Manaslu Circuit Trek 2022/2023

“We started our trip from Sotikhola though the jeep can go up to Machhakhola. we didn't expect good Lodges in this trip but our tour operator provided us majority of the stay attached room with comfortable bed. Food was yummy. took jeep from Dharapani as we didn't want to walk along the road.”

“I booked the manaslu circuit trek for 14 days from the 20th of December to the 3rd of January, for my friend Jessica and I. I looked at many different options before booking the trek and hiring guides directly but decided on this tour operator because they seemed to have a reliable reputation, with experienced guides. Chattra, the boss seemed very knowledgeable and offered me a good deal on the cost of arranging permits compared with other agencies and didn't try and sell us any extras. He was also understood that we were going to be potentially trekking in cold conditions with snow or ice and so he offered us a choice of two very experienced guides. When we met Chhatra in person he was very efficient and friendly and flexible with our plans. We chose Raj Karki as our guide and we arrange meet him at our hostel. Right from the get go he seemed excited to go on the trek but was honest and told us that it could be difficult and that we might not be able to cross Larkya pass, we had opted to get a local bus over the jeep taxi and although we were his first clients to choose the bus he was very happy to do so and had researched the bus station, times and prices and personally took us there the next morning. From this it was obvious that he was well prepared and did his research as we discovered later in the trek he kept in contact with all the guesthouses along the way and knew which were good and which would be open at this time of year when most places close for the winter. It was immediately clear on meeting Raj that he was sociable and genuinely enjoyed our company he was always fun to chat with and while trekking and in the evenings and would even join us for a regular card game after dinner. Unlike many guides who I have heard just play on there phone or go drinking whenever they get the chance. Once we started trekking it was obvious that he very fit and would adjust his speed to test us to get an idea of our itinerary in the beginning and then would walk slower or faster as we prefered along the route. He said we were much fitter than average and seemed to enjoy pushing more than usual. He also had a lot of knowledge about the route, technical skills and first aid and even when we got food poisoning during the route he could recommend which foods to eat or to avoid. So although we never had any injuries we knew we were in good hands if we did. Raj never pushed us to make decisions alnong the route and instead gave us all the information on difficulty, practicality etc and left the decision you to us. Indeed as once we reached the village of lgo we had snowfall all night and later said he had thought we probably wouldn't be able to cross the pass but he was happy take us as far as we liked to try. In the end we made it all the way to dharmasala before we decide to turn back at this point we had to open the trail through the snow ourselves which was really tough work but he never complained and always saw to our needs. He seemed to really enjoy the trekking and the adventure of pushing through the conditions and him having this attitude really lifted our spirits during the trek even when we're returning back the way we came, it never felt like were inconveniencing him and in fact, right from the beginning it felt like we were trekking with a good friend. I would absolutely recommend Raj to anyone who wants an experienced guide who is good fun but also fit enough and experienced enough to go with whatever kind of trek you want to do however challenging.”

“Thank you for the amazing trip to Manaslu. We had enjoyed so much with you guys. Especially many thanks for our guide Raj. Who guided us all the way up and back safely.”