Manaslu expedition 2023

Overview of Manaslu Expedition

Mt. Manaslu is a magnificent peak that 8,163m (26,781 ft) above the sea level and lies in the border between Gorkha and Manang Districts in the northen part of Nepal. The name Manaslu means ‘Mountain of the Spirit’ and is derived from the Sanskrit word manasa means “intellect” or “soul” also known as “Killer mountain of the world” because more than 60 mountaineers have given their lives while summiting this mountain. Mt. Manaslu is a popular destination for climbers, with a challenging technical condition as Cho Oyu (8,188m) and Shisapangma(8,027m). The Manaslu Expedition is an unforgettable lifetime experience for anyone who takes it on!

Manaslu region is located in Central of Nepal and was opened to trekkers only in 1991. But lots of mountaineering expedition teams had access for long time. In 1950 a group headed by H.W. Tilman trekked this area for the first time and ever since then this area has been quite popular. This area is still restricted to a limited number of groups and only organized trekkers in groups can trek in this area.

Brief History

The first photographs of Manaslu were obtained in 1950 by British expedition, it was surveyed for climbing by Japanese expedition in 1952 and after few attempts between 1953 and 1956.  Manaslu was finally climbed by Japanese in 1956. This Japanese team had all female members which introduced a first women successor of climbing over 8000m mountain.

What we do during Manaslu Expedition

Manaslu Expedition duration is 43 days. We make a short briefing for the team members and start this expedition trip from Kathmandu with the completion of all the necessary paperwork and the preparations. After all the necessary preparations have been done, we drive to Dharapani, from where the first trek of the expedition begins. From here, we leave on foot through the alpine and beautiful forests that offers spectacular experience and allows a beautiful admiration to the climbers with lush landscape of Nepal. We continue our progress along the river and alpine forest to the Bimtang, hike to Poker lake/ Larke phedi the western slope of Manaslu with enjoying the natural magnificent views. The Upper Nubri valley villages of Samdo and Samagaon has been using the muleteers regularly to transfer the materials via Larke pass and it is through this pass that the expedition equipment will pass. After Larke pass descent to Samdo via Dharmasala and the next day a very quiet and short descent to Sama at the foot of Manaslu which offers a high valley experience. During this time, our team staffs will have organized the transport of the member’s expedition equipment to the Base Camp using local porters and sometimes muleteers.   

Objective 8000m, the ascent of Manaslu

For many enthusiasts of the High Altitude, this mythical figure of 8000m is a beautiful objective, the dream of a lifetime of mountaineer.
In Nepal, Manaslu allows you to experience this adventure with the greatest possible chance of success. Its technical difficulty allows you to concentrate exclusively on all the components of life at altitude. But, this should not mean minimizing the excess and the effort required to reach its summit. Nor forget the beauty of a trek in Nepal and the fantastic atmosphere of the highest mountains in the world.

Oxygen, We will not use oxygen for progression. And it is not (either) a service that is offered. However, we will have an oxygen cylinder for medical use. Clearly, it is only used in the event of a problem, to descend (and especially not to continue to climb!). But if someone wants to do with oxygen, we can also organize but in separate group as per their interest and choice.

Fixed ropes, It’s more interesting to guide expeditions without fixed ropes (or with as few as possible). And overall, if we do use fixed ropes, we will take them OUT.

The itinerary below is intended as a guideline only, although every effort will be made to adhere to it, changes may be forced upon it by weather conditions, transport failure or other unforeseen events. You should be prepared to be flexible where necessary.

Day1. Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel:

When you arrive in the airport our staff will receive you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu. He/ She will be displaying a placard with Himalayan Travelers Trek & Expedition written in it outside the airport terminal. He will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, he will assist you to check in and do pre-trip meeting with you. Overnight at hotel.

Day2.  Expedition Preparation day in Kathmandu:

This day is the preparation day. You will also be briefed about your overall program on this day, introduce your guide and clear your questions/inquiries if any. Overnight at hotel.

Day3.Drive to Dharapani via Besisahar:

Very early we drive to Dharapani via Besisahar. Roughly the Besisahar is 180km far from Kathmandu which takes 6-7hrs drive. From Besisahar, it takes round 3-4hrs drive to Dharapani and Dharapani is 50km far from Besisahar and it is where the Larkya la pass trail joint with Annapurna circuit trek. In total it takes 9-10hrs to reach Dharapani from Kathmandu. We take breakfast on the way, lunch at Besisahar then take another jeep and continue to Dharapani. Overnight at Dharapani.

Day4.Dharapani to Goa:

This is the first walk in this expedition. From here, we leave on foot to Goa through the alpine and vast forest along the Dudh khola river. There is two ways either through small trekking trail or through road way along the Dudh khola river.

Day5.Goa to Yak-kharka/Chauli-kharka:

This day we have short journey that is only 4hours of walking and stop for tea and snacks at Surki Khola (Kharche). The trail is flat at the beginning and gently up for about two hours up to small kharka through dense forest. Yak-kharka means an open flat space area for settlement of Yaks. It takes around two and half hours from Surki khola to Yak-kharka.

Day6. Yak-kharka/Chauli-kharka to Bimtang:

We will continue our progress along the Dudh khola river through beautiful natural sceneries and spectacular landscape. We can also see beautiful mountain views like Mansiri Himal, Purti Himal, and many more amazing mountain views. We also cross Kechakyu Khola Glacier when we are about to reach Bimtang. We continue through the forest and there are two suspension bridges, one is Iron suspension bridge and another is wooden bridge. After we cross the wooden bridge, we follow a small flat river trail and reach Bimtang the destination of the day. Anyway, the trail is amazing and not so difficult.

Day7. Bimtang rest day:

On this day we have rest and hike to Ponker Tal for acclimatization. Bimtang is a big flat place located at the elevation of 3,700m. From here, we can see many mountains like, Manaslu, Mansiri Himal, Himlung, Purti, Nemjung and Himchuli etc. We recommend Himalayan Hotel, because the owner Gita Gurung of the hotel is friendly and cheerful and best view. She is so kind and open minded. We can enjoy our rest day with relaxing and having fun.

Day8. Bimtang to Phedi:

This day is not so long walking distance. So, we can wake up late and start our journey with no hurry. We can reach in around 2:30 minutes to Phedi at the elevation of 4,360m the destination of the day. The trail is mostly in ascending way. From Phedi, we can see massive mountain views like Manaslu, Ratna chuli, Himchuli, and Mansiri etc. And we can also see the mountains like Himlung, Nemjung, Peri, Kangaru etc at a glance. There are only three small tea houses for overnight accommodation. If the weather is clear, we can see stunning sunset over the mountain range which is absolutely adorable.

Day9. Phedi to Samdo:

 Today is the hardest and most adventurous day. We have to wake up earliest in the morning as possible  because sometime the weather may not support us and have to face the problem of heavy windy with no good view on top Larke pass. So, we can have a light breakfast and start our journey to the Larke pass as early as possible. After three & half hours of ascending way up, we reach on the top ‘Larke La-pass (5106m), take a break, grab some energies that we have, click some photos and continue descend. After 2 hours of continue descend, we reach Dharmasala have some snacks and tea and again continue to Samdo the destination of the day. After 2 hours, we get our accommodation center at Samdo. Samdo is a very old Tibetan village with Tibetan culture having amazing mountain views like Samdo peak and many other small mountain ranges. This village is the last village before Larke la pass. Here we can see Gumpa, chorten, mani wall and also available a small pre-school. Samdo is very close to Tibet border. So, they make trading between Samdo and Tibet. In total from Phedi to Samdo, it takes 7-8 hours this day. Overnight at Samdo.

Day10. Samdo to SamaGaun:

Today also very short walking distance like as Bimtang to Phedi, barely two hours of walking, only about 360meters. We take breakfast, discover Samdo village  and slowly we continue to Samagaun. In the very first, we walk 20 minutes down, cross the bridge in the right side and continue flat way along the Samdo River. At Sama Gau, we have to check our tourist permit at the check-post. The Nepali guide is responsible for it. Overnight at SamaGaun.

