Traveller reviews

“We booked with Himalayan Social Journey an 11 days/10 nights luxury tour of Nepal, including Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and Lumbini. The main highlights of our program were the helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp, scenic plane flight to Everest and helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar. The service provided by HSJ was outstanding... Rameswar - the manager - was always there for us, offering support and assisting in any additiomal requests we had Subash - our driver and tour leader - took a very good care of us from the airport pick-up until the last day of our journey, providing a friendly and attentive service Dipu - our guide in Kathmandu - offered us real lessons of Nepal history and culture Our special thanks to all the above mentioned and for the entire HSJ team that made our trip to Nepal an experience for a life time!”

“You cant go wrong with this company HSJ. An absolutely amazing experience everyday of our trip. Ask for Mingmar as a guide. We were met at the airport by our guide Mingmar Sherpa. He made everything simple and enjoyable. He will help negotiate the best price on anything you purchase in Kathmandu and along the trek. You health and safety is always watched so you will go at a pace that Acclimates you for the altitude and prepares for a successfully journey. Being a local our guide got us access to things our companies were not able to see. Example he know one of the Monks at the Tengbouche Monestary who opened it up just for him and us. This company will take care of you all the way through your trek and your stay in Kathmandu. There are a lot of companies that provide the same basic serve. This Companies experienced guides and resources will make the trip best possible. Thanks Himalayan Social Journey for the great trip. We cant wait to to get back an see more of your beautiful country. Sincerely Ken and Jane Dragoo”

“I booked and paid for our Everest Base Camp (EBC) trip, for 3, with Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ) in May 2019 but was COVID delayed until May 2022. HSJ rolled my booking over year by year until we were able to take the trip in May 22. There were no additional charges and HSJ honoured my original payment and delivered all that was promised. The trek was run by our guide Shankar with the assistance of porters Deepak and Santos. Shankar was a fantastic guide he organised everything we needed. When we had challenges with the weather he arranged alternatives to start the trek without delays. His knowledge of the area is fantastic. He was constantly aware of my party's capabilities, speeds and daily challenges and with the assistance of Deepak kept us going and ensured we were cared for and supervised all through the trek. At guest houses he ensured we had all we needed with respect to food, water and accommodation. Santos who helped with our bags always had a friendly smile and always got to our accommodation before us which is no mean feat considering the climbs. It was a amazing trip, with incredible scenery. It was a challenge dealing with the altitude and effort required but one that we were ecstatic to be able to accomplish and experience. If you are planning an EBC trek I would highly recommend using a guide like Shankar with the team around him to make your trek a success. Thanks HSJ, Shankar, Deepak and Santos for a journey we will remember for the rest of our lives.”

“I am a solo traveller and always go for business and leisure trip. I never expected a great Christmas time in NEPAL and HSJ made it all happen. It was a dream come true for me and greatest experience of my entire life. Amrit was very proactive and kind to accommodate my request and really find a way to make my helicopter tour to Mt Everest happened on the next day. The helicopter pilot was also very good as we have smooth take off and landing and very professional as well. The guide from hotel to airport and onboarding was very smooth and professional too.”

“It was a really exciting and once in a lifetime experience! Definitely consider this for your travels in Nepal. They were very nice!”

“We had a great time on our trek with our guide, Raju, and our porter, Homnath. Raju was like an encyclopedia with the names and heights of all the peaks we saw. Both Raju and Homnath took very good care of us and make sure we were comfortable at each accommodation and had everything we needed along the way. They were also fun to be with, which was a major bonus! The bus ride to and from Kathmandu is pretty intense, but we made it safely :) We were impressed with the company from the beginning. We received prompt replies to our many questions by email even before we booked the package. We feel confident recommending HSJ and especially the services of Raju and Homnath.”

“The Langtang Valley trek was a great experience, fantastic views, sounds and sights. All expectations were met, the company is efficient, friendly and accommodating. Our guide, Shankar, looked after us in every way and we would recommend him highly. Thank you for a fantastic experience!”

“A friend and I did a 7 day trek in the Langtang region in October 2014 - our second time with Himalayan Social Journey and they impressed us again! The trek itself was absolutely spectacular - all the way from Syraphru Besi to Kyanjin Gompa. Both the accommodation at the tea houses (or lodges) and the food were good. I recommend basing yourself for a couple of days at Kyanjin Gompa as you can then explore the beautiful village - make sure you check out Dorje Cafe (the cake is scumptuous!). This will also give you time to climb Kyanjin Ri and Tsergo Ri and/or do a day trek further along the Langtang valley. Putting aside the stunning scenery, the trip was made all the more memorable by the exceptional service provided by our Guide (Binod Gharti) and porter (Kumar). They were so well organised, highly attentive - and had a great sense of humour. They really went above and beyond (playing cards with us - and preparing a delicious plate of fuit each night as a treat) - we would consider them both friends. Ram and the team at HSJ - including our friend and ever-smiling driver, Dilip - really know what they are doing...if I make it back to this special place again I will certainly use their services a third time.”

