Manaslu Expedition: An adventure of a lifetime

• Sushant Lama

The highest peak of Gurkha massif, Mt. Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world standing 8,163m tall above the sea level. Popularly known as ‘Mountain of spirit’ or ‘Killer Mountain’, Mt. Manaslu is about 40 miles east of Mt. Annapurna.

It is called Mt. Kutung in Tibet. Mt. Manaslu expedition is by far one of the most difficult and challenging expeditions in Nepal but the experience you will get after reaching there is unforgettable.

The mountain’s long ridges and glaciated valleys offer trekkers feasible routes from all directions that are beautiful scenically and culturally. With the presence of meadows, valleys, snow-capped peaks along the trekking route Manaslu expedition is by far one of the most beautiful places you will see.

The Manaslu expedition will take you from steamy lowlands with rice and millet fields to massive gorgeous gorges like Budi Gandaki, astounding milky waterfalls, and breath-taking peaks of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang and Kang Guru on the way.

Though the first successful Manaslu expedition was done in 1956 by T. Imanishi (Japan) and Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa, It was legally opened for all in 1991 and since then it has been a popular destination among trekkers. Manaslu is one of the most unexplored areas which has been preserving its beauty for a long time.

Manaslu expedition is only for well-structured trekkers with high experience, training, and courage because it is challenging and has technical difficulties. Rescuing in this area is pretty difficult due to tough landscapes and its isolated nature. Only trekkers in the group can climb here.

Time Taken

Pasang Sherpa, the chairman of Pioneer Adventure says that it usually takes about 5 weeks and to climb Manaslu including scenic trek to Manaslu base camp at 4,400m. 4 camps are needed to set up in the approach of Mt. Manaslu. There is the presence of steep slopes and cracks between Camps I to Camp II, snow climbing starts from Camp II to Camp III and falling of snow, ice, and rocks are the major threats to climbers between Camp III to Camp IV.

Traveling Routes

There are six routes to climb Mt. Manaslu. Among them, route from the south is the hardest route and route starting from the north-east face is comparatively easier than others and is the commonly used route for the expedition.

Best time for the expedition  

Manaslu expedition is very popular in autumn season from September to November because of a high success rate as best Sherpa and climbers focus on the lower 8000m peaks during this season and weather is also favorable at this time.

Cost

Manaslu expedition usually costs around the US 13,000$

Reviews

After the Manaslu expedition, lots of peoples described their feelings in various ways. “When I climbed this mountain I had tons of fun,” says Joshua Woznicki. Kamal Subedi says that it’s the best destination to try.

“Everyone should visit this place once in a lifetime,” says Nishan Wosti. Raju Sharan shared his feelings by saying “This is a life-changing place to visit and an astonishing experience by itself. Whether you choose to make the hike or take a helicopter ride up, the views and experience are absolutely worth it.

It can be quite cold depending on the time of year of your visit but the bright sunshine helps keep you warm. You can buy food and tea at the tea house up there. Hope I’d visit this place again”.

According to Alain Ouellette, it was fabulous. Pavel Schmidt describes it as one of the best places in Nepal. Mihir Patel says “If you want to have a memorable trek then this is it”.

Itinerary developed by Pioneer Adventure

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani

Day 02: Trek from Dharapani Tilije (2,300m)

Day 03: Trek from Tilije to Bhimthang (3,725m)

Day 04: Acclimatization at Bumthang

Day 05: Trek from Bhimthang to Samdu (3,875m)

Day 06: Trek from Samdu to Sama gaum (3,540m)

Day 07: Trek from Sama gaum to Manaslu Base Camp (4,750m)

Day 08-11: Rituals – Preparation and climbing training

Day 12-30: Climbing period of Manaslu (8,163m)

Day 31: Withdraw Manaslu Base camp and trek down to Sama Gaun

Day 32: Fly back to Kathmandu from Sama Gaun by Helicopter

Day 33: Relax in Kathmandu

Day 34: Final departure