Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 14,221 ratings
Read 14,221 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Tom's 5-day trip to Iceland
Iceland | Sep 15 - Sep 19, 2016

T
T H.
Tappan, NY | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2016

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and appreciated the recommendations for restaurants and hotels. We don't usually use a travel agent, but for Iceland it was hard to know what to fit in for a quick 5 day trip, and Bjorn was great. Very easy to work with and responsive to our requests. He not only arranged airport transfers, he also set up a ride to the rental car, made sure we had a gps loaded with key spots, and gave us a phone to use with his contact info as well as all the other information we needed.

Local specialist: Bjorn Gudmundsson
Bjorn
Bjorn Gudmundsson
Local specialist in Reykjavik, Iceland | Replied on Oct 02, 2016

Hi Tom and thank you very much for your feedback. It was a pleasure working with you and I am very happy that you enjoyed your Iceland trip!
Great pictures!

Khopra Danda Community Trek
Nepal | Sep 1 - Sep 10, 2016

A
Aniessa H.
Nepal | Reviewed on Sep 10, 2016

I was well taken care of the whole time! Thanks guys for planning this trip for me and getting me where I needed to go! The hotel at the end of my trek was amazing!! Thanks again:)

Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Sep 10, 2016

Hi Aniessa,

It was an absolute pleasure having you here and we were very happy to see that you had some clear days with incredible mountain views! Until next time :)

4 day Iceland exploration
Iceland | Aug 13 - Aug 22, 2016

Leslie
Leslie B.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Aug 30, 2016
What I appreciated most was how was easy it was to organize and book. When we received the itinerary it was reasonably priced especially when compared to what I saw when I initially tried to book the trip on my own. I was booking this trip rather late and I turned to KimKim because I was discovering that a number of the hotels I was interested in were sold out. Bjorn was able to get us a reduced rate with view rooms at a beautiful new hotel. He also found us a great "guest house". The... Read more

What I appreciated most was how was easy it was to organize and book. When we received the itinerary it was reasonably priced especially when compared to what I saw when I initially tried to book the trip on my own.

I was booking this trip rather late and I turned to KimKim because I was discovering that a number of the hotels I was interested in were sold out. Bjorn was able to get us a reduced rate with view rooms at a beautiful new hotel. He also found us a great "guest house". The activities he suggested weren't one that were found in the guidebooks. Bjorn listened to what we liked and found activities to match.

Local specialist: Bjorn Gudmundsson
Bjorn
Bjorn Gudmundsson
Local specialist in Reykjavik, Iceland | Replied on Aug 30, 2016

Thank you very much for the review Leslie we appreciate it! We are very happy that you enjoyed your trip and found our suggestions helpful. We hope to welcome you again to Iceland in the future.

Croatia - Dubrovnik to Split
Croatia | Aug 15 - Aug 22, 2016

B
Bradley G.
Croatia | Reviewed on Aug 28, 2016
We would have liked to have a more in-depth conversation about the hotels and specifically the rooms that were going to be booked for the trip. In the end it worked our fine, but we were a little surprised when we got to the first hotel and would have considered spending more for a view or added amenity. The biggest disappointment was a disconnect from our expectations of what KimKim offered when working with a local expert and what the final itinerary contained. We were expecting the... Read more

We would have liked to have a more in-depth conversation about the hotels and specifically the rooms that were going to be booked for the trip. In the end it worked our fine, but we were a little surprised when we got to the first hotel and would have considered spending more for a view or added amenity.

The biggest disappointment was a disconnect from our expectations of what KimKim offered when working with a local expert and what the final itinerary contained. We were expecting the final itinerary to include ideas/recommendations from the local expert for excursions, things to do or restaurants to checkout that may be slightly off the beaten path.

See previous comment regarding our expectations for the final itinerary.

