Traveller reviews

“Words cannot adequately describe the incredible experience I have just had with Himalayan Social Journey in Nepal, the memories and emotions will stay with me forever. A friend and I took the trip together, we were not well travelled or worldly wise rather we were excited but scared and despite a lot of research really didn't know what to expect. Nothing could have prepared us for the breathtaking magnificence of the Himalayas, the incredible kindness and authenticity of the Nepalese people and the fantastic group we shared our trek with. I just loved the white water rafting, it was exhilarating and great fun. I found the Poonhill Circuit Trek extremely challenging despite the fact I had prepared well both physically and mentally but with the skilled guidance, intuitive support and gentle encouragement from our guide Ganesh I made it and the rewards were so sweet after the struggle. Once we were back in Pokhara I went up over the Pokhara Valley and close to the Annapurna Ranges in an open ultralight with Avia Club Nepal and this was another awesome experience. Going to Nepal was on top of my bucket list and a few years ago I saw an article in a magazine about the ultralight flight in the Himalayas so I planned the trip for my 60th birthday and it is to date the best experience of my life. Heartfelt gratitude to Ganesh our guide and Ramsoram our porter (he is also a trainee/assistant guide), Dependra our city guide, the wonderful man who took us rafting (who's name unfortunately escapes me), the incredible individuals in our trekking group, my friend and travelling companion Deanne, the people of Nepal, the HSC team and the Universe for this incredible opportunity and adventure. I was often moved to tears and also laughed so hard it hurt, if you are thinking of going to Nepal hold on tight because you are in for the time of your life!!!!!!!”

“Our 14 day tour of Nepal was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. From having color and water thrown at us for Holi festival to the Chitwan jungle to the Annapurna foothills and views of the highest mountain range in the world, this trip was outstanding from beginning to end. Our guide Raju was very professional and helpful along the way. We had many others involved in our trip, from hotel staff to day guides, all of them extremely kind and helpful. The people of Nepal really are the countries biggest asset, such a beautiful, kind and generous population. Also, special shout out to our porter, Roopeszz! We started in the crazy streets of Thamel, Kathmandu where we got to participate in the Holi festival, so much color, laughter and fun. From there we went rafting and spent a night "glamping" by the river. In the morning a cable car ride to Manakamana (highly recommended) to see a mountain top town and historical temple. Our next major destination was Chitwan, which we absolutely loved. The Chitwan national park is a Gem and the conservation effort there is heartwarming. To hear the locals and safari guides talk about their national park with such passion was a breath of fresh air. We got up-close and personal with huge wild crocodiles and a couple of rhinos... No tigers unfortunately. From there we started our 5 day trek to Poon Hill/Ghorepani and back. I'm lost for words as to how much of a lasting impression this trek has left on our lives. Such a beautiful part of the world, just stop what you're doing now and book a trip! Pokhara was a nice tourist city to spend a couple of nights in after the trek with ample food and beverage options. All was capped off with 2 night stay at the beautiful Gokarna Forrest Resort in Kathmandu. The only real downsides that I could mention are the bus trips along very under developed roads, and a flight that was cancelled meaning we had to take a 7 hour car from Pokhara to Kathmandu, along the above mentioned roads. Nepal is a developing country trying to do it's best to keep pace with an ever changing world so if a few bad roads is all I can complain about, they're doing well. Himalayan social Journey were an outstanding company to deal with, from pre-trip enquiries to dealing with the cancelled flight on the spot. Thank you so much Ram, Raju and the team. We will definitely see you again Nepal. Rest in Peace the Victims of US-Bangla flight 211”

