Traveller reviews

“My guide Raam and I did 10 day Langtang Valley trek with Gosainkunda peak and through the Lauribina Pass at 4,610m. The first and last few days trekking were challenging and as weather in the shoulder season (early September) wasn't ideal. But without it the trek wouldn't have been as green throughout. For the good weather days we had it was stunning to see across the kunda (lakes) into the ranges. Learn about the significance of the kunda to Hindu culture. The HSJ team fully prepared and briefed me on the trip making sure I had everything needed. The last few days of the trek were through mountain farming villages which were lush and green. Bring a raincoat and camera, and Raam will sort the rest!”

“I had the opportunity to go on the Langtang trek with this company. Overall, the whole experience was great! I received quick and proper answers to all my questions and was provided with a full list of the material needed. Payment was smooth and had a clear process. My guide Mr. Khilraj, was on point, flexible, attentive, and highly knowledgable of the trek itself. He offered great support and communicated all the required information daily. I had an amazing time and truly relished taking this trip! Would highly recommend”

“Beautiful experience in the Nepalese mountains. We reached the summit of Kianjin Ri (5000 m) and visited beautiful villages. A huge thank you to our guide, Krishna, who assisted us in every way but above all proved to be an extra friend.”

“This was my wife and my second trip with Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ). Last trip was 13 years ago to ABC. The Langtang Valley is absolutely beautiful. Soaring peaks beautiful meadows, rainforest etc. Great snow capped mountain views the whole way. We were well looked after by our Guide Tikaram (Tika) and supporter Bhim (we are grandparents). The trip met all of our expectations. We thoroughly recommend HSJ for trekking in Nepal. Graeme and Lisa Lynch, Hobart Tasmania”

“My husband and I travelled to Nepal with another couple recently and had the best holiday due to the service we received from Himalayan Social Journey and our guide, Binod. They arranged 2 weeks of entertainment and looked after us so well I did not want to leave. A 5 day trek was included and we had 3 porters, Binod junior, Krishna and Puna, who always made sure we were safe and looked after our belongings the whole time. We had a ride on an elephant at Chitwan and searched for and find Rhino's - then washed the elephants in the river. I even got to hug an elephant. Everywhere we stayed the locals were so friendly and helpful. Ram and Binod made sure we were looked after the whole time (from when we landed to when we flew out). Again, a big thank you to our porters and our guide Binod. It would not have been the same without them.”

“Namaste We recently returned from an amazing trip to Nepal. We experienced such a rich culture, warm friendly people and a beautiful country. Himalayan Social Journey were very supportive and friendly and provided a really varied, active and excitingly interesting trip. Our hotels apart from one which was being renovated were clean and comfortable, the meals were plentiful and tasty.We had a great guide with Basudev Gauli who was so interesting and knowledgeable. Ram, Binod, Bishnu and all the staff were very helpful and made our tour special. Our trip to Chitwan Jungle was the highlight for us with the amazing elephants and canoe trip and our lovely hotel. Our last evening with a cultural show and dinner was also very special. we very much appreciate all that was done to give us a wonderful memory. Thank you Jane and Tony Ford”

“Himalayan Social Journey seamlessly organised everything thing from picking us up from the airport to dropping us back off at the end. Ram and his team of guides and porters were outstanding and nothing was too much trouble. The level of proffessionalism and service exceeded well beyond expectations. The 14 day trek gave a great introduction to "beautiful Nepal". This included jungle safaris, trekking a section of the Annapurna's, Kathmandu, Pokkhara and Chitwan - A must see. A special mention should be given to our guide for the tour, Binod. Binod made the trek fun easy and care free. He is a great asset to the Himalayan Social Journey team. I will recommend and I will be back!”

“This was an absolutely fantastic trip. Having no previous trekking experience, there was slight apprehension. However, we had a completely hassle free and very exciting trek. We were very well taken care of by our guide Binod and the porters, Manoj and Poorna. Right from the city tours to the jungle safari to the 6-day trek, they made us extremely comfortable. Their competence and knowledge is unparalleled. During the 6-day trek particularly, they made sure that the pace was comfortable and helped us navigate particularly tough stretches with amazing ease. We'd definitely undertake another trip with Ram's company.”

