Traveller reviews

“Diprenda was great! He was very knowledgeable and answered all the questions that came up for me throughout the day. He really made my visit special and I would recommend him and the tour wholeheartedly!”

“Our guide was Dipendra Dharel, a very polite, professional, and kind young man. He immersed us in Nepalese life and its rich history and culture. With great patience, he answered all the questions we asked him. He also shared fascinating details about the architecture of every temple we visited. It was an intense day that flew by, as we moved between the past and the present—we didn’t even notice how an entire day had passed! Absolutely a “must do” experience when visiting Kathmandu. And if you’re lucky enough to have a guide like ours, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a desire to come back and learn even more. Thank you, Dipendra Dharel!”

“My son (16 years old) and I traveled to Kathmandu for a 5 day 4 night excursion. Ram and his team coordinated all events professionally, timely, and very reasonable cost. Ram's arrival dinner and departure dinner gathering was great. Although the weather did not cooperate in the mountains Ram arranged for alternative experiences including white water rafting. When my son and I go back we will use Himalayan Social Journey. The company's ability to arrange everything and fit everbody's budget request is be far the best I have experienced. I highly recommend Ram's company.”

“My 16 year old son and I have just spent a remarkable 14 days trekking, rafting and travelling in Nepal under the expert care of Ram and his colleagues at himalayan social journey. Nepal is unforgettable in any case but the behind the scenes organisation provided by Ram, the wonderful assistance of the guides and porters, the great care and hospitality provided by all from Ram's team helped make this a very memorable experience. Everything that was forseeable was organised and went very smoothly. the few things that were unforseeable were adressed rapidly and with professionalism. loved it and would do it again.”

“April 2013 - Our journey began in Kathmandu and moved North to Pokhara then up through the Annapurna Ranges. I travelled with 6 others – 7 in the tour group in total, 6 Australians and a German guy. Aside from the scenery, trekking, rafting, horse riding, bus and plane rides and culinary experiences which were worth every penny, I feel that it was the people that I toured with and the people we met along the way that made this trip one of the best experiences I have been fortunate enough to be involved in. Ram (tour operator), his team, along with Binod (guide) as well as our fabulous porters were very organised and accommodating, we always felt safe and secure and certainly our group’s needs were met at every point along the journey. For me the trip was over all too quickly. I wish Ram, Binod and his team well and look forward to trekking with the team again in the near future.”

“What amazing days I have just spent with a team from HSJ and of course fellow hikers -journeying through the wondrous Annapurna conservation area. The support, laughter, incredible local knowledge, genuine care, musical talent, seemed to flow naturally from the three young men who watched over us both up and down those many steps ! The food was superb, accommodation way above expectation and it goes without saying that the sights and sounds of the mountains, villages and people; the bustle and noise of Kathmandu, the tourist haven that is Pokhara; that amazing bus ride; the Trishuli river and all excursions in between will have a special place in my memory. I salute this Company for the work done to forge such a caring and successful business. Thank you to Ram, our amazing guide Binod D, and our fantastic porter pals Binod and Krishna.. Salute Guys !! As an ocean loving sea level dweller, I left Nepal, the mountains and people in awe of so much - and plan to return. Thank you for having me ! Kate S ( South Australia)”

“Thank you to Ram, our guides, Binod and Amreet, our porters, Binod, Sabash, Manoj and the rest of the crew for an awesome journey. Everything was organised well. The trekking was spectacular, the accommodation inviting, the food fabulous, the singing and dancing truly memorable..most of all, you treated us like friends. I will miss Nepal and all of you. Resham firiri, Resham firiri, sometime trekking, sometimes rafting .....Pheri vetuala xx”

“We just did a two weeks tour of Nepal in Oct 2013. It was an amazing deal offered by Nepal Social Journey. The program of the trip was extensive and varied. We had yoga classes, temple visits, rafting and the cream of the cake - mountain trekking. Ram, Binod, and Amrit took such great care of the group to ensure that we all are very well taken care of. Both guides and porters were such great bunch of guys that they were like a family by the end of the trip. Nepal is truly a magnificent country with majestic scenery and the Nepali make our experience even more magical. We love their ever so happy, patient and serene ways of life. Nepal is not a destination for someone who would like a pampering holiday. Hotels and accommodation is basic, electricity or wifi may be unreliable. Mountain stays are even more basic than in the city. Foods, however, was very good and safe. Mountain trekking is quite arduous but a sense of achievement is well worth the effort. I would rate the experience as 5 out of 5 if not for the mouldy bathrooms during our Kathmandu stay. However, i would strongly suggest everyone to visit the country and use Nepal Social Journey to organise the tour as I found it to be reliable and of good value.”

“Most enjoyable trip well organised and operated. Accommodation is generally good and clean beds. Tea houses on trek basic but met expectations - don't expect a 5 star experience! . Electricity/hotwater can be unreliable but that is common all over Nepal. Sarin our guide was knowledgeable and experienced and he and the porters looked after all our needs.Highlights for me were the rafting, Pokhara and the trek. The trek was challenging at times but if you don't rush it it's fine. Several in our group were over 60 and coped with it well. All in all this trip is good value and Ram at Himalayan Social Journey was very accommodating in meeting individual needs. I recommend this company.”

