About This Conversation
This piece is a short conversation between a trekker and the operator after the completion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
We, Master Himalaya Treks and Expedition, have been operating the Manaslu Circuit Trek for more than 10 years. As a leading trekking agency in Nepal, we received many queries about the trek, and our clients wanted firsthand answers. So, we thought interviewing a trekker right after the trek could help future trekkers plan better.
Our trekking expert, Mr. Dikshant Nepal, and a wonderful couple from the UK, Mr. & Mrs. Heywood, sat at the table to share the best possible questions and answers about the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Mr. and Mrs. Heywood were tea people rather than coffee. The table started with a serving of three cups of original Nepali CTC tea.
As the first sip of the tea was tasted, the conversation started with Mr. Dikshant commenting on their tea experience during the trek.
- Mr. Dikshant: It is indeed cold up there. I imagine you enjoyed your cup of tea as much as you could during the trek. What would you like to share?
- Mrs. Heywood: Tea is my favourite morning thing. In the mountains, they basically served us black tea, which tasted something like what we are sipping now. All the teas found in Nepal are CTC and taste the same. The difference is that in the mountains, they added Himalayan black pepper in the tea. The pepper helps stabilise our body temperature. We had 2 - 3 cups of tea in a day. Our guide was a tea lover too. He just loves having tea. He had, I guess, 5 - 6 cups of tea a day.
- Mr. Dikshant: “Let’s focus on some questions that our clients wanted to know. I will just ask you questions and you just give back your original answer.” Mr. and Mrs. Heywood agree.
Let’s Go!
Trekker Q&A: Your Manaslu Circuit Trek Questions Answered
Why Did You Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
- Mrs. Heywood: Well, when we were planning our trip, we were really after a trail that wasn’t swarming with crowds. After some digging, we came upon the Manaslu Circuit. It has got this perfect mix of stunning views but without the hustle and bustle. Plus, the fact that fully independent travellers were banned attracted us.
And Did You Find the Right Fit with Master Himalaya Treks and Expedition?
- Mrs. Heywood: Absolutely, we had this back-and-forth exchange of about 13 emails with them, changing our itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Trek to fit our needs perfectly. And let me tell you, they were super budget-friendly too.
How Was the Start of Your Journey?
- Mrs. Heywood: Well, instead of taking the usual route to Soti Khola, we decided to head straight to Maccha Khola on the first day. Gave us a bit of breathing space at higher altitudes. We were keen to explore more in the upper region like Samdo and Samagaon.
What Is Your Unforgettable Experience During the Trek?
- Mrs. Heywood: Oh, yeah. When we arrived at Jagat, we saw a group of Israeli trekkers, two of whom couldn’t see. They had many porters with them, and one elderly blind person was riding a horse. About 15 minutes later, one of the trekkers accidentally touched the horse from behind, scaring it. The horse kicked in fear, causing the blind person to fall and get hurt. He had cuts on his face and was bleeding. Our guide and one of the helpers went to a hotel down below where there was better communication. The Manaslu Conservation Area army arrived with a stretcher and took him to the hotel. Our guide made some phone calls, and they arranged for a helicopter rescue right away.
Do You Have Anything to Say About Hotels/Tea Houses in the Manaslu Region?
- Mrs. Heywood: We stayed at the best tea house, learnt a Nepal card game, sang our Resham Firiri song with the group, and learnt a lot of Nepali language.
Manaslu is a Long Camp Trek. So, Was There Any Difficulty in Walking?
- Mrs. Heywood: Not really, we were a pretty solid walking team, and our guide even commented on that a few times. He’d sometimes take us to a less visited side path that was even more beautiful than the common path of the Manaslu Circuit.
Can You Describe the Views of the Manaslu Region?
- Mrs. Heywood: Oh, words can’t quite capture it. It’s like... these huge mountains will just swallow your soul.
Is This Your First Time in Nepal?
- Mrs. Heywood: Yep, first time. We’ve done some hiking elsewhere, but Nepal was a whole new adventure for us.
Do You Have Anything to Say in Conclusion?
- Mrs. Heywood: I have heard about the beauty of Nepal many times. This trip is my first time experiencing it. I will recommend any travellers to experience it in real life; then only you can know its true beauty. At the same time, as we all know, beauty is always dangerous. So, be prepared — don’t hesitate to ask your agency to take as much information as you can and explore.
Plan Your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Master Himalaya
Ready to experience the Manaslu Circuit for yourself? Master Himalaya Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. has been organizing this trek for over a decade. As a trusted peak climbing agency in Nepal and experienced trekking agency, we handle everything from permits and logistics to experienced guides and comfortable tea house bookings.
Just like Mr. & Mrs. Heywood, you can customize your Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary to suit your schedule and interests. Whether you want to explore the upper region around Samdo and Samagaon or combine it with other treks, our team is here to craft the perfect adventure for you.