“We did this tour with the 7 day trek and absolutely loved it. One of the best things we have ever done. Ram ( the manager) met us personally on the day we arrived, and nothing was too much trouble to organise for us. Our guide for the trip was Binod, a friendly and helpful guide that made sure that we all enjoyed ourselves. The porters were friendly and enjoyed themselves along the way as well. The views of Annapurna were spectacular when there were no clouds, the rhododendrons were in full flower at this time of the year (march-april) which hade the hills all the more beautifull. The guesthouses along the trek do a great meal and very well priced, and very friendly. Overall Nepal is a wonderful country and Himalayan Social Journey is the company to see it with. Very highly recommended.”

“Firstly, Nepal is open for business so if you're up for an adventure just go. We completed this fantastic trip with Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ), who have given us the experience of a lifetime. This tour is a perfect way to get a taste of everything Nepal has to offer, from the colourful and busy streets of Kathmandu, the jungle area and wildlife of Chitwan to the breathtaking mountains of the Annapurna range - you will definitely go on a journey and see the different cultures, way of life and welcoming residents. HSJ has been an extremely reliable company, who puts the customer at the centre of their business. Nothing is too much trouble, and the most important thing for them is to ensure that you enjoy your holiday no matter what it takes. The staff are AWESOME - thanks to Basu for his informative tour of Kathmandu, this guy really knows his stuff; Shankar who was our guide, and spent the most time with us, ensuring we were comfortable at every stage; Binod who was our porter for the trek, and always had a smile, and Ram, the M.D. who operates this commendable enterprise. You will enjoy every moment in Nepal, especially if you travel with an open heart and mind, and accept that the people who are looking after you are doing their very best to ensure your enjoyment of their beautiful county. We fell in love and will return, I challenge anyone not to do the same :)”

“I had the most wonderful time in Nepal. The trekking was challenging but so rewarding…You must do this! Washing an elephant in Chitwan National Park was also very special. From the moment my friends and I arrived in Nepal we felt looked after each day as we were not the most experienced travellers!! Our leading guide Ram was able to ensure we all had a great experience adapting the trip to our abilities. He thought of every detail and was great company and very informative. He had a happy team which he looked after as well. Santosh lead from the front while we trekked, never tired of organising food and drinks and had a good, almost Aussie sense of humour! It was a great team, friendly and always helpful which is a reflection of good leadership. I would like to thank the team for an experience that will stay with me forever. Jill”

“My wife and I recently did the 13 day Annapurna trek with optional Chitwan Jungle safari. We had a fantastic time. The organisation of the trek by Himalayan Social Journey trekking was brilliant. Our Guide (Shankar) was amazing and was very helpful and cheerful throughout. Our Porters (Pridap, Krishna, and Homnath) did an awesome job for our group of 6 and they too were cheerful and helpful throughout. At all times when we were in Kathmandu and in the mountains we felt very safe and the Nepalese people were friendly and welcoming. We look forward to doing some more trekking in Nepal and will choose Himalayan Social Journey again.”

“To describe our trek we would use two words, both magnificent and challenging. Our time in the Annapurna Foot Hills was amazing, with the highlights for us being, hitch hiking from Charaudi to Chitwan in a truck (after missing our bus due to late start getting fuel in the Kathmandu),trekking through a snow storm between Ghoripani and Tadapani and the surprise of a birthday cake for my 60th birthday whilst overnighting in Banthanti. Additionally, to be able to see the 3rd, 7th and 10th highest mountains in the world most days was both amazing and beautiful. Our guide Binni was exceptional, caring and thoughtful taking time to ensure we were all ok and safe at all times. We never felt rushed and were able to take in the beautiful scenery at every stop without feeling like we were slowing everyone down. We were told that this was a 'entry level' trek where in fact it was an intermediate trek, which we were not adequately prepared for. However, with the guidance and care of our guide we finished the 6 days full of energy and pride.”

