Traveller reviews

“We have just been lucky enough to complete a most amazing 14 day Nepal Trip with Jungle Safari and rafting, with Himalayan Social Journey. We travelled as a group of 9 ( 2 families with 5 children between us aged 11-15) Initially booked through Luxury Escapes Australia, Himalayan Social Journey got in touch immediately upon booking and provided excellent communication and advice prior to departure Upon arrival in Kathmandu we met our wonderful guide Ram Chandra who proceeded to facilitate a seamless 2 weeks of fun, laughter and the occasional physical challenge!! Ram has many years guiding experience,immense local knowledge was fantastic with the kids and we felt really fortunate to have him as our guide. We loved Chitwan National Park where we rode Elephants, did an optional jeep safari and saw fantastic wildlife including Rhinos, crocodiles and sloth bears. The highlight of the tour was the 6 day trek in the Annapurna region, the first 2 uphill days being physically demanding and the rest a gentle descent. The scenery was breathtaking. Thankyou to our porters Ram, Ramesh, Basu and Suvas whose endurance was amazing and their company at the card table in the evenings much appreciated. It was also great for our kids to socialise with some younger Nepalese people and enjoy the cultural exchange Pokhara and Kathmandu provided cultural interest and an opportunity for some healthy haggling in the street stalls. The road trips by bus were an adventure in themselves as a lot of construction and delays occurred, however this added to the experience as we saw at grass roots the daily life in Nepal. Options to upgrade to flights to avoid the long bus trips were available. The accommodation ranged from simple mountain guesthouse without hot water to plush hotel in Pokhara, all of which was completely adequate and appropriate for families In Summary, this was one of our best family holidays I recommend Himalayan Social journey as a tour operator in Nepal and you may be lucky enough to get Ram Chandra as your guide”

“This was our second trip to Nepal - Our first trip was 18 years ago (pre-kids) and this trip (post-kids) we shared with our 15 yo daughter and 12 yo son as well as another family. On our first trip to Nepal, we organised everything on our own and on the fly - but decided this second time to go for an arranged tour. The 14 day tour, that incorporated trekking, white water rafting, jungle tours, elephant rides, and cultural experiences was fabulous. We did not lose any of the sense of adventure of independent Travellers - if anything, the organised tour allowed us to pack in more activities and it gave us more up close and personal experiences because we travelled with locals who spoke the language. We are most grateful for an amazing adventure guided by Ram and supported by Ramesh, Ram, Bashu and Suvas. The holiday went without a hitch - all logistics, accommodation, transfers all organised and well executed. Great value for money and highly recommended.”

“Great people, great views. In 2 weeks, we enjoyed experiencing a new culture, river rafting, wild animals at close quarters, a challenging but rewarding trek to see monster mountains, forest blooms and Nepalese mountain villages. Our guide Ganga and the great group of porters helped us and tended to our needs in a quiet unassuming manner which complimented our experience greatly. A trip with a difference ! John”

“I recently returned from the most wonderful journey of my life! This completely immersive experience was not only scenically and culturally incredible but a fabulous adventure as well. I don't think this would have been possible without the excellent organization and service provided by the tour operator, Himalayan Social Journey. From the moment we arrived at Kathmandu airport to our departure home, everything was taken care of, without fault. The tour was amazing value for money, every day jam packed with sights and adventures, expertly lead by knowledgeable and friendly guides, as well as many meals included. All hotels and guest houses were of a good standard including food which was delicious, authentic and hygienically prepared Our head guide, Ram, went above and beyond all expectations, especially on the trek. Ram imparted his great knowledge of Nepal to us and was extremely helpful in all situations Special mention also to porter, Ramesh - so kind and helpful as well. Our last 2 days were spent at Gorkana - a luxury upgrade which was a great way to wind down and experience the beautiful forest and wild life of this resort at the end of our trip.”

“We did the 14 day Annupurna trek. 6 days of trekking followed by Pokhara, Safari and Chitwan and luxury at Gokarna Forest Reserve. With white water rafting and a few other adventures thrown in for good measure. It was an amazing experience. Really loved it. Will do something similar every year going forward. We ended up having a private tour - 2 of us plus Tikaram our Guide and Krishna our porter. HImalaya Social Journey were flexible and adjusted to our needs. And through Tikaram was wonderful - pushing us to trek further and higher throughout. Highly recommended. Rajesh and Anjli”

“The trip we did was amazing with some fantastic trekking. An unexpected delight (for me) was Chitwan Jungle and in particular the elephant safari which was a great experience. I'd highly recommend including Chitwan in your trip if you possibly can. We went during monsoon season (late August) so some of the views weren't as good as they would have been later in the year but we still saw fantastic mountain ranges and there were waterfalls galore to enjoy. Raju was our guide and he did a fantastic job - ever flexible and patient and responsive to our requirements. Manoj and Suzan were our fantastic porters - they helped to looked after us well and they, along with Raju got on really well with our children which just helped make the trip even more relaxing and enjoyable. Another benefit of the monsoon season was the crazy height of the river for the rafting. With rapids seemingly at Tsunami like levels, it made the rafting tremendous fun for all of us. I'd highly recommend HSJ - they're a very honest outfit who are prepared to be hugely flexible and will be happy to tailor to your needs.”