Local specialist: Ilija Miloš
Alex
Alex B.
| Replied on Aug 28, 2016

Hi Bradley, thank you for your review, and for trusting us to help plan your honeymoon! We are very happy to hear that you had a great time in Croatia, despite the fact that our trip plan and service fell short in a number of ways. Thanks also for your detailed feedback to us via email, as it has helps us improve our product and processes. We hope to be able to help you again with a future trip.

Family Adventure in Croatia
Croatia | Aug 9 - Aug 23, 2016

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Andreas V.
Sunnyvale, CA | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2016

It was perfectly organized and executed. Looking back I would have done one part differently, but it was really amazing to see that hotels were informed, transports by taxi or ship waiting when needed.

Was very engaged even throughout the vacation open for additional questions

Local specialist: Andro Tartaglia
Andro
Andro Tartaglia
Local specialist in Split | Replied on Aug 24, 2016

Dear Andreas,
Thanks for your feedback!
Next time we will have to use only boutique family owned hotels!! Great pictures by the way :)

Stockholm Trip
Sweden | Jul 9 - Jul 17, 2016

Julia
Julia F.
| Reviewed on Aug 09, 2016
My experience was wonderful. From helping with itineraries to restaurants, the service was great, even for cities that weren't necessarily advertised. I liked the personal experience with someone responding to my every question. Planning trips can sometimes take forever for me and consume my days, but Michelle allowed me to release that pressure. It would have been great if in the planning phases, kimkim was able to tell me a route of a few cities to visit and the attraction of each. If I... Read more

My experience was wonderful. From helping with itineraries to restaurants, the service was great, even for cities that weren't necessarily advertised. I liked the personal experience with someone responding to my every question. Planning trips can sometimes take forever for me and consume my days, but Michelle allowed me to release that pressure.

It would have been great if in the planning phases, kimkim was able to tell me a route of a few cities to visit and the attraction of each. If I had thought through better, knowing I love the outdoors, I would have gone to Iceland instead of Stockholm before Copenhagen. Kayak has an algorithim of when its best to book, so if there was a way to integrate that and tell me to book before I lingered on the itinerary too long (which I admit I definitely did) then that would have been amazing. Overall a great experience though I just wish I had booked things quicker than waiting to go back and forth on them.

Local specialist:
Michelle
Michelle M.
Bell, CA | Replied on Aug 09, 2016

Thank you for your feedback Julia, it was a pleasure planning your trip with you. We will take your feedback into consideration on how to make the planning process better in the future. We look forward to helping you with your future travels.

Honeymoon in Croatia
Croatia | Jul 3 - Jul 15, 2016

Rob
Rob C.
Windsor, CA | Reviewed on Aug 08, 2016
kimkim booked us a perfect honeymoon in Croatia. They found the best accommodations, transportation and activity ideas based on our preferences. Things I liked:
- how easy it is to book a quality trip vs. doing our own research
- the route through Croatia was perfect
- chat communication vs. having to talk to someone by phone, although the back and forth would have been easier via email, instead of having to sign in each time to respond to a comment
- the full itinerary. we referred to it...
Read more

kimkim booked us a perfect honeymoon in Croatia. They found the best accommodations, transportation and activity ideas based on our preferences.

Things I liked:
- how easy it is to book a quality trip vs. doing our own research
- the route through Croatia was perfect
- chat communication vs. having to talk to someone by phone, although the back and forth would have been easier via email, instead of having to sign in each time to respond to a comment
- the full itinerary. we referred to it multiple times a day.
- sailing!
- our final hotel in Dubrovnik was a gem

Areas for improvement:
- back and forth communication by email, as shared above
- the two ferry rides were both sold out at the times we wanted for day-of purchases; buying ferry tickets online or at least warning us to buy early would have helped some logistical difficulty
- more country coverage… would have liked help with the Germany stage of our trip as well.
- would be great if kimkim could have booked flights for us

Local specialist:
Michelle
Michelle M.
Bell, CA | Replied on Aug 08, 2016

Appreciate your feedback Rob! Apologies for the ferry rides being sold out, we will make sure in the future to let travelers know about this, especially during the peak travel season.
We are also continuously working on increasing our in-country customer service to help travelers in Croatia. I am so glad you had a great honeymoon and loved seeing your photos. Please keep us in mind for the next time you plan a trip.