“From start to finish we were looked after superbly. We were met at the airport by Binod, our guide throughout the trip. He arranged everything for us, all with a smile, nothing was too much trouble. He was a wealth of information on any subject we asked about. We met up with Binny 2, our Sherpa and our porters at Pokhara, once again they looked after our every need, always cheerful, often singing as we walked, they even tried to teach me some Nepalese. A highlight was playing cards with them at night as they taught us Nepalese card games. The canoe ride was a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, our guide pointing out the lazy crocodiles along the river bank. We came very close to a rhino and her calf whilst sitting atop an elephant, she wasn’t at all bothered by us, perhaps she could smell the elephant, and watching the elephants walking down the road after they finished work, whilst drinking a coffee at a café was fabulous. We stayed at the Seven Star hotel in Chitwan which was lovely. On the trek, a day or so out of Pokhara, the haze cleared and the snow-capped mountains and red rhododendron trees appeared, they were stunning, making the walking up so worthwhile. HSJ had made a decision to break a long day in two and I was very happy with that decision as we had two fabulous days of walking instead of one very tiring one. One day along the trek while I had decided to walk alone, I went down the wrong path, but there was a porter who spotted me, guiding me back along the path – that could have been a long day! The slower members of our group always had a guide or porter with them should they need help. Accommodation was varied, from rooms with ensuites to shared facilities on the trek, but Binod always told us what to expect. Hotels in the towns and cities were good. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Himalayan Social Journey for your next trip.”

“I had a great time. Nepal challenging to get around, it took 8 hours to travel 195 km from Pokhara to Kathmandu. However the tour was as I expected, a little loose at times things were changed without consultation with the guests but I suspect that's the nature of things in Nepal. Chitwan National Park was terrific. We saw a rhino in the wild. I did not enjoy the elephant breeding centre or the elephant bathing which seemed a total tourist trap. The elephant safari was also a lot of fun and better than the one I went on in Thailand, however got to bath the elephant there so it balances out. The trek was the highlight for me. I loved the rhododendron forests and seeing the mountains. You need to be fit but not marathon fit to do this trek. The guides were very nice but did not offer any information at all. For example we drove past Buddhas birth place and were not told. We also had a day tour in Kathmandu and that guide was excellent. So again it's a little hit and miss but I loved it.”

“I started out planning our trip to Nepal with a well-known international agency. I soon felt that I was being pushed into more than I wanted, both financially and as to tone of the trip. I wanted a relaxed trip but one that would allow us to see a lot but also with the flexibility that would permit changes if needed. I also wanted my money to go into the hands of local Nepalese, not a distance agency. Himalayan Social Journey was just that. i suspect that their main business is with trekkers as that is what draws many to Nepal. However, as aging travelers, they were able to accommodate our needs as well. We worked out the basic itinerary and hotels that I suggested i advance so had the main features of our stay defined. However, modifications due to flight schedule changes and personal requests were quickly worked into the mix. We had a great driver , Dilip, with good vehicles for all our travels. That included driving for hours on the main, but very narrow congested roads. Fly when you can as the roads are really bad. Our guides in Kathmandu were very good. They were knowledgable, friendly, and very good about judging our interests and pace. The resort in Chitwan was first rate, The guide in Pokhara was young and somewhat shy about speaking English but was able to adequately show us the relatively few sights of interest in that city. I certainly would recommend this travel agency for somewhat independent travelers who feel they do not have to have their hands held throughout but still want the services of a competent team. Thanks Ram for being so flexible and for interpreting and handling our needs so well.”