“This was an excellent trip from start to finish. We had the best guide in the world "Binod" who looked after us from the moment he picked us up at the airport. We began our trip in Kathmandu and from there travelled to Chitwan national park, via the Trisuli river where we had a really fun filled day rafting. Awesome fun! We were lucky enough to see lots of wildlife close up in Chitwan including many rhinoceros, deer and elephants. The local guide in Chitwan was really informative and enthusiastic about the region. He gave us a really good insight into the local area. This was followed by a six day trek through the Annapurna foothills. The scenery was breathtaking. We were so busy looking around us, we never once thought about how far or hard the walking was, we were so taken in by the beauty of the place. We were lucky enough to be in a group of ten trekkers, aged between forty and sixty five, and we were accompanied by our guide Binod and five porters whom I have to name Ghanish, Jiban, Narayan, Bijay and Shishir, because they were so fantastic. They not only carried our bags, but waited for us, caught up with us, took photos for us, encouraged us, made us laugh and that was just while we were trekking. In the teahouses, they organised our meals, made sure our rooms were comfortable, got us drinking water and any other needs that we might have had. Most importantly, Binod and the porters talked with us, laughed with us and kept us thoroughly entertained for the entire time. They turned a fantastic trek into a trek of a lifetime. I have the nothing but the deepest gratitude for all of them, they were wonderful people and made our holiday the best experience ever.”

“Just came back from a 14 day Nepal hiking trip organized by Himalaya Social Journey. I did 6 days of mountain trekking, white-water rafting and wild animal watching. It was truly a memorable adventure. Glad I did it. Thanks to Himalaya Social Journey, especially to our trip guide Tikaram Nepali, who is a very warm and helpful person. When I was tired or felt a bit sick during trekking, Tikaram was always there to help and take good care of me. As a seasoned traveller myself, Nepal is still a very special place and a eye-opening trip I never had before, especially with Tikaram the best guide in the tour!”

“Wow!! This adventure conducted by HSJ exceeded my expectations. Everything ran smoothly from Airport transfers, accommodation, local tours and trekking. Our guides Tikaram and Binod were fantastic in their attentiveness, local knowledge and mountain dancing skills. We were always well informed with nightly briefings. The porters were always friendly and willing to give a helping hand. Nepal is a beautiful place with beautiful people. Tikaram, Binod and Porters are a credit to HSJ”

“The 14 day rafting/trekking trip was wonderful. Himalayan Social Journey staff were ALL exceptional . Their attitude, attentiveness & desire to ensure that all 12 people on the trek enjoyed the experience was beyond expectations. Our tour leader Binod Gharti (Binny) is very experienced. He was a genuinely happy person who seemed to delight in his job & no problem , question or request was too much trouble or beyond his capabilities, we were very lucky to have had him looking after our welfare. His assistant guide Rupesh Shrestha is a very sweet and genuine person also. Rupesh also was as eager to help in any way he could, both he and Binny really went out of their way to help and encourage everyone on the trek, we could not thank them enough. The porters that did the physically hard task of transporting everbodies luggage were amazing, their names are Dil B Bhusel, Ram Krishna Shrestha, Sudip Shrestha and Buddi Tamang, these guys were fantastic day in day out lugging about 35kg’s on their backs up and down hills for 7 days and ALWAYS with a smile on their face. The whole tour group were unbelievably impressed with them all. Himalayan Social Journey Team are very very lucky to have such wonderful people representing them and working for them , they really are the icing on the cake of what was a fabulous holiday for me, so again thank you to them all 😊😊😊😊 It was mine & my friendAnne’s first trip to Nepal & we thought this particular 14 day trip would provide a good look/see , it has definitely inspired us to return and perhaps do something a little more challenging. I will look fwd to returning to Nepal not only for the physical challenge but also the visual delights & the kind hearted people here ❤️”

“Excellent Guide name: Binod +tikaram Excellent Porter Prakash ,Sudip, Rajesh You guys did the great job 👍👍👍”

