Experiential Career Break trip to Nepal for Gap year and Sabbatical travelers

Tours of India, Nepal and Bhutan

We had a lovely, unforgettable journey which was perfectly coordinated. The guides and drivers were very experienced and knowledgeable and opened up the beauty of their country to myself and my wife. The hotels were absolutely first class. Even though the tour was busy, we still did not get to see everything that these countries offered. We will have to return to finish!!

via Tripadvisor

Disappointed

This was the worst trip I've ever had, the tour guide couldn't communicate in English because I asked for an English speaking tour guide. On the first day I met the tour guide who I thought would accompany me throughout the tour and discussed tips, I told him that I lost my wallet and didn't have that much cash left and would probably pay with a credit card and we just went To his office, a tip of 6,428 rupees ($40) was paid in full in advance. At first, I thought he (Shiva) was a nice guy, but I just noticed that he was just taking pictures and chatting, like trying to find customers in a museum, he was neither visiting me nor showing me a point of view, just that he had own business and then he asked me a lot of personal questions like my relationship with a man or woman, chatted but just complained about how much money Agoda charged him and why I didn't book the tour directly with him if there was Such contact information. He was very talkative and then he said he would take me to see the Assan market but instead of sending me directly back to the hotel, he then said you know you can book the hotel through me and will get a good price for you... I just nodded and he went, he will introduce me to another tour guide tomorrow morning, actually the tour guide shesh raj is his relative (brother-in-law whom I met, I only found out when I stayed in the guesthouse in Ghimiregaun, there is actually His mother's house, met their family completely, A Ma was nice and polite to interact with his family but still facing some personal issues, so far I can't understand so many things, especially the itinerary and meals Arrangement, I started observing the guide and asked him how many meals he eats in a day and at what time between meals. He did not answer correctly (as I had already participated in another trek in Nepal offered by another company in the first week) After Ghimiregaun we walked a long way, Nala, Banepa, took a short bus to Dhulikhel, stopped at Shanti ban and temple, he always sat or stopped at every place and nothing Do and then I just asked shall we go? He said ok and on our way down to Namobuda I asked if we wanted to have lunch in front of the hotel and he said no, on the way he asked me if everything was ok and I said I was hungry and he just Found a restaurant and he walked into a restaurant and went out and said no I just nodded and followed him then he went to a shop around the corner and he asked the ladies about the food and I said I could have some vegetables because I There were already two bowls of Dal and soup, the lady said there were no vegetables, I just saw him chopping onions (it was around 14:40) The store was about to end the food service and he just went to the small stove and started chopping, I was surprised , he took a bite and I asked if it was yam and he was a little confused and I didn't understand what he said and I was hungry and I just tried and ate it and then I translated allergy to Nepali on google and then He just figured out that I was allergic to yams. I have told Shiva that I am vegetarian and may be gluten free, egg, milk allergic, I can eat chickpeas, potatoes, veggies and then throughout the trip I pretty much only had chickpeas and potatoes and I can Understand the lack of food options in the countryside but in Banepa, Dhulikl, many restaurants but he didn't pick or even ask and then picked a grocery store with almost no food left and to my surprise he was like Forced the lady to make the food or he did and then he sent me a plate of sticky food which I didn't even say and asked what it was and he said it was vegetables, very little cabbage, green onions, garlic , I was hungry and I ate it because I didn’t know how far the hotel was (I only had 1 meal at the resort, I mean one meal after a 2-3 hour or even longer hike Proper meal or I need to see what he eats and I might ask maybe I can have the same veggies and no need to eat rice just dad, most of the time I don't see the menu and there are only 3 meals and I The menu can be read throughout the journey before being interrupted. A lot of things happened during this trip, like I needed to ask him for food or he could even understand me, then, on day 6 (total 9 days) I felt safe in Namobuda and I just canceled the trip , wrote an email to Agoda and the local tour guide I met in the first week, about my situation and taking time out, and asked Shiva to go to Namobuda because I said I liked changing tour guides (definitely not Shiva, I "os" in my mind), then the next day I had breakfast in a coffee shop, trying to avoid them, and walked from Namobuda to Dulihull, took the bus back to Banepa, and then took the public Car transfer to Kathmandu. This was one of the worst tours I have ever been on, a disaster and would highly recommend "Do not take any tours with this tour operator"