Private Ghorepani / Poon Hill Trek
Nepal | Jun 26 - Jul 3, 2016

Z
Zen C.
Singapore | Reviewed on Jul 26, 2016

She was very patient in addressing some of my concerns. It was nice that prior to my trip the team at KimKim reminded me about some of the small details such as visa application, which i had completely forgotten.

Local specialist: Kim Bannister
Kim
Kim Bannister
Local specialist in Kathmandu, Nepal | Replied on Jul 26, 2016

We're glad you had a good trip to Nepal, Zen, and hope to see you again for an even longer trek with us!

Everest Region Monsoon Trek
Nepal | Jul 6 - Jul 22, 2016

Anita
Anita P.
Nepal | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2016
Kimkim made this such an easy trip to book. I could log into kimkim and ask questions about anything and everything whenever they came to mind. Things related to trekking or Nepal in general. Kimkim would respond within 24 hours with great information. They were attentive to catering the trekking to what I wanted to do and see, kimkim worked with my budget and time frame to make sure I was getting the best deal possible. Raj and everyone at social tours was super welcoming! They went out of... Read more

Kimkim made this such an easy trip to book. I could log into kimkim and ask questions about anything and everything whenever they came to mind. Things related to trekking or Nepal in general. Kimkim would respond within 24 hours with great information. They were attentive to catering the trekking to what I wanted to do and see, kimkim worked with my budget and time frame to make sure I was getting the best deal possible.

Raj and everyone at social tours was super welcoming! They went out of their way to make sure things ran smoothly and that I was properly prepared for the trek. They checked in with me during the trek to make sure everything was ok. Once back in Kathmandu they were still very helpful and made sure I had everything I needed. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Raj and his team to other travellers looking to come to Nepal. Even if you just wanted to stay in Kathmandu, these guy have so many options for things to go and see and they really put the effort in to making sure you feel welcome and have an awesome stay in Nepal.

Local specialist: Raj Gyawali
Raj
Raj Gyawali
Local specialist in Kathmandu | Replied on Sep 22, 2017

Anita, sorry it took a while before I could respond as I was travelling. Thanks for the wonderful feedback and such a beautiful testimonial and recommendation. We love it that you appreciate our style of service. Hope to see you back here in Nepal of course, and another opportunity to showcase a different region in Nepal. Nepal is awfully addictive and we are quite sure you will come back one day!

Everest Three Passes Trek
Nepal | Jul 5 - Jul 23, 2016

Jose
Jose B.
Nepal | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2016

Very professional agency, the guide was a very nice person, also the porter. Since my arriving they always were in contact with me, also the days I didn't plan with their agency. I definitely recommend Ngima's agency

Local specialist: Ngima Dorji Sherpa
Ngima
Ngima Dorji Sherpa
Local specialist in Kathmandu | Replied on Jul 23, 2016

Thank you very much Jose for your percious time to write up your trek experience with us. We are very glad that you are very much satisfied with our service and our staffs. It was indeed a great pleasure planning trip for your from the very beginning of our meeting in kimkim. I am happy that you had a great time in monsoon in Nepal and had a memorable trip. We hope to see you soon again for your next trip to Nepal.

3-Day Kathmandu Valley Tour
Nepal | Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2016

L
Luke S.
Nepal | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2016
Day 1: really great. Nice walk up to a very cool hotel. Got away from the city and really got a feel for the country side. Day 2: hike back down to Bhaktapur was ok. The second half of the hike was on a main road with lots of traffic, so not that enjoyable. I would have been better if we could have walked in more rural setting like the day before. We ended up catching a bus to get to the hotel. The hotel was noisy, and not very modern bathroom. I would have changed the... Read more

Day 1: really great. Nice walk up to a very cool hotel. Got away from the city and really got a feel for the country side.

