"Tailor-made trip"

We wanted to explore northern India just after the passes were opened but before the busy tourist season started. We wanted to get off the beaten track and into less-traveled areas. And we were so pleased with the tailor-made itinerary that Nitin put together for us, taking all our wishes into account. We had an amazing 9 weeks and can’t recommend Walkabout Journey enough.

"We love to get a touch of the real…"

We love to get a touch of the real cultures in the places we travel. Walkabout Journeys communicated with us about our likes and came up with an amazing itinerary. With a driver and guide we visited small local villages, temples, markets, jungles and waterfalls. We stayed in resorts, hotels, home stays, a house boat and castles. We saw the people working, dancing, creating pottery, painting, weaving and more. Our driver and guides shared the history of the places and people we visited and made sure we were comfortable and safe. It was a long journey from the tribal villages of Odisha in the mountains to the coasts of Puri and Kerala, but well worth it.

"The very, very best."

My husband and I have lots of travel experience not only on our own but group travel as well, and lots of experience with tour companies and tour/group leaders, so when we looked into doing a private safari through India to (hopefully) see tigers, leopards, elephants in the wild, bears, and even Asiatic lions, we contacted the person who was the best of them all – Nitin Dhami of WalkAbout Journeys.

We first traveled with him in Papua New Guinea for several weeks in 2008 and again in 2018 when he was leading group tours for a major travel company and were very impressed by him and how he handled some tricky situations both with locals and difficult or sick members of the group. We knew he’d led tours all over the world, including a similar trip to what we envisioned.

When doing our initial research looking at the itineraries of other companies offering such a trip, they all seemed too fast-paced – which turned out to be the big complaint volunteered by people we met who were doing a similar trip with these other companies.

Nitin was incredibly easy to work with, offering numerous excellent suggestions that enhanced our trip beyond our expectations, and we ended up with a good balance between game drives, sightseeing, and downtime. His professionalism, patience (I'm very picky and made many revisions!), and genuine concern that our vacation be everything we hoped for, not only while planning but also during the trip, created memories that will last a lifetime.

The cost for the two of us was, surprisingly, about the same as taking a group tour, I expected it to be a lot more; and not sharing a safari vehicle with four or more additional people was fabulous.

During our three weeks together, Nitin was as thoughtful, fun, observant, kind, and thoroughly delightful as we remembered, and added immeasurably to the enjoyment of our safari.

With knowledge not only of India, but just about anywhere else in the world, we’ll be using WalkAbout Journeys and Nitin for future trips. We are not the only ones -- I’ve noticed many people traveling with him again and again. We will as well, and highly recommend you do, too.

"Exceptional attention to detail, and care …"

Nitin and Maureen and the whole Dhami family made the arrangements for a rather complex and fast paced itinerary for the first week of our India adventure. Everything, because of their attention to detail, caring and welcoming ways went like clockwork. Our past experiences with travel arrangements highlight how wonderful and unusual this is. What a joy it was.
Part of the adventure was our stay at their "Himalayan Orchard Hut". Here's our review of that part.
A unique off-the-road experience
When access to your hotel requires a 30 minute uphill walk, you know this is a unique experience. At Himalayan Orchard Hut, you will be warmly welcomed and invited to be part of the Dhami family. Father Prakash presides and tells stories of his life local religion and culture of the surrounding area. His lovely wife and daughter run the kitchen, grandchildren Rupashi and Krishna run and chirp around the hotel, Staff are strong, polite and loyal. They will serve you tea and dinner or lead you on a trek uphill to Ridgemoor Cottage where you can meet local villagers and herders and glimpse the high snowy mountains in the distance. If you are lucky, there will be other like-minded guests in residence at the Orchard Hut for conversation and learning. We were blessed to have Becca, a student doing ethnographic research on local goddesses, to inform and lead our tour of local temples. We were also invited to join the family to enjoy culmination of the Navarati Festival in Chomba town. We would highly recommend this lovely out of the way hotel as a respite destination for adventure travelers.

"Highlight of India:"

I first met Maureen and Nitin at the Outdoor Adventure Show in Toronto and I couldn't wait to book a holiday with them shortly after meeting them! Very organized, helpful and absolutely lovely - and this I speak of the entire family. We had a great time from Delhi to Amritsar to Chamba. There was follow up at every train ride and day trip. We included a stay at their Orchard Hut Home Stay and did a hike straight up to the family cottage. Breathtaking views, mouth-watering food and warm hospitality (and a few games of cricket for fun). It was very sad to say goodbye but it was a fantastic way to start our journey through India and Nepal. It remains the highlight of our tour. Thank you so much for everything! I look forward to booking other world tours through you!

"A little bit of heaven"

The Orchard Huts homestay in Chamba, India is an ideal place nestled in the mountains. In the terraces are fruit trees and organic gardens, farm animals, a swimming pool, a beautiful garden to relax and have tea, an opportunity to have a cooking lesson and to meditate, hiking in the mountains and visiting the town..
The Dhami family, all 3 generations, including 2 lovely children are the hosts. With their warm hospitality, they became my family away from home.
Orchard Huts is truly a hidden gem.
Phyllis Entin, Richmond, Virginia

"fantastic tailor made trips to India with expert guiding"

These guys really know how to look after their clients. They are particularly good at arranging genuine local experiences and showing you the wonders of Indian cuisine. Let them take you off piste and you will have a unique experience.

"Walkabout Journey"

Independent travel in India March 2016. Excellent service, guides, accommodation.

"Indian Journey"

Walkaboutjourney made all the arrangements for our private six week journey in India. They took into account our wide range of interests: culture; education; history; nature; architecture and art; religion. We had a car and driver plus local guides as we wanted them. We stayed mostly in heritage hotels. When illness caused us to require changes in our schedule, walkaboutjourney quickly made the changes. They were in close communication with us at all times. We could not recommend any company more highly than walkaboutjourney.

"An outstanding company. They do everything they can to help their clients."

Nitin and Maureen are dear friends, and one of the most wonderful experiences of my life was attending their wedding at their family's mountain lodge near Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India. Staying in this lodge is an adventure like no other. And if you use their services to plan an extended trip, as my daughter and I did, you can't go wrong. They are careful, considerate, and spare no effort to arrange responsible drivers, guides, and lodgings according to your interests and capabilities.