Day11. SamaGaun rest day:

This day is acclimatization day at SamaGau. We can visit Pung Gyen Gompa and Birendra Tal (lake) at the elevation of 3,520m. SamaGau is a large settlement of Tibetan people and Gurung people. Samagaun is a village developement committee in Gorkha District in the Gandaki Zone on northern-central Nepal.

Day12. Trek to Base Camp:

We head towards Base camp early in the morning after breakfast. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Base camp from SamaGau. In between SamaGau and Base camp, there is available temporary tea shops but only in peak season. We stop there for tea break and enjoy the beautiful view of Birendra Lake and SamaGau, Shyala and many mountains with serving tea and coffees. After tea break, we continue our journey to Base camp. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day13. Base Camp preparation day:

Rest day at Manaslu base camp. It’s so wonderful day at the lap of Mt. Manaslu. We spend our full day with the breathtaking view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), acclimatize and prepare for the expedition.

Day14-33. Mt. Manaslu climbing time: B.C-C1– the main challenging journey for expedition begins, we move on to the camp one. On the way to camp one, we climb onto the rock for about 200meters to reach crampons points. It takes 1 hour up-hill to the crampons point, crampons point to 0.5 camp 30 minutes and 0.5 camp to camp one 2 hours. Mostly there is up-hill and some were flat, we also cross some crevasses with wonderful views of Ganesh Himal, Larke peak and several other mountain ranges. There is enough space for camp and safe place at camp one.

C1-C2: 4-5 hours of journey with the ropes. There is more crevasses and some ladders to crossover with hanging on. So, obviously the high risk journey with avalanche between C1-C2. We can see the stunning view of base camp, many Himalayan ranges and Syala villege etc. But anyway there is also safe and good enough space for camp.

C2-C3: 2-3 hours of journey cross with overhanging in two places over crevasses and same view as C2.

C3-C4: 3-4 hours steep up with no crevasses traverse over and stunning mountain views safe place just behind small peak.

Summit Push: 6-7 hours to reach summit point. We have to start our journey at midnight for summit push because we might face heavy windy on top if we reach late. The way is somewhere flat and mostly up-hill. Finally the wonderful summit Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and way back to C3. Overnight at C3. Next day C3-Base camp.

Day34. Base Camp to SamaGaun: We have to wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and way back down to Samagau. It takes around 3 hours to reach Samagau. Have lunch at Samagau and relax rest of the time. In the evening, we can celebrate for summit success of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m.

Day35. Samagau to Lho-villege: It takes 4-5 hours to reach Lho village from SamaGaun. The way is mostly flat at the beginning for about 1hour until Syala villege and slowly descent down through the pine forest along the river. We can also see the magnificent views of Himal chuli, Nadi chuli, Manaslu peak and North Manaslu peak etc. There is an old monastery at Lho. Overnight at Lho.

Day36. Lho-villege to Namrung:  It takes 5-6 hours to reach Namrung from Lho village. Today is easy way, almost flat all day and somewhere descent way. On this day also we can still see some mountain views like Himal chuli, Nadi chuli, North Manaslu and Mt. Manaslu peak, etc.

Day37. Namrung to Deng: It takes 5-6 hours to reach Deng from Namrung. Today we scramble steeply flat for about 30minutes and descent to cross the river. After we cross the river, we pass through small Gurung settlements and also encounter mani stones carved into wayside rocks- a sign that we are entering into the Tibetan territory. We can stop at Behi Phedi for lunch and continue to Deng. Windy Valley Hotel and Restaurant is the best in terms of views and even staffs are friendly. The place is so amazing and cool winding. Overnight at Deng. 

Day38. Deng to Jagat: It takes 5-6hours. We continue through Jagat a well-paved villege and descent down to Ekle Bhatti and have lunch. After lunch again we continue our journey and reach a check point at Philim a Gurung villege.  From this villege we can see Siringi Himal view and there is also a monastery called Chhyoning Sandu Gumba. After check point we continue to Jagat a Gurung settlement.

Day39. Jagat to Khorlabesi: It takes 5-6hours. So, we can have breakfast and start our journey to Khorlabesi. Dobhan is the suitable place for lunch as it takes 3 hours to reach there.  The trail becomes little bit difficult at the beginning but after lunch easer way through the road along the Budi Gandaki River and reach Tatopani. At tatopani we can take a short tea break and again continue our journey till Khorlabesi. Overnight at Khorlabesi.

