This was a trip of a lifetime. Every aspect was well-planned and managed by Dave and Shelley, who were incredible trip leaders. They did a great job of making sure we were all challenging ourselves while also giving options for those who wanted to go/push even further. For example, there was an opportunity to add on a more challenging hike at a halfway point, and those who wanted to go further could go with Dave while those who wanted the standard, somewhat less strenuous hike could stay with Shelley. They were always checking in to make sure people had what they needed while camping and hiking, felt comfortable and had every opportunity to see and experience amazing things. They are both extremely capable and skilled outdoor leaders and adventurers, but also always ensuring what we were doing was safe, as well as respectful of the local community (as in our travels through Native reservation land) and the environment. They bring together wonderful people and everyone on my trip was amazing and supportive of the other trip members. These trips are not your average 'tourist' tour, they are true experiences and outdoor adventures in amazing places that require some effort to get to and experience, but are beyond amazing. I cannot recommend highly enough and can't wait for my next adventure with DASH.

Dave was amazing as always. Super knowledgeable and very attentive to changing conditions and making sure we were all comfortable with difficult terrain. Successful summit of Granite Peak, which is no small feat especially in the weather/snow conditions we were in. Dave has a cool, confident demeanor which can in turn install confidence in the climbers he is leading. Will 100% climb with Dash again!

Overall, I had a great time traveling with Dash Adventures. However, due to some unforeseen planning challenges, our women’s group was not entirely separate and ended up being combined with a men’s group. Thankfully, the men in the group were friendly and easy to get along with, but this created some confusion for me. I felt I didn’t connect with the women in the way I had hoped. This was my first experience on an all-women’s tour, and I was really looking forward to it. For some, this mix of groups could be intimidating, especially when participating in adventurous activities. I struggled a bit with finding my pace, deciding who to talk to in the evenings, and where to focus my emotional energy. While I fully understand the reasoning behind the change, I still felt disappointed about not having a women-only experience. In adventure travel, it’s important to stay as close to the original itinerary as possible when changes occur. Nevertheless, I want to emphasize that the Dash guides were compassionate, understanding, friendly, and knowledgeable about trekking and mountaineering, which significantly contributed to the positive aspects of the trip. Dash provided a fantastic itinerary, selected excellent overnight teahouses and lunch stops, and even offered an unexpected and unique camping experience at base camp. I have many wonderful memories and truly enjoyed my time with the entire group. Our partnering organization, Expedition Himalaya, was exceptional, and I want to especially recognize our female Sherpa, Ang Doma Sherpa. I had the honor of walking back from Everest Base Camp (EBC) with her and spent three enjoyable days in her company. She was kind and knowledgeable and ensured that I made it back to Lukla safely. Even while feeling under the weather, she maintained her pace and positive attitude. She was a great ambassador for both Nepal and Expedition Himalaya. The entire crew at Expedition Himalaya is wonderful! I got to know several of them and appreciated their passion for the mountains and their culture in Nepal. A few tips: If you are planning to travel to Nepal and EBC, make sure to bring some emergency cash. A helicopter ride out, if needed due to illness or exhaustion, can cost up to $600 per person. I was fortunate enough to walk out, but others did have to pay for additional travel. Tipping is appreciated by everyone in Nepal. Before leaving the airport, make sure to get some local currency and then exchange the rest near your hotel. This way, you’ll have cash available to tip your cab driver and anyone assisting you with transportation to and from the airport. Everyone at the the hotel and along the way in addition to your guides like to be tipped.

Dave and Shelley organized a great trip that created a wonderful and true challenge that many of us were seeking. They managed the planning and logistics of sleeping and eating well, they have a terrific local team that helped quick responses to unpredictable weather events and kept us on track, and they prepared us ahead and during the trek with great advice to manage the physical demands and enable the extraordinary visit to Everest Base Camp. Traveling with them was like traveling with friends -- friends who've done this before and want you to succeed!

DASH Adventures delivered an exceptional experience for our group. Professionalism and personalization were hallmarks from planning through execution. Not only did the our whole group reach EBC, but we had an amazing time every single day. Local Sherpa guides were the best and key to our success. Accommodations exceeded expectations. The team managed complex logistics seamlessly, ensuring our group could stay focused on our trekking in this stunning corner of the world. Dave and team were also very attentive to each person's health and well-being, making sure we were acclimating properly and ready for next challenge. A subset of our group also climbed Laboche East with outstanding support from the DASH Adventures team to ensure our success. I will continue to explore the world with DASH Adventures.