“A friend and I recently visited Nepal for the first time and booked a trek with Himalayan Social Journey. We had such a wonderful and stress free time visiting, all because of them. We were given a thorough guided tour of the hotspots of Kathmandu, including transport. Once we left for the trek, our guide and porter were there for anything we could have possibly asked. KB Bhandari and Homanath Adhikari went above and beyond our expectations over and over again. They were kind, knowledgeable, and full of great humor for the entire trip. They let us go at our own pace while organizing everything from food and lodging to evening entertainment for us. We were never left without their great company and charm. I would highly recommend this group to anyone interested in visiting Nepal. We could tell we had chosen a great group just based on what other trekkers around us were experiencing. When we come back, we will certainly be interested in booking again! Thanks you guys!”

“I had the pleasure of a trek with K.B. Bhandari and Homanath Adhikari as my guide and porter. As my first time both in Nepal and trekking, these two went above and beyond to ensure I had no worries throughout. They were funny, curious, knowledgeable, and just a little bit competitive when we played our nightly card games ;) The trek is great for those who want a more leisurely experience than an Everest attempt. There is plenty of varied terrain from jungle to snow-peaked mountains with corresponding wildlife and greenery to admire along the way. The only surprise was that it was solely myself, a friend, K.B., and Homanath. We had been under the impression that there was a group to join so if this causes one concern I'd advise confirming the group size ahead of arrival. Ultimately this worked in our favor as we moved at our pace and got to know the two and their unique perspectives. Lastly, HSJ will arrange all accommodations throughout and driving within Kathmandu, to the trekking departure point, and to/from the airport. Every Himalayan Social Journey employee we encountered made us feel comfortable in an entirely foreign place. Highly recommend this trek, company and visiting Nepal. If you do, request K.B. and Homanath if possible!”

“Did the langtang trek (I think 9-10 days). Started in Kathmandu with a "bus trip" to sybrubesi. The bus was the only bad part of the trip because it's close quarters and cramped on a bus driving over dirt roads for 8 hours. You have to get there somehow though. After that though, the trek was awesome!!! The social journey guides were professional and the porters were awesome. We enjoyed our nights in the tea houses getting to know them as well as our other trekkers. I can recommend the trip enough. Once in a lifetime journey through the most beautiful place on earth. I would easily go back and I'd recommend going with social journey. Have fun”

“Rugged terrain, friendly guides, and unbelievable views! This trek is not for the faint of heart, but the experience is unlike any other. The customer service truly sets this adventure apart. The guides and porters make sure your every need is taken care of; but be warned, this is mountain-side in Nepal! If you're expecting western hotel accommodations, heat, electricity, or hot water you should sit this adventure out. We loved our time so much that we will be returning to do EBC.”

“thought it would be a walk in the park.thank god for the guides and porters or i would still be there Then went above and beyond what anyone could expect.First day did not like it. With our group of great people I made it to the top and back.The experience is one I will never forget.I would think you would hate it or love it.I did go to loving it.Wish everyone could go once.Dave K”

“Langtang Valley was our second adventure with Himalayan Social Journey and, from the initial email communications to the trek itself, we knew we were in experienced and safe hands. Under the watchful eye of our guides, Raju and Narendra (Dai), we were provided the best accommodations available, options according to trekking abilities, flexibility where possible and a wealth of mountain information and stories. From USA, Canada and NZ our group were very ably supported by 6 young porters – a group of remarkable young men who carried our bags, served food, picked me up when I stumbled on the rough terrain, returned in the dark to lead us to the overnight stops and smiled, chatted and sang through it all. Thank you all so much for helping my daughter and I complete this challenging trek. Langtang Valley trek is fairly remote and requires a harrowing and long bus ride to the starting point of Sybrubensi. The first two days ascend 1,000m and 800m respectively (so aerobic preparation would really assist) and the paths are slippery, narrow and scary at times. The final destination of Kyanjin Gompa is a worthy sight with amazing views of the Langtang range and we were thrilled to sit in the sunshine and breathe the mountain air. There are many reminders of the fateful April 2015 earthquake and walking across the landslide areas, where so many lost their lives, evoked emotions in us all. The local Nepali welcome all visitors with their warmth, smiles and hospitality - tourism is vitally important to this area while they rebuild what was lost. Thanks again to Raju, Dai and our porters for your expertise, friendship and support and we really appreciated the dancing and singing on the last night. We will never forget this trip! Namaste and dhanyabad to all.”

