Lasta Mountains: Hochland Eco Trekking Tour in Lalibela

I booked a 7-day tour with Highland Eco Trekking to Lalibela, trekking to mountains in Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, and Bahir Dar. I first reached out to Daniel via email and then we communicated via WhatsApp. Daniel was very responsive and shared tour information. However, I would recommend that you clarify everything especially costs and how to communicate in country. For costs, I was unclear as to what was 'excluded' eg I had to pay for the entrance fee in Lalibela which I was unaware of. I would have liked to know each fee that I needed to pay when I was planning. For communication, that was my biggest issue. I did not have an Ethiopian SIM card in country and had to trust that Daniel was coordinating my airport and hotel pickups. There was miscommunication with the pickup in Addis and Gondar although I eventually got to my destination. The driver in Gondar was also extremely rude - I was taking public transportation from Gondar to Bahir Dar and the driver told me that I needed to pay for the ride. Although I had the money to do so, I expressed that the company was paying for that. He then said 'that is not my responsibility', threw up his hands, and wanted to leave me at the station (where no one spoke English and people were obviously trying to scam me). Another minor issue was the trek in Lalibela and the one-night stay in a local village. I was unaware that there was no power, running water (although water is available from a borehole/well), and shower. I wold have liked to know this beforehand hence the need for more specific communication. Despite all this, Daniel was accommodating and the tour was great and I feel that I spent enough time in each place.

Visitng Lalibela can go any way. It can be crazy, hectic, quiet and chilling. If you want to feel comfortable and welcomed, make sure to get a hold of the guys from Highland Eco Trekking and make sure to ask for Ashu. The young, highly spirited, kind hearted guide who will make you feel welcomed and safe. Going up the mountains is a heartwarming experience and visiting the villages atop is humbling. These guys made sure we were always taken care of. By taking the hike, you have to know what to expect: you are embarking a high, sometimes challenging way up and staying in rustic accommodations, loyal to the spirit of the highland and the authentic lifestyle of its inhabitants.

Last week two friends of mine took a 2 day trip to Lalibela, and we had gotten a recommendation from other friends to take a trek with the guide Ashu when we arrive. We met him, and he offered very welcoming rates, and worked with our schedule. We set us up with a fantastic guide for the churches that very day, and then the next day met us bright and early for our day trek. He was very accommodating, and even brought us snacks and lunch along the way! At one point- he had found out it was my birthday- and I turned around and he had brought a bag of candies and cookies and was playing birthday music on his cell phone! We all danced at the top of a mountain with the most breathtaking view, while eating candy, and laughing. It was THE best birthday surprise! After the whole day ( which was SO amazing!), he took us out to a traditional Tej bar to round out my birthday day! We all felt very taken care of, very safe, and had a blast! Overall I would highly recommend Ashu if you are looking for a knowledgeable, accommodating, and fun guide!