3 independent reviews for Nepal family vacation
Reviews for Nepal family vacation
Helen Feeney review 6 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole trip was amazing, with so many fantastic experiences. We really enjoyed the Annapurna trek, in particular the sunrise at Poon Hill. The trekking guide, Yubraj, and porters were good company for our 2 sons (13 and 14), really adding to their enjoyment of the trip. The boys also enjoyed playing cricket with local boys (we took our own plastic bat) at the Barauli Community Homestay, and for me experiencing the sights and sounds of the jungle from the peacefulness of a rowing boat in the Chitwan National Park was a highlight. Watching the desert sunset at the 1000 Nights Camp in Wahiba Sands, Oman was also very special. We felt that we had marvellous hospitality and friendliness from everyone we met in Nepal, and felt very well looked after throughout the whole trip, by the local travel companies, and all hotel staff, guides and drivers.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We took plenty of warm gear including high quality sleeping bags, and did not suffer from the cold at all, although other travelers did. In fact traveling to Nepal in December, outside the main tourist trekking season, was a big advantage as the trekking routes and tea houses were delightfully quiet. We found Kathmandu very polluted and busy, and felt that one day sightseeing was plenty for us before moving on. We would recommend having a free day or so in Pokhara - we were very glad to have changed our itinerary just before going to include this, and the boys and my husband had a fantastic paragliding experience but this will only be possible before Pokhara International Airport opens in 2021. We all really enjoyed the relaxing vibe of Pokhara and choice of restaurants. In retrospect spending Christmas in Pokhara would have been preferable to spending Xmas Day rafting and traveling to Chitwan. We had a wonderful time at the Barauli Community Homestay at Chitwan, but it is also worth considering adding a night at the spectacular Tiger Tops Elephant Camp (as we did) which is a 5 minute drive away, in order to experience walking safaris with elephants, and other elephant activities. We would definitely recommend the internal flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and Chitwan to Kathmandu, which we took, in place of long road transfers. We each had a 75ml Water-to-Go bottle which took away any worries about drinking water throughout the trip. We chose to fly with Oman Air and found Muscat International Airport (opened 2018) a pleasure to travel through. However the 2 day stopover in Oman on the way home, whilst very interesting, and gave us an amazing desert experience, was a stark contrast to Nepal in terms of charm.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We saw at the Barauli Community Homestay at first hand how this project brought income to the village, which is so important when many Nepalese are required to work overseas to earn enough to support their families.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a fantastic vacation, creating so many magical family memories.Angela Ryan review 23 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The scenic flight in the Himalaya's was a highlight. The Jungle Lodge in Chitwan was fantastic and the kids loved it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The pollution and smoke haze in April is unfortunately quite thick and spoils the views of beautiful landscapes. The Haze wasn't just in Kathmandu Valley but also in the hills and in Chitwan. Most locals suggest year end (Nov, Dec, Jan) is a clearer time to be in Nepal. We visited many wonderful places however we couldn't see beyond about 10 kilometers due to air pollution on most days. The overall hiking experience was negatively impacted as a result of the haze.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
At all the hotels, we were served by locals and didn't notice any foreign staff. The Chitwan Jungle Lodge in particular has many examples of local community engagement and support and used fresh local products in their kitchen.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic break - lots of fun and very interesting. Were disappointed by the Haze/pollution and hope to return during a clearer time of year.Philip Langman review 10 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying with our 3 young (9, 8 & 3) children in a village community homestay. The villagers and local guides were all fantastic!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't hesitate, just do it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, especially in Chitwan where we stayed for 3 days in a Tharu village homestay.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We spent 8 days there over Christmas (including Christmas day itself in Kathmandu). It will certainly be a Christmas that we and the children will always remember as one of the most exciting.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
