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Amanda Delecca

Originally from Australia, I've been travelling for 25 years and found myself coming back to Nepal time and time again. These days Kathmandu is home and I get to show people around this incredible place, introducing our very talented local guides, Sherpas and people along the way who make each and every visit to Nepal unique and special.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Everything Nepal! Cultural visits, trekking tours, mountain biking, relaxation and adventure: everything in between or a combination of them all! My specialty areas mostly stick to the path - you won't find every man and his dog there, but you also won't need your expedition suit. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"After travelling to Nepal in 2010 and having an awesome experience, I started think that that's what I wanted to 'do'. Like what I REALLY wanted to do. Show people around an awesome place and send them home happy. It turns out that the company I booked my tour with in Nepal not only delivered an awesome tour but also had interesting recruitment techniques. After filling in a post-trip feedback form I mentioned in an email that I was interesting in a change of career and I think tourism is it. The response:
"So, when do you want to start work?
Seriously."
WOW! After recovering from the moment that my heart skipped a beat I had a million questions - but what work? And where? How does that even work?
A year later I returned to Nepal, to the company that I had toured with the previous year and here I still am!
Moral of the story - be careful travelling with us, you might never leave! ;)"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Probably my most memorable travel experience, strangely, was right at home. Growing up in Australia, our family hosted many exchange students and each time we had a new international 'brother' or 'sister' to stay for a year, we not only got a new member to our family, but we also got to know all about where they came from. Discovering the delights (and dislikes!) of things such as Thai fish sauce and herbal tea from southern Brazilian were certainly memorable and I now have 'family members' all over the world!"

Amanda is part of the following groups: Nepal Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Favorite experiences

Explore Ancient Villages: Bungamati & Khokana

This excursion from Kathmandu is a six-hour tour to the rustic Newari towns of Bungamati and Khokana. It's a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions of the rural residents whose families have thrived here since antiquity. These are the Newars, people who are indigenous to the Kathmandu...

Recent trip reviews for Amanda

My experience with you guys was just perfect
Nepal | Oct 25 - Nov 18, 2024

Matty
Matty H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024
My experience with you guys was just perfect, especially working with Amanda on the planning, the small details, and her attentiveness to everything I was asking for.
This was my first ever trip to Nepal and my first such a long trek. Everything worked as planned, from the pre-arrival instructions till the final advises and support from the team on the ground - especially the guide (Nuris) and the porter that were assigned to us.
as mentioned to Amanda in our debrief once we were back to...
Read more

My experience with you guys was just perfect, especially working with Amanda on the planning, the small details, and her attentiveness to everything I was asking for.
This was my first ever trip to Nepal and my first such a long trek. Everything worked as planned, from the pre-arrival instructions till the final advises and support from the team on the ground - especially the guide (Nuris) and the porter that were assigned to us.
as mentioned to Amanda in our debrief once we were back to Kathmandu - the trek hiking days are well planned including all the accommodations and I will not suggest changing them.
The combination of the Tsum Valley with its unique Tibetan cultural impact, and the Manaslu Circuit on the top of it is just perfect.
It is indeed one of the best trekking experience I've done in my life.
Thank you all for that.

Hotel Review
Hotel Manaslu
Kathmandu

I stayed in Hotel Tibet, and therefore all my feedback is related to this hotel, and not to Hotel Manaslu.

Authenticity & Character
Location
I preferred to be out of the Thamal area. Too crowded to my view...
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Nov 21, 2024

Hey Matty,

Thanks for your 5 star review! I'm so glad that you ended up deciding on this longer trek and enjoyed the diversity between the cultural Tsum Valley vs the mountain views and high pass on the main Manaslu Circuit.
Thanks for the shout-out to your guide Naresh, I'll be sure to pass on your positive feedback!

It was a pleasure working with you, thanks again!
Amanda

Manaslu Circuit bucket list
Nepal | Sep 21 - Oct 8, 2024

Stephanie
Stephanie L.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Nov 11, 2024
Planning and booking our bucket list trip through Kimkim was so easy. Thank you, Amanda, for answering our questions with knowledge, compassion, and grace! We started our trip in late September and did run into some late monsoon season rain that made trekking in some place difficult. Guide Bire's experience, energy, and gentle encouragement got us through some tough days and made it all worth it (seriously, give that man a raise!). Porter Tez was so attentive and kind. They're a great... Read more

Planning and booking our bucket list trip through Kimkim was so easy. Thank you, Amanda, for answering our questions with knowledge, compassion, and grace!

