What our customers say

I just wanted to give me thoughts on the October 2009 trip, to assist anyone who might be thinking of booking with Angel Holidays. This was a really fabulous, unique experience. Don’t expect a corporate, faceless plod around the tourist spots of Nepal on this trip. What you get from Steve and his team is a very personal, insightful trip into which the heart and soul of everyone involved is poured, particularly Steve’s. From the cultural insights we gained in Kathmandu Valley, actually spending time with real Nepali people in their homes, and learning about the politics and spiritual landscape of the country, to the exotic wonders of the jungle, with elephant rides and rhino safari this trip is… there’s no other word for it… magical. I was expecting a great trip but nothing like what I got. I met people who I hope to always stay in touch with, I learnt a huge amount, and I have incredible memories. Nepal is somewhere I’d love to go back to and hope to as soon as possible. The main thing about this trip is the personal touch. Steve is there with you literally every step of the way, and its clear that he gets as much out of the trip as everyone else does. Our group formed a fantastic bond while we were away, and much of this was down to the atmosphere of care and friendship that came from Steve. That’s it really. No, I’m not a stooge or a paid reviewer. Just a punter who had the trip of a lifetime.

Even after months at home, my head is still reeling from the experience of this holiday. From being greeted at the airport to a wall of heat and roads of hell, to the tranquillity of the Annapurna range, it was a sensory, kaleidoscopic adventure of colours, sounds, smells that I will never forget. I met some fabulous people, saw some amazing things, did things I never thought I would ever do: taking part in an intimate domestic Hindu ceremony for one, standing on an elephant for another. The list is, quite frankly, endless. None of the above could have happened without the legend that is Steve Carver. He guides with humour and passion throughout and it is clear that his heart and soul has been poured into the project (as, indeed, it has with everyone he works with). The banter was legendary; the guides, genius. I loved every single second of the trip. I have bored all my friends and relatives with my stories and photographs and cannot recommend this trip highly enough. If you don’t go, I promise you will regret it.

I have recently returned from a holiday of a life time with Angel Holidays. The whole journey from start to finish was extremely well thought out and put together by Steve, who by the way travelled with us and made us all feel very special. From the expertise local knowledge of the professor on our first day’s sightseeing, to the wonderful experience of having a local girl with us the entire time to share her perspectives. The other exciting opportunity was the jungle, the gentle elephants, riding through the jungle in search of rhino and most of all washing them in the river, or was that them washing us!! The scenery was fantastic, out of this world at times. It was lovely to all work together as a team, getting up at 4.30am one morning to watch sunrise over the Himalaya was well worth it. I could write loads and loads more on this wonderful trip, from the Everest flight to the crocodile river trip, and Steve’s attention to detail and fun sense of humour to ensure we all had a good time made the whole journey of a lifetime even more enjoyable. I hope you all take the opportunity to experience this trip and if you wish to know more I am happy to talk to anyone who is thinking of going, I am so pleased I did.

Having travelled in Nepal recently with Angel Holidays this was the experience of travelling with a company who went that bit further to please and make the journey special. There were little surprises all along the way. Whilst you may be greeted with a set of papers detailing the itinerary of your holiday by other companies, we were given a book (bound and hand-made from local paper) containing such information, as a present from the company. In addition, we had the opportunity to add much needed funds to a local charity, and had the opportunity to see where the money was being spent. Angel Holidays were that special.

The trip was distinctive because it was packed with real contact with the local inhabitants. Visiting villages, temples, mountain lodges, we were able to talk, drink, and even dance with Nepali people. This is a holiday for people who want to see what is really going on. Angel Holidays have made a special effort to employ Nepali people who are very approachable and able to explain everything. We were joined by a university professor and a national poet among others, who took us into their own lives and helped us understand what it means to live in Nepal. It is not a holiday you will forget easily. We were always active in a vividly colourful culture. We were able to soak up the Himalayan landscape and were increasingly bonded as a travelling group by the input we had to make ourselves. We found much to amuse and interest us and we made a lot of friends.

