Ahhh, where to even begin! We trekked the Manaslu Circuit with High Camp Trekking and the entire experience from booking the trek to the very last day was not only easy but enjoyable. When planning and booking the trek, Norsang Lama went above and beyond compared to other guide agencies that also gave me a quote. He created the most comprehensive itinerary outlining every detail. Furthermore, before I had even committed to using High Camp Trekking, Norsang showed me around Thamel directing me to the best gear stores! For the trek, we were guided by Sanjay Lama, Norsang’s brother. Sanjay Lama was a great guide and companion to have on the trail. He navigated the challenging trails gathering information from locals and other guides about trail closures and dangerous areas. With heavy monsoon rains and the changing of the seasons the trail does not always follow what is shown on paper or digital maps. Often times Sanjay would use information from locals to detour around dangerous landslide areas, something we would not have been able to do alone. Sanjay Lama also helped us connect with the place and people on a deeper level. He would share information about his religion and culture connecting it to what we were seeing and experiencing on the trail. When we stopped for lunch, reached our teahouse, or even passed a local on the trail, he would have conversations with other Nepalis and then share what he learned with us! Sanjay Lama also showed adaptability during our trek; we were supposed to do a multi-day side trip into the Tsum Valley but active landslides in the area after Lokpha forced us to change our plans. We ended up spending more time on the main circuit taking day trips to the remote Pung Gyen Gompa and the Manaslu base camp amongst other places. After the trek finished, Sanjay Lama knew that I would be in Kathmandu for another week and told me that I could reach out if I needed help with anything.
I would highly recommend using High Camp Trekking and if I ever do another trek in Nepal, I will absolutely be booking another guide through this agency.