In a group of four people plus two guides and two porters we started the Manaslu Trek end of February. Everything was planned perfectly. First some sight-seeing in Kathmandu where we could learn some things about the culture and religion in Nepal. The Jeep ride to the starting point was a lot of fun. On every step on the way I felt save. With our guides and porters we had a lot of fun every evening. They gave a lot of effort to make us feel confortable and you could feel their passion in showing us the nature and the culture of the Manaslu region.

Due to too much snow we weren't able to walk over the Larke La pass. We reached Syala (3500m) and the weather was perfect. Although we couldnt do the whole Circuit we were so happy in the end. Its totally worth it to do it. I can only recommend Touch the Himalaya Treks. They all are very professional and lovely.

My friend and I have just completed the Manasulu / Tsum valley trek and can’t recommend it highly enough – but go soon as there’s lots of evidence of its growing popularity. And be prepared for an intense physical challenge: 30 degree heat down to freezing; “Nepali flat” all the way (ie quite a lot of up and quite a lot of down); routine vertiginous drops, effects of altitude, etc.

All of this, however, is easily outweighed by stunning and varied scenery, local culture, lovely people and not too much tourism. Passing briefly through the tail end of the Annapurna circuit made us SO glad we’d chosen our route. We spent about 5 days In Tsum (but could’ve taken longer) and trekked for 18 days in total. 3 or 4 days R&R in Pokhara at the end is definitely the thing to do at the end.

Having a good guide / agent is key to having a good experience. We booked through Touch The Himalaya. Madan Neupane, the guy in charge, was friendly, efficient, experienced and proactive in meeting our needs – and also very fair in what he did or didn’t charge us for.

He fixed us up with the guide to die for: Ram Adhikari. Ram was experienced, full of local knowledge, very concerned for our welfare and above all fun and friendly (not something every trekker seemed to be experiencing). Ask for him by name if you can when you book.

Go soon – before you’re too old or it changes!