I used Angel Holidays as recommended to me by a couple of friends and I am so glad I did. My expectations were exceeded. The guides and organiser were outstanding : knowledgeable, friendly, safety-conscious, and had great sense of humour. Accommodation provided was of a high standard, clean and comfortable. The meals were excellent everywhere we went. The large group (26) was well managed and the information, entertainment and activities provided helped us all to get to know each other well. A friendly and personal touch was shown throughout the trip by Steve and his team which made my experience that much richer and unforgettable. Overall this was a wonderful trip with lasting memories. Anyone looking for an adventure in Nepal or elsewhere would be well advised to travel with Angel Holidays. Susanne Corry, Bath.

Wow….what a moving trip, we were taken on a ‘Journey that Changes Lives’, in short the best holiday we have ever had. Our host Steve Carver and his Nepalese team made it feel like we were being shown around by good friends….this is what touring holidays should be like. If you want to learn more about the real Nepal and learn more about yourself then this trip is perfect for you. The trip promised an insight into the real Nepal and far exceeded our expectations, we were treated to an insight into the amazing people of Nepal, their culture and how they live their life. We were led by well informed local guides, educated on the culture of Nepal by Surendra the passionate Professor from Kathmandu University and guided every step of the way. We visited the ancient cities and temples of Nepal and were privileged to visit the houses of local people, the burial ceremonies at the holy river and were humbled by the work of the nuns at the Old Peoples Home that our trip had helped to sponsor. We rode Elephants and saw the rare one horned Rhinos of Asia, we paddled down the jungle river in a dugout canoe watching crocodiles and birdlife before cocktails at the river edge. We climbed in the foothills and saw the looming Himalaya mountains as the first sunlight of the day crossed their snow capped peaks. The list of experiences and memories is endless, thank you Angel Holidays, put us down for Peru in 2012 !

From the moment we arrived into the seemingly randomness of Kathmandu and were greeted by our hosts, until the moment we left Nepal, the whole experience; the sights, the sounds and entertainment, our knowledgeable guides, the people (especially the local people who allowed us into their homes) remain an indelible part of our memories. In Thamel (Kathmandu) busy with hustle and haggle, we were introduced to an oasis’s of calm, namely the OR2K; a hippy-veggie restaurant and the Zen Experience spa, both proved to be great choices. At Bhaktapur we were allowed the opportunity to peer into the lives of the families that live there amid its ancient narrow streets of carved timber and brick buildings. The jungles of Chitwan saw us in dugout canoes drifting down river and on the backs of elephants for an eventful jungle trek. In Lumbini we saw the birthplace of the Buddha in a special mesmorising way. In Pokhara we prepared (and ate) a traditional Nepalese meal ‘al fresco’ at the home of a local family in the hills above the town. We took a hike up to the World Peace Pagoda high above lake Phewa Tal (Pokhara), and we weren’t disappointed. The people: our hosts Steve and the wonderful Pabi, with their humour and enthusiasm kept us going and entertained throughout our stay. Our guides – whose company we all enjoyed – combined to make our trip truly unforgettable. I hope you read into these few simple words the message, GO! you won’t regret it. Thank you Angel Holidays. Gina, Bhupendra, June and David.

Words and pictures no matter how well chosen could possibly recount the extraordinary two weeks I spent with Angel Holidays in Nepal. Colours, sounds, sights and smells the like of which I’ve never encountered anywhere else in the world assaulted my senses daily. No two days were the same with every new dawn promising a fresh experience. If you are considering taking this trip, it’s quite probable that you’ve been on a group holiday before; I had on several occasions. My advice to you is to discard any preconceptions you may have, because if you choose to take part in Steve’s adventure you will visit places to which other tours don’t venture. You’ll be in the hands of guides the like of which you’ve never encountered. We were accompanied by a university professor, and met locals who showed us what life was like for them in their modest homes in the backstreets of the city. You’ll visit holy sites, ride elephants, fly over Everest, float downstream in dugout canoes and eat in restaurants run by children rescued from their lives on the street. Your emotions will be challenged as you stand before funeral pyres or see how people live . I can honestly say that this holiday was life changing experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Jan and I took our 14 year old son Matt on Angel’s Easter Nepal trip. We had been worried Matt would get bored with ‘not another Temple!’ But far from it. A great mixed group of travellers made it easy for Matt to enjoy and there wasn’t a dull moment. Steve had arranged just the right amount of visits and activities, leaving plenty of free time for our own ideas. Apart from memorable experiences such as wading across a river on elephant back past a bathing wild rhino, we particularly appreciated the simple privilege of meeting local people. I doubt introductions like that happen on ordinary impersonal tours. Steve’s team was complete with a friendly Nepalese guide and others. I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip.

