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.

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.

Everywhere we went there was a local guide. In Kathmandu we had a professor as a tour guide. In Bhaktapur it was a local girl who had lived and grown up there all her life. We did meditation with a Buddhist monk. It was amazing. Add to that an elephant trek, a rickshaw ride, wild monkeys and sunrise over the himalaya and you've got not just a holiday but a life affirming experience too.

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.

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.

When I first met him I thought this is going to be an interesting experience but also felt a little at unease being in the presence of a Buddhist monk. Whilst travelling with him his character came out through his humour. Having a monk's company personally was an enhancing experience. I enjoyed the optional meditation classes and have returned home with the basic meditation techniques that Losan taught and I am determined to practice these as often as possible.

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, a Buddhist monk 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.

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.

We were led by well informed local guides, educated on the culture of Nepal by Surendra the passionate Professor from Kathmandu University and guided in meditation and yoga by the ever smiling Buddhist Monk Losan, our constant companion for the trip. 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 !

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 were meditating at the birthplace of the Buddha with our Buddhist Monk and guide Losan. 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 Professor Surendra, Losan and the families we met - 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.

You’ll be in the hands of guides the like of which you’ve never encountered. We were accompanied by a university professor, a Buddhist monk and even a group of teenagers 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, and you will shed tears of joy if you choose to take part in meditation with your ever present monk, Steve’s pal Losan. I can honestly say that this holiday was life changing experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough.