8 independent reviews for Chitwan safari & rafting in Nepal
Reviews for Chitwan safari & rafting in Nepal
Kristine Daniels review 9 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Rafting & dinner at our guide's house2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware that the Nepali skies are often unclear for viewing mountains; anecdotally, locals told us mountains can only be seen ~10-15% of the year. Only bring USD for the Nepal airport visa - Nepali rupees are fine when in country.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
GREAT! One of the best I've taken. The tour operator was flexible and accommodating. Guides and accommodation were genuine.Kacey Orlando review 12 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It's too difficult to select a single moment or city. Nepali people are really terrific. Exploring Chitwan was incredible - I felt very privileged to see so many rhinos and to pet an elephant and feed it bananas. Pokhara was so relaxing and beautiful - Achut and his staff were able to arrange paragliding for us the same day which was absolutely exhilarating and delightful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't be shy about asking to modify or customize your trip! We had already explored Kathmandu and surrounding areas on a previous trip and Achut kindly modified and customized our vacation based on our interests, needs, and time frame. Also, even though it wasn't the rainy season, we still encountered quite a few leeches so be prepared!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I was very impressed with the Chitwan Riverside Resort and its staff. They were very knowledgeable about the city and its people, the environment and wildlife and all of our excursions benefited from their ability and willingness to educate us and ask challenging questions regarding the impact, both positive and negative, of travel and tourism. The staff was warm and welcoming and I wouldn't think of staying anywhere else in Chitwan on my next trip there.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was amazing! It was so relaxing to not have to worry about transportation (or the gas shortage), lodging, or arranging a single thing. They helped coordinate all the activities/excursions we wanted to do and everyone was accommodating, helpful and kind. I was able to truly relax and let go because I could trust Achut to handle all the arrangements and planning for me.Richard Frost review 6 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Pokhara, seeing the mountains on a clear day and the chance to go paragliding for the first time. This was extra but worthwhile!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long car rides. Many of the roads are under construction (probably still damaged from the earthquake) so journeys can be long. Pokhara to Kathmandu was around 8 hours - also partly due to abysmal traffic jams on the road in the capital. Kathmandu is very dry and dusty so you will get quite dirty - bring (or buy) a face mask3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most of the trip was to well known tourist places so I guess we were giving the local community some much needed income after tourism numbers plummeted after the earthquake. We did try and eat locally where possible. There is only the option of flying rather than car driving around the major tourist towns - and Nepalese airlines don't have the best safety record! I was concerned a bit by the elephant safari in Chitwan (even though Responsible Travel give the green light to it). Our mahout treated the elephant well but I saw other being hit quite hard. I love elephants so the visit to the elephant sanctuary left me a little disheartened. Many elephants chained by their legs restricting movement is quite painful to see. The canoe safari, whitewater rafting, boat riding were all supporting local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Despite the long journeys I did thoroughly enjoy Nepal and would like to go back to see more and do more trekking. The tour company were very good in communication and responsiveness when we got there. I felt that our safety and enjoyment was their main priority.Read the operator's response here:
Responsible Travel has reluctantly taken the decision to make an exception to our “no rides” policy. In some national parks, particularly in India and Nepal, elephant back safaris allow visitors to observe highly endangered species including tiger and rhino
You can read more about this in our elephant conservation guided here:
https://www.responsibletravel.com/vacations/elephant-conservation/travel-guide/elephants-conservation
Naufier Mohamed review 13 Jan 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We went on an 8-day Nepal trip that brought us from Kathmandu to Chitwan Park and to Pokhara. Everything about it was memorable! The operator was excellent! The guides and driver were good, the accomodation picked out were excellent, especially in Chitwan - most memorable experience like no other... Our vacation package was customised according to our needs and especially since we brought along our 10-yr old son, we were concerned if the activities were safe enough for him. At the end of it, my son truly enjoyed himself and especially love the paragliding experience. He commented that this was his best trip ever! The personal touch given by the operator was superb!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Invest in a reliable tour provider and if you are bringing kids around, make sure their needs are met.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt that the beautiful pictures I posted in Instagram and Facebook have given some insights into the beautiful places in Nepal and encouraged several others to want to go there, be it for a vacation, a mission trip or trekking adventures.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb! Nothing like it!Scott McDougall review 25 Jan 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a Rhino in Royal Chitwan National Park2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware the accommodation is basic, but the trip is well worth it3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Nepali people obviously were employed and the tour was run locally. Our only concern was regarding the use of the elephants in the safaris (which is discussed on your website)4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
8/10. Nepal is a wonderful place which obviously has severe poverty issues. The people were uniformly friendly and helpfulRenata Zatkova review 17 Nov 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nepalese culture, religion, Himalayas.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Avoid elephants-related attractions in Chitwan national park (if you don't like cruel conditions for elephants).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were using services of local guides, visiting only local restaurants so hopefully - yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Beautiful country that will stay in our hearts forever.Mark Wood review 21 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
In terms of excitement (and having never done it before) the White Water Rafting was excellent and potentially a new hobby. The stay at Sarangkot was most peaceful and the view of the mountain range at 5.30am in the morning was quite breath taking. Pokhara was a lovely place to stay with an abundance of bars and restaurants. Sunsets at Chitwan was another highlight.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the electricity to go off at regular intervals during the day.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I do not believe that the tour impacted the environment in a negative way at all, other than the long drive between towns (Pokhara and Kathmandu took a while). Through fairly generous and well deserved tipping I think that local people benefitted from our stay and maybe learnt a little from our own culture.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Lubbly Jubbly. Nothing was too much trouble for anyone we came into contact with. Achut who we booked the tour with was a top gent and our guides both at Chitwan (Krishna) and in Pokhara were fine men. The taxi driver was a good egg also. Everything about the vacation was organised very well, especially as our group consisted of only 2 people. Nepal is a magical place.Simone Bothwell review 7 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Without a doubt Chitwan National Park! Our guides Krishna and Prakash were amazing! With their careful guiding we were able to see rhinos, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, bison, monkies and many species of birds! Sunset over the river was spectacular and without the light pollution of the city we were able to see hundreds of stars.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Fly don't drive! We managed to gain an extra day in Pokhara by choosing to fly and not drive! We booked our own accommodation on the final day and flew to Kathmandu to catch our departing flight on day 8! Laundry washing services are cheap so pack light as your moving around! A good pair of walking shoes is essential as there is lots of trekking and hiking! For Chitwan, colours that blend into nature are better! Tipping is customary so bring a little extra cash for tipping! We were caught unawares by the entry costs on the Kathmandu city tour! The total for all three sites comes to just over $25 per person!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The entry fees on the Kathmandu tour are all used to support the UNESCO world heritage sites! There are opportunities to buy from local craftsman on the tour and see the items being made! Chitwan National Park is a conservation animal dedicated to the preservation of animal species! Through the soldiers presence poaching has stopped and the numbers of animals have increased significantly!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A fantastic experience, all the guides were very knowledgable local people! Everyone is very friendly and willing to help with any problems! We had a noise issue in our final hotel that prevented us from sleeping and the timing for Sarangkot was muddled up meaning we didn't make sunrise at the summit but these issues were rectified by the staff! We also found that on the city tour it was too rushed and we were steered towards "certain" stalls and encouraged to make a purchase!Holiday Reviews
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