“It began with a city tour of Katmamdu which was great because it was a beautiful day with little haze. We were treated to a Nepalese dinner with native dancing. Like the Mo Mo's best.....dumplings. Onto white water rafting.....looking at the river in Katmamdu that was so very polluted I was a bit wary. We were taken by bus half way to Pokhara to a river that was clear and fast moving. What a hoot....our rowing team consisted of 4 Chinese, 2 Americans and 2 Nepalese guys who kept all of us laughing. The river had some good rapids ....but no one was thrown out of the boat. After spending the night in what I believe was the worst accommodations on the trip, we were off to Pokhara to get rid of baggage and to pack only the essentials in a duffle bag. Our treck began at the "Taxie Stand". We had my husband and myself plus Tika our guide and Denish our porter. Finally starting into those beautiful mountains wondering what kind of adventure we will have. Our second morning was the most challenging from Birethanti to Ulleri because of the never ending steps......up, up, up for 8 hours. The following day we made it to Ghorepani.. the temperature had dropped and it was raining but the restaurant had a fire pit. Altitude was 2750 m.....my husband was starting to have trouble breathing so he agreed to take a pony up to the most beautiful viewing spot Poon Hill. It was gorgeous.. the day was clear and the mountains were majestic. We left the pony and went on.....my husband did ok at first but after 3 hours trecking he was getting weaker and extremely short of breath. Tika got us a room at a guest house still a distance away from Tadepani, our supposed destination. We put my husband to bed and then started making plans.....no helicopter was available at this remote location, no motorized vehicle.... only a pony could get him out. Next morning he was able to ride out.....I felt like writing Ambulance on the pony's rear end because that is what he was. We made it to Ghandruk which was below 2000 m....that made it easier for my husband to breath. Hallelujah...I felt such a relief. After spending the night in this charming little city we took a jeep down to the "Taxis Stand" where it all began. What a wonderful time in those remote mountains. Our guide Tika and Danish our porter helped us so much. ...We couldn't have made it without them.”

“I did the 14 days Nepal Trip (Chitwan jungle safari, rafting and Poon Hill trekking) with Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ) and I absolutely loved it. Many Thanks to HSJ for your great support and especially to our wonderful guide, Shankar Timalsina (and two porters Ramesh Magar & Kanxa Newar). Shankar did an exceptional job, took great care of our team, we did not have to worry about anything from the beginning of the trip to the end. He went beyond what was required and expected, and he made our experience so special in Nepal. I loved every minute of this trip and I would like to come back in the future for another trekking experience. I highly recommend HSJ to everyone! Thank you HSJ and Shankar! Dhanyabaad :)”

“We have just returned from a wonderful fortnight with Himalayan Social Journey. This included a six day trek through the villages and a climb in the early hours to Poon Hill to see the sun rising at 3210 metres. In addition we went white water rafting, paragliding, zip wiring and visited Chitwan Safari Park. At all times we were guided by Prakash Rijal who not only kept us safe and fuLly informed but also entertained. The laugher is still echoing in our ears. Full marks too to the team of porters who were zealous in their assistance at all times. I cannot recommend this company enough”

“Definitely recommend the company Himalayan Social Journey and doing the poon hill trek. Our guide Tikaram, and our porters Denish and Hom were always so helpful and accommodating. Whatever you needed they got you straight away. The trek in the Himalayas was amazing, lots of breaks along the trek and Tikaram always told us about the history. I got sick one early morning going up to the highest point on the trek and Tikaram was fantastic, made sure I was okay the whole way up. Would definitely do another trek with the same company! Highly recommend!!!”

“Our 12 day trip with Himalayan Social Journey included sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara, river rafting and a 5 day trek around the Poon hill circuit. Sightseeing: We enjoyed the sightseeing but felt we could have easily done it ourselves for the information and transportation provided. In Kathmandu and Pokhara the sightseeing lasted for approximately 6 and 2 hours, so not full days. The guide in Kathmandu was friendly but sometimes we couldn't hear all of the information because of the group size. River rafting: We felt the river rafting was a rushed and unorganised event. This could easily be improved with more information, and time to get ourselves ready in between getting off the bus and getting on the raft. At the time of year we went (May 2018), the river was very flat, so it was more of a leisurely boat ride. Poon hill circuit trek: This we would whole-heartedly recommend! We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Tikaram Nepali (the guide), Dinesh Malla and Hom Adhikari (the porters) were fantastic and couldn't do enough to help us! They added so much value to the trek and we felt like family when we left. They were very knowledgable about the area and provided excellent information throughout. The accommodation throughout the Poon hill circuit is basic, but Tikaram always ensured we had the best available. The mountain views throughout the trek were spectacular and we were lucky enough to see a stunning sunrise at Poon hill. Overall, we would recommended the trek with Himalayan Social Journey (and especially Tikaram, Dinesh and Hom) but we would suggest doing the rest yourself.”