Day 2: hike back down to Bhaktapur was ok. The second half of the hike was on a main road with lots of traffic, so not that enjoyable. I would have been better if we could have walked in more rural setting like the day before. We ended up catching a bus to get to the hotel. The hotel was noisy, and not very modern bathroom. I would have changed the hotel.

Day 3: very intense day. Early morning tour of Bhaktapor. Then move to Patan and tour and lunch and shopping there. Then Kharma Cafe, and finally goodbye dinner. Probably too many moves around on this day. Maybe would have been better to do Bhaktapor tour previous afternoon. Plus Kharma Cafe was not that interesting. I appreciate the concept of sustainable, local business, but driving 20 minutes there and 20 back for a coffee did not add significant value to the day...

I'm pleased with the support and service. I had no idea what to expect as I had never visited Nepal, so had some different thoughts in my head around what to expect. Organization and service was good, but now that I have a better idea of the urban Nepal, I would ask for some different options and focus things differently....

Local specialist: Raj Gyawali
Raj
Raj Gyawali
Local specialist in Kathmandu | Replied on Jul 17, 2016
Thanks Luke, for taking the time to send in this thoughtful review. Glad you liked it overall. Appreciate your honesty in giving us the constructive criticism for improvements. As you wrote, perhaps the third day was a bit too intense, starting a bit too early and it was packed... I guess I was too excited to try and get you to see as much as possible. The walk to Bhaktapur down from Nagarkot has three options, one that is more like you wanted, but is far longer - and the other thats... Read more

Thanks Luke, for taking the time to send in this thoughtful review. Glad you liked it overall. Appreciate your honesty in giving us the constructive criticism for improvements. As you wrote, perhaps the third day was a bit too intense, starting a bit too early and it was packed...

I guess I was too excited to try and get you to see as much as possible.

The walk to Bhaktapur down from Nagarkot has three options, one that is more like you wanted, but is far longer - and the other thats the one you did and did not appreciate the walk on the road bit that is there at the bottom of the hill - and a third one that hikes all the way to Dhulikhel where you get picked up. I guess it is a bit complicated to guage the exact one that clients want, and on hindsight, which is always easier, I guess I should have scheduled in the third, which would be more to your liking... and more of a nature walk.

Thanks for all this. It is truly appreciated. We hope to see you in Nepal again!

6-day cultural tour Kathmandu - Pokhara
Nepal | Jul 1 - Jul 6, 2016

A
Ana R.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jul 12, 2016

Namaste to all at Social Tours,
Thank you very much for all doing your best on this very special trip. My cousins and I are leaving Nepal with the highest opinion of its people due to your infallible attentions, flexibility and enthusiasm.
All of our tour guides were extremely nice and helpful.

We will do our best to recommend your services and hope to be back in the future

Raj was amazing.
We didn't get to meet him while we were there but we was incredibly helpful throughout the whole planning process and left us in very good hands!

Local specialist: Raj Gyawali
Raj
Raj Gyawali
Local specialist in Kathmandu | Replied on Jul 12, 2016

Thanks for the wonderful review Ana, truly appreciate it... Sorry was busy when you were here, but was following every day and keeping tabs on how the trip was progressing.. and was happy each day it went well... Glad it was a good trip! Hope to see you in Nepal again, and meet you someday!

Korcula Wine & Cycling Tour
Croatia | Jun 25 - Jun 25, 2016

C
claire m.
Lexington, KY | Reviewed on Jun 28, 2016
Michelle was an absolute dream to work with, I tend to be very indecisive and she really helped me and my husband plan a wonderful trip. She gave great recommendations of places to eat, things not to miss and was even able to schedule a wine and cycling tour for us when it wasn't originally available. A few minor things could have been different but really did not impact our trip at all. Our cycling tour with John was one of our favorite parts of the trip, he was an absolute joy to spend... Read more

Michelle was an absolute dream to work with, I tend to be very indecisive and she really helped me and my husband plan a wonderful trip. She gave great recommendations of places to eat, things not to miss and was even able to schedule a wine and cycling tour for us when it wasn't originally available. A few minor things could have been different but really did not impact our trip at all.