“Did the trekking/jungle safari/yoga trip in April 2016. Family group - Mum, Dad and 2x teenage sons (15 and 17 years). Communications from HSJ prior to the trip were outstanding and they couldn't have been more helpful. The trip itself was a great experience as a family, which gets harder to achieve on family holidays and the children get older! Our guide Ram was fantastic - incredibly attentive, aware and tuned in to his group to make sure everyone was getting the appropriate level of support and contact. Opened up more as the trip progressed and Ram was able to give us some really interesting insights into Nepalese life. Felt much more like being with a really competent and knowledgeable friend than a guide! Only point I'd suggest checking is size of group - we were fortunate to be in a small group but there were some points where we combined with a larger group. This all worked out well but it may be a variation from what some travellers expect. Bottom line - great trip with a great company and our family absolutely recommends HSJ.”

“I spent two weeks in Nepal with Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ). With wonderful guided tours around Kathmandu, a trip to the fantastic Chitwan National Park then trekking in the Annapurna region finishing with a relaxing and fun 2 days at Gokarna Forest Retreat it was a fantastic adventure. I highly recommend a trip with HSJ if you are planning a trip to beautiful Nepal. My 2nd visit to this amazing country. Be prepared to fall in love with the people, the food, the wildlife, the culture and the scenery. Enjoy your adventure. Special thanks to our guide Prakash Rijal and porter Bikash.”

“We booke the 14 day trip and our guide Ram was wonderful. He was completely organised, knew exactly what was going on, encouraged us and kept our spirits. Highly recommended trip.”

“We booked the 14 day entry level trek, it is definatatley not entry level - thousands of steps, jungle, hot and rain. Great time though but you need to prepare. The places we staid on the route where simple but clean and friendly and our guide Ram was good. GOrkana resort was nice, just holding on the 5 star rating, needs updating but the staff where nice and the massages great. The people make this above average trip.”

“What can I say? You won't find better. Our family of 4 had the most wonderful time in Nepal with thanks to Himalayan Social Journey, and its guides and porters. Our main guide, Bishnu put in a huge effort ensuring our trip went well; he's very experienced, organised and fun (he loves dancing and so did we). The porters were all great guys including Tikkaram who was full of energy, funny and would always go out of his way to help with so many things. Our guide in Chitwan, Narayan was also excellent at his job being able to point out animals we otherwise wouldn't have spotted and having a great knowledge of the wildlife in the park. You should go to Nepal, you should make sure that you have guides and porters because you can learn from them, you should choose Himalayan Social Journey and if you're lucky enough you'll have the same guides and porters we had. We'll be going back.”

“A party of 11 of us, booked the Annapurna Trek holiday with HSJ through Kogan Travel. My wife and I (being over 72) decided NOT to trek, but to spend the 5 days of the trek in Pokhara at our own expense. HSJ were very accommodating of our request, and even offered a guide and vehicle during our stay in Pokhara. Unfortunately we heard no more of this offer when we reached Pokhara which wes a pity. However, the rest of the journey was most enjoyable especially Chitwan National Park. The one factor to be aware of is that transport was predominantly by local "Tourist" buses, and not dedicated mini buses as we had assumed. Pokhara was an amazing town, and my wife and I had a very enjoyable stay by the lake. We felt very safe and welcomed by all the locals. I would not hesitate to recommend HSJ to any prospective travellers. The staff went out of their way to make our trip memorable.”

“Had a fantastic experience with the company (and Bec/chitwan) due in large part to the top notch guide services provided, which was complemented by fast turn around for questions emailed through. Saroj our primary guide managed our group really well, and ensured everyone was 100% safe, and physically / mentally good for the trek. Whenever there was a challenge, it was sorted skillfully, and efficiently, and he decidedly went the extra mile. Our secondary guide (ganesh) supported him ably and made sure we got there and back in one piece. Whilst the organisation may want to rethink a couple of hotel choices (primarily the lukla one), everything just worked, and this made it s great experience. Happily recommend the company to others.”

“14 Day Nepal Trip with Jungle Safari. I will start off by saying thanks to Prakash and Rajul our guides, awesome jobs guys thank you, Also to our porters amazing job carting our packs around. And to the driver who pick us up from the airport on arrival and took us back on departure. Great trek, great company, amazing country, beautiful people.”