Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Traveller Reviews

The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley is a lodge-based trek that attracts fewer visitors. The trek has two distinct parts: The Manaslu Circuit is classical Nepalese mountain walking whereas Tsum Valley is more cultural. It is worth noting the Tsum Valley is now reasonably busy and is no longer “off the beaten track”. The Larkya La Pass day is probably one of the best single days walking in the Himalaya, you leave the lodge in the dark and experience sunrise before mountain vistas and panoramas open up on the pass and on the descent. The lodges and food are generally ok quality with power in rooms most of the way up, and most offer hot (for a fee) and cold showers, the exception is the lodge at Dharamsala – think lodges at Gorakshep but not as good and in a harsher environment. Even in high season if you can take breakfast at 6:30 you’ll be ahead of most groups and have quiet trails all the way round. Tip: If organising as a private itinerary speak to Roland about options to fly back from Pokhara rather than enduring the drive from Bandipur to Kathmandu

The Mountain Company is an established UK based trekking company specialising in Nepal Himalaya Treks. They attract a global clientele and deliver well planned itineraries that have sufficient time for altitude acclimatisation increasing the chance of successful completion. Feedback is actively sought after a trip and changes / updates will be made if the company agrees with suggestions

The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley is an understandably popular trek in Nepal, combining dramatic landscapes with rich cultural experiences. The Manaslu Circuit winds through deep gorges and climbs steadily to the 5,135m Larkya La pass. Along the way are views of Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain. The six-day side trip into Tsum Valley is equally worthwhile, featuring beautiful monasteries and significant Buddhist sites. This was my first tea house trek after three camping treks with TMC, and there are pros and cons to compare. Tea houses usually provide power and WiFi (generally free), menus to choose from (though the options are the same throughout), and daily showers (usually cold). TMC cover five food choices plus seven hot drinks a day, and portions tend to be enormous — you definitely won’t go hungry. The itinerary builds in acclimatisation time, which is welcome, although around half the hiking days are relatively short, so bring something to keep you occupied in the afternoons. The local crew were excellent throughout. November proved an ideal month to trek, with clear blue skies every day — just make sure to bring warm layers for the higher sections. Be aware that word is well and truly out on both the Manaslu Circuit and the supposedly more remote Tsum Valley. Expect full tea houses, but if you start early the trails themselves are generally quiet.

This was my fourth long trek with The Mountain Company (TMC), and once again I found them very good to deal with. Their organisation and communication are consistently first-rate. The high level of care and professionalism throughout reinforced why I keep coming back to TMC for my Himalayan treks.

A first class service from The Mountain Company ensured that my first time in Nepal was a enjoyable and truly memorable experience. From the beauty and solitude of the TSUM vallley a hidden valley in the Manaslu national park and the awe inspiring mountains on the circuit. Such a breadth of landscapes and amazing people. I loved the bustle of Kathmandu and the contrast with the mountains was a perfect combination for me.

A first class service from The Mountain Company ensured that my first time in Nepal was a enjoyable and truly memorable experience. The logistics team, guides and porters could not have been more responsive and helpful

Five days into my Trek around Manaslu I tested positive for covid. I was in a tiny, remote mountain village with no signal on my phone. My trekking guides supported me to contact both my insurers and Roland, Mountain Co CEO. Roland gave me support and reassurance as my insurers dallied over my request for helicopter evacuation. Indeed, Roland chased them for me numerous times before the heli arrived 30 hours after my first request. Holiday insurance has a job to do and eventually, it did what I'd paid for, but without Roland, who went the extra mile, Id probably still be in a remote mountain village drinking ginger tea1

From first contact to my next booking (yes, I'm going back to Manaslu with The Mountain Company - unfinished business) Roland couldn't have been more informed and supportive. But I'd expect that really...... nevertheless it wasn't always the case with other companies I approached for this trip. When disaster strikes you really find out if a company can back up its promises. The Mountain Company most certainly did and Roland followed up, visiting me in hospital and providing some non-essential treats that were most welcome, demonstrating a personal touch to go with the high standard of professionalism I found in every interaction I had with the Mountain Co.

I had never been to Nepal, which was a hole in my outdoor resume. I am a climber, but at 63, decided I'd rather do a trek in Nepal than a climb. I was delighted with my experience and the professionalism of The Mountain Company. I found that, contrary to what I thought before I went on the trip, my experience was at least as much cultural as it was loving being in the mountains. I want to thank The Mountain Company for an excellent holiday.

See above. The Mountain Company ,was exceptionally responsive to my pre-trip inquiries, and its organizational skills during my stay in Nepal were wonderful. Roland met us at the hotel and was available to answer questions and deal with logistics while we were in Kathmandu. I felt well taken care of. On the trek, the head guide, Bishwoo, was well organized, communicated very well and was very attentive to detail. The other guides were also wonderful in their attentiveness.

This is a 24 day trip with 19 trekking days. It was an amazing experience with magnificent view of Manaslu and other mountain ranges. Also learned about local culture from trekking through local villages. There were some long days but well worth the effort. The crew was always there to let a hand. I am very slow going down but never was left on my own or rushed as a crew member was always there with me.

Great! Five-stars! The Mountain Company is an amazing tour operator. It provides timely response to questions, listen to feedback from clients and the crew. Implement changes if and when required to improve the experiences of its clients. Environmental friendly by participating in cleaning up the trails and promote environmental friendly practices. Ensure ethical treatment of crew by providing them with the necessary equipment and ensure they do not carry excess weight.

A 21d trekking trip in the Himalaya preceded by a day sightseeing in Kathmandu where we managed to visit most of the major sights. The needs of the differently paced trekkers were taken into account with plenty of time to rest and soak in the scenery. This trip was essentially two treks - one along the enchanting Tsum valley staying in Mu Gompa monastery at the head of the valley and then trekking back down the valley to re-join the popular Manaslu trek. There were days of heavier exertion on both treks through forests and dipping down to rivers as we got ever closer to some very big mountains including Manaslu, the eight highest mountain in the world. A comfortable night's sleep could be obtained at all the teahouses along the way after a filling meal. The highest point was the Larkya La pass at 5135 metres tackled after an early start and where we were lucky enough to be able to soak up the sunshine before the steep descent.. On the last part of our Manaslu trek we met the waves of trekkers walking in the opposite direction on the Annapurna circuit.

Roland Hunter at the Mountain Company answered all my questions in a phone call and I was able to book both the trip and flights around a month before the start of the trip. The trekking team was very well organised and there was a good team spirit with attention to the individual needs of each trekker. We never felt rushed and despite the physical exertion integral to a trek of this kind the word relaxing could be used in connection with it. On some days we collected rubbish from the trail and delivered framed posters to the hotels about Going Green. The team had two satellite phones if difficulties occurred and a two very well stocked medical bags. I have no hesitation in recommending the Mountain Company - others in the trek group had used them before - and would choose them again if I have the opportunity to visit the Himalaya again in the future.

3 weeks spent trekking the remote Tsum Valley then the Manaslu Circuit. The views were spectacular every single day. The trekking was tough but incredibly rewarding and it is certainly an experience we will remember for a lifetime.

The Mountain Company were excellent. They were incredibly professional and every situation was prepared for in advance which meant more time for trekking and exploring. The tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly and always ready to help wherever and whenever required, They provided an impeccable service and made our trip fantastic!