The Mountain Company Traveller Reviews

We had a three week walking trip to K2, camping every night and walking across the Baltoro glacier. Having previously been to Everest Basecamp, there was a level of expectation management that this would be a different trip but ,TBH, no amount of prep would have made a difference, this was totally different. On Everest there were comfortable nights in nice tea houses, with lovely food and war rooms. This is not that trip, it is tough, the walking is harder, the camping is harder, and there is very few respites. BUT, and it is a massive BUT, it was incredible. The views are stunning, the experience amazing and the whole trip just incredible. All helped by walking with lovely people both in our group and supporting us. Without them it wouldn't have been the same.

All the organisation was spot on in general. In particular the provided UK guide that walked with us was amazing. There were some teething problems with the Islamabad parts of the trip but from when we left to get to Skardu until we retuned everything was well organised, any issues dealt with well and it made for a marvellous holiday.

This was our first big Himalaya high altitude trek and what a brilliant adventure and experience it turned out to be. We are so pleased we chose The Mountain Company as our operator. Roland was extremely helpful from the pre booking experience to ensure the trip was right for us. Pre trip we fired lots of questions his way as it was the first experience of this type of trek for the majority of the group, all queries, questions and anxieties were answered personally and promptly by Roland. The guidance for the admin of flights, visas, trekking permits etc. was really helpful and smoothed the complex process. The contacts and experience The Mountain Company have years of taking clients on these trips ensures the itineraries are very well designed and the best local operators, guides, cooks and postering teams are used. We saw plenty of other groups disappointed and having difficulties from using other operators cutting corners, not having the correct paperwork or too tight itineraries to accomplish their trips. Our international leader Nat accompanying us was brilliant. She had lots of experience and expertise and cared that we all had a great safe and healthy experience. Her expertise helped navigate the the very fluid situations that affect adventure travel. The K2 base camp trek was a trip of a lifetime for us. The trip is certainly off the beaten path path in very rural Pakistan completely out there once the walking starts. The scenery it utterly incredible and breathtaking, so many of the highest mountains of the world in one place. The walking is certainly challenging on the rough rocky the terrain it goes over for the majority of the time walking up and down on the Baltora Glacier. That and 17 days camping certainly make it a challenging and very rewarding trek. We were fortunate to have superb weather on our trip, this made the mountain visas unbelievable and a record breaking year for K2 sumitters. It did have the added experience of making sever very hots days which took us by surprise. Overall I would highly recommend this trek, Nat and Roland were brilliant, I would certainly recommend and use The Mountain Company again.

As above.

Our trek to Everest Base Camp with The Mountain Company was superb. From the early planning process to the pre-trek check, questions were addressed quickly and completely by Roland and The Mountain Company team. Upon arrival in Nepal through our departure, the trek far exceeded expectations. Examples include our excellent guide and porter, intra-country travel, the lodging arrangements, safety protocols, the well designed itinerary (which enabled a couple of novice trekkers with limited experience at altitude to acclimatize to the increasing elevations without problem), wonderful meals, insightful advice regarding Nepal, culture, trekking, the geography, etc. Even the weather was fully cooperative! Many thanks to The Mountain Company for making this such an amazing experience!

All the details and arrangements for our time in Nepal were handled in a complete, professional and enjoyable fashion.

The Ladakh Sky Trail was an amazing and very recommendable experience. The scenery was extraordinary and must be a dream for geologists. The trails are mostly on rocky or sandy underground, and nice to walk. One section of the trek goes through a remote gorge with more than 250 river crossings. This is definitely a highlight of the trek. This trek is a perfect choice if you like remoteness and dramatic scenery.

Our guide Almas and the local crew were very competent and a fun team to be with. We always felt in safe hands and enjoyed the time with them very much. The organisation was flawless. Also the pre-trip information provided everything we needed. This was my second trip with The Mountain Company. Both times everything was really perfect.

The Ladahk Skytrail is a tough trek in a very interesting area. The trip starts in Leh and takes you through a high altitude desert with very interesting geological features. A part of the trek took place in a remote gorge with lots of river crossings. The gorge was used earlier as part of a salt route. The trip is well worth the effort! It's worth noting that the trek starts quite high as Leh is around 3500 meters above the sea. This can make the first week or so a bit challenging for people who, like us, live at sea level.

This was our second trip with the Mountain Company and as before the guide (Almas Khan) and the local crew were excellent. The pre-trip contact with the owner, Roland, as well as the pre-trip information provided is equally good and made us feel well-prepared.

The Ladakh trek was extraordinary. The guide was very professional and competent and the whole team provided us wonderful trek experience.

Very good information and communication before the trip.

A special trek which was a true adventure in Pakistan, trekking up the Baltoro Glacier to K2 Basecamp. The Glacier is huge and the mountains on either side are so impressive, and everyone of them has the history of past mountaineering exploits.

The support and service provided right from the start is excellent. Excellent website, with very prompt and enthusiastic response to any enquiries and questions. I regularly trek with The Mountain Company because I know they ensure their treks are very well planned, equipped and led.

An amazing trek into the Karakoram seeing 4 of the worlds 8000m peaks - K2, Broad Camp, Gasherbrum I and II. A complete escape from day to day life completely off grid and away from civilization in the most amazing scenery in every direction.

Our tour operator took care of everything so we could just focus on getting ourselves from camp to camp - which was at times challenging with altitude, heat and rough terrain. Plenty of unexpected challenges with bridges washed away but the logistics still all ran smoothly. Our leader, Nat Wilson, was outstanding and looking out to the whole teams health and well-being with all of us making it to K2 basecamp. Our local guides, chefs and porters all offered a great service. We met teams with other operators who had not had such a smooth experience with their logistics.

This was my 8th trek in 13 years with The Mountain Company and my second time in Upper Dolpo. Why go back? Because of the remote cultural magic; Shey Gompa with its spiritual mystery- because it is tough, stunningly beautiful, utterly rewarding and I got to spend a month with the most fascinating, diverse, friendly and like-minded travelers and crew. We soaked up this unique experience together, shared stories and we laughed. Congratulations to Roland and TMC for having the courage, foresight and skill to get this logistically tricky camping trek going again in that first post- pandemic window. No easy task and the crew were simply top notch. This was undoubtedly in my mind a complete success with the bonus of a 30 minute snow leopard sighting. I love that place- three months on those lovely memories remain vivid and linger. I’ll keep on trekking and I would even go back again. Mark S

Roland and TMC are first class. Personable, honest, speedily answer queries and very happy to hear from you, even if a minor question.

During July/August, 2022, as part of our project (Project Base8000) we trekked to four base camps with TMC - K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum 1/2. It was an amazing experience, great views, great crew and were all well looked after by the local logistics provider. There were no issues with security and would definitely consider going back to Pakistan in a heart beat. .

TMC is one of the best trekking companies going around - Roland is an excellent communicator and no question is difficult. His clear and concise communication and risk management is the best in the business. We’ve now undertaken 2 treks with TMC (Nepal and Pakistan) and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend TMC over some other companies.