“We had a fantastic experience in Nepal with Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ). From start to finish we were very well looked after. We went sight-seeing in Kathmandu before our trek, then white-water rafting on the way to Pokhara. We climbed for 4 days and ascended for two days with our fantastic guides Binod & Tikaram and cheerful (and strong!) porters Sudip, Rajesh & Prakash. After trekking we chose the luxury hotel accommodation option in Chitwan National Park. The Kasara Resort was lovely, and the jeep safari was a highlight! However, we were not so impressed with our last night's accomodation at Gokarna Forest Resort, where the food was very average and the hotel was absolutely freezing! It was the attention and care of our guides and porters that really made the trip a success. I got quite ill during the climb and was very weak as a result. Binod and Tikaram both went 'above and beyond' to help me (even going as far as offering to carry me at one point!) They made sure I was safe and constantly checked on my wellbeing. Two people in our group of ten, enjoyed birthdays while we were on the mountain and our guides made great efforts to insure they were honoured, even arranging a 'mountain cake' made with very limited ingredients! We also spend New Year's Eve with our fellow adventurers and it was a joy to be able to dance, drink, eat and sing with our guides and porters. It made the evening unforgettable! HSJ were very easy to deal with and well organised regarding our travel plans. I would highly recommend HSJ and would be happy to use them again!”

“My cousin & his wife suggested this trip as a way for us all to spend time together & have an adventure. We live on opposite sides of the world so Nepal was a great meeting point and none of us has been before. One of our guides; Tikaram met us at the airport, all smiles and chatter from the off, put us at ease and helped us settle into Kathmandu. His smiles and enthusiasm lasted the entire trip, his boundless energy keeping us all going when the going got tough. We had arrived a few days before our group so had a chance to explore the bustling dusty chaos that is Kathmandu and we loved it. Everyone was kind, and welcoming. We met up with our other guide Binod (Bonnie), who showed us a great place to stock up on supplies and gear for the trip. Binnie was a kind and calming influence throughout our trip, with a big smile and some great stories! We were a group of 10 altogether from 16 to 68, 6 of us in our early 50s. Our first adventure was white water rafting on Christmas day. It was freezing! And exhilarating we loved it. The trek began in earnest a day later and it was mostly up, as you would expect. We met our lovely porters, Sudip, Prakash and Rajesh, who with unwavering strength carried our bags, gave us encouragement and helped us through tricky passes with kind words and smiles. For the first day much of the path was stone steps, The pace always good with lots of breaks and the weather amazing. Through the rhododendron forests. Our luck with the weather continued all week with blue skies all day so views of the mountains possible all the time. Our accommodation on the trek was basic, but a good choice of food which I wasn't expecting, always cooked well and with lots of flavour. Breakfast was huge. I was a little sick when we got to high camp, probably dehydration and altitude, but Binnie and Tika checked my vitals and I was much better once we started our decent the following morning, which was my birthday. Little did I know but our guides had planned a surprise for me, and our hosts that evening (to far from shops to buy a cake) made me one in a frying pan on top of the wood burner. It was delicious and big enough for everyone to share. Tika would have sung happy birthday all night if I'd let him. The following night was another birthday and new years eve, we had a great party in the evening and danced around the fire, to local music, those boys can dance! The good weather continued until we got back to Pokhara, tired and triumphant. Pokhara was laid back in comparison to Kathmandu, a city by the lake, calmer, cooler, quieter. Finally onto Chitwan, where we saw Rhino, crocodile, deer, monkeys and countless birds. What an amazing experience, made so much more by our fellow travellers but especially our wonderful guides and porters. Thank you for taking so much care of us Beautiful”

“The rafting experience was amazing. Recommended for everyone. I Suggest you to upgrade your tour to a private car and carry a set of clothes with you. Overall it was superb!!”

“Himalayan Social Journey acted as a travel agent for my solo Nepal trip. They booked my hotels for me and connected me with amazing guides for each activity of my trip. They didn't initially give me much information prior to the trip (like what to pack or who to meet at the airport) but they were polite to answer all my questions. Usha was my contact and she was generally quick to reply (except for one time when it was during a big cultural festival where she undersatably took longer). Before each day they would tell me briefly what time to get ready for a pick up, but they didn't always tell me where I was headed or who I was meeting until I asked. It led to multiple miscommunications but overall I did get everything I wanted out of the trip so can't complain. The guides they connected me to were all incredible. For the Kathmandu sightseeing Rameshworv was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was patient to answer all my questions and gave me enough time at each destination. The water rafting guides kept the day fun and made me feel safe. Prabin was an incredible trekking guide. He kept me motivated and helped carry my bag. He made the trek very fun despite the bad weather.”

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Trishuli rafting experience! I did this rafting in October 2024. Himalayan Social Journey made it safe, fun, and unforgettable. Thrilling rapids and stunning scenery combined for the perfect adventure. Highly recommend!”