Day40. Khorlabesi to Sotikhola: On this day we hike only two hours by foot till Machhikhola through the road way and have lunch at Machhikhola.  After lunch we take a jeep and drive to the Sotikhola. It takes two and half hours to reach Sotikhola by jeep. Overnight at Sotikhola.

Day41. Sotikhola to Kathmadu( 7-8hours drive): Early in the morning we take our breakfast and drive back to Kathmandu. We take lunch on the way. We can arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Day42. Rest day at Kathmandu.

Day43. Departure time.

“When you book with Himalayan Travellers, we want you to be fully informed about the cost of your trip. Our fully inclusive land-only price ensures that there are no hidden extras or last-minute costs. Almost everything is included in the price, and if you would like to provide gratuity for your trekking and expedition staff, it is entirely optional. We want you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing that everything has been taken care of.”

• Airport transportation as per your arrival date to join the Manaslu expedition team.
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 5 nights on B/B plan.
• Private transportation, by Buss and jeeps.
• Climbing Guide and Climbing Leaders 
• Manaslu expedition peak climbing permit and all government taxes.
• Manaslu and Annapurna National park permit fee.
• Full board trekking and in B.C meal.  
• Liaison officer with all his expenses.
• Expedition manager, Expedition cook, support Cooks and porters with their equipment,
• Daily wages of Climbing Guide, Climbing Sherpa, Cook staffs,
• Meals and accommodation for all Nepali team.
• Nepali staff insurance and emergency rescue. 
• Meals and accommodation during the trekking for member.
• All camping and kitchen equipment including base camp tents, dining tent with table and chair, kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
• Summit bonus and tips for Nepali team.
• EPI gas and burner for high altitude.
• Gamow bag and Medical oxygen.
• Satellite Phone and Walkie-Talkie in case of emergency.
  
• Government tax and agency service charge.

• International airfare.
• Nepal entry visa fees.
• Insurance: Personal insurance, medical, travel insurance and emergency rescue
• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
• Bar & Beverage Bills like wines, beers, coke, sprite, mineral water, etc. 
• Personal trekking equipment & climbing gears. 

The ascent of Manaslu in 2021 involved climbing exclusively in snow, with a grandiose glacial terrain where tormented passages and easier areas alternated. Two passages were a little more difficult, but always equipped with fixed ropes. The final part was rather simple, except for the last 50m, which were challenging. However, the difficulty of climbing a mountain depended on its structure. Some mountains were technically challenging while others were easier. The rating for Manaslu was VII/AD- in snow, which was already important.

Fixed ropes were available on the mountain, with three sections equipped between 5700 and 6100 then between 7100 and 7400, plus the last summit part. Although the majority of climbers moved without being roped, it was possible to make the ascent while being roped, and climbers were always roped. The fixed ropes were used at a minimum.

Oxygen was not used for progression, and it was not a service offered. However, an oxygen cylinder was available for medical use in case of problems, to descend and not to continue to climb.

To climb Manaslu, participants needed to be in very good physical condition, have experience of alpinism at a PD/AD level in the Alps, be comfortable on snow slopes at 40°/45°, have experience of expeditions, preferably on a large summit of more than 7000 m, and have a good dose of patience, tolerance, and humor.

The Slow Attitude expeditions aimed to give back to the choice of a summit its true dimension, which motivated the departure: the journey and especially the life in altitude. It was a conscientious mountaineering that favored immersion in altitude rather than the most limited and rapid incursion possible. The result of a reflection on how to optimize the acclimatization period to climb the highest mountains on Earth, the stepwise progression was organized from a grip of altitude and reasonable efforts. It was then a question of replacing the pre-established use of round trips from altitude camps to base camp, with continuous progression.

The movement was continuous, with a single set of tents that had to be dismantled and reassembled at each camp with a short return trip between each camp. The base camp was “rustic” and of very limited use: the first few days, then for safety in the event of a descent of one of the members of the group. The camps were located at CB 4850 m, Minus 1: 5360 (+ 510), C2: 5700 (+ 340), C4: 6450 (+ 330), C5: 6780 (+ 330), C6: 7110 (+ 330), and C7: 7450 (+ 340). The location of the camps followed the “Himalayan technique.”