“Yes, Nepal has spectacular mountain views but there is so much more to see and do. This is what Himalayan Social Journey helps you discover. From the first day to the last day they ensured all on our trip had a great time. The sights of Kathmandu, white water rafting, elephant safari (even got up close to a mother Rhino and her baby), trekking through the mountains, and more. The beauty was that our guides always had things under control and yes the accommodation un the mountains is basic but clean and comfortable and after a big day trekking any bed feels good :) I was expecting very basic food but the places we stayed at had a good range of choices. When I talked with other groups they had similar itineraries to us but what they didn't have was our guides and porters. Their infectious smiles and energy added something extra to this trip which made it feel like family. How they could still have the energy to sing and dance after a days trek will always amaze me. There are plenty of companies in Nepal that do these trips but if you want one whose crew do everything they can and end up as your friends than you need to go with Himalayan Social Journey. My boots blew out after the first day of the trek so I went to throw them out but one of the porters end up getting a needle and some heavy duty thread, end result was they made it all the way to the end of the 5 day trek. This is just one case of that little bit extra they do. Thanks Ram for putting such a good crew together and look forward to returning to Nepal Pete”

“Our guides Binod and Amreet did an excellent job in organising everything we needed on the tour. It was a great tour which included white water rafting, elephant rides, jungle safari and a five day trek and other site seeing ventures. We also had an amazing group of porters that not only carried our bags up those mountains but did so all whilst entertaining us with singing, dancing, and plenty of warm smiles. They all also made sure we were fed throughout the trek as they also doubled as our personal waiters! If you are looking for a tour that offers a variety of things then this is the tour for you!!”

“Visiting Nepal with Ram Chandra Dhauniya and his team through the Himalayan Social Journey was a fabulous experience. We spent 12 days in Nepal with five days of trekking. We were looked after extremely well on the trek and contrary to the belief that the food would be very basic, we ate like kings. White water rafting was great fun and the safety instructing were thorough and first class. Nothing was too much trouble for Ram Chandra and his team, he even took a group of us in a local bus in Pokara to take us shopping in town. There were times when the itinerary changed but nothing drastic and I would not hesitate to recommend the Himalayan Social Journey for a trip to Nepal.”

“This was an absolutely amazing experience. From the very beginning it was jam packed with activity and our guide Saran was there with us the whole time, from airport pick up to drop off. I highly recommend this trek for all people wanting to trek for the first time. Nepal is a beauty and I want to go back again and again. The porter boys were helpful and cheerful the whole way and were great entertainers. Food was good and accommodation was also good. I recommend you take a power pack for your phone cos the power points are scarce in the mountains. And if your guide suggests you pack a beanie, then pack a beanie! The weather really is unpredictable up there! Overall, I am very pleased with the service of Himalayan Social Journey. Kim Cheng (aka Kimche)”

“Excellent tour to experience a variety what Nepal has to offer. Tour included trekking, rafting, elephant riding, jungle safari, sightseeing and much more. Our guide Milan was excellent, making us feel safe, was always early and really took care of us. Once out of Kathmandu we got to see how beautiful Nepal is and this tour really showcases some of the best parts of the country, from the Chitwan National Park to sunrise over the Himalayas. By the end of the tour we felt like we had become lifelong friends with our guide and I would recommend HSJ to anyone.”

“I really enjoyed this 14 day tour in Nepal which included trekking, some jungle and rafting adventure and sights around Kathmandu. Overall it was great! If you wish more of a yoga and meditation experience then you need to add that on separately. People were very friendly and responsible :) great fun and happy that I did it!”

“After purchasing a deal voucher for a 14 day adventure/trekking adventure in Nepal l was excited. The holiday was awesome providing a mixture of great activities including rafting, elephant trekking and canoeing. The trek was amazing with spectacular views of the breathtaking landscapes, villages, friendly people and a land of raw beauty. Staff were very hospitable, accomodation was very good and there was time for site seeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara. A truly, amazing adventure and recommended for anyone who is reasonably fit searching for fun and excitement.”

“I am back 2 weeks today from a fabulous 15 days in Nepal... still feeling the buzz. A great mix of trekking, sightseeing, rafting and learning about life in Nepal. I have to mention our guides and porters - their experience, caring and sense of fun made the more strenuous days a delight. Everyone needs to get away into this world and appreciate what you have and what you can learn from these lovely people.”

“This 14 day trip offered by the 'Himalayan Social Journey' is a fantastic mix of activities from meditation, yoga and experiencing the spirituality of the Bhuddist and Hindu temples through to jungle safaris and trekking in the majestic foothills of the Annapurna Conservation Area... and of course the yummy local beer and foody delights (go Dahl But!). The guides are experienced and incredibly helpful and caring...I didn't once feel at risk in any way; the porters are very strong and friendly...and I was very lucky to be in a great group of travellers with harmonious dynamics. The jungle in Chitwan was beautiful and we were lucky enough to see a one-horned rhino and a sloth bear and baby in the middle of the day! This is a journey with a balanced mix of nature and culture. The company is very organised and professional and really makes you feel like you are on holiday and well cared for.”