“Back in April we did Annapurna Poonhill Circuit trek, we felt very look after from the first moment we arrived to airport. Private taxi took us to the hotel,after sometime to relax we had a meeting with the manager whom explained the agenda to us ( schedule and t-shirt were given to us) all the hotel were we stayed in were lovely (some with shower,bath , the hotel in Pokhara had pool!!!) and up to Nepal standards ( don't try to compare Nepal's hotel to others counties) the itinerary was well prepare and follow by the company. -first night cultural dinner - second day visit to kathmandu - rafting , etc ,etc Every staff or person who with speak to , they spoke very well English, nothing to say about how friendly and willing to help was everyone. Our guide Narendra Timasina couldn't do enough for us, always looking after us and checking if we were ok. He is very positive and friendly guide who made our trip memorable.After few days we join other group which we made some new friends and their guide Prakash Rijal quickly became friend of us too. Both of the guides Narendra and Prakash were very professional , knowledgeable, encouraging us when we were tired and doing their best for us all the time. The experience was incredible and unforgettable, once in a life time which was even better thanks to every person that we met in our way. We came as tourist but we left Nepal as friends. Planing my return soon, I can't say more than that ;-) Namaste”

“It is my immense pleasure to not only highly recommend but to extend mine and my wife's gratitude to The Himalayan Social Journey (in particular Tikaram our guide and Prakash our porter) who made our time in Nepal one impossible to forget! We decided as we like adventurous holidays that we should explore Nepal for our honeymoon as we did not know much about the country or its origins. We had no idea what to expect and have had the time of our lives! As there is so much that we experienced, to sum it up briefly is to do it an injustice, but we would be here forever with the amazing things we have done and things that you need to discover including... White water rafting, Learning all about Hinduism & Buddhism, Canoeing alongside crocodiles, Exploring the jungle, Tasted all sorts of amazing food, Seen lots of wildlife amongst, so much more and I haven't begun on how good the trek itself was! We would not change a thing and it was all in the hands of The Himalayan Social Journey so hats off to them for organising such a remarkable adventure! We were treated like family and this was clearly as important to Tikaram as it was to us. He looked after us every step of the way and without him we would never have had this amazing experience, I work in the hospitality industry at home in England and I can testify that Tikaram's level of hospitality is unparalleled, and him and Prakash are truly a credit not only to the company, but to the industry itself and especially Nepal! Amongst all the amazement of the sights, sounds, tastes and feel of the country we discovered the country on a physical level with the trek of Annapurna and Poon Hill which I couldn't recommended higher! The heart of the Nepal in the form of the people who were amazing, proud, honest and most of all real! We found within Tikaram the soul of Nepal and all that this beautiful country is! To the rest of the world I tell you this, I encourage you to visit Nepal to enlighten yourself, to invigorate your, to discover yourself and most of all to find yourself! I cannot thank Tikaram, Prakash and The Himalayan Social Journey enough for our unforgettable experience and will be encouraging all we know to visit Nepal and to live as we did in the love and care of The Himalayan Social Journey! Thank you for everything and making the beginning of our married life as perfect as we could have dreamed! All our love James & Helen P.s. We've tried to add photos but not only are there nearly 800 amazing pictures from our 5 day trek and 2 day safari, but Trip Advisor will not let me upload the pictures because of the size of them so everyone reading this will have to visit Nepal to see all the amazing things we seen!”

“Before arriving in Nepal, I had booked a 2 week tour with Himalayan Social Journey that included a 5 day trek to Poon Hill (Ghorepani), jungle safari and sightseeing throughout Nepal. Our group was small, around 7 people, which made it easy to travel and to really get to know our new friends and trekking buddies. I love the organisation and enthusiasm from HSJ. Everyday was almost exactly what we had been told it would be. Nepal is an ever-changing country and you cannot always have reliable weather or accomodation in the mountains, but the team is ready for anything. The guides and porters were experienced and focused which is a bonus when you are a group of beginners. Ram, Shankar, Dilip, Dipendra and Ramesh made my experience even better than I could have immagined. My tour with HSJ changed my life in so many positive ways! The accommodation they organised for me before, during, and after my tour was amazing, in the perfect location in Thamel. The team was always on call for anything I needed to ask or know. They organised transfers and all the extras without an issue! I love this company and when I go back to Nepal next year, I cannot wait to do another tour with them! See you soon Ram and the team, and Thankyou again for everything!”

“Well organised by the company. Great team of guides and porters. The guide assigned to us was very knowledgeable on the ins and out of nepal and was very articulate. We did the trek during monsoon so weather was predictably wet and cloudy. Will visit nepal again in peak season.”

“We were very fortunate to have the best HSJ guide in Tika. He looked after us, made sure we were fed and comfortable and was always enthusiastic. He went out of his way to ensure that the itinerary was followed and our expectations were met. Poon Hill was amazing and his tips and suggestions along the way were of great benefit to our overall experience. Although our itinerary changed, he did his utmost to ensure we had a great time.”

