Manaslu Expedition Overview:
Manaslu Expedition is becoming one of the most trendy 8000-meter expeditions in Nepal. It is highly sought by both beginners and professional mountaineers after the legendary Mount Everest. Expert mountaineers say that the Manaslu Expedition delivers thrilling challenges for mountaineers seeking an adrenaline-charged and culturally rich climbing experience.
Mount Manaslu stands at a height of 8,163 meters / 26,781 feet and it is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This majestic mountain that solely belongs to Nepal is certainly the crown of the Nepalese Himalayas.
The name ‘Manaslu’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Manasa’ which means ‘The Soul’. For the community living in the region, Manaslu is not just a mountain, it’s a spiritual being, a living heritage where spirits reside. This may be the reason why Manaslu is very popularly known as the “Mountain of Spirits”. It is very sacred for the local Gurung and Tibetan Communities and has deep spiritual significance. They deeply respect the mountain and worship it as the abode of a powerful mountain spirit.
Everest may be the world's highest peak that would fascinate millions but Manaslu offers an extraordinary journey with a unique charm. The Manaslu Expedition journey cruises through the most enchanting valley of Manaslu through lush forests, rustic villages, deep valleys, high cliffs, and many more. Climbing Manaslu with Nepal Pyramids is certainly an experience blending adventure with unique Nepal culture in the gorgeous Manaslu region. Our Manaslu Expedition is thoughtfully designed to provide a holistic experience.
- HEIGHT: Mount Manaslu - 8,163 meters / 26,781 feet.
- COORDINATES: 28°33′28′′N 84°33′55′′E
- FIRST ASCENT: Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu in 1956
- LOCATION: Mansiri Himal, Gorkha District
- Additional Details: 8th highest mountain in the world and popularly known as the "Mountain of the Spirit".
Journey to the Summit of Manaslu:
The journey to the Summit of Manaslu is very spiritual. Climbing Manaslu is not just about conquering a formidable Spirit Mountain but it's a pilgrimage through Nepal’s enchanting and diverse landscapes. Standing at the summit of Manaslu is a realization that goes far beyond physical endurance and the success of conquering it. It's indeed an incredible journey that will connect you with nature and the spiritual mountain in a profound way.
As you enter this sacred valley guarded by Manaslu's powerful divinity you will inevitably feel the mystical presence. At the base camp, the ceremonial rituals also called PUJA will prepare you mentally to respect its divinity as you proceed to conquer it with respect.
The higher you climb, you will sense that the mountain is shedding more of its supernatural impression. However, with your belief and your respect for the mountain, this mysticism will as well be guarding you in some way.
When you finally stand at the top, you will be amazed at what you have achieved. It will be more like a dream come true situation and the feeling of that achievement is immense. As you witness the view from the summit and rejoice in your accomplishment you also realize that it is undoubtedly a spiritual awakening. This is the reason why conquering the 'Spirit Mountain’ cannot be compared with anything else – not even Everest.
Highlights of the Manaslu Expedition:
- Stand at the summit of the world’s eighth-highest mountain and feel the power of accomplishment.
- Listen to the folklore of Mt. Manaslu from the local communities. This spiritual aspect adds a profound layer to your climbing experience.
- Acclimatize in the most picturesque mountain villages that give you so much about the beauty of rustic life in Nepal.
- Relish the thrill of a genuine mountain climbing experience in the less-crowded "Mountain of the Spirit".
- Witness the grandiose 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Himalayan giants and the Tibetan plateau.
- Interact with local Gurung and Tibetan communities and understand their mutual relationship with the harsh mountain environment.
Best Time to Climb Mount Manaslu:
Selecting the best time for a Manaslu expedition is crucial for safety, comfort, and the possibility of summit success. The weather patterns in the Nepalese Himalayas is dictated by the monsoon cycle. The two primary seasons that give the possibility of best summiting windows for Manaslu are the Spring and Autumn seasons.
Spring is also a pre-monsoon season that starts from March till May, and Autumn is a post-monsoon season starting from mid-September till November.
SPRING – (Pre-Monsoon Season) - March to May:
In the very first place, the spring season is considered ideal for the Manaslu expedition with several advantages. This is the season when most 7K and 8K peak climbing is organized including Mt. Everest.
