Annapurna Base Camp or in case the weather conditions got bad.
Attention to details and highest level of hospitality: he goes the extra mile... helping me to change my hotel in Kathmandu, taking me for lunch to meet my guide, taking me shopping, and at the end taking me for a tour in Kathmandu and dinner to talk about the Nepali culture. I couldn't have asked for a better agency!
Then I have to mention Prabin - my tour guide. The most positive and caring person I have ever met. He wasn't just my guide, but became my friend as well. I got to know Nepali culture, food, plants, habits through conversations on our way to ABC. He also joined me in morning yoga and meditation that we did in different locations. Sometimes in the jungle, sometimes on a roof of a hotel. I didn't think it's possible but he managed to make me feel like a royalty even on trekking. When I got home I missed his evening fruit bowls that came as a surprise every time!
I would recommend ABC tour even in December-January. The trekking in this time of the year has it's beauty as well.... the snow makes the mountains even more beautiful, it is not crowded so you don't have to worry about accommodation and you can have peace and quite as well, while still meeting trekkers from all around the world. The itinerary was perfectly planned so we spent 31st of December in Ghorepani in a very beautiful hotel, where we danced and celebrated new year and then went to Poon Hill on the 1st of January for a sunrise view of the Annapurna region.... this I can not describe with words, everyone should come and experience it!
The trek gives you a combination of forest scenery, jungle, snowy jungle, misty mountains, rocky mountains and at the end you get to see two beautiful monsters from up close: Annapurna 1 and Fish Tale. The feeling is extraordinary and it fills you up with life energy. You finish the trekking in the hot springs (with a beer :) ).
8 days, 80 kms, few weather challenges, many beautiful people on the way, unforgetable views!
Then off to Chitwan National Park - doing first the trekking and then the jungle tour makes it rewarding. You go to a warmer place, beautiful lodge with a jungle garden that is misty in the morning and sunny later on. You experience the jungle, you get to see rhinos, crocodiles and if you are lucky even the tiger.
I recommend a full day walk in the jungle and sleepover in the watch tower in the jungle for a full experience.
I would definitely go back to Nepal and will for sure call Rabin and iTour Nepal!