Our cycling tour with John was one of our favorite parts of the trip, he was an absolute joy to spend our last day in Korcula. The scenery was beautiful (cycling the countryside was a great way to experience Krocula), the wine was quite refreshing after a very warm morning and we could not have asked for a better group of travelers to be with! John was kind enough to email me after the tour and gave my husband and I some great recommendations for food/drinks for the next part of our trip in Split. He really went above and beyond anything my husband and I could have ever imagined and I am sure every service they offer will be as wonderful as the wine and cycling tour.

Local specialist: Rachael & John Flynn
Michelle
Michelle M.
Bell, CA | Replied on Jun 28, 2016

Thank you, Claire! It was such a pleasure planning your trip with you. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your trip and the wine and cycling tour even in the heat. I appreciate the review and keep spreading the word about kimkim!

Meghan's Jomsom Trek
Nepal | Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2016

Meghan
Meghan P.
Monroe, CT | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2016

The trip was fantastic! The only changes I would make would be to do a longer trip in the future :)

Local specialist: Amanda Delecca
Amanda
Amanda Delecca
Local specialist in Kathmandu and USA | Replied on Jun 23, 2016

Hey Meghan, thanks for choosing to travel with us! It was our absolute pleasure to organise your short trek while you were here for work, I look forward to organising a longer trip for you next time :)

Khopra Danda Community Trek
Nepal | May 21 - Jun 1, 2016

N
Natalie C.
Thailand | Reviewed on Jun 06, 2016

Had a wonderful experience. The trip was everything we could have asked for.

Local specialist: Mads Mathiasen
Alex
Alex B.
| Replied on Jun 06, 2016

Glad to hear, Natalie. Great that you were able to do the Khopra trek... one of my favorite in Nepal!

Ghorepani / Poonhill + Tibet Tour
Nepal | May 3 - May 17, 2016

Andrew
Andrew B.
Englishtown, NJ | Reviewed on May 18, 2016
The team at KimKim perfectly tailored our trip, and were very patient as me made numerous changes during the planning process. They were able to find a perfect mix of cultural and hiking interests that suited the interest of my father and I. It was great to be able to chat with people that were very experienced with the hikes and sites themselves which allowed for us to view the REAL Nepal and Tibet. Ngima was very helpful during our trip. He was on-time for every touch-point and meeting,... Read more

The team at KimKim perfectly tailored our trip, and were very patient as me made numerous changes during the planning process. They were able to find a perfect mix of cultural and hiking interests that suited the interest of my father and I. It was great to be able to chat with people that were very experienced with the hikes and sites themselves which allowed for us to view the REAL Nepal and Tibet.

Ngima was very helpful during our trip. He was on-time for every touch-point and meeting, and had very clear information for us as to what we should expect. It was a huge help to have all of our Tibet Permit's sorted out while we we're on our hike, which allowed us to avoid any government offices and waits.

Local specialist: Ngima Dorji Sherpa
Joost
Joost Schreve
Local specialist in Boulder, Colorado | Replied on Nov 02, 2017

Andrew, Thanks for your great review, much appreciated. We're happy to hear that your trip went so well and you and your father had a great time in Nepal and Tibet! Best, Joost & the kimkim team

Family Trip to Kauai
Hawaii | Apr 2 - Apr 10, 2016

Tanguy
Tanguy P.
Palo Alto, CA | Reviewed on May 06, 2016

Thx to Kimkim my family had a great vacation. I was tasked to organise the family trip :-)
As I had never been to Hawaii I didn’t know where to start. Finding the right island, the right area and right accomodation for the needs of my family helped us to enjoy it.
Kimkim helps you find hidden gems. Well done guys. Count on me to spread the word.
Tanguy - an evangelist :-)

Got more than I could hope for.