In conclusion, climbing Manaslu was challenging, and climbers needed to have experience and physical fitness. However, the Slow Attitude expeditions aimed to make the journey and the life in altitude more enjoyable while optimizing the acclimatization period and organizing a continuous movement with a single set of tents.

Is it safe in Nepal?

Yes, it is safe in Nepal. Over the past decade, Nepal has become the top traveling destinations in the world.

What is Trekking?

Trekking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. It usually takes place on trails in areas of relatively unspoiled wilderness.

What is climbing or Expedition?

Mountain expedition or climbing is typically referred to a long journey or voyage undertaken for a specific purpose, often exploratory, scientific, geographic, in high mountains. It is the activity of using one’s hands and feet to ascend a steep object.

Do I need Trekking Permit?

Yes, for trekking all regions is has required Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) as new policy. You will need a National park / Conservation entrance permit. Some of control area does require a special trekking permit issue by Immigration through trekking agency.

Do I need Climbing/ Expedition Permit?

Yes, compulsory you need climbing/expedition permit. We have 33 trekking peaks which permit issued by the Nepal mountaineering Associatio. For more information, visit www.nepalmountaineering.org. The rest of the mountain to climb we need to collect the permit from Nepal Government – Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation – for more information visit www.tourism.gov.np which issue by Trekking agency.

What types of equipment do I need?

Light, loose garments are recommended in spring (March, April and May) and summer (June, July and August), while woolens and jackets or similar warm clothing are needed from November to February.

 I am suffering from Acrophobia  can I do trekking in Nepal?

Yes you can do. we have many place to go small hill trek, like Kathmandu valley trek, Pokhara valley trek, Ghorepani poon hill trek, mardi himal trek…….

How can I book my trip?

You can book your trip by mail. mail Address:- 
Mobile Number:- +977-98 51 06 21 76

 How to make payment?

The 25 % payment in advance through the company bank account. Please note full payment should be made before tour departure date for cash. For cheque or bank transfer.

 What are the best seasons/months to do trek in Nepal? 

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Nepal. Lots of travelers want to visit Nepal in September, October, March, and April.

What is the difference between trekking, hiking and mountain climbing?

You can do all three activities in Nepal, but they are quite different things. Trekking is a multi-day walk, where you stay overnight at the place you have walked to. Hiking generally refers to a one-day walk. It might be two hours or eight, but if it takes place within a single day, it will probably be referred to as a hike/excursion. Mountain climbing is another thing entirely. It takes special equipment, training and comes with more risk. Neither trekking nor hiking require any special skill, other than the ability to walk.

What is Personal Insurance?

You will need personal travel insurance before coming Nepal so you are responsible to organize travel insurance, which at least covers injury, medical expenses, rescue, repatriation, cancellation, etc.

Do will we use Oxygen?

Oxygen, We will not use oxygen for progression. And it is not (either) a service that is offered.
However, we will have an oxygen cylinder for medical use. Clearly, it is only used in the event of a problem, to descend (and especially not to continue to climb!)

Will we use fixed ropes?

It’s more interesting to guide expeditions without fixed ropes (or with as few as possible).
And overall, if we do use fixed ropes, we will take them OUT

What is High Altitude Sickness?

General trekkers going to higher altitudes quickly at the time they might get problems like headache, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, Nausea, shortness of breath, occasionally vomiting tiredness encountered at high altitude i.e. above 8000 ft. Factor of Altitude Sickness.
Specially, in trekking in Himalaya there are problems of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our bodies have the ability to adjust to higher altitudes if given enough time. This process of adaptation is called acclimatization. Altitude illnesses observed in Nepal include acute mountain sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), the presence of fluid in the lungs. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), swelling of the brain. And High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhage (HARH), bleeding in the retina of the eye.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport?

 Yes, our staff will come to the airport to pick you up outside of Terminal Hall. He/she will be displaying a placard of Himalayan travellers trek & Expedition. He/she will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel he will help you to check-in.