3 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
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