Local specialist: Angelei Hauge-Valko
Alex
Alex B.
| Replied on May 06, 2016

Hi Tanguy, glad that everything went smoothly. Angelei knows Kauai well, and I'm glad she shared a few of her hidden gems :) I hope the boys enjoyed their surfing lessons and were able to catch a few good waves...

Custom Family Trek
Nepal | Apr 11 - Apr 16, 2016

M
Melinda B.
Thailand | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2016
Sherpas were extremely kind, patient and helpful. Trail was perfectly adapted for our group age (family travelers). The view and landscape was stunning. Teahouses were welcoming and friendly. Reactive, helpful and super professional. Before traveling, Mads exactly understood our needs and expectations, and suggested the best trek for our family. On site, we had weather condition that needed our trek to be changed. It was rescheduled and re-planned for us to enjoy as much as possible without... Read more

Sherpas were extremely kind, patient and helpful. Trail was perfectly adapted for our group age (family travelers). The view and landscape was stunning. Teahouses were welcoming and friendly.

Reactive, helpful and super professional. Before traveling, Mads exactly understood our needs and expectations, and suggested the best trek for our family. On site, we had weather condition that needed our trek to be changed. It was rescheduled and re-planned for us to enjoy as much as possible without missing trek length. At all time, he was reachable through kimkim conversation, and he was liaising with his people on site (office with Angkit and our guide Pasang) who took really good care of us.

Local specialist: Mads Mathiasen
Joost
Joost Schreve
Local specialist in Boulder, Colorado | Replied on May 03, 2016

Hi Melinda,
I am very happy to hear that you and your family had such a great trip to Nepal! We look forward to helping you with your future trips.
Happy travels,
Joost

Manaslu Circuit Trek
Nepal | Mar 23 - Apr 6, 2016

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Louis f.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Apr 18, 2016

Overall the trip was very good. The trek was great, the choice of towns to stay, and the overall experience was very good.

The only thing I can think that could be improved was the handoff from kimkim to the agency doing the trek (i.e. magical nepal with the guide). It wasn't entirely clear to me who was responsible for what at first. But honestly this is a small thing, as I said overall things were great.

Local specialist: Richard Ball
Alex
Alex B.
| Replied on May 03, 2016

Hi Louis, thanks for your review! Agree, the handoff could be a bit better explained, and we're working on making this more clear. Glad to hear you had a great trip, overall.

Manaslu Circuit Trek
Nepal | Mar 14 - Apr 2, 2016

K
Karyn A.
India | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2016
Some confusion between Kim kim, ManasIu Circuit trek and Magical Nepal and who I was actually dealing with - need to be made as a clear distinction which agency is doing what. Also I didn't receive any it in art etc until I asked as Magical Nepal assumed Kim kim had given it to me I'm not sure what exactly Richard does. Alex was awesome bit Richard seemed to only be a connection between Alex and Pradeep . Also l spent a week waiting to see if he could match my dates with other hikers. At... Read more

Some confusion between Kim kim, ManasIu Circuit trek and Magical Nepal and who I was actually dealing with - need to be made as a clear distinction which agency is doing what. Also I didn't receive any it in art etc until I asked as Magical Nepal assumed Kim kim had given it to me

I'm not sure what exactly Richard does. Alex was awesome bit Richard seemed to only be a connection between Alex and Pradeep . Also l spent a week waiting to see if he could match my dates with other hikers. At the end of the week I emailed to see what was happening and the reply was like "oh you wanted us to keep looking" - a bit frustrated with the service. Cannot speak more highly of Alex who was available at any time of the day and tried his best to sort out my issues

Local specialist: Richard Ball
Alex
Alex B.
| Replied on May 03, 2016

Hi Karyn, sorry for the minor issues we had during the planning process and that you had to wait for some information. Rest assured, we realize how important this is to receive timely responses, and have improved this since your trip. Glad you had a good trip around Manaslu, and thanks for sharing the photos!