We started our trip in late September and did run into some late monsoon season rain that made trekking in some place difficult. Guide Bire's experience, energy, and gentle encouragement got us through some tough days and made it all worth it (seriously, give that man a raise!). Porter Tez was so attentive and kind. They're a great team! Trip highlights were the beautiful remote villages of Shyala, Samagaun, and Samdo. Thank you Kimkim!

Hotel Review
Hotel Manaslu
Kathmandu

The hotel was in a great location, had incredibly friendly and attentive staff, and good services. The rooms were clean but did have a musty smell (Kathmandu is so humid!), which is difficult if you're sensitive to that sort of thing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Nov 20, 2024

Hey Stephanie,

Thanks for the outstanding review and personal commendation! I must mention the rest of our team behind the scenes who all contribute to the preparation and running of our trips, making those of us on the front line look very good. Bire is certainly a strong and kind soul and I'm so glad to hear that he and the crew had such an impact on your trek.

I look forward to hosting you back in Nepal for your next trekking adventure! :)

Cheers,
Amanda

Dolma was really great, I loved having a youn...
Nepal | Oct 23 - Nov 3, 2024

Ali
Ali W.
Australia | Reviewed on Nov 04, 2024
Dolma was really great, I loved having a young woman as guide. She was gentle and kind, but also feisty and fun. And Sanjeev our Porter went above and beyond, helping me descend Kyangjin Ri which was slippery. Langtang village was beautiful and the Flavours Hotel clean and lovely.
Our accomodation in Kathmandu was very nice, the breakfast delicious and the room a nice big size!
Amanda also did more than expected with helping us post trek, organising flights.
Read more

Dolma was really great, I loved having a young woman as guide. She was gentle and kind, but also feisty and fun. And Sanjeev our Porter went above and beyond, helping me descend Kyangjin Ri which was slippery. Langtang village was beautiful and the Flavours Hotel clean and lovely.
Our accomodation in Kathmandu was very nice, the breakfast delicious and the room a nice big size!
Amanda also did more than expected with helping us post trek, organising flights.

Hotel Review
Hotel Manaslu
Kathmandu

A very spacious and clean room, lovely lobby and outdoor areas to sit and a great breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to a few really nice restaurant options, plus short distance to themed and bazaar districts
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Nov 04, 2024

Hey Ali,

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, it really meals a lot for a new guide like our lovely Dolma to hear how she's done on trek, I'm glad the crew added so much to your experience! Enjoy the rest of your time in Nepal!

Cheers,
Amanda

10/10!! First time visiting to Nepal and Bhut...
Nepal | Oct 6 - Oct 18, 2024

J
James B.
Novato, CA | Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024
10/10!! First time visiting to Nepal and Bhutan, and we were delighted with everything. Totally smooth sailing, amazing things to see and experience in both countries.
Amanda was communicative, and inspired confidence so we could relax and be taken care of in the multiple stops. Would not do less than 12 nights, Kathmandu x3, Pokhara x2, Chitwan x2, Kathmandu x1, and 4 in Bhutan (at 3 different spots,) which is what we did, and ideally would do a few more days in Bhutan if we had...
Read more

10/10!! First time visiting to Nepal and Bhutan, and we were delighted with everything. Totally smooth sailing, amazing things to see and experience in both countries.
Amanda was communicative, and inspired confidence so we could relax and be taken care of in the multiple stops. Would not do less than 12 nights, Kathmandu x3, Pokhara x2, Chitwan x2, Kathmandu x1, and 4 in Bhutan (at 3 different spots,) which is what we did, and ideally would do a few more days in Bhutan if we had the time. Both countries are very different from each other and from anywhere else we have traveled.

Hotel Reviews
The Dwarika’s Hotel
Kathmandu

The Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu was a fantastic start to our trip. Despite arriving late at night, the pickup from the airport was smooth, and the hotel itself felt like an oasis in the city.

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Pokhara

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge was incredible. The views were breathtaking, especially having breakfast while watching the sunrise over the Himalayas. This lodge was truly a highlight and perfect for some light hiking and relaxation.

