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, building to the pinnacle, a stunning trek through the mountains of the Annapurna in the Himalayas - 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 Baktapur it was a local girl who had lived and grown up there all her life. On the mountains we did meditation with a Buddhist monk while looking over the Annapurna range. 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!! I wish I had made a little more effort with my trekking training as the second day was a little tougher than expected, but we all made it through the 5 days, and 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 worth every step. 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 jouney 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 him accompanying us on the five day trek. I enjoyed the optional meditation classes in the Himalaya, 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.