“I had one of the most amazing experiences. The sights were fantastic, but it was the people that made the trip including my travel guides Narendra and Raju along with the porters that always seemed to have a smile on their faces. I highly recommend using Himalayan Social Journey as your choice of travel in Nepal. I promise you won't regret it ;)”

“I enjoyed my first trip to Nepal with Himalayan Social Journey. I did the 11-day Langtang trek last December 2017. I am grateful to my your guide, Mr. Ram Sapkota, who did a wonderful job in taking good care of me throughout my entire trekking experience in the mountains of Langtang region. I had a great time meeting good people from the villages, witnessing the beauty of how rich Nepal culture has to offer, and experiencing first-hand the undeniable warmth, kindness, and generosity of Nepalese. I would love to come back in the future for another unforgettable trekking Nepal experience.”

“I could write an entire review on Kathmandu but the trek was what we were here for. My best friends Lynn and Glenn said I need to experience trekking ion Nepal, they were so right! Trekking is not for the casual hikers, the terrain is gorgeous and tough, sometime REALLY tough.”

“Langtang Valley trek was beyond my expectations. Myself and a girlfriend set off with our Guide Tikaram and Porter Dinesh. These two fellows were wonderful to travel with, friendly, helpful, supportive and had good first hand knowledge. We felt the four of us were part of a family. Tikaram on return took us to his house in Kathmandu to meet his beautiful wife and daughter, a lovely gestor which we thoroughly enjoyed, felt very welcomed. The trek it self starts with a hair raising jeep ride to Bensi. Need to have an open mind and just go with it. We made it into an added adventure like a ride at the show that goes for 8-9 hrs. Most trekkers along the way had their own mishap story to tell. That aside the trek is highly recommended. Trek through forests lush in bamboo, rubber trees, dense and mossy green jungle. Many bridge crossing with a raging river flowing fast beneath you. Enjoy the stunning views of many waterfalls from the high Himalayas. Along the way you stop at many Tea Houses for a homemade cuppa and something to eat before retiring at night and get to interact with the locals. A wonderful experience on its own. Highlight of the trip is the unbelievable views, majestic peaks reaching 7200mtrs. Waking to amazing sunrises surrounded by engulfing mountains. The trek it self for me to this point was beyond my expectations, The sheer beauty of it all is hard to explain without seeing for your own eyes. Many avalanche areas are crossed, a sad sombre feeling knowing many people lost their lives at this point. Landslide areas are humongous in certain places. The tranquillity of the trek with not many others made this special. An added highlight from Kyanjin Gompa is a trek up Kyanjin Ri 4773mtrs. Pure bliss. Well worth the afternoon hike. Views of upper Langtang Valley and surrounding peaks and glaciers. You can see the entire face of Langtang Lirung (7227m) . Next morning we added in Tsergo Ri Mountain (5000m) mixed with altitude this wasn't easy for me, slowly, slowly. The pure excitement of reaching the summit had any body aches dissapear at this moment. A 360 view from the top of glaciers, snow capped mountainous mountains, Langtang valley, Tibet the otherside of the mountain range. I feel very priveledged to have experienced pure beauty, no clouds just fresh air, blue skies and peace. Thank you Social Journey for making this another magical trek. Every detail from Usha was replied to promptly. A very well organized company. Look forward to another adventure with SOCIAL JOURNEY and highly reccommend to anyone thinking of taking a Tour.”

“Late Sept my friend and I embarked on the Langtang Valley trek with me not too sure as to what to expect following the Earthquake.... WELL...what a brilliant trip it turned out to be. From the very beginning to the conclusion of the trek the landscape, scenery, everchanging ecosystems, wildlife in spirited monkeys and beautiful sights and sounds of the river roaring through the valley were truly amazing. We did have an adventurous trip there in the 4wd land cruiser that will forever be lodged in my mind... those narrow roads and skilful driving and local traffic rules made me smile as to how easy we have it at home driving, The walk was an easier one than expected, made enjoyable by our ever faithful guide Tikkeram and ported Denesh who always were there to answer our questions and put up with our constant WOW'S and OOHH look at that's to the scenery. The accommodation our guides selected was better than I had expected being very comfortable, and even with a Nepalese ensuite . From the immediate arriving in Kathmandu airport I was greeted personally, well looked after the whole trip and safely escorted back to the airport without any stress felt. A big thankyou to the crew from Himalayan Social Journey. I will be using you again as I now know Nepal will be seeing a lot of me in the future. What a lovely country.”

“My partner and I just completed our first ever trek, with HSJ in the Langtang Valley. We can not fault HSJ who were organised to a fault, from picking us up at the airport to organising our drop off back there. But our greatest praise must go to our guide Binny (Binod). Binny was very warm, friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the Langtang Valley - and all other hiking areas in Nepal! He has great stories to tell and makes sure you have all your needs met, before you even realise you need something. I personally had a few near miss slips on the trek on the way back and Binny was there to grab me before I fell. He has very quick reflexes and the patience of a saint. I’d also like to acknowledge our porter Hari, who was absolutely lovely and always had a friendly smile whilst lugging our stuff everywhere. I would definitely use HSJ again, and I would insist on Binny as my guide. Thanks for making our trek so memorable Binny and Hari! Elissa and Liam”

“The organisation of the trek was up to the normal standard the Himalayan Social Journey offers. The initial pickup from the airport to the accommodation in Thamel was well coordinated. The cultural night is a must do event, the briefing by the guide of the trek was adequate. The bus ride to the start of the trek was as exciting as the trek itself, full of twists and turns to say the least. Lodge accommodation and food was as we've experienced in the past all good and suitable given the remote location of the villages along the track. The guide and porters were fantastic, always ready to help us poor/slow trekkers anytime. Sufficient warm blankets and/or sleeping bags is something that requires greater consideration. Some of our trekking group found the very cold nights uncomfortable due to the lack of blankets or poor quality sleeping bags. We come from a hot climate so the cold is harder for us to acclimatise to. The length of the trek we undertook was greater in distance than the days available to reach our final destination. A review on distance and altitude is required, I don't believe any trek in Nepal can be considered easy unless is thoroughly reviewed in its daily distance, gradient and altitude gains each day and adjustered accordingly. A more detailed item of information is required to ensure all trekkers understand the levels of difficuly on a trek in Nepal. I.e. moderate, hard to very hard. Otherwise the trek was scenic and beautiful as always in Nepal. Thank you HSJ for another wonderful experience.”

“This is the 3 rd time I have booked my trekking tour through Himalayan Social Journey. In my opinion they are excellent at what they do. From first point of contact enquiring about a trek to picking you up from the airport, knowledgeable tour guides and a final wave off going back to airport. The company really do ensure you have a holiday to remember and will tailor your trek needs to the best of their ability. In the past I have trekked EBC, ABC . This time I decided to walk Langtang valley so I could see the spectacular Rhododendrons. All treks are well prepared and challenging. From our porters to our trek leader TIKARAM.. all went well. Tikaram is extremely knowledgeable with local wildlife, plants, and medical aid if and when needed. A must to try and eat Momo’s, Dal bhat, Tibetian bread with honey , garlic soup ( delicious) and a ginger, lemon and honey tea to warm you up! I am already looking forward to organising my next trip when I want to walk Mustang region. I recommend HSJ 100 % and I look forward to my next trip.!”

“I have lived in Kathmandu for two years and this was my first trek. I was very happy to have found this company who paired us with our wonderful guide Shankar Timalsina. Shankar did a great job of taking all of the stress out of the trip. All the tea houses he took us to were lovely and all the hosts were lovely and accommodating. We were even spoiled with hot showers almost every day. Shankar also was great at pacing the trek and making sure we were always on a safe path taking shortcuts and alternate routes when necessary. He definitely knows his way around Langtang. As for the staff who arranged our trip, they were very professional and answered all of our questions. We were in and out very fast. They also allowed us to tailor the trek to our request to visit Sherpagaun within the given timeframe requested. All in all a great company and will definitely do business with them in the future if I plan other trips. Highly recommended!”

“Third time I have booked a trekking tour through Himalayan Social Journey. Originally booked to do 19-Day Manaslu Circuit, however, on arrival was advised that the circuit was closed due to avalanches/landslides. HSJ quickly organised a 16-day trek along the Langtang Valley/Gosainkunda/Helambu tracks. Kudos to HSJ for organising such a beautiful and challenging alternative, at the last minute, without a hitch. Special mention to our guide, Bishnu, who came out of retirement, to lead our group and to our single porter PK who carried gear for three. Can thoroughly recommend HSJ for putting on a great, hassle free tour (once again).”