“Great fun with Ram and his company! Me and my husband did an amazing trekking to the Annapurna circuit organized by the Himalaya Social Journey. We checked many agencies in Thamel and on internet before deciding for it. The prices are highly competitive and the staff is competent and english speaking. We definitely recommend HSJ for organizing your trekking!”

“Are you prepared to walk up and down thousands of hand-laid stone steps, dodge pony trains and buffalo, laugh out loud between 1000 - 3000 metres, be mesmerised by beautiful scenery and snow capped mountains? Then trek Nepal's Annapurna circuit with Ram's company HSJ. Fortunately our tour was handed over to him due to overbooking by another tour company and thankfully so as Ram was extremely caring and considerate that our every comfort or need was met both on the trek and in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Ram's group of porters were quite frankly the kindest, considerate, polite young men who would ever want to meet - not really speaking much of each others language was never a problem and they are so proud of their country and heritage, their entertainment during the trek and of an evening with their dancing, music and singing is still such a great memory. Once back in Kathmandu visits to all the major tourist sights were well organised with experienced guides. Highly recommend Nepal as a holiday destination - I will be returning there within the year and will certainly use Ram's company as local support.”

“This was a trip of a lifetime and Ram and his crew made it possible! We experienced Nepal and hiked the Annapurna Circuit during the first two weeks of November, 2012. Everything was taken care of from the start, from lodgings, to transportation. We didn't have to worry about anything. During the trek, the crew went out of their way to make us feel comfortable by singing, playing instruments, and just overall being silly for our enjoyment; AND they did all of this while carrying our packs! We are still singing the songs we learned on the trek. We will never forget you, Ram, and would highly recommend this trip to anyone willing to work hard for some fantastic views and the adventure that comes along with that!”

“We booked the 11 day 10 night trekking with a tour company called Himalayan Social Journey through groupon Malaysia. Right from the start the staff of Ram, the owner, was very helpful in every way regarding my initial concerns and always reply to emails promptly.Upon arrival Kathmandu airport, we were met by Bishnu who was our guide throughout the trek and his 2 wonderful porters Milan and Ombrith always smiling and courteous with a heavy load on their backs seemingly floating up the mountains without a care in the world, so awesome they were indeed with Bishnu always making sure we are safe and well fed. I would highly recommend them to tailor make your trek in Nepal and I am confident you will not be disappointed, they really go out of their way extending their warm Nepali hospitality. This was an experience of a lifetime and I have them to thank for making it so unforgettable for me and my kids.”

“Recently returned from our 14 day Nepal trip including a 5 day Annapurna circuit Trek....The whole experience was fantastic. From being picked up at the airport, the guides and porters on our trek - a bunch of young fit boys...who led our team with drums and flutes, singing and dancing..."little bit up...little bit down" all through the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya's. This company was five star.”

“Both my husband & I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. It exceeded all our expectations. The professionalism as well as friendliness of all staff, the quality of accommodation, food & transport, the variety of outings, the helpfulness of our guide Ganga, assistant Shanka & porters, we all had a ball! Ganga in particular, went beyond his normal duties. He was very experienced and knowledgable, caring and genuinely concerned for each one of us. The 5 days trek around Annapurna Circuit is quite challenging, but the beautiful mountains, valleys & villages make this a truly worthwhile experience. The accommodation on the trek is pretty basic, but the food and kindness of the Nepalese people sure make up for that. If we ever were lucky enough to return to Nepal, we would certainly link up again with Himalayan Social Journey. Peter & Ineke G”

“Wow! What an amazing tour. We loved every minute! The guides, porters and Ram could not do enough for us to make it more perfect. Our amazing guide, Ganga was a wealth of knowledge on everything Nepalese and was extremely kind particularly to those that were unwell or having difficulty on the trek. We WILL be back to Nepal and we WILL use Himalayan Social Journey when we do. Thank you so much for such an unbelievable experience, it was so much more than we ever anticipated, so much so I even cried when we left - not because I was sad to leave (because as I said we will be back) but because we had the most fantastic holiday of our lives! Mel & Anthony Lind”

“Highly reccomend the team at HSJ. My daughter and I recently returned from a trip to Nepal. We went white water rafting, a five day trek in the Annapurnas to Poon Hill, para gliding in Pokhara, jungle safari in Chitwan and chilling in Kathmandu. The staff including little Ram (leader), Shubus, Purnah (porters) were incredibly attentive and made the trip an absolute pleasure. No request was too hard, they were flexible in changing to suit the group and the little things like providing antibiotics for food problems was beyond the call. The prices are very reasonable, hotels 3-4 star and food on trek and guest house accomodation was great. This was an adventure made all the more easier and pleasureable by Himalayan Social Journey - bring on the Annapurna Circuit.”