Barahi Jungle Lodge
Meghauli, West Chitwan

Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan National Park offered a different atmosphere. The safari experience was exciting, and we saw various wildlife. While the lodge didn't quite match the luxury of the previous hotels, it was definitely comfortable and adequate for the setting.

The Nanee
Bhaktapur

The Nanee in Bhaktapur was a pleasant surprise. Situated in a different neighborhood, it provided a fresh perspective of Kathmandu from our first hotel there. The hotel's tranquil environment was a perfect escape from the bustling city, and it was a pleasure to explore this new area with the same dependable guide.

Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Oct 30, 2024

Jim thanks so much for your kind words, it was a pleasure working with you and of course meeting you both in Kathmandu, I look forward to maybe seeing you in this part of the world again!

Cheers,
Amanda

A wonderful, worry free, trip to Nepal
Nepal | Sep 27 - Oct 13, 2024

Gail
Gail A.
Israel | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024
Amanda and Raj from Himilayan Trails, who provided or coordinated guides and transfers with Amanda were outstanding! They kept us safe and changed some hikes etc due to landslides, were there for us every step of the way. I highly recommend both Kimkim and Amanda, who organised all from the heart and provided a no worries, unforgettable,trip. Read more

Amanda and Raj from Himilayan Trails, who provided or coordinated guides and transfers with Amanda were outstanding! They kept us safe and changed some hikes etc due to landslides, were there for us every step of the way. I highly recommend both Kimkim and Amanda, who organised all from the heart and provided a no worries, unforgettable,trip.

Hotel Reviews
Shivapuri Heights Cottage
Kathmandu

Nestled high above Kathmandu, with amazing views, excellent and friendly service, my husband and I enjoyed 2 days of quiet relaxation from wonderful hosts and outstanding staff. Absolutely worth every penny to be in this tranquil, rejuvenating setting. Thanks to all!

Authenticity & Character
A unique home transformed into a boutique hotel.
Location
Staff
Always attentive, super friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful rooms, large bed, not a think missing!
Hotel Middle Path & Spa
Pokhara

A perfect place to be in Pokhara! We spent 4 days there with excellent service, great coffee and welcoming atmosphere. Though the rooms are a bit plain, they are clean and comfortable. The spa has the best massages we have ever had. The location is 5 minutes to the lake, and easy walk to Thamel etc. We highly recommend this hotel and it's Italian restaurant. The staff was there for every inquiry and service and the pool, though small was heated and a delight!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Oct 24, 2024

Hi Gail,

Thanks for your lovely words, it was such a pleasure assisting you on this trip, especially after the world events that had the potential to make this trip very difficult for you. I'm so glad it all worked out, of course your positive attitudes and flexibility to roll with the punches (extreme weather/flight delays) no doubt contributed to your unforgettable trip. Thank you!

Until next time!
Amanda

A Memorable Visit!!!
Nepal | Aug 5 - Aug 10, 2024

Jennifer
Jennifer B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2024
Our first city, Kathmandu, afforded us an instant and memorable view into their culture and city life! Our hotel was very nice! Staff was friendly and attentive. Our room was clean and well appointed. Their fitness room was nice! (I’m always happy when there’s a fitness room) While in contrast to Kathmandu, the Chitwan Jungle Resort was beautiful, the room was spacious and we had gorgeous views from our balcony and on the resort grounds. The staff was very friendly and accommodating!... Read more

Our first city, Kathmandu, afforded us an instant and memorable view into their culture and city life! Our hotel was very nice! Staff was friendly and attentive. Our room was clean and well appointed. Their fitness room was nice! (I’m always happy when there’s a fitness room)

While in contrast to Kathmandu, the Chitwan Jungle Resort was beautiful, the room was spacious and we had gorgeous views from our balcony and on the resort grounds. The staff was very friendly and accommodating! Likewise we had an altogether different but equally beautiful atmosphere when we stayed overnight at Matan Chhen in Panauti.

Our guide in Kathmandu was great and we had fantastic tours. Our host in Panauti, Grishma, was very helpful and charming!