“What an amazing experience!! Our guide Parkesh was fantastic and met all our needs even the fussy ones with a huge smile! We saw some amazing views and we loved the trek so much to the that fact we would do another one with HSJ. Our trek was over 6 days walking which suited us so we could stop and enjoy and not feel rushed. We loved Tapapani the most as the views in the morning and breakfast on the balcony in the sun was awesome, we had a relaxing start that day. The accommodation is basic and that is what is to be expected in Nepal. The prices in the mountains were more than we expected but understandable as everything is carried in by horse or man. Hotel Himalaya in Kathmandu is ok but nothing to write home about, staff are amazing and you can get barista coffee / hot chocolate until 10pm complimentary which is a huge bonus. It is located in a good area and not to far from the vehicle free area in Thamel. Pokhara is an amazing town we enjoyed our break there! If doing Chitwan do it before your trek as you want to finish on an amazing high of your trek! I would recommend Himalayan Social Journey - keep an eye out if their website for some fantastic specials! Thanks Parkesh from all 8 in our group who got on fanatically as we did have a great experience! Keep up that huge smile of yours. Our porters were fantastic as well thanks guys! Suz & Georgey ❤”

“Preparing for my trip i was worried that we would struggle to keep up with the trekking part of the trip - specially as I was traveling as a family with a 12 year old and me any wife do not consider our selves to be 'athletic'. Our guide (Tikaram Nepali) and our porter (Avinash Tamang) ensured that we were able to enjoy the trip at our pace and have a good time. Tikaram was excellent in accommodating our request for vegetarian and went out of way to make us comfortable. Also Avinash and Tikaram turned out to be an excellent photographers for us ;) The accommodation in Pokhra and Kathmandu was luxurious. And the guesthouses during the trek was appropriate though basic. A bit of river rafting in Trisuli River, a beautiful cable car ride to the Manokamana Temple, a fun filled elephant safari and river boat safari in Chitwan, a 6 day breath-taking trek in the Annapurna foothills, a brilliant sunrise and panaromic view of the Annapurna range from Poon Hill, an exhilarating paragliding in Pokhra, and a relaxing sightseeing in Kathmandu. Thank you Himalayan Social Journey, Tikaram and Avinash”

“If you do one thing in your life, do the Poon Hill Ghorepani trek. The sights are amazing. The guides and porters from HSJ are knowledgeable and friendly and I can’t speak highly enough of them. The elephant breeding centre is very confronting and whilst Chitwan is beautiful with abundant wildlife the sight of elephants in chains was hard to see. Accommodation in the cities was great, particularly Mount Kailish Resort in Pokhara. The guest houses were surprisingly good with better than expected amenities and good food choices. We loved our trip with HSJ and are looking forward to our next one”

“Amazing trek every day was incredible breathtaking scenery around every corner. The sunrise at poon hill and at base camp will never be forgotten nor will our incredible guide and porters thank you Michael Mckechnie”

“We saw an advert on ‘Living Social’ website for a trip to the Himalayas that looked well organised and breathtaking, so after some cross checking of the tour company Himalayan Social Journey’s (HSJ) we felt confident of their expertise and we booked .... a very wonderful time we had! We essentially went for about 12 days where we had time in Kathmandu, trekking the Annapurna ‘teahouse trails‘ and then time at the Chitwan National Park. Every part was amazing and the scenery just breathtaking. Our guides Nirinda and Paban were first class, looking after our every need plus they were support by a great group of porters. They always had our safety first ensuring we were fit ready fir the daily challenges. We had a wonderful group of 8 Brits who got on so well and we all made new friends. Apart from one or two younger ones, we were all mid 50s to early 60. We coped well with the terrain although our guides did ensure our daily routes matched our pace .... to steady and sure. We shared some great moments together from seeing our first mountain, monkeys, sunset at Poon Hill to sharing a beer in the quaint teahouses along the route. I could say so much more and provide any guidance or tips just let me have any questions, happy to help. I can whole recommend HSJ as good company that looked after us and made our time memorable.”