“This was a fantastic tour! We had a small group and the company was able to be really flexible. We liked one of the places in the mountains so much we stayed an extra night! Ram the owner went to lots of effort to make sure everyone was happy. Our guide, Binod was excellent (so get him if you can! ). Our porters, pakcash and santos (I think I spelled their names wrong, sorry!) were lovely and did so much more then just carry of bags. The scenery was spectacular (when we could see it, we had a few rainy days!). The places we stayed in the mountains were basic but always clean and there was some fantastic food up there! We got to see a wild rhino and her calf during a jungle walk in Chitwan. The only thing I didn't like about the experience was visiting the elephants while in Chitwan as I thought they were cruelly treated (this is outside Himalayan social journeys control). All in all a great experience and I would gladly use the company again and recommend it to my friends!”

“From our queries before we left to go to Nepal to right throughout our journey Sharmila and Ram answered and responded to our questions quickly. Our drivers were on time and friendly. What really made our trip a pleasure was our guide Ganga who was knowledgeable, friendly, happy and helpful person. Santa and Rupess were our porters and also had ready smiles and were friendly. Food was fantastic, accommodation good with fantastic views, but don't expect hot water whilst trekking at every stop. Also on our 6 day trek there are many, many steps so be prepared with fitness and knee straps. I would not hesitate to recommend HSJ to my family and friends if they wished to travel to Nepal in the future, they made sure we were looked after each step of the way in the 14 days we were over there.”

“Great company to deal with no hesitation in recommending HSJ. All emails answered promptly allaying any concerns. Everything happened as outlined with as little hassle as possible. Office staff, drivers,porters all very friendly and helpful. Binod our guide was great with good support from Sankar and Santos encouraging all the way. Trip good mix of activities from sightseeing, white water rafting and of course the trek with wonderful scenery. Accommodation on the trek basic but adequate with or without hot water. Accommodation in the towns very good. Food was a good throughout the trip. Mixed group of 8, aged from 14-65 yrs all contributed to a great holiday.Thank you. Just a little warning, make sure that you do do some training before you attempt the trek as there are a lot of steps to climb. Brenda Jones”

“Excellent service from the office prior to the trip, excellent communication from Sharma whose English is superb . Ram is a terrific bloke, very helpful. Our guide Ganga was exceptionally helpful and I definately felt safe having him around! The guided day around Kathmandu was brilliant. It would have taken us three days to get around what we saw in 8 eight hours and I didnt feel rushed or touristy. The white water rafting was very well organised and very safe. The three days in Chitwan were excellent, and the food was superb. Nice people. Lovely trip.”

“Arrived in Khatmandu on 14th Oct. 2014 and started our Tour on the 15th. A wise decision as we had a seven hour delay to land at Khatmandu (landed at 11.30pm) because of the weather. It was a welcoming sight to see our tour rep. The Samsara Resort Hotel, our base in Khatmandu after the tour as well, was clean, comfortable, quiet - considering it's location - had a nice garden to relax in. On booking this tour direct from the UK, we were geared up to be with a group, so was very surprised that we were the only ones in the group. At the time, somewhat disappointed by that, but thankful later on it was the case. So, for the rest of the trip we had a personal guide and porter that looked after us very well. The tour of Bhaktapur and Khatmandu was excellent, very informative. The itenerary was changed to suit our needs, we declined the rafting experience. Also, after discovering the second day's trek to Gohrepani was difficult for us, our route was changed. Our guide Bikash, was very patient and encouraged us to carry on, but slowly. Glad we did, the views were spectacular. We particularly liked the activities on the visit to Chitwan National Park. The hard bed at the Heritage Hotel was the only down side. The Hotel at Pokhara, Splendid View, was central and OK. The lodges along the trek were basic and OK once one accepted that level of comfort. All accommodation depends on what you pay. Being vegetarians, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety of food on offer at the Lodges and plenty of it. Worth noting that the roads are not very good and the bus trips are tiring. We flew back from Pokhara to Khatmandu, a half hour trip, rather than an eight hour road trip!!! On the whole it was an enjoyable experience, especially the Nepalase hospitality and specifically that of our guide, Bikash. We would definitely recommend Himalayan Social Journey for your Nepal experience.”

“From the moment I landed in Nepal to the moment i left, Ram, Binod and the rest of the Himalayan Social Journey's team went above and beyond to organise accommodation, customised day trips and anything else i needed. I went through them just for the 14 day Rafting, Trekking & Yoga trip (which mind you was fantastic) but once in Nepal ended up booking everything through Himalayan Social. There pricing is super competitive (give them a call or email once you pick your trip from the website, they regularly have specials) and they will customise side trips for you if you don't find what you are looking for on their site. The best bit of my trip to Nepal was the friends and now extended family i made through the team at Himalayan Social Journey!”