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Manaslu Expedition (8163m)

43 Days

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.

  • 2nd September, 8th September
  • English
  • 3 star Hotels in KTM and Lodge/Tents
  • Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Bus and Jeep
  • Moderate
  • Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
  • 8163m
  • 2-8
  • IFMGA Guide and Manaslu summiteer leader

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 northern 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 Expedition

Where is Manaslu located

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.

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.

The Slow Attitude expeditions focused on redefining the significance of summiting by emphasizing the journey and life at altitude. It was a deliberate mountaineering approach that prioritized acclimatization through a gradual ascent strategy. The continuous movement involved using a set of tents with minimal backtracking between camps. Base camp facilities were basic and limited to initial days, and as a safety retreat for group members in case of emergencies.

How hard is it to climb Manaslu?

The ascent of Manaslu involved exclusively climbing in snow, traversing a grandiose glacial terrain with a mix of challenging and easier passages. Two sections presented slightly more difficulty but were equipped with fixed ropes. The final part was relatively simple, except for the last 50 meters, which proved to be challenging. However, the level of difficulty in climbing a mountain was contingent upon its structure, with some mountains posing technical challenges while others were more manageable. Manaslu was rated VII/AD- for snow climbing, signifying a significant challenge.

Participants aiming to summit Manaslu were required to be in excellent physical condition, with experience in alpinism at a PD/AD level in the Alps, proficiency in navigating snow slopes of 40°/45°, prior experience in high-altitude expeditions, preferably on summits exceeding 7000m, and possess qualities of patience, tolerance, and humor.

Manaslu Expedition Highlights:

  • The Manaslu Expedition offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks the eighth highest mountain in the world itself.
  • Trekking through the remote villages of the Manaslu region that provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich local Tibetan and Gurung culture of the indigenous ethnic groups such as the Gurungs and Tibetans.
  • Climbing Manaslu presents climbers with the challenge of navigating through high-altitude terrain, including technical sections and crevassed glaciers, which test their physical and mental strength.
  • Scaling the slopes of Manaslu offers climbers a chance to hone their mountaineering skills, including ice climbing, glacier travel, and high-altitude acclimatization.
  • Establishing and living in high-altitude camps, including base camp and higher camps, provides climbers with a unique experience of camaraderie, teamwork, and self-reliance amidst extreme conditions.
  • Reaching the summit of Mount Manaslu at 8,163 meters is a pinnacle achievement for climbers, marking the culmination of months of preparation, perseverance, and determination
  • Witness the stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayas that offers an unforgettable experiences for adventurers.
  • Explore Birendra Lake, a peaceful spot in the mountains, to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Experience crossing Larke Pass, a high mountain path in the mountain with stunning views, which is the thrilled part of the journey.
  • Immerse yourself in an ancient Tibetan culture and old Buddhist monasteries.

Manaslu Expedition Itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The above itinerary 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.

The above itinerary 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.

The cost includes:

  • 1. Airport/Hotel Transfers: Transfers between the airport and hotel in Kathmandu.
  • 2. Accommodation: 3/4 nights at Thamel/Boudhanath in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast and all taxes.
  • 3. Transportation: Private vehicle for Kathmandu to Kathmandu and luggage transport to and from Base Camp.
  • 4. Permits and Fees: Manaslu Expedition Royalty and Special Trekking Permit, (MCAP) and (ACAP) fee, garbage deposit and environmental fee for the Ministry of Tourism.
  • 5. Camp Facilities: One tent per person at Base Camp, Twin-sharing High-Altitude tents at Camps 1-3, Kitchen, dining equipment, shower tents, toilet tent, Solar panel and charging, Tables, backrest chairs, mattresses, kitchen equipment, and cutlery.
  • 6. Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee) throughout the expedition.
  • 7. Support Staff: Guides, cooks, kitchen helpers, porters, and climbing Sherpas, including their wages, insurance, equipment, meals, and accommodation. Liaison officer with fees, wages, accommodation, transportation, meals, and insurance.
  • 8. Climbing Gear and Equipment: High-altitude food over Base Camp but it could be the best to bring high-altitude foods by the clients themselves as high quality High-altitude foods are not available in Nepal. EPI gas and high-altitude cooking stoves above Base Camp, Oxygen (2 bottles per client), masks, and regulators, with extra for emergencies, Climbing rope fixing fee for the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal, and Carrying wages for Sherpas above Base Camp.
  • 9. Communication and Safety: Satellite phone for emergency use and Radio sets for members and Sherpas.
  • 10. Summit Certificates: Official summit certificates for all successful climbers.
  • 11. All government taxes and entry fees.

The Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa fees.
  • Insurance: Personal insurance, medical, travel insurance and emergency rescue coverage.
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Bar & Beverage Bills like wines, beers, coke, sprite, mineral water, etc.
  • Personal nature expenses, toiletries, hot shower, laundry, internet and phone calls, trekking equipment & climbing gears.
  • Summit bonus, tips for your guides and expedition staffs.

FAQs

What is the best time of year for the Manaslu Expedition?

The best time for the Manaslu Expedition is during the pre-monsoon (April to May) and post-monsoon (September to October) seasons. These periods offer the most stable weather conditions, which are crucial for a successful and safe ascent.

How difficult is the Manaslu Expedition?

The Manaslu Expedition is considered a high-altitude and technically challenging climb. It requires extensive mountaineering experience, particularly above 7,000 meters, excellent physical fitness, and the ability to navigate complex terrains, including crevasses, icefalls, and steep snow slopes.

 

How long does the Manaslu Expedition take?

The entire Manaslu Expedition typically takes around 40 to 45 days. This duration includes the trek to base camp, acclimatization days, several rotations between higher camps, the summit push, and the return journey.

What permits are required for the Manaslu Expedition?

Climbers need to obtain a climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a restricted area permit for the Manaslu region. Additionally, a liaison officer assigned by the Nepal government is mandatory for expeditions to Manaslu.

What kind of equipment is necessary for the Manaslu Expedition?

Essential equipment includes high-altitude mountaineering gear such as crampons, ice axes, ropes, harnesses, and a down suit. Personal items like a high-quality sleeping bag, insulated boots, gloves, and goggles are also necessary. Due to the extreme altitude and cold, specialized equipment to handle temperatures as low as -30°C is required.

What kind of support is available during the Manaslu Expedition?

Most expeditions are supported by experienced Sherpas, who assist with route setting, carrying loads, and ensuring climbers’ safety. Expeditions also typically include a base camp team, which provides meals, medical support, and communication facilities. Oxygen cylinders and masks are also part of the support, especially for the final summit push.

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Manaslu Expedition (8163m)
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