During the spring season in Nepal, the month of April is said to start with a stable weather pattern. The season offers clear skies, spectacular views, and good climbing conditions. However, with climate change climbers these days are notified of the possibility of snow blizzards that make climbing dreadful.
This may be the reason why all professional climbers from Nepal these days suggest climbing Manaslu in autumn. They even say that the success rate during Autumn is higher as compared to the spring season.
Why do elite Nepali climbers say that Autumn is a great season to climb Manaslu Mountain?
Expert climbers from Nepal often recommend climbing Manaslu during the autumn season for several key reasons. They even guarantee a higher summit success rate during the autumn season than in spring. Below are the reasons why.
- Weather Condition: Autumn offers the most stable and favorable weather conditions for climbing Manaslu. During this season there is a high possibility of lower wind speed, less snowfall, and clearer skies compared to spring. This weather condition makes the climbing conditions more convenient and safer for mountaineers.
- Snow and Ice Strength: Autumn means we are heading towards the winter which makes the the snow and ice on Manaslu more stable. Due to the solidarity of snow and ice, it reduces the risk of avalanches and provides a more secure environment for the climbers.
- Fewer Crowds: The autumn climbing season in Nepal is generally less crowded than the most popular and commercial seasons like spring. Besides very less climbers attempt to climb Manaslu in Autumn which means fewer climbers on the mountain. Having less crowd has a great advantage to better coordination and a more enjoyable climbing experience. It will also give you the flexibility of pacing and more space without having to worry about rushing or queuing.
Also, check out the trendy Manaslu Circuit Trek and learn more about the Manaslu Region.
History of the Manaslu Expedition:
Like Everest and many renowned peaks Manaslu too has witnessed early attempts by Western explorers. However, the history of Conquering Manaslu is deeply intertwined with Japanese mountaineering efforts. With the Japanese resilient determination and multiple efforts to climb Manaslu, in 1956 the mountain was given the title “The Japanese Mountain".
The legend has it that in 1950 the first survey of Manaslu was conducted by a British expedition led by H.W. Tilman. However, it was the Japanese who made the serious attempts to climb the Mt. Manaslu. In 1952, a Japanese team led by Kiichiro Kato made their first attempt after exploring the mountain from the Budhi Gandaki valley. Nonetheless, due to bad weather and difficult ice landscape, they could only manage to reach 6000 meters.
The following year in 1953, the next Japanese expedition returned for their second attempt led by Y. Mita. They failed this time as well due to bad weather but managed to reach a significant height of 7,750 meters. It is said that the local community was furious over the Japanese expedition team over their attitude towards the Spirit Mountain.
Since they hurt the local sentiment they came back in 1954 for their third attempt but this time pleasing both the locals and respecting the mountain. Despite their severe efforts, they were again unsuccessful in summiting Manaslu.
It was on May 9, 1956, that the Japanese expedition made a breakthrough under the leadership of Yuko Maki. Toshio Imanishi and Sherpa Gyalzen Norbu finally stood on the summit of Manaslu, and the ‘Spirit Mountain’ was eventually conquered. This was indeed a historic first ascent of Mount Manaslu.
Post-1956, the second ascent of Manaslu didn't occur until 1971. Remarkably, in 1974 the Japanese climber Naoko Nakaseko summited Manaslu which marked the first ascent of Manaslu by a woman.
A significant page in this history was the first ski descent from the summit, achieved by Veikka Gustafsson of Finland in 1999. This opened up new possibilities for adventurers seeking different ways to interact with the mountain.
Now you would witness multiple commercial expeditions on Manaslu. It is now the most sought-after mountain after Everest. This yearly increase in commercial expeditions has raised concerns about environmental impact and its ecosystem. However, Manaslu continues to attract mountaineers from around the world since it delivers physical challenges and a connection with spirituality.
Tragically, Manaslu too has witnessed its share of accidents, human casualties, and deaths. Avalanches, high-altitude sickness, and the unpredictable weather have claimed lives. But all this is a simple reminder to the mortals that nature is more powerful and would humble you at any cost.
