Just arrived home after a 5 week trip to Nepal. We saw much the country but easily our most precious moments are from the trek we did through the Manaslu Circuit with Discovery World Trekking and our incredible guide, Karan, and porter, Kersing. Would highly recommend requesting these guys, as they are kind, patient, professional, deeply knowledgable, and just really fun to be around. My husband, Ben (see his review from a week ago), found Discovery World Trekking through a lot of research and reading of blogs and trip advisor reviews.

We wanted to find a trek that was less crowded, with diverse landscapes, as well as a more cultural experience, where tourists are not the major population. Manaslu seemed to be a fit and after much research and communication with several trekking companies, Ben and I chose this company due to it's professional and responsive head, Paul, and the reviews that mentioned the fantastic and well-trained staff. It absolutely necessary to have properly equipped and experienced guides and porters on treks like this. (See below.)

From the moment we touched down in Kathmandu, Paul and his staff were helping us with anything and everything we needed. They picked us up at the airport, drove us to our hotel, and scheduled a shopping trip for us to snag some missing gear - flip flops, warm hats (would highly recommend picking these up in Nepal), trekking poles (definitely bring or purchase if you have any knee or ankle problems), rented down jackets (provided by the company), rented sleeping bags (provided by the company - Make sure to bring your own liner/sleep sack). We then headed out after 48 hours in Kathmandu. Karan and Kersing managed our travel, our trek, scheduling lodges, ordering, serving and sometimes COOKING our meals (Karan's Chowmein is SO GOOD), and ensuring that we were safe, aware and prepared for the challenges throughout. Paul was present throughout as well, from Kathmandu, with daily calls to Karan. Everyone involved with this company is invested, positive and deeply hospitable. Would go through them again in a heartbeat. Paul took us to dinner when we returned to Kathmandu and organized transit to our next destination. He encouraged us to call him any time, in case we were ever in a tight spot over our next weeks of travel. While it wasn't necessary, we found much peace of mind knowing that we had a touchstone in the country during our visit. Please check out Ben's review as he gives more info, but here are my additional thoughts. A few things to consider.

Transit: Getting to and from Manaslu is an experience of its own. Paul recommended that we rent the personal jeep for $190 extra instead of taking the local bus which is in the packaged deal. We opted against it as we were working with a limited budget, but we are so happy that we had the experience of the local bus. It is kind of dusty (bring doctor's masks) and warm by midday, and while our bus was not super crowded, I'm sure that they can get VERY crowded. Our second bus was absolute insanity. However, as Ben says in his review, it is a beautiful and worthwhile view into local life, and we never felt unsafe, unless you count the sketchy mountain roads. We also talked to other trekkers who took the jeep and they said the jeep ride was equally dusty and bumpy, though I know it was shorter, which definitely can make a difference, and maybe not as crowded. Bring a little dramamine if you get motion sickness, for either option. And either way, get ready for a long travel day on both ends of the trek. Just add a couple hours to what everyone says it will take. ;) Shout out to Karan (Mr. 15 minutes). We chose to spread the Dharapani-Besisihar ride and the Besisihar-Kathmandu ride over 2 days and would HIGHLY recommend it. I read before going to Nepal to approach everything with the spirit of adventure. I think this is an excellent way to approach the travel up to these mountain villages. Safety: The Manaslu Circuit goes through the heart of much of the earthquake damage from 2015, so there is still much rebuilding and some landslide areas, and it is a relatively new trek. There are also deep ravines, donkeys carrying large loads next to you and the deep ravines, and there is always the potential of altitude sickness. Please read Ben's review for his experience with this. It is absolutely essential that whatever company you choose, the guides and porters are experienced, attentive and focused on the safety of everyone in the group. Karan and Kersing almost never left our sides. One of them was almost always with Ben and the other with me - especially in slightly more dangerous terrain. When we were descending from the Larkya Pass, I noticed in our shadows on the ground that Karan was walking with an out-stretched arm near my pack for almost 30 minutes to ensure that I did not go far if I started to slide. There are many tripping and sliding hazards along the way, especially if you're tired, and our guide and porter were entirely focused on getting us home in one piece. They were also well equipped by the company, they had good shoes and warm jackets. Terrain: Be prepared for STAIRS. And lots of ups and downs. Flat is almost non-existent. Don't believe Nepalis when they say 'flat'. It is difficult. TRAIN FOR IT. Every day was so beautiful, and so DIFFERENT! We couldn't believe how much we saw in 2 weeks. The mountains, forests, animals, villages and people are all extraordinary. Hygiene: Just a note about toilets. Expect a squat toilet (Bring TP). Sometimes they are just fine, and sometimes, like in the highest village we stayed in, Dharmasala, they are no fun. Bring lots of hand sanitizer and lean into the adventure. Also bring biodegradable wipes - you don't shower after a certain point - we went 6 days when we got to higher altitudes. Lodges: For the most part, Discovery World Trekking organized fine lodges for us to stay in. We especially loved our quiet rest day in Gho after the Pass. The only one we weren't happy with was the lodge we stayed 2 nights in in Samagaun. There were mice in walls that made it hard to sleep. Note on Samagaun: Take the 5 hour round trip to the monastery on your acclimatization day! The views are unreal. Food and Health: Ben talks about food as well. For the most part, we loved much of the food we ate on the trek. We ate no meat, and pretty much no dairy, and always drank either boiled or treated water. We didn't get sick. Though we both developed wicked colds in Dharmasala. It's a rough night there. Adventure! And the morning of walking the next day is amazing. Note: Make sure everyone has their own bright headlamp. Another Note: Water is NOT included in DWT's budget. This added an additional $80 or so to our budget. You drink a lot of water when you're in higher altitudes. This was a trip of a lifetime. Well worth all the challenges. Discovery World Trekking was wonderful and we hope they get everyone's business! My only complaint is that we had to say goodbye to Karan and Kersing so quickly after we returned and they were off on other treks. We were so sad to say goodbye to them both. Thanks to you guys, we miss you (and your dance moves), and MANY thanks to Paul who was our gracious host - what a fulfilling and memorable experience!!!