If we did the trip again, I would not go to Panauti on our last day before departing Nepal. After the morning flight back from Chitwan to Kathmandu, we didn’t feel like driving another 1.5 hours only to go to a small town, with little to do or see and then just hang out in the residence the rest of the day. (We walked around the town for a little bit as Grishma was kind enough to walk with us but there was not much to do or see) And then having to drive back to Kathmandu exceptionally earlier than needed the following morning only to sit at the airport for 3 hour and 45 min ahead of our flight (and then add on another 1.5 hours for a delay). Had I known all the travel time and the lack of really anything to do in Panauti, I would have opted to stay in Kathmandu or somewhere a lot closer. That’s my only constructive feedback for the tour company. With limited time in the country anyway, the less ‘travel time’ to get to places, the better. Or at least a better call out on the planning side about total trip times.

Overall, it was a very positive experience and I would recommend Himalayan Trails to anyone! We were well taken care of!

Local specialist: Amanda Delecca

Go with the people who know Nepal
Nepal | Jul 29 - Aug 2, 2024

Chris
Chris J.
Australia | Reviewed on Aug 09, 2024
From the outset the service and communication was EXCELLENT. Our planner Amanda was super helpful in good advice for travelling in the off season / monsoon season and helped create an amazing itinerary that gave us the best trip for the little amount of time we had in Nepal. It was all organised in a short time and meant we didn't have to worry about what to do when we arrived. Our on ground contacts and guides were equally amazing - they contacted us before our tour started while we were... Read more

From the outset the service and communication was EXCELLENT. Our planner Amanda was super helpful in good advice for travelling in the off season / monsoon season and helped create an amazing itinerary that gave us the best trip for the little amount of time we had in Nepal. It was all organised in a short time and meant we didn't have to worry about what to do when we arrived.

Our on ground contacts and guides were equally amazing - they contacted us before our tour started while we were in Kathmandu to have a quick catch up, meet and greet and go through the upcoming days in more detail. It's little things like this that make for a confident trip and ease any concerns about travelling in a new country.

Throughout the whole tour our guides were prompt, friendly and very knowledgeable. Flights, transfers and site entries / permits were all sorted and something we didn't even have to think about - all we had to do was enjoy the amazing scenery, culture and interesting history.

An extra special mention to the team in adjusting our tour when I sustained an injury which meant we couldn't do a planned small trek. They arranged extra nights in our current hotel so we could stay where we were and rest.

Couldn't recommend the team highly enough.

Cheers Chris

Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Oct 30, 2024

Hi Chris, we're thrilled to hear that you had a such a good extension to your work trip here in Nepal and that the team looked after you! Awesome to see that you got some mountain views above Pokhara as well!

Until next time :)
Amanda

Amazing experience
Nepal | May 15 - May 19, 2024

yancey
yancey A.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 19, 2024
Just an amazing experience. The trek was well thought through and fit the level of skill and challenge I was hoping to get. Guide and Porter were, simply put, Professional,
Friendly, Respectful. We had some great laughs and pushed through some challenging spots as a team.
Read more

Just an amazing experience. The trek was well thought through and fit the level of skill and challenge I was hoping to get. Guide and Porter were, simply put, Professional,
Friendly, Respectful. We had some great laughs and pushed through some challenging spots as a team.

Hotel Review
Hotel Manaslu
Kathmandu

Our stay was great. We enjoyed the clean room and the convenience of the morning breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
The look and feel was perfect.
Location
Breakfast was very good.
Staff
Very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheets
Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Jun 01, 2024

Hi Clay,

Thanks so much for your glowing review, it was an absolute pleasure working with you on this one!

From Amanda, Keshab and the HT Team

Incredible Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal | Apr 22 - May 8, 2024

Jane
Jane G.
Australia | Reviewed on May 13, 2024
Wow! This was such an amazing holiday. Amanda, Raj and their team at Himalayan Trails were just so great to work with. Our guide in Nepal, Pratikshya, and the drivers who supported her, all did such a fabulous job of showing us their country. The team were great with not only helping us plan the itinerary, but also making a whole lot of last-minute changes when things didn't go to plan. We were able to quickly and easily discuss things with Pratikshya and make the necessary changes. They... Read more

Wow! This was such an amazing holiday. Amanda, Raj and their team at Himalayan Trails were just so great to work with. Our guide in Nepal, Pratikshya, and the drivers who supported her, all did such a fabulous job of showing us their country. The team were great with not only helping us plan the itinerary, but also making a whole lot of last-minute changes when things didn't go to plan. We were able to quickly and easily discuss things with Pratikshya and make the necessary changes. They also set us up with Wind Horse Tours in Bhutan to spend some time there, and both companies made everything just so easy for us.

