The Mountain Company Traveller Reviews

I absolutely loved visiting this magical part of Nepal! I enjoyed the quiet trails, endless views of colorful cliffs and snow capped mountains, and many visits to small villages and ancient monasteries. I had read about the road to Lo Manthang making trekking difficult in this area, but it was a non-factor since we only spent a short period on the road at the end of one day and the start of another. This was my first tea-house trek and I enjoyed the meals and the comfortable (if basic) accommodations.

I am a repeat traveler - this was my third trip with this company and will not be my last! I was happy with everything from my initial consultations about the trip to how a few challenges along the way (due to trail conditions and a double booked hotel) were handled.

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.

Trekked the 'longer version' of Bhutan's famous "Lunana Snowman" trek: nearly one month of walking through incredibly beautiful scenery and remote villages.

Out trek was organised by UK-based Roland Hunter, of The Mountain Company. Roland is legendary for his superb customer service, putting the needs of his customers above commercial gain. No corners are cut in his efforts to make his treks as well-run as possible, such as allowing plenty of time for acclimatisation, and using the best local guides and staff.

This was a sometimes challenging but always spectacular trek around Nanga Parbat. The route was remote, so there was a real sense of being off the beaten track, combined with visits to the various Nanga Parbat basecamps where we met with climbers preparing for attempts on the summit. Flawless organisation meant that the trekkers in our group had nothing to worry about and were able to concentrate on getting the most from the experience. The views of the mountain were spectacular from all angles and our trek took us through many villages and mountain hamlets, all of which were very welcoming. A strenuous trek - but one that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The Mountain Company offered a very personal service - it was clear that they went the extra mile to ensure that all details were covered, no matter how small. The trek was logistically complex, but nevertheless flawlessly organised so the trekkers were able to concentrate on enjoying this amazing experience.

The Ladakh Sky Trail was an epic hiking adventure – remote, varied, and far less travelled than many other Himalayan routes. Over the course of the itinerary we effectively completed four hikes of increasing duration (short walks in Leh, half day, 4 days, and 12 days), linked by some spectacular drives through the region. The landscapes were far more diverse than I had expected, even having visited Ladakh before: green pastures, dramatic rock formations, narrow gorges, distant glaciers, high passes, and around 30–40 river crossings. We saw very few other hikers, adding to the sense of wilderness and discovery. Monasteries along the way provided fascinating cultural encounters. The crew was excellent – professional, friendly, and attentive. Food was consistently good, and the spacious tents made camping comfortable. Campsites were always positioned by streams, which meant the bonus of being able to wash most days (though the water was cold!). Weather in August was more variable than anticipated, with some very hot days as well as cooler, cloudy, and wetter spells. Compared with trekking seasons in Nepal or Bhutan, however, August brought welcome longer daylight hours and generally warmer conditions. The itinerary worked smoothly for acclimatisation, and no one in our group experienced altitude issues. One important point: there are three days with extended sections of high exposure on narrow, loose trails. These are among the most spectacular parts of the route, winding through gorges and canyons, but hikers need to be comfortable with this type of terrain. Hiking in Ladakh feels quite different from treks in Nepal or Bhutan, and this trip will appeal to those looking for a fresh Himalayan challenge in a truly unique setting.

This was my third long trek with The Mountain Company (TMC), and once again I found them excellent to deal with. Their organisation and communication are consistently first-rate. A new addition since my last trip was the use of WhatsApp groups before departure, which worked brilliantly for asking questions and getting timely, helpful responses from both TMC owner Roland and our trip leader Almas. The high level of care and professionalism throughout reinforced why I keep coming back to TMC for my big treks.

The Nanga Parbat Circuit is a wild, less travelled Himalayan trek with magnificent close up views of the three main faces of the 9th highest mountain in the world, and a spectacular but challenging crossing of the Mazeno La (5358m). Trekking in Pakistan is tougher than Nepal - the trails are rougher; the heat is intense; bodies and gear take a hammering; it is harder to get to know the locals and your crew; and tourist infrastructure is more basic, however if you show Pakistan, its natural environment and its people respect you will be rewarded with breath-taking views; quiet, clean trails; a genuinely friendly welcome; and a real sense of remoteness. If you are considering trekking in Pakistan just do it, this is a trip that is well worth it.

The Mountain Company (TMC) are our go to operator for trekking in the Himalaya. With 25 years of experience they run meticulously researched and planned itineraries. Prior to departure information relating to everything from what to expect, kit-list, visa applications, and reassurance and support is provided to set clients up for success. Post trek follow-up is also part of the ethos and they actively seek feedback post trip and make adjustments to improve the treks based on this.

If you are looking for a different more remote trek in the Himalayas you should certainly consider Makalu Base Camp trek offered by The Mountain Company. It takes you through a remote area of East Nepal from lush terraced hillsides, through rhodedendron forests, over snow covered passes to a wonderful view of Mount Makalu itself. The area is still relatively quiet. The Mountain Company, who specialise in Himalayan treks, have put together a 14 day trek to this region which I did this spring. The whole trip lasts 20 days including all the necessary arrangements either end including "meet and greet" at the airport and excellent accommodation in Kathmandu. On the trek I had the option of camping or staying in lodges. We had a great leader, assistant guides and porters who worked so well as a team. The itinerary was well planned with appropriate acclimatisation days to adjust to the change in altitude.

This was my 5th trip with the Mountain Company and I every time I have been impressed by their extremely high standard. The pre-trip information is really detailed. Roland Hunter (TMC's MD) is always most helpful and has so much personal experience. Once the trip starts the organisation is excellent. On every occasion we have had a great leader and crew which is so important.

Nanga Parbat is one of the highest and most impressive mountains in the world. The Mountain Company, supported by local operator Nanga Parbat Adventures, provided a unique opportunity to trek on the 3 main faces of the mountain, and to cross the 5400m Mazeno La. The trek was challenging at times but extraordinary.

The Mountain Company organises first class treks in the Himalayas and the Karakoram. The attention to detail and the quality of the support are always excellent. Particular attention is given to a sensible programme of acclimatisation to altitude, which some operators do not allow sufficient time for.

The Nanga Parbat Circuit affords fine views of all of the three major faces of this 8,000-metre peak, visiting the three Base Camps used by mountaineers ascending the peak (although only one of these sees much use nowadays as the other two faces are far more difficult to climb). We did not meet any other trekkers, which made for a far better experience.

The Mountain Company (TMC) offers impeccable customer service and plans its treks incredibly carefully. Acclimatization is taken very seriously, which adds a few days to the itinerary but leads to a far more enjoyable and safer experience for everyone in the party. The local agent used in Pakistan is also magnificent, and the guides and crew were great company.

I completed the Kachenjunga Circuit for the first time. It was my second trip with the Mountain Company. Eastern Nepal features rhododendron forests and big Mountains. The pass between the north and south base camps has incredible views of the Himalayas — the best I have experienced in several trips to Nepal over the years. As always, the local guide and porters from the Mountain Company were excellent.

Mountain Company is highly recommended. I have used them before. Easily the best operator I have experienced in Nepal.