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 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