The Mountain Company Traveller Reviews

I completed the Manaslu Circuit, taking 11 days out of an 18 day visit to Nepal actually trekking. This was the first time I'd walked above 1000m so reaching the Larke Pass at 5106m was a step into the unknown for 60+ me, but this is a fantastic holiday at every altitude including the drives and hotels stays which bookend the trek. The Mountain Company looked after me and every detail in the holiday.

Roland Hunter's attention to detail and continuous improvement is rewarded by an excellent holiday experience for all his customers.

My wife and I (age 59 and 61) did our trek in October 2023. We picked The Mountain Company because of its longer itinerary (3 acclimatization days v. 2 for most other operators we saw), the amount of detail provided in advance about the trek, gear needed and preparation, and the good reviews from other trekkers. While we had done a lot of day hiking we had not attempted a trek like this before. The trek itinerary is well-thought out, with plenty of time to complete each day's distance at a leisurely pace with of time for photo and rest stops, and sightseeing. In particular we thought the acclimatization schedule was very helpful.

TMC was extremely responsive, from answering our initial question via email and Zoom to being very flexible in adusting plans for changing conditions. For example on very short notice TMC was able to move up our arrival flight into Lukla to avoid projected bad weather. Also when we came down with respiratory infections TMC was able to extend our stay at two of the lodges during our asceent to allow us to recover. We were the only two people in our group so that made it easier, but I think it was indicative of how TMC can quickly adjust (to the extent feasible) the itinerary if necessary. Roland Hunter was always available by phone, email and text.

We had an amazing and very well organised trek in the Langtang Valley and Laurebina la pass with the Mountain Company. The guides and porters were brilliant and great travel companions and we always felt in safe hands. The scenery was stunning, at times tough going but you are so in the mountains. Accommodation was variable as you would expect on a trek.

The company kept us well informed and well briefed throughout and was very responsive, and we had full confidence

This was my 3rd trekking holiday with The Mountain Company, and once again it proved to be a wonderful experience. The Mount Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is of 2 weeks duration, and certainly lived up to it's reputation of being physically demanding. We were blessed with excellent walking weather throughout, although it frequently snowed in the afternoon and evening. The terrain we encountered was scenic and rugged, starting with heavily forested foothills, then changing to bare, snow capped peaks as we gained altitude. We had some fantastic interactions with the local Nepalese people, culminating in a memorable concert which was put on in our honour, and which was attended by several hundred villagers. I highly recommend this trek to anyone seeking a remote and challenging trek, and which incorporates spectacular scenery.

I was as always very impressed with the consummate professionalism of The Mountain Company. There is no weak link in the chain, and everything flows seamlessly. * TMC website is very informative, and any queries, requests for clarification are answered in detail and in a very timely fashion by Roland Hunter. * The pricing of the treks are very reasonable. * Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara was first rate. * Transport to and from airports, and internal flight connections ran smoothly, as far as they could be controlled. * Roland carefully vets prospective participants to ensure treks are suitable for their skill level. * TMC allocates 3 altitude rest days on this trek, to ensure the group safely acclimatises to the increase in altitude. Other trekking companies allow 2 spare days at most. * The quality, variety and quantity of the meals provided on the trek was first rate. Despite the trek being physically arduous, I did not lose any weight. * TMC places a lot of emphasis on the quality and expertise of their trek leaders. In that respect we were extremely fortunate to be led by Cory, ably assisted by his Nepalese counterpart, Arjun, and of course the wonderful Nepalese crew. Without them there is no trek. All trekkers well being was constantly monitored to ensure they weren't experiencing difficulties. Encouragement was frequently offered, and practical assistance provided where necessary, particularly if there was a difficult section of the trail to be negotiated. The safety of both trekkers, and the Nepalese crew was always given the highest priority. The Mountain Company have a longstanding and well deserved reputation for running excellent, affordable treks, and operating in an ethical manner. They are always my first port of call when I experience a yearning to undertake a trek.

