Raj Gyawali
I specialize in soft adventure experiences that are custom tailored, and that generally go beyond the surface and immerses into the country resulting in participatory experiential experiences that leave a lasting impression.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I love the outdoors, and have enjoyed almost everything that Nepal has to offer in terms of soft adventure. I also am very interested in the deep inter cultural learning that travel offers. Combine the two and this is my expertise in this region - Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, India, and now is slowly extending to Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand."
How did you get involved in travel?
"What attracted me to travel as a business was the ramifications it has on development, specially in countries like Nepal, where travel goes deep into the countryside, and puts money into the hands of people who really need it. In 1998, while still working in manufacturing and exports, I participated in designing a tour for British school kids which fundraised to build a school hostel in a village and also participate in the process as part of the travel experience. Thats where I realized how deep travel can reach. The seed for socialtours was born there.
More recently, I went on a mountain biking holiday in Bhutan with my friends who are all enthusiasts as well. Rather than hit the well beaten trail, we use our connections in Bhutan to design a fully custom tailored five day experience, which went from first descents on trails never before biked, to deep immersive local stays in family run lodges, to enjoying a drink with royalty in Thimpu, courtesy of the connections we have in the region. An experience that will last forever in my mind, specially as it was at a time when a holiday was needed the most for all of us."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I go to different places for my holiday, mostly to expose my daughter to the same sort of experiential experiences that will expand her learning of cultures and inculcate a love for outdoor activities. Plus that is what we love as a family too. We end up mostly going to Thailand and Austria for this now, as we are connected with family in these countries, and you can only take so much holiday, and when we have other time, explore deeper into Nepal and adjoining countries."
Raj's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Looking to explore the cultural, more relaxing side of Nepal? Showcasing dazzling temples and world heritage squares, placid lakes and serene mountains, this week-long itinerary...
Here’s a trip plan that gives you a taste of what Nepal has to offer within a week: a short trek with great views of the Himalaya combined with a visit to the ancient cities of...
This trip gives a very good feel of Kathmandu Valley and includes all the highlights during a week-long trip. Cultural highlights, local food, and hikes ensure that you will get...
Family itineraries
There’s no reason to put off trekking in the Himalayas until the kids have left home. Aside from the amazing landscapes, cultural and wildlife encounters awaiting you, here are...
Kimkim traveler Clare Immens likes to instill a sense of adventure in her three children—so taking her young daughter Elsie on a multi-day trek in Nepal was a no-brainer. From...
Families with young children may wonder if Nepal is a travel destination they should even consider, since it's not your typical kid-friendly choice. At kimkim, we've put...
Luxury itineraries
If you’re short on time and looking for a luxury experience, here’s a unique way to see the Everest Region and all the main highlights. You’ll spend your nights in the comfort...
This trek is an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of traditional life in the Nepali countryside, as you share the route with shepherds and donkey trains and...
This 4-day tour lets you experience the best of Nepal in a short amount of time. Fly via helicopter to get into and out of the Everest region and stay in luxury lodges on the...
Recent trip reviews for Raj
Fabulous local support & knowledge.
Nepal
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Apr 27 - May 1, 2024
The insights into local life & culture together with the personal touches were truly amazing. It made the trip so much more meaningful & enjoyable for us. They have a great awareness and focus on sustainable/responsible tourism which is so refreshing given the pressure we all put on nature. Read more
Responsible tourism, well-connected and flexible trip. The best "relaxed" way to see Nepal.
Nepal
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Feb 7 - Feb 12, 2024
Dear Orielle & Aleks,
We're incredibly grateful for your prompt review, especially amidst your departure. Your feedback means the world to us. Flexibility is key, and we're thrilled it enabled salvaging your trip, crafting unforgettable experiences. Your encouragement reaffirms our path. Thank you deeply.
Warm regards,
Best tour ever!
Nepal
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Jun 16 - Jun 19, 2023
Clara,
Thanks for taking the time to put together this review. It gives us great pleasure to see that we fulfilled exactly what we set out to do - provide lifetime experiences in Nepal through custom tailored trips. Every time we get a review, it validates that we are in the right direction, and its heartening to know that travellers appreciate it.
We cannot wait to have you back and design another experience in Nepal for you!
Fantastic Nepal!
Nepal
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Apr 8 - Apr 25, 2023
Jennifer,
Hope you are back now and well rested. So happy to hear that your trip was what you wished for. Thanks also for the very thoughtful detailed feedback that we have got from you. I cannot wait to work on future adventures together!
Raj and Bipin organized an 11 day trek to Lan...
Nepal
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Oct 30 - Nov 12, 2022
Tim,
Thanks a ton for the wonderful review. We are so glad the trip was what you wanted and am glad we took the time to land on this particular trek - it was worth the work.
Raj
Bhutan & Nepal in 15 days
Nepal
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Oct 23 - Nov 6, 2022
Linda, it was a pleasure to design your trip and execute it too. Had some nervous moments, but you are such a wonderful traveler - you provide feedback early, and show appreciation when issues get resolved. This is much much appreciated.
Am sure to transfer the wonderful feedback to Sherab. He is a gem!
Nepal trip (11 days)
Nepal
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Oct 10 - Oct 21, 2022
Vinitha, it was an absolute pleasure to design this trip for you, and go through the process - chatting withing KimKim - getting into a whatsapp video chat to learn about interests deeper, and then design the trip and eventually execute it. As you said, some changes were required last minute, but was not something unmanageable..
Rabin is an exceptional guide, and we totally recognise it - no wonder he has been with us for the longest time. we are sure to transfer this feedback to him.
Namaste
Nepal - dreams can come true.
Nepal
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Apr 4 - Apr 19, 2022
Rhona, I am so happy it did finally happen. We had all waited so long for the trip to finally take place. Thanks for being so adjustable and so patient.
I will definitely transfer this wonderful review to my team and to Namaboudha Resort, and nothing would have happened without them and their excellent attention to detail and service.
I am so sorry I did not get to meet you personally. I would have loved that!
Until next time.
Yogesh has been very good and helpful, he mad...
Nepal
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Jan 24 - Jan 31, 2020
Yogesh has been very good and helpful, he made my whole trip. Everything went exactly as in the itinerary, except for a minor mistake on Temple Tree Hotel check out and pick up time. The hotel staff told me the wrong time which was one and half hour earlier than the arranged. The last day photograph tour was the best, far beyond my exception. The guide was a super kind and knowledgeable gentleman. He was the best during this trip.
Overall, great experience. I will surely consider Social Tour next time in Nepal.
Zhen, thanks for the wonderful review and apologies for the miscommunication in the hotel in Pokhara. They constantly change staff and sometimes communication between the teams is not always perfect.
I will definitely let Yogesh know how good you felt under his care. He has recently joined the company and is already a great asset in preparing all the logistics for the trip.
Thanks for taking the time, and thanks for the review. See you soon again in Nepal!
I had a great time and appreciate the profess...
Nepal
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Nov 17 - Nov 23, 2019
I had a great time and appreciate the professionalism and flexibility with my trip schedule.
Everybody from Social Tours did a great job.
I will highly recommend Social Tour for anybody looking to do trekking in Nepal.
Lou, many thanks for this wonderful review. It was a short trip and I am glad it worked out well - Hope to see you in Nepal once again!