Response from the operator: Dear guest Lukac217 (Elain - Yi Chin Lin) Thank you very much for your critical feedback. At least you could meet & tell everything what was the reality, according to your text message to me and Guide You had a great trip with many photos. We are so SAD and SORRY that you denied us even to meet and talk next day. The duration of tour was 9 days. Until 7th day were informing me that you are enjoying the trip and sending me message via LINE saying PEOPLE ARE NICE, EARLY BIRDS FOR SCHOOL, BEAUTIFUL HILLS AND MOUNTAIN, AUTHENTIC VILLAGE LIFE, HOST-FAMILY, COW FARMING, MILK COLLECTION, QUIET AND PEACEFUL COMPAIRED TO CITY LIFE I AM HAPPY. THANK YOU IN Emoji .. etc. (These uppercase words and sentence I copied from your message.) Just 1 day before the trip to be accomplished (out of 9 days), suddenly texted me: I HAD PROBLEM WITH FOOD ON THE WAY. Then I told that if so, WE WILL SEND YOU PACKING FOOD FROM THE NEAREST CITY OR YOU CAN OVERNIGHT IN THE CITY WHERE YOU HAVE BETTER OPTION FOR CHOOSING CAFÉ and RESTAURANTS. Then you said: No, YOU ALSO HAVE TO CHANGE THE GUIDE. Then I said: CHANGING GUIDE NOW (TODAY) IS NOT POSSIBLE BUT I WILL SEND NEW GUIDE TOMORROW. Then you said again: I NEED THIRD PARTY TO TALK WITH. I NEED HIS BACKGROUND etc. Then I said: I WILL COME MYSELF BRINGING NEW GUIDE. After it, you didn’t write me anything. Viator had also emailed me and I had replied email the same. Next day Morning around 7:45 am I reached Namobudhha with new guide and I phoned another guide to meet you. The guide told me: We both are in Pooja (Worship) inside main Shrine of the Monastery. Whilst I was walking towards main shrine, I saw you on stairs of the Monastery tying shoelaces. I greeted you saying Good Morning Elain! But you seem like didn’t see and listen anything. You just run away skiped us as if there was nothing. I looked at guide, as sooner both guide was talked you disappeared. Why ? I asked guide about everything. He told me that everything was good with you until yesterday afternoon. Suddenly what happened, he doesn’t know. Then I the phoned you on your local number several times, but you didn’t received my calls and didn't even text. I informed this all to VIATOR. I was worried what if you will be lost here and couldn't be found it would be unfortunate. Where did the guest go? No response of call, no text message, nothing. Then I immediately phoned to the hotel where we had picked you up for the tour. Then I came to know that you had already made the plan to cancel and bargain for refund or compensation. Everything is clear now. Then we came back to Kathmandu. Later in the afternoon we got an email from VIATOR requesting for compensation. . I clearly replied IT CANNOT BE CANCELLED AND CANNOT BE REFUND and the result is this ridiculous feedback now – Language & Food problem just 1 day before completing out of 9 days tour.

via Tripadvisor (translated)

Three weeks in Nepal and Bhutan

There were four of us, two couples over 75 years old, we relied on an agency Destination Nepal and Bhutan and Travel of Suman Panta. Given that we are globetrotters, I can say that it was a formidable tour of great effort but of an unforgettable experience thanks also of guides made available to us by the agency with truly unusual competence and courtesy.

via Tripadvisor (translated)

Unforgettable Himalayan Odyssey

REVIEW OF NATURE EXPLORE: We spent about 2-weeks in Nepal, and 1-week in Bhutan in October-November 2023. I’d easily give them a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating. I trust Dinesh Karki 100%. He was very punctual (whether responding to electronic messages or meeting us in person), and professional. We were thrilled with our trip to Nepal (especially the Langtang Valley, and Chitwan National Park), and Bhutan (especially the Black-Necked Crane Festival, Buddha Dordenma, and The Tiger’s Nest). Nature Explore / Dinesh Karki were fabulous. They helped with everything big (Lodging; domestic transportation, lining up all the details for our trek in the Langtang Valley), and small (currency exchange, where to buy specific items we wanted, picking us up/ dropping us at the airport in the middle of the night). They made last-minute adjustments to allow us extra time to adjust to altitude, to fit in extra tours, and to share their personal experiences with local festivals. Nature Explore Travel Agency & Guide Review: A Himalayan Adventure to Remember 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 My partner and I embarked on a mesmerizing 3-week journey to Nepal and Bhutan with Nature Explore in October-November 2023, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we engaged with Dinesh Karki, the founder and guide of Nature Explore, it was evident that we were in capable hands. Reliability and Professionalism: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Dinesh Karki exemplified unwavering punctuality and professionalism throughout our entire adventure. Whether communicating through electronic messages or meeting us in person, his dedication to ensuring a seamless travel experience was evident. We felt a genuine sense of trust, and Dinesh's commitment to our satisfaction set the tone for an exceptional journey. Nepal Highlights: Langtang Valley & Chitwan National Park Our time in Nepal was enchanting, thanks to Nature Explore's well-crafted itinerary. The captivating landscapes of the Langtang Valley and the rich biodiversity of Chitwan National Park left an indelible mark on our hearts. Dinesh orchestrated every detail, ensuring our trek in the Langtang Valley was not just an adventure but a transformative experience. Bhutan Wonders: Black-Necked Crane Festival, Buddha Dordenma, and The Tiger’s Nest Bhutan unfolded its wonders before us, with Nature Explore guiding us through the mystical Black-Necked Crane Festival, the awe-inspiring Buddha Dordenma, and the iconic Tiger's Nest. Each destination felt carefully chosen, and Dinesh's extensive knowledge and passion for the region enhanced our appreciation for its cultural and natural treasures. Comprehensive Support: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Nature Explore's commitment to excellence extended beyond major aspects like lodging and transportation. Dinesh and his team seamlessly managed finer details, from currency exchange to helping us locate specific items we desired. Even the seemingly trivial matters were handled with grace and efficiency, reflecting the agency's dedication to providing a worry-free experience. Conclusion: An Unforgettable Himalayan Odyssey In retrospect, our Himalayan adventure with Nature Explore surpassed all expectations. Dinesh Karki's meticulous planning, genuine care, and in-depth knowledge of the region made this journey unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer in the Himalayas, Nature Explore is the epitome of a travel agency that goes above and beyond to create meaningful, immersive, and magical experiences. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Highly recommended!

via Tripadvisor

Best trip package in Nepal

It's an amazing country and I had a great trip experience with this organiser. Spiritual sightseeing, hiking to hills ad community stay with Nepali family made our trip memorable and memorable. Highly recommended trip package in Nepal.

via Tripadvisor