A memorable, wonderful trek. Very well organised and supported. I would unhesitatingly recommend The Mountain Company, our tour operator

Great support before, during and after the trek

We had an absolutely brilliant experience trekking the Manaslu Circuit, Nepal. Awesome scenery amongst relatively remote mountain communities with enough challenge to make the trip even more rewarding but at the same time we were very well organised and prepared for the experience.

The Mountain Company takes great care to provide detailed advance information prior to the trip and provided first class support during the trek. Any queries are responded to and advice given very promptly and on a personal basis. I believe we were one of the best organised groups on the trek at the time. Timely support with an accurate forecast was a key difference in our successful crossing of the high pass. Overall, I was very impressed with the whole experience thanks in large part to the skills of The Mountain Company team in general and to Roland Hunter in particular

A first class service from The Mountain Company ensured that my first time in Nepal was a enjoyable and truly memorable experience. From the beauty and solitude of the TSUM vallley a hidden valley in the Manaslu national park and the awe inspiring mountains on the circuit. Such a breadth of landscapes and amazing people. I loved the bustle of Kathmandu and the contrast with the mountains was a perfect combination for me.

A first class service from The Mountain Company ensured that my first time in Nepal was a enjoyable and truly memorable experience. The logistics team, guides and porters could not have been more responsive and helpful

Five days into my Trek around Manaslu I tested positive for covid. I was in a tiny, remote mountain village with no signal on my phone. My trekking guides supported me to contact both my insurers and Roland, Mountain Co CEO. Roland gave me support and reassurance as my insurers dallied over my request for helicopter evacuation. Indeed, Roland chased them for me numerous times before the heli arrived 30 hours after my first request. Holiday insurance has a job to do and eventually, it did what I'd paid for, but without Roland, who went the extra mile, Id probably still be in a remote mountain village drinking ginger tea1

From first contact to my next booking (yes, I'm going back to Manaslu with The Mountain Company - unfinished business) Roland couldn't have been more informed and supportive. But I'd expect that really...... nevertheless it wasn't always the case with other companies I approached for this trip. When disaster strikes you really find out if a company can back up its promises. The Mountain Company most certainly did and Roland followed up, visiting me in hospital and providing some non-essential treats that were most welcome, demonstrating a personal touch to go with the high standard of professionalism I found in every interaction I had with the Mountain Co.

We trekked to Annapurna Base Camp via Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Spectacular views and lucky with the weather. The teahouses we stayed in were very good and so was the food. Also the itinerary was well planned so that the days were not too long and we had time to acclimatise.

I highly recommend The Mountain Company if you want a great trekking experience. Having used them for multiple treks they are consistently excellent with their pre and post trek communications as well as their professional guiding and support throughout the trek.

The trek offered a combination of challenge (we reached a summit of 4,300m), glorious landscape filled with rhododendrons, and wonderful visits to monasteries. The trip was tailored to our group of three, allowing for our moderate level of fitness and, most importantly, giving us time to adjust to altitude. The start of the trail was a day's drive from Kathmandu - yet although this is a fairly accessible route, we saw few other tourists either on the trail or at the seven teahouses we stayed in. We drank copious amounts of mint tea and ate wholesome meals of dhal bhat (rice and lentils with veg) at the teahouses - some accommodation more comfortable than others. We had two porters along with two guides who took patient care of us and gave us charming insight into the region.

Even choosing which trek to take in Nepal can be daunting. We were very impressed by the care taken by The Mountain Company over preparing us for the trip. We had many email exchanges with Roland Hunter, who was very thorough and meticulous in assessing our needs and putting together an itinerary. We also enjoyed an extremely helpful Zoom session with him The result was that we had exactly the right gear for the trek (some of which we hired in Kathmandu thanks to Roland) and the holiday very much met all expectations. Having a tailor-made trip was a great boon, giving us flexibility to change a day's route and walking distance - and enabling us to take in a local festival.