We chose Angel Holidays for our trip to Nepal on the recommendation of a friend who had done the trip previously and enjoyed it. We were not disappointed. The trip was very well organised. From start to finish careful planning ensured that we had a varied and interesting trip. Our friend told us that this would be more of an experience than a holiday, having a university professor we felt we were able to ask the questions and experience the real Nepal. My favourite part of the holiday was our trip was a chance to have free time and wander and meet the people who were very kind. Both Steve and his assistant were a real support to all of us on the trip and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a special holiday.

My trip to Nepal with Angel Holidays was a charm to all my senses! You will find yourself transported to the chaotic, noisy, bustling yet incredibly intoxicating city of Kathmandu, where you can escape the bedlam to find moments of calm, tranquility, quiet contemplation in the Gardens of Dreams. You will be humbled by the Himalayas and if you are lucky you will see the majesty of the Annapurna Ranges in Pokhara. They only lifted their “skirt” for us, but it was seductive enough to want to return to Nepal and explore more! I had the very good fortune of travelling to Nepal in Spring 2012 and for me the kindness and expertise of Steve, ably assisted by the lovely Pabi and the lovely folk I met on the trip and the quite extraordinary Nepalese people we met on the way, meant it was more than just a vacation!

My holiday in Nepal with Angel Holidays was a wonderful experience! From historical temples and the birth place of Buddha, to the flight around Mt Everest, to sitting on a lovely elephant for a ride through the jungle forest, my senses were continually bombarded by new sights and sounds. My fellow tour members quickly went from being a ‘bunch of strangers’ to my tour friends and we saw each other through many adventures! Steve and Pabi were brilliant, always looking after us and ensuring we had a good time. It was my first holiday on an organised tour and I’m so glad I picked Angel Holidays. I’d thoroughly recommend you book immediately as I’m sure, like me, it will be one you will never forget (for all the right reasons), so don’t miss out!

We had a great time with Angel Holidays – an unforgettable experience with a group who are now our friends. From the friendly welcome at the airport by Steve who is very knowledgable and whose love of Nepal and its’ people shines through, to the bustle of Kathmandu, the awesome Himalaya, jungle experiences in Chitwan to the serenity of Pokhara – wonderful sights and a load of fun! Pabi is delightful and caring and will ensure that you are well looked after during your trip and also help with shopping advice! We can’t stop talking about the trip!

So we decided that we wanted to go to Nepal – we searched the net and then found the Angel Holidays website. We read the holiday description and you know how some things just feel right – this was exactly that feeling. There was just one niggling concern, we’ve been independent travellers for years and this was an “escorted group” holiday, the last thing that we wanted was to be herded around following a flag! We emailed Steve, he said that this was definitely not one of those tours, so we took a chance and loved every minute of it! The group gelled really well, the website seemed to act as a filter to produce like minded people who love to travel in the real sense of the word. Steve’s role is closer to one of a host than a guide, a host who has an intimate knowledge of Nepal and someone who takes real pleasure in passing on his knowledge and love of Nepal to others. The sights are superb, this is a truly beautiful and amazing country, we saw so much during our two weeks. Accompanying us on the journey were Pabi, a Nepalese lady who has a smile to die for. If you love travel, if you have a genuine interest in other cultures and you want to see Nepal….book this holiday!

A well organised & managed trip that provided an excellent insight into the beauty & diversity of Nepal. We signed up for an adventure & we certainly had a brilliant experience exploring the frenetic & exciting capital city of Kathmandu, historic monuments of Patan & Bhaktapur, jungle & wildlife of the Chitwan National Park & leisure time at the beautiful lakeside resort at Pokhara. Varied types of accommodation from a boutique hotel to monastery & the opportunity to visit local Nepalese people's homes added to the magic of the trip. The small group size, where everyone “gelled” together well throughout the trip & the supportive companionship of "Steve" group leader & company owner added to what was an excellent & very enjoyable holiday. We would certainly travel with "Angel" holidays again.

