Wonderful Manaslu Circuit trek
I had previously done the Manaslu Circuit six years ago, when it first opened as a teahouse trek, but now I returned to join my younger son, who came over from New York City, to do the trek again (I am 74, and he is 40). Thus, I already knew the route, I speak basic Nepali, and I have trekked in Nepal for many years, so I didn’t require a guide, but I was looking for two porters, and was referred to Touch the Himalaya, where I met Madan, the Manager. This agency specializes in the Gorkha area (the Manaslu circuit), where many of the staff are from. After a short discussion, Madan understood my needs and did not try to sell me something that I did not want, and we agreed on prices and permit fees.
I think he is the best trekking agency manager that I have done business with. He fixed us up with Bhim (age 27) as porter/guide, and Soros (age 23) as a second porter, and then arranged all the permits. I can recommend both of them. Bhim, who is older and trained as a guide, was particularly intuitive and helpful.
We completed the circuit in 12 days (May 2-13), returning in just one day from Bimtang (the village reached after crossing Larkya La), to Dharapani on the Annapurna circuit, by jeep to BesiSahar, then taxi to Kathmandu.
We encountered a bit of rain, but otherwise had mostly sunny days. This was a good time of year to do the trek, as it is low season and there were few backpackers; there were never more than 5-6 rooms occupied in all of the guesthouses of any given village stop. Also the daylight period is long, and it is a bit less cold at altitude (although we were freezing the one night at Larkya Guesthouse, because we were put in a tent).
I highly recommend Touch The Himalaya.
Date of experience: May 2017