The Kimkim platform made it so easy to research and discuss what we wanted to do and communicating with Amanda and the team was so straightforward.

Highlights of the trip - definitely seeing a tiger in Bardia National Park, hiking Tiger's Nest, and spending some time in local communities in Panauti and Kirtipur to see what everyday life is like for Nepali people.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Manaslu
Kathmandu

Very comfortable, well-maintained with excellent, helpful staff. Good location too - not too close to all the hustle of Thamel but close enough to access it if you want

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Milla Guesthouse Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur

Lovely guesthouse! We visited here near the end of our time in Nepal and it was such a good place to relax and catch up before moving on.

Authenticity & Character
Newari style house, but with everything western travellers could need
Location
Easy to get to and right near a square with lots of food options. Also a charming
Staff
Caring and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Matan Chhen
Panauti

Just incredible. Having a place to stay in the middle of the old city was like really being part of the community. Particularly with the festival we got to witness

Authenticity & Character
So well renovated. Gave us the character we were looking for but still the comforts we needed.
Location
Right in the middle of a lovely Newari neighbourhood
Staff
Grishma and Maya were so welcoming! We got to go out to the markets with Grishma, and they made us a lovely dinner and breakfast. So special. Thank you both
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tiger Tops Karnarli Lodge

This was an amazing place to stay and really added to the experience of visiting the park. BC and his team were so thorough and professional, but very welcoming at the same time. The cool towels and drinks were really well received every time they were offered. I loved the sustainable approach to running the lodge and the safari guides and drivers (we had Krishna and Ramsingh) were just so good at their jobs. They found us two tigers and so many birds! They There were also a lot of people behind the scenes who I don't know the names of, from the gate guards to the nightwatchmen, the cleaners and the cooks, who all help make this such a special place. Thanks you so much for everything

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful rooms in the style of the Tharu longhouses as well as the communal areas, all beautifully taken care of.
Location
Right next to the National Park and a short but nice trip through the local villages to get to the park entrance
Staff
If I could give more than 5 starts I would. The staff were just so caring, welcoming, and friendly. Everyone there was just fabulous
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Oct 30, 2024

Jane thanks so much for your kind words! Your photos give so many cool insights into the things you saw and experienced in both Nepal and Bhutan - WOW! Especially that photo of the tiger, you're never guaranteed to see animals in the wild here and they come out in a big way for you!
It was great working with you on this one, we look forward to the next! ;)

Cheers,
Amanda

Trip of a lifetime!
Bhutan | May 2 - May 10, 2024

Tara
Tara V.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 12, 2024
Amanda helped us plan an incredible vacation to Kathmandu and Bhutan. We had knowledgeable guides on every date of our stay, and were taken care of from airport pick-up to drop off. The itineraries were easily customizable based on our interests (even including a trip to a middle school I attended), and there was both plenty of sightseeing as well as down time. Would highly recommend booking with KimKim! Read more

Amanda helped us plan an incredible vacation to Kathmandu and Bhutan. We had knowledgeable guides on every date of our stay, and were taken care of from airport pick-up to drop off. The itineraries were easily customizable based on our interests (even including a trip to a middle school I attended), and there was both plenty of sightseeing as well as down time. Would highly recommend booking with KimKim!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Manaslu
Kathmandu

Great breakfast, comfortable lodging, courteous staff, convenient location near Thamel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Peacock Guest House
Bhaktapur, Nepal

Historic guesthouse in the heart of Bhaktapur.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
Thimpu

Comfortable room, amenities, and very responsive staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zhingkham Resort
Punakha

Incredible hotel with a view of the Punakha Dzong.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tashi Namgay Resort
Paro

Comfortable, large rooms, all amenities, fast wi-fi.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Oct 30, 2024

Hey Tara,

Thank you for your 5 star review, it was a pleasure helping you with this one! It's always extra special helping people who are coming back to Nepal, I'm glad it worked out that you were able to visit the middle school and I especially love your shirt direct from Kathmandu 1985!!

Until next time!
Amanda :)