I have just returned from my 3rd adventure with Angel holidays, I got hooked on their style of holiday on my first trip with Steve to Nepal. Steve manages to make his trips adventures with the risks removed he gets you to places other tourists don’t get to see and to really experience local life through meeting local people and sometimes even eating in their homes with them. You will not stay in tourist hotels but in really interesting places. I have experienced a monastery stay in Nepal, a four hundred year old house in Lima on our Peru tour, a Bishop's house in Peru and on my most recent trip to Rajasthan we stayed in 3 palaces, a one man tent in the desert, and a couple of Havelis On the three trips I have done with Steve to Nepal, Peru and India we have travelled on Buses, trains, tuk tuks, rickshaws, elephants, horse-carts, camels, camel carts, landrovers, boats, foot, bicycles, pick ups and small aeroplanes. Steve is more of a host than a tour leader and you will get free time when you will be able to explore on your own but Steve is always full of helpful advice and help with ideas and great at fixing things for you. I have had three memorable trips and no doubt will be back for more in the future and I have made some great friends along the way.

Just returned from Rajasthan....amazing country.....wonderful trip. From the long camel ride into our desert campsite to the beautiful palaces we stayed in, the absolutely crazy driving, where, amidst constant tooting, bikes (carrying up to 5), tuktuks, cars and lorries, pedestrians and cows, going in all directions, somehow managed to avoid one another! From country people living with and from the land, making everything count as they have done for centuries to Maharajahs ancient and modern. Steve's obvious love and knowledge of India and easy humour (often of the wind-up variety) made this a holiday I would highly recommend to those wanting a real experience of this extraordinary country.

Do not let this magical holiday pass you by. India has a culture all of its own an we experienced the real India in all its glory and diversity, from ancient forts and palaces, stunning landscapes, camping in the desert to cooking lessons and dancing in traditional dress. With the icing on the cake for me, the magical splendour of the Taj Mahal. Angel holidays don’t offer a 5* trip with grand hotels they offer so much more, it’s the real authentic India in its true glory and you can’t give that a * rating. A Big thank you to the Angel Holidays team for an unforgettable experience and such wonderful memories.

A well organised & managed trip that provided an excellent insight into the beauty & diversity of Nepal. We signed up for an adventure & we certainly had a brilliant experience exploring the frenetic & exciting capital city of Kathmandu, historic monuments of Patan & Bhaktapur, jungle & wildlife of the Chitwan National Park & leisure time at the beautiful lakeside resort at Pokhara. Varied types of accommodation from a boutique hotels, as well as the opportunity to visit local Nepalese people's homes added to the magic of the trip. The small group size, where everyone “gelled” together well throughout the trip & the supportive companionship of "Steve" group leader & company owner added to what was an excellent & very enjoyable holiday. We would certainly travel with "Angel" holidays again.

It was a fantastic trip, we travelled extensively, seeing so many different aspects to the country, from the Himalaya and Annapurna ranges in the North, to the Chitwan Nature Reserve in the South. The trip was well organised with a good balance of travel, a variety of activities and 'down time'. Stephen and Shri were excellent in ensuring we got the most out of our time in Nepal, and I've got memories and experiences that I will hold forever. I really recommend this trip with Angel Holidays.

The highlights of this trip for me were swimming in the unbelievably beautiful Kung Si Falls, the river trip to Nong Khiew and staying in the riverside lodges. The early procession of monks on the road below my balcony in Luang Prabang each morning, the visit to Angkor, the lake and river journey to Battambang and the ride on the bone shaking bamboo train on the way to Phnom Penh. The cookery class I did with Lynda and Chris in Phnom Penh, and the last evening of fun and cocktails there at the Foreign Correspondents Club. The most moving, and I found incredibly sad experience, was going to the Killing Fields and S21. But I am pleased that this visit was not excluded from our itinerary. The best food I enjoyed was at the Q Bar (a Lao barbecue you cooked at your table) in Nong Khiew and at the Tamarind Restaurant in Luang Prabang. Another fantastic trip with Angel Holidays - can't believe how much they managed to pack in to our 2 weeks.