“This 14 day journey focused on the Annapurna Conservation Area. Starting in Kathmandu our wonderful group of travelling companions from Australia, Singapore and Malaysia, had our first taste of Nepalese fun with some easy rafting with mild rapids that the raft guides used to turn the rafts just enough to ensure all on board were swamped, except them. This was followed by a visit to the Chitwan National Park, which is also a World Heritage Site. No wild elephants spotted but a rhino and lots of birds and crocodiles were, as well as fresh tiger footprints. The trek started at Birethani (1025m) then another tea house or two before Ghoreapani and Poon Hill (3210m). The morning sunrise overlooking the Annapurna Range is spectacular. Then across to Tadapani (2680m) before the downhill sections to Ghandruk (1940m) and finally along the Modi River back to Birethani and the bus ride to Pokhara. which was a delightful and beautifull surprise. The guides, Binod and Tikaram, were exceptional in their assistance, guidance, interpretation and local knowledge. These men are very professional while being warm and welcoming at all times. Both are excellent dancers with Tikaram doing so at every opportunity. They are a credit to HSJ. The porters were not only amazing in their strength and endurance but very helpful also, ably led by Obinas and Zeban, who will be great guides in due course. The mountain based tea house accommodation varied from very basic to reasonable as expected in remote areas. A major surprise was the quality and range of meals available throughout the trek, as was safe water supplies. We took the option of the short flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu which we highly recommend. The tour rounded off with a guided tour of Kathmandu including three World Heritage Sites. Nepal is wonderful destination with majestic mountains and spectacular scenery. The Nepalese are warm and engaging. We will return. We also have no hesitation in recommending HSJ to anyone seeking a guided tour in Nepal. If possible, ask for Binod and Tikaram as your guides and you will be rewarded at every turn.”

“Thanks to HSJ and Prakesh for my trek to Poon Hill and beyond. Prakesh was kind, knowledgeable and nothing was too hard - except maybe getting me up Ulleri. My tour had changed once in Nepal but it was an issue i chose not to push. I was in a small group but met a larger hsj group on the mountain. Pros and cons to both but personally would have liked the bigger group, they had the itinery i originally planned. I really felt like the third wheel on someone else's holiday.”

“The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the trek which we extended over six days instead of five. The Annapurna Mountain Range is beautiful and our walk through the foothills including Poon Hill was a constant delight with beautiful terrain and fantastic views of the mountains every morning from the guesthouses we stayed in. Accommodation basic but clean and good food all the way along. Chitwan National Park another highlight with a guide that could spot wildlife incredibly. Happily recommend HSJ for the coordination and facilitation of a good value trip.”

“We had a fantastic two weeks with HSJ on our trip to Nepal. From the outset HSJ were professional and replied to my emails promptly and courteously. Then we met up with our charming guides, Tikaram and Binod, who bent over backwards to make sure we were always happy throughout the two weeks, which we were. Nothing was too much to ask. The highlight of the trip was definitely the trek, with Poon Hill presenting itself majestically against blue skies just for us, and the 3rd-day trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani giving my camera its busiest workout, although not as busy a workout as our group's 4 porters undertook, lugging our load up and down the steep Nepalise climbs and drops, always with a cheery outlook. And they were great dancers too! I would also recommend paragliding in Pokhara, our favourite place, as it's an awesome and picturesque descent and a real flying experience. Another tip is to pay for the upgrade to Kasara and Gokarna resorts on the last 4 nights as the small amount of extra payment gave us way more luxury than we were expecting, especially at Kasara. Another highlight was our group - 12 interesting, diverse, adventurous, and funny people, so the laughter and camaraderie definitely enhanced the scenery and extreme experiences. Not only would I highly recommend this trip, I want to do it again myself, maybe in a year or so, after my legs fully recover. Great job, Tika and Binny - see you again sometime soon! Stuart and Kerrie McArthur Melbourne”

“I can only echo what the other reviews say - a terrific experience. The guides (Shishir and Dinesh) were fantastic – it was just like travelling with friends. And so much knowledge about the mountains, wildlife and vegetation. A bonus was travelling in early May when there were only a few trekkers which made it even better. Weather was perfect. And the sunrise view from Poon Hill was a highlight. Everything worked perfectly: - from the moment we touched down in Kathmandu, whenever we arrived somewhere there was someone to meet us - Accommodation was great - Food excellent - white water rafting lots of fun - Chitwan nature reserve is definitely worth visiting HSJ were so helpful both before and during the trip. We loved Nepal so much that we are planning to come back next year to trek in Mustang and will be asking HSJ to arrange it.”

“Great! Thanks alot to portals and guide for the great services. I love the dal baht and chowmien, people there are very nice.”

“I highly recommend HSJ! Despite my violent diarrhea, our hiking trip was truly enjoyable and relaxing. We were throughly entertained with Nepalese songs and dances, which have begun to grow in me. resham firiri ~~”