My friend and I completed the Manasulu / Tsum valley trek in October 2017 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.

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

Having a good guide is key to having a good experience. Luckily we happened upon
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 or contact Ram directly (+9779841126178 or [email protected]).

He now guides for and is a partner in Snowland adventure. Ask for him by name